FOR THE second last time in 2024, Fantasy Ready is here to set you up for the ultimate success this weekend.
For default leagues, it's preliminary final time and while the race heats up for the 2.8L Turbo Diesel Double Cab Pickup Hilux 4x4 SR5 Automatic each trade is now more important than ever.
Oh Sheez… what do we do?
On Wednesday, North Melbourne gun Harry Sheezel (DEF, $950,000) ruled himself out of this week's clash against the Bulldogs. He must be traded and here are the three best options to consider.
No.1 – Jack Sinclair (DEF/MID, $920,000)
Sinclair is back under the Marvel roof where he has averaged 114 this season and has hit 100-plus in his last nine games there. He has an easy match-up this week in Geelong and is coming off scores of 116, 132, 104 and 110.
No.2 – Nic Newman (DEF, $898,000)
Two easy match-ups round out Newman's season as he plays the Eagles and the Saints in the next two weeks. He has great history against them both and is coming home strong, much like he did in 2023.
No.3 – Tom Stewart (DEF, $906,000)
Like Newman, Stewart plays the Saints and Eagles to round out the year and even though he only had 71 last week, his role remains. A role that has seen him hit six straight 100-plus scores before last week's hiccup.
Trap or treat?
How will you use your two trades this week? Here are some traps to avoid and some treats worth considering.
Josh Dunkley (MID, $901,000) – TREAT
Dunkley's form has been down, but he bounces back here. Recently we have seen Sam Walsh (130), Isaac Heeney (127) and Chad Warner (114) score well against Collingwood and Dunkley should as well.
Caleb Serong (MID, $899,000) – TRAP
GWS at Engie Stadium is hard enough, but when Toby Bedford is tagging you… it's horrible. Bedford went to Neale (69) last week and most likely will be targeting Serong this week. He's a must trade!
Noah Anderson (MID, $837,000) – TREAT
Anderson returns home this week where he has averaged 118 this year. He plays Melbourne, a team that has been giving up so many points it's not funny. This has the makings of a big 140.
James Sicily (DEF, $810,000) – TREAT
Looking for a cheap defender? Then Sicily is the answer. It's obviously a high-risk play but Sicily has Richmond this week, a team he scored a season-high 137 against in round 14.
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
- Dylan Moore (FWD, $824,000)
- Nic Newman (DEF, $898,000)
- Rowan Marshall (RUC, $1,074,000)
- Jack Sinclair (DEF/MID, $920,000)
- Tom Powell (MID/FWD, 706,000)
After scoring 132 from 15 marks last week, it's no surprise to see Dylan Moore (FWD, $824,000) at the top of the most traded in players this week. He should offer an instant reward against the Tigers who have given up the most 100s and 120-plus scores this season.
It's been a rollercoaster of a season for Tom Powell (MID/FWD, 706,000) but right now, this ride is at its peak. He has now averaged 114 in his last three games and is scoring at will.
Most traded out
- Harry Sheezel (DEF, $950,000)
- Tim English (RUC, $906,000)
- Hayden Young (DEF/MID, $772,000)
- Shaun Mannagh (MID/FWD, $544,000)
- Billy Dowling (MID/FWD, $517,000)
Tim English (RUC, $906,000) has spent the week in a moonboot and won't be playing this week against Tristan Xerri, who chases the Fantasy record of the most 150-plus scores in a row.
Calvin's best captains
No.1 – Tristan Xerri v Western Bulldogs @ Marvel Stadium, SUN 1.10pm AEST
Fantasy coaches are calling for "Pig status"… but Xerri still needs to achieve the unthinkable and break the record held by Tom Mitchell and Tom Rockliff for the most consecutive 150-plus scores. He goes for his fourth 150-plus score this week and with Tim English on the sidelines it's certainly not out of the question.
No.2 – Rowan Marshall v Geelong @ Marvel Stadium, SAT 7.30pm AEST
In the shadows of Xerri, Marshall has been quietly getting it done as well, scoring 140, 131 and 135 in his last three games. He'll meet Rhys Stanley who he scored 118 against way back in round one. Marshall is a walk-up vice-captain option, but he'll need a special 135-plus with Xerri playing the next day.
No.3 – Lachie Whitfield v Fremantle @ Engie Stadium, SAT 1.45pm AEST
Lachie, I will forgive you for last week's 71. It was a tough match-up at the Gabba but this one is much different. Whitfield is back at Engie Stadium where he has scored 100-plus in every game this season. He took an uncharacteristic two marks last week, a stat line that will improve dramatically here.
No.4 – Marcus Bontempelli v North Melbourne @ Marvel Stadium, SUN 1.10pm AEST
From Bontempelli's last nine games at Marvel, he has averaged 118 with recent scores of 135, 100, 126, 142. He scored 126 against the Kangaroos in round 16, however, they have been more restrictive in recent weeks. The Bulldogs are fighting for finals and Bont will be out to make it happen.
No.5 – Jack Sinclair v Geelong @ Marvel Stadium, SAT 7.30pm AEST
Ranked on form, Sinclair sits at No.4 in the competition, averaging 117 over the last three weeks. He has taken 24 marks in the last three weeks and meets Geelong, a team which has given up the second most 100s and 120-plus scores this year behind Richmond.
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