OUR NAB AFL Fantasy pre-season has ramped up into overdrive after the completion of NAB Challenge week three. Here is a snapshot of what happened across the games.

Geelong v Adelaide, Simonds Stadium

The talk of Jimmy Bartel (FWD, $562,000) moving back to the midfield went up another notch after the former Brownlow medallist once again roamed where he pleased, collecting 26 touches and scoring a game-high 111.

If you weren’t starting with Mitch Clark (FWD, $156,000), it’s time to admit it was the wrong call and get him in. He kicked six goals on his way to 108 points and while we can’t expect that every week, a starting spot on your ground must now be considered.

Nakia Cockatoo (MID, $271,000) was very impressive late in the game and although awkwardly priced, he has thrown his hat in the ring to play early games after scoring 68 with an impressive goal.



At half-time, Billy Smedts (DEF, $177,000) looked a lock for our backline but unfortunately went missing completely in the second half. He still, however, remains one to strongly consider.

Patrick Dangerfield (MID, $524,000) looked unstoppable at times on his way to 96 and Brad Crouch (MID, $524,000) did enough to stay in the mix for a ‘break-out’ selection after scoring 93 and laying an impressive seven tackles.

Nathan van Berlo (MID, $272,000) did enough again, with the under-priced mid gathering 14 touches on his way to 63, while fellow bargain Tom Lynch (FWD, $327,000) did his chances no harm after kicking two goals and scoring 76.

From the youngsters, it was Cam Ellis-Yolmen (MID, $120,000)who stood out with 23 touches and 70 points from 69 per cent game time.

Greater Western Sydney v Essendon, Spotless Stadium

It was hard to take a lot out of this game, with so many stars missing from both line-ups. Someone who did take the opportunity to put their hand up for round one selection was Cameron McCarthy (FWD, $136,000) who took six impressive marks and kicked three goals on his way to 81. Fellow youngster Jack Steele (MID/FWD, $227,000) comes at a tough price, but showed a bit of flare scoring 58 points and may be a factor in Fantasy at some stage through the year.

For the Bombers, Lauchlan Dalgleish (DEF, 219,000) looked handy in the backline, collecting seven marks and 22 possessions for 75 points, and rookie Kyle Langford (FWD, $249,000) was solid for 60, but may be over-priced. It was always going to be interesting to see how Brendon Goddard (FWD/MID, $550,000) performed in the absence of so many Bomber stars and he only managed a disappointing 49.

Melbourne v Western Bulldogs, Eureka Stadium, Ballarat

After a disappointing game last week, Christian Salem (FWD, $193,000) jumped straight back into contention playing his new role across halfback with 24 possessions, nine marks and a whopping 118 points.

Under-rated Fantasy performer and forgotten man Jeff Garlett (FWD, $262,000) won’t score you many big hundreds but at this price, he is certainly a bargain. He took eight marks and kicked two goals for 87 points and looked the part at his new club.

Jimmy Toumpas (MID,$293,000) took full advantage of the Demons chipping the ball around with an impressive 10 marks and 103.

Last week we got excited about Ben Newton (MID, $192,000) who was solid in this outing with 19 touches and 59 points from 70 per cent time on ground but fellow ‘buzz’ player Aaron vandenBerg (MID, $129,000) unfortunately had his game cut short with a head knock while on six.

For the Dogs, Mitch Honeychurch (FWD, $179,000) was impressive with 75 from 84 per cent game time after collecting 17 possessions with four marks and four tackles. He looks a bargain pick if he can force his way into the best 22. As does Brett Goodes (DEF $192,000), if he can manage to get a game, his score of 69 from 68 per cent game time would indicate he is under-priced based on his scoring potential after he averaged 79 in 2013.

If you are a fan of the 'Bont', Marcus Bontempelli (FWD/MID, $392,000)don’t hesitate to put him in your forward line. He only scored 58, but looked like he could take his game to the next level once the season proper begins.

Richmond v Port Adelaide, Lavington Sports Ground, Albury

The Tigers entered a stronger team this week and Dustin Martin (FWD/MID, $533,000) looks a contender to be the year's highest-scoring forward after playing predominantly in the midfield and collecting 28 touches for 109. Popular rookie Kane Lambert (MID/FWD, $120,000) managed only 39 from his 12 touches, but still remains in the mix to be upgraded to the senior list. Ben Lennon (FWD, $189,000) was solid again, and continued to push for a round one berth with 58 from 14 touches.

For the Power, Karl Amon (MID,$120,000) made a good impact and pushed claims for his selection with 18 touches and seven marks for a solid 77. Nathan Krakouer (MID/FWD, $142,000)remains an interesting prospect after scoring 35 from his 10 possessions in 54 per cent time on ground.

Sydney Swans v Fremantle, Drummoyne Oval, Sydney

Lachie Neale (MID, $466,000) backed up his pre-season hype with a huge game, collecting 33 possessions and setting a new 2015 NAB Challenge high with 131. Added to his strong finish to the 2014 season, he looks at least 20 points under-priced on what I think he is capable of achieving this season. Cheap defenders are on coaches radars and Clancee Pearce (DEF/MID, $280,000) may well have fallen off after managing just 20. Garrick Ibbotson (DEF, $336,000) stayed in the mix however, after scoring 55.

Luke Parker (MID, $585,000) continues to tick boxes and led the Swans' scoring with 98, ahead of ball magnet Josh Kennedy (MID, $595,000) who had 91. Tom Mitchell (FWD/MID, $432,000)has attracted a lot of attention this pre-season and he was solid without being outstanding with 17 touches and a goal for 66 from 71 per cent game time.

Collingwood v Carlton, Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo

Patrick Cripps (MID, $163,000) did enough to lock himself onto many grounds with 79 points including an impressive eight tackles. Former Giant Kristian Jaksch (DEF, $186,000) threw his hand up for selection after taking six marks and scoring a solid 69. Fellow cheap options Blaine Boekhorst (MID, $243,000) and especially Ciaran Byrne (DEF/MID, $120,000) both did enough to stay in calculations with 63 points each.

Corey Gault (FWD, $252,000) was the highest-scoring Pie with 71 while the much hyped Jordan De Goey (MID, $285,000) had 42 from eight touches. Patrick Karnezis (FWD, $197,000) was disappointing with 33 points, while Dane Swan (MID/FWD, 531,000) and Scott Pendlebury (MID, $614,000) eased themselves towards round one with 55 and 52 respectively.

Watch the NAB Challenge live on a free four-week trial