Players from clubs taking part in the 10 games of the first weekend of the round will be locked out this Friday (18 July) at 7:50pm AEST.
Players from the remaining teams will be able to be edited as per usual up until the following Friday (25 July) at 8:40pm AEST.
Fantasy round 17 review
Be mindful that trades (single or double) that involve locked players will not be able to be reversed.
WHO'S ON THE CHOPPING BLOCK?
Brad Ebert [MID, $487,438] looked as though he had stepped up to elite premium status over his first 12 games of this season where he scored under 100 on just three occasions and delivered some huge scores including 136 and 152. During the last month, he has caused coaches a massive headache with sub-premium scores of 84, 98 and 87 before dropping to a new low of just 55 from 16 touches on the weekend against Richmond. Despite a solid season average of 102, Ebert's lack of form cannot be tolerated in an all-important midfield position and he must be moved on.
WHO GETS A LIFELINE?
Dion Prestia [MID, $532,472] looked to have elevated his game to the next level between rounds ten and 14 where he went on a tear of five straight 100-point games, including three monster scores over 130. During that purple patch, Prestia was finding the ball at will, having a low of 28 disposals in that time, along with huge tallies of 35 and 38, not to mention 11 marks in round 14. Since then he has collected 19, 19 and 22 disposals and struggled mightily on Saturday against the Bulldogs in the absence of Gary Ablett. This drop-off in form has caused Prestia's break-even to reach 145 this week, so I can hear you justifiably asking ‘Why would you give him a lifeline’? Bearing in mind he will have an inevitable price drop, a look ahead to his upcoming opponents shows sticking with him could be the smarter tactical move. This week he faces the Lions, who he previously collected 32 disposals against earlier this year, before playing the Saints and the Blues who leak Fantasy points like a sieve. Don't put the Sun out, just yet.
UNDER-PRICED PREMIUM VALUE
Sam Mitchell [DEF/MID, $443,870] has once again jumped into the ‘must have’ category, and he now comes at a bargain price based on a round seven injury against the Saints that caused him to score just seven points. The week prior to his injury, Mitchell scored 142 against the Tigers where he set a mark that few defenders are capable of reaching. I took a punt with Mitchell, getting him in last week after scoring 67 against the Roos in round 17, following his extended break and he did not let me down with an impressive 103 against the Crows. He has a good upcoming draw with games against the Swans, Dogs and Demons which should provide instant reward for his selection.
BREAKOUT VALUE
Steven Motlop [FWD, $460,953] is in the middle of a break-out season where it seems he has made significant improvements in his ball-winning ability and consistency. Over the last five weeks, Motlop is arguably the pick of the forwards with an average of 108, assisted by four 100+ scores in that time including 115 and 125. With a late start to the season due to injury, Motlop began his year in round seven and managed to reach 20 disposals just one in his first five games. Since then, he has not dropped under 20 possessions and has in fact been a ball magnet. His good form should continue with games against the Giants and Roos in his next two rounds.
SANDI STARTING TO SLOW
If you have Aaron Sandilands [RUC, $435,884] in your ruck slot, his scoring has slowed down considerably with a three-game average of 75 and five weeks without scoring 100, so it might be worth those coaches who are playing Stefan Martin [FWD/RUC, $441,292] in the forward line to remove Sandi, swap Martin into the ruck and allow yourself the chance to pick up the in-form Motlop.
WHAT ARE THE TRADERS DOING THIS WEEK?
Warnie
In: Tom Rockliff, Lance Franklin
Out: Brad Ebert, Travis Cloke
Warnie is using some retail therapy and cleaning out his bank on the back of a shocking week. Hopefully this makes him feel and score better!
Calvin
In: David Zaharakis, Sam Mitchell
Out: Grant Birchall, Aaron Sandilands
At this time of year, there is no room for sub-par performances and Calvin is making two luxury trades based on that.
Roy
In: Steven Motlop, Kieren Jack
Out: Aaron Sandilands, Matt Suckling
I am looking to take full advantage of my DPP links, while spending up with some money in the bank to make a couple of luxury upgrades.
For trade chat, hit me up on Twitter: @RoyDT
