A big weekend of elimination and qualifying finals no doubt saw many of you experience heart break or elation, with the closer the result the greater the emotion.
It was all about the captain choice this week, with those good matchups for Bont, Serong and Merrett producing sub-par scores, but the highly unique choices like Jack Viney or Nic Newman producing a huge advantage for those who were brave enough. So, what else did we learn this round…?
- It’s all in the name
With Nick Daicos missing the big question was who would take up the load and play his role. While there was no definitive answer, it was his brother Josh (124) who topped the lot. The Cats went nowhere near him and as such a quality ball user, the Pies took full advantage. Otherwise, this game proved to be quite draft relevant, with Atkins (122) the main man for the Cats, Jezza (112) getting back to his early season form and Lippa (107) and Adams (105) using that extra mid time to rack up. If these names aren’t standing out to you, check the waivers out now.
- Rollercoasters are not always fun
This time of year, it can be so difficult to pick who will be up one week and down the next and this game was a great example. After some so so form, Nic Martin (129) was back with a bang, The Sheez (110) got back to doing his thing and those holding Ben Hobbs (108) would have been elated with his return. Unfortunately, it was not all good news, with popular captain option Zerrett (90) only just putting up a respectable score late. If you can predict who will be up and who will be down next week, let us know would you?
- Nothing to see here
If you had more than 2 players in this one, it must have been hard watching as the possession count was well down with no players registering more than 28 touches for the game. Players like Gulden (88), Anderson (94) and Witts (93) were all OK, but we really need more this time of year. That’s where owners of Touk (79) and Mills (69) would be livid as our one-time uber premiums just aren’t getting it done.
- Crouch does it again
Some big scores from Laird (126) and McCluggage (120) highlighted an otherwise underwhelming game from a fantasy perspective. No tonne for Jordan Dawson (91), Lachie Neale (80) or the abysmal Junkley (61) made this one a tough watch for many. Not for those who jumped on Matt Crouch (103) who pumped out his third tonne in a row. The one-time fantasy pig looks fit, hungry, and more important, to have locked his spot in the 22. If you are struggling for cash, he is still under-priced for what he is producing and could be your man.
- Uniques thrive in Clarry’s return
I flagged it two weeks ago that Nic Newman (138) was the preferred option to Doc (92) and he proved it again. Along with Jack Viney (142), he is proving an amazing POD to finish the season and with Doc in a little doubt, it is hard to see him slowing down. Clarry (126) returned and looked like he has not missed a beat and those coaches that took the punt on George Hewett (111) as a cheaper option would be mighty happy with his return. Trac (96) pumped out a sub-tonne and it will be interesting to see if this trend continues now the band is back together.
- Back to basket case
Just when you thought WCE were going to show a bit of fight to finish off the season, they barely gave a whimper against their arch rival. 11 of the top 13 fantasy scores came from Freo players as they shared the ball around at will (the highest only a 114 from Jordan Clark). Although many wanted to see the big dogs feed, Brayshaw (101) and Serong (86) just cruised in this one, but many would have been happy with Hayden Young (102) and Luke Jackson (103) again. The Weagles have the Dogs and Crows to finish the year, just in case you were looking for options…
- Unsung heroes
Although some draft coaches would disagree with me, it was the lesser fancied Hawks who stook up here with Newcombe (159) and Amon (138) running rampant against the Dogs. Bont (102) just got there for his owners while Sicily (84) could not produce another one out of the box. For those thinking the Hawks match up could produce for the Doggies it was unfortunately the exact opposite with Treloar (72), Smith (64) and Daniel (63) poor, while Jack Macrae (45) was unrecognizable. With Libba (22) out and a match against the Eagles, surely these scores turn around next week… Surely…
- A 2-point half!
At first glance this heading may not make a lot of sense, except to those Brad Crouch (68) owners out there. Last week, Crouch was on 126 at 3 quarter time and looked on for a huge score. He went on to have a 0 point qurater and then followed that up with 2 in the opening quarter against the Tigers. Talk about rage trade option… In other news, Ro Mar (131) showed that rucks still enjoy Nank (109), Jack Sinclair (122) did his thing and NWM (103) just keeps on getting it done.
- The Power is back on
Finally, Port Adelaide got back to the form that saw them win 13 in a row and with it the scores flowed. Dan Houston (129) topped the list, with Zak Butters (121) and Rozee (112) just racking it up. Tom Green (118) copped plenty of attention, but still found a way and looks hungry to finish his excellent breakout year in style. When things were going bad, the Giants threw Toby Greene (110) onto the ball and he was excellent. If this move looks set to continue, do not be afraid to jump on as your F6 as he certainly knows how to score.
For most it is now preliminary final week, and the really lucky coaches only have 2 rounds left to try and secure that hat. If you’ve got the cash to get a premium loop going, kudos to you, otherwise it is the roll of the dice time of year where trading one premium for another can be fruitful or fruitless. Good luck and happy trading!
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