I often wonder if AFL footballers re-live games gone by as they run out onto a particular venue.
Will Crows star Taylor Walker get a sick feeling in his stomach the next time he runs onto the MCG after seriously injuring his knee there in round five?
Will you ever wipe the smile off Nic Naitanui’s face when he touches the Subiaco turf thanks to his after-the-siren goal there against the Kangaroos in round eight?
I reckon it would be hard to block out memories as vivid as that.
If it is the case, you’d imagine West Coast Eagles forward Mark LeCras would have amazing memories of Etihad Stadium thanks to one red-letter night three years ago.
The elusive goal-kicker ravaged Essendon's defence back in round 16, 2010, finishing with 22 disposals, 12 marks and 12 goals – a stadium record.
AFL Fantasy players also received a boost from LeCras that night, tallying 176 Dream Team points - clearly his personal best.
His side will be hoping for one of those nights from the man known as ‘the Frenchman’, but he’ll have to improve his record against tonight’s opponents Hawthorn.
LeCras has averaged just 62 against the Hawks and has failed to reach triple figures in six career games against the ladder-leaders.
There’s no such trouble for his teammate Matt Priddis, who averages a very impressive 109 against the Hawks – his second highest average against any of the 17 opposing sides in the competition. Add to that his 102.7 average at Etihad Stadium and it’s safe to say that Priddis will be in for a good evening.
Mr Fantasy’s trade recommendations
Ins: Jasper Pittard (Port Adelaide), Joe Daniher
I am willing to give Pittard one more chance after his selection this week. He seems to have enough upside to be a good AFL Fantasy player. They said Daniher was good, and he is. His score of 84 last week was impressive, and even though the Dons have a bye this week, he is an excellent option as his price will push over $300,000 before too long.
Outs: Marc Murphy (Carlton), Tom Lynch (Gold Coast)
Murphy is no stranger to extended periods on the sidelines, and he’ll miss about a month with a fractured cheekbone. The Blues captain has scored 100 or more in just two of his last six games, so his price has dropped below $400,000 for the first time in a long while. Lynch will be an AFL Fantasy star in years ahead, but a recent knee injury means you can trade him out for Daniher and make a very handy profit ($150,100).
