THE PLAYERS are still on holidays, but an AFL Fantasy coach is always thinking ahead to next year, even before summer has officially started.

It was only five weeks ago that the Eagles lifted the premiership cup but since then, there has been a lot of news that will impact how Fantasy is played next season.

Nine new rules have been introduced that are hoped to produce more free-flowing, instinctive football and more one-on-one contests. After a behind, the player taking the kick-in doesn’t have to kick to himself which will significantly change the value of Fantasy defenders.

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In this week’s episode …

During the NAB AFL Trade Period 44 players switched clubs. Dayne Beams' return to the Pies is one of the most relevant and The Traders discuss what it means for Collingwood’s midfield set up. Roy is excited about Will Setterfield making his way to the Blues and confirms him as a lock for Fantasy Classic teams next year.

Warnie has run his eyes over the 2019 fixture and highlights the important information coaches need to think about. With eight Thursday night games and subsequent partial lockouts, Calvin gets his thinking cap on about who he will select as his vice-captain in the opening rounds.

The boys get across all that you need to know 140 days out from the first Fantasy lockout of 2019.

Episode guide

3:20 – Thursday night games, partial lockouts and loopholes

7:05 – Easter and Anzac Round lockouts

9:00 – Multi-bye rounds and whether Tim Mitchell a bye round trade target

13:10 – How stats will count for kick-ins

22:50 – Luke Dahlhaus’ move to Geelong

24:55 – Is Anthony Miles a lock at the Suns?

26:30 – Tom Lynch appears under-priced as a Tiger

33:20 – Can Dan Hannebery bounce back?

35:55 – Max Gawn a no-go due to Brayden Preuss

37:10 – A very cheap Will Setterfield is a lock

38:30 – Does North Melbourne bring out the best in Aaron Hall?

45:25 – Chad Wingard’s role will be important to monitor this pre-season

47:15 – A boost to Lachie Neale’s numbers likely

48:35 – Fremantle add Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb to their forward set up

51:20 – How Dylan Shiel will help Zach Merrett’s Fantasy numbers

54:40 – What does the Collingwood midfield look like?

55:00 – Gold Coast’s mature age picks

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