What did we learn this round? We learned that players are hitting peak fitness and going absolutely bananas, that’s what! I cannot remember the last time we saw six scores over 150, 10 over 130 and 16 over 120 in one round.
If you missed out on only a couple of those big scores, unfortunately it left you chasing the pack, particularly if you did not lock one in as your captain. Let’s have a closer look at what we took out of Round 8.
Nailing a Friday VC makes your weekend
What else is there to be said about this game other than Junkley (172) knocking out a quadruple double to kick things off? When we started with him, Friday VCs were exactly what we wanted, however some average form saw many coaches go for other options; however, those who gave him the responsibility would have been over the moon. Other things to note: Cerra (130) keeps his good form going and is a legitimate option, Walsh (109) is so so consistent, Doch (129) is back and should be firmly in your def upgrade plans and keep an eye on Matt Kennedy (61) who came on late as the sub and went nuts.
Get Jayden on your radar
The Tigers toyed with the hapless Eagles after half time and although many coaches would have been nervous, Taranto (117) did enough for all those with the VC on (well in most weeks!). Dom Sheed (111) frustrated many as this is the score we were looking for in Round 1 and Dusty (106) wound back the clock for those draft coaches. One to seriously consider is Jayden Short (102). Three tons in a row and DPP incoming, could be a nice little POD.
Laird’s best is yet to come
Jordan Dawson (116) keeps getting battered and keeps producing, what a gun. Rory Laird (107) seems to be shrugging off the soreness as well to just keep ticking over, however you feel that once his body is right, some big scores are coming. An intriguing one from this game is the form of Max Holmes (100). In some good form, priced under $700k break even of 69 and only 2% owned. Could be a nice, all be it risky, POD for those cash strapped coaches looking to make a move.
Fiorini is your stepping stone answer
Well, he may not have Touk’s role (only 6 CBAs), but Fiorini (89) looks a nice stepping stone at the moment with a good scoring rate and low BE. I still cannot bring myself to do it, but Rory Atkins (86) appears to be even better value. Should make some serious cash, quickly, but it is all about the JS with him. Our rooks in this game showed exactly why they are rooks and it is time to cash in on guys like Van Rooyen (41), McVee (44) and Chandler (37) who couldn’t back up his heroics from last week.
Brayshaw is back after walking the talk
Nothing like a mid-week statement that the body is all good now to highlight the fact I am coming out and having a blinder this week. Andy Brayshaw (157) did exactly that and for those who have held, there could be a nice little stretch coming (trade-in target?). Hayden Young (102) has started to hit the form we thought he might and could be a good option down back for those looking for something a little different. Unfortunately Fergus Greene (6) showed us what a rookie is capable of and those who had him on field felt the full force of this game. As mentioned previously, it is upgrade season and he is another who will need to go ASAP.
Ten players reach triple figures
Well not like the Dogs and Giants to put up big fantasy numbers is it? What a game, with 10 players cracking the ton. Now normally Tim English (151) going massive would be the big talking point (number 1 ruck by some margin now), but Tom Green (170) decided to go full pig in the last quarter hitting the scoreboard to produce a huge career high. He has been a great pick and looks to be a fantasy star of the future as well as this year. In other news Bont (129) kept his healthy run going, Whitfield (130) would the clock back (you couldn’t, could you?) and Jelly just keeps his super consistency going. Those who brought in Angwin (24) last week might be a little nervous now as the cash has dried up and his spot may be in doubt.
You can never trust ‘the Package’
For those who took the risk with Jake Stringer (62), he did not produce and as expected, Zach Merrett (120) got his CBAs back and his scoring to go with it. Parish (117) kept his good season going and Zac Butters (111) rewarded those who have taken a punt with the under-priced star. Although not quite so publicly, I flagged Dylan Williams (92) as a better option to Ratkins this weekend brought him into my team. With Farrell out injured and Duursma to have a lengthy spell, they are looking to use Williams exiting defence and he looks a great option to get you to the byes.
Gulden’s ceiling is massive
Another pigsty appeared between the Swans and Pies and Errol ‘the golden boy’ Gulden (161) just took to the mud from start to finish. This is what we saw in the pre-season and he has now produced in the real thing. A big target for me now is Callum Mills (110) who is only priced at $803k after dropping $180k for the year. With some defenders back his saw himself in the CBAs and is exactly the under-priced premium we need this time of year. Has a history of going big from this point on so get on board!
Steele wasn’t the under-priced premo trade-in
Would you believe it, but as if he had been checking the scores all weekend Zi Bull (168) thought he would get in on the act in the last game. Can you believe he started the year priced at $537k! Just about the pick of the year now. Unfortunately Jack Steele (85) did not live up to the hype from last week and those who brought him in would not be happy with that effort. A big watch now on Rowan Marshall (82) who had an ankle issue and may not get up this week. If he is out, and you do not have speak a no, now is your only chance to get up to the big dog this year. Don’t muck around, just do it.
Well, the fantasy gods have awoken, and the scores are pouring in now. Make sure you do you research on the upcoming fixture to ensure you do not miss out on the ceiling games. Bye planning in paramount for those going for overall rank and where possible, keep that 1 up, 1 down strategy going. Good luck for Round 9!
Read our Round 8 injury report, with updates on Rowan Marshall, Zak Butters etc
Read our Round 8 CBAs, kick-ins & TOG% analysis for trends & scoring correlations
