THE FINAL round of this block of condensed fixtures has a sense of normality with games from Thursday through to Monday. 

TIPS AND TRICKS Fantasy advice for the condensed fixtures

No clubs will be on the bye this round making it a regular nine-game round; however, as per the previous three rounds, teams will be announced at 6.20pm AEST on the day prior to games. This adds to the challenge of the unknown and the possible rest some players will get with the dreaded ‘managed’ next to their name when the ins and outs are announced. 

Holding trades throughout the rolling lockout can be a positive thing as we saw last round. The news of Max Gawn and Jack Viney missing in round 11 came before the first lockout and a few coaches were saved with the ability to reverse trades rather than having their three moves locked in. 

Cat Sam Simpson, who appeared in more than a quarter of the competition, was managed on Monday night and if a trade were held, he could have been replaced by debutant Jack Bytel as a handy cash grab.

Round 12 match times, and therefore lockouts, as below. Be sure to plan your trades ahead and only make the moves that you need. If possible, only trade out or in a player in the last hour before their lockout as final teams with late changes are announced one hour before the bounce. Stay across social media for the important late mail.

Thursday, August 13

Sydney v Greater Western Sydney, Optus Stadium, 6.10pm AWST

Friday, August 14 

Geelong v Port Adelaide, Metricon Stadium, 7.50pm AEST

Saturday, August 15

North Melbourne v Brisbane, Metricon Stadium, 2.35pm AEST
Melbourne v Collingwood, Gabba, 5.10pm AEST
Fremantle v Carlton, Optus Stadium, 6.10pm AWST

Sunday, August 16 

Western Bulldogs v Adelaide, Metricon Stadium, 1.05pm AEST
St Kilda v Essendon, Gabba, 3.35pm AEST
West Coast v Hawthorn, Optus Stadium, 4.10pm AWST 

Monday, August 17 

Richmond v Gold Coast, Gabba, 7.10pm AEST 

NOTE: A rolling lockout will be in place for all remaining rounds of the season as teams will continue to be announced at 6.20pm AEST the day before the game. 

BUY

Rory Laird (DEF, $684,000) - The talented defender’s numbers have been well down from what we expect, despite being given a run through the middle … that was until his match-up with the Pies where he may have turned things around with a whopping season high of 139. 

Christian Petracca (MID/FWD, $790,000) - There are breakout seasons and then there is what Petracca is doing. He is averaging 91 for the season and is only owned by 38 per cent of the competition leaving a ‘must have’ trade for the remainder of coaches who don’t have him. 

Tim Taranto (MID, $789,000) - If you are looking for a unique pick in the midfield, look no further than the Giants star. After a couple of games finding his feet, Taranto has been on fire in his last two with scores of 100 and 109. He is owned by just two per cent. 

Also consider: Clayton Oliver, Jack Macrae, Dayne Zorko. 

HOLD

Todd Goldstein (RUC, $721,000) - After an outstanding start to the season, the Roos star has dropped off with back to back 60s and a five-game average of 72. Given the uncertainty around the top line upgrade options in the ruck department at the moment, there is no point moving him on just yet. 

Josh Dunkley (MID, $745,000) - It was a bold play to bring in the star Dog following his layoff and it certainly hasn’t paid off … yet. Since returning he has scores of just 83 and 66 but there is nothing like a game against the Crows to get your mojo back. Expect a good return this week. 

Andrew Gaff (MID, $744,000) - The star Eagle has been performing well below expectations for his 15 per cent of coaches with just one triple-figure score in his last six games. He is worth holding despite the amount of frustration he is casing. 

Also consider: Sam Docherty, Darcy Cameron, Elliot Yeo. 

SELL 

Marlion Pickett (MID, $466,000) - The GF hero has been an outstanding cash cow after being available for the basement price of $170,000 at the beginning of the year. He has averaged an impressive 57 in his last five games but now would be a good time to upgrade him to a premium. 

Sam Simpson (MID, $421,000) - The Cat youngster has been great this season, making the most of his opportunity with 100 in his first game of the year while averaging 62 over five games. He has a BE of 41 and has risen by over $250,000. 

Bailey Smith (MID/FWD, $569,000) - If you are one of the 26 per cent of coaches who own the Dogs' emerging star and are in the position for a luxury upgrade, Smith is a viable option to move on. He is averaging just 56 in his last three games. 

Also consider: Sam Simpson, Brandon Starcevich, Derek Eggmolesse-Smith.

CALVIN’S CAPTAINS 

In AFL Fantasy your captain scores you double points for that week. Here are Calvin’s top five picks for you to consider.

No. 1 – Jack Macrae v Adelaide (Sunday afternoon)
This has all the ingredients for something special. As we know, Adelaide are by far the easiest team to score against this year and over the last three weeks, the top three opposition midfielders from each game averaged 103. Macrae has been running hot scoring 128, 106 and 114 in his last three games this year and even posted 109 against the Crows in 2019.

No. 2 – Lachie Neale v North Melbourne (Saturday afternoon)
Last week, three Melbourne midfielders scored 100+ against the Kangaroos and this week, Neale gets his turn. He has been in great form scoring 120, 88 and 117 in his last three and even though the Kangaroos have taggers to use, he will be too good.

No. 3 – Clayton Oliver v Collingwood (Saturday evening)
Oliver is averaging 107 in his last three games and even scored 130 and 98 against the Magpies last year. Tick, tick, tick … boom.

No. 4 – Marcus Bontempelli v Adelaide (Sunday afternoon)
Anyone playing the Crows is always a chance to be highlighted in this segment each week. Bontempelli scored 125 against them last year and is coming off 98 in round 11.

No. 5 – Jake Lloyd v GWS (Thursday night)
Lloyd loves playing at Optus Stadium, a place he has scored 115 and 132 at in his last two games there. In round 10, Essendon’s Michael Hurley and Jordan Ridley combined for 16 marks against the Giants which indicates Lloyd could be huge.

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