WE'VE reached that point of the year where Fantasy teams can start looking a bit the same, and victory will go to those with a few crucial points of difference, and reserves of cash.
Patrick Dangerfield (MID, $637,000) sits comfortably atop the League averages with 118.1. From there, it's really a case of 'take your pick'. The price gap between Fantasy's next 16 highest-scoring players is less than $50,000 – from Bryce Gibbs (MID, $528,000) to Tom Rockliff (MID, $574,000), there's little difference in cost.
So, Luke Parker (MID, $488,000) stands out as a perfect candidate for your run home. He's a proven Fantasy commodity, averaging 105.1, his bye is done, and he's nicely priced under $500,000.
Plugging Parker into your midfield could free up nearly $100,000 to upgrade your forward line, defence or ruck spots.
It's also worth considering the Bulldogs at the trade table. They face the Swans in Sydney this week, scene of a famous triumph in the rain last year.
Liam Picken (MID, $446,000) has the third-highest projected score of the round due to an excellent track record against the red and white in past seasons.
Matthew Boyd (DEF, $525,000), Mitch Wallis (MID, $420,000) and Tom Liberatore (MID, $462,000) are predicted to do similarly well.
While the weather is set to be fine on Saturday, there's every chance the Dogs could cause an upset and bring home some excellent Fantasy numbers as the bye rounds thankfully conclude.
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Top five price rises
- Brayden Maynard (DEF, Collingwood) +$38,000: $383,000
- Tom Phillips (FWD/MID, Collingwood), +$38,000: $179,000
- Rhys Mathieson (MID, Brisbane Lions), +$36,000: $223,000
- Tom Ruggles (DEF, Geelong), +$27,000: $299,000
- Trent Dumont (MID, North Melbourne), +$24,000: $321,000
Top five price falls
- Heath Shaw (DEF, GWS), -$39,000: $537,000
- Farren Ray (MID, North Melbourne), -$30,000: $318,000
- Ben McEvoy (RUC, Hawthorn), -$24,000: $302,000
- Lachie Whitfield (MID, GWS), -$24,000: $419,000
- Aaron Hall (FWD/MID, Gold Coast), -$24,000: $485,000
Get 'em in
Scott Thompson (MID, $449,000): The veteran looks under-priced, and the Crows have travelled well this year. Expect him to score well against former club Melbourne at the MCG.
Dion Prestia (MID, $482,000): It's been a down year for the young Sun, but he's one of few sub-$500,000 midfielders who could bust out a 150+ score.
James Rose (FWD, $283,000): The young Swan has impressed with his tenacity and nose for a goal. Breakeven is -4 against the Doggies.
Bye for now
Mitch Hallahan (MID, $415,000): Didn't cover himself in glory on his return and his breakeven of 105 looks out of reach.
Jeremy Howe (DEF/FWD, $419,000): Has been more than serviceable in two positions this year but projections have him struggling against the Blues.
Shaun Hampson (FWD/RUC, $301,000): While the Tigers are yet to rule the ruckman out, his knee injury gives Ivan Maric every chance of a call-up.
