WITH two-thirds of the competition having completed their byes for the year, you can finally start to trade in with some certainty.
There is a plethora of ball-winning forwards now available for around $500,000 and you'd be wise to follow the Fantasy mantra of sticking with those who run through the midfield, rather than be tempted by a key tall inside 50.
For example, Lance Franklin (FWD, $545,000) might look a decent option with the Swans finding form and no more byes for the year.
However, this week Buddy heads to the MCG where he averages just 76.1 in his career (from 17 games).
He'll also be matched against the game's best defender in Alex Rance. Franklin has had the better of Rance when they've clashed at the SCG in recent years, but at the MCG his last two games against Richmond yielded scores of 89 and 52. You'll need more from your best forwards at this time of year.
Look instead to players like Sam Menegola (FWD/MID, $539,000) to boost your score.
Owned by just two per cent of coaches, Menegola has scored over 90 in each of his eight games this year, bar one against the Crows.
His time on ground percentage is high and he's second at the Cats for average tackles per game, behind Scott Selwood.
Speaking of the younger Selwood, he has to go down as the Fantasy win of the year for those coaches who took the punt.
There were plenty of $300,000-400,000 'hit and hope' types floating around at the start of the year like David Myers, Jaeger O'Meara and Curtly Hampton.
But Selwood has comfortably torched them all, his price rising $105,000 in just three games with an average of 121.
His break-even against his old team is a measly 31 this week and you can bet he'll be out to feast on Fantasy points in front of former fans. Climb aboard while he's still within reach.
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Top five price rises
Matthew Kreuzer, Carlton (RUC, $592,000): +$38,000
Jake Barrett, Brisbane Lions (MID/FWD, $381,000): +$30,000
Billy Longer, St Kilda (RUC, $382,000): +$30,000
Tim O'Brien, Hawthorn (FWD, $377,000): +$30,000
Steele Sidebottom, Collingwood (MID, $618,000): +$29,000
Top five price falls
Shane Kersten, Fremantle (FWD, $315,000) -$41,000
Brady Grey, Fremantle (MID/FWD, $278,000): -$32,000
Kieren Jack, Sydney (MID/FWD, $396,000): -$29,000
Jasper Pittard, Port Adelaide (DEF, $453,000): -$29,000
Jordan Lewis, Melbourne (MID, $503,000): -$28,000
Get 'em in
Robbie Gray, Port Adelaide (MID/FWD, $391,000): Yep, it's a massive risk. But he's just too good a player at a sub-$400,000 price not to have a night out against the Lions on Saturday.
Dustin Martin, Richmond (MID, $639,000): A refreshed Dusty at the MCG is one of the safest bets in the book. Hop on as he mounts a late charge towards the Brownlow.
Stefan Martin, Brisbane Lions (RUC, $587,000): One of the thrills of round 12 was watching Stef score big, even with Archie Smith in the team. He averages 140 at Adelaide Oval so get him in.
Bye for now
Marcus Adams, Western Bulldogs (DEF, $395,000): Adams was scoring well against the Swans before a serious foot injury cut him down. He'll miss two months and should be traded immediately.
Cam Pedersen, Melbourne (RUC/FWD, $502,000): He's done his job over the past few weeks, but with either Spencer or Gawn to resume this week, expect Cam's scores to slide.
Jasper Pittard, Port Adelaide (DEF, $453,000): Thousands jumped on board after Port had finished their bye, but the long-haired defender has averaged 58 in his last three games. Move him on.
