IT HAS been a long stint for AFL Fantasy coaches since round one, but the wait is nearly over as we get back to following every stat in every game.
As we approach the first bounce of round two, coaches who registered prior to round one will be able to pick up where they left off. It is not too late for new coaches to get on board for 2020 to join in the fun and have a chance to win one of the many prizes on offer in Fantasy Classic.
Maybe a brand new Toyota Hilux 4x4 SRS 2.8L Turbo Diesel Auto valued at $62,217 could be yours?
New leagues can be created to start in round two and you can schedule a Fantasy Draft to take place at any time.
Fire up the website, download the App and get set for one of the most unique, challenging, and fun seasons of AFL Fantasy ever!
Fantasy rules
Three trades are available for Fantasy Classic coaches ahead of round two and the three trades, a bonus one on top of the regular two per week, will continue until round five. As always, all trades are use them or lose them; there is no banking trades to save for later.
Leagues have been adjusted so that the Grand Final will be played in round 17. As there are no byes currently scheduled, head-to-head match-ups will continue throughout without interruption before finals begin. For leagues rolling with the final eight structure, head-to-head match-ups will continue until round 13 and finals played our from rounds 14-17.
Another change in thinking for coaches is the effect 16-minute quarters have on scores.
In short, we will see fewer scores than previously. Some coaches are multiplying 2020 scores by 1.25 to give an indication of an equivalent score from previous seasons.
Important dates and times
Coaches will be back into their usual routine of checking the Thursday night teams and looking out for late changes. In 2020, final teams for each game will be announced 60 mins before the first bounce, rather than the 90 mins fans are accustomed to.
Thursday 11 June
6:25pm AEST – Round two teams announced
6:40pm AEST – Final teams for Collingwood and Richmond announced
7:40pm AEST – Partial lockout, Magpies and Tigers players locked
Friday 12 June
5:00pm AEST – Sunday squads trimmed to 22
6:50pm AEST – Final teams for Geelong and Hawthorn announced
7:50pm AEST – Full lockout
Selection news
Collingwood has brought in Darcy Cameron (RUC/FWD, $170,000) for Mason Cox. The basement priced dual-position player has been a popular bench option over the years, but has played just one game for a score of 27 points. In the pre-season he was the Pies’ solo ruck in the Marsh Community Series match against the Tigers, so his 107-point game there isn’t an indication of his possible scoring power in Thursday night’s match as Brodie Grundy will be the main man.
Although his job security might be shaky with Cox’s possible round three return, as a bench option, Cameron may get some games this year and increase in value.
The Tigers and plenty of Fantasy Draft owners welcome back Bachar Houli (DEF, $766,000). The defender is joined as an inclusion by Jack Higgins for Josh Caddy (calf soreness) and Toby Nankervis (omitted). Ivan Soldo will carry the ruck-load as many teams are likely to go into the 16-minute quarter games with just one recognised ruckman.
Team selection for the remaining games are due on Thursday evening; however, Melbourne dropped some big news on Wednesday morning that will give Fantasy Classic coaches some cheap options to consider.
Harley Bennell (MID, $224,000) will play his first game since 2017 and should be a profitable cash cow provided he stays on the park. Trent Rivers (DEF/MID, $208,000) will make his debut and will help some rookie woes in the backline for coaches scrambling for a cheap option.
No.3 pick in last year’s draft, Luke Jackson (RUC, $266,000), will also make his debut; however, it isn’t recommended to grab the 18-year-old tall as Max Gawn will do the majority of the work as the Demons’ ruck.
There is a bit more to play out in regard to round two team selections. More than a third of Fantasy Classic coaches own Sam Naismith (RUC, $314,000) who is currently battling hamstring soreness and there is some doubt on some of the sub-$300k players holding their place in the side.
For team selection news, watch AFL Fantasy Live every Thursday from 6.15pm AEST, streaming on the AFL Fantasy Facebook page.
Catch up on The Traders’ tips
Our resident Fantasy experts, The Traders, have been working overtime during the shutdown and will continue to do so over the next 16-rounds to help you throughout this unprecedented season.
- What you need to know ahead of round two
- 10 trade targets you must consider
- Traders v Champions v Players Fantasy Draft
- Round one centre bounces attendances
- Starting from scratch, it’s not too late to play AFL Fantasy
Roy, Calvin and Warnie have recorded multiple podcasts in the lead up to round two with plenty of news, trade advice, captain picks, answers to burning questions and expert insight from former two-time winner Selby Lee-Steere.
Listen to the AFL Fantasy Podcast with The Traders at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and <a href="">Google Podcasts.
