THE HANGOVER: DRAFTSTARS WEEKLY WRAP

You are probably still nursing your noggin after a big long weekend. Most likely, there was a big night somewhere in there. And good on you. It has been a long start to 2019 and you deserved it. You know what else you deserve? The week of sport you just witnessed, and the accompanying Draftstars contests you were afforded.

And it felt good to reward yourself over the week and weekend, so do it again this week. Go on! There are tonnes more contests to sink your teeth into; another cash grab in the AFL, the NBA Finals (how many, who knows), the NRL and a big few Cricket World Cup games. Just like the week just gone!

Looking back though, what a week it was. Who honestly could have predicted the Toronto Raptors leading the finals at 3-1 after dropping the second game in Canada. Who honestly thought this would happen? Now they are on the cusp of history, no matter what it took for them to get there.

How about the AFL? Well, the bye rounds aren’t exactly the NBA Finals but it did its best considering only six games were played. How about Carlton, hey? After sacking Brendon Bolton, the Blue boys were inspired and snatched their second game of the year. Though Geelong retained top spot with an impressive win over the Tigers on Friday night at the ‘G.

The Cricket World Cup has been a gift. Just when you have settled down for the evening, the games are kicking off. The Aussies have produced a bit of mixed bag with a great come from behind victory against the Windies being offset by a disappointing loss to India on Sunday. But who is the best team? England? India? New Zealand? Australia?

A mid-week Origin Game changed the NRL narrative a little with the Rabbitohs and Roosters both going down, but the Storm kept to the script with an easy win over the Warriors giving them top spot on the ladder.

Speaking of Origin though, Wednesday was one of the great games between the two sides with the Maroons coming from behind to pinch it late. Dane Gagai was the hero with two tries, and his 76 DS points at just over $8.5k salary made him the top scorer in the State of Origin contest, and the best value selection.

AFL ROUND TWELVE

Geelong are in scary form. Their best players are starring and their supporting cast is playing better than ever. And Friday night against the Tigers was a prime example. Patrick Dangerfield chalked up a monstrous 162 DS points for his herculean 38 touch, nine tackle, one goal game and he was supported by lesser lights Cam Guthrie (104 DS points) and Gryan Miers (86 DS points).

The Blues conceded the first six goals of the game against Brisbane and interim coach, David Teague, looked like he might be out of a job by half-time. But from then on they held the Lions to just three goals and booted 11 themselves to come away victorious. Patrick Cripps. That is all. 38 disposals, four goals, 151 DS points. Take a bow.

Jack Ziebell would not be held back in his 200th game as the Roos won their second straight game under the tutelage of Rhyce Shaw. Opposed to the sub-par Suns, Ziebell had 28 touches, 10 tackles and two goals to lead all comers with 145 DS points. Suns rising star Will Brodie had a career day too, 29 touches, 10 tackles and a goal earnt him 142 DS points.

Adelaide defied the odds to overcome a three-quarter-time deficit against the fancied Giants. The Giants had the top two DS scoring players in Tim Taranto (139 DS points) and Josh Kelly (128 DS points) but it was not enough. For the Crows, Wayne Milera’s 103 DS points at $12,190 was very handy for the one per cent who selected him.

A groundswell of enthusiasm almost talked Sydney into favouritism against the Eagles. And for good reason. The Swans always looked the better side as they found some attacking flair. They had the top seven DS points scoring players and it was Tom Papley (five goals, 122 DS points) and Buddy Franklin’s (five goals, 117 DS points) combination that should excite Swans fans.

And sheesh. Melbourne. They looked second rate on Queen’s Birthday Monday missing targets and gifting Collingwood easy inside 50s. Max Gawn can hold his head high though as his best game of the year came opposed to Brodie Grundy. A career high 34 disposals to go with 33 hit outs made for 148 DS points.

NBA FINALS

As already alluded to, wow. Toronto are on the cusp of history. And game five could very well prove to result in said history.

A lot has happened since last week and Klay Thompson’s hamstring strain is probably the biggest news (other, of course, than KD’s continued absence). While he was out, Steph Curry took over with 47 points in game three. He combined that with seven assists and eight boards in arguably the best finals performance of his career.

But, astoundingly, it was not enough and the Warriors remarkably lost at Oracle. Gifting the Raptors a 2-1 series lead. Fittingly, Toronto beat the Warriors at their own game as they spread the load having six players reach double figures in points, led by Kawhi with 30. Kyle Lowry was huge in this contest too with 23 points, nine assists and four boards.

After a game three loss, Klay returned and the Warriors were back at Oracle. Surely a win was inevitable?

Kawhi Leonard laughs, or something, at the prospect. And then goes off for 36 points (5-9 from three) and 12 boards, snatches four steals, and (probably) steals the Warriors Larry O’Brien trophy. And he leads all players this postseason in point, rebounds and steals.

Written by Brin Duggan

By AFL, Latest, NBA, NRL