THE END of the bye rounds is like a cool change sweeping through Fantasy's Sahara desert.
It's sweet relief after the relentless grind of three rounds wrangling a squad with more holes than Richmond's final-quarter game-plan.
One man has sat atop the League's break-even ladder since two months before the byes started, his hamstring injury against the Cats demanding a return of epic proportions.
Max Gawn will resume this week against the Eagles needing a score of 176 to hold his price of $588,000.
Against the far from fearsome ruck combination of Nathan Vardy and Drew Petrie, it's not impossible that he could give that number a shake.
However, Gawn's history against the Eagles (he averages just 75.3) and record at Domain Stadium (average 81.8) points to one more week off for Fantasy coaches.
The week after, Gawn faces Sydney on a Friday night at the MCG in round 15, a team against which he averages 114. With dominant ruckmen hard to find this year, that will be the perfect time to bring big Max into your squad, probably at Toby Nankervis' expense.
Of course, break-evens are made to be broken. Tom Rockliff needs the second-highest score this week (172) against the Giants to keep his price of $679,000.
Only the foolhardy would bet against the mighty Pig pulling out yet another Fantasy miracle at the Gabba.
Top five price rises
- Bryce Gibbs, Carlton (MID, $678,000) +$47,000
- Dom Sheed, West Coast (FWD/MID, $486,00), +$37,000
- Bachar Houli, Richmond (DEF, $534,000), +$32,000
- Zaine Cordy, Western Bulldogs (FWD, $327,000), +$29,000
- Sam Mayes, Brisbane Lions (DEF, $430,000) +$27,000
Top five price falls
- Jarrad Waite, North Melbourne (FWD, $427,000), -$40,000
- Lin Jong, Western Bulldogs (MID/FWD, $376,000), -$37,000
- Tom Rockliff, Brisbane Lions (MID, $679,000), -$31,000
- Dean Towers, Sydney (FWD, $359,000), -$31,000
- Jason Johannisen, Western Bulldogs (FWD, $434,000), -$28,000
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Get 'em in
Shai Bolton, Richmond (MID/FWD, $218,000): A stunning first half against the Swans marked Bolton out as useful dual-position bench cover, and his spot is secure for now.
Josh Kennedy, Sydney (MID, $568,000): Notched 50 points in the final quarter against the Tigers and is back to his bruising best. Great option under $600,000.
Rory Sloane, Adelaide (MID, $595,000): Friday night's clash with Hawthorn could get ugly. The Hawks aren't big on the tag and Rory's due a big one after the bye.
Bye for now
Jared Polec, Port Adelaide (MID, $518,000): The Port speedster was in sharp form but won't be seen for at least a week with a hamstring strain.
Jack Steven, St Kilda (MID, $550,000): The mullet is gone, and the Fantasy scores have headed south. Swap for Joel Selwood.
Josh Kelly, Greater Western Sydney (MID, $660,000): Mystery surrounds the gun Giant who was injured at training last Saturday. Every chance to miss this week against the Lions.
