We’re past Round 3 and prices have changed, but there’s still time for some late corrections. Which bandwagons should we jump on/off?
DEFENCE
Join: Will Day ($402k DEF)
After an underwhelming 60 in round one, Day has dropped a 98 and a 139, making him a hot topic in this week’s trade talks. He’s gathered over 20 disposals each round so far, and his CBA percentage has increased into the 60’s the last two games (from 26% in R1). He’s taken full advantage of his new role and I support joining the Will Day bandwagon, even if he may not be a keeper. I’ll be jumping on myself.
Ditch: Jordan Ridley ($497k DEF)
Ridley has been forced into a more accountable role, and while that may change once Brandon Zerk-Thatcher returns, I don’t see Ridley being up with the top defenders. He racked up 21 disposals and 14 marks last game and didn’t crack the ton. It doesn’t look like he can reach his 2021 ceiling, and I’d be okay letting him go.
Honourable Mention: Sam Docherty ($568k DEF)
Many would be underwhelmed by Docherty’s 89.3 average to start the season, but I’d keep the faith in him if you’ve held him this far. His role is fine, he has no problems finding the footy, and it’s crazy how he didn’t ton from 39 disposals, 10 marks and a goal.
MIDFIELD
Join: Luke Davies-Uniacke ($557k MID)
Non-owners were bailed out by an extremely late withdrawal that sent coaches into a frenzy. LDU is likely to return this week, and it gives everyone another chance to trade him in at his starting price which is looking like a steal.
Ditch: James Worpel ($338k MID)
Finn Callaghan ($263k MID) would be the obvious choice, so we’re going with Worpel. His CBAs have gone down slightly since round one, and he’s spending a bit more time up forward. The 45 will stunt his cash growth, and I’d be okay hopping off the bandwagon even if it’s a bit early.
Honourable Mention: Clayton Oliver ($701k MID)
Paying up for Clarry is definitely not ideal, but with a 111 BE and his next six being against West Coast, Essendon, Richmond, North Melbourne, Gold Coast and Hawthorn, you’d probably have to pray for a substantial drop in price. If you have a good way to get to him, I think it’s worth it.
RUCKS
Join: Brodie Grundy ($509k RUC)
Tim English ($616k RUC) is too obvious here, so Grundy is my pick. A super-friendly fixture (see Oliver) combined with him solo rucking again, Grundy is great value for what he can potentially do these next few weeks. You’d most likely need an exit plan when Max Gawn ($622k RUC) returns, but Grundy will be a great short-term pick.
Ditch: Darcy Cameron ($494k R/F)
It’s hard to pick a ruck that you should ditch because none of the most relevant picks are a must-trade, so while it’s obvious and unfair, Cameron gets the nod here due to his injury.
Honourable Mention: Sean Darcy ($538k RUC)
Despite a monster game against West Coast, Darcy is still being considered as a trade-out option. It’s a reasonable thought, considering how good English is going. I’ll be holding personally, but I think he’s fine to trade if you don’t have any other pressing issues.
FORWARDS
Join: Jack Ziebell ($401k FWD)
Ziebell didn’t score that great last round, but he’s still a perfectly fine selection. The role is exactly what you want, and he’ll have DPP in two weeks. I believe he’s a keeper if nothing changes and the role holds up, and it’s not too late to join the bandwagon.
Ditch: Jason Horne-Francis ($378k M/F)
It’s hard to pick a forward to ditch considering almost everyone has the same group of players, and none of them are really going bad enough to be an urgent trade-out. JHF gets the nod here because he’s a bit of an odd man out. He performs better when the team plays well, and Port don’t look to be the strongest side at the moment. I’d be okay moving him if you don’t have any of the important forwards like Ziebell or Kade Chandler ($206k FWD).
Honourable Mention: Esava Ratugolea ($189k R/F)
A bit harsh to put a rookie-priced player here, but Ratugolea clearly won’t be making much cash in his key defender role. His BE is already at 30, and he can be one to move on to Jacob van Rooyen ($123k FWD) next week, or even Harry Rowston ($139k MID) via DPP this week.
