From a Fantasy perspective, Port Adelaide have always provided us with plenty of premium and rookie options, and 2014 is no different.
The biggest lock for the Power is... Jared Polec [MID, $135,500].
If you don’t have Jared Polec in your team, open up a new tab and do it straight away.
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In his first NAB Challenge match he scored 91 points against Adelaide and backed it up against Essendon with 102 points from just 70 per cent game time.
Polec is one of the easiest selections this year for your Fantasy team, and the only dilemma you’ll be faced with is if you are going to start him on the field or on the bench.
Personally, he’ll sit as my seventh or eighth midfielder based on his potential to score. With a NAB Challenge average of 96.5 and a price tag cheaper than most rookies, it’s pretty much a no-brainer. So whatever you do, don’t miss out on this one.
A bargain on the radar is... Matthew Lobbe [RUC, $429,300].
Lobbe averaged 104 points in his last seven games of 2013 and comes priced at an average of 81. He is a tackling machine for a ruckman, leading all rucks for tackles after round 12 last year.
Although he scored just 77 and 33 in his NAB Challenge games, Lobbe is much better than that. He shared the rucking responsibilities with Brent Renouf during the pre-season, something that I don’t see happening much once the season proper begins.
A player of difference is: Chad Wingard [FWD/MID, $474,700]
After a magnificent season, Wingard won the club’s best and fairest as well as All-Australian honours. However, he comes with a hefty price tag this year which is turning many Fantasy coaches off.
In 2013, he had a stellar stretch that saw him score over 100 four times in a row and finally average 87 for the season.
Many Fantasy coaches are chasing Tom Mitchell who is around the same price after his brilliant NAB Challenge score of 138 points. That’s fair enough, but don’t overlook Wingard so quickly. The kid is star and a unique selection in your Fantasy team and will only be better this year.
The pre-season has taught us... that value players come to play!
Jasper Pittard [DEF, $311,100] is cheaper than the more fancied Matt Suckling and scored a massive 129 points in his last NAB Challenge game against Essendon. In that game he had 29 disposals and 13 marks in just 79 per cent game time.
Pittard averaged 58 last year and will again be busy linking up play across the half-back, like he did on two occasions in 2013 with scores of 96 and 111.
His scores look great and he certainly has potential. But players like this can make or break your season, so be cautious.
Twitter Talk
@JoshElliottFP asks “@CalvinDT: Breakout time for Hamish Harlett? Can Brad Ebert go 100+?”
Hamish Harlett [MID, $446,600] has been in and out of Fantasy teams for the last two years and frustrating coaches on and off.
This year he’s been named as a midfielder only and can't be selected in your backline. Based on this, you would have to pass on Harlett this year.
“But will he breakout?” I hear you ask. Sorry Josh, probably not.
Brad Ebert [MID, $537,300] on the other hand has averaged 99 over the last two years since arriving at Port Adelaide from West Coast in 2011.
Ebert averaged 122 over a five game period last year but then had scores of under 90 in half of his games.
When this issue of inconsistency is resolved, Ebert has the potential to be a premium star of the future.
Coach Calvin currently has his eye on...
Unlike Roy, I like having Port Adelaide players in my Fantasy team.
However, I got a sneak peak at my colleague's side the other day and even Roy has Jared Polec locked into his midfield this year.
As mentioned, Polec is also cemented into my team. Matthew Lobbe also holds a position next to Aaron Sandilands in the ruck, but isn’t locked in with the same amount confidence.
The second ruck slot will divide many Fantasy coaches this year but for now, Lobbe gets the nod for me.
To discuss #AFLFantasy on Twitter, follow @CalvinDT and the official account @AFLFantasy
