AFL Fantasy News: Brent Harvey

Ready to return: Fantasy coaches will want to wait for his price to get lower, maybe two or three games, and then if Harvey is playing well he could be someone to trade for.

Just as the Tigers changed things around, watch to see what the Kangaroos do now as a new fantasy player could emerge.

Source: Herald Sun
Brent Harvey ready to return

New Roos’ coach Darren Crocker today said only a training disaster would prevent Harvey, 31, from taking his place after two months out with a serious elbow injury.

Wells, hardened onballer Daniel Harris and forward Corey Jones all appeared to fall out-of-favour with Laidley at times but Crocker said all of his troops would be given a fresh start under his reign. "Perhaps what a previous coach may have thought of them, that's not there anymore," he said.

AFL Fantasy News: Scott Pendlebury

Fantasy bench for a week, or two: Fantasy coaches will probably want to keep Pendlebury, he may miss only one game or two. So sit him on the bench, and you can start someone like Muston or H Hartlett if he is back this round.

Source: Herald Sun
Good news for Magpie Scott Pendlebury

UPDATE 1:22pm: COLLINGWOOD has received better-than-expected news, with Scott Pendlebury potentially missing just one week.

“Pendlebury’s been in this morning. Our docs and physios have checked him over. He’s got a strained medial ligament. In a super-positive situation he could miss one week, but we think it’s more likely to be in the realms of 2-3 games,” football manager Geoff Walsh said.

AFL Fantasy News: Michael O'Loughlin

Old Swans on the way out: Fantasy teams are not the place to have old Sydney players O'Loughlin, Crouch, Leo Barry and probably Barry Hall. While they are not in rebuilding mode there yet, a few more losses and they could go with youth. Veszpremi is someone to consider signing when he returns to action.

Source: The Age
Michael O'Loughlin set to announce retirement

Sydney's longest serving player, Michael O'Loughlin will announce his future footballing plans this afternoon, with the expectation he will retire at the end of the season.

AFL Fantasy News: Jamie Charman

Only Clark in the ruck: Charman was supposed to return to share the ruck duties with Clark, which would not have been good for Clark's stats, but with Charman out for the rest of the year and Leuenberger only a chance to get back to playing in the final month of the season it should mean Clark continues to get plenty of playing time and stats. While the Lions are able to play a rookie anyway because it is the second half of the season, Charman’s injury would also open another spot for a cheap for fantasy rookie player.

Source: Brisbane site
Charman out for the season

BRISBANE Lions coach Michael Voss remains hopeful of regaining ruckman Matthew Leuenberger later this year after Jamie Charman was ruled out for the season.

Charman was due to undergo an ankle reconstruction on Monday after battling to overcome the injury he sustained against Collingwood in round four.

Eliminated.

The team seemed to stay in The Eliminator a bit longer this season, but is out now. It got by with Hodge on the bench, and then with C Cornes on the bench, but missing Goodwin, Embley and Cornes was just too much this round. N Riewoldt was captain until a change before lockout and that may have brought a win this round. Ablett was the captain. Rivers was nearly brought in for Raines, but even if that trade was made it would have left the fantasy team a few points short of the win.

Ballantyne in and Krakouer out should bring in more money, and the team could finish in the top 1% overall.

The Fox Sports fantasy AFL game is starting their version of The Eliminator, it should be a bit easier to get into the final 1,000 of that competition, especially with the trade wildcard to use.



Luke Hodge
Sam Fisher
Jed Adcock
Andrew Embley
Greg Broughton
Jack Grimes
Chris Newman

Beau Muston
Jimmy Bartel
Sam Mitchell
Paul Hasleby
Daniel Rich
Gary Ablett

Dean Cox
Darren Jolly

Shaun Higgins
Matthew Pavlich
Simon Goodwin
Nick Riewoldt
Brett Deledio
Ryan O'Keefe
Alwyn Davey



Andrew Raines
Chad Cornes

Hamish Hartlett
Adam Cockie

Daniel Currie
Jake Spencer

Nathan Krakouer
Taylor Walker

Fantasy Player Of The Week - Round 12

Ryan O'Keefe

A fantasy forward getting over 40 possessions, and also adding a couple of goals, is a very good statistical effort. The Swans often slow things down, which hurts the other team and can also limit their own numbers, but O'Keefe and Kirk both had a lot of the ball against Collingwood.


Bargain Performer Of The Week

Greg Broughton

While he isn't at the cheap rookie price that he was, he is still a bargain. Around 30 possessions while spending a lot of the game on the opposition's best forward, Broughton is the same type of unexpected fantasy star that players like Dalziell and Symes and M Clarke were in their debut seasons.

AFL 2009 Round 12: Cats 94 - Dockers 75

Geelong

Shannon Byrnes - 5 goals, 26 possessions, 9 marks
In the past he was always the weak link in their side, but he is now safe in the Geelong side and bringing in huge fantasy scores.

Joel Corey - 30 possessions, 8 tackles, 4 frees for
His foot must be fine now.

David Johnson - 17 possessions, 7 marks
The Cats went with the slow D Johnson, instead of Wojcinski or Stokes in the side, and D Johnson's spot in the Geelong side will always be under pressure.

Cameron Ling - 27 possessions, 7 marks, 7 tackles
If he was looking for revenge he should have hit a different Docker, his fantasy coaches don't have to worry as he won't be suspended.

Cameron Mooney - 2 behinds, 12 possessions, 7 marks
Doing some strange things in the forward line, and when he plays on and handballs instead of taking his kick and getting a goal it does affect fantasy scores.


Fremantle

Greg Broughton - 29 possessions, 11 marks
There was a time when the was the cheapest of all fantasy players.

Matt de Boar - 21 possessions, 1 goal
His last few games have been better for stats than his early ones.

Matthew Pavlich - 31 possessions, 2 goals
One of the best and most reliable fantasy players.

Chris Tarrant - 16 possessions, 6 marks
His stats are not bad at the moment, but he still isn't someone that should be in fantasy teams.

Michael Walters - 1 goal, 5 possessions
He can kick a goal and that could keep him in the Fremantle side, and he is cheap and that could have him brought onto fantasy teams.

Mid-Season Evaluation Of Geelong

Star fantasy performer: Gary Ablett

Value for money fantasy performer: Shannon Byrnes

Surprisingly much better than expected: Travis Varcoe

Disappointment so far: Darren Milburn

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: Kane Tenace

Someone to sign now: Jimmy Bartel

Someone to sell now: Cameron Mooney

Team status: Premiership contender

Plenty of fantasy stars there, but their veteran defenders could be showing their age. Milburn, Harley and Scarlett have not been great for fantasy teams. Ottens will be playing again soon, as he returns from injury. Stokes and Wojcinski have to win back their spots in the side. Hogan and Djerrkura would have made plenty of fantasy AFL money if they were on other teams, but they don't play a lot as Geelong are a deep side.

Mid-Season Evaluation Of Fremantle

Star fantasy performer: Matthew Pavlich

Value for money fantasy performer: Greg Broughton

Surprisingly much better than expected: Paul Duffield

Disappointment so far: Steven Dodd

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: Hayden Ballantyne

Someone to sign now: Michael Walters

Someone to sell now: Brett Peake

Team status: playing for 2010

The Dockers have Pavlich and Sandilands, and a lot of spots in their lineup to try players. Hill and Suban have been useful, and have played a lot of games, Broughton is putting up some huge numbers, Walters isn't playing badly and having played two games he is cheap and about to go up. Ballantyne is someone that fantasy coaches have been waiting for, he spent most of the first half of the season with "1 to 2 weeks" as the only news about him on the injured list but could play soon. The ball spends plenty of time in the Fremantle back line, and when the Dockers get the ball it usually finds its way to Duffield, he is having a big fantasy season.

AFL 2009 Round 12: Magpies 89 - Swans 66

Collingwood

Travis Cloke - 10 possessions, 6 marks
Didn't kick a goal, he did have 2 behinds, so he isn't someone to get onto fantasy teams yet.

Nick Maxwell - 21 possessions, 11 marks
Was often a loose player in front of Hall, the Swans kicked the ball forward but Maxwell kept marking it.

Steele Sidebottom - 14 possessions, 4 tackles
Continues to play well and keep his spot in the Collingwood side, but he seems to be a chance to be dropped if the Magpies get a few veterans back.

Dale Thomas - 16 possessions, 7 marks
Some are saying his spot in the Collingwood side is under pressure, for fantasy teams he probably isn't doing enough for stats.

Alan Toovey - 13 possessions, 4 tackles
Toovey and Wellingham, 14 possessions, are some of the other Magpies who could be in the VFL soon.


Sydney

Ed Barlow - 16 possessions, 1 goal
Barlow probably keeps his spot ahead of Thornton and Smith, who were also additions for this round.

Brett Kirk - 41 possessions
Hall, O'Loughlin and Crouch are Sydney veterans you probably don't want on a fantasy team but Kirk can still get fantasy points.

Ryan O'Keefe - 41 possessions, 8 marks, 2 goals
Still getting possessions, a lot of them, in the midfield and also kicked a few goals in this game.

Lewis Roberts-Thomson - 20 possessions, 10 marks
He has been much better for fantasy teams this season.

Rhyce Shaw - 24 possessions
His brother had 2 more possessions in this game, both are good fantasy players at the moment.

Mid-Season Evaluation Of Sydney

Star fantasy performer: Adam Goodes

Value for money fantasy performer: Jude Bolton

Surprisingly much better than expected: Rhyce Shaw

Disappointment so far: Michael O'Loughin

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: Patrick Veszpremi

Someone to sign now: Marty Mattner

Someone to sell now: Barry Hall

Team status: top 8 contender

The Swans seem to be looking to the future a bit, so avoid a lot of their veterans. Veszpremi could be back next round, maybe Schmidt plays soon, while cheap fantasy player D O'Keefe has to debut at some point. The Swans can hurt other players' fantasy scores, Kirk can shut down someone while Jolly has been dominant in the ruck on several occasions.

Mid-Season Evaluation Of Collingwood

Star fantasy performer: Leon Davis

Value for money fantasy performer: Dane Swan

Surprisingly much better than expected: Nick Maxwell

Disappointment so far: Travis Cloke

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: Kevin Dyas

Someone to sign now: Heath Shaw

Someone to sell now: Brad Dick

Team status: top 4 contender

Their big forwards are not really doing a lot, Anthony has been much better than Cloke or Rocca, but most of their other players are helpful for fantasy teams. They are a deep team, so some players don't keep their spots for a long time. Beams made money for fantasy teams but has been in the VFL for a while, Sidebottom is currently in the side and has also made money. Fraser is usually a safe ruckman for fantasy stats, the other ruckmen at Collingwood are not safe to sign. Pendlebury was hurt against the Swans, see what news there is during the week about that.

AFL 2009 Round 12: Bombers 131 - Demons 83

Essendon

Dustin Fletcher - 12 kicks, 6 handballs
Old, so there is an injury risk, but he can still get stats.

Mark McVeigh - 22 possessions, 2 goals
A few more weeks of dropping in price, and then it will be time to sign him.

Angus Monfries - 4 frees for, 21 possessions, 9 marks, 2 goals
Has the ability to receive several free kicks a game but doesn't give many away, he gave 0 frees away here.

Brent Prismall - 26 possessions, 7 marks
The numbers were good but he was playing Melbourne, considering his price he isn't a bargain signing.

Andrew Welsh - 25 possessions
Someone to watch next round.


Melbourne

Cameron Bruce - 27 possessions
Melbourne play him in several spots and he can get stats in all of them.

Aaron Davey - 30 possessions
Back to running free and having a lot of stats.

Liam Jurrah - 11 possessions, 6 marks, 1 goal
He had a good game, see what he does next round.

Stefan Martin - 1 goal, 14 possessions, 5 marks
Provides some excitement when he goes forward, it could be interesting to see what he can do if they leave him at full forward for a while.

Jack Watts - 9 possessions, 2 goals, 3 frees against
Watts didn't pick himself for his Dream Team, so other fantasy coaches may prefer to wait until 2010.

Mid-Season Evaluation Of Essendon

Star fantasy performer: Jason Winderlich

Value for money fantasy performer: Patrick Ryder

Surprisingly much better than expected: Tayte Pears

Disappointment so far: David Myers

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: Christian Bock

Someone to sign now: Michael Hurley

Someone to sell now: David Zaharakis

Team status: top 8 contender

Lloyd and Lucas lost plenty of money but are turning things around with more stats now. A better signing than the veteran forwards will be M McVeigh, but wait for his price to get a bit lower. Hurley should return soon. The Bombers have a lot of players at the same level, all fighting for a spot in the side, so it can be difficult for fantasy coaches to get the right Bomber at a cheap price.

Mid-Season Evaluation Of Melbourne

Star fantasy performer: Cameron Bruce

Value for money fantasy performer: Brent Moloney

Surprisingly much better than expected: James Frawley

Disappointment so far: Brock McLean

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: Paul Wheatley

Someone to sign now: Brad Green

Someone to sell now: Jamie Bennell

Team status: playing for 2010

On and off the field they are in trouble, but for fantasy AFL it does mean they need to play their young players and that means fantasy bargains. Don't sign their forwards as the ball doesn't get down there enough, and don't sign an older player like McDonald or Whelan. Grimes and Morton are part of the future for Melbourne, and at present they are quality fantasy players.

AFL Fantasy News: Mathew Stokes

Geelong go with slow: Stokes is a quick player around the forward line, Wojcinski is fast with his run from half back, the Dockers won't have to worry about their speed as both of those Cats are out this round. Something that could be annoying for their fantasy coaches. Hogan is the other emergency for Geelong, a cheap fantasy forward but as always it is difficult to get a spot in the Geelong side.

The Dockers are also doing the unexpected, sending Peake out of the side. Peake was being used sometimes as a forward, he could struggle to get back into the side in that role if Walters plays well and if Ballantyne is ready to play next round.

Source: AFL site

Fremantle v Geelong

Fremantle

B: Greg Broughton, Antoni Grover, Scott Thornton
HB: Steven Dodd, Luke McPharlin, Steven Hill
C: Nic Suban, Paul Hasleby, Garrick Ibbotson
HF: Paul Duffield, Matthew Pavlich, Andrew Foster
F: Michael Walters, Chris Tarrant, Dean Solomon
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Byron Schammer, David Mundy
I/C: Adam Campbell, Matt de Boer, Clancee Pearce, Kepler Bradley

Emg: Tim Ruffles, Clayton Hinkley, Brett Peake

In: Grover, McPharlin
Out: Josh Head, Brett Peake


Geelong

B: Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Corey Enright, Harry Taylor, James Kelly
C: Gary Ablett, Steve Johnson, Travis Varcoe
HF: Jimmy Bartel, Cameron Mooney, Joel Corey
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, Shannon Byrnes
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Cameron Ling
I/C: Ryan Gamble, David Johnson, Shane Mumford, Max Rooke

Emg: Mathew Stokes, David Wojcinski, Simon Hogan

In: Taylor, Corey, Rooke, D Johnson
Out: Tom Lonergan, Nathan Djerrkura, Mathew Stokes, David Wojcinski

AFL Fantasy News: Matthew Richardson

Back for fantasy finals: Those with plenty of trades to use may want to get Richardson into their sides for the last couple of games of the regular AFL season, which is the fantasy finals. Richmond won't have a lot to play for, so they could be playing games with little attention to the defensive aspects, and Richardson will be full of energy and stats after missing a lot of games. The idea is if you trade for Richardson, you will have him for the fantasy Grand Final while the other team won't, and that could help you win your league.

Source: Herald Sun
Matthew Richardson on track for return

“(I’m) ahead of schedule … I don’t think he thought I’d play again this year, initially, but I think he’s very confident now.

“I should play a couple of games at the end of the year, definitely.”

AFL Fantasy News: Bradd Dalziell

Notes about the Brisbane players: Clicking on the article in the link below will show you evaluations of the Brisbane players. There is also a little bit of injury news, as the Lions should get back several players for their next game.

Source: The Courier-Mail
Andrew Hamilton rates the Brisbane Lions players at halfway point of AFL season

Jamie Charman D Played unfit at the start of the year and then got injured. His return in the coming weeks will be a major boost.

Bradd Dalziell C Is an elite runner who has started to make his possessions more meaningful. Was missed during his injury layoff. If he can win more footy he will be a very good player.

AFL Fantasy News: Clint Bolton

Probably back next round: The Swans may, if they have a losing streak, decide to not play some of their veterans in the second half of the season. C Bolton, and J Bolton too, should be older players who will keep their spots in the side but for this week C Bolton is out injured.

Source: ABC
Rare Bolton injury a blow for Swans

Bolton wrenched a knee late in the round 11 loss to Hawthorn, but despite having last weekend off, could not overcome the problem and was ruled out of the game, which the Swans must win if they are to move back into eight.

Sydney is hopeful he will return to play Adelaide in round 13.

Fremantle v Geelong - Round 12 Teams

Fremantle

B: Greg Broughton, Antoni Grover, Scott Thornton
HB: Steven Dodd, Luke McPharlin, Steven Hill
C: Nic Suban, Paul Hasleby, Garrick Ibbotson
HF: Paul Duffield, Matthew Pavlich, Andrew Foster
F: Michael Walters, Chris Tarrant, Dean Solomon
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Byron Schammer, David Mundy

I/C (from): Adam Campbell, Matt de Boer, Clancee Pearce, Tim Ruffles, Clayton Hinkley, Brett Peake, Kepler Bradley

In: Grover, McPharlin, Ruffles, Hinkley
Out: Josh Head

AFL Fantasy Watch: With Grover and McPhalin back, there will at least be another player out of the side, that will be announced tomorrow evening. Walters gets another game, he might be the cheap forward to sign, as Ballantyne isn't playing yet.


Geelong

B: Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Corey Enright, Harry Taylor, James Kelly
C: Gary Ablett, Steve Johnson, Travis Varcoe
HF: Jimmy Bartel, Cameron Mooney, Joel Corey
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, Shannon Byrnes
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Cameron Ling

I/C (from): Ryan Gamble, Shane Mumford, Mathew Stokes, David Wojcinski, David Johnson, Simon Hogan, Max Rooke

In: Taylor, Corey, Hogan, Rooke, D Johnson
Out: Tom Lonergan, Nathan Djerrkura

AFL Fantasy Watch: Hogan may be back, while Djerrkura is out. Corey and Taylor are expected to be back to their best.

Essendon v Melbourne - Round 12 Teams

Essendon

B: Mark McVeigh, Tayte Pears, Dustin Fletcher
HB: Courtenay Dempsey, Adam McPhee, Heath Hocking
C: Andrew Lovett, Ricky Dyson, Brent Prismall
HF: Hayden Skipworth, Cale Hooker, Jason Winderlich
F: Matthew Lloyd, Scott Lucas, Alwyn Davey
Foll: Patrick Ryder, Jobe Watson, Brent Stanton
I/C: Sam Lonergan, Andrew Welsh, Kyle Reimers, Angus Monfries

Emg: Jay Neagle, Tyson Slattery, David Zaharakis

In: Fletcher, Welsh, Winderlich
Out: Bachar Houli (virus), Jay Neagle, David Zaharakis

AFL Fantasy Watch: Nothing can be done about it now, but if Zaharakis is not named next round then it could be time to trade him out. Give Welsh a few games to show that he is someone that fantasy teams need. Prismall isn't cheap, so unless he stars here he won't be someone to get, although it is Melbourne so he could have a big game. Hurley might be only a week away.


Melbourne

B: Matthew Whelan, Stefan Martin, Clint Bartram
HB: Aaron Davey, Jared Rivers, James Frawley
C: Neville Jetta, Brock McLean, Jamie Bennell
HF: Russell Robertson, Brad Miller, Matthew Bate
F: Brad Green, Colin Sylvia, Liam Jurrah
Foll: Paul Johnson, Jack Grimes, Cameron Bruce
I/C: Brent Moloney, Cale Morton, Jack Watts, Kyle Cheney

Emg: Lynden Dunn, Addam Maric, Ricky Petterd

In: Bartram, Bennell, Jetta, Jurrah, Martin, Miller
Out: Daniel Bell, Mark Jamar (quad), Nathan Jones (Virus), Addam Maric, James McDonald (Knee), Matthew Warnock (virus)

AFL Fantasy Watch: Melbourne are not making it easy for fantasy coaches, with many changes. At least youngsters Grimes and Morton and veterans Bruce and Green always produce quality fantasy scores. Davey was great early in the season, but teams have been paying more attention to him lately. The return of Miller could help Watts a bit up forward, giving opposition teams another tall player they need to worry about. If Watts has a big game here, sign him, if he doesn't then maybe wait until next year.

Sydney v Collingwood - Round 12 Teams

Sydney

B: Paul Bevan, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Martin Mattner
HB: Rhyce Shaw, Ted Richards, Jared Crouch
C: Adam Goodes, Brett Kirk, Craig Bird
HF: Jarred Moore, Ryan O’Keefe, Kieren Jack
F: Heath Grundy, Barry Hall, Michael O’Loughlin
Foll: Darren Jolly, Jarrad McVeigh, Jude Bolton
I/C: Ed Barlow, Nick Smith, Kris Thornton, Jesse White

Emg: Luke Ablett, Matt O’Dwyer, Mike Pyke

In: Barlow, Smith, Thornton
Out: Amon Buchanan, Craig Bolton (knee), Nick Malceski

AFL Fantasy Watch: Veszpremi could be back next round, that will probably be more important to fantasy teams than the players the Swans brought in this round, although Barlow does have potential to be a very good fantasy player. Leo Barry may not be far away from playing too.


Collingwood

B: Harry O’Brien, Simon Prestigiacomo, Shannon Cox
HB: Nick Maxwell, Leigh Brown, Sharrod Wellingham
C: Brad Dick, Tarkyn Lockyer, Dale Thomas
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Travis Cloke, Leon Davis
F: Alan Didak, John Anthony, Heath Shaw
Foll: Josh Fraser, Dane Swan, Shane O’Bree
I/C: Nathan Brown, Martin Clarke, Steele Sidebottom, Alan Toovey

Emg: Tyson Goldsack, Paul Medhurst, Cameron Wood

AFL Fantasy Watch: The Magpies didn't make a change, that is probably helpful to fantasy teams, especially those who had Sidebottom named as a starter. Swan has been one of the high-scorers in fantasy AFL, this game will be a test for him. Medhurst probably plays next round.

AFL Fantasy News: Liam Jurrah

Not cheap in fantasy AFL: An odd move by the AFL fantasy games means that Melbourne's Liam Jurrah will need to be exceptional to be signed by fantasy teams. Around $50,000 more in cost than other first-year forwards, you could nearly buy Watts for the amount of money that Jurrah costs.

Source: AFL site
Jurrah a chance to debut

The indigenous forward from Yuendumu in Central Australia has booted 11 goals in the past three matches for the Scorpions to be right in the mix for Melbourne's first match in the second half of the season.

On the injury front, Bailey doesn't expect livewire forward Austin Wonaeamirri to play for at least another month and he would be surprised if defender Colin Garland, who has been sidelined with a foot injury since round two, reappeared in 2009.

Mid-Season Evaluation Of Western Bulldogs

Star fantasy performer: Matthew Boyd

Value for money fantasy performer: Shaun Higgins

Surprisingly much better than expected: Liam Picken

Disappointment so far: Ryan Griffen

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: Easton Wood

Someone to sign now: Adam Cooney

Someone to sell now: Stephen Tiller

Team status: top 4 contender

Sometimes what the Bulldogs try doesn't work, but right now it is. They are quick and using the ball well and the fantasy points are coming fast. They have also provided some bargain buys with Giansiracusa, Gilbee and Cooney. Lake and Cross have also lost value and the time could be right to buy them. Soon, Murphy will also be at a bargain price. Higgins has been the biggest bargain of all in fantasy AFL.

Mid-Season Evaluation Of West Coast

Star fantasy performer: Dean Cox

Value for money fantasy performer: Mitch Brown

Surprisingly much better than expected: Adam Selwood

Disappointment so far: Daniel Kerr

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: Patrick McGinnity

Someone to sign now: Matt Priddis

Someone to sell now: Mark Seaby

Team status: playing for 2010

They have Dean Cox, and not much more than that. For fantasy AFL, that means Dean Cox is a useful fantasy captain every week and they also have plenty of spots in their side to try new, cheap for fantasy, players. M Brown has made money, Cockie has made a bit and may make more, Swift should play a lot more and will also go up in value, and now that Naitanui has debuted he provides fantasy teams with a cheap option in the ruck. See what Naitanui does in his second game, he was exciting in his first game but not great for stats, as it looks like he will play the rest of the season for the Eagles and should get enough playing time as a forward, backup ruckman and possibly in other positions.

AFL Fantasy News: Antoni Grover

Super Grover returns: The Dockers will probably get a few of their important players back to play against Geelong. Grover hasn't been a bad player for fantasy points in some games when he has been in the back line. McPharlin, he has lost value, but if they make him the full forward again it could help him score a lot more fantasy points. None of that matters this round, not only is the lockout still on and trades can't be made, but you would not want to sign players just before they play the Cats anyway.

Source: The West Australian
McPharlin, Grover set to face Cats

The pair, who missed the Dockers’ last match against Port Adelaide, ran and kicked with freedom at training in positive signs that they are ready to return.

McPharlin hurt a hip while Grover suffered a calf muscle injury in the round-10 defeat to Richmond.

Mid-Season Evaluation Of St Kilda

Star fantasy performer: Lenny Hayes

Value for money fantasy performer: Sam Gilbert

Surprisingly much better than expected: Farren Ray

Disappointment so far: Luke Ball

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: David Armitage

Someone to sign now: Sam Fisher

Someone to sell now: Jarryn Geary

Team status: Premiership contender

St Kilda used to play a terrible game, both for fantasy stats and to watch. They are now still able to shut down teams, but have also turned up their scoring so a large number of Saints are great picks to be fantasy captain. Riewoldt up forward, Hayes in the middle, Goddard in the back line, all among the very best at their fantasy positions. They have a very settled team, which is good for fantasy coaches who already have Saints, but not very helpful right now for those looking for a cheap player to debut. As the weather gets worse during winter, the Saints will be even better for stats than many other teams as they often have a roof above them.

Mid-Season Evaluation Of Richmond

Star fantasy performer: Shane Tuck

Value for money fantasy performer: Andrew Collins

Surprisingly much better than expected: Daniel Jackson

Disappointment so far: Nathan G Brown

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: Adam Thomson

Someone to sign now: Trent Cotchin

Someone to sell now: Joel Bowden

Team status: playing for 2010

With Wallace, they could get a lot of fantasy points. McMahon, King, Bowden, Pettifer, just some of the fantasy stars there during the Wallace times. But that style of play never resulted in AFL wins. With an interim coach in control, the younger players are now in the team and that means possible bargains for fantasy teams.

Mid-Season Evaluation Of Port Adelaide

Star fantasy performer: Kane Cornes

Value for money fantasy performer: Hamish Hartlett

Surprisingly much better than expected: Toby Thurstans

Disappointment so far: Danyle Pearce

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: Matthew Broadbent

Someone to sign now: Danny Meyer

Someone to sell now: Nathan Krakouer

Team status: top 8 contender

Injuries, inconsistent performances, talk about the coach's contract, there are a lot of things at the Power that are helping and hurting fantasy teams. The injuries have opened up playing time for some of their younger players. Their ruckmen are no longer the big stars they once were, although Tredrea has shown that older players can bounce back with great games. C Cornes was supposed to be the bargain signing of the fantasy season, but he has been injured again, although he could be back soon. If the Power start to put some wins together, then they should have a lot of fantasy stars. If the Power lose a lot, then avoid some of their veterans and maybe sign a cheap young player or two.

AFL Fantasy News: Daniel Motlop

Power need goals: D Motlop hasn't been playing too well, and those fantasy coaches who held onto him will now want to trade him out as he is injured and will miss a lot of games due to a broken ankle. If the fantasy team has spare money, use it and turn Motlop into a fantasy superstar like N Riewoldt or maybe J Brown if you have less money to use. If you want to send out Motlop for someone cheap, watch the Dockers this week as they could play a couple of inexpensive fantasy forwards.

Port Adelaide will now have a chance to try other players up forward, maybe M Motlop is used there while H Hartlett has some skills in front of goal too.

Another injury at the Power could mean Danny Meyer plays a few more games, he is a very cheap fantasy player.

Source: AFL site
Motlop out for two months

“They are all very key players for us, but it does provide a good opportunity for some young players to come in. I think (first-year player) Matthew Broadbent has been talked about for a fair while and he’s playing some good footy.

“Hopefully, Nathan Krakouer will get a recall too, so we’ve got plenty of players to call upon.”

AFL Fantasy News: Daniel Harris

The worst coach is gone: He was bad for the Kangaroos and was worse for fantasy AFL. North Melbourne looks like it will get a new coach, which should mean new hope for the club and for fantasy AFL it will mean a bit more stability in the North Melbourne lineup. When choosing Kangaroos now, avoid the oldest players and have a look to see who plays more now they are out of the doghouse that the previous coach had them in.

Maybe Harris gets put in the middle and kept there all game. Hale, who North Melbourne previously gave a new contract to, should be back in the forward line. It could be time for Riggio to get another chance. Corey Jones could get back to his best with a new coach there, or maybe not.

Players who are unlikely to be given as much playing time could include Power and Edwards, while Wundke and Anthony could play soon.

Source: Herald Sun
Dean Laidley steps down

Asked this morning if he had offered to step aside, Laidley told Herald Sun online: "What you're saying is correct. We've come to an agreement."

Mid-Season Evaluation Of North Melbourne

Star fantasy performer: Hamish McIntosh

Value for money fantasy performer: Andrew Swallow

Surprisingly much better than expected: Scott McMahon

Disappointment so far: Daniel Wells

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: Jesse W Smith

Someone to sign now: Brent Harvey

Someone to sell now: Jack Ziebell

Team status: uncertain

North Melbourne players have not been very useful for fantasy teams, injuries and odd team selections have caused fantasy teams to use trades. Ziebell has been great, but his season is over and fantasy teams need to send him out. McIntosh and Petrie are consistent performers, McMahon and Harding have played well, and Swallow has been a bargain buy, but fantasy coaches who gave Wells a chance didn't do too well and Hale hasn't been kicking goals like he did towards the end of last season. While they should be looking to the future, maybe they think they can’t afford to really do that and will still try to win.

Mid-Season Evaluation Of Hawthorn

Star fantasy performer: Brad Sewell

Value for money fantasy performer: Jordan Lewis

Surprisingly much better than expected: Beau Dowler

Disappointment so far: Lance Franklin

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: Rick Ladson

Someone to sign now: Luke Hodge

Someone to sell now: Brendan Whitecross

Team status: top 8 contender

Hawthorn have not played as well as they would have expected, but their injuries and inconsistent players have provided opportunities for fantasy teams. Whitecross, Moss, Dowler and Muston have all made a lot of money for fantasy teams. In the second half of the season, Hodge and Franklin could be bargain buys.

AFL Fantasy News: Troy Selwood

Will miss games: It seems that M Clark could play next round, as well as Mr Drummond and several other defenders, but Brisbane's Selwood will be out of action for a while. That should help Sheldon keep his spot, and maybe they use him in a defensive midfield role like they have used Selwood at times.

Source: The Courier-Mail
Defenders Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull, Josh Drummond return to boost Brisbane Lions

The Lions will welcome back Daniel Merrett (ankle), Joel Patfull (jaw) and Josh Drummond for the round 13 clash with bottom side Melbourne at the Gabba on June 27.

However, Troy Selwood faces about six weeks on the sidelines and possibly more if the results of scans this morning show he requires a shoulder reconstruction.

Mid-Season Evaluation Of Carlton

Star fantasy performer: Chris Judd

Value for money fantasy performer: Matthew Kreuzer

Surprisingly much better than expected: Paul Bower

Disappointment so far: Chris Yarran

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: Andrew Walker

Someone to sign now: Brendan Fevola

Someone to sell now: Aaron Joseph

Team status: top 8 contender

Kreuzer has been very good for fantasy teams, he will keep his spot but his role could change a bit when R Warnock plays during the second half of the season. As it has been for many years, their forward line is just Fevola, and he has been inconsistent for fantasy teams. Most Carlton midfielders are great every game for stats.

Mid-Season Evaluation Of Brisbane

Star fantasy performer: Josh Drummond

Value for money fantasy performer: Daniel Rich

Surprisingly much better than expected: Justin Sherman

Disappointment so far: Travis Johnstone

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: Tom Rockliff

Someone to sign now: Jonathan Brown

Someone to sell now: James Polkinghorne

Team status: top 8 contender

Plenty of useful fantasy players have been provided by Brisbane although the injuries to their ruckmen and tall defenders may have made things difficult for some fantasy teams. Most would have signed Rich early and he has been a provider of fantasy points and made a lot of money. He could be a young player to keep all season. Drummond should be available next round, but see what is happening in the ruck as Clark was hurt against Hawthorn, although with the extra week off he could play.

AFL Fantasy News: Jack Ziebell

Injured: The Kangaroos are struggling and the highlight of their season so far has been Ziebell, but he could miss some games. Fantasy teams may want to trade him out, as he has made plenty of money for them. A cheap forward like Ballantyne or Rockliff could be someone to get, although the Lions are expected to get back several players so Rockliff may not debut yet.

Source: AFL site
North sweats on Ziebell scans

NORTH MELBOURNE is yet to confirm whether young gun Jack Ziebell has in fact broken the leg he injured during his side’s 44-point loss to Adelaide on Sunday.

Up to five players will be available to come back into the senior line-up. Bradd Dalziell played his first match in almost two months at the weekend, while defenders Josh Drummond (calf), Daniel Merrett (ankle) and Joel Patfull (jaw) should all be fit to tackle the Demons.

AFL Contract News: Brad Sewell

More Hawks sign new deals: While the Hawks could certainly use Ryan O'Keefe on the field at the moment, by not acquiring him they do have more money to go around. Sewell has been one of Hawthorn's best players this season, Birchall is a very consistent player who provides a lot of run from their back line, and Whitecross grabbed his chance early in the season when injuries opened a spot for him to play.

Source: Hawthorn site
Hawks commit to future

Sewell, who has established himself amongst the elite midfielders of the AFL, has committed himself for a further three years to the Club. Whilst Tasmanian-born Birchall, one of the best emerging running-half backs in the league, has also signed for a further three years.

Whitecross, who has played 10 games for the Hawks since debuting in Round 1, 2009, has committed himself for a further two years, which will see the former Zillmere player (QLD) continue his development with the Hawks which has seen him play an important defensive role for Alastair Clarkson’s side this season.

Mid-Season Evaluation Of Adelaide

Star fantasy performer: Scott Thompson

Value for money fantasy performer: Andy Otten

Surprisingly much better than expected: Kurt Tippett

Disappointment so far: Andrew McLeod

0 games but still may help fantasy teams: Greg Gallman

Someone to sign now: Scott Thompson

Someone to sell now: Patrick Dangerfield

Team status: top 8 contender

The Crows are now playing a more attacking game, much better for stats. They should continue to have a settled lineup which is helpful for fantasy coaches. Probably best to avoid their ruckmen, as Moran and Maric are not safe in their spots. Burton could be back later in the season, but the Crows will probably still go with Tippett and Walker as their main forwards.

AFL 2009 Round 12: Crows 68 - Kangaroos 24

Adelaide

Michael Doughty - 31 possessions, 7 marks, 7 tackles
Is playing very well at the moment.

Jared Petrenko - 14 possessions, 4 tackles, 4 frees for
He played as a couple of Crows missed with illness, and those numbers may have unexpectedly helped fantasy teams that had Petrenko as an emergency defender.

Jason Porplyzia - 3 goals, 20 possessions
The conditions were not the best, for the other forwards playing, but The Porpoise excelled in the wet.

Robert Shirley - 17 possessions, 6 tackles
Unlikely to do a lot for fantasy teams, it looks like he will keep his spot for a while and that may keep a more attacking Corw out of their lineup.

Brad Symes - 25 possessions, 7 marks
Hasn't been great for fantasy teams this season, those numbers showed his potential.


North Melbourne

Nathan Grima - 20 possessions, 7 marks, 5 tackles
Those who bought him cheap got a big reward in this game.

Daniel Harris - 15 possessions
The strange stuff continues at North Melbourne, Harris was brought into the team while Hale was kept out, supposedly due to the conditions.

Corey Jones - 11 possessions, 1 goal
Only a couple of years ago he was a great fantasy forward to have, but fantasy teams will want to avoid him as he isn't guaranteed to play every week now.

Brady Rawlings - 20 possessions, 5 marks, 5 tackles
One of the few Kangaroos to reach 20 possessions in this game.

Andrew Swallow - 16 possessions, 6 tackles
He has made a lot of money for fantasy teams, but with a bit of spare cash he could be upgraded now to a big fantasy superstar.

AFL 2009 Round 12: Lions 93 - Hawks 51

Brisbane

Jonathan Brown - 5 goals, 18 possessions, 6 marks, 3 frees for
Someone to consider when you trade for a big forward star.

Joel Macdonald - 25 possessions, 9 marks
There was talk he would play on one of the big Hawthorn forwards, he didn't and that helped him get stats.

Luke Power - 36 possessions, 8 marks, 10 tackles
Great numbers for fantasy AFL games.

Jason Roe - 12 possessions, 6 marks
Played great for Brisbane, if he keeps his spot in the side when Merrett and Patfull return then Roe may be able to get more stats and help fantasy teams.

Justin Sherman - 29 possessions, 2 goals
A lot more fantasy points than he was expected to get.


Hawthorn

Xavier Ellis - 33 possessions, 9 marks
Many fantasy defenders are hurt right now, he has returned from injury and this was his best game of the season so far.

Lance Franklin - 4 kicks, 1 goal
He and Roughead had only 1 goal each, not what their fantasy coaches were expecting.

Luke Hodge - 27 possessions, 3 frees against
He has an extra week of rest, that should help with any injury worries, so he should be a good signing before next round.

Jordan Lewis - 38 possessions, 8 marks, 4 frees against
Like Hodge, he gave away frees but did not receive any which takes away a few fantasy points.

Travis Tuck - 18 possessions
At least he is playing, but he isn't replicating the big round 1 game he had for stats.

AFL 2009 Round 12: Bulldogs 137 - Power 44

Western Bulldogs

Adam Cooney - 35 possessions, 5 marks
A bargain in fantasy AFL.

Daniel Cross - 30 handballs, 7 kicks, 9 marks, 5 tackles
Still preferring to handball than kick, but with so many handballs he did have a big fantasy AFL game.

Lindsay Gilbee - 20 kicks, 11 handballs, 1 goal
Did go off the ground at one point to check on a foot/leg injury but came back on and had lots of stats.

Ryan Hargrave - 29 possessions, 10 marks
Had a game that it seemed every time the Power kicked it forward it would end up with Hargrave and he would send it back the other way.

Will Minson - 3 goals, 23 possessions, 7 marks
The Bulldogs' ruckmen surprisingly had it easy against the big Power ruckmen, and then also went forward and kicked goals.


Port Adelaide

Kane Cornes - 36 possessions, 12 marks
If the Power are winning or losing, he is still getting stats.

Danny Meyer - 18 possessions, 6 tackles
Good numbers for someone with a very low fantasy price.

Daniel Motlop - 2 kicks, 1 goal
He is in a big slump at the moment.

Danyle Pearce - 9 possessions
When of those players who can either star or be nearly completely shut down by a tagger.

Toby Thurstans - 24 possessions, 7 marks
Two games in a row he has been unexpectedly great for stats.

AFL 2009 Round 12: Tigers 92 - Eagles 77

Richmond

Shane Edwards - 2 goals, 17 possessions, 6 tackles
A new coach brought a win and had Edwards playing much better for fantasy stats.

Mitch Morton - 5 goals, 3 behinds, 14 kicks, 12 marks
Must be very unlikely to be sent to the VFL now by the new coach, and his fantasy coaches will be hoping he kicks for goal every time he has the ball.

Robin Nahas - 17 possessions, 7 marks
Runs all the time and brings in useful fantasy points every game.

Richard Tambling - 28 possessions, 14 marks
Didn't have an Eagle near him for a lot of the game and the fantasy points added up quickly.

Tyrone Vickery - 1 goal, 8 possessions
Had a solid first game, fantasy coaches can watch what he does in his second, but may not be someone to sign.


West Coast

Brad Ebert - 19 possessions, 9 marks
The Eagles are likely to play him every game as they build a new midfield.

Josh Kennedy - 4 goals, 12 possessions, 7 marks
Lynch was often wandering up the ground, and that left Kennedy with the chance to take marks in front of goal.

Chris Masten - 29 possessions
A lot more of the ball than in his other games this season.

Nick Naitanui - 11 possessions, 3 marks, 7 hitouts
Provided a lot of excitement compared to the stats he recorded, if he gets more stats next round he could be someone to sign.

Matt Priddis - 33 possessions, 7 marks, 7 tackles, 1 goal
Just quietly gets a lot of fantasy points.

AFL 2009 Round 12: Saints 104 - Blues 95

St Kilda

Luke Ball - 2 frees against, 3 kicks, 14 handballs
Plenty of St Kilda onballers are running and getting many stats, Ball's game of hardness at the ball isn't as useful for fantasy teams right now.

Zac Dawson - 1 goal, 13 possessions, 8 marks
One of the bargain purchases of the season, not only keeping his spot but he kicked the goal that sealed the win in this game.

Sam Gilbert - 24 possessions, 8 marks
Back to the high stats he has had all season.

Ben McEvoy - 7 possessions, 7 hitouts
Was just the backup ruckman when teamed with King and still has the same role with Gardiner in the side, so McEvoy won't be helping fantasy teams a lot doing that.

Nick Riewoldt - 5 goals, 3 behinds, 10 marks, 15 kicks
Was expected to have a big game as Carlton need Waite to be able to contain Riewoldt.


Carlton

Jordan Bannister - 2 goals, 10 possessions
A big surprise as he goaled not once, but twice, he would be on few fantasy teams.

Paul Bower - 20 handballs, 6 kicks, 7 marks
Is now among the top fantasy defenders for stats.

Andrew Carrazzo - 26 possessions, 1 goal
It might be time to sign him soon.

Shaun Grigg - 9 kicks, 19 handballs, 1 goal
When he has played this season, and he has missed plenty of games, he has been very good for fantasy teams.

Aaron Joseph - 19 possessions, 5 tackles
A week ago it was Picken who had a lot of stats for someone who started the year at a cheap rookie price, this round Joseph was good for fantasy points.

All Footy SuperCoach Team 2009 - Round 12

Two Bulldogs have been brought in, at bargain prices compared to what they were in round 1. Gilbee in and Malceski out. Cooney in and Otten out. Otten was great for the fantasy team, if only he was position eligible as a fantasy defender he would have been one of the most popular and useful fantasy players. Malceski supposedly doesn't have problems with his knee, but he isn't the player he was before.

Next round, there will again be plenty of money to use on trades. Dale Thomas may move along, or Skipworth. Hodge might be added to the back line at a bargain price.

Bartel is captain for this round.


Chad Cornes
Andrew Mackie
Jed Adcock
David Mundy
Lindsay Gilbee
Shannon Hurn
Jack Grimes

Jimmy Bartel
Joel Corey
Daniel Cross
Paul Hasleby
Adam Cooney
Daniel Rich

Jesse White
Hamish McIntosh

Matthew Pavlich
Lance Franklin
Jonathan Brown
Hayden Skipworth
Dale Thomas
Shaun Higgins
Paul Chapman



Michael Hurley
Nick Suban

Beau Muston
Hamish Hartlett

Brad Ottens
Daniel Currie

Steele Sidebottom
Hayden Ballantyne

AFL Fantasy News: Brent Reilly

Goodwin out, probably back next round: Yesterday the Adelaide coach was talking about Goodwin being a chance to play this week, but he was ruled out and not selected, With a couple of weeks until the next Adelaide game, he should be available when they play again. Reilly might still be on a few fantasy teams that signed him at the start of the season as he had a good price, those teams will get some help this week. Fantasy teams have a few injured forwards, but if they have Taylor Walker on the bench then he can start this round, and may kick a few goals as the Kangaroos are going with a small and inexperienced back line. David Hale has kept his spot, but it looks like he is under a lot of pressure to stay in the side as Laidley has begun using more as a backup ruckman than as their main forward target.

The Lions bring back their veterans, and have their young players as emergencies. Maybe Rockliff or Redden gets to debut soon. Drummond should only miss this round. Merrett was supposed to play, but his ankle is still a problem. Tuck is still in the Hawthorn side, Schoenmakers also keeps his spot. Franklin could be at the right price now, and Hodge is nearly as cheap as he will be.

Source: AFL site

Adelaide v North Melbourne

Adelaide

B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Andy Otten
HB: Nathan van Berlo, Nathan Bock, Andrew McLeod
C: Patrick Dangerfield, Michael Doughty, David Mackay
HF: Chris Knights, Scott Stevens, Richard Douglas
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Bernie Vince
Foll: Ivan Maric, Tyson Edwards, Scott Thompson
I/C: Brad Moran, Brent Reilly, Taylor Walker, Brad Symes

Emg: James Sellar, Jared Petrenko, Tony Armstrong

In: Reilly
Out: Simon Goodwin (knee)


North Melbourne

B: Lachie Hansen, Scott Thompson, Josh Gibson
HB: Scott McMahon, Nathan Grima, Brady Rawlings
C: Gavin Urquhart, Michael Firrito, Ben Ross
HF: Jack Ziebell, Drew Petrie, Cruize Garlett
F: Corey Jones, Aaron Edwards, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Adam Simpson, Andrew Swallow
I/C: Sam Power, Daniel Pratt, David Hale, Leigh Harding

Emg: Daniel Harris, Levi Greenwood, Michael Wundke

In: Hansen, Ziebell, Jones, Garlett
Out: Matt Campbell (hamstring), Daniel Wells (hip/groin), Sam Wright (knee), Ben Warren (cheekbone)



Hawthorn v Brisbane

Hawthorn

B: Brent Guerra, Robert Campbell, Thomas Murphy
HB: Beau Muston, Luke Hodge, Grant Birchall
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Chance Bateman
HF: Ben McGlynn, Lance Franklin, Campbell Brown
F: Michael Osborne, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Simon Taylor, Brad Sewell, Xavier Ellis
I/C: Stuart Dew, Brent Renouf, Ryan Schoenmakers, Travis Tuck

Emg: Jarryd Morton, Beau Dowler, Josh Kennedy

In: Brown, Murphy
Out: Cyril Rioli (hamstring), Liam Shiels (illness)


Brisbane

B: Ashley McGrath, Tim Notting, Jed Adcock
HB: Sam Sheldon, Lachlan Henderson, Joel Macdonald
C: Albert Proud, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, James Polkinghorne
F: Rhan Hooper, Daniel Bradshaw, Luke Power
Foll: Mitch Clark, Cheynee Stiller, Justin Sherman
I/C: Jared Brennan, Scott Harding, Jason Roe, Troy Selwood

Emg: Aaron Cornelius, Jack Redden, Tom Rockliff

In: Troy Selwood, Jason Roe
Out: Josh Drummond (calf), Travis Johnstone (back)

AFL Fantasy News: Joel Bowden

The dropped Tigers: Fantasy coaches, with players like Bowden and Coughlan, will need to figure out which Tigers that were dropped are a chance to return soon. Keeping Coughlan on a fantasy team is probably the right move, Bowden is older and is a bigger risk for fantasy teams and maybe he should be traded if a great fantasy defender is available. Simmonds might be in trouble, as Richmond have the younger Pattison, Graham and Vickery playing.

Source: AFL site
Five axed Tigers have a future, says Rawlings

Bowden in particular has been getting extensive support from Richmond supporters and members on talkback radio, and Rawlings said he understood where people were coming from.

Mark Coughlan is also back at Coburg again this week, but Rawlings was quick make the point that he was still expecting the 2003 best-and-fairest winner to be playing next year.

Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide - Round 12 Teams

Western Bulldogs

B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave
HB: Lindsay Gilbee, Dale Morris, Liam Picken
C: Nathan Eagleton, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Shaun Higgins, Mitch Hahn, Brad Johnson
F: Jason Akermanis, Will Minson, Scott Welsh
Foll: Ben Hudson, Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen
I/C: Daniel Giansiracusa, Josh Hill, Robert Murphy, Callan Ward

Emg: Brennan Stack, Tim Callan, Stephen Tiller

In: Murphy, Welsh
Out: Brennan Stack, Stephen Tiller

AFL Fantasy Watch: Let Murphy drop a bit more in price. Cooney showed last week that now is the time to trade for him. Lake and Cross have lost plenty of value, so they could be players to think about signing.


Port Adelaide

B: Michael Pettigrew, Toby Thurstans, Jacob Surjan
HB: Steven Salopek, Troy Chaplin, Peter Burgoyne
C: Danny Meyer, Dom Cassisi, Tom Logan
HF: Robert Gray, Warren Tredrea, David Rodan
F: Brett Ebert, Brendon Lade, Daniel Motlop
Foll: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Marlon Motlop, Josh Carr, Matthew Westhoff, Justin Westhoff

Emg: Nick Lower, Jason Davenport, Matthew Broadbent

In: Daniel Motlop, Robbie Gray, Danny Meyer
Out: Travis Boak (knee), Alipate Carlile (virus), Nick Lower

AFL Fantasy Watch: The Power are without several of their stars. Salopek has a very affordable price right now, and watch Meyer as he has a very low fantasy price but several years of AFL experience.

Hawthorn v Brisbane - Round 12 Teams

Hawthorn

B: Brent Guerra, Robert Campbell, Thomas Murphy
HB: Beau Muston, Luke Hodge, Grant Birchall
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Chance Bateman
HF: Ben McGlynn, Lance Franklin, Campbell Brown
F: Michael Osborne, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Simon Taylor, Brad Sewell, Xavier Ellis

I/C (from): Stuart Dew, Brent Renouf, Beau Dowler, Josh Kennedy, Jarryd Morton, Ryan Schoenmakers, Travis Tuck

In: Brown, Dowler, Kennedy, Morton, Murphy
Out: Cyril Rioli (hamstring), Liam Shiels (illness)

AFL Fantasy Watch: Rioli will miss several games. If not this week, then next round would be a good time to sign Hodge.


Brisbane

B: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Jed Adcock
HB: Sam Sheldon, Lachlan Henderson, Joel Macdonald
C: Albert Proud, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, James Polkinghorne
F: Rhan Hooper, Daniel Bradshaw, Luke Power
Foll: Mitch Clark, Cheynee Stiller, Justin Sherman

I/C (from): Jared Brennan, Scott Harding, Travis Johnstone, Tim Notting, Jack Redden, Tom Rockliff, Troy Selwood

In: Troy Selwood, Daniel Merrett, Jack Redden, Tom Rockliff
Out: Josh Drummond (calf)

AFL Fantasy Watch: Big Merrett is back, he won't get stats but his inclusion could allow other Lions to get more. Check tomorrow to see if the Lions will play a new player.

Carlton v St Kilda - Round 12 Teams

Carlton

B: Dennis Armfield, Bret Thornton, Steven Browne
HB: Paul Bower, Michael Jamison, Nick Stevens
C: Kade Simpson, Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Carrazzo
HF: Marc Murphy, Setanta O’hAilpin, Ryan Houlihan
F: Eddie Betts, Brendan Fevola, Shaun Hampson
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Chris Judd, Aaron Joseph
I/C: Jordan Bannister, Jeff Garlett, Shaun Grigg, Heath Scotland

Emg: Mark Austin, Brad Fisher, Mitch Robinson

In: Bannister
Out: Brad Fisher

AFL Fantasy Watch: Bannister isn't someone for fantasy teams, he was just added to play on Dal Santo, Montagna or maybe Milne. Some of the Blues' onballers will still get their high stats, but it is risky making one of them captain this week as some of them could also be shut down.


St Kilda

B: Jason Blake, Max Hudghton, Zac Dawson
HB: Steven Baker, Sam Fisher, Brendon Goddard
C: Farren Ray, Luke Ball, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Jason Gram, Nick Riewoldt, Adam Schneider
F: Lenny Hayes, Justin Koschitzke, Stephen Milne
Foll: Michael Gardiner, Clint Jones, Leigh Montagna
I/C: Jarryn Geary, Sam Gilbert, Ben McEvoy, Andrew McQualter

Emg: Raphael Clarke, David Armitage, James Gwilt

In: Gilbert, Gardiner, Milne
Out: Steven King (susp), Raphael Clarke, James Gwilt

AFL Fantasy Watch: King will miss plenty of games with his suspension. The Saints again go with Hudghton, Blake and Dawson together in the back line, that is good for fantasy teams with Dawson, but the Blues only have one or two bigger marking forwards so the Saints may be sitting one of their defenders or using Blake as a midfield tagger. Riewoldt and Koschitzke are both in form and playing against a team that doesn't have a great tall defender, with Waite out.

Adelaide v North Melbourne - Round 12 Teams

Adelaide

B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Andy Otten
HB: Nathan van Berlo, Nathan Bock, Andrew McLeod
C: Patrick Dangerfield, Michael Doughty, David Mackay
HF: Chris Knights, Scott Stevens, Richard Douglas
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Bernie Vince
R: Ivan Maric, Tyson Edwards, Scott Thompson

I/C (from): Brad Moran, Brent Reilly, Taylor Walker, Brad Symes, James Sellar, Jared Petrenko, Tony Armstrong

In: Reilly, Armstrong, Petrenko, Sellar
Out: Simon Goodwin (knee)

AFL Fantasy Watch: Goodwin is expected to only miss this round. Tippett or Walker could again kick a bunch of goals, they are marking strongly and the Crows are playing quicker and getting more football up forward.


North Melbourne

B: Lachie Hansen, Scott Thompson, Josh Gibson
HB: Scott McMahon, Nathan Grima, Brady Rawlings
C: Gavin Urquhart, Michael Firrito, Ben Ross
HF: Jack Ziebell, Drew Petrie, Cruize Garlett
F: Corey Jones, Aaron Edwards, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Adam Simpson, Andrew Swallow

I/C (from): Daniel Harris, Sam Power, Levi Greenwood, Daniel Pratt, David Hale, Michael Wundke, Leigh Harding

In: Harris, Hansen, Ziebell, Jones, Greenwood, Garlett, Wundke
Out: Matt Campbell (hamstring), Daniel Wells (hip/groin), Sam Wright (knee), Ben Warren (cheekbone)

AFL Fantasy Watch: The Kangaroos keep going down, partly due to injuries and partly due to their coach. Both of those things can hurt fantasy teams. Grima keeps his spot, and Wundke could be a cheap player for fantasy teams.

Richmond v West Coast - Round 12 Teams

Richmond

B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Dean Polo
HB: Shane Edwards, Luke McGuane, Will Thursfield
C: Andrew Collins, Shane Tuck, Brett Deledio
HF: Richard Tambling, Jack Riewoldt, Ben Cousins
F: Adam Pattison, Mitch Morton, Robin Nahas
Foll: Angus Graham, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Trent Cotchin, Tom Hislop, Alex Rance, Tyrone Vickery

Emg: Jake King, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, Adam Thomson

In: Vickery, Edwards, Nahas, Graham, Hislop
Out: Joel Bowden, Troy Simmonds, Mark Coughlan, Jordan McMahon, Kayne Pettifer

AFL Fantasy Watch: Out with the old, and in with the new. All the players dropped have been able to get a lot of fantasy points in the past, but with Richmond changing things and starting again they may not play a lot more this season. Give Vickery a game or two, and if he is playing well he could be someone to sign.


West Coast

B: Matt Spangher, Darren Glass, David Wirrpanda
HB: Adam Selwood, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Mark Nicoski, Daniel Kerr, Matt Rosa
HF: Chris Masten, Josh Kennedy, Scott Selwood
F: Nic Naitanui, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Brad Ebert
I/C: Mitch Brown, Jamie McNamara, Tyson Stenglein, Tom Swift

Emg: Chad Fletcher, Tim Houlihan, Beau Wilkes

In: Kerr, Naitanui, Wirrpanda
Out: Andrew Embley (ankle), Adam Hunter (shoulder), Ben McKinley

AFL Fantasy Watch: Kerr is back, sometimes he gets a lot of the ball and other times he gets injuries and suspensions, and will probably have to deal with Dr Daniel Jackson in this game. Cox may get some help from Naitanui, but Cox will still get a lot of stats against the inexperienced Richmond ruckmen. Naitanui is also a player to watch. Swift is playing, someone who could be a good signing, if you want to send out a midfielder for some money.

AFL Fantasy News: Shaun Burgoyne

Port Adelaide's injured onballers: Several of the Power players who are usually fantasy stars are injured at the moment, but that is allowing other players to get more stats. K Cornes and Salopek will continue to have a lot of the ball but last round Thurstans had great stats and this round other players could surprise.

Source: Fox Sports
Port Adelaide star Shaun Burgoyne's future in doubt with bone bruising

Port is unable to predict when Burgoyne will resume in the AFL.

Fellow midfielder Travis Boak joined the Power injury list this week and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a strained medial ligament in his right knee.

AFL Contract News: Patrick Ryder

Knight's Ryder: The Bombers tried Ryder in several spots early in his career but it was a move to centre half back that really got him playing well. Now with injuries to all the other ruckmen at Essendon, he is having his best season, as a very mobile and athletic ruckman.

Source: Essendonfc site
Ryder signs three-year contract

In a massive boost for Essendon, gun young ruckman Paddy Ryder has agreed to terms for a new three-year contract.

Ryder said he is enjoying being the No.1 Bomber ruckman but says he is looking forward to having David Hille back in the side next season.

AFL Fantasy News: Patrick Veszpremi

Sydney's young players: Veszpremi kicked 4 goals in the last AFL-ACT round so he could be playing for Sydney at AFL level again soon. His price is very good, so he should be a bargain.

Sydney fans have been waiting to see D O'Keefe for a long time. He kicked 6 goals for the Sydney reserves, so maybe the cheap fantasy player will get a spot in their AFL side at some point.

Source: Sydney site
Swans may opt for youth

Patrick Veszpremi, Lewis Johnston, Nick Smith, Tim Schmidt and Matthew Laidlaw have all had interrupted seasons through injury and Brett Meredith, who played seven senior games, will miss the rest of the season with a broken arm.

Roos said it was difficult to assess the worth of several of those players without seeing them at AFL level – a situation compounded by the need to maximise the club’s access to this year’s draft.

AFL Fantasy News: Tyrone Vickery

To the forward line: Fantasy coaches can evaluate Vickery for a couple of games, and if he kicks a few goals and is marking well he might be someone to add to a fantasy team. A top 10 pick, so Vickery isn't at a very cheap price, compared to Ballantyne and other fantasy forwards.

Source: Richmond site
Draftee Vickery to make his debut

"He started the season slowly with a few games in the Coburg reserves and then found his feet at senior level. His first breakout game from our point-of-view was against Box Hill on Anzac Day – he kicked 3.5 that day and really presented well and showed he can play at senior level.

"He'll probably play both positions this week, similar to the role he's been playing at Coburg," said Monaghan.

AFL Fantasy News: Brent Harvey

Close to a return: When he was playing earlier in the season, and not getting the stats that were expected, Harvey was a problem for fantasy teams. But when he returns, and plays a couple of games which will lower his price, he could become a great bargain signing who will really help fantasy teams.

Maybe a month from now, a fantasy team could turn Ziebell and a little extra money into B Harvey. T Walker or Krakouer or Skipworth could be other fantasy forwards who could be traded out for Harvey. Or maybe Sidebottom has made all his money by then, and upgrading to Harvey won’t cost a lot.

Source: Fox Sports
North Melbourne captain Brent Harvey hopes to return after mid-season break

North Melbourne captain Brent Harvey has set himself to return ahead of schedule in the club's first game after the mid-season break.

Harvey is hoping to get medical clearance on his repaired left elbow to lead the Kangaroos against Western Bulldogs at the MCG on June 28.

AFL Fantasy News: Jesse W Smith

Playing soon: On the recent injured lists from the clubs, J W Smith is said to be only 1 or 2 weeks away. With a few games in the VFL to prepare, Smith could play 5 to 7 AFL games.

If he shows he is healthy, a fantasy team could bring him into their back line at a bargain price.

AFL Fantasy News: Robbie Tarrant

Always injured: Next year, Tarrant could be a bargain fantasy player to have on the bench when the season starts. he won't be playing this year.

Source: North Melbourne site
Tarrant out for up to three months

LUCKLESS North Melbourne key position prospect Robbie Tarrant will miss the rest of the home and away season, the club has confirmed.

Tarrant has a shocking history with shoulder injuries, having already had three reconstructions in three years.

AFL Fantasy News: Kane Johnson

The first to go, maybe a few more follow: Unlikely to mean a lot to fantasy coaches, if they have Kane Johnson on their team at the moment they are probably not doing too well in the competitions, but Johnson has retired and there could be other old Tigers that do the same. If the Tigers really wanted to rebuild, they would get rid of all the players older than Newman, with maybe three exceptions.

Fantasy coaches should just wait a round or two and see what Richmond do, as there could be a cheap player in fantasy AFL that gets a chance with the Tigers now as they look to the future.

Source: AFL site
Knee injury forces Johnson to retire

Johnson said with the appointment of new coach Jade Rawlings over the weekend the time was right to announce his retirement.

“It is the start of a new era at the club and as I had no intention of playing on next year, the timing was right to step aside and play some of the new generation of players.

AFL Fantasy News: Steven King

It's McEvoy Month: The King hit has sent St Kilda's number 1 ruckman out for four games, so Gardiner will return to the lineup and McEvoy probably keeps his spot too. Those who went with McEvoy on their bench at the start of the season could get some unexpected help. Fantasy coaches with King, will probably look to trade him out for a solid fantasy ruckman, or to save money maybe Naitanui will be an option.

Source: Fox Sports
St Kilda ruckman Steven King accepts a four-week ban for off-the-ball hit

By taking the early guilty plea, he will miss the unbeaten Saints' next four games, including the eagerly-awaited top of the table clash against his former team Geelong on July 5.

Essendon ruckman Paddy Ryder will risk a two-week suspension at the tribunal when he contests a rough conduct offence against Adelaide youngster Patrick Dangerfield.

Not Eliminated, Yet.

Bartel was the captain this round. It was going to be him or Ablett, as the other team didn't have those star Cats but they had plenty of other stars from Geelong. Bartel was chosen because Ablett was injured a bit last week. Bartel was great, but of course Ablett would have been much better.

With trades running low, a big star was someone to get. Ziebell was sent out, not because of the illness doubts about him playing but the possibility he could have a bad game against a great team. The plan was for Krakouer to become Ballantyne in the future, and with Krakouer out this round his price wouldn't move down. N Riewoldt was the player to bring in. Muston joined the team for the money, so Coughlan had to go. Trading out Hartlett, or Cockie, would not have freed up enough money for N Riewoldt. Riewoldt was nearly made captain, the idea there was he would have the roof but they didn't actually close it for the game. The reason he wasn't captain was the possibility of Petrie playing on him or, even worse for stats, playing 15m in front of him as a double team. Laidley didn't think of something like that, and kept two short defenders on Riewoldt and Koschitzke during the match.

Hodge returning helped offset the loss of C Cornes. If Embley is out this round, the team could be in trouble. If Goodwin has to miss a game there is a forward or two on the bench who are ready to play, but unless Raines returns the back line will struggle if Embley is out.

Entering this round, Hodge had the lowest Dream Team average of the seven starters in the back line here. An odd stat that won't stay that way.

Not that these plans will happen, as things can quickly change for fantasy teams, but Krakouer out for Ballantyne probably happens soon and that extra money can buy another star onballer. Maybe Hartlett makes some more money and is traded for a star, which would put Muston on the bench, or maybe Rich sometimes.

Luke Hodge
Sam Fisher
Jed Adcock
Andrew Embley
Greg Broughton
Jack Grimes
Chris Newman

Beau Muston
Jimmy Bartel
Sam Mitchell
Paul Hasleby
Daniel Rich
Gary Ablett

Dean Cox
Darren Jolly

Shaun Higgins
Matthew Pavlich
Simon Goodwin
Nick Riewoldt
Brett Deledio
Ryan O'Keefe
Alwyn Davey



Andrew Raines
Chad Cornes

Hamish Hartlett
Adam Cockie

Daniel Currie
Jake Spencer

Nathan Krakouer
Taylor Walker

AFL Fantasy News: Josh Drummond

Out this round: Fantasy teams with Mr Drummond will want to keep him as he will miss this round, but should be back next time the Lions play.

Source: Brisbane site
In-form Drummond out of Hawks clash

REBOUNDING Lions defender Josh Drummond will miss Sunday’s clash with Hawthorn due to a calf strain sustained in the first quarter against Carlton at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Coach Michael Voss says he still has no idea how the injury happened, but that Drummond has been walking around freely and the damage is relatively minor.

AFL Fantasy News: Ben Warren

North Melbourne injuries: R Tarrant is probably out for the year, Wright could mis some games, and Ben Warren will be out too. Ziebell should be back, although he is at a price where trading him out for the money he has made could be a good move.

Source: The Age
Roos to lose Warren for two AFL games

A fractured cheekbone is likely to sideline young North Melbourne forward Ben Warren for at least the next two AFL games.

Simpson (calf), defender Daniel Pratt (calf), midfielder Daniel Wells (hip), young gun Jack Ziebell (illness) and Sam Power (concussion) are all expected to be available.

AFL Fantasy News: Andrew Embley

Doubtful: Embley was hurt in the game against the Cats and was not able to return to the field. It looks like me may miss this week, but wait until Thursday as he may be named. Those wanting to trade for Embley can wait another round, which is actually two weeks, and he should be a good signing and much healthier then.

Shuey was on the long-term injury list not long ago and has another injury that could qualify for that again. This isn't important to Cockie as the Eagles can play him if they want to, with the new rookie rules, but it could also open up another spot for a cheap for fantasy rookie at West Coast.

Source: The West Australian
Shuey's injury woes continue

West Coast youngster Luke Shuey has suffered another injury setback, with the talented 19-year-old set to spend the next six to eight weeks on the sidelines with a fractured leg.

But Andrew Embley is facing a race against time after injuring his ankle against the Cats.

Fantasy Player Of The Week - Round 11

Gary Ablett

He was injured late in the game the previous week, and the Cats were playing away against the Eagles, A Selwood was also in good form this year and was Ablett's opponent. None of that mattered, as Ablett kept getting the ball. He has an extra week of rest now, before he returns to Subiaco where a big game against the Dockers is expected.


Bargain Performer Of The Week

Scott Lucas

It has taken a while, and his fantasy price has also dropped along the way, but Lucas had a big game for the fantasy coaches that kept him around. Goals and possessions, his fantasy coaches would have been pleased with either of them but Lucas had a bunch of stats in both categories.

AFL Fantasy News: Nick Naitanui

Ready to debut: Fantasy teams could get half a season of games from Naitanui, it is best to wait a game or two to be sure but some fantasy coaches may want to try something different to get their team playing better and could trade in Naitanui for a more expensive ruckman. This could be a way to free up some money to use.

Dean Cox will still play a lot of minutes, but Naitanui can be used in nearly every position on the ground by West Coast and not just as a backup ruckman. Hitouts, handballs and tackles are expected from Naitanui, if he can get a few goals as he has in the WAFL that would be a bonus. In SuperCoach, Naitanui may be a good player for contested possessions.

Source: West Coast site
Strong WAFL form continues

Adam Cockie: Was hard and aggressive all game and tried to physically impose himself on the game. Occasionally his disposal was a little askew, but his work rate was high.

Nic Naitanui: The agile big man split his time between ruck and full forward and was possibly the most influential player on the ground. He tackled with purpose, had 21 hit outs and his work at ground level were very good. Finished off his work with four goals.

AFL 2009 Round 11: Magpies 126 - Demons 60

Collingwood

Travis Cloke - 20 possessions, 7 marks, 1 goal
A lot better than some of his games earlier in the season, although he was helped here by playing Melbourne.

Brad Dick - 5 goals, 16 possessions, 5 marks
Kicking that many goals should see him stay in the Collingwood side for a while, which is good news for fantasy teams that signed him.

Scott Pendlebury - 39 possessions, 11 marks, 1 goal
Melbourne couldn't stop anyone, as Davis and Swan both had 21 kicks like Pendlebury did.

Heath Shaw - 30 possessions, 10 marks
Was without an opponent at times, and that always helps for fantasy points.

Steele Sidebottom - 18 possessions, 1 goal
As long as he keeps his spot he will help fantasy teams, but there are several Magpies trying to get back into the side.


Melbourne

Kyle Cheney - 16 possessions, 4 marks, 4 tackles
His fantasy points would have been important to teams that had to start him due to injuries in their back lines.

Jack Grimes - 18 possessions, 6 marks
Price will continue to rise.

Russell Robertson - 1 goal, 3 behinds
Not a good choice for fantasy teams at the moment.

Jack Watts - 8 possessions, 1 behind
Probably not someone to add to fantasy teams, but wait and see what he does next game.

Matthew Whelan - 7 possessions
Could lose his spot if Melbourne decide to play more youth, and they also have the veteran Wheatley who could be in the team soon too.

AFL 2009 Round 11: Cats 99 - Eagles 77

Geelong

Gary Ablett - 43 possessions, 10 marks, 3 tackles, 2 goals
Had a minor injury last round and wasn't expected to be at his best this round, so expect over 50 possessions when he plays again in two weeks.

Paul Chapman - 23 possessions, 3 goals
Some fantasy coaches think he misses a few games with injuries, others think he is one of the best fantasy forwards, they are both right but at the moment his finger isn't a problem and he is producing fantasy points.

Corey Enright - 26 possessions, 6 marks
Might have been traded for this past week as fantasy teams replaced injured defenders, it looks like he was a good player to get.

Cameron Ling - 26 possessions, 9 tackles, 4 frees for
Didn't give away any frees so he had a big fantasy game.

Travis Varcoe - 23 possessions
Maybe four players are under pressure to keep their spot in the Geelong side, but Varcoe is not one of those players now.


West Coast

Dean Cox - 30 possessions, 32 hitouts, 7 marks, 1 goal
Whoever was criticizing him during the week had no idea, Cox was great in the middle and also went back to help and kicked a goal up forward too.

Brad Ebert - 16 possessions, 9 tackles, 4 frees for
Hasn't played as often as expected, he should be a regular in their side for the rest of the season.

Adam Hunter - 26 possessions
A few weeks ago they were writing about his career being over, and now he is running around getting over 20 possessions.

Jamie McNamara - 17 possessions
Maybe they drop him for his great play of winning the ball and sprinting along the wing and sending the ball into the 50 and setting up a goal, he went the wrong way.

Tom Swift - 13 possessions
If the Eagles decide they may as well keep playing Swift, then fantasy teams might decide to invest in him too.

AFL 2009 Round 11: Hawks 86 - Swans 75

Hawthorn

Lance Franklin - 17 possessions, 9 marks, 3 goals
Good numbers from him, and considering he did it against Sydney it should mean he is about to hit top form.

Luke Hodge - 23 possessions
The Hawks had two players who were late withdrawals but he wasn't one of them, and had a solid game for fantasy teams.

Brad Sewell - 24 possessions, 5 tackles, 3 frees for, 5 frees against
The umpires' whistles added some fantasy points and also took away a few.

Travis Tuck - 18 possessions, 5 marks
Wasn't expected to play, so fantasy teams who had the Hawthorn emergency as their midfield emergency may have received some bonus fantasy points.

Mark Williams - 3 goals, 11 kicks, 7 marks, 4 tackles
Doesn't do this consistently enough now, so he is a risk for fantasy teams.


Sydney

Adam Goodes - 23 possessions, 8 tackles, 3 goals, 3 behinds
Unstoppable over the last month or so.

Barry Hall - 2 goals, 4 frees against
Didn't receive any free kicks, so when he has an angry game it can mean his fantasy points take a hit.

Darren Jolly - 17 possessions, 35 hitouts, 1 goal
One of the best and most consistent of the fantasy ruckmen this year.

Marty Mattner - 15 kicks, 4 handballs, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 1 goal
At his best when he is running and kicking, so a very good kick to handball ratio here.

Ryan O'Keefe - 26 possessions, 6 marks, 6 tackles
Nobody can remember the quiet games he had early in the season, as he gets a lot of the ball in the middle every game now.

AFL 2009 Round 11: Crows 130 - Bombers 114

Adelaide

Tyson Edwards - 41 possessions, 8 marks, 10 tackles
Certainly as good now as he was at any point in his career.

Chris Knights - 5 goals, 22 possessions, 5 marks
If only they had bonus fantasy points for how long the goal was, he is regularly kicking them from over 60m away.

Scott Thompson - 33 possessions
Getting a lot of possessions in every game.

Kurt Tippett - 7 goals, 11 kicks, 9 marks, 10 hitouts, 4 tackles
His best game ever, and with him and Walker up forward the Crows now have a real attack, and Burton isn't far away from a comeback too.

Bernie Vince - 36 possessions
The Crows have decided to play in a higher gear and Vince is someone who can play that way.


Essendon

Scott Lucas - 4 goals, 18 possessions
was on the bench, up forward, a bit in the ruck, and maybe had some time playing as a defender, Essendon won't send him back to the VFL now.

Mark McVeigh - 18 possessions, 1 goal
Played a lot better this week, but will be much cheaper to sign if you wait several more games.

Brent Prismall - 19 possessions, 6 tackles
Wasn't fast to begin with so the knee injury didn't affect that part of his game, see what he does next round but there isn't a reason to rush out and trade for him.

Kyle Reimers - 9 possessions, 1 goal
The bright boots are back so he is easy to spot out on the field, he can be useful for fantasy teams but that could be a month away as his price goes down.

Hayden Skipworth - 21 possessions, 5 tackles, 2 goals
Those who waited for him to return and kept him on the bench when he was out injured got a good game here.

AFL 2009 Round 11: Power 94 - Dockers 70

Port Adelaide

Josh Carr - 21 possessions
Most of that was handballs, but it was still a solid game against his former team.

Kane Cornes - 34 possessions
Did a lot, and for the second season in a row he is the better Cornes for fantasy teams.

David Rodan - 19 possessions, 3 goals
His spot in the Power side is under pressure, but he was great here in less than perfect conditions.

Toby Thurstans - 24 possessions
Same hairstyle as Chad Cornes, but similar stats to him was not expected.

Justin Westhoff - 13 kicks, 10 marks, 2 goals
There was only one Cornes, Burgoyne and Motlop out there, but there were two Westhoffs and they combined for 30 possessions.


Fremantle

Greg Broughton - 22 possessions
Was handballing all the time in the first half, started kicking more in the second half.

Clancee Pearce - 16 possessions, 1 goal
Wasn't a bad first game of AFL, he needs to play another game and be named for a third before he is a somewhat safe fantasy choice.

Dean Solomon - 15 possessions, 9 tackles, 1 goal
When he first joined the Dockers, his tackling brought in enough fantasy points that he was a useful player, he had a lot of tackles in this game.

Nick Suban - 11 kicks, 3 handballs, 3 tackles
Seemed to be more in the action than the stats say, importantly he kicked a lot of the time when he did have the ball.

Michael Walters - 14 possessions, 6 marks, 1 goal
Ballantyne missed as he wasn't ready after a minor injury in the WAFL, he should debut next week and the debut of Walters in this game would have interested fantasy coaches.

AFL 2009 Round 11: Blues 112 - Lions 106

Carlton

Dennis Armfield - 22 possessions
Looks to have won a regular spot in their side.

Andrw Carrazzo - 17 possessions, 1 goal
Wait a few more games for a better fantasy price and then think about signing him.

Brendan Fevola - 8 goals, 16 kicks, 8 marks
The Lions were without their usual back line, but Fevola also rediscovered his accuracy in front of goal.

Chris Judd - 28 possessions, 5 tackles, 1 goal
A safe choice as fantasy captain most weeks.

Heath Scotland - 26 possessions, 1 goal
He hasn't had a good year so far, these are more like the numbers he used to have when he was a fantasy star.


Brisbane

Simon Black - 33 possessions
A lot of stats, even though Carlton tried to contain him.

Josh Drummond - 0 kicks
Big fantasy scores usually occur but he also can get injured, he was hurt very early in this game.

Lachlan Henderson - 14 possessions, 9 marks
With their backmen out, Henderson stepped up.

Rhan Hooper - 3 frees against, 4 possessions
There can be games when he has multiple goals, but he is too risky for fantasy teams to have.

Sam Sheldon - 14 possessions
Has been an underrated investment for fantasy teams.

AFL 2009 Round 11: Saints 103 - Kangaroos 57

St Kilda

Jason Gram - 31 possessions, 1 goal
If you are not worried that the Saints could unexpectedly drop him again, he is a good signing.

Lenny Hayes - 32 possessions, 8 tackles
Keeps getting the ball.

Max Hudghton - 11 possessions
You don't want him on your fantasy team.

Justin Koschitzke - 6 goals, 11 kicks, 10 marks
Too big for the Kangaroos.

Nick Riewoldt - 3 goals, 15 kicks, 14 marks
Costs a lot but he keeps running and taking marks.


North Melbourne

Nathan Grima - 16 possessions, 9 marks, 5 tackles
Didn't seem to play with a lot of poise, but he got stats and for his price he was very useful for fantasy teams.

Hamish McIntosh - 40 hitouts, 8 possessions
Might have been one of the Kangaroos who was ill this week, Ziebell was a late withdrawal because of illness.

Sam Power - 7 possessions
One of several injured Kangaroos.

Lindsay Thomas - 12 kicks, 7 tackles, 1 goal
Doesn't have a big price in fantasy AFL.

Daniel Wells - 18 possessions
Started great as the Kangaroos kept feeding him the ball, but then went quiet and finally off injured.

AFL Fantasy News: Steele Sidebottom

Collingwood and Melbourne teams for Monday: Sidebottom will continue to make money for fantasy teams, he will be playing on Monday. Cheney is back for Melbourne, that could be useful for fantasy teams missing defenders.

Source: AFL site

Melbourne v Collingwood

Melbourne

B: Matthew Whelan, Matthew Warnock, Daniel Bell
HB: James Frawley, Jared Rivers, Aaron Davey
C: Jack Grimes, Cale Morton, Brock McLean
HF: Colin Sylvia, Russell Robertson, Jack Watts
F: Brad Green, Matthew Bate, Cameron Bruce
Foll: Mark Jamar, Brent Moloney, James McDonald
I/C: Paul Johnson, Addam Maric, Nathan Jones, Kyle Cheney

Emg: Jamie Bennell, Lynden Dunn, Michael Newton

In: Robertson, Watts, Cheney
Out: Brad Miller, Stefan Martin, Bennell


Collingwood

B: Harry O’Brien, Simon Prestigiacomo, Shannon Cox
HB: Nick Maxwell, Leigh Brown, Sharrod Wellingham
C: Brad Dick, Tarkyn Lockyer, Dale Thomas
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Travis Cloke, Leon Davis
F: Alan Didak, John Anthony, Heath Shaw
Foll: Josh Fraser, Dane Swan, Shane O’Bree
I/C: Nathan Brown, Martin Clarke, Steele Sidebottom, Alan Toovey

Emg: Paul Medhurst, Ben Reid, Cameron Wood

In: Travis Cloke
Out: Wood

AFL 2009 Round 11: Bulldogs 157 - Tigers 89

Western Bulldogs

Adam Cooney - 33 possessions, 1 goal
Signing him before the lockout would have been great, but maybe next week he is someone to still trade for.

Jarrod Harbrow - 28 possessions, 6 marks
Sort of reinvented as a small defender and it is keeping him on the field more and bringing in more stats.

Shaun Higgins - 20 possessions, 8 marks, 3 goals
A couple of big games in the past two rounds.

Brian Lake - 17 possessions, 7 marks
His fantasy price is a lot lower than it was at the start of the season.

Brennan Stack - 8 possessions
His first game, unlikely to play a lot as the Bulldogs do have several players to put back in the side.


Richmond

Joel Bowden - 32 possessions, 8 marks
Can be great for fantasy teams, as he was in this game, but the new coach could decide he is the first one that needs to be out of the side as they build a future contender.

Trent Cotchin - 21 possessions, 4 frees for
Someone to sign who doesn't cost a lot compared to their potential.

Daniel Jackson - 30 possessions, 8 marks, 8 tackles
He can bring in big stats, and is a bargain in the Fox Sports fantasy game.

Chris Newman - 25 possessions
Had a bad game when there was the report about Wallace going a few weeks ago, but has since put together two great games.

Alex Rance - 11 handballs
The important thing is he is back on the field, and in his next game he will be improved and most likely kick the ball a few times.

AFL Fantasy News: Cameron Ling

After Priddis: There are some players like Ling, Kirk and even Picken who hurt fantasy teams as they shut down midfield stars. This week it could be Priddis who struggles to reach his usual numbers if Ling is concentrating on slowing him down.

Source: The Age
Ling ponders which Eagle to torment

But with Kerr out of the picture this weekend and Cousins and Chris Judd no longer at West Coast, Ling admits he has been left with no clear-cut opponent to shut down.

"I don't know who the coaches will look at getting me to go over to now," Ling said.

AFL Contract News: Brad Ebert

Power powerless: Port Adelaide will be waiting a bit longer, or maybe they never get him. Ebert is staying with the Eagles.

Source: West Coast site
Young gun Ebert re-signs

Ebert, secured with selection 13 in the 2007 national draft, re-signed with the club this week. (As is club policy, the West Coast Eagles will not disclose any details of the new contract, including the length of the new deal.)

“I am very happy to get the opportunity to extend my career with the West Coast Eagles,” Ebert said. “It is an exciting time at the club and with such a young list, we are all looking forward to achieving big things together.

All Footy SuperCoach Team 2009 - Round 11

There have been a few injuries and several choices that didn't work, like Josh Smith and Chris Masten, so the SuperCoach team has been coasting along for the first half of the season. Trades being conserved, and players on the bench have been making money.

The second half of the season will be about bringing in a lot of stars, finishing the season strong, and maybe getting high in the standings for a round. Muston and Ballantyne have joined the team this week, which has created a lot of extra money as Masten and Ziebell are out.

Pavlich is captain, and Ballantyne will start this round. Corey is also listed to start, but Muston is the emergency midfielder ready to play if Corey stays out of the Geelong side.

Skipworth probably leaves next week, replaced by a star forward. Malceski or Suban will move along and a very good defender probably joins the team too. C Cornes will sit on the bench until he returns.


Chad Cornes
Andrew Mackie
Jed Adcock
David Mundy
Nick Malceski
Shannon Hurn
Jack Grimes

Jimmy Bartel
Joel Corey
Daniel Cross
Paul Hasleby
Andy Otten
Daniel Rich

Jesse White
Hamish McIntosh

Matthew Pavlich
Lance Franklin
Jonathan Brown
Hayden Ballantyne
Dale Thomas
Shaun Higgins
Paul Chapman



Michael Hurley
Nick Suban

Beau Muston
Hamish Hartlett

Brad Ottens
Daniel Currie

Steele Sidebottom
Hayden Skipworth

AFL Fantasy News: Hayden Skipworth

Former Crow to play Adelaide: Skipworth is playing this round for the Bombers, it is getting to the time when he could be traded out after making a good amount of money. Lucas returns, probably best to avoid him in fantasy AFL. Give Prismall a couple of games to evaluate him, he isn't cheap, and his exact role and playing time for the Bombers is unknown. Petrenko didn't get back in for the Crows, so there isn't a real reason for fantasy teams to hold onto him. Dangerfield is also someone that fantasy teams may move out for a cheaper option.

Corey and Rooke, who have injuries, are named as emergency players. A fantasy team may still want to start Corey, and have an emergency onballer ready to play too. Djerrkura probably plays game two, game three may or may not happen as the Cats don't have many other players who will step aside for Corey and others when they are playing. Priddis could be back with a lot of stats, although if Ling is standing beside him when the game starts it could mean his fantasy points take a hit. Mitch Brown continues to hold his spot in the West Coast side, for those who bought him at the start of the season he has been a useful emergency player and has made some money.

It could be good timing, fantasy coaches can send out Whitecross and bring in Muston. Hodge is in the side, although some think he won't play. Shiels keeps his spot this week. Sydney have a very settled team, just a small change this week. Bird can probably score more fantasy points than Ablett, although neither of them would be on many fantasy teams.

The Power's H Hartlett won't play this round, Port Adelaide say he is ill.

Source: AFL site

Essendon

B: Courtenay Dempsey, Tayte Pears, Mark McVeigh
HB: Brent Stanton, Adam McPhee, Cale Hooker
C: Ricky Dyson, Heath Hocking, Kyle Reimers
HF: Angus Monfries, Jay Neagle, Andrew Lovett
F: Alwyn Davey, Matthew Lloyd, Sam Lonergan
Foll: Patrick Ryder, Jobe Watson, Brent Prismall
I/C: David Zaharakis, Bachar Houli, Scott Lucas, Hayden Skipworth

Emg: Leroy Jetta, Tyson Slattery, Darcy Daniher

In: Dempsey, Lucas, Prismall, Reimers
Out: Henry Slattery (hamstring), Jason Winderlich (ankle), Tom Bellchambers (knee), Leroy Jetta


Adelaide

B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Andy Otten
HB: Michael Doughty, Nathan Bock, Andrew McLeod
C: Chris Knights, Simon Goodwin, David Mackay
HF: Nathan van Berlo, Kurt Tippett, Bernie Vince
F: Jason Porplyzia, Taylor Walker, Scott Stevens
Foll: Brad Moran, Tyson Edwards, Scott Thompson
I/C: Brad Symes, Ivan Maric, Richard Douglas, Patrick Dangerfield

Emg: Jared Petrenko, Brent Reilly, James Sellar



West Coast v Geelong

West Coast

B: Mark Nicoski, Darren Glass, Shannon Hurn
HB: Andrew Embley, Eric Mackenzie, Adam Selwood
C: Matt Rosa, Tom Swift, Tyson Stenglein
HF: Jamie McNamara, Josh Kennedy, Scott Selwood
F: Ben McKinley, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Chris Masten, Brad Ebert
I/C: Mitch Brown, Adam Hunter, Matt Spangher, Matt Priddis

Emg: Chad Fletcher, Tim Houlihan, Mark Seaby

In: Priddis, Spangher
Out: Daniel Kerr (susp), David Wirrpanda (hamstring)


Geelong

B: Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Corey Enright, Tom Lonergan, James Kelly
C: Steve Johnson, Gary Ablett, Travis Varcoe
HF: Jimmy Bartel, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
F: Paul Chapman, Cameron Mooney, Shannon Byrnes
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Cameron Ling
I/C: Ryan Gamble, Shane Mumford, David Wojcinski, Nathan Djerrkura

Emg: David Johnson, Max Rooke, Joel Corey

In: Lonergan, Stokes, Gamble, Chapman
Out: Harry Taylor (ankle), Tom Harley (hamstring), Max Rooke, David Johnson



Hawthorn v Sydney

Hawthorn

B: Brent Guerra, Thomas Murphy, Campbell Brown
HB: Xavier Ellis, Luke Hodge, Grant Birchall
C: Beau Muston, Sam Mitchell, Liam Shiels
HF: Chance Bateman, Lance Franklin, Ben McGlynn
F: Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Michael Osborne
Foll: Simon Taylor, Brad Sewell, Jordan Lewis
I/C: Robert Campbell, Stuart Dew, Brent Renouf, Mark Williams

Emg: Jarryd Morton, Travis Tuck, Brendan Whitecross

In: Hodge, Renouf
Out: Jarryd Morton, Brendan Whitecross


Sydney

B: Craig Bolton, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Martin Mattner
HB: Rhyce Shaw, Ted Richards, Jared Crouch
C: Adam Goodes, Brett Kirk, Amon Buchanan
HF: Paul Bevan, Ryan O’Keefe, Kieren Jack
F: Heath Grundy, Barry Hall, Michael O’Loughlin
Foll: Darren Jolly, Jarrad McVeigh, Jude Bolton
I/C: Craig Bird, Nick Malceski, Jarred Moore, Jesse White

Emg: Ed Barlow, Mike Pyke, Kristin Thornton

In: Bird
Out: Ablett