Fantasy Stocktake: Who to Buy and Sell Ahead of Round 17
The fantasy football season is heating up, and it's time to take a closer look at the players who are on the rise and those who might be heading down. Here's a breakdown of the key players to consider buying, selling, or holding onto as we approach Round 17.
Buying:
- Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (DEF/MID, $1,049,000): The 23-year-old has been on fire, averaging 115 points over the past five games. With a favorable match-up against the Bombers, he's a strong buy for those looking to boost their defense and midfield.
- Rowan Marshall (RUC/FWD, $748,000): 'Monster Marsh' is a dominant force in the ruck, but his value has taken a hit this year due to sharing duties. With his partner in crime injured, Marshall is set to shine and could average triple figures in the next few weeks.
- Sam Durham (MID/FWD, $766,000): Durham has been a consistent performer, averaging 112 points in his last three games. His low BE of 40 makes him a valuable addition to any team.
- Caleb Daniel (DEF, $899,000): Daniel is a must-have in the defense category, with a massive 139 points in his last game. His outstanding form and low BE of 41 make him a strong buy.
- Will Ashcroft (MID, $959,000): Ashcroft is back in top form, with scores of 152 and 134 in his last two games. His low BE of 50 and great run home make him a potential star for the rest of the season.
Selling:
- Brent Daniels (MID/FWD, $730,000): Daniels' calf injury has caused a $30k price drop, making him a potential sell. His performance hasn't matched expectations, and his BE of 88 is a cause for concern.
- Christian Petracca (MID/FWD, $809,000): Once a top performer, Petracca has been off the boil, averaging just 77 points over the past five games. His value has dropped significantly, and his high BE of 118 makes him a risky hold.
- John Noble (DEF, $998,000): Noble's role shift to a wing hasn't worked, and his BE of 137 is a red flag. His performance has been inconsistent, and a trade might be necessary.
- Josh Rachele (MID/FWD, $683,000): Rachele's owners have been frustrated by his inconsistent performance, averaging just 66 points in his last five games. His high BE of 88 and lack of triple-figure scores make him a potential sell.
- Jai Serong (DEF/MID, $740,000): Serong's value has increased by $466k this year, but his recent performance has been underwhelming. His BE of 98 and low score of 39 make him a candidate for a trade.
Holding:
- Harry Sheezel (MID/FWD, $1,111,000): Sheezel's dominant performance against Essendon, with 43 disposals and 12 marks, has lifted his season average to 116. His premium price tag is justified, and his low BE of 71 makes him a strong hold.
- Nick Daicos (MID, $1,163,000): Daicos' consistency is remarkable, with two straight scores above 140. His high price tag is justified by his performance, and his low BE of 71 makes him a valuable hold.
- Zak Butters (MID, $988,000): Butters' unforgettable Showdown performance with 37 disposals and 142 points has solidified his status as a top player. His high price tag is a risk, but his potential makes him worth holding.
Key Takeaways:
- The bye weeks are over, and the fantasy football landscape is shifting. Players like Wanganeen-Milera, Marshall, and Ashcroft are on the rise, while Daniels, Petracca, and Serong might be better off traded.
- The most traded players include Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Sam Durham, and others, indicating a shift in strategy as coaches look to optimize their teams.
- Price rises and falls provide insight into player performance and market sentiment. Players like Hugo Hall-Kahan and Jack Dalton have seen significant price movements, reflecting their on-field impact.
- Break-even (BE) values offer a glimpse into the potential risk and reward of holding or trading players. Players with low BE values are more attractive, as they provide a safety net for coaches.
In the ever-evolving world of fantasy football, staying informed and making strategic decisions is crucial. This stocktake provides a snapshot of the current landscape, but the game is far from over. As we approach the final stretch, coaches must adapt, make bold moves, and capitalize on the opportunities presented by the ever-changing dynamics of the AFL.
