Round Four of season 2022 saw some interesting results, with Melbourne the solitary team undefeated in the competition. The Bombers and Eagles notched their first win, Port Adelaide are still stranded without a win, whilst the Saints and Tigers found their mojo.
There was a lot of impressive individual performances with big forwards Tom Hawkins and Lynch kicking bags whilst fourth-gamer Nick Daicos collected 30+ possessions.
In the aftermath of the round, we decided to look at who's becoming a quiet achiever, who continues to be 'Mr.Consistent' and who needs to lift.
Who’s flying under the radar?
Ben Keays – The Adelaide midfielder has started the season in brilliant form, averaging over 30 touches a game and six clearances. Keays’ strong performances have been overshadowed by the Crows’ win/loss record as they sit 1-3 after the first four games. His impressive ability to accumulate high possessions and put pressure on the ball carrier early in the piece has the 25-year-old flying under the radar.
Mitch Lewis – The Hawthorn key forward has kicked 12 goals so far this season, at an average of three per game. Lewis has kicked a goal in every game, with five against the Power as the youngster continues to impress at the level. He averages seven marks a game and could’ve easily had a handful against the Saints (3.5). Lewis is proving to be a handful for defenders and the Hawks hope his improvement only continues to rise.
Will Brodie – Fremantle midfielder Will Brodie made the switch from Gold Coast to WA in search of more opportunities. In a young midfield group, Brodie has taken most of his chances, playing all four games at a high level. He’s averaging 27 touches (15 contested) along with six clearances and five tackles. In the absence of Fyfe and departure of Cerra, Brodie has responded exceptionally, including his BOG performance against the Giants (37 touches, six tackles and 27 pressure acts).
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Who's Mr Consistent?
Travis Boak – It seems that the older Travis Boak gets, the better he becomes. After an impressive 2021, Boak has backed up his performances with inspiring outings in the first four rounds. Averaging 34 touches and eight clearances, Boak is leading the charge in what appears to be a deflated outfit. Sitting at 0-4, Boak is one of few who could hold his head high in season 2022.
Jack Macrae – It’s very rare that Bulldog Jack Macrae doesn’t find the footy with this year being no exception. The gun midfielder has averaged 33 touches and eight clearances in what seems to be a formidable string of consistent performances. It has become the norm that Macrae perform the way he does as he continues to build an extraordinary resume.
Andrew Brayshaw – At only 22 years of age, Andrew Brayshaw is quickly becoming a supreme midfielder of the competition. Averaging 30 disposals a game and leading our Brownlow predictor count after round four, Brayshaw is a player to watch, with consistent performances week-in-week-out. His 40-possession, one goal game against St Kilda is just an insight into what he can do, also tallying 181 fantasy points - the highest so far this season.
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Who’s fallen away?
James Worpel – The young midfielder had put together impressive seasons as he emerged as an important cog in the Hawthorn line-up. However, it seems Worpel hasn’t been able to get himself going, despite the Hawks’ surprising start in 2022. The inside mid averages 15 touches and only 3 clearances, a stat-line he’d like to improve upon. Worpel’s round four match against the Saints saw him look lost and could only manage five touches and a miserable 10 Fantasy points.
Connor Rozee – Port Adelaide forward Connor Rozee has struggled so far in 2022. The former pick 5 has found it difficult to get into games, only averaging 12 touches and kicking two goals for the year. Fully understanding the disappointment in the Power’s season so far (0-4), Rozee is the type of player who needs to get going if their season can turn around. He plays as a barometer, being able to be the connecting player from midfield to goal, whilst usually kicking some himself.
Kysaiah Pickett – The lively small forward has been a little down on form, having not lived up our screens with his freakish ability around goal. Pickett has averaged fewer than eight touches a game, with only once has he collected over 10. After four weeks, Pickett has only kicked three goals and will look to bounce back against the Giants and get his pressure gauge right up there.
