TO THOSE moaning this week about Jordan Lewis' late withdrawal, or Tom Rockliff's three broken ribs, I humbly request you get over it.
Assuming you had an emergency lined up for Lewis, at least you got some compensation. And a Fantasy Pig with broken ribs can still put 70 points on the board, so Rocky didn't leave you empty-handed.
The Traders' Fantasy form watch
However, if you held firm in your belief that Jack Martin [FWD, $336,000] was a forward worth having, and left him on your bench for a month as his ankle healed, then here's how the last week played out for you.
Thursday: Rejoice as Martin is named for his return by the injury-plagued Suns.
Friday: Reject all opportunities to improve your forward line via trades, safe in the knowledge that young Jack will lead your team to the promised land.
Saturday: Watch in horror as Martin's hamstring goes snap after two minutes of play against the Hawks and the Suns put him in the red vest quicker than even Chris Knights could manage. Outcome: Two measly points.
Sunday: Watch Brad Scott provide the template for furious coaches and feel a strong sense of empathy.
Tuesday: Plan various revenge trades as the Suns reveal Martin will miss at least four weeks with the hamstring injury.
Wednesday: Start taking the first blind bit of notice of who Callum Sinclair [FWD/RUC, $348,00] is. Sigh over the Suns' latest piece of misfortune.
Sorry, who broke the ton this week?
Taylor Duryea [DEF, $450,000] – 118 points v Gold Coast: Duryea has had two shockers this year but when he really comes to the party, the points follow. Few defenders have clocked up four 100-point scores like him in 2015, so consider the Hawk during the bye rounds.
Lewis Taylor [FWD, $329,000] – 110 points v Richmond: The 2014 NAB AFL Rising Star winner has been a steady, rather than spectacular Fantasy performer but he upped the ante against the Saints on Sunday to deliver the second 100+ score of his young career. Taylor is every chance to bring coaches more joy in coming rounds as he gets further midfield time.
You! My team. Now!
Jamie Elliott [FWD, $433,000] – avg 83.3: After leaving North Melbourne dazed and confused at the MCG on Sunday (120 points), Elliott has shown his worth in Fantasy land. It's actually his consistency that makes him a wise pick this week. Just a single score under 70 this year is great form for a forward. And a lot better than Jack Martin.
Toby Greene [MID, $511,000] – avg 92.4: Greene has suffered one of the biggest price drops of any premium midfielder (-$72,000 since the start of the year) but he turned it around in a losing cause against the Bulldogs and looks an under-priced pick this week with a break-even of just 70.
I’m not angry, just disappointed
Jeremy Howe [DEF, $307,000] – 26 points v Port Adelaide: Yes, we look to Howe for spectacular hangers, not big Fantasy scores. But at a touch over $300,000 and with the bye rounds looming, he appeared a possible stop-gap option in the backline. Not after this stinker against the Power in Alice Springs. Save Jeremy for the highlights package, not the stats sheet.
Shaun Atley [DEF, $282,000] – 41 points v Collingwood: North's pacy defender has, like his team, flattered to deceive for a while now and after their capitulation to Collingwood last Sunday, his place in the side could be in jeopardy. A $96,000 price fall since the start of the year means all Fantasy coaches with Atley in their squads should cut their losses now.
Jack Martin [FWD, $336,000] – 2 points v Hawthorn: Don't worry. I'll get over it.
Get ‘em in
Trent Dumont [MID, $150,000]
Adam Goodes [FWD, $331,000]
Steve Johnson [MID, $461,000]
Ben Cunnington [MID, $424,000]
Nic Naitanui [RUC, $421,000]
Farewell for now
Tom Rockliff [MID, $485,000]
Mitch Clark [FWD/RUC, $289,000]
Marc Murphy [MID, $481,000]
Jobe Watson [MID, $503,000]
Jack Martin [FWD, $336,000]
