The Footy Tragic Show (Full Episode):

COLLINGWOOD V GEELONG CATS

MCG – Fri May 18, 7:50pm

Collingwood

B: Heritier O’Brien, Ben Reid, Alan Toovey

HB: Simon Buckley, Nick Maxwell, Tyson Goldsack

C: Dane Swan, Sharrod Wellingham, Jarryd Blair

HF: Heath Shaw, Chris Dawes, Ben Sinclair

F: Dayne Beams, Travis Cloke, Alan Didak

Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom

I/C: Dale Thomas, Martin Clarke, Lachlan Keeffe, Alex Fasolo

Emg: Tom Young, Kirk Ugle, Paul Seedsman

In: Dale Thomas, Chris Dawes, Darren Jolly, Alex Fasolo

Out: Nathan Brown (Knee), Cameron Wood, Paul Seedsman, Peter Yagmoor

Geelong Cats

B: Matthew Scarlett, Tom Lonergan, Josh Hunt

HB: Corey Enright, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie

C: James Kelly, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel

HF: Steve Johnson, James Podsiadly, Steven Motlop

F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes

Foll: Orren Stephenson, Joel Corey, Taylor Hunt

I/C: Trent West, Mitch Duncan, Jesse Stringer, Cameron Guthrie

Emg: Shannon Byrnes, Billie Smedts, George Horlin-Smith

In: Jimmy Bartel, Matthew Scarlett, Mathew Stokes, Orren Stephenson

Out: Shannon Byrnes, Tom Gillies (Ankle), Allen Christensen (Calf), Billie Smedts

Milestones: James Kelly – 200 games, James Podsiadly – 50 games

PORT ADELAIDE V NORTH MELBOURNE

AS – Sat May 19, 1:15pm

Port Adelaide

B: Jackson Trengove, Alipate Carlile, Jacob Surjan

HB: Ben Jacobs, Troy Chaplin, Hamish Hartlett

C: Kane Cornes, Domenic Cassisi, Danyle Pearce

HF: Matthew Broadbent, Jay Schulz, John McCarthy

F: Brett Ebert, John Butcher, Justin Westhoff

Foll: Brent Renouf, Bradley Ebert, Travis Boak

I/C: Matt Thomas, Paul Stewart, Chad Wingard, Darren Pfeiffer

Emg: Jarrad Redden, Andrew Moore, Simon Phillips

In: Danyle Pearce, Matt Thomas, Jay Schulz, Chad Wingard, Darren Pfeiffer

Out: David Rodan, Daniel Stewart, Tom Logan, Simon Phillips, Aaron Young (Ankle)

North Melbourne

B: Jamie Macmillan, Scott Thompson, Luke Delaney

HB: Daniel Wells, Michael Firrito, Cameron Delaney

C: Shaun Atley, Andrew Swallow, Leigh Adams

HF: Ben Cunnington, Nathan Grima, Kieran Harper

F: Aaron Edwards, Drew Petrie, Brent Harvey

Foll: Todd Goldstein, Jack Ziebell, Ryan Bastinac

I/C: Lindsay Thomas, Ben Warren, Levi Greenwood, Brad McKenzie

Emg: Matt Campbell, Cruize Garlett, Cameron Pedersen

In: Ben Warren, Levi Greenwood, Nathan Grima

Out: Hamish McIntosh (Knee), Samuel Wright (Shoulder), Liam Anthony

HAWTHORN V FREMANTLE

AU – Sat May 19, 2:10pm

Hawthorn

B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Josh Gibson

HB: Grant Birchall, Ryan Schoenmakers, Benjamin Stratton

C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis

HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Shaun Burgoyne

F: Luke Breust, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo

Foll: David Hale, Brad Sewell, Liam Shiels

I/C: Clinton Young, Brendan Whitecross, Shane Savage, Matt Suckling

Emg: Xavier Ellis, Thomas Murphy, Broc McCauley

In: Josh Gibson

Out: Michael Osborne (Knee)

Milestones: Lance Franklin – 150 games, Clinton Young – 100 games

Fremantle

B: Garrick Ibbotson, Zac Dawson, Dylan Roberton

HB: Michael Johnson, Luke McPharlin, Tendai Mzungu

C: Paul Duffield, Ryan Crowley, Stephen Hill

HF: Matthew de Boer, Christopher Mayne, Clancee Pearce

F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Zachary Clarke

Foll: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Michael Barlow

I/C: Jay van Berlo, Greg Broughton, Lachie Neale, Lee Spurr

Emg: Jesse Crichton, Alex Silvagni, Jonathon Griffin

In: Jay van Berlo

Out: Adam McPhee (Calf)

Milestones: Hayden Ballantyne – 50 games

SYDNEY SWANS V MELBOURNE

SCG – Sat May 19, 4:40pm

Sydney Swans

B: Martin Mattner, Ted Richards, Rhyce Shaw

HB: Nicholas Smith, Heath Grundy, Jarrad McVeigh

C: Lewis Jetta, Josh P. Kennedy, Nick Malceski

HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Tommy Walsh, Daniel Hannebery

F: Ben McGlynn, Sam Reid, Trent Dennis-Lane

Foll: Mike Pyke, Kieren Jack, Jude Bolton

I/C: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Craig Bird, Luke Parker, Alex Johnson

Emg: Jesse White, Andrejs Everitt, Tony Armstrong

In: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Mike Pyke, Tommy Walsh

Out: Jesse White, Mark Seaby, Andrejs Everitt

New: Tommy Walsh (St Kilda)

Melbourne

B: James Frawley, Jared Rivers, Clint Bartram

HB: Jack Grimes, Colin Garland, Tom McDonald

C: Cale Morton, Brent Moloney, Nathan Jones

HF: Jack Trengove, Jack Watts, Liam Jurrah

F: Jeremy Howe, Mitchell Clark, Aaron Davey

Foll: Mark Jamar, Jordie McKenzie, Colin Sylvia

I/C: Brad Green, Sam Blease, Jamie Bennell, James Magner

Emg: Lynden Dunn, Rohan Bail, James Sellar

In: Brad Green, Jack Watts, Sam Blease, Liam Jurrah

Out: Matthew Bate, Ricky Petterd, Rohan Bail, Jack Fitzpatrick

WESTERN BULLDOGS V GOLD COAST SUNS

TIO – Sat May 19, 7:10pm

Western Bulldogs

B: Robert Murphy, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave

HB: Dylan Addison, Mark Austin, Justin Sherman

C: Mitchell Wallis, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross

HF: Daniel Giansiracusa, Liam Jones, Luke Dahlhaus

F: Jarrad Grant, Ayce Cordy, Shaun Higgins

Foll: William Minson, Ryan Griffen, Liam Picken

I/C: Nathan Djerrkura, Thomas Liberatore, Clay Smith, Tory Dickson

Emg: Zephaniah Skinner, Daniel Pearce, Fletcher Roberts

In: Liam Jones, Nathan Djerrkura

Out: Jordan Roughead (Calf), Patrick Veszpremi (Groin)

Milestones: Ryan Griffen – 150 games

Gold Coast Suns

B: Jeremy Taylor, Matthew Warnock, Seb Tape

HB: Sam Iles, Rory Thompson, Joel Wilkinson

C: Michael Rischitelli, Karmichael Hunt, Matt Shaw

HF: Harley Bennell, Tom Lynch, Andrew McQualter

F: Campbell Brown, Sam Day, Luke Russell

Foll: Zac Smith, Josh Caddy, Gary Ablett

I/C: Daniel Stanley, Dion Prestia, Alex Sexton, Kyal Horsley

Emg: Michael Coad, Tom Hickey, Liam Patrick

In: Rory Thompson, Daniel Stanley, Matt Shaw, Jeremy Taylor, Alex Sexton, Andrew McQualter

Out: Jared Brennan, Trent McKenzie, Josh Toy, Charlie Dixon (Checkbone), Michael Coad, David Swallow (Knee)

New: Alex Sexton (), Andrew McQualter (St Kilda)

ESSENDON V RICHMOND

MCG – Sat May 19, 7:50pm

Essendon

B: Dustin Fletcher, Cale Hooker, Dyson Heppell

HB: Kyle Hardingham, Jake Carlisle, Courtenay Dempsey

C: Ricky Dyson, Jobe Watson, Brent Stanton

HF: Stewart Crameri, Patrick Ryder, Alwyn Davey

F: Leroy Jetta, Michael Hurley, David Zaharakis

Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Sam Lonergan, Ben Howlett

I/C: Heath Hocking, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Angus Monfries, Jake Melksham

Emg: Mark McVeigh, Henry Slattery, Cory Dell’Olio

In: Michael Hurley

Out: Travis Colyer

Richmond

B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Chris Newman

HB: Bachar Houli, Dylan Grimes, Jake Batchelor

C: Shaun Grigg, Dustin Martin, Brandon Ellis

HF: Brett Deledio, Brad Miller, Nathan Foley

F: Reece Conca, Jack Riewoldt, Jake King

Foll: Ivan Maric, Trent Cotchin, Shane Tuck

I/C: Daniel Jackson, Shane Edwards, Robin Nahas, Matt Dea

Emg: Angus Graham, Jayden Post, Matthew Arnot

Milestones: Chris Newman – 200 games

BRISBANE LIONS V GWS GIANTS

G – Sun May 20, 1:10pm

Brisbane Lions

B: Ryan Lester, Matt Maguire, Josh Drummond

HB: Jed Adcock, Joel Patfull, Mitchell Golby

C: Pearce Hanley, Tom Rockliff, Daniel Rich

HF: James Polkinghorne, Jonathan Brown, Jack Redden

F: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Patrick Karnezis

Foll: Billy Longer, Simon Black, Andrew Raines

I/C: James Hawksley, Ryan Harwood, Niall McKeever, Jared Polec, Joshua Green, Rohan Bewick, Dayne Zorko

In: Jed Adcock, Ryan Lester, Joshua Green, Rohan Bewick

Out: Todd Banfield (Leg)

GWS Giants

B: Luke Power, Tim Mohr, Sam Darley

HB: Adam Tomlinson, Phil Davis, Sam Reid

C: WIlliam Hoskin-Elliot, Dom Tyson, Tom Scully

HF: Adam Treloar, Jeremy Cameron, Stephen Coniglio

F: Chad Cornes, Israel Folau, Toby Greene

Foll: Jonathan Giles, Callan Ward, Jacob Townsend

I/C: Anthony Miles, Andrew Phillips, Sam Schulz, Nathan Wilson, Rhys Palmer, Matthew Buntine, Taylor Adams

In: Sam Darley, Anthony Miles, Sam Schulz, Nathan Wilson, WIlliam Hoskin-Elliot, Matthew Buntine, Adam Tomlinson, Sam Reid

Out: Tomas Bugg (Rested), Dylan Shiel (Rested), Liam Sumner (Foot), Devon Smith (Rested), Adam Kennedy (Shoulder)

New: Sam Darley (Nth. Hobart), Sam Schulz (Murray Bushrangers/Culcairn), Matthew Buntine ()

CARLTON V ADELAIDE

ES – Sun May 20, 3:15pm

Carlton

B: Christopher Yarran, Michael Jamison, Lachlan Henderson

HB: Nick Duigan, Paul Bower, Zach Tuohy

C: Kade Simpson, Chris Judd, Heath Scotland

HF: Eddie Betts, Jarrad Waite, Jordan Russell

F: Andrew Walker, Shaun Hampson, Jeffrey Garlett

Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs

I/C: Bret Thornton, Dennis Armfield, David Ellard, Aaron Joseph, Mitch Robinson, Andrew Collins, Edward Curnow

In: Bret Thornton, Christopher Yarran, Andrew Collins

Milestones: Jarrad Waite – 150 games, Christopher Yarran – 50 games

Adelaide

B: Michael Doughty, Ben Rutten, Graham Johncock

HB: Matthew Jaensch, Daniel Talia, Brent Reilly

C: David Mackay, Scott Thompson, Nathan van Berlo

HF: Jared Petrenko, Josh Jenkins, Ian Callinan

F: Matthew Wright, Kurt Tippett, Jason Porplyzia

Foll: Sam Jacobs, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane

I/C: Bernie Vince, Brad Symes, Brodie Martin, Ricky Henderson, Luke Thompson, Brodie Smith, Tom Lynch

In: Bernie Vince, Brad Symes, Brodie Martin, Luke Thompson, Tom Lynch

Out: Taylor Walker (Suspension), Jarryd Lyons

WEST COAST EAGLES V ST KILDA

PS – Sun May 20, 2:40pm

West Coast Eagles

B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Will Schofield

HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn

C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff

HF: Chris Masten, Quinten Lynch, Luke Shuey

F: Dean Cox, Jack Darling, Josh Hill

Foll: Nic Naitanui, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr

I/C: Adam Selwood, Thomas Swift, Patrick McGinnity, Lewis Stevenson, Brad Sheppard, Koby Stevens, Jacob Brennan

In: Adam Selwood, Will Schofield, Nic Naitanui, Thomas Swift, Lewis Stevenson, Koby Stevens

Out: Mitch Brown, Ryan Neates, Scott Lycett

St Kilda

B: Jason Gram, Sam Gilbert, Jason Blake

HB: Tom Simpkin, Sean Dempster, Jarryn Geary

C: Ahmed Saad, Lenny Hayes, Brendon Goddard

HF: Jack Steven, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna

F: Stephen Milne, Rhys Stanley, Terry Milera

Foll: Justin Koschitzke, Nick Dal Santo, Clinton Jones

I/C: James Gwilt, David Armitage, Farren Ray, Jamie Cripps, Arryn Siposs, Jack Newnes, Beau Wilkes

In: James Gwilt, Jamie Cripps, Jack Newnes

Upon entering the season, one of the hardest jobs for a fantasy coach is the task of selecting your back line. Unlike other positions, the number of ‘locks’ in the backs is somewhat limited, with only two real standouts presenting themselves in 2012, Brendan Goddard and Brett Deledio. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing however. I like to think it helps to open the window of opportunity for coaches to take a risk. Perhaps a player set for a break out year, or a player returning from injury.

Brian Lake was just that, the ultimate risk. After a horror year in 2011, Lake loomed as one of the more fascinating fantasy prospects in recent times. A proven fantasy star, the upside was obvious, but at 30 years of age and returning from an injury, could he turn back the clock?

Brian Lake would be the first to admit that 2011 was a season he’d much rather forget. Only a year prior, Lake was coming off what was undoubtedly the best season of his career. An elite defender, Lake was named the All-Australian full back for 2010, earning selection for the second year running.  Even though he wasn’t able to train during the 2011 pre season, I don’t think anyone predicted just how badly that would hamper him throughout the season, proving to plague his entire year.  After failing to have his usual impact at senior level, Lake was dropped from the side, exiled to VFL. Even there he wasn’t himself.

As a result, Lake’s numbers took a major hit. His fantasy averages for the year were the lowest he’d recorded since 2005. From a fantasy standpoint, this was great news for 2012, particularly AFL Dream Team, where Lake was a major scorer when up and running. Any player capable of averaging 100 points per game is a clearly an asset, especially one that is back line eligible. Brian Lake is one of the rare defenders who had achieved this in the past. At a starting price of $255,000 in AFL Dream Team, and $286,900 in SuperCoach, Lake’s name certainly a stood out amongst a lot of those lesser known. Despite encouraging signs in the pre season, whether he’d return to form remained to be seen. The Jury was out on Brian Lake…

The start to the year proved to be a disaster. Matched up against West Coast forward Josh Kennedy, Lake was no match for him, watching his opponent kick 7 goals to help the Eagles to a 49 point win. Luckily goals against doesn’t effect fantasy points! However, not only was Lake comprehensively beaten, his fantasy game was also non-existent. The contested marks weren’t sticking, he wasn’t providing a link up option, and the Bulldog’s high possession brand of football we saw during the NAB cup was all but abandoned. In all honesty, I thought it was 2011 all over again for Lake. His confidence looked shot.

Facing Adelaide in round 2, I was expecting much the same with Lake likely to be lined up on one of the Crows’ key forwards in Taylor Walker or Kurt Tippet.  But only one week on and you could’ve sworn it was a different player. After scoring only 27 DT points in round 1 the Brian Lake of old was back, taking 10 marks, and gathering 23 disposals on his way to 93 Dream Team and 110 SuperCoach points.  The turn of form was amazing.

Since then Lake has averaged 9.4 marks in the five games he has played. He has competed against some big names in those weeks, including Travis Cloke and Drew Petrie, proving his ability to play well regardless of the opposition. This places Lake 2nd in marks per game in the entire league.  More importantly he has rediscovered his confidence. The Brian Lake that zoned off his opponent to intercept marks is back. He is comfortable attacking the ball, and looks every bit the player of 2010 again. It’s great for football and it’s great for fantasy scoring.

If you missed out on Lake, don’t stress, I think there is still value to be had. With the low score of round 1 rolling through his average, coupled with the 1 week suspension, Lake has not risen in price perhaps as much as he could have. He is clearly the best defender in his price range as of round 7. If you’ve got some cash to spare, I’d jump on before he rises.  I believe Lake is a premium this year, and if you can get an upgrade target at a discount price, then why not!

The bye rounds (11, 12 and 13) are fast approaching, and it’s time to start asking yourself how you’ll go about tackling them.

I spoke to Toby and Jim about this last night and both of those boys are fairly adamant about making sure you have cover through the byes to avoid as many ‘donuts’ as possible.

I’m of the opposite opinion, and it is sure to be a heated discussion on the panel this week!

I’ve sat down for hours trying to think of strategies that will give my team the edge and quite frankly;

- It’s a headache.

- It’s a waste of time.

- It’s a waste of trades.

- It makes your team look crap.

- Most importantly, it’s impossible to predict.

It is well and good having this super-dooper plan with all your players spread out evenly but it’s another thing getting those replacement players out on the actual park.

If there’s one thing we’ve learnt this year, it’s to not trust the Giants. If you’re relying on them to cover for your round 12 and 13 byes, you may as well throw your plan out the window.

There is the argument to sideways trade through the byes, but if that involves trading Gary Ablett to Scott Thompson and then back again, well then no, I’m sorry, but that is ridiculous. If you end up keeping Scott Thompson in that scenario, you’ve just broken the #1 rule in fantasy footy, and that is to never trade out Gary Ablett unless he’s on a stretcher. I won’t be doing that.

There will be carnage, lots of it. My best advice is just to deal with it. Toby and Jim think otherwise, but until they (or you) present to me a fullproof plan, I’m of the belief it is impossible to gain any sort of advantage in the bye rounds through planning.

Speaking of planning, I thought I’d give a quick little insight into my AFL Dream Team that is going pretty well at the moment, sitting 568^th overall and with 17 trades left.

Currently my squad is this (players I consider ‘keepers’ in capitals);

DEF: BRENDON GODDARD, BRETT DELEDIO, GREG BROUGHTON, BRIAN LAKE, RYAN HARGRAVE, Tomas Bugg, Marty Clarke (Steven Morris, Brandon Ellis)

MID: BRENT STANTON, SCOTT PENDLEBURY, MATTHEW BOYD, GARY ABLETT, MARC MURPHY, Kyal Horsley (Dylan Shiel, James McDonald)

RUCK: DEAN COX, JON GILES (Orren Stephenson, Jarrad Redden)

FWD: LANCE FRANKLIN, STEELE SIDEBOTTOM, MITCH ROBINSON, DUSTIN MARTIN, DAVID ZAHARAKIS, Jason Porplyzia, Devon Smith (Adam Treloar, Taylor Adams)

With 17 trades in hand, I’m going to be upgrading EXTREMLY aggressively right up until the bye rounds.

I’m fairly comfortable with riding out the rest of the season with about six or seven trades after round 13 with a complete team.

There are two rookies I’ve targeted over the next two weeks in Lee Spurr and Dayne Zorko.

Spurr is on the bubble this week so I’ll trade out Ellis for him, netting me about 100K in which I’ll use to upgrade Bugg to Grant Birchall.

Those two trades are locked in unless something happens during the week.

Next week I’ll bring in Dayne Zorko for Dylan Shiel; giving me almost 200K and a dual position link between my midfield and forward line.

With that money I’ll upgrade Devon Smith to Steve Johnson most likely.

After that, I’ll need to wait and see, but I’m more than comfortable starting Clarke, Horsley and Porplyzia on each line until I’m able to afford Heath Scotland, Dane Swan and Dayne Beams to complete my team.

Plans in fantasy footy never stay true, but I envision my team to look something like this after round 13:

DEF: BRENDON GODDARD, BRETT DELEDIO, GREG BROUGHTON, BRIAN LAKE, RYAN HARGRAVE, GRANT BIRCHALL, HEATH SCOTLAND (Steven Morris, Lee Spurr)

MID: BRENT STANTON, SCOTT PENDLEBURY, MATTHEW BOYD, GARY ABLETT, MARC MURPHY, DANE SWAN (Adam Treloar, ROOKIE)

RUCK: DEAN COX, JON GILES (Orren Stephenson, Jarrad Redden)

FWD: LANCE FRANKLIN, STEELE SIDEBOTTOM, MITCH ROBINSON, DUSTIN MARTIN, DAVID ZAHARAKIS, STEVE JOHNSON, DAYNE BEAMS (Dayne Zorko, Jason Porplyzia)

Let’s see how it goes!

JACOB BRENNAN (West Coast Eagles, DEF)

AFL Dream Team $104,200 Scores: 31, 66 Avg: 48.5 BE: -27

SuperCoach $113,200 Scores: 47, 84 Avg: 65.5 BE: -64

The Son of Monkey hasn’t looked out of place in his first two games in the AFL. The medium sized defender reads the play well & has a good appetite for the contest. However, you have to wonder if he wasn’t playing in a team that structures up so well if he would  have the freedom to play the role he is playing. On the other hand he has managed to crack it for a game in a top of the ladder side, so well done to the chimp!

Summary: With the dearth of defender rookies this season Brennan would have to come under consideration. But I wouldn’t do it as I just don’t think his job security is there.
 
 

CAMERON DELANEY (North Melbourne Kangaroos, DEF)

AFL Dream Team $104,200 Scores: 58, 54 Avg: 56 BE-42

SuperCoach: $113,200 Scores: 79, 57 Avg: 68 BE: -66

In an underwhelming couple of weeks for North, Delaney’s been pretty good down back. His scoring has been very respectable for a key defender & he’s due for a handy price rise after this week. If he gets a game that is, North aren’t exactly short of tall defenders (nyuk nyuk nyuk) & after a couple of ordinary losses the club will surely swing the axe.

Summary: Thanks but no thanks. Job security is obviously an issue in the longer term & big defenders aren’t usually fantasy football stud material.

 
 
AHMED SAAD (St Kilda Saints, FWD)

AFL Dream Team: $115,800 Scores: 20, 42 Avg: 31 BE: 16

SuperCoach: $124,700 Scores: 29, 81 BE: -33

This former Bullant came back to bite the Blues on Monday night. Pacy, smart and with a keen goal sense & recruited as a mature aged player, Saad has all the ingredients to make it as a good small forward in the AFL. Along with fellow rookie Terry Milera & veteran Stephen Milne, Saad makes up a handy trio that has the potential to rejuvenate the aging Saints.

Summary: Saad looks the goods as a downgrade option in the forward line. Job security in the short to medium term looks good & Saad should score well with the Saints on the improve.
 
 

LEE SPURR (Fremantle Dockers, DEF)

AFL Dream Team: $107,800 Scores: 22, 65 Avg: 43.5 BE: -18

SuperCoach: $116,700 Scores: 50, 70 Avg: 60 BE: -48

Like Barlow, Mzungu & Broughton before him, Spurr is further proof of Freo’s much improved recruiting networks. After starting as sub in his first outing against the Gold Coast, Spurr has shown glimpses of why he was highly rated by fantasy coaches pre season. While the results aren’t there yet in a scoring sense, the Cowboy plays an attractive looking fantasy game.

Summary: like all rookie defenders this round job security isn’t certain but he’s the man to get in your team now in my opinion. With Brandon Ellis due to be rested & whispers that GWS are only going to play their teenagers for 14 games this year to combat burnout (hello Tom Bugg) – it’s getting close to trade time & I’m backing Spurr to hold down a spot for the Dockers.
 
 

LIAM SUMNER (Greater Western Sydney Giants, MID)

AFL Dream Team: $139,200 Scores: 64, 23 Avg: 43.5 BE: 7

SuperCoach: $151,600 Scores: 92, 24 Avg: 58 BE: -23

Sumner has shown glimpses of why he was so highly rated at last years draft & is clearly a gun as GWS have won 50% of their games that he has played in. What an impact! Seriously, Sumner is another talented GWS youngster – dime a dozen these days! He looks to have decent scoring potential without being really outstanding and given his skinny build has probably exceeded expectations at AFL level so far.

Summary: Yeah, nah. He’s pretty expensive for a rookie, so how much cash would you really be saving with a down trade? SuperCoach – maybe, Dreamteam – no.
 
 

BEAU WILKES (St Kilda Saints, DEF)

AFL Dream Team: $98,700 Scores: 47,32 Avg: 39.5 BE: -13

SuperCoach: $106,600 Scores: 52,36 Avg: 44 BE: -22

The former Eagle has been pretty good so far. He was outstanding against Melbourne before being subbed off with a sore hammy. He can clunk a mark & kick a goal as well as play in defence so he is a nice addition to the Saints list.

Summary: No. He’s one of those guys who you’re better off with from round 1. With Stanley & Kosi in good form up forward as well as McEvoy & Gwilt due back in the not too distant future I don’t see where Wilkes fits in the team.
 
 

PETER YAGMOOR (Collingwood Magpies)

AFL Dream Team: $98,700 Scores: 8, 44 Avg: 26 BE: 14

SuperCoach: $106,600 Scores: 6, 29 Avg: 17.5 BE: 31

Yagmoor hasn’t quite filled the Leon Davis role at the Pies this year. He’s pacy but just can’t seem to find the ball.

Summary: No he’s not there yet in any shape or form.

Below is Part 1 – part 2 will come after the Carlton vs Saints game on Monday night.

Melbourne vs Hawthorn:

Melbourne:

Winner:

James Magner was one of the most traded out players this week, so it was nice for those who held onto him to see him put together a pretty handy score. He is still playing a tagging role and I really can’t see him cracking the ton too many more times this year, but still, he seems to have plenty of cash generation left in him.

Weiner:

Colin Sylvia was again anonymous, playing the majority of the game up forward. He managed only 6 disposals and no score for the game. As much as he will be getting very cheap, I would be avoiding him at all costs, at least until he shows some sign of good form.

Hawthorn:

Winner:

Grant Birchall owners have had a pretty frustrating past few weeks, so it was great he see him crack the ton in both Dream Team and SuperCoach. He combined well off half-back with Suckling and picked up 29 disposals and 8 marks. He is now pretty cheap too for those who don’t have him.

Weiner:

Cyril Rioli was frustratingly quiet and was eventually subbed off after having next to no impact on the game. He played up forward again, but struggled to exploit the Dees defence as he had done to the Saints a week earlier.

GWS vs Gold Coast:

GWS:

Winner:

Jonathan Giles was terrific again for Dream Team and SuperCoach, but also for the Giants themselves – his massive last quarter was a big factor in their first win of the season. He racked up 21 touches and 6 marks, plus managed to kick 3.1 – so far I’d say those who originally anticipated trading him may be having second thoughts! He’s starting to look like a keeper!

Weiner:

Tommy Bugg had one of his quieter games this year, playing a defensive role on Harley Bennell. He still actually had a reasonable game, but was one of the quieter GWS players from a DT and SC perspective. Managed just 12 touches and 4 marks for the game.

Gold Coast:

Winner:

Whilst not the highest DT or SC scorer, Gary Ablett won us over just for the fact he played, despite all the talk that he may have been out for at least another fortnight. He still played mainly midfield, although didn’t carve up GWS as we may have hoped. Still, he picked up a game-high 33 disposals.

Weiner:

David Swallow struggled through the entire game, looking to be carrying some sort of knee injury. He was eventually subbed off at three-quarter time without having had much impact, having had just 10 touches for the day.

Adelaide vs Geelong:

Adelaide:

Winner:

Scott Thompson had another brilliant game, although I still feel like no one really noticed. He has been remarkably consistent so far this year, having had only one game under 100 DT or SC points. He was a driving force through the midfield, picking up 34 touches, 7 tackles and 6 marks.

Weiner:

Brodie Smith has been one of the more disappointing defence options this year in Dream Team and SuperCoach. Through the pre-season it was suggested he would spend more time on ball this year, but unfortunately he has spent every game so far in the backline. He just isn’t putting together the disposal numbers we may have hoped, so it’s looking like it’s about time to trade him if you haven’t already.

Geelong:

Winner:

Whilst there was no huge standout for the Cats, I have enjoyed the back-to-back quality games of Paul Chapman. I actually said on the show a fortnight ago that his best is now behind him and he shouldn’t be considered as a DT/SC option anymore… Well, fortunately I am wrong. He picked up 24 touches against the Crows and was one of Geelong’s best.

Weiner:

Corey Enright bounced back into some form last week, but this week again saw him close to tagged out of the game. He has been Mr.Reliable in DT and SC over the past few years, so it’s hard to believe that he may no longer be an option. I am patiently waiting on some good form before I jump on board, but so far I am yet to see it.

Richmond vs Sydney:

Richmond:

Winner:

Brett Deledio was hugely impressive for the Tigers. This game solidified himself to me as a bonafide elite player of the competition. Lids copped the Rhyce Shaw tag, which is typically a very tight once, but he just worked so hard to get to contests and provide an option that he was able to beat Shaw and still have plenty of effect on the game. May it continue.

Weiner:

Brandon Ellis will be an unpopular man for many this week – if you started him on the field you will be staring at a 6 in DT or 2 in SC, plus have to deal with the fact that your ‘cash-cow’ is about to significantly drop in price. He started as a sub and then didn’t come on the field until very late, having absolutely zero impact.

Sydney:

Winner:

Josh Kennedy was again Sydney’s best player, although not many had their best days at the office. He was followed around all day by Tuck, but still managed to have his share of the ball through the midfield. Finished with 21 touches, 4 tackles and 2 goals.

Weiner:

Sam Reid was extremely quiet, being held goalless and to just 5 disposals by Rance. There was talk mid-week that he was to be a late withdrawal, so I’m not sure whether he was carrying an injury, but regardless, these sorts of numbers are still very disappointing.

The Footy Tragic Show (Full Episode):

MELBOURNE V HAWTHORN

MCG – Fri May 11, 7:50pm

Melbourne

B: James Frawley, Jared Rivers, Clint Bartram

HB: Jack Grimes, Colin Garland, Cale Morton

C: Ricky Petterd, Brent Moloney, Jack Trengove

HF: Nathan Jones, Mitchell Clark, Jamie Bennell

F: Jeremy Howe, Colin Sylvia, Aaron Davey

Foll: Mark Jamar, James Magner, Jordie McKenzie

I/C: Matthew Bate, Rohan Bail, Jack Fitzpatrick, Tom McDonald

Emg: Lynden Dunn, Luke Tapscott, Joel Macdonald

In: Ricky Petterd, Jamie Bennell, Jack Fitzpatrick

Out: Lynden Dunn, Luke Tapscott, James Sellar (Calf)

Hawthorn

B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Benjamin Stratton

HB: Grant Birchall, Ryan Schoenmakers, Matt Suckling

C: Brendan Whitecross, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis

HF: Isaac Smith, Lance Franklin, Luke Breust

F: Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Michael Osborne

Foll: David Hale, Shaun Burgoyne, Brad Sewell

I/C: Clinton Young, Liam Shiels, Shane Savage, Paul Puopolo

Emg: Kyle Cheney, Bradley Hill, Broc McCauley

In: Stephen Gilham, Clinton Young

Out: Luke Hodge (Knee), Jarrad Boumann (Appendix)

ADELAIDE V GEELONG CATS

AS – Sat May 12, 12:45pm

Adelaide

B: Michael Doughty, Ben Rutten, Graham Johncock

HB: Matthew Jaensch, Daniel Talia, Brent Reilly

C: David Mackay, Patrick Dangerfield, Nathan van Berlo

HF: Jared Petrenko, Taylor Walker, Ian Callinan

F: Matthew Wright, Kurt Tippett, Jason Porplyzia

Foll: Sam Jacobs, Scott Thompson, Rory Sloane

I/C: Ricky Henderson, Brodie Smith, Jarryd Lyons, Josh Jenkins

Emg: Brad Symes, Brodie Martin, Tom Lynch

In: Josh Jenkins

Out: Shaun McKernan (Suspension)

New: Josh Jenkins (Essendon)

Geelong Cats

B: Matthew Scarlett, Harry Taylor, Josh Hunt

HB: Corey Enright, Tom Lonergan, Andrew Mackie

C: James Kelly, Allen Christensen, Joel Corey

HF: Mitch Duncan, James Podsiadly, Steven Motlop

F: Steve Johnson, Tom Hawkins, Joel Selwood

Foll: Trent West, Taylor Hunt, Paul Chapman

I/C: Jimmy Bartel, Jesse Stringer, Billie Smedts, Cameron Guthrie

Emg: Shannon Byrnes, Tom Gillies, George Horlin-Smith

In: Tom Lonergan, Joel Selwood, Taylor Hunt

Out: Shannon Byrnes, Mitch Brown, Tom Gillies

GWS GIANTS V GOLD COAST SUNS

MO – Sat May 12, 1:40pm

GWS Giants

B: Luke Power, Tim Mohr, Adam Kennedy

HB: Tomas Bugg, Phil Davis, Dylan Shiel

C: Tom Scully, Toby Greene, Chad Cornes

HF: Adam Treloar, Jeremy Cameron, Dom Tyson

F: Rhys Palmer, Israel Folau, Devon Smith

Foll: Jonathan Giles, Callan Ward, Jacob Townsend

I/C: Andrew Phillips, Stephen Coniglio, Liam Sumner, Taylor Adams

Emg: Nathan Wilson, Adam Tomlinson, Sam Reid

In: Jeremy Cameron, Israel Folau, Andrew Phillips, Jacob Townsend, Adam Treloar, Chad Cornes

Out: Curtly Hampton, Jack Hombsch (Injured), Dean Brogan (Injured), Setanta Ó hAilpín (Knee), James McDonald (Other), Sam Reid

New: Andrew Phillips (Lauderdale/Triabunna)

Gold Coast Suns

B: Jared Brennan, Matthew Warnock, Seb Tape

HB: Sam Iles, Michael Coad, Joel Wilkinson

C: Michael Rischitelli, Karmichael Hunt, Trent McKenzie

HF: Harley Bennell, Tom Lynch, Josh Toy

F: Campbell Brown, Sam Day, Luke Russell

Foll: Zac Smith, Josh Caddy, Gary Ablett

I/C: Charlie Dixon, Dion Prestia, David Swallow, Kyal Horsley

Emg: Daniel Stanley, Matt Shaw, Jeremy Taylor

In: Gary Ablett, Michael Coad, Michael Rischitelli

Out: Maverick Weller, Matt Shaw, Nathan Bock (Leg)

RICHMOND V SYDNEY SWANS

MCG – Sat May 12, 4:40pm

Richmond

B: Steven Morris, Alex Rance, Chris Newman

HB: Bachar Houli, Dylan Grimes, Jake Batchelor

C: Shaun Grigg, Dustin Martin, Brandon Ellis

HF: Brett Deledio, Brad Miller, Nathan Foley

F: Reece Conca, Jack Riewoldt, Jake King

Foll: Ivan Maric, Trent Cotchin, Shane Tuck

I/C: Daniel Jackson, Shane Edwards, Robin Nahas, Matt Dea

Emg: Angus Graham, Luke McGuane, Matthew Arnot

In: Daniel Jackson

Out: Tyrone Vickery (Leg)

Milestones: Dustin Martin – 50 games

Sydney Swans

B: Martin Mattner, Ted Richards, Alex Johnson

HB: Nicholas Smith, Heath Grundy, Rhyce Shaw

C: Jarrad McVeigh, Kieren Jack, Daniel Hannebery

HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Sam Reid, Ben McGlynn

F: Jude Bolton, Jesse White, Trent Dennis-Lane

Foll: Mark Seaby, Josh P. Kennedy, Luke Parker

I/C: Nick Malceski, Craig Bird, Lewis Jetta, Andrejs Everitt

Emg: Nathan Gordon, Tony Armstrong, Tommy Walsh

In: Jesse White, Trent Dennis-Lane

Out: Adam Goodes (Quad), Lewis Roberts-Thomson (Bruised Heel)

BRISBANE LIONS V COLLINGWOOD

G – Sat May 12, 7:40pm

Brisbane Lions

B: Pearce Hanley, Matt Maguire, Niall McKeever

HB: Mitchell Golby, Joel Patfull, Daniel Rich

C: James Hawksley, Tom Rockliff, Josh Drummond

HF: James Polkinghorne, Jonathan Brown, Todd Banfield

F: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Patrick Karnezis

Foll: Billy Longer, Simon Black, Jack Redden

I/C: Andrew Raines, Ryan Harwood, Jared Polec, Dayne Zorko

Emg: Bryce Retzlaff, Joshua Green, Jack Crisp

In: Josh Drummond, James Hawksley, Andrew Raines, Niall McKeever, Dayne Zorko

Out: Jed Adcock (Groin), Aaron Cornelius, Ryan Lester (Soreness), Ben Hudson (Soreness), Jack Crisp

New: Dayne Zorko (Broadbeach (QLD))

Collingwood

B: Heritier O’Brien, Ben Reid, Nathan Brown

HB: Simon Buckley, Nick Maxwell, Tyson Goldsack

C: Dane Swan, Sharrod Wellingham, Jarryd Blair

HF: Heath Shaw, Chris Dawes, Ben Sinclair

F: Dayne Beams, Travis Cloke, Alan Didak

Foll: Cameron Wood, Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom

I/C: Alan Toovey, Martin Clarke, Lachlan Keeffe, Paul Seedsman

Emg: Kirk Ugle, Peter Yagmoor, Jackson Paine

In: Alan Didak, Jarryd Blair, Paul Seedsman

Out: Ben Johnson (Shoulder), Alex Fasolo (Knee), Kirk Ugle

ESSENDON V WEST COAST EAGLES

ES – Sat May 12, 7:40pm

Essendon

B: Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Courtenay Dempsey

HB: Kyle Hardingham, Jake Carlisle, Dustin Fletcher

C: Brent Stanton, Jobe Watson, David Zaharakis

HF: Jake Melksham, Stewart Crameri, Angus Monfries

F: Alwyn Davey, Patrick Ryder, Leroy Jetta

Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Heath Hocking, Ben Howlett

I/C: Ricky Dyson, Sam Lonergan, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Travis Colyer

Emg: Mark McVeigh, Henry Slattery, Cory Dell’Olio

West Coast Eagles

B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Shannon Hurn

HB: Beau Waters, Eric Mackenzie, Jacob Brennan

C: Matthew Rosa, Matthew Priddis, Andrew Gaff

HF: Chris Masten, Quinten Lynch, Josh Hill

F: Luke Shuey, Jack Darling, Scott Lycett

Foll: Dean Cox, Scott Selwood, Daniel Kerr

I/C: Mitch Brown, Patrick McGinnity, Brad Sheppard, Ryan Neates

Emg: Thomas Swift, Koby Stevens, Murray Newman

In: Mitch Brown, Ryan Neates

Out: Adam Selwood (Hand), Ashton Hams (Suspension)

New: Ryan Neates (Claremont (WA))

Milestones: Beau Waters – 100 games

NORTH MELBOURNE V WESTERN BULLDOGS

ES – Sun May 13, 1:10pm

North Melbourne

B: Jamie Macmillan, Scott Thompson, Luke Delaney

HB: Daniel Wells, Michael Firrito, Kieran Harper

C: Shaun Atley, Andrew Swallow, Brent Harvey

HF: Ben Cunnington, Todd Goldstein, Samuel Wright

F: Aaron Edwards, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas

Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Jack Ziebell, Ryan Bastinac

I/C: Ben Warren, Leigh Adams, Liam Anthony, Cameron Delaney, Cameron Pedersen, Will Sierakowski, Brad McKenzie

In: Todd Goldstein, Ben Warren, Cameron Delaney, Will Sierakowski, Brad McKenzie

Out: Robert Tarrant, Aaron Mullett

New: Will Sierakowski (Hawthorn), Brad McKenzie (Sturt)

Milestones: Jack Ziebell – 50 games

Western Bulldogs

B: Robert Murphy, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave

HB: Daniel Cross, Mark Austin, Dylan Addison

C: Liam Picken, Matthew Boyd, Shaun Higgins

HF: Adam Cooney, Jordan Roughead, Patrick Veszpremi

F: Thomas Liberatore, Ayce Cordy, Daniel Giansiracusa

Foll: William Minson, Ryan Griffen, Luke Dahlhaus

I/C: Jarrad Grant, Justin Sherman, Mitchell Wallis, Clay Smith, Fletcher Roberts, Daniel Pearce, Tory Dickson

In: Jarrad Grant, Clay Smith, Fletcher Roberts, Daniel Pearce, Tory Dickson, Ayce Cordy

Out: Easton Wood (Hamstring), Liam Jones (Back), Nathan Djerrkura (Hip)

New: Fletcher Roberts (), Daniel Pearce ()

FREMANTLE V PORT ADELAIDE

PS – Sun May 13, 2:40pm

Fremantle

B: Garrick Ibbotson, Zac Dawson, Adam McPhee

HB: Michael Johnson, Luke McPharlin, Tendai Mzungu

C: Paul Duffield, Ryan Crowley, Stephen Hill

HF: Matthew de Boer, Christopher Mayne, Clancee Pearce

F: Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich, Zachary Clarke

Foll: Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Michael Barlow

I/C: Jay van Berlo, Greg Broughton, Dylan Roberton, Alex Silvagni, Jonathon Griffin, Lachie Neale, Lee Spurr

In: Aaron Sandilands, Jay van Berlo, Alex Silvagni

Port Adelaide

B: Jackson Trengove, Alipate Carlile, Jacob Surjan

HB: Tom Logan, Troy Chaplin, Ben Jacobs

C: Kane Cornes, Domenic Cassisi, John McCarthy

HF: Hamish Hartlett, Justin Westhoff, Matthew Broadbent

F: David Rodan, Daniel Stewart, John Butcher

Foll: Brent Renouf, Bradley Ebert, Travis Boak

I/C: Brett Ebert, Danyle Pearce, Paul Stewart, Simon Phillips, Aaron Young, Cameron O’Shea, Darren Pfeiffer

In: Brett Ebert, Danyle Pearce, Simon Phillips, Cameron O’Shea

Out: Cameron Hitchcock (Hamstring)

ST KILDA V CARLTON

ES – Mon May 14, 7:40pm

St Kilda

B: Jason Gram, Sam Gilbert, Jason Blake

HB: Tom Simpkin, Sam Fisher, Sean Dempster

C: Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes, Brendon Goddard

HF: Jack Steven, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna

F: Stephen Milne, Rhys Stanley, Terry Milera

Foll: Justin Koschitzke, David Armitage, Clinton Jones

I/C: Jarryn Geary, Farren Ray, Jamie Cripps, Arryn Siposs, Dean Polo, Ahmed Saad, Beau Wilkes

In: Farren Ray, Jamie Cripps, Beau Wilkes

Carlton

B: Aaron Joseph, Lachlan Henderson, Michael Jamison

HB: Zach Tuohy, Nick Duigan, Jordan Russell

C: Kade Simpson, Bryce Gibbs, Heath Scotland

HF: Andrew Walker, Jarrad Waite, Mitch Robinson

F: Jeffrey Garlett, Shaun Hampson, Eddie Betts

Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Marc Murphy, Chris Judd

I/C: Paul Bower, Bret Thornton, Dennis Armfield, David Ellard, Kane Lucas, Edward Curnow, Joshua Bootsma

In: Jarrad Waite, Chris Judd, Edward Curnow

While this article focuses on rookie priced players it is worth noting that Andrew Walker, Luke Hodge & Colin Sylvia will have their first price shifts this year. Hodge & Sylvia are currently super expensive & will drop in price after returning from injury and are worth keeping an eye on as they’ll surely improve their scoring in the second half of the year. Walker is scoring well but wait on it as he has a reasonably high breakeven this week.

TAYLOR ADAMS (Greater Western Sydney Giants, MID/FWD)

AFL Dream Team: $125,700. Scores: 71, 91. Break even: -79

SuperCoach: $136,600. Scores: 80, 90. Break even: -87

Another impressive youngster to roll off the GWS production line, Adams is hard as a cat’s head and has the added benefit of a dual position link. A strong ball player, Adams has shown us why he was selected in the first round of last year’s draft – and he’s shown impressive intensity in the AFL and Geelong nightclubs so far… He was one of the team’s best in the game against Carlton and barring injury should be in the team for the foreseeable future as he has that bit of “you know what” about him.

From a fantasy perspective his scoring has been healthy and given his ferocious appetite for the contest I would expect it to continue.

Summary: It depends on your strategy; he is going to get a decent price rise so if you are downtrading rookies to make cash he is a good option. Ditto if you lack DP Mid/Fwd cover.

NATHAN BROWN (Collingwood Magpies, DEF)

AFL Dream Team: $120,200. Scores: 40, 39. Break even: 1

SuperCoach: $200,700. Scores: 66, 45. Break even: 11

Brown made an impressive return from injury in the Anzac Day clash with the Bombers. He’s moved well for a big guy who has missed all footy since the 2010 Grand Finals. He isn’t a particularly sexy fantasy option and his scoring reflects that – he’s a gorilla tamer.

Summary: It’s a no from me. While there are somewhat a lack of rookie defender options, you’re dicing with death if you’re forced to trade in a’ lumberer’. Not to mention I don’t think his job security is there yet – Keefe has been impressive as a KPD for the Pies and Tarrant will be pushing up from the VFL soon enough.

JARRAD BOUMANN (Hawthorn Hawks, DEF)

AFL Dream Team: $104,200. Scores: 18, 20. Break even: 31

SuperCoach: $113,200. Scores: 17, 31. Break even: 21

Boumann probably reflects the lack of key defensive options at Hawthorn more than anything else – he hasn’t been particularly impressive in either of his matches in round 1 & 6 – not to mention his rather putrid fantasy scores. Given he was subbed off in both clashes shortly after half time against opposition clubs with several key forwards on the ground (Cloke, Dawes, Paine, Koschitzke, Riewoldt & Stanley) he isn’t exactly Clarko’s go to man.

Summary: No, he’s not long for this world if Gibson or Gilham are fit; Boumann is out it is as simple as that! If you have him already trade him soon – his price could conceivably go down if he plays another game!

CHARLIE DIXON (Gold Coast Suns, FWD)

AFL Dream Team: $165,200. Scores: 64, 63. Break even: -17

SuperCoach: $196,200. Scores: 91, 74. Break even: -46

Dixon is an interesting one this year. He’s already scored half the fantasy points that he accumulated in his ten games last season! With Tom Lynch sent to the backline, Nathan Bock’s season over and Rory Thompson still sidelined Dixon should stay in the team for at least the short to medium term if not longer. He’s a big lump of a lad and the Suns don’t have much of that up forward. He has improved his intensity once the ball hits the deck which has been a weakness in the past with big Chuck.

Summary: While you wouldn’t make a habit of having big key forwards from struggling teams due to consistency of scoring – Dixon might not be a bad option for a bench spot and should score 50-60 for the foreseeable future.

KYAL HORSELY (Gold Coast Suns, MID)

AFL Dream Team: $119,800. Scores: 101, 123. Break even: -144

SuperCoach: $128,700. Scores: 87, 98. Break even: -107

It’s been a bit of a mystery as to why Horesely hadn’t played up until this point. A mature aged player, his start has been reminiscent of Michael Barlow in 2010. Coming from the WAFL he is a ball magnet with neat enough disposal and playing in a struggling team he has looked every bit a fantasy stud! Given his good start you would expect to see him stay in the team when Ablett and Rischitelli return.

Summary: Get him, do it now before his price sky rockets! Rookie priced players who score like premiums are so valuable to any fantasy team not to mention with the byes 4 weeks away.

BILLY LONGER (Brisbane Lions, RUCK)

AFL Dream Team: $148,200. Scores: 59, 21. Break even: 18

SuperCoach: $161,600. Scores: 85, 23. Break even: -10

Leunberger’s injury has opened the door for Billy Longer and the young ruckman has not looked out of place so far in the AFL. His fantasy potential has looked pretty good for a first year ruckman, however his last outing against the Dons saw him subbed out with scores of 21 DT, 23 SC. While Leuenberger is out for some time, I don’t think Longer’s job security is there by any stretch as the Lions have quite a few players that could conceivably pinch hit in the ruck to give Hudson a chop out (Cornelius, Merrett, McKeever).

Summary: Longer has been okay but I don’t think that any fantasy coach lies awake at night thinking about trading in ruckmen. If you’re completely and utterly stuffed in this position/need a quick cash grab, then trading Longer in for a super short term fix is fine but I wouldn’t recommend it.

JARRYD LYONS (Adelaide Crows, FWD)

AFL Dream Team: $104,200. Scores: 52, 11. Break even: 6

SuperCoach: $113,200. Scores: 54, 14. Break even: 1

Drafted in 2010, Lyons has looked ok in his first two AFL games. His fantasy scoring has been affected by being sub in the match against Sydney. He is quick with good skills and looks to have a good future in the AFL. Brenton Sanderson certainly hasn’t been afraid to give young players a go this season but I’m not sold on Lyons’ job security yet.

Summary: I’d want to see some more exposed form from Lyons before I traded him in. Taylor Adams from GWS is a better option in a similar price bracket.

SAM REID (Greater Western Sydney Giants, MID)

AFL Dream Team: $124,900. Scores: 60, 27. Break even: -4

SuperCoach: $113,200. Scores: 65, 25. Break even: -21

Callan’s mate hasn’t done as well in his couple of games at the Giants. For a mature bodied fifth year player he has been overshadowed by a lot of his younger comrades. He should continue to get opportunities as the season wears on and younger bodies get tired.

Summary: No, not now. I’d like to see Reid scoring a bit better.

KIRK UGLE (Collingwood Magpies, FWD)

AFL Dream Team: $104,200. Scores: 12, 23. Break even: 34

SuperCoach: $113,200. Scores: 24, 18. Break even: 27

The man who makes Jarryd Blair look like a giant has had a subby time of it in his start to an AFL career – and has dealt with the circumstances reasonably well. Buckley has given plenty of kids a taste of it in 2012 but Ugle’s job security looks iffy.

Summary: No. I’d like to see more exposed form from Ugle and have confidence in his job security.

AARON YOUNG (Port Adelaide Power, FWD)

AFL Dream Team: $104,200. Scores: 17, 38. Break even: 17

SuperCoach: $113,200. Scores: 20, 40. Break even: 9

Another raw youngster, he hasn’t scored particularly well in his first two games and is playing a somewhat defensive role for the Power. It would be a surprise if he becomes fantasy relevant in 2012. His job security is shaky.

Summary: No.

Surprise surprise, another week down, and yet another monster performance by none other than Brent Stanton. Did someone say 193?  I take it I’ve made my point :) So with that said, I turn my attention to someone else.

While there were higher scores across the board, I couldn’t go past the performance of a bloke sporting the most impressive mullet in recent history. A career high 46 hit outs combined with a career high 20 disposals helped this man record a career high 116 AFL Dream Team points and 129 SuperCoach points. It has to be said, there’s not a whole lot not to like about Ivan Maric right now.

Maric is one I made mention of before the year began – though I didn’t expect such a drastic scoring increase in his game. If I saw anything like this coming he’d have been the first picked player in my team. As of round 6, Maric stands as the 4th highest AFL Dream Team scorer of all the ruckman in the league, averaging 90.8 points per game. Just shy of the 91.7 Dean Cox is averaging – who would have predicted that!

It was easy to see some improvement coming though. Maric’s arrival at Richmond meant that for the first time in his career the number one ruck mantle was his to lose. This meant more responsibility and more time on ground – both of which translate to stat increases. I wasn’t sure however, that improvement would be enough. I didn’t see Maric as a keeper, and I was unsure he’d increase enough in price to be a worthwhile cash cow.

My biggest concern was Maric’s ability to win the hit out, essentially the easiest point a ruck can get. He’s not the most athletic ruckman, which means that quite often he’s out jumped – particularly at the centre bounce. Hit out averages from previous years supported my cause for concern. What I didn’t account for though, is his ruck work at the stoppages, where jumping isn’t such an issue.

The increase in the sheer volume of stoppages means there’s more ruck contests than ever, and as a result hit out totals have increased across the board. This has particularly favoured Maric. His hit out numbers are a huge surprise, averaging 29 per game, the fifth most in the league. A remarkable 17 more than his 12 per game average in 2011. This has clearly been a driving factor behind his emergence. Another surprise is the disposal increase, jumping from up to 15 possessions per game.

All of this after one of the toughest starts to the year imaginable, facing Carlton, West Coast, Geelong and Collingwood in 4 of the 6 games.

What I like most about Maric is his consistency, showing through in both fantasy games. In Dream Team he has topped 85 points in all but one game, and in SuperCoach 94 is his lowest score.

So is he a legitimate up grade target? I don’t see why not. Right now he’s as safe as anyone. Unlike others, his role is certain. With a particularly favorable bye week in terms of ruckman, along with an easier draw ahead, Maric shapes as one of the true finds of 2012. Get on while he’s cheap!