FANTASY COACHES will face a range of challenges over the next six weeks. 

Not only are we jockeying for position in our leagues for the approaching finals, there seems to be at least one major trading issue for our squads every week.

And there is no bigger issue than Gary Ablett.

The Little Master was the most traded in player and captain last round following his 176 point game against Greater Western Sydney. We won’t dwell on his 22 points and unfortunate season-ending injury against the Crows, but once again thousands of coaches are left with a big trade to make.

Adding to the Ablett woes, Nat Fyfe was ruled out of the game against GWS this week by Ross Lyon on Tuesday night.

Taking a glass half full approach, at least we have two trades per week to deal with the two big holes in our midfields. If you are rolling with both players, trading to under-priced or fallen premiums is a recommended strategy.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood [MID, $474,000] is coming off back-to-back Fantasy tons after a series of disappointing scores. His value is highlighted by a break-even of 79 and a four game average of 115.3 against the Lions, his opponent this week.

The $100,000 in the bank could be very handy over the next few weeks.

Jordan Lewis [MID, $554,000] started the season like a house on fire but after returning from suspension in round eight, his scoring was sporadic. The Hawthorn midfielder’s last four scores of 125, 108, 98 and 111 are a big step in the right direction and he is great value.

With 106, 107, 128 and 130 in the last month, Steele Sidebottom [MID, $544,000] has a break-even of just 63. The Magpie is owned by just five per cent of coaches making him a unique premium option for the run home.

The Traders will be chatting live from 6.15pm AEST. The boys will cover the best trade and captaincy advice plus reaction to the round 18 teams as they are announced.