The Lions always find a way to be Fantasy relevant and this year is no different. Not only are they a team on the rise, they have options across the board ranging from under-priced stars like Dayne Zorko (MID, $701,000) and the intrigue surrounding the instant impact ball-magnet Lachie Neale (MID, $727,000) can have, to projected top-six defender Alex Witherden (DEF, $639,000).

Alex Witherden (DEF, $639,000) is set for a huge season in what is traditionally considered a third and projected ‘breakout’ year. It’s an exciting prospect considering 'Witho' is already working from an impressive base after averaging 88 in his first two seasons. The new kick-in rules will certainly work to his advantage and his high ceiling confirms he has the tools to push a triple-figure average.

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Dayne Zorko (MID, $701,000) is coming off his worst season for three years after struggling to break his tag on a number of occasions, which resulted in a number of low scores including three under 60. On the flipside, his best is undeniably elite with high scores of 154 and 176. He is priced 18 points lower than his 2017 average and if you think he can get back to his best, lock him in.

Mitch Robinson (FWD/MID, $640,000) is one to watch in your Draft as the underrated DPP never receives enough credit for his consistency. He is coming off an average of 88 and has averaged over 80 for seven of the last eight seasons and is more than capable of a match-winning ton, with three scores over 110 last year. If he slides, jump on.

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Lachie Neale (MID, $727,000) excites me as he is one of the few players out there who has proven to be capable of the elite 110+ average for a full season. The Den is the perfect environment for the prolific ball-winner to flourish and I believe he is 10 points under-priced.

Ely Smith (MID, $230,000) is a big-bodied midfielder who was drafted from the Murray Bushrangers and is capable of making an instant impact. He was outstanding throughout the TAC Cup averaging 26 touches, two marks and five tackles for 91 points. He is an athletically gifted stoppage specialist that could see early games if he has a good pre-season.

BIGGEST BARGAINS Check out Warnie's early picks

While many coaches are already nutting out strategies to gain an advantage in the ruck department, the often-forgotten safe play is the ever-reliable Stef Martin (RUC, $735,000). Capable of averaging as high as 114, the big fella is coming off his fourth triple-figure average in five seasons and is once again a safe, set and forget play after not missing a game over the last two seasons.

Archie Smith (RUC, $217,000) looks a great price for the bench considering he was capable of averaging 72 over a period of three games during 2016. Unfortunately, he didn’t manage a game last year and we need to be convinced otherwise before Archie is considered a legitimate option.

Player

Position

2018 Average

2018 Games

2019 Price

Martin, Stefan

RUC

101.32

22

$735,000

Neale, Lachie

MID

100.23

22

$727,000

Zorko, Dayne

MID

96.55

22

$701,000

Lyons, Jarryd

MID

94.95

19

$689,000

Robinson, Mitch

MID/FWD

88.21

19

$640,000

Witherden, Alex

DEF

88

21

$639,000

Cutler, Tom

MID

84.67

18

$614,000

McCluggage, Hugh

MID

77.64

22

$563,000

Hodge, Luke

DEF

77.53

19

$563,000

Berry, Jarrod

MID

77.05

21

$559,000

Christensen, Allen

FWD

73

22

$530,000

Taylor, Lewis

FWD

72.23

22

$524,000

Rich, Daniel

DEF

71.5

18

$519,000

Andrews, Harris

DEF

67.17

18

$487,000

Robertson, Nick

DEF

65.48

21

$475,000

Cameron, Charlie

FWD

65.09

11

$472,000

Adams, Marcus

DEF

61.67

6

$466,000

Walker, Josh

DEF

63.57

14

$461,000

Lester, Ryan

DEF

63.53

15

$461,000

Mathieson, Rhys

MID/FWD

61.54

13

$447,000

Gardiner, Darcy

DEF

59.85

20

$434,000

Bastinac, Ryan

MID

58

2

$432,000

Rayner, Cameron

FWD

58.64

22

$426,000

Hipwood, Eric

FWD

56.18

22

$408,000

Allison, Jacob

DEF

48

3

$401,000

McInerney, Oscar

FWD

53.38

16

$387,000

McStay, Daniel

FWD

52.37

19

$380,000

Bailey, Zac

MID/FWD

51.75

12

$376,000

Keays, Ben

MID

60

2

$350,000

McCarthy, Lincoln

FWD

49

2

$305,000

Cox, Cedric

DEF

37.75

4

$289,000

Skinner, Sam

DEF

0

0

$244,000

Smith, Ely

MID

0

0

$230,000

Smith, Archie

RUC

0

0

$217,000

Starcevich, Brandon

MID/FWD

34

4

$202,000

Berry, Thomas

MID

0

0

$200,000

Joyce, Tom

MID

0

0

$192,000

McFadyen, Connor

MID/FWD

0

0

$188,000

Eagles, Matt

DEF

27.5

4

$170,000

Payne, Jack

DEF

0

0

$170,000

Hinge, Mitchell

DEF

0

0

$170,000

Answerth, Noah

DEF/MID

0

0

$170,000

Ballenden, Connor

FWD

0

0

$170,000

Wooller, Toby

FWD

0

0

$170,000

Madden, James

MID

0

0

$170,000

Lyons, Corey

MID

0

0

$170,000

Fullarton, Thomas

RUC

0

0

$170,000

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