Each week we will do a deep dive into a player that had a strong performance in the previous round. The player may not have had the top score of the weekend but a solid outing nonetheless. I’ll look to cover the previous rounds performance, outlook for the season ahead, outlook for 2024 and beyond and my recommendation for this player. Let us know your thoughts on who we have down below on all of our social channels: twitter, facebook, instagram, discord.
Player of the Week
Player Name: Harry Sheezel Age: 18 Club: North Melbourne Kangaroos Position: Forward Round 1 Score: 141 2023 Ave Score: 141 2023 Positional Rank: 2nd 2023 Overall Rank: 7th
Round 1 Performance
North Melbourne fans are up and about after hitting the trifecta over the weekend! Four points after a win, an exciting performance under new head coach Alastair Clarkson and the uncovering of a gem in Harry Sheezel! It was to my surprise that Sheezel was deployed as a half-back flanker in North Melbourne's win against the West Coast Eagles. Sheezel feasted down back racking up disposals for fun, his day included 22 kicks, 12 handballs, 9 marks and 631 meters-gained which equated to 141 GDS fantasy points... on DEBUT! North Have more than a good one in Sheezel.
2023 Outlook
While there is cause for us all to lose our collective minds over Sheezel's round 1 performance it might be wise to cool our expectations just a touch so early on into Sheezel's career. As I mentioned earlier the half-back role Sheezel played on the weekend was a surprise to myself at least, and can we expect him to stay there? we know through his junior footy he was a dynamic goal threat, will he be used up forward at all? The role Sheezel plays will be imperative to his viability as a starter as the season progresses.
GDS Dynasty Ranking
Sheezel is very interesting when we try and dissect how he fares as a long term fantasy asset. Obviously, the sample size we have is about as small as it can be... he's only played one league game, it just so happened to be an incredible game! There are questions surrounding his role as well. Does he continue off half-back for the Roos, do the kick-in duties stay consistent? Will he spend time forward? all questions will be answered in a matter of time but how much stock can we put into him? With a clear mind... I think that is safe to say that Sheezel will be an elite footballer. After a game like that, it's easy to forget that he's just 18 years old, and it would be unfair to assume any form of consistency for a while. I would say if his half-back role continues and he gains defender status, he could be one of the better defenders in the game in a few years. There are just so many "if's" as we stand today.
Kerm's Call
18 years old, 141 on debut, half-back role, Alastair Clarkson, North Melbourne Kangaroos, there are so many factors to consider when trying to make a call right now! A few will be answered as the season progresses, others might take years to unfold. I genuinely do think that if Sheezel retains the half-back roll he may be start-able in a few weeks time, however, that is a massive if. Clarko could be up to his old tricks, we could definitely see a role change and we need to keep in mind his age. One thing is for certain! The guy is a gun, and should be on everyones radar!