THE BYE rounds are over and Fantasy Draft leagues who went on hiatus for the last three weeks will resume for the last nine rounds of the year.
Although many head-to-head matches weren't played over the byes, savvy coaches would have been looking at free agents to stash as the run to the finals begins.
Dan Hannebery will be the first player coaches in need of a midfielder will be targeting. In his first game for the Saints, Hannebery racked up 27 disposals (11 of which were contested), four marks and five tackles.
He was drafted in multiple leagues, but many had dumped him due to the numerous setbacks he experienced.
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Defenders
Cale Hooker, DEF, Essendon (ADP 278, 44 per cent)
Consistency of scoring isn't something key-position players are renowned for, but you have to back in a player who is in a hot patch of form. Hooker scored 116, 100 and 116 in his last three games to rank him fourth of all defenders in that time.
Ryan Burton, DEF, Port Adelaide (ADP 189, 37 per cent)
Some coaches were bullish on Burton's output this year after being traded to the Power. In just his second season, the defender averaged 84 but this dropped to 62 in his final year at Hawthorn. Burton's three-round average of 95 on return from hamstring injury, which saw a few of his owners send him to the player pool, means he should be a consideration if available in your league.
Midfielders
Cam Ellis-Yolman, MID, Adelaide (ADP 183, 50 per cent)
CEY is doing enough to be considered a solid midfield bench cover in most Draft leagues. He is averaging 88 this year with scores of 87 or more in six of his last seven games, including 134 against the Eagles. The Crows have a good run of games coming up following Geelong this week to help you secure a finals spot.
Dan Hannebery, MID, St Kilda (ADP 197, 31 per cent)
Without a doubt, the No. 1 target for Draft coaches this week is the former Swan. Scoring an impressive 103 in his St Kilda debut, Hannebery has averaged 111 and 108 in the past and the coach with the first RFA choice will most likely snap him up. Anything over 85 or so will be a bonus from the 28-year-old after failing to average more than 60 last season. If Hannebery stays fit, he could be the best mid-season free agent pick up of the year.
Rucks
Scott Lycett, RUC/FWD, Port Adelaide (ADP 129, 55 per cent)
Patrick Ryder was dropped last week making Lycett the main man to do his thing at stoppages. He dominated on Saturday night, collecting 41 hitouts and 24 disposals to rack up 130 Fantasy points. It is handy to not only have an emergency ruckman but someone who is rucking solo to be some trade bait for coaches in the league who are struggling for a ruck.
Forwards
Patrick Lipinski, MID/FWD, Western Bulldogs (ADP Nil, 52 per cent)
Since breaking into the Bulldogs' side in round 10, Lipinski has scored 78, 81, 129 and 100. Scores worthy of a start in a lot of leagues. Lipinski's most recent score, 100 against Collingwood, came from 32 disposals, 25 of which were handballs, in a high scoring game. Seven Bulldogs scored triple figures under the roof at Marvel Stadium, the ground that they play five of their next seven matches at.
Charlie Curnow, FWD, Carlton (ADP 166, 34 per cent)
Could the change in coach help Curnow's output? The forward has booted 10 goals in the two games since David Teague took over as interim coach, doubling his return from the eight games prior. It could be a risky move playing him on field each week, but if you can pick the favourable match-ups, Curnow could be a match winner for you.
Will Hoskin-Elliott, FWD, Collingwood (ADP 277, 21 per cent)
Pushing up the ground a bit more in recent weeks, WHE is starting to show the form he produced in his first year at the Pies where he averaged 85. From his last three starts, Hoskin-Elliott has scored 91, 109 and 96. He should benefit from Jaidyn Stephenson's suspension and if the Pies continue to play Ben Reid, he will be allowed to rack up marks up the field as he did on Sunday (taking a game-high 10).
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