AFTER teams were announced last Thursday, many AFL Fantasy coaches were forced to make straight swap ‘patch up’ trades just to have a full team on the park.
With popular mid-priced player Liam Shiels [MID, $421,395] already out, forward lines took a big hit with the loss of the heavily selected Josh Caddy [FWD/MID, $330,098], Tom Mitchell [FWD/MID, $432,762] and Gary Rohan [FWD, $177,537] meaning luxury trades were out the window, especially when injured Bomber Patrick Ambrose [FWD, $164,215] is still sitting on over 20 per cent of benches.
Hopefully this Thursday night doesn’t have too many surprises up its sleeve, and we can execute the trades we plan throughout the week.
CHOPPING BLOCK
Unfortunately Jarryd Roughead [FWD, $409,016] is not living up to coaches' expectation so far this year. Many believed that Roughy would flourish in the absence of Lance Franklin but it has become evident that Jack Gunston [FWD, $458,451] is taking advantage of the extra Fantasy points and Roughhead is just plodding along for his 34,000 owners.
Despite kicking bags of four and five goals this year, he is still yet to crack the 100 point mark and Monday’s 51 points against Geelong has become the tipping point for many. Roughead has a break-even of 104, which would suggest another price drop on top of the $61,084 he has already lost since the beginning of the season.
UNDER-PRICED PREMIUM REPLACEMENTS
I have no doubt that Roughy will turn his season around at some point this year, but there are a couple of proven premium performers that, after a slow start, seem to have turned their season around, leaving them at bargain basement prices.
Travis Cloke [FWD, $348,630]: After averaging 93 points last year, Cloke got off to a shocking start this year with three of his first four games registering scores under 40. This obviously caused his price to plummet and Cloke had dropped a whopping $153,570 since round one. In his round five game, he certainly looked like the Cloke of old with 11 marks and four goals (along with his trademark four behinds) for a score of 111. Selecting Cloke will certainly mean be a rollercoaster ride, but I can see him being a lot better than his price and current average of 58 suggests. He has a break-even of 65, so this will be the cheapest we will see him this year.
Lance Franklin [FWD, $397,600] has found his feet at the Sydney Swans with two 100+ scores in his last three games. After a slow start with his new club, which was largely caused by tough weather conditions for a big forward, Buddy looks to be back to his best and he is priced at rock bottom after dropping $28,900 for the season. Franklin is carrying a break-even of just 59 leading into this week's game against the Demons, before facing the Brisbane Lions the following week - and would expect him to score heavily against both opponents.
ROOKIE WATCH
Western Bulldogs recruit Mitch Honeychurch [FWD/MID, $135,500] has put his name up for selection this week after a best on ground performance in the VFL, where his tackling and attack on the ball were highlights, along with his goal. If you are in need of a downgrade option, this former under-18 All Australian should be heavily considered and his dual position status could add vital flexibility in the bye rounds.
WHAT ARE THE TRADERS PLANNING THIS WEEK?
Warnie
In: Nick Robertson, Ryan GriffenOut: Xavier Ellis, Dom Tyson
With Ellis injured and Tyson's break-even close to his average and therefore peaking in price for the time being, Warnie is looking to downgrade to Brisbane Lions draftee Nick Robertson and bring in fallen premium, Ryan Griffen.
Calvin
In: Nick Robertson, Dane Swan
Out: Xavier Ellis, Scott Selwood
Calvin has completely spat the dummy and lost patience with the under-performing Selwood, who looks a shadow of last year's premium midfielder so he has turned to one of the greatest of all time to get his season back on track - Swanny!
Roy
In: Mitch Honeychurch, Cale Hooker (via DPP)
Out: Xavier Ellis, Josh Caddy
For the third week in a row I plan on strengthening the backline if injuries allow me to do so. It is hard to deny Hooker that spot at the moment after taking 15 marks and scoring 131 on the weekend. His marking has been a feature with hauls of 16, 10, nine and 15 so far this season, taking advantage of the Bombers' high possession style.
