ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK
Jobe Watson [MID, $545,001] has been in great form with scores of 149, 116 and 114 leading into his game on the weekend. This run of hot form was a great reward for the 49,000 coaches that held him through a lean five-game stretch where he had a top score of just 96. Unfortunately on the weekend, Jobe was injured but the brilliant Bombers skipper did enough to post another impressive total, 95 (good enough to reach his break-even and increase his price). With Watson's season in doubt, he must be traded. Fortunately, he is now at a price where there are plenty of good options, whether it is an upgrade, a straight swap or even a downgrade.
THE UPGRADE
If you have the cash you simply must pick up Tom Rockliff [MID, $624,623]. 'Rocky' is currently the best in the business with a season average of 125 points per game and a three-round average of 134. His ability to pump out huge scores is undeniable, recording five scores over 130 including two over 150. His form at the Gabba is also eye-catching, and well worthy of captain consideration every time he plays at home. The four times Rocky has lined up at home this year he has returned scores of 116, followed by a three-game home stretch of 141, 147 and 153 - and there are no prizes for guessing where he plays this week. He certainly comes at a cost, and there are some good fallen premiums available for much less, but with two out of his next three games at home, his price will only increase over the coming weeks. Of course, the form of Rockliff has caught the attention of opposition coaches and he has received a tag the last few weeks, but his outstanding tackling (11, 11, 13 and 10 in the last four) will ensure that he still records a premium score.
THE DOWNGRADE
This is a slightly risky move, and ideally a player like Watson should be upgraded to a reliable elite premium. If, however, you are in need of around 100k to fix another problem in your team, I may have a solution which could pay off. After injury ruined the end of 2013 for Andrew Swallow [MID, $445,460] he has not only returned to the field, but over the last two weeks he has returned to form and looks a bargain for his price. Back in 2012, Swallow averaged a career high 103 which shows he can score at a premium rate and the last two weeks suggest he may be back to his best with scores of 102 and a very impressive 111 with 29 touches against the Tigers on the weekend. If you are after something unique, this may be an unconventional way for you to upgrade a player in another position, while joining the 1.66 per cent of coaches that own Swallow. He has a break-even of 74 and could serve as a stepping stone to one of the elite premiums in a few weeks.
THE STRAIGHT SWAP
With Steve Johnson [MID, $537,336] still carrying a huge break-even of 154, I am going to wait another price drop before jumping on him and recommend young gun Adam Treloar [MID, $533,352] who is in cracking form following his bye. The last three weeks Treloar has been one of the best scoring players in the competition with 118, 120 and 130 for a three round average of 123, leaving him with a break-even of just 76 leading into his game against the league’s most Fantasy friendly side the Brisbane Lions. Treloar has been doing the lot’ registering 34, 32 and 27 possessions in his last three games while taking 19 marks, laying 14 tackles and kicking four goals in that time. He can be prone to copping a tag, as we saw against the Power when Kane Cornes held him to 93 and Luke Dunstan also kept a close eye on him for 69 in round two. Treloar is in the middle of a third year break-out and doesn’t look like slowing down.
ROOKIE WATCH
If you are looking for a quick hit of cash, it might be worth looking to downgrade a cash cow like Tom Derickx [RUC, $295,747] to Hawk Luke Lowden [RUC, $125,963]. Although he may not have the best job security, Lowden did everything he could to earn an extended stay in the Hawks' line-up with 12 touches, 15 hit-outs and an impressive three goals for 66 points.
WHAT ARE THE TRADERS DOING THIS WEEK?
Warnie
In: Michael Barlow, Robbie Gray
Out: Jobe Watson, Shaun Higgins
Calvin
In: Luke Lowden, Luke Parker
Out: Tom Derickx, Jamie Elliott
Calvin is looking to use a traditional downgrade trade in order to bring in the best forward in the competition.
Roy
In: Brendon Goddard, Pearce Hanley
Out: Jobe Watson, Shaun Higgins
I am planning on making enough money out of Jobe to upgrade Higgins to a more consistent defender.
If you are after some trade advice, hit me up on Twitter: @RoyDT
