• Six things we learned from round nine
• Around the state leagues: Report could delay Morabito return
MAYBE it was actually the bye rounds that didn’t agree with some of the Brisbane Lions boys this week.
The second week was supposed to be easier as we had a lot of our stars back, and while scores were generally higher for most coaches this round, we’re still another weekend away from being regular.
Again, the best 18 scorers for our respective NAB AFL Fantasy Classic sides were counted towards our total for the round and even with our two trades, the 18 playing were far from our best.
As the Blues, Giants, Hawks, Power, Bulldogs and Eagles sat out this week, let’s take a look at the good, the bad and the ugly from an eventful round nine.
ADELAIDE v COLLINGWOOD – Adelaide Oval
As the ball was bounced on Thursday night, any trades or changes that involved Crows or Magpies needed to be made.
One of the most popular inclusions for this round was Taylor Walker (79).
After missing 12 months of football with a knee injury, the forward made a good return, getting his hands on the ball 17 times, including seven marks. While the 14,647 coaches with Walker were happy with his score for just $282,900, his numbers could have been further boosted if he converted his shots on goal.
The Crows’ scoring was impressive all round as six players topped the century, however, bargains Brodie Martin (75) and debutant Charlie Cameron (62) are in for some price increases this week.
Patrick Dangerfield (135) was the top scorer for the night and that makes it four Fantasy tons on the trot for the star FWD/MID. If you haven’t got him in your forward line yet, make him a priority as he is the short-priced favourite to be the highest scoring forward this season.
As expected, Dayne Beams (107), Steele Sidebottom (107) and Scott Pendlebury (101) were at the top of Collingwood’s Fantasy table. Pendlebury finished with 33 disposals, but his score could have been much bigger as he was handball happy. His final stat line read nine kicks and 24 handballs. Memo to Pendles: get it on the boot for the extra Fantasy point!
DEF/MID Tom Langdon (105) is a low priority to upgrade at this stage. He is averaging 93 points over his last three matches and his breakeven remains low.
A forward role saw Dane Swan (79) score well below his average and recent form.
One of the most popular inclusions for this round was Taylor Walker (79).
After missing 12 months of football with a knee injury, the forward made a good return, getting his hands on the ball 17 times, including seven marks. While the 14,647 coaches with Walker were happy with his score for just $282,900, his numbers could have been further boosted if he converted his shots on goal.
The Crows’ scoring was impressive all round as six players topped the century, however, bargains Brodie Martin (75) and debutant Charlie Cameron (62) are in for some price increases this week.
Patrick Dangerfield (135) was the top scorer for the night and that makes it four Fantasy tons on the trot for the star FWD/MID. If you haven’t got him in your forward line yet, make him a priority as he is the short-priced favourite to be the highest scoring forward this season.
As expected, Dayne Beams (107), Steele Sidebottom (107) and Scott Pendlebury (101) were at the top of Collingwood’s Fantasy table. Pendlebury finished with 33 disposals, but his score could have been much bigger as he was handball happy. His final stat line read nine kicks and 24 handballs. Memo to Pendles: get it on the boot for the extra Fantasy point!
DEF/MID Tom Langdon (105) is a low priority to upgrade at this stage. He is averaging 93 points over his last three matches and his breakeven remains low.
A forward role saw Dane Swan (79) score well below his average and recent form.
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WATCH: Cameron's cracking Crow debut
ESSENDON v SYDNEY SWANS – Etihad Stadium
WATCH: Cameron's cracking Crow debut
ESSENDON v SYDNEY SWANS – Etihad Stadium
As a Bombers supporter, the 50-point loss was disappointing, however there were plenty of Fantasy scores collected on Friday night from both sides.
13 players topped the Fantasy ton including the inform Josh Kennedy (139), Craig Bird (134) and Luke Parker (119). The latter has scored the most points this season of all available forwards.
Lance Franklin (115) loves playing the Bombers and Friday night was no different, booting five goals.
When he avoids the substitute vest, Jake Lloyd (92) is up there as one of the highest scoring draftees. The Swans midfielder averages 83 points when playing a full game.
For the Bombers, midfielders David Zaharakis (132), Dyson Heppell (126), Brendon Goddard (117) and Jobe Watson (116) all collected 30 or more disposals. Ruckman Patrick Ryder (113) spent more time forward, kicking two goals, as Tom Bellchambers (80) made his return to the lineup.
Consistency is an important trait to look for when selecting your players. Michael Hibberd (99) is Mr Consistent in the backline. In his fourth season, his lowest score has been 79 and in seven of his nine appearances the defender has scored between 89-99 points. His other score? 116 against St Kilda. Absolute jet!
Jarrad McVeigh (68) was a letdown after a 36 point first quarter and for the 28,808 coaches still rocking Jackson Merrett (44) up forward, it’s time for him to go before he continues to bleed cash. Merrett started the season with a bang averaging 112 in his first three matches. His last three, just 38.
WATCH: Buddy bags five against Bombers
RICHMOND v MELBOURNE – MCG
13 players topped the Fantasy ton including the inform Josh Kennedy (139), Craig Bird (134) and Luke Parker (119). The latter has scored the most points this season of all available forwards.
Lance Franklin (115) loves playing the Bombers and Friday night was no different, booting five goals.
When he avoids the substitute vest, Jake Lloyd (92) is up there as one of the highest scoring draftees. The Swans midfielder averages 83 points when playing a full game.
For the Bombers, midfielders David Zaharakis (132), Dyson Heppell (126), Brendon Goddard (117) and Jobe Watson (116) all collected 30 or more disposals. Ruckman Patrick Ryder (113) spent more time forward, kicking two goals, as Tom Bellchambers (80) made his return to the lineup.
Consistency is an important trait to look for when selecting your players. Michael Hibberd (99) is Mr Consistent in the backline. In his fourth season, his lowest score has been 79 and in seven of his nine appearances the defender has scored between 89-99 points. His other score? 116 against St Kilda. Absolute jet!
Jarrad McVeigh (68) was a letdown after a 36 point first quarter and for the 28,808 coaches still rocking Jackson Merrett (44) up forward, it’s time for him to go before he continues to bleed cash. Merrett started the season with a bang averaging 112 in his first three matches. His last three, just 38.
WATCH: Buddy bags five against Bombers
RICHMOND v MELBOURNE – MCG
Tiger fans probably don’t want to be reminded of their 2-6 record, so we’ll focus on the Fantasy news from the Demons’ win at the MCG.
DEF/FWD Jack Watts (118) spent time forward and kicked three goals in what was one of his best games for the Demons. Continuing his forward role that has gained him FWD/DEF status, Cameron Pedersen (113) chimed in with two majors.
In his second ton in as many weeks, Dom Tyson (112) again rewarded coaches that have stuck with him. It is perfect timing to milk the cash cow due to the bye next weekend, however his breakeven remains low and he might be worth keeping as your eighth midfielder for the time being or hold him as a reliable bench player.
Daniel Jackson (117) is enjoying his best Fantasy season to date playing a more attacking role. Dustin Martin (115) worked hard all day collecting 31 disposals, seven marks, four tackles and kicking a goal.
Trent Cotchin (109) went head-to-head with Nathan Jones (110). Both players were named among their side’s best. Cotchin injured his ankle in the third quarter and this might be something to monitor during the week,
In his first game, Tiger Ben Lennon (44) wore the green vest and played less than a half. The forward kicked a goal with his first kick in AFL football. He finished with two for the game.
Demon Jay Kennedy-Harris (30) had avoided being the starting substitute in recent weeks and his Fantasy output had improved. He was back in the green but came on in the third quarter for $135,500 midfielder Aidan Riley (44) playing his first game for his new club.
NORTH MELBOURNE v BRISBANE LIONS – Etihad Stadium
DEF/FWD Jack Watts (118) spent time forward and kicked three goals in what was one of his best games for the Demons. Continuing his forward role that has gained him FWD/DEF status, Cameron Pedersen (113) chimed in with two majors.
In his second ton in as many weeks, Dom Tyson (112) again rewarded coaches that have stuck with him. It is perfect timing to milk the cash cow due to the bye next weekend, however his breakeven remains low and he might be worth keeping as your eighth midfielder for the time being or hold him as a reliable bench player.
Daniel Jackson (117) is enjoying his best Fantasy season to date playing a more attacking role. Dustin Martin (115) worked hard all day collecting 31 disposals, seven marks, four tackles and kicking a goal.
Trent Cotchin (109) went head-to-head with Nathan Jones (110). Both players were named among their side’s best. Cotchin injured his ankle in the third quarter and this might be something to monitor during the week,
In his first game, Tiger Ben Lennon (44) wore the green vest and played less than a half. The forward kicked a goal with his first kick in AFL football. He finished with two for the game.
Demon Jay Kennedy-Harris (30) had avoided being the starting substitute in recent weeks and his Fantasy output had improved. He was back in the green but came on in the third quarter for $135,500 midfielder Aidan Riley (44) playing his first game for his new club.
NORTH MELBOURNE v BRISBANE LIONS – Etihad Stadium
Before the bounce 23,017 coaches were one man down as Tom Rockliff was a late withdrawal due to a gastro bug. Joel Patfull also pulled out due to the illness that had affected some Lions.
Roy’s advice to trade out the suspended Paul Chapman for Brent Harvey (144) was a genius move as the evergreen FWD/MID racked up 39 touches and kicked two goals.
Going under the Fantasy radar, Sam Gibson (126) posted his fifth score over 115 for the year to take the midfielder’s season average to 109. The ball-magnet finished with 20 kicks, 15 handballs and 10 marks.
Jack Redden (110) and Jed Adock (107) were the best for the depleted Lions.
Midfielder Claye Beams (62) played his first senior game since round two last year. He is priced at under $200K and should be considered after the Lions’ bye as a downgrade option. Another cash cow, FWD/MID Lewis Taylor (87), played his best game of the season.
Midfielder Nick Robertson (26) was one of the inclusions for the Lions and started as the substitute. He came on in the third quarter for Dayne Zorko (14) who had a dirty day, spending a lot of time forward and being affected by the illness that swept through the Lions camp.
FREMANTLE v GEELONG – Patersons Stadium
Roy’s advice to trade out the suspended Paul Chapman for Brent Harvey (144) was a genius move as the evergreen FWD/MID racked up 39 touches and kicked two goals.
Going under the Fantasy radar, Sam Gibson (126) posted his fifth score over 115 for the year to take the midfielder’s season average to 109. The ball-magnet finished with 20 kicks, 15 handballs and 10 marks.
Jack Redden (110) and Jed Adock (107) were the best for the depleted Lions.
Midfielder Claye Beams (62) played his first senior game since round two last year. He is priced at under $200K and should be considered after the Lions’ bye as a downgrade option. Another cash cow, FWD/MID Lewis Taylor (87), played his best game of the season.
Midfielder Nick Robertson (26) was one of the inclusions for the Lions and started as the substitute. He came on in the third quarter for Dayne Zorko (14) who had a dirty day, spending a lot of time forward and being affected by the illness that swept through the Lions camp.
FREMANTLE v GEELONG – Patersons Stadium
The Dockers got the job done for Matthew Pavlich (80) in his 300th game. The superstar forward kicked three goals in his milestone match.
Nathan Fyfe (109) top scored for the home team, collecting 25 disposals while fellow midfielder David Mundy (103) finished with 34 touches.
After a run of three games scoring well below his best, Joel Selwood (138) bounced back following his bye to rack up 35 possessions, take eight marks and lay seven tackles. Mitch Duncan (122) linked up for plenty of “plus sixes”, taking ten marks to go with his 28 disposals.
Newly named DEF/MID James Kelly (103) was also among Geelong’s best.
Tagger Ryan Crowley (65) went to Steve Johnson (56) and held him to 20 disposals. Prior to the round, Johnson was the highest averaging Fantasy player in the competition. At half-time, he had just 13 points.
Starting at $115,200, Jed Bews (84) might be a popular downgrade option in defence this week. His 15 disposals, eight marks and five tackles on debut certainly pleased the 5,134 coaches who jumped on board early.
Nathan Fyfe (109) top scored for the home team, collecting 25 disposals while fellow midfielder David Mundy (103) finished with 34 touches.
After a run of three games scoring well below his best, Joel Selwood (138) bounced back following his bye to rack up 35 possessions, take eight marks and lay seven tackles. Mitch Duncan (122) linked up for plenty of “plus sixes”, taking ten marks to go with his 28 disposals.
Newly named DEF/MID James Kelly (103) was also among Geelong’s best.
Tagger Ryan Crowley (65) went to Steve Johnson (56) and held him to 20 disposals. Prior to the round, Johnson was the highest averaging Fantasy player in the competition. At half-time, he had just 13 points.
Starting at $115,200, Jed Bews (84) might be a popular downgrade option in defence this week. His 15 disposals, eight marks and five tackles on debut certainly pleased the 5,134 coaches who jumped on board early.
WATCH: Pav celebrates his 300th game in style
ST KILDA v GOLD COAST – Etihad Stadium
Our perma-captain Gary Ablett (127) booted three goals with his first three kicks in the final match of the round as the Suns notched up their sixth win of the season.
The highest scoring Fantasy player in the competition finished with four goals to go with his 37 possessions despite copping the Clinton Jones (78) tag. Interestingly, Ablett didn’t take a mark in the game.
DEF/MID David Swallow (115) played through the midfield to collect 27 disposals, while Jaeger O’Meara (102) had 29.
For St Kilda, Jack Newnes (130) scored his first Fantasy ton running off half back taking 11 marks and disposing the ball 29 times. Jack Steven (120) is beginning to regain his 2013 form could be a consideration after the Saints’ bye for under $500K.
Cameron Shenton (79) was impressive with 22 disposals and eight marks playing in defence. The FWD/MID may be a popular downgrade option after St Kilda’s bye at around $150K.
Star Saints Nick Riewoldt (64) and Leigh Montagna (53) had quiet nights. Riewoldt kicked two goals, but the delivery saw him only take five marks for the match. Montagna started well, but finished with just 13 disposals, his lowest for the season.
WATCH: Suns' small forwards run rampant
HOW DID THE TRADERS GO IN ROUND NINE?
We all scored slightly below par this week. Looking across my leagues, final totals at around 1,800 would have seen improvement in overall rankings.
My Warne Dawgs were the best of the three of us. I scored 1,724 as my ranking blew out to 2,196th overall. My trade in of Travis Cloke was a fail when I could have saved around $70K and went to Taylor Walker.
Roy finished on 1,647 as he was devastated by the late withdrawal of Tom Rockliff. His team, destroy also welcomed Dane Swan who unfortunately scored his first sub-100 score in over a month.
Calvin had a week to forget. 1,553 was his final score and there will certainly be less swagger from the confident coach of the Calvinators this week.
