The footy season is four games old. What have we learned?
THE SPLIT round to open the season was always going to be a challenge for Fantasy coaches. The 'free-hit' and rolling lockout for round one has brought a lot of strategy and fun throughout this first weekend, knowing we have unlimited trades heading into round two.
We are four games into the NAB AFL Fantasy season and here's what we have learned so far.
COLLINGWOOD v FREMANTLE – Etihad Stadium
Kicking off the 2014 season, Fremantle's 12-goal win saw Michael Barlow (134) lead the way with his 29 disposals, seven marks, nine tackles and a goal. Remarkably, fewer than 10 per cent of coaches picked the ball-magnet for round one.
Luke Ball (124), Scott Pendlebury (122) and the under-priced Dayne Beams (122) were the best performers for the Magpies racking up 25, 26 and 31 disposals respectively.
The most selected player in AFL Fantasy Classic is Aaron Sandilands (122). He not only scored the first Fantasy point of the season by winning the first tap, but he went on to gather 19 disposals to go with his 39 hit-outs. At $244,500, he is the bargain ruckman of the year.
Draftee Tom Langdon (105) enjoyed a fantastic debut match with 20 kicks, four handballs, six marks and five tackles to join the exclusive group of players to score a Fantasy ton on debut. At just $135,500, the DEF/MID will be a very popular choice ahead of round two.
Aaron Sandilands proved why he's the most popular Fantasy pick with a fine first round. Picture: AFL Media
GWS v SYDNEY SWANS – Spotless Stadium
The Giants scored the most important win in the club's short history and posted some very impressive Fantasy numbers to go with it.
In the wet conditions at Spotless Stadium, Stephen Coniglio (130) laid a game-high 11 tackles to help him top the Fantasy points for the match. Fellow midfielder Adam Treloar (124) finished with the most disposals in the match with 34 while co-captain Callan Ward (111) finished with 31 disposals.
New recruit Shane Mumford (110) was the dominant ruckman at stoppages, finishing with 45 hit-outs.
Dual-position FWD/MIDs Tom Mitchell (93) and Luke Parker (90) were among the best for the Swans. Rhyce Shaw (90) could prove to be a good buy at $246,400 if he can consistently perform as well as he did on Saturday evening.
More than 20 per cent of coaches backed in Lance Franklin (52) in their squads. Unfortunately it wasn't his day, collecting just four kicks and kicking one goal.
Bargain-priced $135,500 Swans midfielder Harry Cunningham (69) scored all of his points in the first three quarters before Greater Western Sydney dominated the last term.
GOLD COAST v RICHMOND – Metricon Stadium
Suns captain Gary Ablett (141) reminded us that he should be in everyone's Fantasy side with 41 disposals and two goals. However, it was a tough debut for Jack Martin (6) who suffered a shoulder injury early in the game.
Richmond midfielders Brett Deledio (132) and Trent Cotchin (127) finished with 71 possessions between them, kicking a goal each. Both players offer value this season and their selection rates are likely to rise before round two.
Dustin Martin (100) spent time running out of the backline, through the midfield and up forward. Former Port Adelaide player Matt Thomas (108) ran with Ablett but still managed to rack up 29 disposals whilst playing on the champion.
Defender Ben Griffiths (73) was subbed off before three-quarter time. He might be worth a shot as a bench player in your Fantasy backline for only $135,500.
Ben Griffiths could be set for an early price increase after a good game against the Suns. Picture: AFL Media
CARLTON v PORT ADELAIDE – Etihad Stadium
Sunday night football saw the Power cruise to victory in the last quarter and second-year player Ollie Wines (136) top-scored for the away team. Wines finished with 28 disposals, six marks, nine tackles and he kicked two goals in a very impressive display.
Evergreen 31-year-old Kane Cornes (131) has been a premium Fantasy performer across his career. Twenty kicks, 10 handballs and 12 marks helped him to a big score. Justin Westhoff (113) booted five goals. Could it be 2013 revisited with another fast start?
After a ripping pre-season to cement himself in Port Adelaide’s best 22, Jared Polec (85) played off half-forward and through the midfield, racking up 24 disposals. Over 80,000 coaches were very happy with his round one score for an outlay of just $135,500.
David Ellard (100) was the best for the Blues while Dale Thomas (65) kicked the first goal of the game but didn’t post a score to match the expectations of the 35 per cent of Fantasy coaches who selected him.
The rolling lockout will continue through this week up until the start of the North Melbourne v Essendon game on Friday night.
You are able to make changes to your squad for players from clubs that haven't played. On Thursday night at 7.10pm AEDT, Geelong and Adelaide players will be locked, before the full lockout comes into effect on Friday at 7.50pm AEDT.
Coaches should be reminded that leagues can start at any time. Most head-to-head settings are defaulted for a round three start. Make sure you have your league filled before the round that your head-to-head matches begin. If you need extra players for your league, you can add celebrities via the league settings.