AFTER the buzz of an AFL Fantasy draft, reality can set in pretty quickly.
Suddenly the Tom Boyd of the 2016 Grand Final looks like the Tom Boyd of early last year, and Isaac Heeney's glandular fever just isn't screaming out a return date.
It can all feel a bit defeating – you've picked a squad of players in a haze of pre-season optimism and now, like Fremantle's finals hopes, it's all looking a bit sad and sorry.
But unlike Fantasy Classic, where you're limited to two trades a week, Fantasy Draft gives you the chance to proactively go out and try to improve your squad with a batch of free agency signings.
It requires a bit of creative thinking. A player as good as Brett Deledio is unlikely to be left on the free agency shelf for long, despite the lack of a clear return date from the Giants from the veteran's calf injury.
However, teammate Lachie Whitfield is just six weeks away from being eligible for selection after an AFL ban.
There's also players like Bulldog Mitch Wallis, who could be back from last year's horror broken leg within the month.
Or you could take a massive punt on Harley Bennell, who the beleaguered Dockers say they want to bring back into the senior team before mid-season.
Jordan De Goey's shaggy dog story shouldn't put you off putting in a free agency bid for the talented Magpie, given he could be back on the park by round seven.
Likewise, Stephen Coniglio might be four weeks away after a serious ankle injury, but if you've got a spare bench spot to park him during that time, your midfield can come home with a wet sail.
So think beyond this week's selection news, and plot your course to a resurgence that Ross Lyon can only dream of.
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Top five price rises
- Will Hoskin-Elliott, Collingwood (FWD, $317,000): +$59,000
- Dan Houston, Port Adelaide (FWD, $215,000): +$48,000
- Clayton Oliver, Melbourne (MID, $488,000): +$47,000
- Braydon Preuss, North Melbourne (RUC, $209,000): +$47,000
- Marc Murphy, Carlton (MID, $548,000): +$38,000
Top five price falls
- Kurt Tippett, Sydney (RUC, $461,000): -$42,000
- Dan Hannebery, Sydney (MID, $585,000): -$38,000
- Josh Gibson, Hawthorn (DEF, $436,000): -$38,000
- Josh Jenkins, Adelaide (FWD, $449,000): -$38,000
- Daniel Rich, Brisbane Lions (MID, $444,000): -$31,000
Get 'em in
Andy Otten, Adelaide (DEF, $186,000): With Josh Jenkins in serious doubt for the Showdown, he's likely to pick up some reserve ruck work. Also shone when pushed forward against the Hawks.
Nic Newman, Sydney (DEF, $175,000): His Fantasy pedigree at NEAFL level is unmatched, having topped the competition for disposals last year. After an impressive debut last Friday, it's time to bring him in, pronto.
Christian Salem, Melbourne (DEF, $427,000): His break-even this week is just 21, and his game against Carlton was top-notch. A Fantasy rose looks set to bloom.
Bye for now
Jordan Lewis, Melbourne (MID, $612,000): Three weeks is too long to hold a $600,000+ midfielder. Replace with Marc Murphy or Jobe Watson if you want some extra cash.
Jack Steven, St Kilda (MID, $607,000): A punctured lung could see the Saints' points-machine out for a month. Jump ship now.
Jack Crisp, Collingwood (MID, $474,000): A capable ball-winner but the Pies are struggling and there's no room for a mid-priced midfielder averaging 60 in your team.
