MOST Fantasy classic leagues have just three more rounds left until finals. That's six trades to help drag your squad into the top eight and cling on for dear life.
If you sneak into finals, you're likely to have a few holes in your squad and you'll need to make the most of some of the forgotten Fantasy talent that could return in rounds 20-23.
We're talking about the kinds of players who have been cruelled by injury for large portions of the season, but are likely to be thrust back into the furnace with (actual) finals spots up for grabs.
Here are some key names to watch:
Harley Bennell, Fremantle (MID/FWD, $388,000): There could be few greater risk/reward players, but he'll turn out for Peel this weekend and if Ross shows the faith and his calf holds up, you should strongly consider. Fantasy finals potential: 7/10
Stephen Coniglio, GWS (MID, $608,000): Still potentially a month away and his hefty price makes him purely a cover option if one of your premiums goes down. That said, he sure knows how to score. Fantasy finals potential: 5/10
Brett Deledio, GWS (FWD, $553,000): The Giants are obviously clinging to the hope that they can get their gun recruit firing late in the season. Just the one position for 'Lids' but he's an ultra-reliable scorer if he gets back in time. Fantasy finals potential: 6/10
Josh Dunkley, Western Bulldogs (MID/FWD, $427,000): A long shot to return with his sore shoulder but should be right in your sights if he does. Dual-position flexibility and clocked six 100+ scores last year. Exactly the kind of smokey you need in finals. Fantasy finals potential: 8/10
Jayden Laverde, Essendon (FWD, $364,000): A real impact player for the Dons and he's building up game-time in the VFL. The first-round draftee could be a useful forward option when he gets back. Fantasy finals potential: 6/10
Cyril Rioli, Hawthorn (FWD, $373,000): The suspicion is the Hawks will put Cyril in cotton wool if finals completely slip off the radar. Even if he gets back, the star Hawk hasn't cracked the ton since round 20 last year. Fantasy finals potential: 3/10
Christian Salem, Melbourne (DEF, $466,000): Hamstrung after the round 14 win over West Coast, the talented Demon should be back in a couple of weeks and with an average of 86.2 this year must be in the frame for your backline. Fantasy finals potential: 7/10
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Top five price rises
Sean Darcy, Fremantle (RUC, $303,000): +$52,000
Alex Witherden, Brisbane Lions (DEF/MID, $305,000): +$41,000
Luke Ryan, Fremantle (DEF, $272,000): +$40,000
Michael Walters, Fremantle (FWD, $546,000): +$40,000
Gary Rohan, Sydney (FWD, $326,000): +$38,000
Top five price falls
Dayne Beams, Brisbane Lions (MID, $510,000): -$52,000
Taylor Hunt, Richmond (DEF, $360,000): -$39,000
Scott Thompson, Adelaide (MID, $544,000): -$34,000
Shannon Hurn, West Coast (DEF, $360,000): -$34,000
Dan Hannebery, Sydney (MID, $525,000): -$33,000
Get 'em in
Jack Steven, St Kilda (MID, $525,000): The Saints are purring and a former Fantasy gun is in great form. Projected to easily clear 100 against the Dons and his price is right.
Nat Fyfe, Fremantle (MID, $499,000): It's all we needed to see. One brilliant game from the champ and a sub-$500,000 price. Climb aboard as quick as you can.
Joel Selwood, Geelong (MID, $482,000): Selwood's scores traditionally rise later in the season and he'll be primed for a big match against arch-rival Hawthorn this week.
Bye for now
Patrick Cripps, Carlton (MID, $542,000): A broken leg means that at least we'll get this potential Fantasy Pig on the cheap early next year.
Trent Cotchin, Richmond (MID, $545,00): Not impossible to see Cotch and the Tigers rebounding from last Saturday's thumping but with a breakeven of 147, the skipper is not what your midfield needs.
Brodie Grundy, Collingwood (RUC, $603,000): Comes up against his former teammate Jarrod Witts this week. Whoever wins their battle deserves your ruck spot.
