The byes are done and dusted in the 2018 AFL Premiership Season, meaning we are approaching the home straight. Josh Partridge takes the opportunity to cast his eyes over how our Tasmanian contingent have fared throughout the season so far.
Adelaide
Hugh Greenwood
IC: AFL Photos
Games: 13
Avg Disposals: 17.9
Key Statistic: 91 Tackles – 5th in AFL
After not being selected in the Crows Best 22 for round one, Greenwood capitalised on the injury of Sam Gibson to be a late inclusion and has not looked back since. Playing every game so far this year, Greenwood has tackled his way into becoming a key figure in the Crows’ midfield group. His ability to crash through packs has seen him pick up 20+ disposals on five occasions as the Crows battle to break into a finals charge once again. AFL Fantasy Average: 81.7
Brisbane
Mitch Robinson
Games: 10
Avg Disposals: 24
Key Statistic: 6.1 Tackles Per Game – 15th in AFL
Averaging the highest number of disposals per game for any Tasmanian in the competition, Robinson has been elite for Brisbane in 2018. Currently sidelined with a broken toe, the contested beast has been laying tackles left, right and centre for the 17th placed Lions, with his best game being a 35 disposal, seven tackle showing in Round 10 against the Swans. When he returns, look for Mitch to help lead the free-flowing Lions to several more victories. AFL Fantasy Average: 96.1
Carlton
Liam Jones
Games: 13
Avg Disposals: 11.2
Key Statistic: 132 One-Percenters – 3rd in AFL
A player who often cops a bit of flack from AFL pundits and fans alike, Jones has had an up and down season for the Blues after a breakout 2017. Despite this Jones still sits in elite company for his one-percenter work, sitting ahead of Alex Rance and behind only Dougal Howard and Harris Andrews for this statistic. Jones’ push for All Australian selection would seem unlikely from here, but he is still playing his role in this Carlton defensive set-up. AFL Fantasy Average: 53.2
Andrew Phillips
Games: 3
Avg Disposals: 6.7
Key Statistic: 31.3 Hit-Outs Per Game – 10th in AFL
Former GWS Ruckman Andrew Phillips has played three games this season, the first two in the absence of Matthew Kreuzer. His performance in round six made him a key selection for the next week as Kreuzer returned, with 48 hit outs against young Bulldogs ruckman Tim English. Unfortunately the Blues have moved away from using two specialist big men, but with Kreuzer currently down with an ankle injury, Phillips is well and truly in the frame for a return. AFL Fantasy Average: 60
Collingwood
IC: AFL Photos
Jeremy Howe
Games: 12
Avg Disposals: 20.3
Key Statistic: 94 Marks – 6th in AFL
Jeremy Howe is an elite AFL Footballer and is one of the reasons Collingwood currently sit in the top four. Marks, rebound 50’s and intercept possessions have been key features of Howe’s game this year as Nathan Buckley sits back and licks his lips over the decision to move him into the backline. The former Melbourne Demon sits sixth in the AFL, despite missing a game; underlining just how integral he is to this Collingwood unit. AFL Fantasy Average: 88.4
Brody Mihocek
Games: 3
Avg Disposals: 9.7
Key Statistic: 2 Goals Per Game – 17th in AFL
After toiling hard in the VFL for years, 25-year-old Brody Mihocek finally cracked the big time this year and what a debut it was. Brody kicked four goals in his first match and after three matches has six goals to his name. Interestingly, Mihocek was drafted as a defender, which makes his 2 goals per game so much more remarkable due to his minimal time up forward. With injuries to many key players at the Pies, Mihocek could be in for a special season this year as he proves that he is up to the level required. AFL Fantasy Average: 60.3
Essendon
Tom Bellchambers
Games: 12
Avg Disposals: 11.3
Key Statistic: 385 Hitouts – 8th in AFL
Essendon’s resident big man, who has just signed on for two more years, is continually improving and becoming even more important to the Bombers’ set up. Tom Bellchambers sits 8th in the AFL for hit-outs, averaging 32.1 a game with a career high 55 hit-outs coming in round 8 against the Blues. After the years of controversy at the Bombers, Bellchambers deserves a crack at finals footy, with Essendon currently sitting just outside the top eight. AFL Fantasy Average: 77
Josh Green
Games: 7
Avg Disposals: 9.6
Key Statistic: 1.1 Goals Per Game
Green’s positive start to 2018 was halted by an injury on ANZAC Day, which he has only just returned from. In the first three rounds, Green kicked two goals a game and was looking set for a big year prior to the injury, but has shown signs that he could be an X-Factor for the Bombers moving forward. Green has had 10+ disposals in the games he has played in and looks to be thriving on his role as a key Essendon goalsneak. AFL Fantasy Average: 46.4
Fremantle
Alex Pearce
IC: AFL Photos
Games: 12
Avg Disposals: 11.3
Key Statistic: 5.2 Intercepts Per Game
Currently sidelined with a thumb injury sustained in round 13 before the Dockers’ bye, Pearce has been a revelation after returning from multiple knee injuries. 645 days out of the game seemed to be nothing as Pearce returned and was thrust into All-Australian contention after keeping many power forwards goalless in the first few weeks. Hopefully after returning from this separate injury, Pearce can continue his devastating form and get a look in for All-Australian. One of the feel-good stories of 2018. AFL Fantasy Average: 45.4
Geelong
Jake Kolodjashnij
Games: 13
Avg Disposals: 13.3
Key Statistic: 80.9% Disposal Efficiency
The trustworthy boot of Jake Kolodjashnij has been in full flight in 2018. A member of statistically the best defence in the competition, Kolodjashnij has played every game so far this year and doesn’t look like slowing down. This year, Jake has achieved career-highs in both marks and rebound 50’s and is the man that the Cats look for if they need to hit a target out of defence. AFL Fantasy Average: 54.2
Jackson Thurlow
Games: 5
Avg Disposals: 16
Key Statistic: 244.4 Metres Gained Per Game
Thurlow has played five consecutive games from round 5-9 for the Cats this year, with Round 7 his best output for the year as he finished with 22 disposals, seven marks and a goal against the Giants. Thurlow has been out of the side in recent times but has shown that his shift in role from a pure backman to a rebounding flanker/wingman has merit, averaging 244.4 metres gained per game. Thurlow will be hoping for more opportunities before season’s end to reinforce his importance for the Cats. AFL Fantasy Average: 63
Greater Western Sydney
Tim Mohr
Games: 2
Avg Disposals: 9.5
Key Statistic: 89.5% Disposal Efficiency
Tim Mohr is another player that hasn’t had a clear run at senior football due to injury and competition for selection. Mohr has played just the two games this year, replacing the captain Phil Davis. Mohr was solid in these two outings, hitting his targets regularly and locking down his opponents. Currently on the injury list with an injured shoulder, hopefully Mohr, a foundation GWS player, can break back into the senior side in the second half, particularly as he is just two games away from his 50th milestone. AFL Fantasy Average: 42.5
Gold Coast
Jesse Lonergan
Games: 2
Avg Disposals: 15.5
Key Statistic: 10.5 Handballs Per Game
Another inaugural member of an expansion side, Jesse Lonergan has been also hampered by injury throughout the season. Breaking through for two games in rounds five and six, Lonergan was solid, picking up 15 and 16 disposals respectively but picked up an injury in the latter. A minor injury to his hamstring in the NEAFL, Lonergan has since returned strongly and could be brought into the Suns line-up soon. AFL Fantasy Average: 73.5
Aaron Hall
Games: 6
Avg Disposals: 18.5
Key Statistic: 4 Rebound 50’s Per Game
Potentially out for the season with a significant injury to his right pectoral muscle, Hall was slowly recapturing the form that many AFL Fantasy coaches and Suns supporters desired from the forward/midfielder. Despite most of his work coming from those positions in his career, Hall was thrown behind the ball more often this year and averaged four rebound 50’s per game in his six matches for 2018. AFL Fantasy Average: 71.7
Kade Kolodjashnij
Games: 4
Avg Disposals: 17.8
Key Statistic: 7.5 Intercepts Per Game – 14th in AFL
Playing the first 4 games of the year before recurring concussion symptoms ruled him out from consistent play, Kolodjashnij’s 2018 has been a topic of concern for footy fans. Some good news has emerged in recent times for the defender, however, with a concussion specialist recently deeming Kolodjashnij’s injury issues to be a result of a weakness in his neck. Hopefully Kade can return to AFL level and pick up where he left off sooner rather than later. AFL Fantasy Average: 76
Lachie Weller
Games: 13
Avg Disposals: 18.8
Lachie Weller has been fantastic for the Suns after being traded from Fremantle for pick 2. The former Docker has found plenty of the football, racking up five 20+ disposal matches as he has settled into his new role behind the ball. Suns fans will be hoping that his disposal efficiency can improve, however, as he looks to take his game to the next level. AFL Fantasy Average: 69.2
North Melbourne
Ben Brown
Games: 13
Avg Disposals: 11
Key Statistic: 40 Goals – 1st in AFL
Everyone knew Ben Brown was destined for big things this year, but many thought he’d be carrying North Melbourne through a difficult time for the club. Fast forward to round 14 and North Melbourne are in the finals mix and Brown leads the Coleman by five goals, with his nearest rival suspended for a lengthy period of time. Things couldn’t be better for Brown and he certainly could be leaving season 2018 with the Coleman medal draped around his neck. AFL Fantasy Average: 69.6
Richmond
IC: AFL Photos
Jack Riewoldt
Games: 13
Avg Disposals: 12.5
Key Statistic: 36 Marks inside 50 – 3rd in AFL
After winning the premiership last year, the Tigers have gone back to basics with Jack Riewoldt. The Tigers vice-captain, who was recently inducted into the Tasmanian Football Hall of Fame, is once again, a beast in marking inside the forward 50, averaging three a game and currently sitting 5th in the Coleman Medal race. Only sitting behind Cameron and Brown for marks inside 50, Jack is one of the AFL’s elite forwards and the Tigers’ main tall forward option as they attempt to go back to back. His ability to bring his teammates into the contest has also become a key feature. AFL Fantasy Average: 73.6
Toby Nankervis
Games: 13
Avg Disposals: 16.7
Key Statistic: 296 Hitouts – 12th in AFL
Despite sitting 12th in the AFL for hit-outs, Nankervis isn’t your typical ruckman. As one of the few big men standing under two metres tall, Nank offers a contested possession option to this Tigers side as he barges through packs to create contests. His 2018 highlight was the round six win over Collingwood in which he had a career high 29 disposals, 10 marks and 17 hit-outs. A strong 2018 season is unfolding to back up his breakout premiership year. AFL Fantasy Average: 85.9
St Kilda
IC: AFL Photos
Jimmy Webster
Games: 11
Avg Disposals: 23.3
Key Statistic: 5.91 Rebound 50’s Per Game – 4th in AFL
2018 has been Webster’s breakout season as he consistently features within St Kilda’s best players in a dark campaign for the club. As a St Kilda fan, Webster’s weekly reviews within these articles have been glowing but the fact he sits fourth in the AFL for rebound 50’s – despite being ruled out of 2 games through injury – shows his worth to the Saints this season. Hopefully Webster recovers from his groin injury in coming weeks and gets back to business. AFL Fantasy Average: 85.9
Maverick Weller
Games: 8
Avg Disposals: 16.5
Key Statistic: 4.9 Marks Per Game
Since returning with a bang in round five, Mav has only missed the one game, through concussion, in round 10. Missing the first four rounds of the year through niggling hamstring injuries and form in the VFL, Weller’s first game back has been his highlight so far, finishing with 25 disposals, six marks and four inside 50’s in a thrilling draw against the Giants. AFL Fantasy Average: 68.9
Sydney
Robbie Fox
Games: 4
Avg Disposals: 10.2
Lastly, Sydney’s Robbie Fox has been in and out of the side, playing in rounds 1,2 6 and 7 this year. His highlight was the contested mark and mark of the week nomination in the Swans’ round 6 win over Geelong. Being thrust forward this year, Fox soared to the heavens and took a spectacular mark which changed the course of the game and arguably the season for Sydney. AFL Fantasy Average: 38.5