IT'S round 21 and Fantasy finals kick off this week for those in default leagues.
It's the business end of the season and it all comes down to this.
With the ultimate bragging rights on the line, it's more important than ever to make sure your team is set to fire when it matters the most.
Point of difference?
We all love a point/player of difference (POD). This is a player with low ownership. They are unique but with this… there is an element of risk because this journey can be one of success that puts you ahead of the pack, or one that leaves you stranded on a lonely island called 'Failure'.
Based off numbers from @Heff_KL from round 20, here are some PODs and their ownership among the top 100 ranked Fantasy coaches.
Rory Laird (MID, $904,000) – Only six coaches inside the top 100 have Laird in their team. He has averaged 114 in his last three games and will provide you with an instant reward this week against Geelong, a team midfielders have been dominating. Also consider his teammate Jordan Dawson (MID, $825,000) who was traded out by his owners last week when he sat out round 20 due to concussion.
Noah Anderson (MID, $871,000) – Anderson has the best run home for midfielders, meeting West Coast, Melbourne, Essendon and Richmond to finish the year. Anderson is very hit and miss despite averaging 103 this season. He has a ceiling and finds himself in just one team inside the top 100.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (DEF, $865,000) – Only six of the top 100 coaches are enjoying the work of Wanganeen-Milera, who has scored 113, 100 and 106 in his last three games. Next week, he meets Richmond, a team he scored a season-high 127 against in round four.
Ed Richards (DEF/MID, $781,000) – Richards has been given more time in the midfield and is dominating. This year, he has thrived in easy match-ups, scoring 141 against Richmond and 131 against Geelong. Melbourne falls into the same bracket and from teams inside the top 100, he's in only one.
Trap or treat?
How will you use your two trades this week? Here are some traps to avoid and some treats worth considering.
Rowan Marshall (RUC, $1,023,000) – TREAT
For those looking to trade Tim English to Marshall, you can hold off as the difference between their scores shouldn't be too great this week. However, from round 22 onwards, he'll be a 'must-have'.
Nick Daicos (DEF/MID, $869,000) – TRAP
Gun player… but not a player we can recommend trading in with what's around the corner. Daicos is expected to be tagged by Alex Cincotta, James Jordon and Jarrod Berry over the coming the weeks.
Matt Roberts (DEF/MID, $550,000) – TRAP
Bringing Roberts in to play on your field is not a move I'll be ticking off. He has been great, scoring 138 and 102 in his last two games… but that won't be happening against Port Adelaide.
James Peatling (MID/FWD, $487,000) – TREAT
If you are looking for a forward to play off the bench or even in the final position on your field, then Peatling is your man. Out of the sub vest he is scoring machine, averaging 106 in his last three games.
Clay Hall (MID, $200,000) – TREAT
Here he is… Clay Hall will make his debut for the Eagles this week and is the best playing' downgrade target. Hall has played 13 games in the WAFL this season for an average of 69.
Live Teams Show
The Traders will be live tonight to cover all the important ins and outs as teams are announced. They break down the popular trades, discuss captains and answer all your burning questions. Watch the Live Teams Show every Thursday night via AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App and ask your questions in the comments.
Listen to the AFL Fantasy Podcast with The Traders at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
Most traded in
- Adam Treloar (MID, $983,000)
- James Peatling (MID/FWD, $487,000)
- Tom Stewart (DEF, $887,000)
- Matt Roberts (DEF/MID, $550,000)
- Ed Richards (DEF/MID, $781,000)
It's no surprise to see Adam Treloar (MID, $983,000) as the most traded in player this week as coaches scramble to bring him in, in fear of missing his next big score. Coming off 125 and 149, a big one against Melbourne is certainly on the cards.
Hit the button Warnie… "Tom Stewart (DEF, $887,000) has never failed as a midfielder". Once again, Roy was 100 per cent correct and Stewart produced the goods in round 20 with another 120-plus score. His new role is too good to ignore and he's quickly becoming a 'must-have' in defence.
Most traded out
- Logan Evans (DEF, $543,000)
- Billy Dowling (MID/FWD, $508,000)
- Jordan Ridley (DEF, $751,000)
- Luke Ryan (DEF, $776,000)
- Shaun Mannagh (MID/FWD, $493,000)
Even if they are scoring well, it's time to cash out those bench rookies in an effort to finish off the year as strong as possible. Logan Evans (DEF, $543,000) and Billy Dowling (MID/FWD, $508,000) have been great this year, but if they are sitting and not being used on your bench… then cash them out and upgrade those players who are under-performing.
Calvin's best captains
No.1 – Adam Treloar v Melbourne @ Marvel Stadium, FRI 7.15pm AEST
In basketball terms, this one is a lay-up. Treloar will be the most popular VC option this week and rightfully so. Not only has he scored 125 and 149 in his last two games, he meets the Demons who have been giving up plenty of points to midfielders in recent weeks.
No.2 – Tristan Xerri v Richmond @ Marvel Stadium, SAT 1.45pm AEST
Xerri has now averaged 124 in his last five games and is coming off a career-high 156. He has had a dream run and this week he meets Richmond's Toby Nankervis. The most recent rucks to battle Nankervis haven't struggled with Jordon Sweet (91), Kieren Briggs (140) and Luke Jackson (104) all scoring well.
No.3 – Lachie Whitfield v Hawthorn @ Manuka Oval, SUN 1.10pm AEST
No one has scored more points since their bye than Whitfield, who now carries an average of 134 in his last five games and is coming off recent scores of 127, 145 and 132. In round 13, Whitfield had 123 against the Hawks and returns to Manuka where he has had 105 and 120 this year.
No.4 – Sam Flanders v West Coast @ Optus Stadium, FRI 8.30pm AEST
The Suns have struggled away from home this year… but Flanders hasn't, averaging 114 in away games. Friday night, he meets the Eagles who have recently allowed some big scores to midfielders like Jack Steele (133), Lachie Neale (133), Hugh McCluggage (124) and Andrew Brayshaw (115). A big score is on the cards.
No.5 – Rowan Marshall v Brisbane @ Marvel Stadium, SUN 4.40pm AEST
Marshall has averaged 117 under the Marvel roof this year and he is coming off hot form where he has averaged 126 in his last five games. Marshall scored 105 against Brisbane in round 14 and should be great again. He’s been filling all the stat lines and is a top option in the last game of the round. Keep an eye on the Saints' final team though, with Tom Campbell named in their 26-man squad.
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