Every now and again the real world comes calling and life gets in the way of fantasy, but not for long! Apologies for the absence last week, but we are back with a vengeance this week after a huge scoring round for many.
So what are we learning as the season comes close to the end…?
POD time
As we near the end of the season, finding the right POD is crucial. Enter Nic Newman (123) who is only owned by 1.54% of the competition and has gone at 108 in his last 4. While many will be looking at his team mate Docherty (87) to complete their defence, maybe Newman could provide the right foil. On another note, Adam Cerra (66) appears to have done a little hammy and with Walsh also out, sticking with Hewey (66) could still be a play, but you would be brave.
Only Luke warm
I have seen many coaches who jumped on Luke Jackson (79) when Sean Darcy went down and on paper it seemed a really good play. This match-up would have also looked great going in, but another sub-par score would have to be concerning. If he is in your rucks, getting Gawn, English or Marshall would have to be on your radar, and if he is F6, Flanders seems the best play at the moment, but you could give him one more go.
The Giant Killer
After 151 earlier in the year, Tim English (153) may have a new favourite team. Different opponent, same result as the big dog just reminded everyone that he really is the BIG DOG this year. On the flip side, a team was finally able to slow the Bont (86) down and look what happened… Potentially warning signs here that teams may clamp him more leading into finals (easier said than done) which could mean he is not worth his big price tag to finish your squad.
Get back on board
With a big breakeven most coaches were happy to wait a week on Junkley (137), but after pumping out a 111 and a lazy 30 touch, 10 tackle game on the weekend, it is time to get the fantasy stud back into your team. Another to keep a close eye on as we try and finish our teams is Sam Flanders (103). Although his price has gone up significantly, there is a lack of players putting their hand up for that F6 spot and his recent consistency might be just what we need.
Oh Errol
After an excellent first season, Errol Gulden (142) has had the classic third-year breakout this year and continued that on the weekend. The most impressive thing is his big ceiling with 7 games over 125 this year. One of the best VC options out there now. In classic Zach Merrett (140) fashion, he knocked out a couple of low scores, scaring us off giving him the armband before going bang against the Swans. You know he is going to go off, but good luck predicting which game it will be! Perhaps the same could be said of team mate Darcy Parish (93) who has been a little down, big one incoming…?
Yeeha!
In perhaps the most depressing game of the year, the Crows ran riot. Jordan Dawson (134) continued his phenomenal season, Rory Laird (115) made a great return and the big Texan (131) dined out on his cross town rivals. If you make a league grand final this year and are looking for a POD, Tex has the West Coast Eagles in Round 24… Just keep that in mind… On a side note, congrats to Connor Rozee (106) who became the first Power player ever to score 10 tonnes in a row.
Hawks still leak points
Although we regularly see North and WCE as the two easy match-ups in the league, the Hawks still present a nice option for your streamers and final premiums. Crouch (133), NWM (125), Steele (116), Wood (115), Marshall (114), Sinclair (106) and even THE SUB Gresham (101) manage to fin triple figures in this one. Those who gave Sic Dawg (95) the armband would have been highly disappointed with his output, but the Will Day (116) holders would have been more than happy as he managed to fly the flag after a slow start.
Gawn Gone?
Ignoring the amazing six-goal effort of Harrison Petty (117), it was all about the Melbourne midfield in this one. Jack Viney (133) led all comers, Big Max (131) loved going solo again, Trac (118) did his thing and even Ed Langdon (108) got in on the action. The big question out of today though was whether the Dees look to give Max a rest and BG another run at it. It could all be smoke and mirrors, but you know what they say when there’s smoke…?
What would we do without fantasy?
This matchup promised to be one of the best of the modern era. Well, maybe from a fantasy perspective because I am not sure why else you would have tuned in to this one. If not for a quiet third quarter LDU (120) could have had an absolute blinder. There would have been many happy draft coaches out there as the random scores came flying in, but from a classic perspective other than LDU, Sheezel (98) got going late to post a respectable score and if you were forced to field Elijah Hewett (73) you would have been quite happy.
Round 20 is in the books and the race for those final 100 spots could not be hotter. For most of us plebs, league finals are now well underway and finding the right players for your matchups will be vital. Whether you are chasing a car, hat or bragging rights, good luck with your trades, hopefully we can get them right!
