A DOZEN DEALS – ROUND 22
EACH WEEK I’ll be bringing you my thoughts on which players to BUY, SELL, HOLD, ADD and DROP in AFL Draft Leagues. The moves are based on a 10 team redraft league with 22 players per team, so if your league is shallower, deeper or keeper, use your best judgement as to what moves apply. Remember no-one HAS to trade with you, but the least you can do is make offers to try improve your team. Also consider your league set up and team structure before making a move. This is a list about value and treating your team as something that is constantly evolving to try get it as solid as it can be. As I always say, “if you ain’t trading, you ain’t trying!” You can hear the rest of my thoughts each week as part of the Draft Doctors Podcast released each Monday.
Well, we’re here. The last column for the year (thank goodness) and if you’ve managed to make it this far – congratulations! We’ve seen plenty of titles roll in already and hopefully there’s a few more to come. I want to thank you ‘Dealers’ for following the column, it’s a lot of fun writing and coming up with trade scenarios so I hope you’ve enjoyed reading them.
Of course, trade deadlines have passed, leagues have run, the waiver pool is bare and if you’re still going, it’s your Grand Final. Let’s look at some pickups…
ADD – JAKE BARRETT (M/F) – Someone we talked about bit about early in the year and not much since, I think Barrett is a sneaky play here. North have struggled lately against small forwards. Barrett is playing that role for the FAVOURED! Brisbane Lions this week. He is getting over 90% game time and is in reasonable touch, having kicked 3 goals just 2 weeks ago. Only 35% owned on Ultimate, could be a sneaky play.
ADD – KEEGAN BROOKSBY (D) – Got you 70 odd points whilst getting beaten in the ruck, expect a carbon copy against Patrick Ryder and Port. Not huge upside, but a pretty good floor.
ADD – TRENT McKENZIE (D) – You want ceiling? The cannon blew up for a ton last week, playing loose in defence instead of tight. The role was fantastic, and actually made sense as McKenzie’s disposal efficiency was 95% from his 24 disposals. I would imagine the ball is camped in Gold Coast’s defence for much of this match – could be a league winning move if you have the guts! Only 12% owned on Ultimate.
ADD – RYAN CLARKE (M/F) – Another player we were watching in the preseason, it’s taken a while but Clarke has put together a solid month of footy, garnering at least 24 disposals in each of his last four matches. With limited options, Clarke is a solid option who appears to have improved his floor. Only 52% owned and as good a matchup as the Kangas could have.
ADD – JONATHAN GRIFFIN ( R ) – I’d rather add Peter Griffin but here we are. Literally the only ruck that comes in under our 65% ownership threshold, Griffin actually has an okay matchup against Essendon. I really hope there’s a better option in your pool if you need a ruck. You could always cross your fingers and hope something good comes of the situation at North and their rucks, but nothing good is coming out of North at the moment.
ADD – TRENT DUMONT (M) – Not a lot of option under 65% with decent roles, given guys like Hartung and Bastinac have crept over the ownership mark. Dumont has at least got his role sorted, plays a weak opposition and may have even greater reign with Ziebell in doubt.
ADD – MITCH HALLAHAN (M) – Only 42% owned, Hallahan has at least scored ok when in. If Ablett plays he takes a hit and given the Suns are playing Port, it’s not a terrific matchup anyway. At least he plays inside and can score. I’d be hoping there’s better options in your pool, but for the column’s sake, this is where we’re at.
Good luck in your matches and bring home the W!
Don’t forget to stick with us throughout the off-season, as we’ve got a heap of great content lined up!