West Coast – 14.14 (98)
Geelong– 18.14 (122)
Geelong has managed to overcome a gallant West Coast by 24 points. West Coast was in the match all night and managed to stick with the Cats every time it looked like they might be kicking away. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘Shannon Byrnes’
West Coast vs. Geelong – Round 11 Match Review
Sunday, June 6th, 2010SuperCoach Breakevens – Round 5
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010Each week I’ll be looking at the players who are most able to go up and down in value based on their breakevens.
The three lowest and three highest breakevens for you to consider this round are:
The Stokes Grand Final Debate
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009Geelong small forward Matthew Stokes Grand Final hopes will hinge on one of two things, whether or not there is a change that can be made on recent form, and if there is a match up that will be beneficial to the Cats if he is to play. Stokes made up for the 2008 Grand Final mishap (playing injured) by making himself unavailable for the game against the Pies. Now Stokes is looking to fight his way back into the team and play another Grand Final.
Stokes has played 19 games in season 2009. He has kicked 29 goals, averaged just fewer than 16 disposals per game, had 18 goal assists and 45 inside 50s.
Here is a look at the three likely players to make way for Stokes if a change was to be made:
Shannon Byrnes – Byrnes is the most like for like match up with Stokes. Byrnes stands at 174cm and has played 21 games in total for season 2009. He has averaged 18.7 disposals, kicked 31 goals, laid 61 tackles for the year and has put the ball inside 50 on 84 occasions. To drop Byrnes you are dropping the same style player, but he has worked very hard in season in 2009 and deserves his spot in the team.
Travis Varcoe – Travis Varcoe has also had a very good year for the Cats and has established himself within the team. Varcoe has played 21 games in 2009 and only missed one due to a shoulder injury before the finals. Varcoe has kicked 22 goals, laid 69 tackles, and the most impressive thing is his 25 goals assists (4th in the league). Varcoe, is also a player that could be dropped for a player like him, however he adds a lot to the team for the work he does off the ball and seems well liked by the coaching staff.
David Wojcinski – Wojcinski missed last years Grand Final and could be in line to miss it again this season. He has played 20 games for the season mainly in defence. He adds run from half back for the Cats, which is something I think they lacked in the 2008 final. He has had 58 inside 50s for the season and continually breaks the lines. The change for Stokes would be suggesting the need for another forward and not a backman however I do not think that this is likely.
The Verdict
Personally I believe that Stoke may be the unlucky man in season 2009. The change that looks most likely is Shannon Byrnes who offers the same that Stokes does. Varcoe is in the team not only for his skills but for the work he does off the ball and I don’t believe the coaching staff would want to go into the game without him. Wojcinski is the one I would not drop no matter what! His run from the backline is so important and his ability to break the lines is something Stokes does not offer and something that was missing in the 2008 Grand Final. In light of all of this, I am of the opinion that sentiment will not play a role and that Stokes may just be the man to miss out. If he does play however it will more than likely be in the place of Shannon Byrnes.
What do you think?
Will Geelong make a change or keep the same line up?
Key SuperCoach players for round 15
Wednesday, July 8th, 2009Damn you if you have a lot of trades left!
Here are a few players that are worth selling/buying/keeping an eye on for SuperCoach from what we’ve seen so far.
Only 4 weeks until the finals!
Bargains of the week
Matthew Boyd
One of the unheralded heroes of the Bulldogs has actually been great all year. He is the highest point scorer for the Doggies’ averaging 103 points.
At his price of $462 300 he is potentially a great pick-up.
Travis Cloke
Scored 113pt’s and 134pt’s in his last two weeks ,and is still pretty lowly priced at $342 600. The fact that he’s up against the Bulldogs who have Lake or Morris makes it a risk for this week, but he’s attacking the ball a lot better than he was pre-injury which should help him.
Liam Anthony
After averaging 82pt’s, this is the last week to jump on before his price goes up from $94 000. He uses the ball in a simple manner and finds space well enough so he should continue to score points.
Sam Fisher
Had a very good game against Geelong with a score of 97pt’s after being tagged over the past two weeks. You just can’t go past his price of $393 300.
The ones that make you go ‘Ouch’ if you’ve got / the ones that you are waiting to bottom out
Leon Davis
Since his peak of 176pt’s against West Coast and average of 136pt’s, he has only averaged 79pt’s with his price going down to $511 900. He doesn’t seem to be moving too well so it may be more of the same.
Shannon Byrnes
He’s playing injured now after a fantastic 4-week spell and it sure showed against the Saints with a 45 point game.
Angus Monfries
He was looking good after scoring 81,117 and 99pt’s in the games before the clash against the Pies. He’s unfortunately out for at least two-weeks with a strained hamstring.
Patrick Ryder
Looks to be either injured or tired going by his performance and the use of him against Collingwood. With Sam Fisher, Luke Hodge and Shannon Hurn avalable at the same or cheaper price, I would consider a trade.
Previous players revisited
Still looking a bit rusty is Paul Medhurst, who scored 39pt’s against Essendon. The guy has too much quality to not improve.
Still cheap at $475 000 is Chris Newman who is averaging 99pt’s whilst also being the 2nd highest scoring defender in the comp.
Luke Hodge was the Hawks clear best last week against the Bulldogs and managed to keep up his improving form in SuperCoach with a 112pt game. Still worth a shot at $457 700.
I hope you got on the Jack Grimes bandwagon early enough. He was BOG against West Coast with a score of 142pt’s which has pushed his price up to $426 200 from a starting price of $188 400.
Jarrod Silvester had another shocker defensively against Kurk Tippet in where he conceded 5 goals. Still, he scored 54 points. If you have someone on your bench that is worth some money, I’d consider a trade-in for him.
Geelong vs. Port Adelaide – Round 13 Recap
Sunday, June 28th, 2009Geelong 18.14.(122)
Port Adelaide 13.10.(88)
Geelong has been able to keep its winning streak alive with a win over Port Adelaide at Skilled Stadium. The win helps to set the scene for the round 14 blockbuster against the also undefeated St. Kilda. The Cats dominated for the most part of the match leading by ten goals at three quarter time. The only downside for the Cats was that Port Adelaide were able to outscore the them in the last quarter kinking 6 goals to the Cats 2.
Big Moment
The first quarter was where the Cats were able to get the jump on the power. Geelong had 12 scoring shots and converted 7 to lead by 40 points at quarter time. The power started well in the quarter but really struggled to keep up the intensity only scoring one goal in the quarter. Byrnes kicked three in the quarter and this set the tone for the Cats
Key Players for Geelong
Gary Ablett – Clearly the best man on the ground having 36 possessions in an impressive display. Ablett had more kicks than handballs which I think is the way he needs to continue to play. Kicked 2 goals had 4 clearances and 7 inside 50s along with 2 assists. Of his 36 possessions 13 were contested.
Shannon Byrnes – Kicked 4 goals to add to his 5 last week. Had 21 touches and 4 inside 50s. Also he was able to have 3 assists in a performance that will keep him up the top of the next small forward position for the Cats.
Matthew Scarlett- Great game from one of the best full backs in the competition. 26 possessions but the most impressive thing was his 96% effectiveness. Always keeps his head for the Cats down back and showed how dangerous he can be in mounting an attack from down back.
Key Players for Port Adelaide
Jason Davenport – The ex-cat showed what many people in Geelong was already aware of the boy can play. Kicked 3 goals for Port and had 21 disposals in a well rounded performance.
David Rodan – Tried hard all day for the Power having 23 disposals for the match. 8 tackles, 6 clearances and 4 inside 50s. Really went in and got the ball with 9 contested possessions just needed to be more effective with his disposals efficiency at 61%.
Peter Burgoyne – Highest clearance winner for the Port side with 8. Only had 20 possessions but of these 10 were contested. Another player who really tried hard for the Power side.
Musings from the Match
• Geelong has remained undefeated for their round 14 clash with the Saints.
• Peter Burgoyne was reported for Rough Conduct against James Kelly in the second term.
• Tom Hawkins still does not look confident in front of goal. He is beginning to look strong over head but just needs to improve his goal kicking.
• Port Adelaide despite being well down going into the last quarter outscored the cats by 4 goals. But were kicking to the scoring end with 24 of 31 goals being scored at this end for the day.
• David Johnson went down with a hamstring injury and looks like he will miss out on next weeks match. Personally I would like to see David Wojcinski back in the team.
• Port struggle to keep its intensity for a sustained period, this allows good teams to get on top of them.
• The Cats only had 5 players with under 16 possessions for the match.
SuperCoach
Ablett is back….. After a disappointing round 12 Ablett has rebounded with 206 points in a dominant display. Byrnes continued his good point scoring with 126 and Chapman had 155 points in a good display. Steve Johnson is down on form only scoring 44 for the round. Milburn and Scarlett also had great games in the backline. Rodan was the only player who scored of 100 points for the Power with 101. Many players well down for the Power, too many to mention but interestingly Port were 572 points below Geelong for the Match.
Fremantle vs. Geelong – Round 12 Recap
Sunday, June 21st, 2009Fremantle 11.9.(75)
Geelong 13.16.(94)
Geelong has continued its winning streak in season 2009 defeating a valiant Fremantle outfit. Fremantle were able to push an at times sluggish Geelong team but just could not come away with the points, eventually being defeated by 19 points. It looked as though the Cats may have gone into the round 14 clash with St Kilda with one defeat but the lesser likes of Byrnes and Varcoe helped to get the Cats over the line.
Big Moment
This was one game where the umpires had a massive influence at crucial times for both teams. During the last term Fremantle were on the attack after Geelong got the Jump early in the last. They moved the ball along the wing but James Kelly intercepted the pass on Fremantle’s half forward flank. Kelly played on and was tackled from behind and disposed of the ball incorrectly but no free was paid. Geelong was able to take the ball and the result was a goal to the Cats.
Key Players for Fremantle
Matthew Pavlich – Absolutely amazing for the Dockers having 31 disposals. 7 clearances for the Pav and 9 contested possessions and kicked 2 goals for the Dockers.
Aaron Sandilands – Killed the Cats in the ruck contest today well mainly Mark Blake. Had 37 hit outs and 5 clearances. The thing I really enjoyed about his game was the 12 contested possessions from a big man.
Greg Broughton – Loved his game today out of defence. 7 rebounds from 50 in his 29 disposals and 5 tackles. Really looked dangerous coming out of defence for the Dockers.
Key Players for Geelong
Shannon Byrnes – Best game in Geelong colours by far. In an inaccurate day for the Cats Byrnes kicked 5 goals 1 behind. 26 possessions with 5 inside 50s set up the win for the Cats with his running and now good skills.
Travis Varcoe – Only had 20 possessions but showed his class in the third and fourth quarters. Set up at least two goals one that he started at half back and laid a Sheppard in the goal square. 10 contested possessions and 4 inside 50s. Really helped Geelong get over the line.
Joel Corey – 30 touches in a very good return for Corey. Well rounded performance helping out both forward and back. 4 clearances, 5 inside 50s and 2 rebounds from 50. The impressive thing was his 8 tackles tried hard all day.
Musings from the Match
* Mitch Morton is starting some form of goal kicking revolution for better or worse. Tom Hawkins used the technique and succeeded but young Gary Ablett from only 20 metres out tried and failed. As a Cat fan not impressed as Ablett is such a good set shot.
* With the imminent return of Brad Ottens tough decisions need to be made on who is the 2nd ruckmen. Mark Blake is on shaky ground, doesn’t do enough around the ground.
* Fremantle’s early inaccuracy may have cost them a big lead at quarter time.
* Geelong’s later inaccuracy also may have cost them a big lead at three quarter time.
* So many mistakes from umpires. Examples to follow.
* Didn’t realise ruckmen can take the ball out of the ruck, get tackled and not get pinged for holding the ball.
* Holding the ball apparently didn’t exist for this game.
* Umpires have to not get sucked in by players in a contest and give away subsequent soft free kicks.
* Geelong now holds the record for interstate wins on the trot.
* Round 14 is still on.
* Perth teams are enjoying playing Geelong this year.
SuperCoach
Please don’t cry but Gary Ablett scored less than one hundred points, well down on his season average. He did have 29 possessions but a lot of handballs. Shannon Byrnes had a massive total of 145 well up on his average of 98. Joel Selwood was also well down on his season average. Sandilands as expected dominated the ruck and scored 140 points well up on his average for the season. Broughton also had a very good game with 119 points.
Essendon vs Geelong – Round 10 match recap
Sunday, May 31st, 2009Essendon – 11.4 (70)
Geelong – 20.14 (134)
Geelong have taught a flat Essendon side a tough lesson on Sunday afternoon. In a first quarter reminiscent of the St Kilda clash a couple of weeks ago, Essendon got first blood through Jay Neagle in the first minute but it was all Geelong after that with the Cats kicking 6.4 to 1.1 in the first quarter. The Cats continued to pressure the Bombers and by three quarter time had kicked a further 11.9 to just 4.2 from the Dons. Such was the Geelong lead that they were able to take the foot off the pedal half way through the third, and didn’t really put it back on. Essendon won the last quarter 6.1 to 3.1 but they never looked like winning with the Cats victorious by 64 points.
Turning points of the match There wasn’t really a turning point. The Cats dominated all day, but when they lifted the foot off the pedal a little bit it gave the Dons some room and they moved the ball well in the last quarter to bring the margin down to 64. Key Players for Essendon Paddy Ryder – Continued his good season in the absence of David Hille. Collected 24 hit outs, 18 possessions, 13 of those contested, and 6 tackles. Heath Hocking – Started the game on Stevie J, gave him too much space, and was consequently moved off him. Managed to collect 23 disposals, 10 contested, with 4 marks and kicked Essendon’s only 2 goals in the third quarter in an important effort. Jay Neagle – The Bombers leading goal scorer with 3.1 from 7 grabs. Worked pretty hard all day and presented as an option up the ground when Essendon was struggling to get the ball out of their defensive 50. I was really impressed with his game. Key Players for Geelong Joel Selwood – Dominated all day with 37 possessions, 11 contested, 7 marks and kicked 2 straight goals. Gary Ablett – No surprise here really. He was always in the right place for the handball receive or one-two play. But as if to show he doesn’t wait for the ball to come to him he gathered a game high 14 contested possessions on his way to a total of 30. He also chipped in with 2.2. Steve Johnson – 21 disposals, 11 marks and 6.2 in a fantastic display. Musings from the match · It wasn’t the best game of footy to watch skills wise. Both teams weren’t as slick as we have seen them be, but somehow Geelong still made skill errors look good. · Essendon had an disposal efficiency of 68%, Geelong had 76%. · Geelong only had one more clearance than Essendon. · Geelong had 59 inside 50’s to Essendon’s 37. · Essendon scored over half their score in the last quarter when the game was over. · The umpires were as inconsistent as I have seen this season, even the Geelong supporters around me were not happy. · Mark Mcveigh looked underdone. · Injuries included Tom Bellchambers, Tom Harley, Harry Taylor, Matthew Lloyd, Max Rooke, and Gary Ablett (limped off in the last quarter with an ankle problem). The first two didn’t return to the field, the second two didn’t look serious, with Rooke getting knocked out but returning in the last quarter. Supercoach news Gary Ablett – Another 150 score. That’s all I am going to say. In fact, Geelong had 9 players score over 100 points with Shannon Byrnes, Joel Selwood, Steve Johnson, Gary Ablett, Cameron Mooney, and Corey Enright all scoring 120 or more. For the Don’s only two players reached triple figures in Paddy Ryder and Heath Hocking with 101 and 115 respectively.
