AT FIRST glance, Jacob Hopper (MID, $275,000) seems to have a price tag that would warn off cash-conscious Fantasy coaches.
But after one of the most impressive senior debuts in recent seasons, there are a multitude of reasons to hop aboard this points machine.
Firstly, on a simple points-per-dollar equation, Hopper sits fourth in the league – the strongest indicator that his sub-$300,000 price is a sound investment.
There are plenty of cash cows in that list of value, but Hopper stands out as a player you could plug into your midfield and bank on 80-90 points each week.
WATCH: Jacob hops to it on debut
With the Giants missing players like Devon Smith, Ryan Griffen and Will Hoskin-Elliott, Hopper's place is secure leading into a crucial stretch of matches for his club.
Hopper ranked first for contested possessions and clearances during last year's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships and proved his Fantasy credentials with some dominant showings in the NEAFL this year as the Giants held him back from an early debut.
Fast-forward to last Saturday when Hopper finally played his first senior game, and torched the Suns with 32 quality possessions and 97 Fantasy points.
His breakeven against the Bulldogs this week is a laughable 18 points and his projected score is 77.
If Hopper's not your bag, Christian Petracca (FWD/MID, $288,000) has the same breakeven, an upcoming game against the struggling Lions, and three solid matches under his belt for your consideration.
2014's brash No.2 draft pick is finally up and running for the Demons after missing all of last year with a torn ACL, and he's humming along nicely in a Fantasy sense with scores of 58, 86 and 78 in three games.
While Angus Brayshaw (MID/FWD, $293,000) seems unlikely to be seen for some time, Petracca could soon be joined by forgotten man Jack Trengove (MID, $332,000), perhaps as early as this week.
You'd want to see a solid month of football before taking the risk with Jack, but keep in mind the solid 90-point average he delivered in 2011.
Or you could just get Hopper in this week for a more immediate return.
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Top five price rises
- Michael Walters (FWD, Fremantle) +$35,000: $489,000
- Shane Kersten (FWD, Geelong), +$34,000: $370,000
- Darcy MacPherson (MID, Gold Coast), +$34,000: $180,000
- Bryce Gibbs (MID, Carlton), +$31,000: $556,000
- Josh Smith (MID, Collingwood), +$31,000: $276,000
Top five price falls
- Sam Mitchell (MID, Hawthorn), -$38,000: $561,000
- Tom Lynch (FWD, Gold Coast), -$35,000: $438,000
- Lewis Taylor (MID/FWD, Brisbane Lions), -$33,000: $342,000
- David Armitage (MID, St Kilda), -$31,000: $454,000
- Tom Bell (FWD, Brisbane Lions), -$31,000: $388,000
Get 'em in
Jackson Trengove (DEF, $270,000): Won't be keen to watch a replay of Kreuzer's game-winning snap last Sunday, but winning plenty of points as Port's go-to ruckman.
Bryce Gibbs (MID, $556,000): Has found trust pretty hard to come by in Fantasy circles, but an eight-game average of 110 is proof positive he's finally arrived.
Ricky Henderson (DEF/MID, $413,000): A nice point of difference for your backline. Good link-up man for Adelaide and a low breakeven this week.
Bye for now
Dayne Beams (MID, $544,000): Another round, another Lion gone long-term. Will we ever see Beamsy's brilliant best in Fantasy again?
Bachar Houli (DEF, $474,000): One more solid backline general hits the skids. Trade to Kade Simpson as soon as you can.
Tom Bell (FWD, $388,000): Yet to break the ton this year and he's probably wishing he'd stayed at Carlton about now.
