It’s upgrade season and with a relatively smooth week on the injury and suspension front, AFL Fantasy coaches should have some freedom to land any premium they want.
So with that in mind, Honeyball assembled a team of experts to offer their opinions on the best premium ($700k plus) target this round and in the coming 2-4 weeks, with consideration for things like prices, byes, form, fixtures etc.
Our expert panel consists of:
- Max Phillips @MaxiPhillips, top 1000 finisher in AFL Fantasy and finished 80th in 2022 AFLW Fantasy,
- Ben Lamont @Lamontstars, 255th in 2021 AFL Fantasy,
- Nick Millar @Time_Millar, 5th in 2020 AFL Fantasy,
- Luke Strudwick @Strudy23, two-time AFL Fantasy top 100 finisher.
Max Phillips @MaxiPhillips
Concern clouded Rory Laird’s (AF $921k MID) fitness last round, but he then pumped out 45 points in the opening term alone against Collingwood to reward those who held the faith. It’s now time to jump on with the prolific Crow $145k cheaper than his original starting price despite posting scores of 110 or above from his last three outings.
One to keep an eye on in the coming weeks is Richmond’s Jayden Short (AF $831k MID) who has seemingly returned to a Fantasy friendly role in defence with scores of 117 and 123 over the past fortnight. If the role is real, he has the ability to sit amongst the competition’s top-line defenders upon gaining DPP flexibility.
Ben Lamont @LaMontstars
Crisis creates opportunity, not that Noah Anderson (AF $912k MID) needed anymore. After a slow start to the year, Anderson went bang with a 159 and has not looked back since. Now that Touk Miller is out of the team, the extra responsibility seems to be sitting well with him. He is already expensive, but may be worth every dime.
Although a lot has been spoken about his teammate this season, Cristian Petracca ($938k MID) is putting together a sneaky good season. The big reason I like Trac though is the fact that he beat up on an easy match up on the weekend and guess what…? Melbourne have a great run coming up with Gold Coast, Hawthorn and Freo all in the near future. At only 7.8% owned, ticks a lot of boxes…
Nick Millar @time_millar
Even without my evil namesake’s (albeit er not ar) injury Noah Anderson (AF $912k MID) was a great option, pumping out a whopping 159 in Round 4 and really showing he’s got a ceiling. While some might argue his value was a couple of weeks ago (when I jumped on in the $700s, yes I’m the best ) Touk’s injury plus upcoming games against the Eagles and the Bulldogs (who give up points to mids, well in the eagles case points to everyone and even everyone’s Dogs and the fleas that are on the dogs, my god they are bad), throw in a Q clash too which I reckon he’ll go alright in. There’s still value in old mate Mister Annnnnnnddddeeeeerrrrssoooon for sure.
Lachie Neale (AF $829k) remains a curious one, his up-and-down season has kept his price low which is good news, he’s proven capable of that 110+ and we know he can go big. He seems an occasion performer (when at home in SA or in the game against his old mob the Dockers) rather than a consistent guy, but he’s warming into the season with tons in 3 of his last 5, and the Lions are slowly finding what they think is the correct midfield mix (less Dunks more Ashcroft, more points Neale). It’s no slam dunk, but at that price I’d argue maybe it doesn’t have to be. Also a fantastic POD, if that’s your thing, it’s not mine personally but I do like the Lions.
Luke Strudwick @strudy23
One premium who looks to have bottomed out is Jack Steele (AF $937k MID). Returning after injury he looked great on the weekend and priced at $937k and has a very achievable BE of 117. He is ripe for the picking. Saints have a great run coming up facing North, Crows, Giants and Hawks. What is not to like?
After carrying an injury over the first few rounds I think Andrew Brayshaw (AF $884k MID) is a great option. Priced at $884k and BE of 115 this guy is not going to get much cheaper, but maybe you need one more good score to convince you. He said during the week he was pain free and can only see him getting better. He has a tough draw coming up after the soft Hawks, followed by the Swans, Cats and Dees but still a great option at that price.
