Written by Josh Partridge
And just like that the 2018 AFL Premiership Season is back upon us with a host of Tasmanians impressing over the course of round one. From Tasmanian premiership stars Toby Nankervis and Jack Riewoldt stamping their authority on the league once again and the positive returns of Alex Pearce and Kade Kolodjashnij from injury, TSL digital reporter Josh Partridge runs the rule over how our Tasmanian contingent fared across the opening round.
Richmond vs Carlton – MCG, Thursday 22/03/18
Jack Riewoldt – Richmond #8
TSL Side Represented: Clarence
If this game is anything to go by, Jack is almost a certainty to go past his mark of 54 goals in 2017 as he looks to possibly reach the heights of his Coleman Medal winning tallies of 78 and 65 from 2010 and 2012 respectively. Starting with a solid 4.2 performance, Jack had 18 disposals whilst taking 7 marks, all bar 1 of them uncontested. It is looking to be another big year for the ex The Killers lead singer. AFL Fantasy Points: 100
Toby Nankervis – Richmond #25
TSL Side Represented: North Launceston
After a breakout season last year in the Yellow and Black, big Nank started his 2018 season solidly. Rucking against the experienced Matthew Kreuzer for the majority of the night, Nankervis amassed 33 hit-outs and 14 disposals, proving to be a contested possession machine with 12 touches coming around others. AFL Fantasy Points: 81
Liam Jones – Carlton #14
TSL Side Represented: North Hobart
Since Liam Jones reemerged from the depths of the VFL as a defensive weapon, his game has just gone from strength to strength in the big time. Jones had 10 disposals in his key defender role at the Blues, emerging with three rebound 50’s in his side’s 26-point loss to the reigning premiers. Look for Jones to continue his sensational improvement and perhaps even be pulling on an All Australian blazer at the end of 2018. AFL Fantasy Points: 33
Essendon vs Adelaide – Etihad Stadium, Friday 21/3/18
Tom Bellchambers – Essendon #2
TSL Side Represented: Launceston/North Launceston
Rucking against Sam Jacobs, one of the competition’s premier ruckmen, is always a tough ask, but Bellchambers stepped up to the plate on Friday night as the two finished with 33 hit outs each. With nine disposals at 100% efficiency, Bellchambers tore the wing of the ground apart with all of his disposals coming on the wing of Etihad Stadium. Bellchambers played an important role for the Bombers in 2017 and the 2018 season again looms as a career-defining feature as his reputation continues to be enhanced. AFL Fantasy Points: 77
Josh Green – Essendon #15
TSL Side Represented: Clarence
One of Essendon’s roving small forwards, Green’s first performance of 2018 was quite the solid one. 11 disposals and 2.2 stand out for the former Clarence and Brisbane player, but it was the 33 pressure acts and five repeat sprint efforts (equal most on the field) that further proved his value at AFL level. AFL Fantasy Points: 59
Hugh Greenwood – Adelaide #1
TSL Side Represented: Lauderdale
A late in for the Crows after former Kangaroo Sam Gibson’s string of consecutive matches came to an end with a tight hamstring, Greenwood’s first game in Adelaide’s number one guernsey was eerily similar to his efforts in the 2017 Grand Final. Greenwood picked up 13 disposals (including eight kicks) at 54%. After a sensational 2017 season it will be interesting to see whether the former basketballer from Lauderdale is able to push on from this and maintain a spot in the Crows’ best 22. AFL Fantasy Points: 53
St Kilda vs Brisbane – Etihad Stadium, Saturday 24/3/18
Jimmy Webster – St Kilda #29
TSL Side Represented: Glenorchy
Saturday afternoon’s game proved that Jimmy Webster finds space as well as any other defender in the AFL. Webster had 18 disposals, 16 of which were uncontested as the Saints opened their 2018 account with a win. Webster will be looking to further solidify a place in the Saints back six and he will be looking to up his disposal efficiency from 67% as he looks to take his game to the next level. AFL Fantasy Points: 80
Mitch Robinson – Brisbane #5
TSL Side Represented: Lauderdale
Mitch Robinson’s AFL-wide reputation as a midfield beast was certainly confirmed against the Saints with the former Carlton big man accumulating 23 disposals at 74% and 7 marks around the ground of Etihad Stadium. Unfortunately, Robinson will be missing next week after being suspended by the new MRP for striking Seb Ross. Lions fans were certainly shown how important an available Robinson will be in 2018, however, with Brisbane eager to have him back in the side. AFL Fantasy Points: 89
Port Adelaide vs Fremantle – Adelaide Oval, Saturday 24/03/18
Alex Pearce – Fremantle #25
TSL Side Represented: Devonport
One of the feel-good stories of the weekend, Alex Pearce made his return to the purple of Fremantle after a 645 and two broken leg long wait. Pearce slotted back into his key defender role like a fish to water, picking up 10 disposals at 80% efficiency, with six intercept possessions further repaying the faith that the Dockers have shown the former Devonport defender. In a seemingly make or break year, Pearce has made a solid start. AFL Fantasy Points: 48
Gold Coast vs North Melbourne – Cazaly’s Stadium, Saturday 24/03/18
Kade Kolodjashnij – Gold Coast #10
TSL Side Represented: Launceston
After an injury interrupted 2017 due to lingering concussion issues, 2013’s number 5 draft pick Kolodjashnij walked straight back into his spot on the Left half back flank with relative ease. In torrential conditions, Kade picked up 18 disposals at an efficiency rate of 61% with 4 rebound 50’s and 6 contested marks accompanying his touches. AFL Fantasy Points: 70
Lachie Weller – Gold Coast #14
Originally From: Burnie
The younger Weller brother played his first game for his brother Maverick’s former club, the Gold Coast on Saturday night in what proved to be a positive night for both the team and Weller personally. Weller picked up 20 disposals, 10 of which were contested, in the Suns; 16-point win in torrential conditions at Cazaly’s Stadium. A potential leader at his new club, this could be a breakout year for Weller. AFL Fantasy Points: 62
Ben Brown – North Melbourne #50
TSL Side Represented: Devonport
Brown’s 2017 season was one of the only lights in what was otherwise a rather dark year for the Kangaroos. After finishing third in the Coleman Medal, behind Lance Franklin and Josh Kennedy, Brown would have been looking to get off to a good start in 2018 against the Suns. Unfortunately, this wasn’t quite the case, with Brown only four disposals and not troubling the scorers in conditions that certainly didn’t suit the big man. Expect Brown to bounce back in better conditions this week. AFL Fantasy Points: 29
Hawthorn vs Collingwood – MCG, Saturday 24/03/18
Jeremy Howe – Collingwood #38
TSL Side Represented: Hobart
After being traded to Collingwood at the end of the 2015 season, Howe’s role has shifted to that of a rebounding defender, reinventing his career. Howe had 12 disposals (nine uncontested) at 92% efficiency against the Hawks as Howe once again played his role within the Collingwood machine. Howe’s form will play a big role in whether the Magpies elevate in 2018. AFL Fantasy Points: 56
Melbourne vs Geelong – MCG, Sunday 25/03/18
Jake Kolodjashnij – Geelong #8
TSL Side Represented: Launceston
Geelong’s starting full back, Jake Kolodjashnij held down the fort in Geelong’s nail biting win over the up and coming Demons. Collecting a casual 10 kicks, handballs, and intercept possessions, Kolodjashnij’s 20 disposals flew under the radar due to the Cats’ heavy midfield presence. That might be the story of Jake’s year, but if he can continue to play a role in the Cats’ best 22, he may well find himself a premiership player as Geelong look to go deep in 2018. AFL Fantasy Points: 70