IT'S THE middle of winter, most of Australia is freezing its socks off, and the temptation for Fantasy coaches is to stay home and keep warm, preferably with a copy of the AFL prospectus next to the bed.
But, as Damien Hardwick says, July is big-boy month, and that means if you want to play Fantasy finals, you need to toughen up, trade up and get back on the winners' list.
In most Fantasy Classic leagues, finals are just four weeks away. With that in mind, you must bring in players who look to have a bit more in the tank over the next months – players who have missed a good chunk of the season through injury, but are now cherry ripe to bring home the points.
Assuming you snapped up Tom Rockliff last week at $485,000 (and if you didn't, then be very certain that all your opponents did), it's about seeking that point of difference and recalling players who have been off the AFL radar for large parts of the year.
The one premium midfielder who we haven't seen at all this season but could deliver in spades is Levi Greenwood (MID, $576,000).
The former Roo has fully recovered from the broken leg he suffered in the pre-season, and looks set to take the suspended Taylor Adams' spot in the Collingwood midfield to face West Coast on Saturday.
Greenwood finished 23rd in the AFL for average points last year when at North Melbourne. His break-even this week is 108 – achievable, but a big ask for someone who hasn't played senior footy this year.
Wait at least a week before picking Greenwood, but don't leave him out of your planning – Nat Fyfe had the same Fantasy average last year, and we know what he's become.
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Fantasy legend Gary Ablett (MID, $566,000) is nicely priced this week after clocking up 119 points against the Bulldogs (and dropping $10,000), so make sure you snap him up for the run home.
Elsewhere there are injured warriors like David Myers (MID, $423,000) and Ben McGlynn (MID/FWD, $500,000) due back this week or next, who could set your side apart from the pack.
And don't forget about Jimmy Bartel (FWD, $489,000) for your forward line. He's played just the three games this year for an average of 73.3, but returned to the Cats' midfield last week with a career-high 41 possessions, including an AFL-record 30 handballs.
If a few of those handballs become kicks over the next few weeks, the Brownlow medallist might be the winter warmer you need for a winning Fantasy finals series in August.
10 players with Fantasy points left in the tank
| PLAYER | CURRENT PRICE | 2014 AVERAGE | 2015 AVERAGE | WHEN TO POUNCE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gary Ablett (MID) | $556,000 | 119.1 | 92.3 | This week. Gaz loves playing the Giants |
| Jimmy Bartel (FWD) | $489,000 | 99.2 | 73.3 | Wait another week for a price drop |
| Jack Darling (FWD) | $419,000 | 78,4 | 74.8 | This week. The Eagles are hot! |
| Mitch Duncan (MID/FWD) | $483,000 | 94.9 | 82.3 | Should be right to go in a couple of weeks |
| Levi Greenwood (MID) | $576,000 | 101.7 | 0 | Wait at least one week for a price drop. Premium midfielder |
| Pearce Hanley (MID) | $506,000 | 98.5 | 89.5 | Jump on this week. The Irishman is in form |
| Ben McGlynn (MID/FWD) | $500,000 | 102.7 | 88.7 | This week if selected. Loves playing his former team |
| David Myers (MID) | $423,000 | 81.2 | 3.0 | Wait until confirmed fit and price drops |
| Scott Selwood (MID) | $383,000 | 81.0 | 70.1 | When there's a full moon (or the Eagles suffer a midfield injury) |
| David Zaharakis (MID/FWD) | $372,000 | 96.2 | 65.8 | Wait one more week. Zaka has a strong record against Port |
Get 'em in
Max Gawn (FWD/RUC, $435,000)
Caleb Daniel (FWD, $194,000)
Riley Knight (FWD/MID, $143,000)
Shaun Edwards (DEF, $203,000)
Marcus Bontempelli (FWD/MID, $447,000)
Farewell for now
Bryce Gibbs (MID, $416,000)
Charlie Dixon (FWD, $306,000)
Dylan Shiel (MID, $454,000)
Shane Edwards (FWD/MID, $398,000)
Tim Broomhead (FWD, $322,000)
