FOR MANY Fantasy coaches, this week feels like the first of the bye rounds. A lot of popular players, including the third most selected in Patrick Dangerfield, won’t be taking to the field this week.
Zac Williams, who is owned by a quarter of Fantasy Classic coaches, will be looking to trade the speedster as he misses with a hamstring injury. Add to the second straight week out for Matt Crouch as he battles an abdominal injury, plenty of teams will be tested.
Alongside premium players on the sidelines are highly selected rookies Sam Collins, Charlie Constable, Will Hayes and Port’s cash cows from last week Joel Garner and Joe Atley, the cover is looking light on.
If you’re looking for a downgrade, Peter Ladhams (RUC, $170,000) and Callum Coleman-Jones (RUC/FWD, $170,000) are the only first-gamers with the ‘green thumb’ next to their name. Coaches will be better served looking at Robert Young (FWD, $187,000) or Oskar Baker (MID, $173,000) who have held their spot after debuting last round.
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Get them in
Lachie Whitfield (DEF/MID, $800,000)
After injury caused a two-week layoff, Whitfield was left with a breakeven of 177. That wasn’t an issue after annihilating the Blues with 18 marks and 190. He costs a fortune but is in the 'must-have' category. Buyer beware: He was heavily tagged last year against the Demons and they will likely attempt to do it again.
Lachie Whitfield is in red-hot form but will he be tagged? Picture: AFL Photos
Jack Ziebell (FWD, $589,000)
A significant role change into the midfield has been very fruitful for Ziebell. Since the move he has scored over 100 in three out of four games, highlighted by 155 in round nine. He has low ownership and is carrying a breakeven of just 33.
Mitch Duncan (MID, $778,000)
The often-forgotten Cat has been on fire the last month with scores of 130, 120, 142 and 125 and in that time he hasn’t dropped under 10 marks. This week he comes up against the Suns and looks set for another thumping score.
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Get them out
Zac Williams (DEF, $554,000)
Has been an outstanding selection, averaging over 80 prior to succumbing to a hamstring injury against the Blues on 43. He is priced within range for an easy upgrade to an uber premium.
Justin Westhoff (FWD/RUC, $530,000)
Just when it looked like the Hoff was back on track with scores of 95 and 111, he backed it up with 37 and 59 the last two weeks and must be traded.
Will Hayes (MID, $338,000)
After a couple of lean weeks, highlighted by a 42 against the Cats, the popular cash cow’s run of games has come to an end with his omission. Over his five games he increased a handy $168K and can now be used as part of an upgrade trade.
Calvin’s Captains
No.1 – Brodie Grundy v Sydney
Coming off scores of 152 and 149, Grundy has another mouth-watering match-up. He scored 150 against the Swans last year, who are currently giving up the third most points to opposition ruckmen. In recent weeks, Max Gawn (125) and Stef Martin (125) both found it easy and Grundy will as well as he aims for another 150.
No.2 – Mitch Duncan v Gold Coast
Prime match-up for Duncan as he travels to play the Suns, a team he scored 136, 102, 128 and 109 against in his last four games. He’s running hot at the moment and is coming off another impressive score of 125 last weekend.
No.3 – Zach Merrett v Richmond
The Tigers have given up the second most points this year and Merrett is flying with an average of 125 in his last three games. He had 93 and 102 against them last year and before that he smashed them with 101, 152 and 115.
No.4 – Patrick Cripps v St Kilda
After a hard tag for a score of 45 last week, Cripps will bounce back this week against a team he has dominated with 122, 143 and 131 in his most recent games.
No.5 – Max Gawn v Greater Western Sydney
In Gawn’s last two games against the Giants he has scored 120 (v Lobb) and 140 (v Mumford). He heads back at the MCG for this encounter and should be a safe 120+.
WATCH Calvin’s Fantasy captains
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