THE BIG boys came out to play this week and many coaches celebrated huge scores as a result, with par being somewhere in the vicinity of 2350. 

Fantasy Pig

The writing has been on the wall for weeks that Dustin Martin (FWD/MID) was on the verge of something big and his mouth-watering match-up with the Bombers certainly didn't disappoint. He collected a whopping 35 kicks among his 43 possessions, as well as taking six marks, four tackles and kicking two goals for a round-high 161. Great work by the coaches who backed him in as captain, gaining a handy 31-point bonus on those who had popular pick Patrick Dangerfield.

Honourable mention: Zach Merrett (FWD/MID) has shown snout tendencies all year, but he really stood up on the back of his guest appearance on our Traders Podcast last week. He did everything he could to keep up with Dusty, collecting 34 touches, taking seven marks, laying 10 tackles and kicking a goal for 152. Like Martin, he is a must have.

• Nine things we learned from round 17

Fantasy Prestigiacomo

A score of 78 doesn't sound like the worst going around, but when premium midfielders are pumping out computer game like scores and Daniel Hannebery (MID) delivers a sub-par performance like that, it can't go unnoticed. He spent a lot of time out on the wing and didn't attend the centre bounces we have become accustomed to. Put him back in the middle next week please Horse Longmire!

Honourable mention: Mark Blicavs (RUC/MID) has had a great season, which up until the last two weeks has been highlighted by consistency. Back-to-back poor performances (60, 68) and like Hanners, a lot of time out on the wing has significantly affected his ability to lay trademark tackles at stoppages. 

• Who fired for your club in this weekend's state leagues? 

Piglet

The ship has sailed, but credit where credit is due, Clay Smith (FWD/MID) has been amazing upon his return from his third knee reconstruction. He scored over 90 for the second week in a row, with the latest including three posters and a disallowed goal, which could easily have been a 120. His price has moved up fast and he certainly comes at a cost now. 

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The top 10 

Fantasy Mailbag

@RoyDT Is Leigh Montagna a must?

— Lawye (@businesslawye) July 17, 2016

I wouldn't say 'must have' but yes, he is a high priority with so many games coming up at ES.

@RoyDT @AFL Has Hodge earnt a spot if DPP? Will Taylor Adams get DPP. Simmo

— simon moore (@legless_simmo) July 17, 2016

I think Hodge is a sure thing, but Adams has spent so much time in the midfield during the last two games I would say the dream is over.

@RoyDT What do we do with shaw?

— Kosta Viglis (@Kosta_V01) July 17, 2016

Just stick with it.

@RoyDT Safe to play C.Smith at FWD 6 for the next couple of weeks until he maxes out in cash?

— jacob danias (@danias2000) July 17, 2016

Bound to have a bad game at some stage, but I think it is a risk worth taking.

@RoyDT thoughts on Buddy as a unique (within the top 5K) option? Draw CARL, FREO, PA, STK, NM and RICH. Around 460K

— Nooie (@Sprunt_co) July 17, 2016

Buddy will average around 95 over that time I reckon.

@RoyDT what to do with hogan? Pretty much another yeo

— Brittany Marie (@HayesMaeve) July 17, 2016

Upgrade.

• Forecast the road to the flag with the AFL Ladder and Finals Predictor 

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