We have been busy at KFC SuperCoach HQ over the off-season working to make Australia’s biggest fantasy sports game better, easier and more fun to play than ever.From more trades to the new trade boost and trade assist buttons, tool tips to get you started and fully customisable leagues, get set for the best footy experience you can have without putting boots on.Join today and start picking your own team of AFL superstars (and the players you just know are set for a career-best season) – just don’t bust the $10 million salary cap.Sign up to NRL SuperCoach 2022After a tough couple of years we’re ready to welcome back all the things we love about the footy – going to the pub with friends, talking trades in a group chat and celebrating victory with the best prize ever seen in fantasy footy.Scroll down for everything you need to know about KFC SuperCoach AFL in 2022.THE KFC SUPERCOACH HOLY GRAIL IS HERE Forget the premiership cup. The true pinnacle in footy is winning KFC SuperCoach. This is your chance to claim the most pool-room-worthy item the world has ever seen: the KFC SuperCoach Holy Grail. Legend status guaranteed!The hand-made trophy stands 50cm tall and is the biggest and best prize that has ever been offered in fantasy sports in Australia. For the first time the KFC SuperCoach champion will be etched in history with their own KFC SuperCoach Holy Grail to display and gloat about for years to come. MORE PRIZESAs well as the incredible trophy, at the end of the AFL home-and-away season the top SuperCoach in the country takes home $50,000 in cash. Second place receives $5000 and those placed third to 10th win $1000 each.There is also a $1000 weekly prize for the best score each round – doubled to $2000 if you’re a SuperCoach Plus subscriber.And that’s not all. KFC delivers delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken every week for the top 11 scorers, offers 11 per cent off your next order for everyone that opts into KFC SuperCoach and there’s more epic merch, experiences and chicken up for grabs throughout the season.WHAT’S NEWThere are a host of new features and game play changes to make KFC SuperCoach more fun and flexible in 2022.They include fully customisable leagues, extra trades and the addition of the new Trade Boost button to active an extra trade when you need it most, a new Trade Assist button that uses smart technology to suggest the best trade for your team every round, more live scores in more places and player position updates during the season.SuperCoach Draft has also had a major upgrade including the ability to take part in mock drafts, and there are more great new features for SuperCoach Plus. BEEFED UP EXPERT TEAMFormer Giant and Magpie, and SAS Australia competitor, Heath Shaw is back as the official KFC SuperCoach ambassador for 2022. He will lead a team of former AFL and international sport stars plus trusted SuperCoach players including 2021 winner Emily Challis.Stay tuned for more big names and their expert advice.YOUTUBEKFC SuperCoach is on the air. The SuperCoach Official YouTube page is your one-stop shop for all four SuperCoach games: KFC SuperCoach AFL, KFC SuperCoach NRL, KFC SuperCoach BBL and SuperCoach Racing.Watch explainers on all the key points of the game from cash cows to break evens, expert player interviews, selection advice and the greatest hits from the SuperCoach video archives.THE BASICS: HOW IT WORKSYou’re a coach with a team to pick, a salary cap to work under and games to win.Select a squad of players from across the AFL and score points based on their real-life performances in AFL games, using a unique formula developed by Champion Data.During the year you’ll deal with form and injuries just like an AFL coach, but with the benefit of trades to replace sidelined or out-of-form players and to improve your squad.Take on your mates in your own private league for ultimate bragging rights, and track your progress against all other SuperCoaches in the race for weekly and major prizes.HOW TO PLAYOnce you’ve registered for KFC SuperCoach AFL:YOU have a $10 million salary cap and 30 players to pick.FILL each position. You need eight defenders, 11 midfielders, eight forwards, and three rucks. Remember to save your team!YOU will need a mix of top-end stars you can rely on for high scores every week, bottom-priced players who will rise in value and a few players in between – look for players who are underpriced due to injury or a change in role.NEED help picking a side? Try the auto select feature which picks a team for you instantly and then make all the changes you want.CHANGE your team as much as you like until Round 1 starts on March 16.BEFORE each round, choose a starting 22 and nominate one of your bench players in every position as an emergency. Their score will count if one of your starting 22 doesn’t play.NOMINATE a captain who he earns double points, and a vice-captain as back-up.YOU get 35 trades to maintain your side during the season. Each week you can make up to two trades, except for the bye rounds when you get three trades.STAY on top of your team with our free Apple and Android apps.HOW PLAYERS SCORE POINTSPlayers score KFC SuperCoach points based on a formula devised by Champion Data to reward actions that have the biggest impact on matches – there is more to SuperCoach than adding up kicks, marks and handballs. This game rewards players who win a crucial one-on-one contest and hit a target when the game is on the line.The ability to win the ball (contested possessions), use it well (disposal efficiency), impact the scoreboard (goals and score assists), win the footy back off the opposition (intercept possessions) and tackles all score well.There are also negative acts that cost players KFC SuperCoach points such as turnovers and giving away free kicks and 50m penalties.POWER UP YOUR SUPERCOACH EXPERIENCEPlaying KFC SuperCoach is totally free, but you can dive deeper into the world of stats and sport news by selecting one of three subscription offers:1. SuperCoach Plus: A suite of tools and stats to help you get the edge on your mates, for $24.95 for a 12-month subscription.2. Code Sports (includes SuperCoach Plus): We have just launched the subscription-only sports website and app CODE (codesports.com.au) delivering in-depth, premium sport journalism from Australia, the US and UK. CODE includes all SuperCoach news articles and analysis to give you the edge. Join for the first month free.3. Masthead subscription (includes SuperCoach Plus): Get full access to all the all KFC SuperCoach articles and much more – including local, national and world news, opinion, entertainment and the Digital Print Edition of your daily newspaper for just $1 a dayNEED TO KNOW MORE?You never have to worry about being left in the dark when making your KFC SuperCoach selection and trade calls. Watch your News Corp website to get all the latest news and tips from the experts, and follow SuperCoach on Facebook and Twitter.
My kids were super excited when I won, especially with the KFC merchandise and a promise of a holiday. Hubby has gained a greater appreciation of the game, he even understands the VC/C loophole. This time last year I almost quit, I hadn’t made a team yet (even with team picker) and wasn’t sure if I would make one. Life had gotten in the way. However, I knew I had to find a way to make it work. I loved playing SuperCoach, so I needed to implement some strategies and make a game plan. Sign up to NRL SuperCoach 2022I started playing SuperCoach in 2013 when I was on maternity leave. I loved watching footy and barracking for my Geelong Cats. I had always had an interest in numbers, probability and statistics, especially footy stats. I work as an occupational therapist with special kids, which involves a lot of problem solving and sometimes “thinking outside the box”. which I love. When I was at home, I found that my “analytical problem-solving tank” was not getting filled and Sudoku was not cutting it. Once I started playing SuperCoach I was hooked, I loved filling a team full of famous names, trading players and the buzz when a player went well.When I first started playing, boy I loved using those trades. I think my record of running out of trades was in week 18, after that I just prayed that I didn’t get any injuries. I also loved a Point of Difference (POD) and thought that was the secret to winning SuperCoach. Before last year, my highest ever season rank was 698. In a few seasons I was in the top 300 after the byes but dropped significantly when I ran out of trades or that POD I got didn’t work out. Fast forward to 2021, I decided to change the way that I constructed a team. I decided that every player in my team needed to be there for a reason. I decided I couldn’t be on my phone all the time in February constantly changing my team. I would allocate 20 minutes at a time to assess my team and make 1-2 changes. I developed my clinical reasoning by reading SuperCoach articles, listening to podcasts, and studying the statistics. My starting team was the reason why I didn’t need too many trades early and got a great start. Luck does have a play to part in winning SuperCoach, but treating trades like diamonds is also the key. You’ve got to know when to hold them and when to trade.Looking at 2022, I have just started planning my team but I’m leaning towards a gun and rookie approach with one or two mid-pricers sprinkled in. There are a few good rookies around and there also seems to be bucketloads of options in the midfield. The question will be how many premiums and expensive rookies can you fit in your team? Can we afford five premiums and Jason Horne Francis ($207,000 MID) and Nick Daicos (193,800 MID)? The rucks will be one of the biggest talking points and there does seem more choice this year. I do think the Gawn/Grundy era may be over. I am very hesitant in picking Sean Darcy ($642,600 RUC) this year because his injury history concerns me. His scoring potential (even on one leg), however, is massive. Then there is the dilemma of Braydon Preuss ($204,700 RUC). Can you trust his body? Will he be the No.1 ruck at GWS? Will he be rested? At such a juicy price he does have to be looked at. Bring on the debate and bring on the 2022 KFC SuperCoach AFL season, it should be a blast.
AFLW: Fremantle have continued their unbeaten run, with victory over Collingwood.
AFLW: West Coast and St Kilda forced to postpone matchup.
Such was Fremantle’s dominance they held Collingwood to its lowest score in AFLW history, kicking just 1.1 to eclipse a previous lowest score of 1.3. Despite a two-goal margin at three-quarter-time, the Dockers were never troubled by the Pies and recorded 30 more inside-50s. Stream every match of the 2022 NAB AFLW Season Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.And if not for a resolute Magpie defence the margin could have been much greater. Pies coach Steve Symonds said Collingwood’s inability to transition the ball was their biggest problem. “It wasn’t part of the plan (having the side’s lowest ever score),” Symonds said. “We couldn’t get any connection between the arcs if I’m honest. We lost territory early and then the ball was going deep into their forward 50. “I thought we battled manfully… the score could have blown out a lot.” Symonds said teams had figured Collingwood out and it was up to his players to work through the pressure opposition were applying. “There was a lack of composure and decision making and we just couldn’t get it right, it just didn’t happen today,” he said. “Teams aren’t allowing us to transition the ball as easily as we did last year, and we spoke about that. We’ve been a high possession team for a while now so teams will always throw pressure at us.” Fremantle was the better of the sides in the first quarter and a goal to Roxy Roux one-minute into the game was the difference between the sides at the first break. The Dockers’ tackling pressure and ability to find open targets inside 50 were the difference between the two sides. Collingwood landed the perfect sucker punch as it kicked the first goal of the second quarter with its first inside 50 of the term after Fremantle had dominated field position. But a minute later Britt Bonnici’s goal was answered by Hayley Miller with a long-range effort. The goal, and an eight-point halftime lead, was just reward for the Dockers who pumped the ball inside 50 19 times in the first half, while Collingwood could only muster six entries. The third quarter belonged to the Dockers as they drove the ball inside-50 13 times to Collingwood’s one, but the Dockers couldn’t capitalise on their dominance, mustering just four points. It left the door ajar for the Pies who trailed by 12 points at the last break. But it was more of the same as Fremantle piled on 3.1 in the last quarter to kick away and create a margin more fitting of its performance. Despite the heavy loss, Symonds said his 3-1 Magpies weren’t overly alarmed. “There aren’t too many sides who go through undefeated, and we haven’t lost too many games in the last couple of years so we’re certainly not panicking. We tried a lot but couldn’t find our groove. Heading towards quarter-time I thought we were on top and then they raised the bar.” Star defender Ash Brazill has returned from the Australian Diamonds quad series and will likely be available for selection in the coming weeks, according to Symonds. “She’s back but has to transfer from netball to football,” he said. “She had a small niggle coming back from the Diamonds so she’s getting medically looked after. We’ll look at her in the next week or so.” PIES’ DEFENCE HOLDS STRONG Collingwood’s defence had to endure 19 inside-50s from the Dockers in the first half, having just six themselves. But the Pies managed to limit the damage, conceding just 2.3 on the scoreboard. Their efforts were propped up by veteran Stacey Livingstone (five intercepts), All-Australian Ruby Schleicher (four), and 21-year-old Jordyn Allen (four). BONNICI’S DRIVE It’s no secret Bonnici is one of the game’s best midfielders, but the 24-year-old’s ball use has taken her game to new levels this season. The All-Australian is still finding the ball with ease, notching up 13 touches to halftime (25 for the match), but more impressively had 279-metres gained at the main break (488 for the match). A bonus for Collingwood stemming from Bonnici’s ability to hurt the opposition on the outside is the opportunity given to young Pies midfielders, such as Mikala Cann and Tarni Brown, to step into the vacated inside role. PURPLE PRESSURE Fremantle is the best pressure team in the AFLW and it showed the Pies what they will have to overcome to enjoy finals success. On average Collingwood gives away seven free kicks per game to holding the ball, but such was the Freo squeeze, by three-quarter-time the Pies had conceded 14. The scary thing for Collingwood, and opposition teams watching, is it wasn’t one of Fremantle’s better tackling games of the season. PIES 0.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 7 DOCKERS 1.1 2.3 2.7 5.8 38 MOTTERSHEAD’S BESTPies: Bonnici, Rowe, Schleicher, Butler, Lambert. Dockers: Miller, Bowers, E.Antonio, Roux, Houghton, O’Sullivan. GOALSPies: Bonnici. Dockers: Miller 2, Roux, Houghton, E. Antonio. INJURIESPies: nil. Dockers: nil. 1257 at Victoria Park PLAYER OF THE YEAR JAMES MOTTERSHEAD’S VOTES3 H. Miller (FREM) 2 K. Bowers (FREM) 1 B. Bonnici (COLL)
The game will be live streamed across News Corp websites including the Herald Sun as part of a season-long deal with the competition.All the action will be live from Epsom Huntly Reserve in Bendigo at 12pm on Saturday.FIND OUT WHO MADE OUR TEAM OF THE WEEK The David Loader-coached Rebels will enter the game as favourites having got the better of Gippsland Power in the opening round by 59 points.Ruck Kalani Scoullar was among her team’s better players after a performance which included 29 hit-outs and six disposals.Midfielders Lilli Condon, Tyla Crabtree, Tahlia Meier and Molly Walton are expected to cause plenty of headaches for the Pioneers after dominant displays.Meanwhile Paige Scott, who kicked two goals against Gippsland, is another player with plenty of match winning ability.“It was a super start to our season but the best thing about our group is that our girls all want to keep getting better,” Loader said.“They’ve all developed a fantastic understanding of what we want from them in their roles. Last week was a real example of how we want to play.“If our midfield group can put together a similar performance I think we will be in a really good position.”Round 2 fixture NAB League GirlsBendigo coach Danny O’Bree said his he was hoping to see improvement from his side’s midfielder after they went down to the Murray Bushrangers by 37 points in an “exciting game”.Rising star Lu Painter, 15, was one of the bright spots in the loss last week after finishing with 19 disposals.Forward Drew Ryan, who finished with two goals, was another player O’Bree named as a potential game changer.“Lu is a competitive beast — we were really impressed with her game last week,” he said.“Then Drew had a massive impact when the ball was in her area and we probably didn’t use her enough.“She’ll spend more time in the middle of the ground this weekend because it’s an area we probably struggled a little against the Bushrangers.“Having Emma Gilligan, one of our top age girls, come back will also be important for us. She had an injury interrupted 2021 which included a fractured hip so she’s really keen to get back out there.”
Zreika, who was the first Islamic player to play AFL Women’s after making her debut in 2019, has grappled with the decision in recent weeks before ultimately withdrawing from Friday’s clash against the Western Bulldogs. Stream every match of the 2022 NAB AFLW Season Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.It is understood that she addressed her teammates earlier this week regarding her decision in what was an emotional and educational session for all players, which includes a number of LGBTQIA+ community members. It was not a decision that was reached lightly by the 22-year-old, who has been working with the club and the AFL in the lead-up to the game. She played in the 2021 pride round, but the Giants did not wear a pride jumper. Zreika - who supports her teammates and their beliefs - strives to be a leader within the Muslim community and it is understood that wearing the jumper in Friday’s game could compromise her standing within her community. She is likely to attend the game at Henson Park.It has been an unchartered situation for the club, which remains firmly committed to its support of AFLW Pride Round, its specially designed jumper and what it stands for. “It’s so important and such a big step for our club and our supporters,” Zreika’s teammate Rebecca Privitelli said last week when the jumper was launched. “I know our girls are really excited to pull on the jumper, it’s a big part of all our lives and I hope our fans feel the same way.“There’s a lot of young boys and girls out there that need role models to look up to and I think the AFLW are doing an incredible thing to give young women and men that opportunity.”The AFL has declined to make a comment on Zreika’s decision to miss Friday night’s game.Last week West Coast was criticised for being the only AFLW team not to wear a Pride jumper.West Coast general manager of community and game development Richard O’Connell said the club was conscious of not rushing the process for desiging a pride jumper and was focusing this season on releasing its AFLW Indigenous jumper.The club’s AFLW coach Michael Prior then came under fire for refusing to comment on the issue, saying: “I talk about footy, not what we’re wearing. I think we’ve done the pride stuff to death, to be honest.”He later apologised to anyone “who was offended by the report”. ROUND FOUR: TEAMS AND TIPSIn a battle of the unbeaten Collingwood and Fremantle will face-off at Victoira Park with both squads facing line-up changes. The Pies are returning home after a hard-fought win in Geelong while the Dockers came within three points of their highest ever score - and 10 points of the competition’s leading score last week. Thursday, January 27Collingwood v Fremantle, Victoria Park, 5.40pm (AEST)COLLINGWOODB: Butler LivingstoneHB: Fowler Schleicher PorterC: Allen Brown RoweHF: Frederick Molloy CannF: Alexander SheridanFoll: Downie Bonnici LambertInter: Newman Chiocci James O’Dea CaseyEm: Velardo SmithIn: Fowler Brown ChiocciOut: Smith (omitted), Velardo (omitted), Chaston (omitted)FREMANTLEB: Verrier StannettHB: Pugh O’Driscoll LowC: Antonio Bowers CainHF: Runnalls Tighe AntonioF: Houghton TuhakarainaFoll: Strom Miller O’SullivanInter: Roux McMahon Hyde Stewart EastEm: Sergeant Webb In: McMahon StewartOut: Sergeant (rested), Toth (managed)TIPSChris Cavanagh 19Fremantle 1GWS Giants 6St Kilda 1Adelaide 6Brisbane Lions 12North Melbourne 12Gold Coast 1Collingwood 18Fremantle 12Last Week 6Sarah Jones 18Fremantle 4Western Bulldogs 20St Kilda 12Melbourne 7Brisbane Lions 3North Melbourne 9Richmond 15Collingwood 3Fremantle 4Last Week 6Kath Loughnan 18Fremantle 10Western Bulldogs 5West Coast 4Adelaide 6Brisbane Lions 15North Melbourne 11Richmond 7Collingwood 17Fremantle 11Last Week 6Liz Walsh 18Fremantle 13Western Bulldogs 2St Kilda 12Adelaide 3Brisbane Lions 23North Melbourne 15Richmond 8Collingwood 36Fremantle 16Last Week 6Glenn McFarlane 17Collingwood 17Western Bulldogs 7St Kilda 1Adelaide 2Brisbane Lions 15North Melbourne 9Richmond 11Collingwood 20Fremantle 3Last Week 6Chloe Molloy 17CollingwoodGWS GiantsSt KildaAdelaideBrisbane LionsNorth MelbourneRichmondCollingwoodFremantleLast Week 6Mark Robinson 17Collingwood 5Western Bulldogs 15St Kilda 2Adelaide 8Brisbane Lions 5North Melbourne 12Richmond 5Collingwood 29Fremantle 12Last Week 5Matt Turner 17Collingwood 12Western Bulldogs 14St Kilda 3Adelaide 15Brisbane Lions 21North Melbourne 2Gold Coast 6Collingwood 9Fremantle 8Last Week 5Ebony Marinoff 16CollingwoodGWS GiantsWest CoastAdelaideBrisbane LionsNorth MelbourneGold CoastCollingwoodFremantleLast Week 6Rebecca Williams 16Collingwood 12GWS Giants 8West Coast 6Adelaide 11Brisbane Lions 14North Melbourne 15 Richmond 13Collingwood 10Fremantle 8Last Week 5Lauren Wood 16Collingwood 9GWS Giants 11St Kilda 10Melbourne 16Brisbane Lions 3North Melbourne 19Richmond 15Collingwood 8Fremantle 11Last Week 5Ellie Blackburn 15FremantleWestern BulldogsSt KildaAdelaideBrisbane LionsNorth MelbourneRichmondCollingwoodWestern BulldogsLast Week 6Chloe Dalton 14FremantleGWS GiantsSt KildaAdelaideBrisbane LionsNorth MelbourneRichmondCollingwoodFremantleLast Week 5Kate McCarthy 12FremantleWestern BulldogsSt KildaMelbourneBrisbane LionsNorth MelbourneRichmondCollingwoodFremantleLast Week 4Kiss of Death 1Fremantle 13GWS Giants 13West Coast 13Melbourne 13Geelong 13Carlton 13Richmond 13West Coast 13Western Bulldogs 13Last Week 0WA border forces chaotic AFLW fixture shift- Lauren WoodThe AFL will stage an AFLW double header next Tuesday night as it continues to fixture on the run to combat the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.Two games originally set for Round 6 and Round 10 — Collingwood v West Coast and Western Bulldogs v Fremantle — have been brought forward to Tuesday, February 1.Collingwood’s Round 4 clash with Fremantle — which was slated for this Sunday — has been brought forward to Thursday night at Victoria Park.As well as having to deal with playing squads being struck down by the virus — the Western Bulldogs being one of the teams hardest hit — the league is also working overtime in the wake of Western Australia’s hard line border closure,The Eagles and the Dockers, who have been based in Victoria for a month of matches, were expecting to fly home in early February.But WA premier Mark McGowan announced last week he would not be opening the state as expected on February 5.Banking games for the WA teams has become a priority.The Bulldogs have played just one of three possible games and two matches – Bulldogs v Suns and Bulldogs v Lions — are still to be scheduled.The shifting fixture has been proving a major challenge for the semi-professional women’s players and as a result clubs have been providing letters to workplaces for leave requirements, care for children and, in some cases, juggling medical treatments.“The decision to schedule additional matches to the fixture for Fremantle and the West Coast Eagles was made in close consultation and with strong support from each club following updates to border restrictions relating to Western Australia,” AFL competition boss Laura Kane said.“We remain cognisant of the outside-football commitments of many players and staff from WA who are currently on the road in Victoria, and we thank them for their commitment and understanding.“The league will continue to work closely with each club and the AFLPA, and will remain led by the advice of respective state governments and relevant health authorities as we work through arrangements for the coming rounds. I want to thank the AFLPA for working with us to provide the flexibility required to progress the season.”The Western Bulldogs have been cleared to play in Round 4 after being decimated by covid isolation protocols in recent weeks.“For the time being, the fixture remains a week-to-week proposition, and as such, we want to thank every AFLW Club, players and the AFLPA, umpires, venues, governments, ticketing agents and all supporters for their understanding,” Kane said. AFLW Round 4 (AEST)AFLW fixture chaos continues with more games under threatThe AFL Women’s fixture continues to be a moving feast with at least one game potentially on the move this weekend. The Herald Sun understands that plans are underway for Friday night’s clash between Gold Coast and Richmond to be moved to Sunday. The league also has to consider the imminent future of Fremantle and West Coast who remain in Victoria for this weekend’s games, but could have difficulty going home because the WA border is closed. It comes as two delayed games still remain without times slot - both the Western Bulldogs-Brisbane clash and the Bulldogs-Gold Coast clash have to be rescheduled.The Lions’ meeting with Gold Coast and the Bulldogs’ clash with Carlton were called off in Round 3.As part of fixturing on the run, Brisbane will play Carlton on Tuesday night in a rescheduled Round 3 game. The league has maintained that the fixture remains a week-to-week proposition as it navigates clubs being hit by covid isolation protocols and also border rules. It says it will be led by the advice of respective state governments and health officials. With travel plans to consider, it is endeavouring to make decisions as quickly as possible in order to allow clubs and players - many of whom work and study - adequate planning time. The Dogs have played just one game this season after weeks of being affected by isolation rules that decimated its playing stocks. “Disappointed not to play again this weekend but absolutely the right decision for our team’s health and safety,” skipper Ellie Blackburn posted on Instagram on Sunday. “We’re even more disappointed to not play with it being Pride Round, something our club takes great pride in being a part of.”
It might have been her debut in the elite pathways competition, but she more closely resembled a three-year veteran as she helped dismantle the Bendigo Pioneers. FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN LIVE STREAM EXCLUSIVE MATCHES OF THE NAB LEAGUEGoldsworthy finished with four goals, 33 disposals and 10 inside 50s to captain the Herald Sun’s Round 1 NAB League Girls Team of the Week. While she might have been a fresh face on the field, there were few at the Bushrangers who were surprised by the exploits of the former soccer star. Murray talent lead Mick Wilson believed the skills she picked up from the round ball code had positioned her to take the NAB League by storm. “She is an incredibly powerful, she is just an athlete,” he said. “She kicked a couple of her goals off one step from 30 meters out. She possesses that explosive power. She also has the ability to win the ball at the source and breakaway from pressure. WATCH THE REPLAY: OAKLEIGH CHARGERS v NORTHERN KNIGHTS“She is one of those girls that can find space in traffic which is a really strong trait to have in girls footy. She runs the right lines, which has a lot to do with that sideways movement and peripheral movement that is common in soccer. “She is just a natural. She knows where to position herself around the contest and away from the footy and she transitions really well.” Goldsworthy was not the only Bushranger to make their way into the team of the week with Cassidy Mailer slotting into the half-back line. Greater Western Victoria Rebels had the most players in the line-up (3) following their 61-2 dismantling of a valiant Gippsland Power. The Rebels were led by their dominance around the ruck with Kalani Scoullar earning her place at the centre bounce with 28 hit outs, six disposals and four tackles. The Rebels trio will take centre stage in the Herald Sun’s match of the round live stream on Saturday as they travel to Bendigo to take on the Pioneers. Check out the rest of our team of the week from Round 1 below. BACKS Johanna Sunderland (Geelong) Key stats: 18 disposals, seven rebound 50s, six tackles Mackenzie Eardley (Dandenong) Key Stats: Two rebound 50s, seven disposals, three defensive marksJamie-Lee Speakman (GWV Rebels) Key Stats: Five rebound 50s, two tackles, eight disposals HALF-BACKS Cassidy Mailer (Murray) Key Stats: 19 disposals, four tackles, five rebound 50s Mia Busch (Eastern Ranges)Key Stats: five tackles, 17 disposals, four inside 50s Georgia Foran (Sandringham) Key Stats: 16 disposals, 11 rebound 50s, three tackles CENTRES/WINGS Sofia Hurley (Sandringham) Key Stats: 23 disposals, six inside 50s, seven tackles Mali McLeod (Calder) Key Stats: 15 disposals, six marks, five inside 50s Claire Ransom (Tasmania)Key Stats: 21 disposals, seven tackles, three inside 50s HALF-FORWARDS Zarlie Goldsworthy (Murray) Key stats: 28 points (4.4), 33 disposals, 10 inside 50sRylie Wilcox (Northern) Key stats: 24 disposals, six marks, nine inside 50s Lou Painter (Bendigo)Key stats: 19 disposals, two inside 50s, seven tackles FORWARDSKristen Smith (Oakleigh) Key Stats: 25 points (4.1), 19 disposals, three inside 50s Amber Clarke (Dandenong) Key Stats: 32 points (5.2), 23 disposals, seven inside 50s Paige Scott (GWV Rebels) Key stats: 15 points (2.3), 12 disposals, three marks, RUCK/ROVERS Kalani Scoullar (GWV Rebels) Key stats: 28 hit outs, six disposals four tackles Bridget Deed (Eastern)Key Stats: 36 disposals, four inside 50s, seven tackles Ava Jordan (Northern) Key Stats: 27 disposals, four inside 50s, two tackles
The KFC SuperCoach pre-season is officially here. The game is open to all and it’s time to start preparing for a big 2022.Don’t forget your past KFC SuperCoach mistakes, however, it’s important to acknowledge, accept and learn from where you went wrong.I’m not saying go back into your KFC SuperCoach shell and play it completely safe, but your risks need to be calculated in a season which is, again, likely to involve Covid interruptions.Stream every match of the 2022 NAB AFLW Season Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.But there are more trades and new rules to help make KFC SuperCoach an even better game for all in 2022.Am I going to be better this year?Well, at this point, there is no Tom Green, no Braydon Preuss at R2 and no Will Brodie-led mid-price trio in the forward line.But I have thought about it.Instead, I’m looking at a more simple structure of guns, rookies and a mid-price player on each line that I can be sure about.DEFENDERSJack Crisp (Coll) $571,000, MidJordan Dawson (Adel) $555,300Jordan Ridley (Ess) $537,100Will Day (Haw) $345,000Will Gould (Syd) $123,900Garrett McDonagh (Ess) $117,300Bench:Nathan O’Driscoll (Fre) $123,900 MID, Charlie Dean (Coll) $102,400Crisp averaged 110 points from Round 8 onwards in a big finish to last year, as he floated through the Collingwood midfield, and he hasn’t missed a game in his seven seasons at the Magpies. His durability, along with his dual-position status, will be vital in another KFC SuperCoach year of unknowns. Crows recruit, and a long-time Phantom favourite – yes it took me two players to get to one – averaged 114 points in his final nine games as a Swan and the Crows will look to get the ball in his hands whenever they can going forward. Jake Kelly’s addition to Essendon’s back-six should allow Jordan Ridley more freedom to play the KFC SuperCoach-friendly role of early 2021, while value Hawk Will Day, who is priced at an average of 64, scored 122 and 112 in an injury-plagued five-game season last year. And it’s not pre-season, if Will Gould isn’t in your team.MIDFIEDERSJack Macrae (WB) $699,900Clayton Oliver (Melb) $672,000Callum Mills (Syd) $612,100Lachie Neale (Bris) $543,200Caleb Serong (Fre) $451,000Jason Horne-Francis (NM) $207,300Jackson Mead (Port) $123,900Greg Clark (WC) $117,300Bench:Matty Roberts (Syd) $117,300, Bodhi Uwland (GC) $102,400 DEF, Charlie Parker (WB) $102,400 FWDJack Macrae and Clayton Oliver need no explanation - I’m spending big at the top two spots. Callum Mills averaged 112 in his first season playing as a full-time midfielder and he battled an Achilles issues for most of the run home. KFC SuperCoaches often forget, or ignore, those who lose their dual-position status and are thrown into the crowded midfield pool. But Mills is my early point-of-difference, I think he’s got another level in him. You can’t start without a fit Lachie Neale at that price, it was only 18 months ago he finished with an average of 134. With Adam Cerra departing, Nat Fyfe spending more time forward, and after a huge finish to 2021, Caleb Serong is one I’m tipping to jump into the premium category this year. He was a KFC SuperCoach star as a junior and averaged 32 disposals and 118 points in the final three games of 2021, as he was set free from tagging duties. And if you listen to anything I say this pre-season, let it be this; just pick Jason Horne-Francis.RUCKSSean Darcy (Fre) $642,600Brodie Grundy (Coll) $627,100Bench: Braydon Preuss (GWS) $204,700As mentioned earlier, I thought long and hard about Preuss at R2, but I’ve gone with the tried-and-tested two-premium-ruck combo. Press is still in, though, as a cash cow and back-up ruck option – something which, again, could be important this year. I’m tipping Brodie Grundy to return to his best and, if last year’s scoring is anything to go by, Sean Darcy could be about to take over.FORWARDSJosh Dunkley (WB) $558,200, MidMitch Duncan (Geel) $540,000, MidZak Butters (Port) $443,600Stephen Coniglio (GWS) $261,300, MidElijah Hollands (GC) $123,900, MidKaine Baldwin (Ess) $123,900Bench: Jacob van Rooyen (Melb) $126,300 DEF, Jesse Motop (Carl) $117,300Only another Luke Beveridge magnet change – and we know they are pretty common – could alter my top two in the forward line. Go without either Josh Dunkley and Mitch Duncan and it might cost you early. Zak Butters has a big KFC SuperCoach ceiling and he’s likely to spend even more time in the midfield this season – the Power need him in there. I love the injury-prone Jade Gresham, and I will pick Will Brodie if he’s Fremantle’s Round 1 side, but a fit Stephen Coniglio is the mid-price forward option with the least risk attached at this point. Elijah Hollands aside, forward rookies could be an issue but there is plenty of time to work on that.
Hind went from unsung recruit to one of the Bombers best week-in, week-out last year as he continually showed dash and carry off halfback.Our team of AFL experts have shone a light on who might be breakout star at your club in season 2022.Stream every match of the 2022 NAB AFLW Season Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.ADELAIDE Harry Schoenberg is now 30 games into his career and is showing signs that he will become a top-line player. After featuring eight times during his debut campaign in 2020, the 20-year-old did not miss a match in 2021. He gathered at least 20 disposals in all bar one of the last seven games, ending the campaign around the ball more, rather than at half-forward, where he started it. BRISBANE. Gun halfback Brandon Starcevich showed just how devastating he can be in defence in 2021. The 22-year-old was on the cusp of All-Australian selection and was arguably unlucky to miss out. Starcevich has proven to be one of the most stubborn lockdown defenders in the competition playing key roles on the oppositions’ most dynamic forwards. If he starts to get more of the ball he will be a force to be reckoned with.CARLTONThose behind the scenes at Ikon Park have always been big fans of Tom De Koning and he still has plenty of scope to become better. He started to show promising glimpses in 2020 before injuries ruled out the first half of 2021. If he can put in a full pre-season and start to string consistent games together the sky is the limit for De Koning. He is big, mobile and has impressive aerial skills. COLLINGWOODIsaac Quaynor was unquestionably Collingwood’s breakthrough player of 2021, but who will be the Magpies’ 2022 version? It looks like being a battle between youngsters Trent Bianco, Caleb Poulter and Finlay Macrae, with all three battling for the final midfield spots this summer. All three showed promising signs in season 2021 and appear poised for a big 2022. Fellow youngster Reef McInnes is another who looms as a big prospect in 2022. Yet to make his debut, the former NGA product has some big wraps on him. ESSENDONHarrison Jones looms as the key figure in the Bombers’ ascension up the ladder. Late in 2021, coach Ben Rutten moved away from relying on veteran Cale Hooker — who is now retired — and challenged Jones in tandem with the towering Peter Wright to be tall targets up forward. At just 20, some would argue there is too much reliance on a developing key forward but the positives are that he’s already showing signs he can be what the Bombers desire. FREMANTLEInjury has meant that the AFL hasn’t seen too much of talented Fremantle youngster Hayden Young. But if he gets a sustained run in the side he can easily show why he is so talented with his classy kicking. GEELONGTyson Stengle will be the big watch next season. The skilful small forward was cast on to the AFL scrap heap after some off-field indiscretions at Adelaide after a brief stint at Richmond. But the goal kicker appears to have turned it around playing a starring role for Woodville West Torrens in the SANFL premiership last year, reviving his AFL aspirations. The Cats are expected to slot him straight into their forward line to add another genuine goalkicking option. Not sure if Luke Dahlhaus and Shaun Higgins are in the best 22, anymore. GOLD COASTNoah Anderson is already an elite player in the competition despite the off-Broadway status the Suns occupy. Anderson will always be known as the sidekick to Matt Rowell to the general punter but internally Anderson is as highly rated as they get. Had four games in 2021 in which he managed 30 disposals and a goal and polled eight Brownlow Medal votes to finish second to Touk Miller in the Suns’ leaderboard. The scary thing is Anderson still has plenty of scope for improvement and as his younger teammates in Alex Davies and Elijah Hollands start to lift, it’ll only elevate Anderson’s ability to dominate through the engine room. GIANTSTanner Bruhn is an elite young talent who was the No. 12 pick in last year’s draft. He played 13 senior games in his debut season and was even trusted in the centre on occasion, with his decision-making and poise among his strengths. HAWTHORNWe only saw a glimpse of Will Day in 2021 due to a nasty ankle injury which limited him to only five games, but this man can become Hawthorn’s best player in a few years. A great find with pick 13, Day is the classy and versatile ball winner who will quickly become a go-to man either off half back or in the middle. The South Australian is one who always has time with the ball and it is that trademark polish and composure which can help him become a genuine star of the competition. Only played 16 games in total but now that Shaun Burgoyne has retired Day, who is still only 20, will become the new silk and, potentially, face of the next generation Hawks. MELBOURNEAfter playing just the seven senior games in 2020, Alex Neal-Bullen solidified his place in the Melbourne line-up to play every game for the Demons in their premiership charge. The forward kicked 15 goals for the year and had 24 disposals and one major in the Grand Final. Arguably the Demons’ biggest improver, Neal-Bullen rated elite as a forward for disposals, contested possessions, forward-half pressure points and tackles and above average for forward 50 ground ball gets. NORTH MELBOURNEAfter showing promising signs in his debut season, youngster Will Phillips will be set for a big 2022. The man wearing the famous No. 29 of club legend Brent “Boomer” Harvey played 16 games in his debut season after being snapped up at pick No. 3 in the 2020 national draft. He showed good signs in his debut season, but there is still huge upside and a big summer in the gym should see him reach new heights in 2022. One to watch in 2022. PORT ADELAIDEZak Butters made the All-Australian squad in 2020 but injuries hurt his 2021 campaign, just when it looked like he would move into the midfield. With the Power looking within to fix its need of midfield depth, Butters is one of the youngsters primed to get more time in the Port engine room. This could elevate him to elite status in the competition, which we have seen in bursts so far. RICHMONDLiam Baker was the one Tiger who took a step forward in 2021. The ever-reliable Baker was thrown to all parts of the ground to fill holes in Damien Hardwick’s side and showed his versatility through the midfield and across half-forward. Baker’s year was one of the silver linings following the Tigers torrid injury run. Had always been a reliable contributor at half back but it was through the midfield where his ball winning ability and decision-making really shone. A settled position, wherever that is, and the rookie-draft steal from 2018 can continue to improve his stocks. ST KILDAA broken jaw following a brutal collision with David McKay stopped short a season in which Saints’ smooth mover Hunter Clark took another step forward. Has looked at home at half back but it’s in the midfield where he really could be the player the Saints need. His Round 1 2021 effort against the Giants in the wet was a glimpse of what he is capable of. All he needs now is to force his way into the middle of the ground and continue his rise.SYDNEYDylan Stephens might be the big winner from Jordan Dawson leaving for the Crows. Stephens was the No. 5 draft pick two years ago but has played only 15 games since. He might be able to grab a wing spot with a strong summer – but either way his opportunities should spike significantly.WESTERN BULLDOGSGoing left-field here for a player who hasn’t even pulled on a Dogs jumper yet. Tim O’Brien arrived at the Whitten Oval from Hawthorn as an unrestricted free agent after eight seasons and 97 games, mainly as a key forward. However, in the second half of 2021 O’Brien, 27, played in defence and came into his own with his high leaping aerial skills shining out. The Dogs are crying out for another big tall to help out Alex Keath and O‘Brien’s athleticism fits into the way Beveridge likes his team to play. And the timing proved more than fortuitous given the surprise retirement of Easton Wood.WEST COASTOscar Allen has the tools to become a star of the competition. The 22-year-old played all bar one match last season and finished 10th in the Eagles’ best and fairest. Further improvement can be expected next year. Josh Kennedy remains a major focal point but Allen can help share the load a little more especially with the possible omission of Jack Darling.
The two-time Brownlow Medallist is renowned for his luscious long locks, typically tied up in a man bun on game day.Stream every match of every round of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.But the star midfielder got the scissors out over the summer, trimming back the golden hair and growing out a goatee for good measure.Earlier this month, the Dockers’ official social media account posted a photo of Fyfe back on the training paddock as pre-season kicked along after the Christmas break. Gone was the man bun and the clean-cut look, making way for a goatee and short back-and-sides.And now a fresh headshot has emerged of the 30-year-old, and it’s quite jarring.One fan wrote on Twitter: “I saw this and felt sorry for my mum, she’s had a crush on him for a long time and this might impact her more than two years of lockdown.”Another posted: “I didn’t even know who that was at first.”A third penned: “I’m waiting for his country album to drop.”Fyfe suffered a blow in November when he contracted a bacterial infection in his shoulder after surgery that required him to take intravenous antibiotics.Fremantle’s executive general manager of football, Peter Bell, said at the time the infection would set Fyfe back two or three weeks in his recovery.“Unfortunately, Nathan’s tests have indicated a bacterial infection, and as a result, he will undergo intravenous antibiotics over the next two to three weeks,” Bell said.“He won’t be able to do much physically in the period the antibiotics are being administered intravenously.”Fyfe’s 2021 campaign was cruelled by the shoulder injury, which he initially suffered in the round 12 loss to eventual grand finalists the Western Bulldogs.He returned to play a month later but was once again sidelined in July and underwent surgery. After his recovery stalled, Fyfe went under the knife once more in the off-season.Last year, Australian cricketer Ellyse Perry was spotted in the Fremantle changerooms, sparking rumours she was dating Fyfe.Perry joined the Dockers players in the sheds following Fremantle’s convincing 16.12 (108) to 6.10 (46) victory over the Hawthorn Hawks at Launceston’s UTAS Stadium – coincidentally Fyfe’s 200th AFL game.At the time, Perry was also the only woman, apart from family members, that Fyfe follows on Instagram.Ahead of the 2020 Brownlow Medal, Channel 7 asked Fyfe: “Other than your partner, who would you take to the Brownlow?”The Fremantle captain replied: “Ellyse Perry, can I say that?”Perry split from her ex-husband, Wallabies centre Matt Toomua, in July 2020 after nearly five years of marriage.
KFC SuperCoach is back for 2021 and we can now enjoy the summer sunshine scrolling through the full list of available players searching for the gold nuggets the SuperCoach bankers have buried for us.We’ve saved you the time by highlighting 11 players who are massively underpriced for 2022 based on their scoring potential.There is also potential value on offer from rookies and breakout players, both covered in depth elsewhere, but the 11 players listed below have shown the ability to post big KFC SuperCoach scores in the past when injury-free and given the right role.If they can return to that level this season you effectively get a bonus premium while leaving cash in the bank to spend on other parts of your team. But all come with an element of risk. Should we take the punt? See our expert verdict and have your say.Sign up to NRL SuperCoach 2022DEFENDERSJames Sicily (Haw) $448,100 DEFIn his last full season Sicily ranked fourth in the competition for intercept possessions and won a spot in the All-Australian squad. He posted premium-level scores from 2018-20, averaging 105.1, 93.8 and then 102.9, which included an injury-affected score of 50 when he wrecked his ACL against the Eagles in Round 12 – before that he had put up four 120-plus totals including a 149 and a 164. Hopefully the departure of Alastair Clarkson ends the occasional experimentation of Sicily as a forward, the biggest watch will be how the points are shared between all the Hawks’ rebounding backmen – Jack Scrimshaw, Jarman Impey and Changkuoth Jiath have all emerged since Sicily was a regular member of the back six. Phantom’s verdict: “He’d be available to play if we were playing now,” Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said recently. Probably enough for me at this point, considering the priceSUPERCOACH IS BACK: RULE CHANGES FOR 2022 EXPLAINEDCaleb Marchbank (Carl) $209,300 DEFIn his second most recent game Marchbank posted 113 KFC SuperCoach points from 22 disposals and eight marks. The catch is that was in Round 15, 2019. Since then he has been plagued by knee, back and calf injuries, so durability is obviously a major concern. But if he can make it to Round 1 in one piece (he’s currently on a modified program) Marchbank should have a safe spot in the Blues’ best 22. Al Paton’s verdict: Don’t expect big scores but he’s a get-out option if defensive rookies don’t turn up.Braeden Campbell (Syd) $293,900 DEFThe Swans Academy graduate and No.5 draft pick’s talents were on full display when he scored 118 KFC SuperCoach points in just his second AFL game. But he didn’t get much more of a look-in during his debut season, registering eight matches and a SuperCoach average of 54. But after a second AFL pre-season the 19-year-old is ready to become a regular and, crucially, there is a vacancy in the Swans backline for an elite distributor after the departure of Jordan Dawson. Campbell is a leading candidate as “one of the best kicks that we’ve ever seen” according to junior talent scouts. Al Paton’s verdict: Watch his role in pre-season and if he gets Dawson’s job, seriously consider. MIDFIELDERSStephen Coniglio (GWS) $261,300 MID/FWDHe’s been dropped, played forward and just flat-out struggled to win the ball over the past two years. But the fact is Coniglio averaged 108, 101 and 98 in the three years before an injury-ravaged 2021. And his average last season isn’t even as bad as it looks, with scores of 26 and 14 coming in injury-affected games.Phantom’s verdict: He’s available as a forward. Lock him in.Lachie Neale (Bris) $543,200 MIDCan all the coaches burnt by Neale in 2021 forgive and forget? A new season means a fresh start and you can’t look past Neale’s elite scoring history. Even if you take out his incredible Brownlow year, Neale averaged at least 109 points a game in the four seasons before that. And he scored 133, 152 and 93 in his final three appearances last year after battling calf, back and ankle injuries since the pre-season.Phantom’s verdict: The bloke who averaged 134 in 2020 priced at an average of 99.8 after an injury-plagued year? Yes, please.Matt Rowell (GC) $342,900 MIDRowell is flying on the track, and reportedly blitzed the Suns’ recent match-simulation session. Most importantly, he looks set to complete a full pre-season – something he couldn’t do last summer. After averaging an extraordinary 124 points in the opening four games of his career in 2020, we raved about Rowell at $495k ahead of Round 1 last year. So $342k could be a steal, if he can get back to his best.Phantom’s verdict: Locked-ish. Looming as a player we just won’t be able to pass up.Jarrod Berry (Bris) $268,500 MIDHe may have played 11 games, but Berry’s 2021 season was hampered by injury – first a hamstring, followed by a persistent groin issue and then a strained calf. And when he was out there, the 23-year-old spent plenty of time forward. But he posted six KFC SuperCoach scores of 120 or more in 15 games in 2020 – his fourth season in the competition – and will be priced at a 49-point average next year.Phantom’s verdict: Numbers are there, it’s all about his body and role now.Jye Caldwell (Ess) $266,700 MIDThe young midfielder showed plenty of promise in his first pre-season at the Bombers, and posted scores of 74 and 66 in his first two senior games for the club. But he played just 42 per cent of that second match, after being struck down by another hamstring injury, which wiped out the rest of the minor rounds.Phantom’s verdict: If Caldwell is fit, he’s in the Bombers’ midfield rotation, meaning he has to be one to watch.RUCKSBraydon Preuss (GWS) $204,700 RUCLike Rowell, we – OK, I may have had a bit to do with starting it – were raving about Preuss at an elevated price tag last year ($303k) after he joined the Giants, looking for more opportunity, during the trade period. For those who missed my rambling, in the three games he played without Max Gawn at the Demons, Preuss posted scores of 84, 85 and 140. In his two at North Melbourne without Todd Goldstein, he scored 111 and an injury-affected 39.Phantom’s verdict: Injury ruined the cheap R2 dreams of KFC SuperCoaches last year, but it’s time to dream again, my friends.FORWARDSJade Gresham (StK) $299,000 FWD/MIDAfter gradually moving into the midfield, the Gresham breakout has been on for a while now. But, unfortunately, injury just keeps getting in the way. His body is still a question mark, but his potential in KFC SuperCoach as a full-time midfielder is undeniable. Gresham, who was an elite scorer as a junior, tallied a combined 47 disposals, 17 inside-50s and 14 clearances in the opening two rounds of last season before injury struck in Round 3. The talented Saint is priced at 55 for 2022. At his fully-fit best, he doubles that. Even if he’s not at his best, but out on the park, it’s hard to see him dropping below 80. Phantom’s verdict: The value is undeniable and long-time readers will know I like him.Charlie Curnow (Carl) $224,300 FWDAnother Blue with major injury baggage – playing just four games in the past two seasons – but with a much higher ceiling than Marchbank. Back in 2019 Curnow scored 154 KFC SuperCoach points in a seven-goal game against the Bulldogs. As a key forward he’ll have his fair share of quiet games but we only need him to get through the first 6-8 rounds to be a great stepping stone – last year Joe Daniher added $150k to his starting price in that time with an 81 average (including a 121 and a 34).Al Paton’s verdict: I started Daniher last year and Curnow is $9k cheaper. The lesson I learnt was to trade him out around the byes to make the most of the price gain.
The AFL announced last year that players and staff at WA, SA and Queensland clubs had to receive their first Covid shot by January 21 and their second jab by February 18. When Ellis-Yolmen missed the cut off last Friday, he was moved to the inactive list. The Lions will look at replacing him with a rookie-listed player.Stream every match of every round of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now >Ellis-Yolmen declined the opportunity to speak to the Lions’ playing group last week, but instead rang several teammates, including Robinson. “It was tough,” Robinson said on his Rip Through It podcast.“For him to say he’s retiring, he’s only 28, he’s so young and it’s not because of injury or anything like that, it’s a personal choice and the freedom to do what you want with your body. It’s s--t because Covid is here to stay, obviously.“And for players like him, Liam Jones and some other players who probably won’t get the vaccination it’s a tough pill to swallow that it’s the reason your footy career gets cut short.”“It was a pretty emotional conversation to have with someone to be honest.”Robinson said he had a “lot of sympathy” for Ellis-Yolmen’s situation and also applauded the club’s ongoing support of his exiled teammate. “He chose not to speak to the group, I’m guessing from an emotional centre point and having to come in and do all that stuff was a little bit full on for him,” Robinson said. “He said (to me) he was going to step away from football for awhile and sort everything out.“It was a pretty emotional conversation to have with someone to be honest, and particularly a close mate like Yolmen.“I don’t know if the door is ajar in the future or whatever it might be, but I’m sure he’ll be still staying fit and getting ready for footy wherever he goes and plays.”
Barham spent time on the rookie lists of both AFL clubs but was unable to crack the top grade.Barham was selected as pick 12 in the 2002 AFL rookie draft by Port Adelaide, who had him on their rookie list in 2002, before he was drafted by St Kilda with pick 18 in the 2003 rookie draft. But he was delisted at the end of the following season.Port Adelaide shared a tribute on its website.“The Port Adelaide Football Club is saddened to hear of the passing of former player Jordan Barham,” the post read.“The former AFL rookie was killed last week aged 38 in a road crash at Nagambie in regional Victoria.“Barham was part of the club’s rookie list in 2002 before spending time on St Kilda’s list and at Werribee in the VFL.“The forward returned to Alberton to play 13 games and boot 12 goals as part of the club’s SANFL side in 2009.“The Port Adelaide Football Club sends its sincerest condolences to his wife Lauren, sons River and Hudson, his wider family and friends, and former teammates.”Victoria Police reported a fatal crash at Nagambie on January 20, with a statement reading: “Emergency services were called to Mullers Road about 3.20pm after reports a car had crashed into tree and caught fire.“Crews arrived but were unable to save the driver of the vehicle.“The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and investigations are ongoing.”Barham spent two seasons with Werribee in the VFL from 2006 and the club also paid tribute.Former Central Districts SANFL star James Gowans tweeted: “Terrible news he was a champion bloke. He left a great impression.”Phil Aspinal, a SANFL digital pass commentator, responded: “Tragic news. I thought I recalled that he was aligned to the Dogs when on the Power’s list, Gowza. If memory serves me correct, he played CHF yeah? Can you remember if he play many League games?”Gowans replied: “Yep port rookie and key forward. F***ing flat, he was the life of the party always happy good bloke to be around.”
The Demons have an upcoming election, with three current directors – David Robb, John Trotter and Sally Freeman – having to re-nominate for their positions.Two additional candidates, John Condon and Peter Lawrence, are also seeking to join the board.In an open letter to Melbourne members this week, Roffey said they would soon be asked to vote via a postal ballot.She said the board’s key priority was to “maintain stability and full alignment right throughout the club to ensure a long period of sustained success.”Stream every match of every round of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.“As your president, I am very confident that the current directors of the board collectively have the skills and attributes required to lead the club forward and build on the outstanding success of 2021, and as such I have asked David Robb, John Trotter and Sally Freeman to re-nominate,” Roffey wrote.The Demons had a shock board change early last year during the club’s charge to its first flag since 1964.Glen Bartlett stepped down as Melbourne president in early 2021 for Roffey, having done his share of the heavy lifting alongside then chief executive Peter Jackson as the club cleared debt and resuscitated its reputation.“A unified board that encompasses the skills and attributes necessary to fill all our directors’ duties and responsibilities, and that lives the values of trust, respect, unity and excellence is a critical part of this success,” Roffey wrote this week.“To make sure we have the best possible board for the Melbourne Football Club, we have committed to an ongoing process of determining what skills, experience and other attributes we feel are collectively required in directors to continue to be a successful club both on and off the field.”Members will vote in a postal ballot, which will cost the club around $150,000.“We are aware that a postal ballot is far from ideal, both logistically and cost wise … however until our current constitution is updated, we require a ballot by post,” Roffey said.