ON A week in which many coaches scored NAB AFL Fantasy season-highs, led by inspirational skipper Gary Ablett, I was once again let down in the backline, with the likes of Grant Birchall donning the red vest after a sub-par performance, only to have the issue compounded by Brodie Smith who scored 26 coming off a four-game average of 100.
Fantasy weekend review: round 15
That is back-to-back Sunday Sadness for me, where a defender has scored a shocking 26. Hopefully this trend does not continue, otherwise my trade research will have to take into account Sunday games for the backs! I mean honestly?! Zac Dawson almost doubled Smith’s total with a score of 47.
ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK
After an amazing stretch between rounds six and 13, Tom Liberatore [MID, $544,109] matched it with the elite scorers of the competition, registering 111, 110, 146, 111, 129, 112 and 126 in that time.
Unfortunately there is a direct correlation between Libba scoring well while playing alongside Ryan Griffen and his scoring dropping off considerably due to the extra attention when the skipper is out.
In fact, Libba’s last four scores when he has played without Griffen are 79, 66, 84 and then last Saturday’s 57 which are a far cry from the elite, not to mention the fact that his three previous scores against the Demons were 144, 148 and 146.
The task won’t get any easier for him this week with a trip to Simonds Stadium to play the Cats, carrying a break-even of 152.
A straight swap to the in-form Scott Thompson could be worth a look, with the veteran in vintage form coming off games of 120, 149 and 140 leading into his contest with the Giants, whom he averages 116 points against over four encounters, never dropping below 109.
NEW DUAL-POSITION GUNS ON THE RADAR
On Thursday, keep an eye out for our exclusive look at all the new players that will receive DPP status in the lead-up to this week’s lockout.
Until then, here is a sneak preview are a couple of the most intriguing ones who have caught my eye.
In the past nine weeks, Kieren Jack’s [FWD/MID, $534,325] numbers have been worthy of a starting spot in our midfield, so it is a huge bonus that we can now throw him into the forward line.
In that time, Jack has scored eight 100s and five scores over 110. Considering his consistency and form, Jack looks great value, although his price might not change a lot immediately as he is carrying a break-even of 111 into this week’s game with the Eagles.
The star Swans midfielder must be high on the priority list and his current ownership of just 4 per cent about to go through the roof!
If you don’t have the cash for Jack, but you are in the market for a new DPP forward, why not join the small number of coaches who are enjoying the hot form of Mitch Duncan [FWD/MID, $479,657].
Over the last three weeks, Duncan has been on fire with scores of 124, 100 and 112 to give him a three-game average of 112. If that is not enough, he has a break-even of just 76 leading into a home game against the Dogs, before unleashing on the Demons and Giants. He is heavily under-priced and will be another big mover in the ownership stakes.
Nick Dal Santo [DEF/MID, $432,554] becomes Fantasy relevant again due to gaining eligibility in the back-line. Over his career, Dal has averaged over 100 on three occasions and has proven to be a solid scorer.
This season, an average of 91 would not catch your eye while shopping in the midfield, but it is very respectable for a defender. The most attractive selling point for Dal is his ability to reach triple figures, doing it in seven of his 14 games this season which is a great strike rate compared to other premium backs. He is coming off a score of 112 against the Lions and has a break-even of 81 leading into his game against the Hawks this week.
A HIGH-RANKING ROOKIE
Following strong Fantasy numbers in last year’s Under-18 Championships, there was much anticipation surrounding the debut of Bulldog Mitch Honeychurch [FWD/MID, $132,787].
He opened his account last Sunday against Melbourne with a score of 41 from eight possessions, four tackles and a goal.
This score caused Honeychurch’s price to drop slightly, but despite not setting the world on fire, if he can hold his spot, he could still come into consideration as a downgrade target with limited options elsewhere.
With the addition of new DPP forward/midfielders available this week, he also doubles as a handy link between the lines who could sit on your midfield bench.
WHAT ARE THE TRADERS DOING THIS WEEK?
Warnie
In: Jimmy Bartel, Mitch Duncan
Out: Grant Birchall, Craig Bird
After hearing about Mitch Duncan becoming DPP, Warnie is jumping on board due to the Cats’ great run coming up. In the process, he is able to say goodbye to the under-performing Grant Birchall.
Calvin
In: Anthony Miles, Kieren Jack
Out: Tom Liberatore, Jamie Elliott
Although missing the boat with Miles, Calvin is going to grab the in-form Tiger, who is still well under-priced and use the cash to put Kieren Jack in the forward line.
Roy
In: Mitch Honeychurch, Jimmy Bartel
Out: Grant Birchall, Mitch Hallahan
Forced trades kept me from picking up Bartel as I had planned to a couple of weeks ago, so fingers crossed I can grab him this week as my backline is in desperate need of a rock!
For any trade advice or AFL Fantasy chat, hit me up on Twitter: @RoyDT
