Herald Suns review of the game from a Supercoach perspective.
MELBOURNE
ANGUS BRAYSHAW ($452,400 MID)
In his first official appearance of the pre-season, Brayshaw started at half-forward, before pushing up to the contest, and had little impact in the first-half.
He failed to attend a centre bounce in the opening two quarters, but after moving to an inside-midfield role the 24-year-old was there at almost every one after halftime, finishing the game as one of the most-influential players on the ground.
TOM SPARROW ($182,500 FWD)
The strong-bodied 19-year-old did start at the first centre-bounce, however, and he was an early standout at the contest for the Demons, going head-to-head with fellow rookie-price option Bonar.
It follows the second-year midfielder’s impressive 77-point performance, on the back of 17 disposals, eight contested possessions and seven tackles in the opening week of Marsh Series action.
TRENT RIVERS ($117,300 DEF-MID)
The Demons had two kick-ins in the first quarter and the 18-year-old draftee took both. And, more importantly for SuperCoaches, played-on twice.
Despite an early turnover in front of goal, as he did for WA last year, Rivers used the ball well from the back-half.
Late in the first term, the classy rebounding-defender took on the man on the mark and opened up the game by finding a teammate in the corridor with a pinpoint 40-metre pass, with the play resulting in a Demons’ shot-at-goal.
KYSAIAH PICKETT ($157,800 FWD)
Despite failing to have a big impact, the excitement machine made North Melbourne defenders nervous and was a threat all game.
Pickett, who almost nailed a left-foot checkside shot for goal from the boundary line in the third quarter, might not be a big SuperCoach scorer in 2020, but he’ll be exciting to watch.
BAYLEY FRITSCH ($413,900 DEF-FWD)
The strong-marking swingman played forward against North Melbourne and starred, presenting strongly on the lead and delivering with precision.
He might be worth some thought in SuperCoach Draft, especially with dual-position status.
TOBY BEDFORD ($123,900 FWD)
Melbourne’s NGA Academy member struggled in his first VFL season last year, but he impressed on Friday morning.
In form reminiscent of his junior career, the 19-year-old’s forward pressure was a highlight as was his long-running goal in the last quarter – his second major for the day.
