Rd 4 Fantasy Trade Talk: Bye byes and fix ups

As we return to a best 22 format this week, let’s have a look at the big targets and the players who have missed the mark as we start entering upgrade season.

Trade Targets

After a couple of weeks of playing best 18 we are back to full squads so getting those trades right to ensure cash generation continues and points are maximised on field is going to be vital.

Harvey Thomas (Mid/Fwd, $267k, BE -23)

Coming off his bye and a pre-bye score of 100, Thomas will be a cash cow targeted by many coaches. I would still be looking at Thomas as a bench only option as he does not get to play the Eagles every week and we have seen a low floor from him, but the cash gen from here should be undeniable.

Harvey Gallagher (Fwd, $334k, BE -19)

Now it would be easy to say you have missed the boat on Gallagher, however after a score of 90 his BE is down to -19 and he is in for some fast price rises. A little awkwardly priced, but if you have no other pressing issues, you could definitely do worse.

Riley Bonner (Mid, $599k, BE 15)

This one really hurts and still comes with some risk, but Riley Bonner’s scoring power is off the charts. Considering the scores he is producing and his price, he is still massive value. Only concern would be the 17 turnovers maybe hurting his JS…

Tom Green (Mid, $1.05m, Avg 127)

The biggest premium target going round now he has gotten his early bye out of the way. Green is going full pig mode this year and I doubt there will ever be a “good” time to get him. If you have a way, do not hesitate!

Nic Martin (Mid, $838k, BE 57)

Tossing up between Martin, Wines, Crouch and Amon was a huge talking point this pre-season. So far Crouch has looked the pick of the bunch until Martin went next level on the weekend. An equal Essendon record 44 disposals and 145 points now has Martin well and truly in the conversation. If you missed the Don to start the year, there is still value to be had.

Elijah Hollands (Mid, $663k, BE 55)

This one is for the risk takers out there so take this with a pinch of salt. One game, one 107. A low break even and a massive POD, could you chase this highly touted young Blue?

Time to go?

Trading premiums is fraught with danger but the only way to make a jump in this day and age is to take risks. Which players “could” you jump off?

Marcus Bontempelli (Mid, $980k, BE 136)

If you paid the 117 avg at the start of the year for Bont, scores of 90, 104 and a 103 (late save vs the Eagles) was not what you were hoping for. He still has some decent cash on his head, but if you were like me and traded Bont last year, the scars are real.

Zak Butters (Mid, $905k, BE 117)

A 79 on the weekend is not what you want from a premium midfielder. The more concerning fact was that Butters spent the majority of the second quarter sitting forward. With JHF set to return soon, is this a trend set to continue?

Andrew Brayshaw (Mid, $954k, BE 140)

Although still a fantasy gun, his mate Caleb has taken over as the number 1 ball winner at the Dockers. This seems to have capped Brayshaw’s output and a switch might be just what the fantasy coach ordered.

Errol Gulden (Mid, $927k, BE 126)

Although many saw a slight regression from Gulden this year, his early draw similarly had many drooling over the prospect of a massive POD to start the year. After two sub 100 scores (including Round 0), Gulden now does not appear the safe 115+ he promised to be. You’d be brave to do it but…

Karl Amon (Mid, $749k, BE 103)

More half back time? Great record there last year? Hawks lacking quality ball users? Everything looked set for Amon to go to the next level this year and it just has not happened. Time to admit defeat and move on to someone who has popped.

Christian Salem (Def, $745k, BE 99)

The main concern with Salem has never been his scoring power but his consistency and low floor. After a couple of decent games and midfield clock, a number of coaches were keen to get on the Dee. Enter Round 3 and Salem drops a 52 on your head. No doubt another good score is just around the corner, but those low games are punishing.