So far this season, Rioli has been hit and miss for coaches, scoring big one week and little the next, despite being named in the Hawks’ best because of his ability to impact a game. So far this season, Rioli has failed to reach 20 disposals in any game, but has had an impact by pressuring the opposition, laying a number of tackles.
There’s no better example than his game against the Dockers last Saturday afternoon. The Hawks dynamo had little impact in the first quarter, but exploded onto the scene to play an integral role in the Hawks’ second quarter barrage in which the Hawks piled on eight goals to two. Rioli had six tackles to his name at the half, and was easily one of the best on ground. He finished the match with 14 possessions, eight tackles and one goal to accumulate 91 Dream Team points.
His highest score so far this season was against the Saints in Round 6, the night he booted six goals in an outstanding best-on-ground performance for 113 Dream Team points. That season-high is almost cancelled out though, by a low score of just 43 points against Melbourne. Meaning, that his average over eight games is just 75 points and at a price tag of $363,900 he might not be, for once an ideal candidate for your team.
It almost seems sacrilege to say that about Rioli, but the fact is that despite his ability to turn as game, and win one off his own boot, that ability counts for little in the world of fantasy football. For now, Hawks fans can admire the work of the Hawks’ forward, without the worry of “yes he’s playing well, but is he scoring well in Dream Team?”.
You would be well advised to keep an eye on his scores as the season continues, however, with such a low price, if his scores improve, you won’t want to miss the chance to pounce.
Round 9 spotlight
Luke Breust ($314,500) - The Hawks “super sub” from last season had one of his best game for the Hawks last weekend, gathering a career-high 24 possessions in Hawthorn’s runaway win over Fremantle. Breust’s pressure and work across half forward was integral to the win, and integral to his Dream Team score, notching 97 points for just the 2,951 coaches that own him.Brent Guerra ($399,900) - Guerra was back to his best last weekend, earning 92 points for his 7,002 coaches. We highlighted Guerra as a unique choice who has been performing week in, week out for coaches and he proved why against Fremantle. He’s averaging 20 disposals a game to be one of the Hawks “go to guys” out of defence.
David Hale ($347,400) - The big man seems to be enjoying his new role as the Hawks’ main ruckman in the absence of the injured Max Bailey. In recent weeks, Coach Alastair Clarkson has given Hale and Jarryd Roughead the ruck reigns, and they haven’t let him down. In the last three weeks, Hale averages 89.3 points per game, with a season-high 104 points against the Crows. He is a dual position players, and at just $347,400 he could be an out-of-the-box choice for your team - 18,980 coaches agree.
Top 5 Hawks in Round 8
1. Clinton Young ($327,700) - 132
2. Liam Shiels ($454,800) - 105
3. Jordan Lewis ($414,500) - 99
4. Luke Breust ($314,500) - 97
5. Brad Sewell ($408,300) - 96
Top 5 Hawks in 2012
1. Sam Mitchell ($462,400)
2. Lance Franklin ($440,000)
3. Matt Suckling ($424,200)
4. Jordan Lewis ($414,500)
5. Brad Sewell ($408,300)
Join Hawthorn Football Club's official Dream Team league by entering the league code 288223 for your chance to win a signed 2012 Hawthorn jumper!
Kate Salemme is a member of Hawthorn Football Club’s Digital media team reporting exclusively for hawthornfc.com.au from the Ricoh Centre.
