The past two weeks were supposed to throw up some curve balls in the form of extra byes, but no one saw the carnage of so many poor premium scores coming. In Round 5 it was Bont (53), Dawson (60), Green (72) and Brayshaw (78) and Round 6 saw Rozee (70), Marshall (62), Steele (87) and Anderson (69) fail to reach their usual heights. So who are the big targets moving forward?
Upgrade Season
With the mini byes now behind us we move into normal best 22s for the next 5 weeks. This is the time to look at cashing in those rookies and finding the premiums who hopefully won’t let you down. Looking at the draw over this period, the teams who seem to have the easiest run include the Dogs, Saints, Bombers, Pies and Lions so targeting these premiums should provide the most upside.
Zach Merrett ($1.03m, Mid)
Merrett has again found himself at the top of the averages this season. Ultra consistent and although the Bombers captain will cost you plenty, he is about as safe a captain option as there is.
Jack Steele ($994k, Mid)
Surely we can forgive one under par score? Other than Thursday night, Steele has been incredible this season and with a good draw coming up, there is no reason to think he should not keep this going.
Dayne Zorko ($908k, Mid/Fwd)
At the beginning of the year everyone was struggling to predict the top forwards for 2024. Enter Dayne Zorko… He is always going to be an injury risk, but along with Heeney and Flanders, this guy is clearly in the top 3 forwards for the year and should be high on your radar.
Josh Dunkley ($967k, Mid)
Remember when Dunkley was going to explode as his new club last year? Seems to be the forgotten man this year but with a season high of 126 and low of 90, you could not find a safer premium option at the moment.
Adam Treloar ($956k, Mid)
Falls into the Zorko category, but I have barely seen a word spoken about Treloar. He was excellent last year and has continued his good form in 2024. A great POD option who just keeps getting it done.
Rowan Marshall ($1.00m, Ruck)
Before Round 6 Marshall had back to back 130s and was doing everything we saw at the end of last year. I am sure the 60 will be an anomaly, however waiting a couple of weeks on the big Saint could be the go as his price comes down a little.
Other premium players worth considering from these teams include: Nic Martin ($911k, Mid/Def), Nick Daicos ($886k, Def/Mid), Tim English ($925k, Ruck) and Marcus Bontempelli ($940k, Mid).
Value Options
Now not everyone will have the cash to get to those big dogs straight away, so finding value is still important. Here are some options I think you could seriously consider for those in need.
Jack Macrae ($715k, Mid/Fwd)
Is the real Jack Macrae about to arrive? A 129 on the weekend looks great and his role has certainly improved. With Libba set to return to the team and Bevo as coach there is still some uncertainty about Macrae’s output and job security, but for a guy who has gone at over 110 multiple times, I cannot see him getting cheaper than this.
Bradley Hill ($779k, Mid/Fwd)
Now this pick does not feel right as you are getting an ageing wingman who has never averaged over 100 before; however the Saints’ form is undeniable. A 105, 150 and 98 have left Hill with a BE of just 45 meaning he could be worth a punt in a shallow forward line for those strapped for cash.
Marcus Windhager ($631k, Def/Mid)
Windhager was talked up in the preseason but had rough start to the year through injury. The last 2 rounds have seen the Saint take on a full time midfield role and look great. He is playing the tough enforcer job that Brad Crouch has left vacant and it is hard to see him moving out. With a BE of 46 and an average of 93.5 over his last 2, you could certainly do worse.
Jye Caldwell ($757k, Mid/Fwd)
Another player who is relishing more opportunity. The young Bomber mid has hit triple figures in his last 3 games and boasts a BE of only 47. He has certainly passed the eye test during this time with the only flag being a returning Will Setterfield.
Well that’s it from Trade Talk this week. With the addition of the new DPPs hopefully you have the flexibility to target the players you want and set your team up for some high scoring weeks. Good luck!
