This article might just turn out to be one huge metaphorical ticker-tape parade for my (our?) man, TEX WALKER! Holy dooly, the Shoe had seen a few lean weeks but if you rode this one with me, you can only absolve me of past sins… but more gloating later. We have one of the actual bye rounds to deal with this week, so let’s go onto that (gloating will feature throughout). 

Anyway, the purpose of this article is to suggest one week streaming options, that is, a list of lowly owned players worthy of a one week pickup and play, so as to fill any gaps you may have in your starting squad. But first, let’s see how my tips from Round 13 performed:

HITS

Taylor Walker (166 AF/208 SC) – what’s louder than a BOOM!? Whatever sound effect it is, it belongs here. He went at over 100 points above his average in each format and if that isn’t good streaming, then you my friend, don’t know what streaming is about. ALL HAIL, THE SHOE!

Rory Sloane (94 AF/126 SC) – he feasted at the ‘all you can eat fantasy buffet’ that is playing the West Coast Eagles. 

George Wardlaw 97 AF/94 SC) – the Roos might get back the likes of Simpkin and Greenwood, so if you hold Wardlaw, don’t expect this output again. 

Jarrod Berry (71 AF/81 SC) – barely meeting my criteria for a ‘hit’ here, Berry is only a hold if you need bye-round numbers. 

James Rowbottom (77 AF/86 SC) – in shallow leagues, this guy doesn’t have much value, but it’s the byes so run him as necessary. He has no upside on this kind of scoring. 

Scott Lycett (86 AF/74 SC) – he’s worth another go against the Cats this week, but more on that later. I’m not cool with that AF/SC differential from a ruckmen though…

Toby Bedford (87 AF/95 SC) – this guy just achieved my boy status, and if you’ve seen him play recently, you’ll be privy to his chops, both for fantasy and actual footy. 

Well this may be the first time ever that I’ve had a week with no glaring MISSES. But my memory is pretty shitty these days, thanks to certain experimental habits of mine… what was I talking about? Oh yeah, TEX! With form this hot, I know you’re salivating over what I’ve got for you this week. Here are my round 14 suggestions: 

DEFENDERS

Harris Andrews vs. Sydney – these kinds of defenders score above their average against Sydney, and with no Rich (or any major ball-winner down back for Brisbane), Andrews has opportunity, even in AF formats. 

Oli Florent vs. Brisbane – the Lions are a fine opponent for the likes of Oli Floz, and if Blakey misses, this becomes a really nice play from the wire.

Mitch McGovern vs. Gold Coast – purely a match up selection here, as the floating defenders get it done against the Suns. This is an uninspired pick that could have been churned out by some sort of generative AI… except they aren’t doing sports predictions yet, so I’m the best you have. 

MIDFIELDERS

Max Holmes vs. Port Adelaide – you can have a free hit at this on Thursday night with a loop, but looping options tend to be minimised during the byes because it’s all hands on deck for a lot of teams. He’s back from some time away and he’s no longer my boy this season, (that would be Toby Bedford), but at 38% ownership across AF leagues, he’s an option this week. 

Hugh Greenwood vs Western Bulldogs – he was actually held in all of my leagues, but is still only 34% owned, so go have a quick geez at your wire. His role under interim coach, Bret Ratten, was conducive to scoring, but it must be acknowledged that LDU and Simpkin are chances to return this week as well. 

Brayden Fiorini vs Carlton – talk about blokes who get way too much attention because of fantasy footy… anyway, outside types of ‘the pasta’s’ ilk (as a half-italian, I almost take offence to this awful nickname) like it against the Blues. His scoring form hasn’t been anything to remark upon, but it’s the byes, the matchup suits, and he may have been turfed in your league. 

Jack Ross vs. St. Kilda – because it’s the byes and he’s better than a donut, I guess. 

RUCK

Scott Lycett vs. Geelong – he might look like he’s always hungover, but he’s been pretty good since returning to Port’s best 22, and the only sub 80 (AF) he scored came in 49% game time when the Power flogged the Hawks. Geelong are currently the most profitable opponent for rucks, making Lycett a perfect stream target, especially during the byes. So perfect in fact, that he’ll be wearing the illustrious ‘Shoe’ this week.

FORWARDS

Todd Marshall vs. Geelong – there’s no West Coast to prey on this week, so I’ll take aim at the team who is the second easiest to score against for key forwards (don’t ask me why – I don’t watch Cats games because they bore me). Now Todd and I have travelled a bumpy path together up until now, but for this round, I’m feeling he’ll perform similar to the way he did the last time I suggested him (really good). 

Jamara Ugle-Hagan vs. North Melbourne – more of an SC play here, the Ugly Hag MAY have his way with the lowly Roos, but he doesn’t have the highest ceiling. This is a desperation play and is barely recommended, but we have to scrape the bottom of the barrel during byes sometimes. 

Jack Higgins vs. Richmond – REVENGE GAME… I’d be surprised if Jack can even remember playing for Richmond after what his poor brain has been through. In any case, these small forward types have scored well on the Tiges in recent times, making Higgins feel like a safe stream this week, with some chance for BOOM. 

Alrighty – so my confidence is peaking after last week’s tips, and I have a feeling that big Scotty Lycett is going to wear The Shoe wonderfully on its path to greatness once again! All hail TEX, all hail, THE SHOE.

And as always, may your streams flow golden and strong.