THE bye rounds are coming. If you’re treating NAB AFL Fantasy like a bored footballer at a midweek press conference (i.e. just one week at a time, not looking any further ahead than our next opponent, etc.), then it’s time to smarten up.

The Traders' Fantasy form watch

Rounds 11, 12 and 13 will see just the 12 clubs competing each week and your Fantasy scores will be comprised of only your top 18 scorers, although you still need to lock in a full squad.

The best way to avoid a slew of donuts through your scorecard is to ensure an even spread of players from as many clubs as possible in your 30-man squad.

Suddenly, that second bench slot you’ve been filling up with cheap un-used Brisbane Lions rookies becomes relevant as you try to cobble together 18 scoring players each week. 

Of the premium scorers, round 12 looks the particular pain point of this three-round stretch with Jack Steven, David Armitage, Scott Pendlebury, David Mundy, Nat Fyfe and Lachie Neale all having a rest that week. That’s six of Fantasy’s top-10 average scorers (along with Dyson Heppell who sits 11th).

So with six trades up your sleeve until round 11 begins, start spreading the love when you’re ditching your cash-cows or upgrading your premiums and be 'bye aware' this season.

Sorry, who broke the ton this week?
Travis Varcoe [DEF, $380,000] – 126 points v Gold Coast: This wasn't just Varcoe's best game as a Magpie but his highest Fantasy score ever and only the third time he's cracked the ton. Chances of it happening again this week? About as likely as a Steven Trigg/Mick Malthouse hug.

Jack Hombsch [DEF, $329,000] – 110 points v Richmond: As the Tigers kept the pressure on the Power, the ball constantly came to the former Giant who racked up his equal-highest Fantasy score. If you give the Demons a chance against Port in Alice Springs this week, as I do, Jack might be worth a look. 

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You! My team. Now!
Mitch Wallis [MID, $355,000] – avg 73.6: When relieved of tagging duties, the curly-haired Bulldog has always been a ball magnet. In a woeful loss to the Demons, he shone brightest and a straight swap with Patrick Cripps looks a wise move.

Andrew Gaff [MID, $524,000] – avg 99.5: Like Wallis, Gaff isn't quick but he sure knows how to find the footy. Another 115 points against the Saints last week edges him closer to premium status and on the wide open spaces of Domain Stadium, expect Gaff to score heavily against the Cats on Sunday. 

I’m not angry, just disappointed
Tom Boyd [FWD, $246,000] – 3 points v Melbourne: There is about as much chance of Boyd being named to face his ex-Giants teammates this week as there is of Gold Coast's medical staff getting a day off. Looking sore and sorry, Boyd was subbed off against the Demons last Sunday after one handball and a hit-out and his coach admits he needs a spell. Cash him in now. 

Matthew Leuenberger [RUC, $248,000] – 14 points v Essendon: Height is the only thing keeping Leuenberger in the Lions' tiny line-up right now. He's doing little if any ruck work and barely touching the ball when it goes forward. It will be interesting to see if he's named for his 100th game this weekend. 

Get ‘em in
Travis Boak [MID, $532,000]
Tom Rockliff [MID, $480,000]
Matt Crouch [MID, $361,000]
Jack Martin [FWD, $364,000]
Jordan Murdoch [FWD, $374,000] 

Farewell for now
Kane Cornes [MID, $441,000]
Dion Prestia [MID, $522,000]
Sam Fisher [DEF, $413,000]
Elliott Yeo [DEF/MID, $429,000]
Brett Goodes [DEF, $254,000]