DO YOU trust Jack Grimes? No, me neither.
When Grimes (DEF, $454,000) finally got the nod last Saturday for his first senior game of the year, ran up and down the wing at TIO Stadium in Darwin, and collected 32 touches and nine marks on his way to 140 Fantasy points, it barely raised an eyebrow among coaches.
The last time the Dees' former co-captain scored this many Fantasy points was round 14, 2009, when he could count among his teammates Paul Wheatley and Liam Jurrah.
Grimes' ownership has yet to top 1000 coaches this week and with the Demons facing a trip to their graveyard ground (Etihad Stadium) against bogey side St Kilda, it's unlikely to do so.
Still, there are decisions to be made down back – particularly with teams finally locking down on Heath Shaw (DEF, $500,000), who has dropped over $50,000 in the past month.
Excluding Grimes and the injured Bob Murphy, only Shaw, Matthew Boyd (DEF, $534,000) and James Kelly (MID/DEF, $506,000) have an average over 100 in the backline this year.
While his break-even is 151 this week, Shaw and his Giants face the ailing Brisbane Lions who give up Fantasy points by the bucketload – as evidenced by the kickabout the Suns' defence enjoyed in last Saturday's QClash. So don't be tempted to give Shaw the boot.
Consider, instead, making space for Bachar Houli (DEF, $474,000) in coming weeks as he returns from a serious wrist injury, or for Jimmy Bartel (DEF/MID, $461,000) this week.
Up forward, Michael Barlow (MID/FWD, $526,000) looks a must-have, assuming he is named to face the Cats, against whom he averages 126.
Most Fantasy classic leagues have just six trades remaining before finals, so upgrade only when all bases are covered and make sure you have at least some bench cover for each position.
Thursday night football reaches its finale this week with the Swans facing the Hawks at the SCG, so you'll need to have players from both clubs locked in by game time (7.50pm AEST) that evening.
Click here to subscribe on iTunes.
Top five price rises
- Peter Wright (FWD, Gold Coast) +$41,000: $318,000
- Clay Smith (FWD/MID, Western Bulldogs) +$34,000: $224,000
- Jason Castagna (DEF, Richmond), +$34,000: $177,000
- Jarrod Harbrow (DEF/MID, Gold Coast), +$33,000: $384,000
- Rhys Mathieson (MID, Brisbane Lions), +$33,000: $256,000
Top five price falls
- Heath Shaw (DEF, Greater Western Sydney), -$37,000: $500,000
- Farren Ray (MID, North Melbourne), -$36,000: $282,000
- Brad Ebert (MID, Port Adelaide), -$33,000: $423,000
- Shaun McKernan (RUC, Essendon), -$31,000: $352,000
- Liam Shiels (MID, Hawthorn), -$29,000: $435,000
Get 'em in
Brad Crouch (MID, $411,000): Showed what he was capable of against the Blues with 113 and as the Crows fly, so will this young gun.
Dean Towers (FWD, $347,000): A frustrating player, but he's put together an impressive patch of form and must be considered if you need a mid-pricer.
Jason Castagna (DEF, $177,000): Will be snapped up as bench coverage by plenty of coaches this week. Place looks assured because the Tigers have no excuse but to play the kids from here.
Bye for now
Gary Ablett (MID, $521,000): If you're doing a straight swap, Jack Macrae (MID, $524,000), Scott Pendlebury (MID, $533,000) or Joel Selwood (MID, $523,000) are the prime picks. Consider Luke Hodge (MID, $486,000) if you need some cash.
Liam Shiels (MID, $435,000): Will miss at up to a month after suffering hamstring tightness against Port and he's unlikely to give you much from that point onwards.
Tom Liberatore (MID, $440,000): Ruled out of the match with the Suns after that sickening clash with Tiger Jayden Short. Swap for one of the Crouch brothers.
