Round eight of the AFL Premiership Season was another big one for our Tasmanian contingent, with Aaron Hall returning to the senior side, Tom Bellchambers playing game 100 and Hugh Greenwood, Toby Nankervis, Mitch Robinson and Jimmy Webster keep on keeping on, writes Josh Partridge.
Carlton vs Essendon – MCG, Saturday 12/05/18
Liam Jones – Carlton #14
TSL Club Represented: North Hobart
Adjudged one of Carlton’s best players for an outstanding defensive effort on Saturday, Jones was an effective ball user for the Blues in their first win for 2018. With 12 disposals at 92% efficiency as well as 16 one percenters, Jones showed what he could do when in peak form, a sight we hopefully see more of this year as he continues to grow as a key defender. AFL Fantasy Points: 52
Tom Bellchambers – Essendon #2
TSL Club Represented: Launceston/North Launceston
Last week, it was talked about how Bellchambers was back in form, and this week it was certainly continued as Bellchambers dominated Matthew Kreuzer in hit-outs around the MCG. Amassing 55 hit outs in his 100th game, Bellchambers was prolific in his rucking role, but only had 9 disposals throughout the game. With fellow Tasmanian Andrew Phillips being dropped from Carlton’s line-up, Bellchambers took advantage, despite the Bombers going down. AFL Fantasy Points: 92
Gold Coast vs Melbourne – Gabba, Saturday 12/05/18
Lachie Weller – Gold Coast #14
Originally From: Burnie Dockers
Weller collected 19 disposals, mainly across the back half, at the Gabba on Saturday as the Suns continue to play ‘home’ games away from home. Unfortunately for Weller, his 19 disposals came at an efficiency rate of only 47%, as he struggled to find targets.Five inside 50’s and six rebound 50’s created opportunities for his side, but the Suns continue to struggle in the last quarter, losing by 69 points after getting within 20 in the third quarter. AFL Fantasy Points: 72
Aaron Hall – Gold Coast #33
IC: AFL Photos
TSL Club Represented: North Hobart
In the Gold Coast senior side for his first game since Round 4, Hall was one of the Sun’s best players in their loss on Saturday. Finishing with a goal, 23 disposals at 83% and 8 marks (7 of which were uncontested), Hall played a different role, with 10 of his disposals coming in the defensive 50. As a player who most of the fans think is being hard done by at the Suns, hopefully this game brings more consistent opportunities for Hall in a supposably make or break year for him. AFL Fantasy Points: 102 – season high
Port Adelaide vs Adelaide – Adelaide Oval, Saturday 12/05/18
Hugh Greenwood – Adelaide #1
TSL Club Represented: Lauderdale
Greenwood cracked the fantasy ton for the first time this year in the thrilling Showdown at Adelaide Oval. In one of the best games this year, Greenwood played his role superbly, laying a season high 12 tackles and a career high six inside 50’s in his 16 disposals. Unfortunately Greenwood’s solo effort was not enough for the Crows to get over the line, but he would have to be happy with his input for Adelaide both on Saturday night and all year. AFL Fantasy Points: 105
Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane – Etihad Stadium, Saturday 12/05/18
Mitch Robinson – Brisbane #5
TSL Club Represented: Lauderdale
While Hugh Greenwood laid 12 tackles for the Crows, Mitch Robinson also laid 12 in the Lions’ 14-point loss to the Bulldogs. Robinson’s consistent brand of football continued on Saturday, being named in the best players once again. Robinson had 17 disposals at an efficiency rate of 76% as his season rolls on and in a side that is currently 0-8 (although playing better footy than this record suggests), Robinson would nearly be leading the club’s best and fairest account as he continues to win the ball. AFL Fantasy Points: 94
Fremantle vs St Kilda – Optus Stadium, Saturday 12/05/18
Alex Pearce – Fremantle #25
TSL Club Represented: Devonport
Pearce’s return from 600+ days off AFL football continues to be one of the success stories of 2018 as he presses his claim for All-Australian selection across the half back line. Collecting 15 disposals at an efficiency of 80%, including 7 intercept possessions for the Dockers, Pearce was an integral part of the backline that kept Tim Membrey to only one goal for the night, in the absence of Josh Bruce and Paddy McCartin. AFL Fantasy Points: 56
Jimmy Webster – St Kilda #29
IC: AFL Photos
TSL Club Represented: Glenorchy
As St Kilda continue to languish towards the bottom of the ladder, Jimmy Webster continues to rise and quickly become one of the league’s leading defenders. Webster’s rise this year has been astronomical for the Saints in the absence of half back general Dylan Roberton. Webster had 31 disposals for St Kilda and was named their best player on the ground in the 30-point loss. AFL Fantasy Points: 98
Maverick Weller – St Kilda #44
TSL Club Represented: Burnie Dockers
One of St Kilda’s better players on Saturday Night, Maverick Weller joined Webster in the Saints’ upper echelon. 19 disposals at an efficiency of 74% told the story for Mav, with 13 uncontested possessions highlighting his ability to find space and create opportunities. Eight marks and three inside 50’s re-iterated this fact and proved Mav’s worth within the Saints line-up. AFL Fantasy Points: 87
North Melbourne vs Richmond – Etihad Stadium, Sunday 13/05/18
Ben Brown – North Melbourne #50
TSL Club Represented: Devonport / Glenorchy
Coleman Medal leader Brown had a hit and miss day in front of the big sticks on Sunday, kicking two goals and two behinds and one out on the full against the Tigers. Brown missed some big chances to bring his side back into the game in the final term, but still worked tirelessly to provide leads that he is now famous for. Involved in eight of North’s 17 scores, Brown knows how to get the ball into attack and will be hard to beat for the Coleman if he kicks straight. AFL Fantasy Points: 56
Jack Riewoldt – Richmond #8
TSL Club Represented: Clarence
Jack Riewoldt had a similar hit and miss day in front of the goals to that of Ben Brown, with two goals and two misses. Riewoldt collected 14 disposals, predominately in the forward 50 as expected, at an efficiency of 50%, something to improve on for the Richmond veteran. As the Tigers continue to charge, Jack sits fifth in the Coleman Medal tally, seven goals behind fellow Tasmanian Brown. AFL Fantasy Points: 87
Toby Nankervis – Richmond #25
TSL Club Represented: North Launceston
Another big day for Nankervis on Sunday, with 18 disposals at an efficiency of 78%, six marks, seven tackles and 26 hit outs around Etihad Stadium. A popular pick for many Fantasy sides as a second ruckman, Nankervis is proving his worth to the 7.22% of players who currently own him with his efforts all around the ground. The Tasmanian plays an integral role within this Tigers team as Nankervis’ move from the Swans at the end of 2016 continuing to shine as a terrific move for himself and the Tigers. AFL Fantasy Points: 119
Collingwood vs Geelong – MCG, Sunday 13/05/18
Jeremy Howe – Collingwood #38
TSL Club Represented: Hobart
Howe was again fantastic for the Pies as he worked his way into Collingwood’s best players against Geelong. Producing another solid performance, Howe eclipsed 30 disposals for the second time this season, accompanied by 11 marks. Howe was given the job on Patrick Dangerfield when he came forward, making for an electrifying and entertaining battle between the two experienced campaigners. AFL Fantasy Points: 123
Jake Kolodjashnij – Geelong #8
TSL Club Represented: Launceston
A quieter day for Kolodjashnij, only collecting the seven disposals, three marks and a tackle against the Pies as the Geelong defensive unit proved superior to Collingwood’s forward line. Despite the statistically quiet games, if the Cats keep winning and Kolodjashnij keeps playing his role, his job security within this side should be fine. AFL Fantasy Points: 31
Jackson Thurlow – Geelong #40
TSL Club Represented: Launceston
Since returning to this Geelong side, Thurlow has been quite impressive, picking up 16 disposals against the Pies at an efficiency rate of 75% while also drifting forward to kick a goal. Amassing his possessions all around the ground, this role is suiting both Thurlow and the Geelong Football Club to a tee. AFL Fantasy Points: 76