IT IS semi-finals time. And that means knockout AFL Fantasy games across the nation, and seasons ending in anguish on Sunday night, or clinging on for one more week off the back of a last-minute Lachie Neale handball.
There’s not much point in bench cover at this point – if you’ve got any cash on the pine and a player averaging under 90 in any of the four positions, trade up now.
If you’re trucking around a Michael Walters (FWD, $381,000) or a Chad Wingard (FWD, $376,000) in your forward line, downgrade one of your cash cows to a dual-position cheapie eg. Saint Brenton Payne (MID/FWD, $125,000) and upgrade to a Luke Dahlhaus (FWD/MID, $430,000) or, at best, an Aaron Hall (FWD/MID, $486,000) pending selection.
Those to seriously consider based on their opponents this week are Tom Mitchell (MID, $487,000) who has a projected score of 117 against the Saints, or even Steve Johnson (FWD, $419,000) who has great form against the Eagles and is tipped to top the ton at Spotless Stadium.
If your ruck stocks are thin, this is the week to jump on Stef Martin (RUC, $477,000) who is likely to be called up to face the Blues. If the Lions opt for a straight swap with Archie Smith (RUC, $196,000), even better, but it’s more likely they’ll pick both.
For those who have held onto Sam Kerridge (FWD/MID, $369,000) this far, it would be wise to back him in for one more week – his average score against the Lions is 139 and there’s little to suggest Justin Leppitsch’s men are in lockdown mode.
And if you’re making a real panic trade with little cash, Jake Lloyd (MID, $395,000) is probably the way to go. He’s got an average of 118 against the Saints and notched up a surprise ton last week against Port.
Whichever way you go, don’t get caught with money in the bank. Leave it all out on the field and back yourself in for Fantasy glory.
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Top five price rises
1.Sam Menegola (MID, Geelong) +$47,000: $247,000
2. Archie Smith (RUC, Brisbane Lions), +$42,000: $196,000
3. Rupert Wills (MID, Collingwood), +$41,000: $190,000
4. Adam Marcon (MID, Richmond), +$38,000: $181,000
5. Josh Cowan (DEF, Geelong), +$32,000: $224,000
Top five price falls
1. Aaron Sandilands (RUC, Fremantle), -$42,000: $391,000
2. Brendon Goddard (MID, Essendon), -$32,000: $496,000
3. Charlie Dixon (FWD, Port Adelaide), -$31,000: $256,000
4. Dom Sheed (MID/FWD, West Coast), -$31,000: $337,000
5. Robbie Gray (MID/FWD, Port Adelaide), -$28,000: $481,000
Get 'em in
Adam Treloar (MID, $520,000): The new Matt Priddis – delivers absolute consistency from week to week. The safest bet at only a tick over 500k.
Patrick Cripps (MID, $505,000): Likely to be one of the top Elite picks next year, but take the plunge now if you’ve got the coin. He’s certain to damage the Lions on Saturday.
Dom Tyson (MID, $478,000): No doubt the Demons are due for a stinker after that thrilling win over Hawthorn, but Tyson has form in Adelaide so a huge game against Port is certainly on the cards.
Bye for now
Brendon Goddard (MID, $496,000): A painful year for the Dons’ captain and he has confirmed he’ll miss Sunday’s clash with the Suns.
Clay Smith (MID/FWD, $310,000): A chance to play this week after concussion against the Roos, but it’d be a risk to pick him in a semi-final.
Scott Pendlebury (MID, $519,000): Bucks is being coy on his availability, but with finals out of the question, it seems unlikely the Pies will risk their reliable skipper with an ankle injury.
