The bye could not come at a better time for Richmond captain Trent Cotchin [MID, $442,700].
Cotchin has struggled to recapture his early season form, but the rest is likely to do him some good.
A score of 70 on the weekend suggests he's a little off the boil, so maintain the faith and back him in for a huge finish to the year.
Trade
Brisbane Lions midfielder Brent Moloney [MID, $382,400] has ground to a halt, scoring just 24 fantasy points after being subbed out at half time against Collingwood last week.
The Lions have the bye round this week, so it's time to give him the flick.
Moloney's price could still make him a valuable upgrade option, as players such as Allen Christensen [MID/FWD, $392,000] and Heath Scotland [MID/DEF, $390,000] become available.
Invest
Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer [RUC, $353,500] is on the up after scoring 119 points against Greater Western Sydney last weekend.
Kreuzer missed three games with a broken thumb between rounds four and seven.
His price is well undervalued and he's fit again, so he's definitely worth a punt.
New kid on the block
It was the debut of the decade; just ask Paul Roos.
Tom Mitchell [MID, $108,500] played a sensational game on debut for the Sydney Swans, gathering 18 possessions and notching 98 fantasy points after starting as the substitute.
He racked up 52 and 56 possessions in the NEAFL the previous weeks, so he can certainly find the football.
Expect more from the Sydney Swans wonder kid.
That hurts
News through from the Cats this week is saying Geelong star Paul Chapman [MID, $473,700] is going to be sidelined indefinitely with a niggling hamstring injury.
So for those who thought Chapman might have been a difference maker for their fantasy teams may need to have a rethink.
When up and going, Chapman can be as consistent as they come, so it's disappointing news for coaches.
Surprise Packet
Collingwood midfielder Kyle Martin [MID, $103,300] waited a long time for his chance at the top level.
So his 92 fantasy points and 19 possessions on debut emphasised just how eager he was to make his mark.
Martin had been carving up in the VFL for months before he earned his shot, so he has shown that he can play.
One to keep an eye on before his price soars in a few weeks.
The Last Word
The dreaded bye rounds are here, but this season AFL Fantasy coaches will have the luxury of operating under an improved and fairer system.
During the bye rounds (rounds 11,12,13), you will score points only for your top 18 from your selected on-field starting 22.
That means you need to ensure your best players are still on the ground and in your starting line-up.
Ben Guthrie is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter - @AFL_BenGuthrie
