• Nine things we learned from round 15
• Forecast the final eight with the 2014 ladder predictor
• Around the state leagues: Waite injured, De Boer returns
AN OUTSTANDING captain’s knock from Gary Ablett set up a high scoring round for some NAB AFL Fantasy coaches.
Many popular premiums scored well over 100 points to see many teams scoring over the magical 2300 figure.
With only a month to go until the Fantasy finals, weekly league match-ups are getting tighter and it’s the point of differences that will decide the fate of our teams heading towards August.
Let's review the massive highs and some of the disappointing lows for Fantasy coaches in round 15.
Geelong v Essendon, Etihad Stadium
The Cats took the four points after a thrilling last quarter that saw the lead change five times.Captain Joel Selwood (133) scored his first Fantasy ton since round 11 with a dominant game collecting 26 disposals, seven marks, nine tackles and two goals. His ownership has dropped to below 20 per cent and this match may just be the start of a big run towards finals with the Bulldogs, Demons and Giants his next three opponents.
WATCH: Skipper Selwood carries the Cats homeMitch Duncan (112) kicked two important last quarter goals. With a definite FWD/MID role this year, Duncan may be in line to gain forward status when the position adjustments occur later this week. DEF/MID Jimmy Bartel (103) backed up from his lowest score of the season the previous week to rack up 28 disposals and be among the best for the Cats.
With 40 disposals, Dyson Heppell (152) was Essendon's best and one of the top scorers for this high scoring round.
David Zaharakis (103) had 25 disposals, Patrick Ryder (102) carried the ruck with 32 hit-outs and Brent Stanton (101), laying six tackles to go with his 15 kicks, were other notable performers for the Bombers.
In his second game, Shane Kersten (38) started the game well kicking a goal in the opening term and one in the second before being substituted out. His price will remain low enough for those needing a downgrade target in the forward line, provided he is named this week.
Hawthorn v Gold Coast, Aurora Stadium
It was a cold and miserable day in Launceston but it didn't stop the Hawks from claiming a 53-point win as the rain came down all day.Some coaches had doubts on whether Gary Ablett (157) would continue his excellent Fantasy form against the Hawks due to the weather, but 45 disposals, six tackles and two goals notched up his highest score of the year and made him a brilliant captain choice.
Ablett's team-mates, David Swallow (112) and Jaeger O'Meara (100), supported their captain through the midfield. Swallow was very impressive, finishing with 28 disposals and 11 tackles.
Two goals, 21 kicks and nine tackles for Isaac Smith (135) sat him atop the table for the Hawks. Luke Hodge (122) is the form defender of the last month, averaging 105.5 in his last four games, and should come under consideration for your backline. He kicked three goals.
Grant Birchall (50) had a quiet game. He finished with 14 disposals but didn't take a mark or lay a tackle. Thankfully for his owners, he kicked two goals to boost his numbers before being subbed out in the final quarter.
St Kilda v Richmond, Etihad Stadium
The Tigers got back on the winners' list led by captain Trent Cotchin (138).In a best-on-ground performance, Cotchin racked up 31 disposals and kicked five majors, three of which came in the first quarter. Clinton Jones (58) went to him, but didn't slow down the star midfielder. Brett Deledio (125) with 29 disposals and 11 marks and ball-magnet Brandon Ellis (115) with 36 disposals, added to Richmond's firepower in the midfield.
WATCH: Captain Cotchin sets a personal bestAnthony Miles (93) continues to increase in value and offers more than just solid bench cover. In just his fourth game for the Tigers, the former Giant had 27 disposals to keep his 2014 average over 100 points per game. It's probably too late to get him now, but those with him on the bench will feel at ease if one of their star midfielders is a late withdrawal.
Missing last week's game through illness, Leigh Montagna (111) bounced back to be the best for the Saints, closely followed by Jack Steven (104).
During the week I suggested Mav Weller (70) as a backline stepping stone. At just $271K, he smashed through his breakeven of 14 and should find himself valued at over $300K soon, whilst posting solid scores.
Fremantle v West Coast, Patersons Stadium
The Western Derby once again provided a great contest.Winner of the Ross Glendinning Medal, Stephen Hill (145) enjoyed his best game of the season, booting three goals and collecting 32 disposals as he went head-to-head with Matt Rosa (101).
WATCH: Saturday showreel - Hill's heroicsNewly re-signed Fremantle midfielder Nat Fyfe (125) stepped up when it counted, gathering 51 points in the last quarter. On the other hand, Paul Duffield (108) was quiet in the last, however finished with 30 possessions and nine marks.
Forward Mark LeCras (109) has posted back-to-back centuries, but Matt Priddis (109) has six in a row and is one of the underrated midfielders in the competition. Priddis consistently knocks up premium Fantasy scores, yet he appears in less than 3 per cent of teams.
Jeremy McGovern (73) has been a handy mid-season cash cow up forward. On Saturday he kicked two goals, enough to take his total price increase to more than $150K. McGovern's breakeven will remain low, so wait until his price is over $300,000 before cashing him in.
Sydney Swans v Greater Western Sydney, SCG
It was a 78-point turnaround for the Swans after being soundly beaten in round one by the Giants.The third most expensive player, Josh Kennedy (136) matched his price-tag thanks to his 29-disposal, 10-tackle and two-goal game.
Appearing in just over 15,000 teams, Kennedy has been one of the most consistent midfielders who is surprisingly a point of difference in league match-ups.
Lance Franklin (120) kicked the first goal of the game and went on to finish with five. Buddy is well and truly back, so if you're without the superstar forward, look at bringing him in ready for the finals.
Midfielder Kieren Jack (117) was busy racking up 32 touches and kicking a goal as was Nick Malceski (101) doing as he pleased off half-back.
Malceski is quietly having one of his better Fantasy seasons, scoring 87 plus over the last six weeks. He is the fifth-highest-scoring defender of the year.
Devon Smith (103) was the only Giant to score triple figures.
Unfortunately for Heath Shaw (18) and his owners, he was substituted after copping a knee from Kurt Tippett (47). The defender left the ground with concussion and spent the night in hospital. He has been cleared of any structural damage however he remains in doubt for round 16.
Brisbane Lions v North Melbourne, Gabba
In a fitting farewell for Jonathan Brown, the Lions won a thrilling game as the former premium Fantasy forward watched the young cubs hold their four-point lead.One of the youngest, James Aish (140), made nine tackles and kicked two goals to be the highest scoring player for the night. Fellow first-year player, Lewis Taylor (115) also managed his highest score of the season.
DEF/MID Pearce Hanley (133) racked up an impressive 34 disposals, proving his 47 points last week was a blip on the radar and that he is one of the best Fantasy defenders available for selection.
Tom Rockliff (122) may have talked the talk during and after the match, however his Fantasy numbers weren't something he copped any criticism for. Despite the Levi Greenwood (77) tag, the Lions' midfielder still found the ball 28 time while laying 10 tackles.
Heading into the match, Stefan Martin (113) had increased over $100K and his owners will be pleased with not only another big price rise, but another premium-like score for the RUC/FWD. While Matthew Leuenberger is edging closer to a return for the Lions, Martin is doing all he can to hold his place in the Lions' 22.
A lot of coaches jumped off Dayne Zorko (90) after a few down weeks, including 43 last round in his side's huge loss to the Dockers.
Those who kept the faith were handsomely rewarded and the FWD/MID will only experience a slight price decrease.
Sam Gibson (118) was the best for the Kangaroos. Nick Dal Santo (112) racked up 30 touches and his Fantasy relevance may hit its peak if he gains defender status later in the second round of position adjustments later this week.
First-gamer Max Warren (13) only managed two disposals and two tackles. RUC/FWD Ben Brown (8) playing his second match, had one kick, one mark and one tackle before being substituted in the third quarter.
Western Bulldogs v Melbourne, Etihad Stadium
The early Sunday game provided another exciting finish as the Bulldogs held on to win by a goal.Putting his hand up and reminding coaches he's Fantasy royalty, Matthew Boyd (125) scored his seventh ton for the year with a 32-disposal game. He went head-to-head with Bernie Vince (113). Both players finished with eight tackles.
Will Minson (105) is regaining the form that made him All Australian in the 2013. Up against Mark Jamar (112), both big men gathered plenty of the ball to go with their high hit-out counts.
A quiet month has seen a lot of coaches trade FWD/MID Luke Dahlhaus (102). He spent more time in the midfield in the absence of his injured captain, Ryan Griffen.
Dahlhaus may have benefited from Griffen's absence, but Tom Liberatore (57) received more attention than usual, which limited his output. Libba was going for his third 140-plus score in a row playing against the Demons, but Jack Viney (72) held the midfielder to just 12 touches. However the Dog was still able to lay a game high nine tackles.
Mitch Honeychurch (41) finally made his debut for the Bulldogs. The FWD/MID will provide a handy downgrade target in the next week or two if he stays in the Bulldogs' 22.
Adelaide v Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval
The Crows kept their September aspirations alive, knocking off the Power in the 37th Showdown.Ruckman Sam Jacobs (119) won the medal for best on ground. He booted three goals and his ball-winning around the ground made him the most valuable player on the ground for the Crows.
Backing up from his 149 last week, Scott Thompson (141) found the ball 34 times to have the most disposals for the match.
Interestingly, Patrick Dangerfield (113) had only scored one Fantasy ton in his 11 Showdown appearances. His 32 disposals went a long way to making sure he added a second. This was Dangerfield’s first triple figure score since round nine.
WATCH: Patrick Dangerfield lights up the ShowdownMidfielders Travis Boak (110), Matt White (104) and Kane Cornes (102) were the best performers for the Power.
Starting substitute Kane Mitchell (61) came on in the second half to play 38 per cent game time. His 11 disposals and six tackles were helped him score at almost two points per minute, unlike his team mate, Chad Wingard (40). The FWD/MID played 91 per cent time on ground for his worst non-injury affected score of the season.
Crows Matthew Jaensch (55) and Brodie Smith (26) average 87.5 and 91 points respectively heading into the match. They both struggled to play the attacking roles that had helped their Fantasy scoring previously.
Collingwood v Carlton, MCG
After three weeks out suspended, Steele Sidebottom (147) made up for his time on the sidelines by kicking two goals and gathering 33 disposals and nine tackles as the Magpies won by 15 points.Despite attention from Andrew Carrazzo (60), Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury (124) was at his best, also kicking two goals, laying 10 tackles and finding the ball 24 times. He did most of his work in the first half, heading into the main break on 78 points.
The second most popular midfielder, Dayne Beams (100) finished the game strongly but he and his owners will be sweating over the outcome of the Match Review Panel meeting on Monday afternoon. He was reported for striking Ed Curnow (104)who tagged him throughout the night.
Mitch Robinson (93) was also reported for striking Taylor Adams (85).
In contrast to last week, Kade Simpson (102) was let loose this week, roaming up the ground from half-back. The defender had overtaken his round 14 score early in the second quarter.
Prior to the match, Tom Langdon was a late withdrawal for the Magpies. Ben Kennedy (38) came in for him and started in the green vest. He was substituted into the game during the third quarter for Jamie Elliott (27) who suffered a leg injury.
How did the Traders go in round 15?
As a whole, we struggled in what was a high scoring round for some.My Warne Dawgs knocked up 2232 points with big thanks to Gary Ablett as my captain. Unfortunately I dropped a few ranking spots to now be placed 1579th overall. Grant Birchall and Matthew Jaensch may feel the wrath of the match committee and be traded.
Roy finished with 2194. He missed out on a few points by going with his boy Tom Rockliff as captain, but you can never complain about 122 from your skipper. Recent inclusion, who was averaging over 90 points per game, Brodie Smith, is on notice for his 26 points.
Calvin was disappointed with his score of 2148. With quite a few premiums scoring well below their average, it was a week for the Calvinator’s to forget. The red vest for Jamie Elliott in the final game meant he put the white flag up before the round was over.
This week the second and final round of position adjustments will take place. A further 18 players will gain dual position status. Look out for this on Thursday morning.
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