IF RODNEY Eade got 'the keys to the Ferrari' when he was handed the Suns’ coaching job, what about NAB AFL Fantasy coaches?
The smart ones will plunder Gold Coast’s impressive young list before 2015 kicks off, and can expect to come away driving something that wouldn’t look out of place at Formula One level.
Start with the cream of the Fantasy crop, Gary Ablett (MID, $675,000). The Little Master’s injury lay-off this year hasn’t delivered much of a discount, but he’s nearly $100,000 cheaper than Tom Rockliff, and certain to deliver a 120-point average. Select with confidence.
Click here for every Gold Coast player’s starting Fantasy price and position
A few of the Suns matured beautifully last season, so much so that guns like David Swallow (losing a position this year – he’s a MID, $531,000), Dion Prestia (MID, $568,000) and Jaeger O’Meara (MID, $525,000) look a touch over-priced. You would be best sitting on these stars for a few rounds in the hope of a price drop.
There’s better value in the second-year potential of Jack Martin (FWD, $285,000) or ex-Hawk Mitch Hallahan (MID, $345,000) who can expect plenty more game time in the sunshine of Metricon Stadium.
Kade Kolodjashnij (DEF, $387,000) delivered handsomely in terms of spelling difficulty and Fantasy points in 2014. His delivery and ball-winning off half-back were exactly what we’d hoped for, and you could do worse than slot him into your defensive mix.
If you’d prefer a tried and true veteran with premiership pedigree, ex-Swan Nick Malceski (DEF, $521,000) fits the bill nicely.
Either way, like Rodney Eade, you won’t need to tinker much with a line-up stacked with Suns. Just turn the Ablett-shaped key, and let 'er rip.
Tom Lynch (FWD, $426,000): This bloke could be absolutely anything. As it is, he’s already heir to Nick Riewoldt’s crown of lead-up forward king. Forget Jeremy Cameron, Lynch delivered an excellent 75-point Fantasy average last season and didn’t miss a game. His fifth season as a Sun is one you should be cashing in on.
Tom Nicholls (RUCK, $299,000): Another in the Matthew Kreuzer class – it all comes down to recovery with Nicholls. He nearly made it back from a posterior cruciate ligament injury by the end of 2014, and if Eade shows a preference for Nicholls over Zac Smith in the NAB Challenge, there’s enough Fantasy form behind the big man for you to do the same.
Peter Wright (FWD/RUCK, $278,000): The Suns wisely picked the best player available with selection No.8 in the draft but you’d be dunce to pick Wright in Fantasy in 2015. The Suns have a wealth of similar ruck/forward switch-hitters and he’s far too expensive for bench cover. Track for a year.
Tuesday: we reveal Collingwood's Fantasy prices and positions for 2015
