I have constantly mocked my partner for her fear of needles, which has now improved to a point where my hand becomes lightly bruised – instead of being fractured - at the sight of those sharp critters.
My attitude towards her for all these years meant that I had no choice but to puff my chest out and act brave while the large needle was inserted into a buttock on three separate occasions. I won't lie - it hurt like hell. The look of joy on my partner's face was fair justification, and she couldn't help but laugh when I let out a small screech as needle number three found its way into my bloodstream.
With the shoe now clearly on the other foot, my partner said that despite my tough week I should now simply 'get on with it.'
I suppose she could point similar advice to Collingwood after what has been a week they would rather forget.
It's no secret that certain teams play better under the shadow of a huge challenge. The week has certainly been a tumultuous one for the Magpies, but they have – in recent history – proven to come up trumps when their backs have been against the wall.
I always thought a side like Collingwood had the ability to bounce back and beat the Brisbane Lions this week, but AFL Fantasy stats have me wondering.
For a team known for its ability to travel interstate and win, Magpies players don't have great fantasy averages at the Gabba.
Dane Swan (15 points below average), Scott Pendlebury (four below average), Heath Shaw (15 below average), Travis Cloke (33 below average) and Harry O'Brien (24 below average) play well below their best at the Gabba.
Not only do they have to turn around the poor effort from last week against the Swans, but their gun players are going to have to do it on a ground where they do not statistically fare well.
If I was to single out one player, I think Swan is the one of greatest interest. He has scored his two lowest scores in the past fortnight (85 and 90) but he – like his side – has often handled criticism in the best way possible. I expect him to buck the trend at the Gabba and have a huge game.
Mr Fantasy's trade recommendations
Ins: Mark Hutchings (West Coast), Nathan Hrovat (Western Bulldogs)
You can't go past the form of Hutchings in his two AFL games to date, averaging 90 and facing a breakeven score of -116 this week. You'll make easy money with Hutchings. I also really like the look of Hrovat, who made his debut for the Dogs last week. Although you'll have to wait a few weeks before a financial gain, his efforts suggest he'll see lots of game time for the rest of 2013.
Outs: Sam Jacobs (Adelaide), Daniel Cross (Western Bulldogs)
I had been patient through the rough patch for Jacobs, but a score of just 22 and being handed the red vest last week was the last straw. His average of just 68 this year is well below his expected output. Cross was dropped for the first time in years last week and that kind of uncertainty is not great considering his price.
