Every Tuesday on The Agenda Setters, AFL experts Luke Hodge and Dale Thomas break down the weekend's football with their unique buy, hold, and sell recommendations. After Round 9, Geelong clamped down on Collingwood, the Giants overcame Essendon, and a Brisbane Academy waterboy found himself in a sticky situation. Here's what they're buying and selling this week.
Hodge: Buying Clayton Oliver
Luke Hodge has been impressed by former Demon Clayton Oliver, who has transitioned to GWS with outstanding numbers. Oliver leads the Giants in score involvements, contested possessions, tackles, ground balls, and clearances, and ranks second in average disposals per game. "Kane (Cornes) is not going to be happy with this," Hodge said. "I know Kane wanted to get rid of him last year, thought he wasn't worth the cash." Hodge highlighted Oliver's score involvements, a metric Cornes values highly. "He's sitting No.1, and he's doing the defensive side as well. He's tackling. So my buy is Oliver, especially when they're paying half his salary." Cornes applauded the call, saying "well picked up."
Thomas: Buying Ryan Lester
Brisbane veteran Ryan Lester seems to be improving with age, despite spending years on the fringe. He starred on the weekend, leading Lions coach Chris Fagan to credit Hodge for suggesting Lester move to a half-back role, a change that transformed his game. "I'm buying someone you know very well—Ryan Lester," Thomas said. "The game he played on the weekend, alongside Harris Andrews as a clear interceptor, he's become a pivotal part of Brisbane. As always, Hodge, he was right." Hodge responded: "Thank you for getting my email and showing that Fagan clip."
Hodge: Holding St Kilda's Recruits
Pressure is mounting on St Kilda's high-profile recruits, who have yet to ignite a team languishing in 11th place. The Saints face Richmond this week, followed by tough games against top-four sides Fremantle, Hawthorn, and Sydney. Compounding their woes, superstar Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is out with a calf injury, forward Max King remains sidelined, and defender Callum Wilkie has a back issue. "These guys came in on big coin," Hodge said, pointing to Champion Data ratings showing Tom De Koning as 'below average,' and Sam Flanders, Jack Silvagni, and Liam Ryan as 'average.' "Sam Flanders had a good game last week. SOS (Silvagni) is there, but I want to see them step up with Nas out. They have a tough few weeks ahead, and Ross (Lyon) needs them to stand up."
Thomas: Holding Collingwood
Thomas believes it's premature to abandon Collingwood just yet. The former Pies star acknowledged concerns about the team's age and potential decline but argued they are not far off. He showed footage of Collingwood's goalless third quarter against Geelong, when the Cats broke the game open. "They weren't quite good enough, but look at the missed opportunities. You can find ways to move the ball through the corridor. They are this far off—missed chances in a momentum-driven game. The cliff isn't here yet."
Hodge: Selling Being a Brisbane Academy Waterboy
Being a waterboy for the Brisbane Lions Academy is not for the faint-hearted. Hodge showed footage of young waterboy Ollie Watts, who was mic'd up during a game against Gippsland Power. After delivering water, the bottles were thrown back, striking him on the head. "Oh, s*** ... I'm bleeding," he said as he left the field, adding: "Blood rule, send him off. We've copped a cut to the head." Ollie required stitches. "The worst part? His brother Archie kicked three goals in the first quarter, and their parents missed it because they were inside looking after Ollie. Bad luck, but stick with it—you'll be back next week."
Thomas: Selling Grippo
Grippo is a product players use to enhance grip on the football, but Thomas was never a fan during his playing days. "Lots of players use it. I preferred a bit of dirt on the hand," he said, issuing a warning. Thomas showed footage of Richmond veteran Nathan Broad, who mishandled a kick against Adelaide and immediately wiped his hand on the MCG turf. "Experienced player kicks inside forward 50, but the ball barely reaches his foot. Then he spends 10 seconds cleaning Grippo off his hand. It was like playing with a Velcro ball. Less Grippo, Nathan, and you might get a clean kick."
