IT IS hard to believe that it is all over for another year. A big pre-season full of research when AFL Fantasy coaches put together dozens of combinations of starting teams only feels like yesterday.

Numerous trades and thousands of points later, we say goodbye to the 2016 Fantasy Classic and Elite seasons before we start studying up for next year. 

Indeed, some of us have already started thinking about 2017 following a disappointing season, like this writer who has his tail between his legs after talking a big game early on.

20-year-old Essendon star Zach Merrett (FWD/MID, $585,000) was voted by the fans as the inaugural “Swanny Medallist” for his outstanding season, playing 22 games at an average of 117.6. 

He was just nine points behind the runner-up for the award, Patrick Dangerfield (MID, $566,000), who enjoyed his best season to date.

The overall winner of Fantasy Classic, taking home $25,000 and a trip to the Grand Final, was West Australian Russell Shore. 

His team Slop City Misfits tallied 49,645 points to finish 74 points ahead of Yuichiro Tomo’s Awesome Dean Goresome (49,571). 

Simon Grant’s noBuddyway (49,534) eventually finished third in what was a nerve-racking final round for the coaches at the pointy end.

South Australia has the bragging rights in the schools’ competition as Max Drogemuller from Prince Alfred College won the Grand Final against Declan Clayton from Geraldton Senior College in Western Australia.

While the season is still fresh, let’s reflect on what was a fun and challenging year of Fantasy and start to store a few names in the back of minds for 2017.

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AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1685 (1st)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1421 (15th)
HIGHEST SCORER: Rory Sloane. 2223 points / 105.9 average (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Jarryd Lyons (+$213,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Sam Jacobs (-$121,000)

FANTASY MVP: With the departure of Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane (MID, $523,000) stepped up to produce the best season average of his career. His top score of 155 came against Dangerfield’s new club, Geelong.
Honourable mention: Rory Laird (DEF, $481,000).

RISING STAR: One of the most selected Fantasy forwards at the start of the year was Mitch McGovern (FWD, $262,000). His price peaked in round 17 at $313,000 and he was a very serviceable cash cow.

2017 WATCH LIST: We predicted Brad Crouch (MID, $435,000) and Matt Crouch (MID, $501,000) would reach triple figures this season. They are arguably under-priced for next year if you think they can improve on this year’s output. Consider Cam Ellis-Yolmen (MID, $3789,000) who may have a discount. He played just two matches this year and consistently produced huge numbers in the SANFL, averaging 100 points a game.

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1424 (18th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1668 (3rd)
HIGHEST SCORER: Dayne Zorko. 2123 points / 105.9 average (20 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Rhys Mathieson (+$174,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Tom Bell (-$167,000)

FANTASY MVP: Although Dayne Zorko (MID, $482,000) was the top scorer for the season, skipper Tom Rockliff (MID, $628,000) deserves this award. He is a Fantasy Pig for a reason. To average 116.7 from his 17 games, two of which he scored just 24 and 33 due to injury, was an outstanding effort. Let’s not forget his 184, 179 and 174 during the season. Oh, and his 137.5 average during the Fantasy finals - the man is a freak!
Honourable mention: Dayne Zorko.

RISING STAR: First-year player Rhys Mathieson (MID, $332,000) was the most profitable Lion, but he played an important role in our Fantasy teams midway through the season. Debuting in round nine, he frustratingly had a bye round straight up, but from then on hit his straps to average 70.6 from his 11 games.

2017 WATCH LIST: Plenty of Lions were down on their previous season averages and given a good pre-season, there will be many knocking on the door for our teams. Dayne Beams (MID, $544,000) played just two matches and will be nicely priced.

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1550 (14th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1561 (7th)
HIGHEST SCORER: Bryce Gibbs. 2319 points / 105.4 average (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Ciaran Byrne (+$184,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Marc Murphy (-$118,000)

FANTASY MVP: One of the mid-priced improvers of the year, Bryce Gibbs (MID, $502,000) added $53K in value but most importantly increased his average by almost 25 points on last year’s return.
Honourable mentions: Sam Docherty (DEF, $501,000) and Kade Simpson (DEF, $499,000).

RISING STAR: Sadly a knee injury ended the season prematurely for Ciaran Byrne (DEF, $309,000) but his owners were more than happy with the $184,000 he made them. The lad we dubbed SOJ, “Son of Jo” – Jack Silvagni (FWD, $231,000), was a very handy late-season inclusion to a club who provided good bench cover in Fantasy.

2017 WATCH LIST: You can lock Marc Murphy (MID, $426,000) in as a midfielder for your 2017 squad right now. Priced at an average of 79.8, the skipper will be a popular mid-priced option next season and he may repeat what Gibbs did this year.

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1624 (6th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1615 (7th)
HIGHEST SCORER: Adam Treloar. 2453 points / 111.5 average (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Josh Smith (+$282,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Marley Williams (-$139,000)

FANTASY MVP: It didn’t take long for Adam Treloar (MID, $563,000) to adjust to his new environment at the Magpies. A season low of 75 and 14 scores of 110 or more made him one of the most consistent performers of the season. An average of 129.3 in the final three rounds helped many coaches to a premiership.
Honourable mention: Brodie Grundy (RUC, $548,000).

RISING STAR: Gaining DEF status in round 12 was a great moment for Josh Smith (DEF/MID, $407,000) owners. They were able to use his dual-position flexibility to provide bench cover for the latter part of the season. 123 against the Eagles in round 19 and 131 versus the Suns in round 22 were the highlights of a debut season which saw him average 76.3.

2017 WATCH LIST: A disappointing season for Collingwood will see players well priced next season. Scott Pendlebury (MID, $522,000) had his lowest average since 2009 and may offer some value in the new year. Monitor James Aish (DEF/MID, $344,000) in the off-season as a likely improver in 2017. 

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1611 (9th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1659 (4th)
HIGHEST SCORER: Zach Merrett. 2587 points / 117.6 average (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Mitch Brown (+$205,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Shaun McKernan (-$135,000)

FANTASY MVP: At just 20 years of age, Zach Merrett (FWD/MID, $585,000) was the best available forward of the season and knocked out an outstanding average for a team missing many of its midfield stars. He may not have made the cut for the All Australian squad, but he would have been one of the first picked for services to Fantasy.
Honourable mention: James Kelly (DEF/MID, $466,000).

RISING STAR: With a swag of low-priced top-ups and debutants for the Dons, there were many candidates for this category. Mitch Brown (FWD/DEF, $399,000) had a big finish to the year, but we can’t look past Matt Dea (DEF, $342,000) and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (DEF/FWD, $305,000) as two important cash cows in defence.

2017 WATCH LIST: Next season will be interesting for the Bombers. We will have to see how the players returning from suspension are priced and possibly take a punt on picking them up, hoping they’ll smash it after a year out to refresh their bodies.

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1561 (11th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1705 (1st)
HIGHEST SCORER: Lachie Neale. 2445 points / 111.1 average (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Connor Blakely (+$243,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Aaron Sandilands (-$151,000)

FANTASY MVP: Nat Fyfe went down early in the season and filling his void was Lachie Neale (MID, $562,000) in a disappointing season for the Dockers. The 23-year-old has proven his Fantasy game with 15 tons from his 22 games and a season-high of 169 in the round 22 preliminary final.
Honourable mention: Michael Barlow (FWD/MID, $518,000) … when he wasn’t injured, playing WAFL or stuck up forward.

RISING STAR: Many coaches offloaded Connor Blakely (MID, $380,000) before he got going. A slow start of 45, 46 and 56 was quickly forgotten when he averaged 92 points for the next month. Blakely had the third-highest price increase in the competition.

2017 WATCH LIST: Only five games and an average of 55.4 points for Aaron Sandilands (RUC, $334,000) will make him just about a must-have in your starting squad next year. Keep an eye on Tommy Sheridan (DEF, $342,000) as he was high on the watch-list last pre-season. Can he have a breakout?

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1648 (5th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1497 (17th)
HIGHEST SCORER: Patrick Dangerfield. 2595 points / 118 average (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Sam Menegola (+$239,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Mark Blicavs (-$140,000)

FANTASY MVP: No surprises that Geelong’s main man and Brownlow Medal favourite Patrick Dangerfield (MID, $566,000) took the Fantasy world by storm this year. Not only did he top score for the season, he was a set-and-forget captain for many coaches. They would have been most excited when he pumped out 187 at Etihad Stadium in round 12 against the Kangaroos.
Honourable mention: Joel Selwood (MID, $501,000).

RISING STAR: Appearing in many teams when Fantasy opened in early February, Sam Menegola (MID, $366,000) injured his knee during the pre-season. He worked his way into the Cats' side following some huge VFL scores and didn’t disappoint in six matches in the senior team. Three tons and a low score of 80 saw him add $239,000 in almost record time.

2017 WATCH LIST: Jackson Thurlow (DEF, $369,000) will receive a discount due to missing 2016 with a knee injury. If fit, he should be considered. Thurlow spent the season honing his craft as a Fantasy coach, so hopefully he knows how to boost his scores by a few points!

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1519 (17th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1670 (2nd)
HIGHEST SCORER: Tom Lynch. 1896 points / 86.2 average (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Ryan Davis (+$184,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Kade Kolodjashnij (-$130,000)

FANTASY MVP: This is a hard one. Aaron Hall (FWD/MID, $496,000) gets the nod with his blistering start to the year, averaging 112.1 points in the first 10 rounds and increasing $130,000. The following week he scored 59 and was dropped on the eve of the dreaded bye rounds. He didn’t drop below 100 in his last six games.
Honourable mention: Tom Lynch (FWD, $434,000).

RISING STAR: Ryan Davis (FWD/MID, $309,000) did his job as a cash cow and was a handy dual-position player from round six when he added FWD status. He just pipped two-metre Peter Wright (FWD, $320,000) who went up $174,000 in value and averaged a solid 64.9 points.

2017 WATCH LIST: From round 16, Touk Miller (FWD/MID, $474,000) averaged 104.25. He will be priced at his season average of 81.6. There will be some changes at the Suns, but if opportunity is there, Miller is likely to be a top-line forward in the upcoming season.

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1665 (3rd)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1496 (18th)
HIGHEST SCORER: Heath Shaw. 2239 points / 101.8 points (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Sam Reid (+$113,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Callan Ward (-$104,000)

FANTASY MVP: Some coaches, this one included, believed Heath Shaw (DEF, $459,000) overachieved last year. This theory was proven to be wrong in the first half of the season as the former Pie was at one point the top-priced player in the competition. Trading him at the bye round was a good idea as his peak average of 117 in the first nine rounds wasn’t replicated in the second-half of the year. Still, he was the highest scoring defender of the season. Honourable mention: Stephen Coniglio (MID, $497,000).

RISING STAR: The Giants, on the eve of their maiden finals appearance, had an outstanding year and the cash cows were few and far between. Sam Reid (FWD/MID, $238,000) was the top earner but he managed just six matches at an average of 56.7. Jacob Hopper (MID, $315,000) played eight games at 68.9 but his price premium meant he earned just $60,000.

2017 WATCH LIST: Devon Smith (FWD, $410,000) is high on the watch list for next season if he can add some consistency to his game. Jack Steele (FWD/MID, $343,000) averaged 153 Fantasy points in the NEAFL and if he can get a game, then he’s a lock. When Jake Barrett (MID, $125,000) makes his debut, we need to get on board. He averaged 113 this year in the reserves, backing up from 107 last season.

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1613 (7th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1530 (14th)
HIGHEST SCORER: Jordan Lewis. 2271 points / 103.2 average (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Kaiden Brand (+$107,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Liam Shiels (-$175,000) 

FANTASY MVP: Only two Hawks averaged more than 100 this season, Sam Mitchell and the Fantasy MVP, Jordan Lewis (MID, $523,000). Lewis played every game of the home-and-away season but pleased coaches who didn’t start with him dropping to $474,000 due to some unusually low scores early on. From round 10 Lewis’s lowest score was 98 making him one of the most consistent players in the game.
Honourable mention: Sam Mitchell (MID, $462,000).

RISING STAR: The Hawks haven’t blessed Fantasy coaches with many cash cows in recent times. Kaiden Brand (DEF, $232,000) was the most profitable player, but only averaged 50.3 from his 11 matches.

2017 WATCH LIST: For a team as dominant as the Hawks in the last few years, on a whole, their Fantasy performances were less than expected in 2016. Next year there will be some value in Luke Hodge (DEF/MID, $441,000) who posted an average 24 points lower than 2015. Liam Shiels (MID, $374,000) will be under-priced while junior Fantasy gun Kieran Lovell (MID, $174,000) may get more opportunity in the new year at a great price.

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1612 (8th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1585 (11th)
HIGHEST SCORER: Max Gawn. 2343 points / 106.5 average (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Josh Wagner (+$207,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Bernie Vince (-$105,000) 

FANTASY MVP: The No.1 ruck this season was Max Gawn (RUC, $558,000). The bearded warrior took all before him to be the eighth highest scoring player of the year. Although not matching the feats of Todd Goldstein and Stefan Martin in the ruck in 2015, Gawn increased $49,000 thanks to 15 tons, including a streak of 10 from round 12 to 22.
Honourable mention: Jack Viney (MID, $490,000). 

RISING STAR: It took just seven games for Josh Wagner (DEF, $332,000) to crack the $300,000 barrier. He was the perfect cash cow to trade out around the byes after making a quick fire $200,000. 

2017 WATCH LIST: If you’re game, Heritier Lumumba (DEF, $309,000) should attract a discount. It may, however, be worth keeping an eye on some Demons who may slide in your Fantasy Elite draft next year such as Angus Brayshaw (FWD/MID, $361,000) and Christian Petracca (FWD/MID, $304,000) who will almost certainly average more in 2017.

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1551 (13th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1498 (16th)
HIGHEST SCORER: Jack Ziebell. 2089 points / 95 avearage (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Daniel Wells (+$130,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Todd Goldstein (-$196,000)

FANTASY MVP: Starting the season at under $300,000, Daniel Wells (FWD/MID, $423,000) was one of the most popular selections all season. He enjoyed his second best Fantasy season playing 18 games at an average of 87.9. Although a calf injury meant a lot of coaches jumped off, with more than $100,000 pocketed, he came back to finish the season with multiple 100+ scores.
Honourable mention: Brent Harvey (FWD, $454,000).

RISING STAR: It’s hard to call the 31-year-old Wells a Rising Star, however, his price increased the most of any Roo. Aaron Mullett (DEF, $286,000) was the next best with an increase of $124,000 from his starting price of $162,000. He would have provided solid bench cover for the 5,382 coaches who selected him.

2017 WATCH LIST: Coaches who started Todd Goldstein (RUC, $434,000) would have been devastated given his almost 20 point decrease on his stellar 2015. We all know his best and he should be priced nicely if you think he can bounce back. 

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1524 (16th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1600 (9th)
HIGHEST SCORER: Ollie Wines. 2214 points / 100.6 average (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Darcy Byrne-Jones (+$126,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Hamish Hartlett (-$170,000)

FANTASY MVP: Ollie Wines (MID, $522,000) cracked the triple figure average for the first time in his four-year career. From Port Adelaide’s bye, Wines averaged 109 points, demonstrating his consistency with a low of 96 and a high of 120. If this can continue, he will once again be the Power’s most reliable Fantasy player.
Honourable mention: Robbie Gray (FWD/MID, $455,000).

RISING STAR: Not missing a game after making his debut in round three, Darcy Byrne-Jones (DEF, $251,000) made some quick dollars as he hit his top price at the bye round. Another rookie who did his job and was cashed in by many at the right time.

2017 WATCH LIST: Looking at the career numbers for Chad Wingard (FWD, $356,000), 2017 should be one of his ‘up’ years. It is a risk, but Wingard will be a better player than his price would suggest as the Power look to improve.

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1555 (12th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1591 (10th)
HIGHEST SCORER: Dustin Martin. 2355 points / 107.1 average (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Jayden Short (+$198,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Brandon Ellis (-$154,000) 

FANTASY MVP: The trajectory of the Fantasy career of Dustin Martin (FWD/MID, $551,000) continues to rise. It may be the last time we are able to select him as a forward, but the Tiger was a reliable member of the front six of our Fantasy squads again this season. In the second half of the year, he averaged 117 points.
Honourable mention: Bachar Houli (DEF, $463,000). 

RISING STAR: The biggest season price rise from a Tiger came from Jayden Short (FWD/MID, $323,000) who played 16 matches at an average of 60.3. He beats out Corey Ellis (FWD/MID, $322,000) and Connor Menadue (FWD/MID, $290,000) due to games played.

2017 WATCH LIST: We should see better seasons from Trent Cotchin (MID, $432,000) and Brandon Ellis (MID, $414,000) who could end up sliding in Fantasy Elite drafts in February and March next year. 

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1587 (10th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1622 (6th)
HIGHEST SCORER: Nick Riewoldt. 2320 points / 110.5 average (21 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Blake Acres (+$148,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: David Armitage (-$188,000)

FANTASY MVP: The Fantasy Grand Final hero was St Kilda’s best. Nick Riewoldt (FWD/MID, $548,000) pulled out his career best Fantasy season, his third averaging more than 100, at the age of 33. A thumping score of 200 points in the final round will keep his owners smiling all season.
Honourable mentions: Jack Steven (MID, $463,000) and Seb Ross (MID, $480,000).

RISING STAR: Playing 18 games in his debut season, Jade Gresham (MID, $319,000) didn’t set the Fantasy world on fire, but made himself $132,000 while averaging 61.1.

2017 WATCH LIST: David Armitage (MID, $404,000) had a breakout season last year averaging 107 points. He was well down averaging 85.7 from his 22 games. Was 2015 a blip on the radar, or will he be under-priced in the new year? 

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1660 (4th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1555 (13th)
HIGHEST SCORER: Luke Parker. 2418 points / 109.9 average (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Callum Mills (+$176,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Callum Sinclair (-$123,000)

FANTASY MVP: Can we split Luke Parker (MID, $563,000), Dan Hannebery (MID, $553,000) and Josh Kennedy (MID, $572,000)? The trio averaged 109.9, 108.4 and 108.2 respectively and put to bed that query of whether three players from one team in your midfield is too many. If you had to choose one, you would have picked up Kennedy for his traditional end of season tear - he gets it with his last nine games scoring at an average of 119.
Honourable mentions: Tom Mitchell (MID, $508,000) and Lance Franklin (FWD, $452,000).

RISING STAR: Although Calvin will protest, Aliir Aliir (DEF, $300,000) deserves the trophy here, Callum Mills (DEF/MID, $403,000) has been outstanding for many reasons. His average of 73.1 made the premium on Mills’ starting price valid, but gaining DEF status and averaging 85 post-bye gets him the gong as the best rookie from the Swans.

2017 WATCH LIST: After a super year for the Swans finishing as minor premiers, most players performed as well as predicted, if not better. Kurt Tippett (RUC/FWD, $392,000) might be worth a look next season if his price is right and Isaac Heeney (FWD, $380,000) is a smokey to be one of the top scoring forwards.

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1550 (14th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1602 (8th)
HIGHEST SCORER: Luke Shuey. 2177 points / 99 average (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Eric MacKenzie (+$52,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Jack Redden (-$228,000)

FANTASY MVP: The Eagles were a little ho-hum when it came to Fantasy this year. Matt Priddis (MID, $523,000) was once again the star of the show as the only Eagle to average more than 100.
Honourable mention: Josh Kennedy (FWD, $409,000) for his cracking start to the year.

RISING STAR: Can you see the tumbleweeds rolling across Domain Stadium? Can we call Eric Mackenzie (DEF, $257,000) the Rising Star even though he played just 13 games for an average of 55.2? He added the most dollars, but it was only $52,000, the lowest “top earner” of any club.

2017 WATCH LIST: There has to be upside in a heap of Eagles considering some of the hefty price decreases. Surely Jack Redden (MID, $309,000) will be much better than the 64.9 points he averaged this year. This was the lowest Fantasy return of his eight year career. A long way from the 109.1 he averaged in his third season at the Lions.

AVERAGE TEAM POINTS FOR: 1629 (5th)
AVERAGE TEAM POINTS AGAINST: 1674 (2nd)
HIGHEST SCORER: Lachie Hunter. 2276 points / 103.5 average (22 games)
BIGGEST PRICE INCREASE: Josh Dunkley (+$248,000)
BIGGEST PRICE DROP: Liam Picken (-$125,000) 

FANTASY MVP: As a speculative mid-priced pick, Lachie Hunter (MID, $463,000) started the year in fine form averaging 111.8 by round 11. Although he dropped away in the latter rounds, Hunter was still owned by more than 26,000 coaches at the end of the season.
Honourable mentions: Matthew Boyd (DEF, $491,000), Marcus Bontempelli (MID, 534,000) and Jason Johannisen (DEF, $460,000). 

RISING STAR: Josh Dunkley (FWD/MID, $410,000) was another first year player who gained dual-position during the season. He finished the year averaging a whopping 80.6 points from his 13 games. We need to thank Marcus Adams (DEF/FWD, $307,000) for his services this season. The mature-aged defender pumped out scores of 101 and 107 in his second and third games and increased $152,000 in his 13 games.

2017 WATCH LIST: The Bont is going to be a Fantasy star of the future, if he isn’t already. Marcus Bontempelli (MID, $534,000) started the season slowly but hit his straps from round seven where he averaged 108 for the rest of the season. This make his average of 98.6 under-priced for the upcoming season.