A little late this week after a big long weekend, but here we are with the learnings from this week. Some predictions came awfully close this week and we saw some predictably big scores to go with some unusually low scores.
So what does it all mean?
Not so man of Steele
Anyone who has been playing close attention would have noticed that Jack Steele (88) has not been moving the best in recent weeks. With news now that his knee is playing up, he is unfortunately not the premium option we were hoping for after his bye. On the other hand Ro Mar (129) just keeps it going and Jack Sinclair (107) is a real upgrade option. As they’ve had their bye, Brad Crouch (123) also looks a decent unique option, but beware of fluctuating scores with the Saints gameplan.
Butter me up
Another win for the Power and another big score for Zak Butters (121). The kid is on fire and those who got him cheap are loving it. Another with claims to the top forwards is Jack Macrae (129) who picked up the DPP and has not looked back. Caleb Daniel (110) appears to have made the permanent move to the midfield and is scoring accordingly. Tim English (76) owners would be filthy with his score after a great match-up, but I would not worry, his next big one will be just around the corner.
No tanking, just thanking
The Hawks may have looked poor at times this year, but their best has also been elite. Fortunately for us, regardless of how they play as a team, they still allow the mids to rack up. Junkley (145) and Neale (124) went bananas against the Hawks and having had their bye are great options. Sic Dawg (130) did his usual thing where he dominates and gets rubbed out. A long appeal period makes it tricky for owners now.
Broken witches’ hats
In another favourable match up, the Crows went to town and big Tex (166) cashed in. Streaming forwards against the Eagles is definitely a big play in draft. Not to be outdone, the mids continued to be great with Laird (124) having a big bounce back game and Dawson (105) doing his thing. On a side note Tim Kelly (99) is having a sneaky good season, not really one for classic, but proving pretty consistent for draft owners.
Oink Oink
Well I’ve said it before, but Tim Taranto (129) is having a season out of the box. We knew he would be good with the right role, but this has pig tendencies written all over it. The safest captain option out there. Nank the Tank (129) has not missed a beat since being back and is actually proving to be a top 3/4 ruck this year. Who would have thought! Luke Jackson (119) did exactly what we thought he would without Darcy, but how long it will last we cannot be sure… If trade whispers come true, next year could be go time…
Oh so close
Last week I thought I made a big call in saying that George Wardlaw (97) looked great and had a triple figure score in him soon. Well he almost pulled it off straight away! This kid is a jet and will be in many of our sides in years to come. If you had the option to jump on Briggs (101) in the last couple of weeks, it is proving a masterstroke, too late? I’ve seen lots of coaching tossing up Sheezel (92) and Ziebell (108) as trade options recently, but again they have not done a lot wrong and I would have them very low on the priority list.
Breakout time?
Essendon were a team flagged with a good run coming up and that is why many jumped on Merrett (97), well that and his amazing form, but it has been the form of Nic Martin (114) that has really stood out to me. The kid is an elite mover and user and the Dons are giving him the ball as much as possible. A nice POD for those brave enough. On the other side, I would be avoiding all Blues until we see something change. The confidence is down and all the noise seems to be impacting everyone. Hot tip though, watch this space, it will turn and turn hard very soon…
Always look for opportunity
If there is one thing we always must consider when trading in this game, it is “what has changed and who now has increased opportunity?”. We have seen Trac (103) thrive in Clarry’s absence and this time it was Jack Viney (135) who really stood up. Loves a big stage… Again with opportunity comes scores and JDG missing meant Crispy (131) put up his biggest score of the year and Titch (121) smashed it out. Remember, always look for who has the next big opportunity.
Well, two bye rounds done and two to go. These look to be the trickiest two coming up, with Round 15 proving particularly problematic. Make sure you have a plan in place to ensure you maximise each week. Remember, do not just pick someone because they have had their bye. Do your research and make sure they are also a chance to stay in your team for the rest of the year, otherwise stash some cash and go hard the following week.
Cheers for reading!
