THE TOP four teams will play in the penultimate home and away round as they look to book their place in the big dance to chase premiership glory.  

Several challenges have faced Fantasy coaches this season as they have needed to be agile to adapt to the ever-changing season including the condensed fixtures. This round will test the fortitude of even the most hardened coaches as they grapple with forced trades due to injury as well as the timing of their moves throughout the rolling lockout.

But there will be no asterisk on this year's Fantasy premier.

>> WATCH THE TRADERS' ROUND 17 PREVIEW IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

Trading will be varied depending on the circumstances. With only two rounds to go, any move made can be short sighted. That is, looking ahead to who your trade targets play in their final two matches can help determine who could be a good buy. 

Port Adelaide play against Essendon, who gave up bulk points to Geelong last round, and will finish the year taking on Collingwood where Fantasy points should flow. Adelaide has been the least restrictive team this season and their opponents, Carlton and Richmond, should put up decent scores. Hawthorn have been the easiest team to play in recent weeks. Expect the Bulldogs and Suns to have positive matches to finish the year.

Round 17 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.

WHO'S IN? Check out the latest teams 

ROUND 17

Thursday, September 10 
St Kilda v West Coast, The Gabba, 7.10pm AEST 

Friday, September 11
Geelong v Richmond, Metricon Stadium, 7.50pm AEST 

Saturday, September 12 
North Melbourne v Fremantle, Metricon Stadium, 2.10pm  AEST 
Port Adelaide v Essendon, Adelaide Oval, 5.05pm AEST, 4.35pm ACST 
Greater Western Sydney v Melbourne, The Gabba, 7.40pm AEST 

Sunday, September 13 
Carlton v Adelaide, Metricon Stadium, 1.05pm AEST                             
Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs, Adelaide Oval, 3.35pm AEST, 3.05pm ACST                      
Sydney v Brisbane, Cazalys Stadium, 6.10pm AEST                          

Monday, September 14
Collingwood v Gold Coast, The Gabba, 7.10pm AEST     

BUY

Jack Crisp (DEF, $711,000) – Although he has had below par season, Crisp has bounced back in the last two with scores of 116 and 121. He is now the form player of the competition and is a must have for the last two games. 

Hamish Brayshaw (MID, $170,000) – The bargain basement Eagle midfielder will make his long-awaited debut this week providing an ideal downgrade option. His form in the WAFL was outstanding in 2019 and included scores of 104, 108, 110, 111, 117 and 125.

Damon Greaves (DEF, $205,000) - The young Hawk finally made his debut after catching the eye of Fantasy coaches in the pre-season. He is the perfect downgrade to carry the E on the bench after scoring 67 which included seven marks.

Also consider: Tom Rockliff, Max Gawn, Sam Walsh

HOLD

Jordan Ridley (DEF, $636,000) - After a career high last round, unfortunately the usually reliable intercept marking specialist was well down against the Cats with just two marks and 49 points. He will bounce back, the Bombers got smashed.

Andrew Gaff (MID, $743,000) – The Eagles wing man was completely shut down against the Dogs with an awful performance where he managed just one mark and 15 possessions for a score of 44. He won’t do that again. 

Luke McDonald (DEF, $754,000) – The Roo defender has been one of the form defenders of the competition, consistently hitting premium ceiling heights. Unfortunately, he had a disappointing return against the Power with just 56.

Also consider: Bailey Smith, Toby Greene, Caleb Serong.

SELL

James Worpel (MID, $717,000) – The in form Hawk mid was unfortunately struck down with a shoulder injury on just 43 points in a disappointing blow for his three per cent of coaches. He needs to be moved on. 

Jy Simpkin (FWD/MID, $597,000) – After an outstanding start to the season following a move to the midfield, Simpkin has dropped off significantly and to rub salt into the wound was knocked out on just 31 points and is unlikely to get up for next round.

Todd Goldstein (RUC, $637,000) – 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 six games.

Also consider: Jake Riccardi, Tim English, Brodie Smith.

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 – Mitch Duncan v Richmond (Friday night)

Duncan scored 144 in his most recent encounter against the Tigers and has hit 130+ against them in three of his last six games. Add to this, Duncan hasn’t dropped under 80 in his last eight games and is primed to be massive again.

No. 2 – Max Gawn v GWS (Saturday night)

After scores of 96 and 100 in his last two games, Gawn meets a team he has scored 132, 120 and 140 against in his last three games. Reilly O’Brien scored 101 against the Giants on Tuesday, which indicates Gawn will also hit triple figures once again.

No. 3 – Jack Macrae v Hawthorn (Sunday afternoon)

Over the last two weeks, Macrae has confronted some tough opposition in the Cats and Eagles. It’s much easier this week as Macrae meets a team he has scored 124, 116 and 126 against in his last three games.

No. 4 – Lachie Hunter v Hawthorn (Sunday afternoon)

Hunter scored 86 last week, which is his lowest score in his last six games. He knocked up 123 against the Hawks last year and will keep his form rolling here.

No. 5 – Jake Lloyd v Brisbane (Sunday night)

Lloyd has averaged 99 in his last six games this year and just keeps getting it down. He scored 93, 90 and 90 against the Lions in his last three games and is a safe 90+ on Sunday night. 

Get expert advice from The Traders throughout the season in the Fantasy Hub. Follow AFL Fantasy on Twitter and 'like' the Facebook page to join in the conversation.