Adam's absence means big scores for two teammates, says Mr Fantasy
SOMETIMES you get used to seeing people around the traps so often they truly do become part of the furniture.
I think it is safe to say that the players and administrators who've called Sydney home would feel that way about champion and two-time Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes.
The famous number 37 has been at the club since 1999, sits on a games total of 331 - 27 more than any other Swan in the club's rich history.
I think those figures mean Goodes is well and truly considered part of the furniture.
That's why Friday night's game against the Blues will be different for so many of Goodes' teammates after news filtered through that the champ would be sidelined with a knee injury.
The Swans will be without Goodes for the first time in more than a year. Who will step up? Are there some players who might become AFL Fantasy stars in his absence?
We think so.
Some patterns emerged last season when Goodes was sidelined for five weeks – between rounds seven and 12 - thanks to a groin injury.
The team won three and lost two in that time, but things couldn't have started worse for the Goodes-less Swans, losing to Richmond by 29 points at the MCG in round seven. Amazingly, not one player managed to reach 100 AFL Fantasy points, with Daniel Hannebery the only one who cracked 90.
The next four games were certainly a different tale.
Three Swans in particular - Kieren Jack, Ryan O'Keefe and Lewis Jetta stepped up to the plate and had great Dream Team performances.
Sadly, Jetta will be missing on Friday night but may return before Goodes.
O'Keefe is already known as a player capable of big fantasy points and that didn't change without Goodes, reaching at least 100 in three out of four games after the Richmond debacle.
Co-captain Jack must have also sensed the urgency of lifting for his side to cover for Goodes, finishing with scores of 128, 105 and 135 between rounds eight and ten.
On those stats, the pair should have big games on Friday night, but there is one hitch.
Both have not faired well against the Blues recently.
Jack and O'Keefe have not reached 100 AFL Fantasy points in their past three appearances against the Blues.
I'm expecting that to change as the siren sounds on Friday night, so Dream Teamers with either of the Swans pair mentioned should expect handy scores.
There are two youngsters at bargain basement prices to consider this week. Son-of-a-gun Hunter was very impressive on debut, scoring 86, while rookie-listed Clisby scored 70 at his first crack and is worth just $89,300.
Outs: Grant Birchall (Hawthorn), Liam Anthony (North Melbourne)
Birchall started the year like a house on fire (four consecutive scores over 100), but has stuttered ever since. A knee problem will keep him out for around six weeks, so even though you'll take a hit price wise, it's time for Birchall to go. Anthony gets dropped again, and is too risky to keep in your side.
What will give Brisbane the edge when they meet their old foes, Adelaide, in a preliminary?
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