THIS week's addition of nine new dual-position players gives AFL Fantasy coaches an excellent chance to boost their arsenal ahead of the difficult bye rounds.
Top of the pile is hard-running Hawk Isaac Smith (MID/FWD, $458,000) who adds forward status after ranking second for the premiers for disposals in the attacking midfield.
Smith's had an impressive year with just the one stinker (a 39 against the Giants) and has failed to score over 80 only twice this season. Put him high on your trading list.
Cameron Guthrie (MID/DEF, $450,000) is a similarly tasty Fantasy prospect, although his scores have been a touch more uneven. Ranking fourth at the Cats for disposals inside defensive 50, he adds defender to his Fantasy status but has topped the century just once this season – a monster 130-point game against the Crows in round eight.
If Josh Smith (MID/DEF, $308,000) wasn't already one of the year's best cash cows, he certainly is now. As the fourth-ranked Magpie for possessions in the defensive half, he adds defender status this week and should still be able to make you some cash in the backline, and be plugged in to your best 18 during the upcoming bye rounds.
Port's Jackson Trengove (DEF/RUC, $324,000) can expect a serious jump in the 5.4 per cent of coaches who currently own him. With Matthew Lobbe out for another two months, and Paddy Ryder suspended, the Power have pressed Trengove into the ruck and he gains that position in Fantasy. His numbers have fluctuated depending on youngster Dougal Howard's selection – Howard taking a percentage of the ruck contests. Check the selection news on Thursday night before adding Trengove to your thinking.
My personal whipping boy, Jack Martin (FWD/DEF, $327,000), adds defender to his status, but after three scores above 90 to start the year, he's only topped that mark on one occasion since. His price is currently $30,000 below what it was at the start of the year and there are so many better options out there. Teammate Tom Lynch (FWD, $355,000) springs to mind.
In most Fantasy Classic leagues, the bye rounds (13, 14 and 15) will require you be nimble with your players and get 18 scorers on the ground each week. With this swag of extra dual-position options on the table, there's no excuse for holes in your line-up over the next month.
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| Name | Club | Old position | New position | Average | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Billings | St Kilda | FWD | FWD/MID | 79.9 | $408,000 |
| Orazio Fantasia | Essendon | DEF | DEF/FWD | 70.5 | $319,000 |
| Cam Guthrie | Geelong | MID | DEF/MID | 83.3 | $450,000 |
| Pearce Hanley | Brisbane Lions | MID | DEF/MID | 85.6 | $428,000 |
| Ben Keays | Brisbane Lions | MID | MID/FWD | 55.7 | $252,000 |
| Jack Martin | Gold Coast | FWD | DEF/FWD | 69.5 | $327,000 |
| Isaac Smith | Hawthorn | MID | MID/FWD | 90.0 | $458,000 |
| Josh Smith | Collingwood | MID | DEF/MID | 72.4 | $308,000 |
| Jackson Trengove | Port Adelaide | DEF | DEF/RUC | 58.3 | $324,000 |
Top five price rises
- Connor Blakely (MID, Fremantle) +$47,000: $301,000
- Samuel Collins (DEF, Fremantle), +$36,000: $194,000
- Taylor Walker (FWD, Adelaide), +$34,000: $410,000
- Daniel Talia (DEF, Adelaide), +$34,000: $352,000
- Josh Dunkley (MID, Western Bulldogs), +$34,000: $278,000
Top five price falls
- Steven Motlop (FWD/MID, Geelong), -$38,000: $404,000
- Brandon Ellis (MID, Richmond), -$36,000: $465,000
- David Zaharakis (MID, Essendon), -$35,000: $464,000
- Aaron Hall (FWD/MID, Gold Coast), -$29,000: $509,000
- Andrew Gaff (MID, West Coast), -$27,000: $463,000
Get 'em in (Tom Rockliff is a given)
Jarrad Jansen (MID, $148,000): Excellent cash cow debut with 80 points in a losing team for the ex-Cat. Trade down now before he gets too pricey.
Rory Laird (DEF, $475,000): Rory's had a sighter and 96 against the Saints showed what he's capable of. Get this backline premium into your team now.
David Mundy (MID, $465,000): His 128-point return showed the Dockers' captain is back in form and his projected numbers make him a must-have at this price.
Bye for now
Brandon Ellis (MID, $465,000): So disappointing this year, the young Tiger is attending plenty of contests but can't get his hands on the ball. Bail out now.
Steven Motlop (FWD/MID, $404,000): The Geelong forward is haemorrhaging money and his break-even has ballooned well out of reach. Trade for Brent Harvey.
Dale Thomas (FWD/MID, $407,000): Daisy's impressive return to Fantasy respectability has been unsung, but he's got poor history against the Blues' next three opponents so look elsewhere for now.
