SOME AFL Fantasy coaches will be scrambling to get a team together for round nine with some popular options on the sidelines.
The Fantasy numbers for Stephen Coniglio (finger) have suffered in recent weeks due to a finger injury that has seen him spend more time forward. The Giants expect him to just miss this week, but the full prognosis is a bit of an unknown.
The Bombers have lost Devon Smith (knee) and Orazio Fantasia (quad). Smith has an average draft pick of 12 and is averaging fewer than 80 points this season after being the No.1 forward in 2018.
Charlie Constable (omitted) was a late inclusion last Sunday but goes out of the Cats’ side for this weekend. This is disappointing for Constable owners as he scored 107 and is set to increase significantly in price next time he plays due to his low breakeven of 38.
As he’s made $326k, you could trade him confidently knowing he has done his job as a cash cow.
Jack Ross (ankle), Brayden Ham (omitted) and Declan Keilty (omitted) will also test the benches of coaches taking a punt on them.
It’s not all bad news on the cash cow front.
The most popular ruck bench player in Fantasy Classic, appearing in 50 per cent of teams, is Darcy Fort (RUC, $170,000). The 25-year-old is averaging 73 this year for the Geelong reserves after an outstanding SANFL season where he averaged 101.
Oskar Baker (MID, $170,000) will debut for the Demons. The 20-year-old is averaging 72 this year in the VFL. Robbie Young (FWD, $170,000) is a mature-aged small forward who is averaging 55 in the VFL and Mitch Hinge (DEF, $170,000) has averaged in the mid-60s in his last three NEAFL seasons.
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Get them in
Josh Dunkley (FWD/MID, $645,000)
The talented Dog is finally back in the middle where he belongs and his last two scores reflect that with season highs of 127 and 145. He has a breakeven of just 49 and will be one of the most traded in players this week.
Dayne Zorko (MID, $685,000)
If you are after an under-priced premium, it appears Zorko has hit his straps with some outstanding form the last two weeks. In that time he has hit season highs of 134 and 136 and he has a Fantasy friendly draw leading up to the bye while carrying an ownership of just two per cent.
Clayton Oliver (MID, $605,000)
The Dees' young star is doing everything he can to get his team going with a low score of 97 in his last five games while averaging 117 in that time. He displayed a tackling masterclass against the Suns, laying a round high 15 tackles which contributed 60 of his 161.
WATCH Roy’s Fantasy trade talk
Get them out
Tom Atkins (FWD/MID, $332,000)
Has been a great cash cow, increasing in value by $162K this season. Unfortunately, injury hampered his ability to score on the weekend, recording just 2 which caused his first price drop. He now has a challenging breakeven of 68 and can be used as part of an upgrade.
Angus Brayshaw (MID, $670,000)
Many coaches gave Gus one more week to redeem himself against the Suns who have been leaking plenty of Fantasy points. Unfortunately, his 76 was a far cry from the 143 he had on them in his most recent match-up. He now has a breakeven of 137 and should be traded.
Sam Walsh (MID, $585,000)
The young Blue star has been nothing short of sensational in his debut season, averaging 92 which is highlighted by a streak of three hundreds in a row between rounds three and five. His high breakeven has ensured he is starting to lose money and he can be easily upgraded to a reliable premium. He has a breakeven of 104 and hasn’t reached that mark in his past three games.
Calvin’s Captains
No. 1 – Tom Rockliff v Gold Coast
Oink oink. Grab a ham sandwich or a bowl of bacon and get ready. Our pig is coming off 149 and meets the easiest team for midfielders to score against. Last week, Oliver (161) dominated the Suns and before that Yeo (146) and Gaff (144) had a day out as well. He averages 126 at home this year and this has the makings of one of those traditional 180s.
No. 2 – Travis Boak v Gold Coast
Just like the man above, expect big things. Boak has scored over 150 twice in his career and both of those scores were against the Suns. Boak had 113 last week and plays at home again where he has averaged 122 for the year.
No. 3 – Josh Kelly v Carlton
Kelly scored 153 against the Blues last year and 115 last week. Carlton has given up 14x100+ scores in the last three weeks and this one should be a walk in the park for Kelly.
No. 4 – Andrew Gaff v Melbourne
Playing at home this year, Gaff has scored 144, 115 and 134. Nothing more needs to be said, because when this jet plays on his home turf, it’s nasty.
No. 5 – Zach Merrett v Fremantle
Running hot and plays one of his favourite teams. He has played at Marvel twice this year for scores of 144 and 99 and should keep his form rolling on Saturday night.
WATCH Calvin’s Fantasy captains
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