Today it's time to take a punt on one of the AFL's most talented players, set to become Fantasy royalty.
The FWD/MID comes in as the third most expensive forward available this year, but he should maintain his mantle as one of the top front half options in Fantasy in 2014.
Fantasy lock-ins: forwards
- Nathan Bock (Gold Coast)- Alex Fasolo (Collingwood)
- Patrick Karnezis (Collingwood)
- Lance Franklin (Sydney Swans)
- Mitch Clark (Melbourne)
Last season, Martin cracked the Fantasy ton on 10 occasions, including three scores over 130. When he’s on, he’s very much on.
The consistency in his game is increasing. In previous seasons he would often have big Fantasy numbers for a quarter or a half and go missing in the others and fail to register the premium scores he teased us with.
In 2013, his kick to handball ratio increased, as did his average disposals. Couple these increases with more marks and Martin is ticking the boxes for automatic Fantasy selection.
Now 22, Dusty has has been an integral part of Richmond’s line-up since his debut, playing all but three games in his four seasons.
Starting as a forward, Martin has spent more time running through the midfield as his career has progressed and in latest training reports, he is currently working with the defenders to develop his all-round game.
What will this mean for his Fantasy scores? At this stage I’m not quite sure. Martin is unlikely to be playing with too much accountability; he’ll be running off half-back which will suit his game.
The only worry for us Fantasy coaches is that we could see some sporadic scoring as he gets used to his new role.
LOCKABILITY: 4.5/5
Barring injury, it’s basically a given that Martin will be in the top six Fantasy forwards come season's end. It’s a matter of whether you see him as a starter or as an upgrade target.
Of the premium forwards to choose from, we have placed him in our starting squad based on his scoring potential.
With Richmond’s round eight bye, it can be argued that his price may drop a bit and he’d be the perfect player to get in for round nine but we’re thinking about the points we may miss out in the seven rounds before!
Dusty is a keeper and don’t be surprised if he returns a 100+ Fantasy average this year.
Tomorrow Roy picks our number one forward, who we consider a gift from the Fantasy gods. Check out #AFL Fantasy on Twitter or follow @WarnieDT and the official account @AFLFantasy
The pre-season AFL Record is the complete guide to the new-look NAB AFL Fantasy football competition. AFL Fantasy experts Warnie, Roy and Calvin (aka The Traders) detail everything you need to know about Fantasy football. There are Fantasy prices and profiles of every player. The 124-page pre-season Record is on sale now at newsagents nationally for $9.95.
