FINALLY, it is goodbye to the byes. Round 14 lockout will see the end of the three-week stretch of the multi-bye rounds and the last chance coaches have to make three trades and only take the top 18 scores before normality returns… along with the run to the Fantasy finals.
In the opening game of the weekend, the Bombers surprised the Eagles on Thursday night running out 28-point winners. Elliot Yeo (117) was dominant through the midfield to top score for the match. Andrew Gaff (114) joined him as the only two West Coast players to top the Fantasy ton. Dyson Heppell (104), Zach Merrett (103), Devon Smith (102) and Brendon Goddard (100) were busy for the victorious visitors.
Mason Redman (71) is currently the second most traded-in player ahead of round 14. He left the ground in the last quarter with a leg complaint.
The most popular player traded out this week, Jack Macrae (hamstring), is the biggest name not suiting up this week. The Dog is set to miss a month. He is joined on the sidelines by teammates Easton Wood (hamstring) and Lukas Webb (hand).
ALL THE TEAMS Check 'em out
Rory Lobb (back) has been replaced with Dawson Simpson as the No.1 ruckman for the Giants.
Greater Western Sydney also welcome back Stephen Coniglio after missing round 12 through concussion. The vice-captain has now enjoyed two weeks' rest and is a certain starter for Saturday’s clash with the Lions. About 25 per cent of the competition will be pleased that he is named on the half-forward flank.
Gold Coast are set to unveil Academy player Jacob Dawson (MID, $170,000) in Launceston. The 18-year-old will make his debut against Hawthorn coming off some great NEAFL form where he is averaging 24 disposals, five marks, five tackles and 94 Fantasy points.
It is wise to wait a week on first-gamers as there may be some choice next week with Collingwood naming Brayden Sier (MID, $170,000) in their squad to take on the Blues on Sunday.
Get them in
Joel Smith (DEF, $199,000) Played his first game for the year prior to the bye, filling the shoes of the injured Jake Lever. He didn’t miss a beat with 16 touches, five marks and six tackles for 80. He has a break-even of -9 and his job security looks great, making him the most popular trade this week.
Josh Kelly (MID, $739,000) will be a popular trade target this week, both as an upgrade and a replacement for Jack Macrae following his round 12 bye. After easing back from a long layoff with scores of 93 and 96, he went bang with a thumping 166 from 40 possessions, eight marks, seven tackles and two goals. The groin issue remains a concern, but he is a great pick this week. The bonus here is the instant reward after five Giants scored triple figures against the Lions earlier this year in his absence and he has the highest ceiling of the lot.
Jack Crisp (DEF, $688,000) If you are looking for a unique and in-form defender, look no further. Crisp has been on fire over the last five weeks with a significant spike in his tackle and mark count which has contributed to an average of 118 in that time. The bonus is he has a couple of great games coming up with the Blues and Suns in the next two weeks.
WATCH: Roy's Fantasy trades for round 14
Move them on
Logan Austin (DEF, $391,000) Has been outstanding, increasing by $207,000 since his debut on the back of some impressive scoring which included 84, 97 and 112. Unfortunately the return of Jake Carlisle dried up his marks last week and his scoring suffered significantly. Feel free to move him on.
Tom Doedee (DEF, $450,000) has been an absolute champion, increasing by $280,000 since the start of the season while playing a pivotal and consistent role on many coaches ground. His average over the last five weeks of 72 has been very serviceable but the time has come to upgrade him to a premium off their bye such as Crisp or Lachie Whitfield.
Jack Macrae (MID, $817,000) Unfortunately the midfield sensation is set to miss the next three to four weeks which forces the hand of his coaches in a must-trade scenario. On a positive note, he is worth so much cash that there are plenty of options like the much cheaper Kelly, Tom Phillips or Chad Wingard.
Calvin's Captains
1. Tom Mitchell - OINK OINK OINK. This will be one for the ages. Mitchell has played the Suns five times in his career at an average of 136. He had 141 last year against them and at the moment they are the easiest team for midfielders to score against. At UTas Stadium in Tasmania he carries a lowest score of 118 in his last five games and this week, we couldn’t have asked for a better match-up.
2. Brodie Grundy - After a nice 141 against Kreuzer earlier this year, Grundy looks ready to fire again. He has scored 101 and 131 in his most recent games and is destined for 120-plus.
3. Josh Kelly - Scored a huge 166 before his bye and his groin issues seem a thing of the the past. He scored 125 against the Lions back in 2016 and should be great at the GABBA on Saturday.
4. Ed Curnow - After scores of 103, 110, 121 and 109 against Collingwood, Curnow should be a lock for 100-plus once again.
5. Scott Pendlebury - He’s been as solid as a rock this year with nine scores of 100-plus. His lowest score against the Blues is 109 in his past seven games against them, so it's safe to say he'll ton up again this week.
WATCH: Calvin's round 13 Fantasy captains
