The big scores have started turning in and back-to-back 2450 par rounds means the wheat is being sorted from the chaff. Unfortunately, there is a lot of similarity between the top teams and it is more difficult than ever to make a move up the ranks post bye.
If you are anywhere near close to the top, look at who could be unique and have a nice run home, otherwise keep picking the best player and go for those league wins!
Getting rookies off ground is more important than ever (as you will read), but what else did we learn this round?
Is the TT run over?
The simple answer is yes, as Taranto (97) has not tonned up in his last 2. Not that he had a bad score, but is he getting tired and can he be relied upon as a safe captain anymore? Not sure… One kid we can back in and who seems as hungry as ever is Errol (126) who just keeps getting it done. Any favourable match ups for him and get an armband on the boy! Nank the Tank (113) continued on his merry way, although a holiday certainly looks on the cards. Could be a good sign for a bounce back for Tim English this week against the swans…?
Defender streamers
While the guys in the midfield like Bont (114), Daniel (116), Jaicos (114) and Naicos (112) were excellent, it is interesting to note that defenders are starting to shine against the dogs. Names like Quaynor (118) and Noble (113) are not who we usually see at the top in a match up like this, and it is a growing trend. When completing your team, could be something worth looking at. In other news, Bailey Smith (43), GROSS, and as I mentioned, a big return to form for Tim English (94) could be on the cards this week.
We’re the Eagles, the mighty (hapless) Eagles
Here is that same old match up again and again we saw the points flow for the oppo mids and forwards. At the top of the list, Lachie Neale (127) continues to prove a great second half of the year pick. McCluggage (118) was great again, those holding Ashcroft (113) would have been delighted and even those who took a punt on Lyons (110) got in on the act. As mentioned here last week though, look to stream your forwards against the as we saw Gunston (127) wind back the clock after his short spell. Picking the right one can be tricky, but you can be sure at least one of them is going to pop each week.
The clamp is back
I thought I was daydreaming when I picked up the phone and saw my captain in a couple of draft teams was on 60. So sure enough, I looked at Josh Kelly’s (30) TOG and injury report and there he was with no issues. This is not a flash in the pan, this is Josh Friggen Kelly! A legitimate gun of the comp and the boy Finn Maginness (59) returned and owned him, in a showing that surely has the coach interested in keeping him in the side for the rest of the year. The Hawks have been a great match up this year, but when you roll the dice and get either a Cogs (136) or a Kelly, it is now a scary prospect for the final 6 games.
Guess who’s back?
Although the plaudits deserve to go to Rowan Marshall (148) for his herculean effort against Gawndy this week, it was the man of Steele (146) that was the standout performer in this game. After several down weeks and with coaches questioning his status as a premo anymore, the Saints captain went BANG and was responsible for many of the top scores this week. Also a shoutout must go to NWM (130) who has had an outstanding year under Ross Lyon. The other big news from this game though was the form of Trac (105) who continued to be good, however the role has definitely changed. Buyer beware, although Oliver is out, if he is sitting forward, expect sore to be volatile. Hopefully Fritsch gets back soon so get get midfield Trac back ASAP.
Yawn
Well from a fantasy perspective, there was not a whole lot of points in this one, with Rozee (103) and Anderson (104) doing their bit. Probably the most interesting thing from this game was the return of Touk Miller (97). The role was not quite there for the Suns captain, however for me he absolutely passed the eye test and will be back in the mids next week. Do not be afraid to jump on board soon as he will want a strong finish to the year after missing a large chunk.
The other witches hats
We knew that the Cats would have their way with the Roos with Miers (128), Duncan (128) and Atkins (126) getting on the end of it, but it was probably the returning North players that provided the most interest here. LDU (122) returned with a bang and Tristan Xerri (110) finally resumed after burning all those coaches so long ago. Their roles and match-ups to finish the year look good and could give you that POD you’ve been looking for going forward.
Bombers Bros
Jordan Dawson (128) looks unstoppable at the moment and was a great captain for many coaches, but it is the form of captain Zerrett (150) and the returning Darcy Parish (126) that had me really excited. As Bombers make a push for finals, they will be key and look set to explode to finish the year. Jump on! With a potential injury to Jordan Ridley (59) keeping him out for a while, could we see a bump from guys like Heppell (114), McGrath (97) and Redman (76) to finish the year off? If it is significant, could be some nice defensive PODs there to give you an edge (sicko I know).
Blues are back
Another one I called beautifully 3 rounds ago (pity I can’t get the calls right with my team!), but the Blues are back in business. It seems to primarily be driven by the form of Adam Cerra (110), Doch (115) and their big forwards, with Sam Walsh (90) still not quite joining in on the party. While the Blues had their way, Luke Ryan (142) went bang again with plenty of ball back there to give him yet another ceiling game. Also rucks continue to dominate the Blues with Sean Darcy (126) doing as he pleased.
Well I hope that helps and in particular there are some PODs there that suit your structure ready to make a charge at finals. Good luck to those coaches still in the hunt for a hat and to those looking to take out their respective leagues. See you next week!
Monty Coach of La Montstars
Read In The Wings to see who’s pushing for an AFL game via the VFL, WAFL & SANFL
4 thoughts on “Nine Fantasy Things We Learned: Taranto run over, Parish becomes a target & Jelly frustrates”