THIS is the final round before the three-week stretch known as the multi-bye rounds hit Fantasy coaches.
Across the various leagues, most Draft commissioners opt to have no head-to-head match ups across rounds 12-14. This means there is no need to try to balance your squad for optimal scoring and you can be a patient with injured stars who realistically, after this week, won’t need to play until round 15.
For those playing through the byes, the advice is simple. Don’t drop someone that is a regular on-field player in your squad just to get a win. Hit up free agents for bench positions only. On the other hand, keep an eye on the player pool as some coaches may get a little bit trigger-happy.
The bye rounds is also a great time to float some trade offers. Consider some moves that could sure up your team for the run home and finals.
FANTASY FORM WATCH Prepare for the bye rounds
Defenders
Jeremy Finlayson, DEF/FWD, Greater Western Sydney (ADP Nil, 29 per cent)
Finlayson has been fantastic for the Giants this season up forward. He took nine marks to help him to a solid 82 points on the weekend off the back of 96 and 92 (kicking three and five goals helped these scores). Whenever the Giants have an easy match-up, such as this week against the Suns, expect Finlayson to feast!
Matthew Broadbent, DEF, Port Adelaide (ADP Nil, 20 per cent)
After posting 89 and 100 in his last two games, Broadbent has thrown his name into the minds of plenty of Fantasy coaches. He has increased $70k in Fantasy Classic but his Draft value is steadily increasing as he makes his return from injury. Broadbent finished with 28 disposals and seven marks against the Hawks on the weekend.
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Midfielders
Hugh Greenwood, MID, Adelaide (ADP 143, 38 per cent)
He’s made this column before, but with an ownership of 38 per cent and a chance to add FWD status, if you haven’t already pounced, now is the time. Coming off 112 thanks in part to a team-high 13 tackles on Saturday, Greenwood is often hit and miss with his scoring but if he gains DPP, his value is set to soar.
James Cousins, MID, Hawthorn (ADP 238, 21 per cent)
Fantasy Classic coaches were excited about Cousins during the pre-season and in the first two weeks when he scored 98 and 89 to enjoy some price rises. He experienced a lull until his suspension in round seven to bounce back with scores of 108, 81 and 84, making him a bench option at worst for leagues with seven or more midfielders.
Forwards
Chad Wingard, MID/FWD, Hawthorn (ADP 82, 54 per cent)
Just check to see if he’s available as a free agent. He shouldn’t be, but with just 54 per cent ownership, there is a chance … and after making a return from injury with 85, Wingard could be ready to hit some form.
Josh Caddy, FWD, Richmond (ADP 174, 46 per cent)
There would be a lot of coaches who drafted Caddy during the pre-season who would have sent him straight to the player pool with some VFL time and some 50s early in the season. Scores of 109, 70 and 92 in the past three weeks have given some hope that his Fantasy numbers are on the up.
Darcy Parish, MID/FWD, Essendon (ADP 200, 44 per cent)
It took a 31-disposal game for Parish to notch up his first ton of the year. As there are plenty of injuries at the Bombers, more midfield minutes beckon and gone will be the days of the 50s and 60s. Fingers crossed we will see his full Fantasy potential over the coming weeks.
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