The Traders take a look at every club's list from a Fantasy point of view and give you the inside word on where the bargains are to be found.
NORTH Melbourne were one of the toughest teams to score against in NAB AFL Fantasy last season, but today we’re looking for players that will score well for us.
The biggest lock for the Kangaroos is... father-son draftee Luke McDonald [DEF/MID, $243,900]. He’s been the talk of the pre-season and word out of Arden Street is that he’ll debut in round one.
Playing in the VFL last season, McDonald has a mature body and will be ready to mix it with the big boys at AFL level.
He averaged 71 Fantasy points from the shortened games at the NAB Under 18 Championships last year.
McDonald has played in both NAB Challenge games thus far being amongst the better performers for North Melbourne scoring 66 from 67 per cent game time against Carlton and 75 points from 87 per cent time on ground against Hawthorn.
Even with the inflated rookie prices this year, McDonald is a must have Fantasy player based purely on job security.
Some bargains on the radar include... some fringe players that may not quite be in the best 22.
New Kangaroo Robin Nahas [FWD, $178,100] averaged 84 back in 2011. He’s priced cheaper than a lot of rookies and if he is playing, his price will rise.
Liam Anthony [MID, $211,100] has averaged in this mid-90s in three of his five years in the system. Like Nahas, if he is playing, he is a bargain selection for your squad and a cash cow.
Although he’s not a fringe player, Lachie Hansen [DEF, $391,900] comes in at a price a lot cheaper than some of the scores he dished up last season. He posted ten Fantasy scores over 90 points in a run of 14 games in 2013. Look out for him to be a top 10 defender this year.
A player of difference is... Jack Ziebell [MID, $513,100]. After increasing his average by 16 points from 2012 to 2013, the sixth-year player may take his game to another level this season.
In the first NAB Challenge match, Ziebell scored a massive 147 Fantasy points with 17 kicks, 12 handballs, six marks and a game high 12 tackles. All of this was from just 67 per cent game time.
He wasn’t quite as dominant against the Hawks on Friday night with just 12 disposals and 55 points.
Picking Ziebell as a point of difference would be a gutsy move considering the Kangaroos share the round eight bye with star studded midfielders from Adelaide, Collingwood, Gold Coast, Geelong and Richmond.
Personally I think he’ll average over 100 points per game, therefore he is priced slightly cheaper than what his output could potentially be this season.
The pre-season has taught us... that Nick Dal Santo [MID, $479,200] will be a Fantasy star at his new club.
With 91 and 74 points respectively in his first two NAB Challenge games, there is no reason that the former Saint can't average in the high-90s this season.
Dal Santo is a durable as they come. He has missed just three matches in the last 10 years.
We have seen some big scores from some up and coming Roos. Ben Cunnington [MID, $446,300] scored 112 from just 60 per cent game time on Friday against Hawthorn. Ryan Bastinac [MID, $463,200], despite being overshadowed by Ziebell’s 147, posted an impressive 126 from 67 per cent time on ground.
Joel Tippett [DEF, $115,200] played both matches and could be a very cheap bench option if given an opportunity this season.
Twitter talk
@scootaa94 asks "@WarnieDT: I'm thinking of reshuffling my forwards. What are your opinions on B Harvey? Is he worth a shot?"
I often shy away from players over the age of 30 but Brent Harvey [FWD/MID, $503,400] makes a compelling case for selection.He averaged 92.8 last year at the age of 33 to be fourth highest averaging forward.
Although he scored well in the NAB Challenge game he played – 87 from 75 per cent game time – I feel that if you do what him in your side, he should be considered as an upgrade target rather than a starter.
Coach Warnie currently has his eye on... McDonald as the last onfield defender. I definitely won’t be alone in picking him!
There is a bit of value this season at the Kangaroos, but I don’t think I’m gutsy enough to pick any other players. I may look at bringing in Daniel Currie [RUC, $115,200] as my fourth ruck as there are limited options at this stage and the 25-year-old may make his debut this season.
To discuss #AFLFantasy on Twitter, follow @WarnieDT and the official account @AFLFantasy
