From cheap backline cash cows to premium midfield maestros, The Traders are ready to show you the quick path to NAB AFL Fantasy glory. Over the next 30 days, they'll hand pick 30 fit-for-purpose players for your starting AFL Fantasy squad.
Today, we name a former Magpie who is the very definition of a Fantasy bargain. As long as that ankle holds up...
Fantasy lock-ins: midfielders
- Jared Polec (Port Adelaide)
- Claye Beams (Brisbane Lions)
The former Magpie only played five games last season due to an ankle injury. As a result, his average of 75.8 Fantasy points per game was well down on the numbers he was posting in the three years prior.
In Collingwood’s premiership year, Thomas played all 22 games at an average of 95.2. His scoring increased in 2011 to average 102.9 and the following year he averaged 93.1. Daisy topped 110 points in 22 of the 58 games he played in this period.
Fantasy prices are based on the previous season's average. Thomas was already cheap being over 20 points down on his recent history, but due to only playing five matches, he receives a 15 per cent discount on his already bargain price - leaving us with the tasty number of $346,400.
Thomas’ had post-season surgery on his troublesome ankle. He has spent much of this pre-season on a modified training program; however he played in the club’s intra-club match earlier this month.
Last weekend he was named to play in Carlton’s NAB Challenge clash against North Melbourne, but was withdrawn from the game with a chest infection.
When Thomas does pull on the navy blue guernsey, we’ll be looking for what his role will be in the side. Will he play that midfielder-forward role as he did previously under Mick Malthouse at Collingwood?
We may not see the best from him over the first few games, but being priced as someone who averages under 65 points per game, he will still be value for money.
Last season we were able to select Thomas as a FWD/MID. He’s lost his forward eligibility this season and even at his best, he will be a notch or two below the premium midfield options.
He needs to be treated like a mid-priced player and used as a stepping stone to a bigger and better midfielder in your side.
Carlton has the round nine bye. If Thomas can average 80+ in his first eight games, his price increase can help you get to a premium upgrade coming out of the round eight bye.
LOCKABILITY: 3/5
There is always some risk in picking players coming back from injury; especially those being managed throughout the pre-season.
Thomas offers so much value that, if he’s playing, he is low risk Fantasy inclusion.
Before locking away the 26-year-old we will need to see some match practice form. But if he is named for round one, he will appear in a lot of Fantasy sides.
Thomas offers so much value that, if he’s playing, he is low risk Fantasy inclusion.
Before locking away the 26-year-old we will need to see some match practice form. But if he is named for round one, he will appear in a lot of Fantasy sides.
To discuss #AFLFantasy on Twitter, follow @WarnieDT and the official account @AFLFantasy.
The pre-season AFL Record is the complete guide to the new-look NAB AFL Fantasy football competition. AFL Fantasy experts Warnie, Roy and Calvin (aka The Traders) detail everything you need to know about Fantasy football. There are Fantasy prices and profiles of every player. The 124-page pre-season Record is on sale now at newsagents nationally for $9.95.
