More superstars, more excitement, more cash – It’s Prelim Finals time and Sports Fantasy Pro’s new 9-Player format delivers coaches better teams, better value and much more fun!
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Game Info: 7:50pm (AEST) Friday September 23, MCG
This is the best of the best folks – hands down the greatest weekend of the fantasy footy calendar and a time when smart, brave coaches can cash in big!
First problem coaches will have is picking Kennedy and Danger straight up will drop your cap average spend down below 500k (478k).
These two guys have been colossal all season and were huge (see below stats) when these two sides last met in R16 so it’s a brave coach who leaves either or both out.
That means finding some bargains.
Fortunately the backline for both sides is relatively cheap and features more than a few stars capable of shining in this game.
Enright, Rampe, Taylor, Allir and Smith are all solid options expected to return around that 50pt mark while Mackie sitting down the list at 335k clocked 76pts in R16 last time these sides met.
Savings must be made in the backline so don’t balk at taking two sub-400k options here – it will be well worth it being able to afford that extra star ball-winner through the midfield.
For coaches chasing a good price down the midfield list Brother of Joel Selwood (think his mum calls him Scott) comes in at the very tempting price of 450k.
Peeled off a very solid 62pt game against the Hawks built by hard contested footy (5 hard ball gets, 8 tackles, 5 clearances). Priced to hit around that 50pt mark he looks a bargain. Capable of a 60+ game here.
Jack was 8pts short of a fantasy ton (92pts) and got BOG in R16 when these two sides last met. That was with 3 goals however and if memory serves me correctly that game was not only his 200th but he had the poops about the world finding out his parents and girlfriend don’t get on – was in everything so safe to say that 92pts is his ceiling.
72pts last week in a strong Swans win looks much closer to the mark but will still (along with Heeney) have his fanciers here.
Up forward Parker is the standout given his midfield minutes but he will break the bank especially if you’ve already got a stacked midfield.
Bartel is capable of a game here at a good price – possible he gets a shutdown role on Smith however his September record is impeccable and if a midfield star drops Jimmy will be called upon. Solid POD value.
Smith has the higher ceiling in the ruck and can push forward and kick goals – thumped Naismith in R16 to the tune of 21pts.
This game will be as hot as it gets so spend on the hard contested players as well as the good decision makers.
Weather
Light winds and no rain – absolutely perfect weather for footy.
Stats View
Joel Selwood (Cats – MID – $669,000)
Inspirational captain who won’t be tagged by the Swans midfield so straight away Selwood appeals strongly. 75pts last time they met and coming off an 87pt game against the Hawks two weeks ago gives coaches plenty of faith in his ability to deliver a big score. Priced to hit 75pts here but expect he can pushing into high 80’s. if you have the coin to take both he and Danger good luck to you but if it’s a choice, missing small and downgrading to the 2016 All Australian captain is not the worst idea. Will be in everything. if his efficiency is up he cracks the ton for mine.
Game Info: 7:25pm (AEST) Saturday September 17, SCG
These two emerging superpowers of the AFL may be brimming with talent but selecting a side for a Prelim is a vastly different kettle of fantasy fish!
Starting in the ruck and big mummy had a day out when these two sides met earlier in the year notching an impressive 72pts to Roughies 30pts. Roughy is in some kind of a purple patch though and must be strongly considered on price.
…if he gets gifted with an umpy that understands centre bounce ruck rules he will be a solid cheapy here.
There are a few bargains in this game in Clay Smith and Easton Wood – no Suckling across halfback will result in Wood finding more of the ball on rebound and we all know what he can do in the air when defending.
Smith notched ten tackles last week against the Hawks and is a vital cog in their forward pressure game – comes in at a steal coming off a 66pt game.
Picken in rare fantasy form with a finals average of 98pts! Rapidly becoming Mr September of 2016 and while the salary cappers have found him here (3rd dearest player) it would be a very brave coach to leave him out.
For the Giants it is their midfielders who aren’t named in the midfield that appeal most, players like Shiel and Griffen can be picked up in the forwards and backline respectively. And should be!
Guys like Johanissen (42pts) and Boyd (35pts) went missing last week for huge patches expect lifts from both despite price drops.
Be shocked if this game was a high-scoring affair, so be wary of spending cash on star power forwards.
Weather
No rain and relatively calm winds of 15-20km/h.
Stats View
Player Focus
Clay Smith (Bulldogs – MID – $349,000)
The ten tackles last start combined with that price tag just have to be taken seriously. 66pts last week from just 16 disposals (13 effective). Slotted two majors which always helps a score but when you’re priced to hit just 40pts and you’re on 20pts just from tackles, it is kind of a no-brainer. Salary cap will be a factor in this game given the spread of midfielders across all positions, so coaches will have to target a cheap option somewhere and hope he fires. Smith fits the bill, and the season average of 46.5pts gives coaches peace of mind he can hit his breakeven.