THE PRELIMINARY finals are here and we can’t help but anticipate the big names having a rest, especially those with an easy draw. Having said that, we have been lucky on that front to this point … let’s just hope it continues, but I won’t be holding my breath.

In Elite, it is important to think outside the box and look for some gems on the Free Agent list. Obviously the big-name players are long gone, so finding a solid 'in-form' contributor with a favourable match-up could be the difference between winning and losing.

In case of omissions to my starting squad, I strengthened my bench with FA’s Jayden Short (FWD/MID, $331,000) (Three-game average: 79), Mitch Brown (DEF/FWD, $355,000) (TGA: 94) and took a punt on Koby Stevens (MID, $428,000) on the off chance he gets a run against the Bombers, especially given his season average of 86. It would be in your best interests to have your team open as teams drop on the chat, and keep a close eye out for any available Giants.

As always, picking the right captain will be crucial, as anybody who didn’t have the C on the Pig Tom Rockliff (MID, $616,000) found out the hard way after his 174 last week.

While it feels ridiculous to look elsewhere, the form of the big three Swans, Dan Hannebery (MID, $545,000), Josh Kennedy (MID, $578,000) and Luke Parker (MID, $579,000) is hard to ignore, while Patrick Dangerfield (MID, $599,000) and Steven Coniglio (MID, $531,000) have favourable match-ups against the Lions and Dockers respectively. Stay tuned for Calvin’s top five.

Many coaches are sweating on the Lions' selection of Archie Smith, (RUC, $221,000) because of the negative effect it has on the output of Fantasy legend Stefan Martin (RUC, $477,000). The popular preliminary replacement is the surprisingly unique option of Brodie Grundy (RUC, $528,000), but hold tight, as we no doubt reverse trades and rethink options together once the teams are released.

Be sure to join The Traders live at 6pm on AFL.com.au as the teams drop heading into round 22. The boys will be helping you with your team, captain selection and weekly trades.

Join The Traders right here for all things Fantasy from 6pm AEST as the teams drop for round 22.