THE DEMONS didn’t have the greatest season from a Fantasy perspective in 2015, but that is not to say there isn’t some value on the horizon for next year.
Looking back over the season just gone, recycled Crow Bernie Vince (MID, $512,000) led the way with an average of 93, backing up from an impressive 95, and Max Gawn (RUC, $509,000) had a break-out year to average 92.
More Fantasy prices:
> Carlton: Will Brendon play the kids?
> Brisbane Lions: Fantasy Pig and friends
> Gold Coast: Sunshine and Fantasy points aplenty
> Essendon: Don't you know about the Bird?
> St Kilda: Big four won't come cheap
Unfortunately the same consistency didn't extend to Nathan Jones (MID, $475,000) and Heritier Lumumba (DEF, $315,000) who dropped their averages by 15 and 14 points respectively.
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Jesse Hogan (FWD, $411,000): We all knew he was good, but many of us were surprised he could be so good, so quickly. The sky is the limit for the best young big man in the game following his average of 74 from 20 games. I’m not sure what is more impressive about Hogan - the fact he was coming off a serious injury, the fast development for a key position player or the fact he dominated in the forward line for a team that struggled to get the ball up there. With the decimation of popular Fantasy FWD dual-position players this year, Hogan could be your hero!
Christian Petracca (FWD/MID, $238,000): Although he is still training with the rehab group, the Dees are happy Petracca's progress almost 11 months into recovery from an ACL tear. Physically he is in the best shape of his life and is tearing it up on the running track. Based on potential, he is worth the extra cash compared to many cheaper draft options. He averaged 105 in the TAC Cup in 2014 which shows his ability to rack up Fantasy points.
Angus Brayshaw (FWD/MID, $341,000): Brayshaw showed flashes of brilliance in his first season at the top level, going on an impressive scoring streak between rounds nine and 11 where he scored 94, 90 and 96. Over the course of the season he wore the now-vanquished subs vest four times which creates some value in 2016.
Jake Melksham (MID, $359,000): I wouldn’t say it’s the right price, but it could be argued that Melksham it underpriced, given he has moved to the Dees for increased opportunities and he is coming off a season where he averaged 13 below his best. Last year he started the year well with scores of 95 and 104 but he fell away quickly due to inconsistent form and tagging roles.
Clayton Oliver (MID, $238,000): I don’t know if he can be called a bargain at this price, although if Oliver can continue to develop at the rate that saw him become one of the biggest draft bolters in recent years, he might just make enough money to earn that title. Looks ready made to make an impact from round one, dare I say it … in Ollie Wines style.
Jack Trengove (MID, $332,000): The former No.2 draft pick has had a shocking run of injuries and unfortunately he is no guarantee to overcome them. Trengove's Fantasy credentials are unquestioned, however, never averaging below 75 points per game over the five years he has hit the park, with a career high of 90. Still has a lot of boxes to tick, but may be relevant at some stage this year.
Heritier Lumumba (DEF, $315,000): After an amazing pre-season with his new club in 2015 and the promise of more midfield time, many Fantasy coaches (who should have know better) made a terrible decision by selecting Lumumba in their back-line. Make sure it doesn’t happen again.
TUESDAY: The Traders are back after Christmas to reveal Magpies' Fantasy prices and positions for 2016.
