In Dozen Deals we use BUY, SELL, HOLD, ADD, or DROP. This is based on a 10 team 22 player roster. BUY, SELL, HOLD, and DROP will apply to players that are generally owned, while ADD will cover players you may find on the waiver wire or as a free agent.
Gather round is done and it was interesting viewing from a fantasy perspective. Premium scores are starting to average out, which is exactly why we try to hold them early in the year, even when it’s painful. Jai Newcombe scored close to a ton and looked to be back to his normal self. Brayshaw also went huge and showed why he was ranked as a top 5 mid pre-season, while Gulden is back to doing Gulden things. Byes are also back this week, but it’s too early to start trading out players in search of an individual win. Hold your premos and stream a couple to fill the gaps, which takes me to my main piece of advice this week; hold an on-field spot in your forward line and possibly defence for your streaming options. Unless you drafted a ridiculously strong line, trading your D/F5 and streaming week to week propositions in those positions could get you improved scores, and an upgraded midfielder which would be a big win. Package up your F5 and M5-7 for a better mid!
Buy: Tom Mitchell
He’s been on the nose for a while, but the former pig could be a shrewd buy. No, I’m not expecting him to pump out huge tons every week, but because of his sub-affected 34 in round 0, he has a 79 average next to his name. That looks bad, but the 95 he’s averaged in the last three weeks is probably a better indicator of his worth. No one drafted him early this year, so he might just be gettable.
Buy: Jack Macrae
As Fizz said on the pod this week, his value will never be lower. Macrae’s forward eligible and no one will drop him, but throwing a half decent defender at him could pay dividends. Yes, you could be stuck with a 70 averaging, part-time sub on your bench, but given an injury or a tiring Sanders, you could also have a guy in your forward line who goes on a great ton run! For me the reward far outweighs the potential risk on this one.
Buy: Jack Lukosius
This one should be cheap and easy. He has a low average of 68 and has just moved into defence while remaining eligible for our forward lines. History says that Lukosius can comfortably average in the 80s in that role, which makes him an F2 for most of us. Don’t overpay however, as job security in the Suns’ backline isn’t great… Just ask Constable, Jeffrey, and the Sexgoat.
Hold: Josh Rachele
I certainly wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to trade out Rachele, and if you can get something decent for him, go for it. Having said that, he should be fine. As an owner, I’d be hoping the Crows start to mix things up in their midfield. If I was inclined to trade him, maximum value will come after a game where he kicks three and scores 80 odd, not after a shocker.
Hold: Isaac Heeney
I’ve heard some people considering trading Heeney out in an ultimate ‘sell high’ move before the return of Parker. The problem is, he’s currently averaging 15 points more than Zorko, and 20 more than Flanders, and 30 more than Myers, the current F8. That means you’re getting a 15 to 30 point advantage over your entire league, something that will evaporate instantly, even if someone trades you their M1, which is unlikely. It’s entirely possible (although not guaranteed) that he keeps his place in the midfield, and Jordon, Parker, etc… make way instead. It’s another risk/reward decision, but unless a guaranteed captain option or a godfather deal (one you can’t refuse) is floated, I’d be sticking with him and enjoying the ride.
Sell: James Jordon
With a high score of 78 and a 70 average, James Jordon has hardly set the world on fire. He’s had opportunity, but that will soon dry up with the impending return of Luke Parker. As painful as it is, I’d be moving him on now before he becomes unfieldable.
Sell: Colby McKercher
It’s rare that first-year players can maintain strong scoring across an entire season, and while McKercher has been solid, and looks like a great future talent, I’d sell him while coaches are tantalised by the prospect of DPP incoming. Once the reality hits that they have another 75 averaging defender, not another Daicos or Sheezel on their hands, the gloss will have well and truly worn off.
Sell: Christian Salem
I really rate Salem, and in the past, he’s scored well as a defender. He looked to take it to another level with some mid time this season, but since returning to defence in the last fortnight, he’s been a worry. With plenty of defenders around, trading now could be a win.
Add: Jake Soligo
Jake Soligo is someone who looks like he’s got a fantasy game but has all too often been marooned on a wing which has really capped his scoring. A sniff of inside time makes him a must have proposition, but if his back on a wing, his scores will bounce around like a yoyo.
Add: Jack Bowes
I’ve got shares in Bowes in almost every league. In the pre-season and last week, he scored incredibly well when on the field. Unfortunately, he seems to be a bit lower than we’d like in the Cats pecking order. Luckily, he showed what he can do and if he can hold his spot and should be a great addition to your backlines. Tread with caution though, in case he’s sub effected again.
Drop: Tom Atkins
Tom Atkins looked like a value late pick for our midfield, with the cats having Clmost no midfielders available to play in the guts. Unfortunately, he’s done nothing with the opportunity and has Danger and Guthrie to come back shortly. Close your eyes, press the drop button and stream someone better.
Drop: Harley Reid
While saying this might get me excommunicated from any West Australian football forums, it might be worth looking elsewhere in our forward lines. While newspapers were Praising Harley as the second coming of Dustin Martin for his high number of fend offs (which score us 0 points), his best game to date delivered an underwhelming 78 points. He’s a super talent, and will be an awesome player, but for fantasy points, I’d be streaming instead of holding onto him. A 58 average is hardly delivering for his 63% ownership.