Nine Things We Learned: Not time to cash in Ashcroft, Gulden is an uber premo & Duncan is an option again?

What did we learn from Round 9? We learned that this is a fickle game that can play with your emotions and punish people even when they make good decisions (thanks @AFLFantasyGods).

From Stewart and Xerri at the start of the year to Callum Mills this week, there have been some serious bullets this year with many good coaches struggling to keep up.

If you have managed to dodge most of them kudos to you, I know one previous winner who is now into the top ten (how do they do it!). Anyway enough venting from me, what did we really learn…?

Is it time for Mitch?

Tim Taranto (129) is quietly putting together one of the great fantasy seasons. He just gets it done every week regardless of match-up, just the safest captain fall back going. Dusty (114) wound the clock back in this one and Jayden Short (113) kept his good form going for those who have taken on the POD. Could the time be right to jump on Mitch Duncan (109)? Seemed to be moving much better and was covering the ground for those +6s. You would have to be brave, but there is serious value to be had there.

Turns out eating grass is good for football

After making sure he got his greens this week, Matt Rowell (142) went off with 17 tackles. When touk went down, I flagged Rowell and Anderson (86) as big targets and they have not disappointed (well except for that 86). Do not be afraid to get on either. Liam Duggan (113) is a name popping up as he gets the fabled more mid time. Could be a good option for those looking for something different. Lastly Bailey Humphrey (94) finally showed what he could do and could be an expensive cow worth jumping on into the byes.

Oh my Errol

Absolutely ludicrous from the Gulden boy (153) with back to back 150s and the rabble that is North this week. If you have not got him, get on now! The Freo big boys all did their thing and with a draw that is starting to open up, could all be good options. Obviously the big story out of this game was Mills (3) and the pain he caused so many. Not only the poor score, but he was underpriced before he dropped another $64k… Now what!? A switch to Bailey Smith looks likely for me…

Players will feast on the Roos

What can we take out of this game other than the Roos look like a VFL side? Port toyed with them at times and shared the ball around which did not lead to any massive scores, although it was great to see Zak Butters (118) reward his coaches again. Jack Ziebell (104) continues to be one of the picks of the year and if Miles Bergman (106) keeps kicking like that, look for Port to give him the ball more and more and his scoring could increase proportionally. Now although Port shared the load, not all teams will and someone soon is going to have an absolute field day on these guys (hello Errol).

Did I say feast?

Well if the Roos look bad, the Hawks don’t look much better. Clarry (126) did his thing (again), Viney (117) has started to put some good form together and Trac (103) just needed to hit the scoreboard to go full uber. Although volatile, James Sicily (103) is going to continue to see a lot of ball and should continue to be a premium pick down back. The biggest story from this game was probably the form of Seamus Mitchell (95) who rewarded those who have jumped on handsomely. Is it too late now? He is a little awkwardly priced, but there is more cash to make if he is going to play like that.

Not time to CashCroft just yet

Will Ashcroft (109) was always going to be one of the cash cows of the season and although he has made you plenty of cash, I would recommend making him one of your last upgrades this year, even after mid-pricers. The kid is a jet and as he learns to get more of those easy touches, his scores will keep improving and should be an easy hold to the byes. It looked like the week to get off Will Setterfield (98), however with the Parish injury, it may be worth holding on a little longer as he saw an extended run in the midfield.

Rookies and still rookies

Alex Cincotta (22) had been a great onfield rookie for his first couple of games, but came to a crashing halt this week. Remember rookies can put up low scores at anytime, so if you have the option to loop, do it. In other news, Walsh (123) and Doch (112) are still uber premos and Bont (118) kept his good season going. Tom Liberatore (117) has been surprisingly good and consistent this year and could be a nice little POD. The man I am looking at though is Bailey Smith (102) who is just starting to find some form and while Treloar is out, could re-establish himself in that midfield and a high scoring role.

Oh when (you play) the Saints…

Everyone knows that when you play the Saints, your mids and half backs are going to rack up and this was no different. Brodie Smith (121) put in a vintage performance, Dawson (116) did his thing and Rory Laird (102) would have gone huge had he not been subbed late. Rowan Marshall (116) continues to tackle his way to a big score while all eyes will be on Jack Steele (75) who has picked up yet another injury. With so many Crows going over 80, it is safe to say that you can back players in against the red, white and black.

Big Cox dominates, but D Cam is on the horizon

In a game where the Pies continued to establish themselves as the team to beat, it was big old Mason Cox (128) who lead the way as the main man in the ruck. Buyer beware though, as Darcy Cameron is very near a return and is definitely best 22. Lachie Ash (123) looked great down back and the Giants looked to him at every opportunity, with Isaac Cumming out, break-out incoming? The other premos did not disappoint either, while those who have held Finn Callaghan (91) would be happy with his outing.

Well whether you are dealing with bullets or upgrading your rookies, be sure to look for value as we close in on the byes. Finding the guys who are going to have a big second half of the year is crucial, so check the draw closely and make wise decisions. Happy hunting!