IT IS semi-finals 'week' in AFL Fantasy with the winners of the round 15 qualifying finals enjoying the round off while those still in the running are playing for their place in the preliminary finals.  

For those already into the preliminary finals, trades should be made with rounds 17 and 18 in mind. That is, look at those who you want in your team for those games… this round is irrelevant. 

>> WATCH THE TRADERS' ROUND 16 PREVIEW IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

If you're playing off in a semi-final, then your moves can be a little more short-sighted. Is it chasing a Giant versus Adelaide as the Crows tend to give up plenty of points? Is it a Hail Mary on a unique player for the match-up? 

There is plenty to think about for the finals as there is with the race for the Toyota Hilux. 

Trent's team, 'aluniesheis', has a 101-point lead over Nick's 'Haircut 2's NHFAHCFC-2' with three rounds to go in the overall competition. 

North Melbourne plays Port Adelaide to start round 16. Players from the two teams will be locked when the ball bounces at 7.40pm AEST, along with the two teams with the last byes of the season. 

Collingwood and Richmond players will be locked in at the start of the round. If you wish to trade someone in/out, move them on to the field or bench, make them emergency or even captain, then you must do that prior to the first lockout. 

ALL THE TEAMS Check out how your club will line up in R16 

Round 16 match times, and therefore lockouts, as below. Be sure to plan your trades ahead and only make the moves that you need. Teams will be announced at 6.20pm AEST on the day prior to matches. 

If possible, only trade out or in a player in the last hour before their lockout as final teams with late changes are announced one hour before the bounce. Stay across social media for the important late mail. 

TIPS AND TRICKS How to dominate the run home in AFL Fantasy

Round 16

Saturday, September 5
North Melbourne v Port Adelaide, Metricon Stadium, 7.40pm AEST

Sunday, September 6
St Kilda v Hawthorn, Metricon Stadium, 1.05pm AEST
Geelong v Essendon, Gabba, 3.35pm AEST
Western Bulldogs v West Coast, Metricon Stadium, 6.10pm AEST

Monday, September 7 
Melbourne v Fremantle, Cazalys Stadium, 7.10pm AEST

Tuesday, September 8  
Adelaide v Greater Western Sydney, Adelaide Oval, 5.10pm ACST (5.40pm AEST)
Carlton v Sydney, Metricon Stadium, 8.10pm AEST

Wednesday, September 9
Brisbane v Gold Coast, Gabba, 7.10pm AEST 

Byes: Collingwood, Richmond

NOTE: Players with a bye will be awarded their average as their round 16 score if they played in round 15. They will be locked at the start of the round (7.40pm AEST). 

Buy

Jack Scrimshaw (DEF, $535,000) – The Hawk has been given some freedom and he has embraced the opportunity with open arms. He has scored 84 and 86 respectively to give him a breakeven of just 26. He is an interesting unique pick at just 2 per cent ownership.

Jack Crisp (DEF, $680,000) – Although his bye average of 75 doesn't reflect his last two scores of 116 and 121, he will still have another price rise following this round. After finally playing himself into form after a disappointing season, he is a must-have for the last two rounds.

Blake Acres (FWD/MID, $520,000) – The Docker recruit played his first game since round nine and his form finally reflected the high-volume marking game we saw in the pre-season. He took an impressive six marks and laid five tackles for a score of 108. He has a breakeven of 35.

Also consider: Nick Haynes, Jack Redden, Keidean Coleman 

Hold

Tim Taranto (MID, $738,000) – The star Giant has been understandably inconsistent after an interrupted start to the year. He had a disappointing fourth quarter of just five points on the weekend after a good start, but he is in a position to find his best form in the next two against the Crows and Demons.

Stephen Coniglio (MID, $676,000) – The Giants skipper has been well down on form, averaging just 66 in his last three following a 66 against the Blues. He has the best match-up in the business this week against the Crows which sets him up for a nice return. 

Brodie Grundy (RUC, $757,000) – Many coaches have inquired about the possibility of trading the big Pig on his bye round to Max Gawn, who is blessed with a dream run of match-ups. It is not a move worth considering this week with a good average score of 91 incoming for Grundy. 

Also consider: Jeremy Cameron, Jake Riccardi, Caleb Serong

Sell

Zac Bailey (DEF/MID, $721,000) – The hard-running Lion has had a great break out during the second half of the year but a role change has dried up his consistent scoring, as highlighted by a 41 last round. He has risen $235k since the start of the year.

Jy Simpkin (FWD/MID, $629,000) – After an outstanding start to the season following a move to the midfield, Simpkin has dropped off significantly with a three-game average of just 66. Move him on for greater consistency and ceiling.

Todd Goldstein (RUC, $651,000) – When his best game for a long time was his bye score, it's a good sign that it's time to go. After a great start to the season he has managed just one score over 70 in his last five games.

Also consider: Andrew McGrath, Luke Shuey, Patrick Cripps

Calvin's Captains

In AFL Fantasy your captain scores you double points for that week. Here are Calvin's top five picks for you to consider.

No.1 – Zach Merrett v Geelong (Sunday afternoon)
He is simply on fire at the moment coming off scores of 106, 122 and 125. Merrett even scored 104 and 108 in his last two encounters with the Cats and will be too hard to stop.

No.2 – Jake Lloyd v Carlton (Tuesday)
His 84 last week broke his run of four straight 100+ scores. The Blues can give up points to defenders, something Lloyd found last year when he had 117 and 120 against them.

No.3 – Jack Macrae v West Coast (Sunday night)
Even though Macrae had a season-low of 69 against the Eagles last year, I'm expecting him to continue his good form fresh off his bye. Last week, Essendon scored well against the Eagles who allowed four scores over 100.

No.4 – Max Gawn v Fremantle (Monday)
In Gawn's last two games against the Dockers, he scored 129 and 124. He played 93 per cent game time last week for 100 and looks like he is back, fit and firing.

No. 5 – Mitch Duncan v Essendon (Sunday afternoon)
Over the last five years, the Bombers are one of Duncan's favourite teams to play. He scored 120 against them last year and should be pushing triple figures this Sunday afternoon.

Best of the byes

Over this period when a player is on their bye, you can lock in their average as a captain's score before the round starts, but only if they have played the week before. If you would like to secure a captain score and not gamble on the big names above, the best five options are listed below.

Taylor Adams - 91
Brodie Grundy - 91
Scott Pendlebury - 86
Jack Crisp - 75
Brayden Maynard - 74
Dustin Martin - 73 

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