THE THIRD and final round of the bye period is finally over for another year, so it's back to normality from here on as we strive to ensure a top-eight birth in our leagues as well as climbing the rankings. Hopefully you maintained a level of strength through the byes, resisting temptation to trade premiums around which should ensure you have a solid platform to launch your attack in the back half of the season.
Fantasy Pig
We talked up Luke Parker as the number one midfield trade target last week and he certainly didn't let anybody down with a massive game at home against the Dogs. Parker showed why he has the potential to mix it with the top eight mids with 34 touches, 10 tackles, five marks and 3.2 for a round-high score of 158. All from a guy who was available for under $500K. Despite his inevitable price rise this week, Parks is still under-priced and deserves to be on your radar.
Honourable mention:The other under-priced midfield trade we mentioned was Andrew Gaff, who was almost down to 400K on the back of some indifferent form and injury. He was back to his best against the lowly Bombers collecting 35 possessions, taking six marks and kicking two goals for 131. Unlike Parker, I don't think Gaff can match it with the top eight mids over the remainder of the season, but for his price, you could do much worse.
• Six things we learned from round 15
Fantasy Prestigiacomo
When last year's highest-scoring player comes up against the Suns, his coaches should be in for an enjoyable afternoon. That was far from the case this week as Jack Steven failed to take a mark on his way to a very disappointing 65 from 21 touches. His next four matches are at Etihad Stadium, so expectations are high as he looks to make amends.
Honourable mention: Unfortunately, Tom Mitchell reminded us why he is still a long way off becoming an official Fantasy Pig with an ordinary performance against the Dogs at the SCG, which is usually a happy hunting ground for him, with five out of his past six scores at the venue over 110. He scored just 62 with uncharacteristically low mark (two) and tackle (two) counts.
• Around the state leagues: Who starred for your club in the twos?
Piglet
As a Blues fan, I'll try to keep a lid on this despite my excitement. Jack Silvagni made his highly anticipated debut against the Pies and he certainly didn't look out of place, collecting 15 possessions, taking an impressive six marks and laying four tackles for 76. He looks to have great job security and is almost a must have cash cow.
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The top 10
Luke Parker: 158
Lachie Hunter: 133
Travis Boak: 132
Andrew Gaff: 131
Nathan Jones: 131
Michael Rischitelli: 130
Matthew Boyd: 129
Marcus Bontempelli:
129 Dan Hannebery:
127 Lance Franklin: 126
Fantasy Mailbag
@WarnieDT @CalvinDT @RoyDT Thoughts on Davis > Hipwood & Kerridge < Zerrett?
— hamish duns (@98Hamish) July 3, 2016
Merrett is certainly a 'must have' so do what you need to do to get there. Hopefully someone cheaper than Hipwood is named.
@RoyDT is Silvagni a must have downgrade next week? #AFLFantasy
— Josh Cannata (@cannata_josh) July 3, 2016
His scoring ability and job security make him a high priority downgrade.
gaff, parker, brad crouch or splash the cash on sloane? @RoyDT @CalvinDT @JeppaDT
— Harry Thredgold (@Harry_Thredgold) July 3, 2016
I think Parker is the way to go.
@RoyDT what do I do with Barlow? Best option if I trade? Cheers Leg!
— Adam (@simboer88) July 3, 2016
Go to the best and grab Merrett or Riewoldt. Montagna is still good value.
@WarnieDT @RoyDT @CalvinDT @aflratings @AFLFantasy who is the best Mid to get fellas? Got $612,000 #AFLFantasy
— Jaiden Greenfield (@JaiGreeny_18) July 3, 2016
The Pig, Rockliff
@RoyDT @AFL 1771 and i went up 4000 spots to 4800. Happy days. Barlow and Wagner to Zorko and Enright good move Roy?
— Simon James (@Cmossvdk) July 3, 2016
Looks good, I would consider JJ as the Dogs have a lot of games coming up at ES.
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