IN 2013 not one Adelaide player averaged over 100 Fantasy points for the season.
Many Fantasy coaches are hoping that this will change in 2014 and after completing both of their NAB Challenge games, the signs are good for the Crows.
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The biggest lock for the Crows is... Patrick Dangerfield [FWD/MID, $534,700].
Dangerfield has once again been named as a FWD/MID. He is a gift from the Fantasy gods and should be one of your first picked forwards this year.
Despite only scoring 50 and 58 in his two NAB Challenge games, Dangerfield is priming himself for a magnificent year.
After averaging 102 and 99 in the last two seasons, he is destined to be in the top two forwards this year.
Some bargains on the radar include... Matthew Crouch [MID, $203,200].
Crouch dominated his first NAB Challenge game. He scored 85 points from just 64 per cent game time and was a ball magnet during the TAC Cup in 2013 averaging 38 disposals a game.
After playing just 18 senior games, Brodie Martin [DEF, $150,300] enters his sixth year of AFL. He played in both NAB Challenge games scoring 58 and 47. Although he won’t set the world on fire with huge scores, he’s cheap and appears to be in Adelaide’s best 22.
A player of difference is: Sam Jacobs [RUC, $406,700]
Jacobs is currently priced at 12 points less than what he has averaged since arriving at the Crows in 2012. Despite being subbed in his first NAB Challenge game, Jacobs scored 89 points in just 68 per cent game time against Carlton. He ranked third in hit outs last year and would be a great unique selection in your Fantasy team.
The pre-season has taught us... that you can’t believe everything you see, or can you?
Last year, I selected Matthew Wright [FWD/MID, $368,900] after he dominated the pre-season competition and believe it or not, he’s back to his old tricks this year. From his two NAB Challenge games, he has averaged 33 disposals with scores of 139 and 111. After averaging 68 points last year, he's a classic feast of famine type. The points may dry up, but that price is just oh so tempting.
Twitter Talk
@d1407russell asks “@CalvinDT: Is Brodie Smith set for more midfield time in place of Nathan Van Berlo. Breakout year?”
During the pre-season, Brodie Smith [DEF, $371,600] trained with the midfield group. He scored 75 and 74 points in his NAB Challenge games but did so with some defensive responsibilities. Although, Smith has averaged 64 and 69 over the last two years, a breakout season certainly looms.
Coach Calvin currently has his eye on...
Currently in Team Calvinator, I have Patrick Dangerfield firmly locked away in my forward line. He’s a premium midfielder who can be selected as a forward and needs to be there from the word go.
Personally, I’ll be passing on Matthew Wright based on the 'relationship' we had in 2013. It was a messy break-up that only ended in tears. However, I can understand why first-time owners of the pre-season star are excited. He’s certainly in awesome form.
To discuss #AFLFantasy on Twitter, follow @CalvinDT and the official account @AFLFantasy
