THERE are plenty of downgrade options this week including John Noble (MID, $170k) who debuts for Collingwood on Friday night. From his three games in the VFL, Noble has been elite averaging 87 Fantasy points from 24 disposals.
Hugh Goddard (DEF, $170k) plays his first game for the Blues after starting his AFL career way back in 2015 with the Saints. The 22-year-old has averaged 76 in the VFL from 11 games and will be a popular downgrade option.
Hawthorn welcomes back Grant Birchall (DEF, $350k), who scored 79 for Box Hill last week in the VFL thanks to his 10 marks.
ALL THE TEAMS Check 'em out
Josh Kelly is the biggest name missing this week as coaches will be trading the star down to another premium option. Kelly has been ruled out by the Giants for three weeks with a calf.
Many big names make their return including Max Gawn who missed one week with an ankle injury. After missing two weeks, Patrick Cripps will travel to the SCG to play the Swans. He has now dropped $147k from his initial starting price.
Also returning are popular selections Lachie Whitfield and Travis Boak, who appears in 37 per cent of teams and was a late withdrawal last week.
Listen to the AFL Fantasy Podcast with The Traders at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
Get them in
Tom Rockliff (MID, $740,000)
The Pig retuned off a huge game in the SANFL where he scored over 200 to produce similar results at the top level with a round-high 150. A Pig for a reason, get him in.
Zac Williams (DEF, $604,000)
The Giants defender is in great touch despite his team’s form slump with a three-game average of 113. He has a breakeven of just 52 and is ripe for the picking.
James Sicily (DEF, $570,000)
The Hawk ‘swingman’ once again looks settled in the backline after an impressive performance where he scored 121. The time is right to pounce as he has bottomed out and his form against the Dockers and is Launceston is good.
WATCH Roy’s Fantasy trade talk
Get them out
Ricky Henderson (MID, $688,000)
The veteran Hawk is having a career best season and has been a great unique selection as a result. Unfortunately he produced back-to-back shockers and should be upgraded.
Oskar Baker (MID, $381,000)
The mature-age cash cow averaged a handy 65 and increased $211k as a result. Use that cash as part of an upgrade trade.
Scott Pendlebury (MID, $683,000)
The star Pie is in a form slump with a three-game average of just 87. At this stage of the year we need more from a premium midfield position.
Calvin’s Captains
No.1 – Jack Macrae v Melbourne @ Marvel Stadium
Last year against Melbourne, Macrae scored 133 and 109. The Demons sit as the third easiest team for midfielders to score against at the moment after Curnow (111), Silvagni (109) and Walsh (98) posted solid scores last week. It was what the Lions did in round 15 though that caught my eye when Zorko (143), Lyons (135) and Neale (122) all had a day out against the struggling Dees. Now, we all know how much Macrae loves playing at Marvel. His last three scores there are 109, 180 and 140. In his last 19 playing under the roof, he has hit the 100+ mark 17 times, scoring over 130 in 37 per cent of games.
No. 2 – Tom Rockliff v Brisbane @ Adelaide Oval
Yes… I saw your 150 last week Mr. Pig and that’s why I have boosted you right up to No.2. Rockliff loves playing home at his new sty where he has scored 150, 109, 149, 107, 132 and 115 in his last six. Up against his old team, he’ll be looking for another monster score.
No. 3 – Josh Dunkley v Melbourne @ Marvel Stadium
How can a guy who has scored 120, 121, 118, 158, 119 and 119 in his last six games still be sitting at No.3? Add to this, Dunkley has averaged 132 in his last five games at Marvel Stadium. What more does he need to do? Just have a ceiling like those two above him. Dunkley will be amazing, just like he has been over the last two months.
No. 4 – Andrew Gaff v Collingwood @ Optus Stadium
Anyone fancy a Friday night captain? Gaff scored 97 and 109 against the Pies last year, two games that were at the MCG. Things are very different when he plays at home though.
No. 5 – Brad Crouch v Gold Coast @ Metricon Stadium
As we know, the Suns have been the easiest for opposition midfielders to score against and nothing has changed in recent rounds. Brad will avoid the Sheer tag who has held Martin (58) and Lloyd (48) in the last two weeks. He scored 114, 119 and 121 in his last three against the Suns and should be safe for another 115+.
WATCH Calvin's Fantasy captains
Get expert advice from The Traders throughout the season in the Fantasy Hub. Follow AFL Fantasy on Twitter and 'like' the Facebook page to join in the conversation.
