HE FIRST round of finals have come and gone, with winners of the top four contests earning a week off next round and the losers living to fight another day. The two losing coaches from the elimination finals will be busy organising their outfits for Mad Monday.
Fantasy Pig
Fear the beard! Max Gawn (RUC) once again demonstrated why he is a clear cut above the rest in the big man department with a round high 144. He was phenomenal against the Hawks, registering a lazy 41 hit-outs to go with 16 possessions and a goal to not only be the best player on the ground, but also the best of the round.
Honourable mention:Despite a heavy defeat for the Blues, veteran half-back Kade Simpson (DEF) showed nothing but class. In a game where he could justifiably pack up shop, he did anything of the sort, continuing his outstanding form in the fourth quarter, eventually collecting 39 possessions and an impressive 10 marks for a score of 135. He single handily won the game for me in our Bacon Cup elimination final.
Fantasy Prestigiacomo
Robbie Gray (MID/FWD) went to lows that I didn't think he was capable of. As a fan and owner of Gray, I sat stunned as I witnessed him play an almost unrecognisable game against the Swans where, like his teammates, he was completely outclassed, scoring 40 from just seven touches. An unbelievable and match defining score in many finals I am sure.
Honourable mention: Michael Walters (FWD) actually appeared busy in the last quarter, but it was all to no avail, ending the game on a disappointing score of just 51 after such a promising patch of form during the year.
Piglet
Rupert Wills (MID) had another great game for the Pies, kicking a goal to go with his 20 touches and impressive eight tackles for a score of 90. He looks an outstanding emergency prospect over the remainder of the finals.
The top 10
Max Gawn: 144
Tom Lynch (Adel): 142
Tom Mitchell: 139
Shaun Grigg: 139
Kade Simpson: 135
Jack Viney: 134
Patrick Cripps: 131
Mitch Brown: 131
Dan Hannebery: 129
Luke Parker: 128