After the siren: Battered Hawks riding the bumps
Nine things we learned from round 11
Around the state leagues: Tom Boyd’s learning curve

Sydney Swans v Geelong, SCG

Coming off the bye, the Swans were in scary form, belting the Cats by 110 points and topping the Fantasy scores.

Defender Nick Malceski (143) collected 26 kicks, 11 handballs and eight marks off half-back while FWD/MID Ben McGlynn (133) had a 56-point last quarter to make a fantastic return from illness that kept him out in round nine.

With scores of 105, 87, 87 and 134 heading into the game, the in-form Craig Bird (131) would have been a great FWD/MID selection this week. His breakeven will stay very low and if you’re looking for a new forward this week, then Bird is the word.

A further five Swans cracked the Fantasy ton, including Lance Franklin (113) who has averaged 111 over the past three weeks.

WATCH: Buddy, Kurt, Goodes feast on Cats

Defender Rhyce Shaw (98) has already increased $160K this season and another strong showing has rewarded astute coaches taking the punt on the mid-priced player.

The Cats were thumped on the Fantasy scoreboard. Joel Selwood (104) was the sole Geelong player to crack triple figures. While his score wasn’t terrible, Steve Johnson (94) will drop in price and those coaches without him will be able to pick him up for around $600K.

 


St Kilda v Collingwood, Etihad Stadium

In the 90 minutes before the match, Fantasy coaches were thrown a curveball.

Midfielder Dane Swan was withdrawn with a heel injury. Thankfully this was before lockout so his owners could either bench or trade him. Brodie Grundy was also a late out due to a back complaint but Collingwood has said both will be available for next week.

There was a lot of action early in the game and Steele Sidebottom (94) will be hearing from the Match Review Panel on Monday for his rough conduct report at the opening bounce. As a result Maverick Weller (3) was subbed out with concussion. The red vest for the Magpies went to Nick Maxwell (6) in the first quarter due to injuring his calf.

I picked up Travis Cloke (150) as a ‘bargain’ after his bye to only see him return 57 and 42. He was well and truly on the chopping block but I showed faith in the key forward. The 9544 coaches fielding him this week were rewarded with 17 kicks, 12 marks and five goals in a return to form.

WATCH: Friday night showreel - Travis Cloke

As one of the late inclusions, Josh Thomas (131) dominated with 29 disposals and three goals, as did ball-magnet Dayne Beams (126) who racked up a game-high 33 disposals. Calvin’s No.1 captain choice, Scott Pendlebury (113) did his job as our Fantasy skipper with 32 disposals.

Despite top scoring for their side, St Kilda stalwarts Lenny Hayes (109) and Leigh Montagna (102) were overshadowed by draftee Luke Dunstan (92) and the downgrade target of the week, Cameron Shenton (83). Playing his third game, the 24-year-old is now in almost 19,000 teams and his 24 disposals should cement his spot in the Saints’ 22 over the next few weeks.

Melbourne v Port Adelaide, Traeger Park

In the first game played for premiership points in Alice Springs, the Power held on against Melbourne.

Justin Westhoff (110) kicked two goals, Matthew Broadbent (106) had 20 kicks, four handballs and 10 marks while consistent midfielder Kane Cornes (104) racked up 30 touches to be the best for the Power.

The highest scoring player on the ground was Dom Tyson (117). He was one of the most popular cash cows this year and while many have taken the money and run, 39,781 coaches have held him. In contrast, with double the ownership, was fellow cash cow Jared Polec (38). The Port Adelaide midfielder received attention from Daniel Cross (92) to keep him to his lowest score of the season.

A debate topic on our live chat on Thursday evening was who punters would keep out of the two - 68 per cent went for Polec. Those figures might change now.

Already having a quiet game, Chad Wingard (18) was subbed off in the third quarter with concussion due to a collision with Jay Schulz (58).

Brisbane Lions v Carlton, Gabba

It was a thrilling finish at the Gabba and we same some pretty impressive Fantasy scoring from arguably each club’s best midfielders.

WATCH the last two minutes of Saturday’s Gabba thriller

Tom Rockliff (153) and Marc Murphy (153) were the equal highest scorers for the match and the ball-magnets finished with 36 and 39 disposals respectively.

With 26 disposals, Jack Redden (120) was among the best as was Dayne Zorko (114). A host of coaches dumped the FWD/MID after his 68, 73 and sub-affected 14 but for those who kept the faith, or had more pressing issues, were rewarded with his return to form.

Due to Trent West (12) getting subbed out with a knee injury, starting substitute Zac O’Brien (58) came on in the second quarter to collect 15 touches in just 43 per cent game time. This was an outstanding effort from the 23-year-old debutant who should now be on your watch list as a midfield downgrade target.

Essendon v Richmond, MCG

In the Dreamtime at the 'G blockbuster, Brendon Goddard (114) was adjudged best on ground. The midfielder took 11 marks and had 30 disposals to please the coaches who jumped on him for under $500K, including me.

Bomber duo David Zaharakis (131) and Ben Howlett (130) enjoyed excellent Fantasy games while a great kick-to-handball ratio for Brent Stanton (128) helped him also dominate.

WATCH: Saturday showreel - Howlett's high five

In his highest Fantasy score since 2007, veteran Dustin Fletcher (125) excited the crowd by kicking the first goal of the game.

Returning from two weeks out due to suspension and the bye, Paul Chapman (105) proved that when he is on the park, he is one of the most valuable FWD/MIDs in the game.

Since the bye Dustin Martin (105) has scored a ton in all three of Richmond’s game. Backing up from his 127 last week, Brandon Ellis (104) had a massive first quarter, racking up 53 Fantasy points. Unfortunately he didn’t go on to post a huge score but this was reflective of the Bombers’ dominance.

An 11-goal hero last week, Jack Riewoldt (77) was sitting on two points at half-time. A big last quarter, where he kicked three goals, saved his score.

Adelaide v Gold Coast, Adelaide Oval

Fantasy coaches breathed a sigh of relief as there were no late changes in the early Sunday game, meaning Patrick Dangerfield (93) played. The most selected forward finished with 26 disposals.

After returning from injury, Taylor Walker (116) has gained in popularity each week without producing big numbers. The key forward kicked five goals to be the best of the Crows and will experience a hefty price rise.

WATCH: Tex terrorises the Suns

Defenders Brodie Smith (114) and Matthew Jaensch (112) and midfielder Rory Sloane (113) finished with 88 disposals between them.

Gun midfielder Gary Ablett (98) received attention from Sam Kerridge (42) for his second sub-100 score in as many weeks. Dion Prestia (130) kicked two goals to go with his 29 touches. DEF/MID David Swallow (118) racked up a career-high 37 disposals.

More than 21,000 coaches were devastated that Matthew Wright (49) started in the green vest and stayed on the bench until the end of the third quarter. In just 23 per cent game time, he had 12 touches to reach a respectable score.

Wright was subbed on for Sam Jacobs (44) who tweaked his groin and was eventually sidelined. Trent McKenzie (48) wore the red vest for the Suns after dislocating his shoulder.

Western Bulldogs v Fremantle, Etihad Stadium

Midfielder Michael Barlow (134) led the way for the Dockers in their 38-point win on the road. His 28 disposals, 10 marks and eight handballs helped him to his first Fantasy ton since round two. As Fremantle has a favourable draw in the back-half of the season, Barlow could be a unique option to bring into your midfield.

The score of 121 was a popular number in the match as Stephen Hill (121) - kicking four goals - plus Bulldogs Robert Murphy (121) and Tom Liberatore (121) ended the game with the great score next to their names.

The much maligned Fantasy player, DEF/FWD Shaun Higgins (109), enjoyed his time on half-back notching up 29 touches, three marks and seven tackles.

Ryan Crowley (59) went to Ryan Griffen (48) and held him to just 10 disposals.

Late inclusion Garrick Ibbotson (38) started in the green vest. Keep an eye on the defender’s price over the next couple of weeks. He’ll be a bargain soon enough due to his round three injury  which saw him score just eight points and now this sub-affected score; both far below his 2013 average of 92 points.

Christian Howard (47) came in for Matthew Boyd who was withdrawn before the match with a tight hamstring.

Hawthorn v Greater Western Sydney, MCG

The Giants gave it their all - as highlighted by their Fantasy scoring - at the MCG but fell seven points short of victory.

Six GWS players scored more than 100 points compared to one Hawk.

Devon Smith (137) kicked four goals, laid 10 tackles and touched the ball 26 times to be the leading scorer for the Giants. Callan Ward (134) had 29 disposals and a massive 13 tackles while Lachie Whitfield (125) equalled Adam Treloar (120) as the leading possession winner on the ground with 32.

Ruckman Shane Mumford (98) was much better in his second game back from his knee injury, winning the battle against Hawthorn’s No.1 ruck Jonathan Ceglar (81), 46 hit-outs to 32.

Four goals and 23 disposals helped Isaac Smith (115) to the top of the Hawks’ Fantasy table. Brad Sewell (98) and Liam Shiels (97) weren’t too far behind. Late inclusion for Jordan Lewis, Will Langford (90) went with Ward to give coaches holding him on the bench an unexpected price rise this week after originally being omitted on Friday afternoon.

West Coast v North Melbourne, Patersons Stadium

The Roos have claimed two wins in Perth as they knocked off the Eagles by 38 points on Sunday night.

We are learning that Levi Greenwood (133) has a Fantasy game and a high ceiling. He scored 146 last week plus a 120 and 147 earlier in the season - the midfielder may soon become relevant for our sides. He didn’t play his usual tagging role and was able to collect 33 disposals and take 12 marks.

Matt Priddis (143) kicked a late goal to take the lead as the top scorer of the match.

I was originally keen on picking up Mark LeCras (133) this week and I’m kicking myself a little that I didn’t follow through with it. He kicked two goals, but his 12 tackles was a highlight of his game. Taking out his injury affected game, LeCras is averaging 116 this season. He should definitely be considered as an upgrade target for your forward line.

In his fourth game back from his Achilles injury, Andrew Swallow (102) strung together four quarters. His price will be close to bottoming out and he could be a unique option as a fallen premium in the midfield.

Unfortunately Xavier Ellis (55) was subbed out with an apparent corked thigh. He was looking good to start again as a cash cow, but alas, he will hover around the $250K mark for another week or two.

How did the Traders go in round 11?

The cream is rising to the top, at least that’s what we’re thinking after the three of us had pretty good rounds, claiming important league wins and climbing the overall rankings.

I’m proud to say that my 2346 rocketed the Warne Dawgs back into the top 1000 teams overall and ranked me 266th for the week. With an 11th-hour change of trade - all week I was going to dump Travis Cloke, instead moving on the injured Dane Swan - 13 of my 22 players scored tons with Cloke my best with 150! Luck? No, I’m calling it smart coaching.

Calvin rebounded out of the byes with a thumping score of 2315. Tom Liberatore got his three votes for the Calvinators and he didn’t have too much to complain about with most of his players doing their job.

It’s always hard to be the lowest scoring of the three of us, but Roy’s boys Destroy should hold their heads up high with 2251. Unfortunately his decision to cut Dom Tyson over Jared Polec cost him a 2300 score this round.
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