If there is one piece of advice I would give this week for those of you thinking about trading it is this: don’t. Well, unless you are forced into it by long-term injury, as is the case if you have Scott Lucas, Brent Reilly or Sean Rusling. Commiserations if so. In particular, give these players a week more:
Brett Deledio: I always thought Lids was a much better SC prospect than DT this year, and his scores in round 1 reflect that. If you do have him in DT don’t despair, as he remains a quality player. The Tigers were too Richo-conscious on Thursday and they will adjust to bring smaller forwards like Deledio into the game.
Bryce Gibbs: I have him in both my DT and SC sides and I’m giving him another week at least… but he’s on notice! Gibbs tagged Foley in the middle all night, which is an improvement over the back pocket role he got last year, but still not his ideal role of outside receiver. It’s a worry that Nick Stevens and Chris Judd seem to be looked at far more than any other Carlton midfielder for handball and kick receives, with Judd especially being the first go-to man. If Gibbs can’t manage at least 60 this week against the Saints he’s out of my teams.
Jason Gram: he’s not going to get a hard tag from a ferocious Swans stopper every week. He’ll be right, especially when Brendon Goddard returns from injury to free him up - Goddard has been playing well for Casey Scorpions so he’s not far away.
Adam Goodes: media speculation, fueled by coach Paul Roos, has Goodes possibly tagging Kane Cornes this week, something which kickstarted his season last year. Even if that doesn’t quite wake him up, do not trade him. He will come home like a train as he always does, you just have to hope that his fires get stoked up earlier rather than later.
Craig Bird: Roos inexplicably used him as a forward pocket, which is rather like using Tiger Woods as a bunker scraper. Roos has said that he’ll keep playing the kids next week, so at least wait and see if the coach pulls the finger out and sticks Bird in the guts where he belongs.
Brad Symes: 6 frees against was a very poor result, especially in SC. Apart from his first quarter against the Dogs where he scored -2 in DT, his numbers weren’t actually that bad. Hold the line and see if his scores settle down.
Brent Stanton: Matthew Knights’ first coaching display included a lot of skulduggery around Stanton. Rawlings went to Stanton as tagger before the opening bounce, and Knights promptly brought him off to try to break it, hoping that Rawlings would shift onto Watson. Dean Laidley was stubborn, and kept Rawlings off for as long as Stanton was off. Knights blinked first, and by the time Stanton got on the field Watson was in full cry and Stanton couldn’t pick up the pace of the game. All this ducks and drakes was entertaining for the football purists, and I suppose you could say Knights won the chess battle because he came away with the four points, but that little lesson wouldn’t have escaped him. Rest assured Stanton won’t be warming the pine at the start of next week’s game against Geelong.
I was just wondering on your thoughts for Leigh Fisher and Brett Ebert in SC should i trade them or hold on to them for a week??
What about Ricky Dyson? How long is it worth persevering with him? Didn’t see the game but he only got me 22 in DT, have Houli in SC instead and am thinking of making the trade from Dyson to Houli in DT also.
Give them another week.
i had gram, bird, stanton and symes in my team but i was not that dissapointed i know that they will play better games for the rest of the year but i was really dissapointed in embley and fevola and i was wondering wether you think i should stay on the course with them or trade them and who for
Just hold off on trading period as it doesnt matter until the following week when the prices begin to rise and fall–in essence round 2 is another free hit to get things right. You should only trade because of injury or to satisfy yourself. Meaning-make sure you have players in your team that you LIKE. You either like dyson or you don’t, if you do–wait another week at least. As for fisher and ebert, i would not have either of them in any team– ebert is a burst scorer at best, and fisher will play much more of a taggers role this year-neither will be a prolific scorer, nor have the potential to be. Both are good players, but not DT specialists.
Rod speaks wisdom.
I would give embley another go next wk. His in my team and I reckon he can do well through out the year. If not, I’ll probably take him for Priddis
Cheers guys… just realised I have to trade Reilly anyway and don’t wanna use more than 1 trade in round 1.
Now I just gotta work out who to get for Reilly
that was i was thinking just wanted another opinion to be sure
Fryzie, what’s your midfield? Including your bench players?
and thanks Monty…you are too kind
Got any jobs going? haha
monty what do you think of trading Bird for Geary. I was watching the game and Bird just didn’t look up for AFL level while Geary looked very comfortable (and he is playing Carlton next week so should score well)
In my midfield I am starting one of Palmer, Masten or Bird/Geary. So what is your opinion?
Can I got some suggestions on a replacement for Scotty Lucas?. Not much money in the bank so I was considering these 3 options!:
a) Get Matthew Lloyd who will get all the kicks into the forward line now or;
b) Downgrade Hall to Burton and use the cash to upgrade Lucas to B. Johnson.
Not to keen on 2 trades however…
Thoughts?.
So Monty, what’s the back up plan for Gibbs if he lets us both down again next week. I’m toying with down grading him to a playing rookie. Maybe a C.Morton or Geary. Depends how next week goes I suppose. But there isn’t much value around his price that i don’t already have. At least Gibbs won’t drop to much in value if at all.
I would keep Bird… i completely disagree–he looks all class when he has the ball. He was played out of position, and i think Roos of all people will learn from that. If anything i would trade Masten for geary–and make some nice little cash. The eagles won and now travel to adelaide-masten is less likely to play than bird, and Palmer is no certainty (except according to Mike Sheahan) Point being that if you trade Bird when he’s about to play at home at the SCG, you could potentially leave yourself with no bench rookies making any money.
Andrew: Keep Bird, but bench him for Palmer, he’ll be playing this week.
prenticem: I like both of those options, but you’re right about wanting to save trades so #1 is better.
Henry: I already have Geary so I’m looking at Jack. If Jack can deliver a decent score on the SCG then he’s in my team in a flash.
I threw Luke Ball into my team this year because of his moderate pricing ($360,000). He only got 53 in rd 1, and even though it was against the swans, it didn’t look like he will look to get many (if any) possessions around the ground.
I read that he’s got an increased running capacity this year, but i want to know what you think about him?? Do you think he can be a worthy fantasy performer in terms of getting more touches?
What do we think of Nicoski? At $208k he is a steal if he can get 80 most weeks. Running free across half back is perfect, and he always kicks long, not to many handballs in his stats.
If he stay fit he will play every week as Woosha & Suma are big fans of his?
I plan to get rid of McLeod, get Nicko and have $150k in the bank for upgrading a rookie come Round 4. Thoughts???
I have Lucas and about 26k in the bank.
I really don’t want to make 2 trades in round 1. My three options at the moment are:
1) get Lloyd this week (do you think he will be up at the elite level this year?)
2) put Hill in for Scotty and either:
a) downgrade to someone like Dew, Nathan Thompson or Tredrea if they look like being big improvers or
b) get on another bandwagon by downgrading someone who has looked average and use the cash to upgrade Lucas for Pav or Chappy (could be dangerous as it uses another trade and the first two games form can be deceiving but risks are all part of the game)
What do you recon?
Great blog monty. Keep up the good work
Gor: Ball has a chronic groin problem, I don’t like players with those issues.
Brad: I’m on the Nico bandwagon! I would like to see him back that round 1 performace up with some more good scores just to be sure. I wouldn’t sacrifice McLeod for him though, McLeod will be a top 10 back.
Rod,
My midfield is Cross, Reilly, Gibbs, Griffen, Dyson and N. Stevens with Palmer and Bird on the bench.
Luke: if you can put Rioli or Tippett in your 22 this week to replace Lucas I’d go with that for round 2, and then reassess.
Sorry. I forgot to mention that I would probably do option 2a or 2b next week if I go with one of them so that I get another week to look at possible improvers.
Wise words Monty! I’ll wait another week and see if Nico can:
1) score well and
2) stay fit
Thanks!
P.s. As per you, Gibbs is notice for me as well.
Luke, I’m on the Lloyd wagon - I reckon he’ll really step up with no Lucas.
Don’t forget that the Essendon skipper is more likely to play than a rookie, unless injured, you can count on him taking the field.
Boots on the field are worth more than money in the bank.
I have a problem.
With hartlett out for 2 weeks and Selwood/Taylor not playing next week i think i need to get a new back to replace selwood or taylor so that i get a score in that position, with not a lot of money left who should i get and who should they replace?
also barlow didnt play and if he keeps not playing is it wise to trade him down for Keiren Jack, i already have bird and palmer on the bench.
Also i am really wanting to change the dumbest player i ever got Playfair and trade him down to either Rioli or Hill.
And i am also thinking if Dew keeps performing what do i do there lol.
Any advice?
what do i do with angus monfries?
Careful with Dew - once all the quality Hawthorn midfielders come back he is going to be coming off the bench, have low TOG and have to work for his possessions. He may make you a little bit of dosh, but I wouldnt expect big scores from him. Plus he played the Dees, who were absolute tosh.
iv got lucas and croad. anyone know how long croad is out for.
im thinking of getting buddy franklin for lucas. he is a little inconsistent but the delivery he is goin to get this year will be perfect. any advice on croad.
There is another side to this though.
You can only make 2 trades per week.
If you don’t take your 2 trades this week then you won’t get to make 4 trades the next week.
So after seeing rd 1 2 you can only change 2 players before values start rising/falling.
If you’ve got say 5 players that you want to change, then you’re going to take the $$$ hit on the extra 3 players if you don’t trade 2 of them out now.
I think if you’ve made an obvious optimisations that you need to make then you could do those now.
Anyway just my opinion…
Dan.
I reckon stick with Hall. He had Max Hudgeton and he is a good back that wore him like a glove. He will improve.
Molly
Anyone have thoughts on Mattner… he’s the player i have the most doubts over keeping, as he played 96% of the match on sat, yet only scored 56 (DT). Is he worth trading out? Or should i just ignore the worth of every DT score from the saints/swans match, due to the way it was played??
Also, have u heard anything on when Goddard could be due back? as i couldnt log onto the site before lock out to exchange him, so have gotten stuck with him. DAMN! Should i trade or keep tight??
Cheers all, Toby
IT’S A SCAM
What is the deal, a mate of mine got bumped at lockout and now can change his entire team for a penalty of 4 trades.
Outrageous!
Can this be a topic Monty
Im also considering getting on the Nicoski band wagon - I had him all pre-season and traded him just before round 1! My only concern is that he scored really well but wasn’t named in the best players. Im waiting to see if Woosha wants him to tighten up a bit more this week or will let him run again. If he runs, I’m on.
I don’t plan on trading Stanton yet, but he is expensive and could get tagged by ling.
I know it’s a wasted trade but thinking about trading to Dal Santo for SC and not sure for DT (This is next week btw).
Hmmm I think i’ll give Symes/Mattner the chop fpr Nicoski next week, if 1 underperforms and Nicoski keeps it up.
Ebert or Nathan Thomspon?
I have yet to watch a replay of these 2 games, but can anyone shed light on why ricky dyson and brent staker performed so poorly in DT?
Hi Monty,
I have Cale Morton starting in my 22. With Melbourne’s poor form, and looking likely to have a poor season, do you think Dean Bailey will play more youngsters like Morton, or persist with the older-type midfielders?
monty, 2 questions
1. Any substance to what Freosteve is saying about his friend getting to start afresh but losing 4 trades?
2. What are your thoughts on Hurn from W.C? Took him instead of Nicoski, obviously regretting it early, you reckon he’ll come good though?
Cale Morton is a good choice considering Melbourne have nothin to play for this year lol. They still have a decent midfield with Bruce, Green, McDonald and Davey thrown in there
Benny: Morton is a decent pick. Bailey will indeed have to play the kids, Melbourne has to go into rebuilding phase. He’ll have better days than R1 too.
Jordox: I haven’t heard anything else about what Freosteve said. On Hurn, there will be heaps and heaps of possessions to share around in the Eagles games this year, so he’ll get his lot soon.
Hey Monty,
Great site. Was wondering if you could give me your advice on a situation. I’ve got Scott Lucas and Joel Bowden in my side. I was thinking of downgrading Bowden to Kennely (who gets a ridiculous amount, had him last year before injury) and upgrading Lucas next week to Pav probably (as i have both Johnsons and Brown at the moment)
I also have a problem in my back line with Proud, Hansen & Selwood not playing last week which left a hole there. I don’t think it’s good coaching but i wanted to make 3 trades in the next 2 weeks but am I going to stuff myself up?
Just wondering on your thoughts, thanks mate
Is James McDonald going to have another good year? With Melbourne being by far the worst team in the AFL is he worth having at that ridiculous price?
Brent Stakers numbers were so bad because he’s borderline best 22 for WCE, get off him. Hurn should come good, hard to say who will be better value out of him and Nicoski though. Hurn is meant to be running through the midfield more this year.
So many trades going around everyones heads after round 1 hey haha. It hurts to see players like dew,thommo,kenelly and simmonds perform if you dont have them especially if some of your boys dont have the best week. On the other hand I think everyone is better wearing the losses of price rises than making 4 trades int he first two weeks because the uncertainty means your unlikely to get it all right. Thats just my 2 cents. Also any ideas on Barry Hall will he improve?
Any1 think that clinton young will still get a bunch of the ball when the hawk guns return? Perhaps slip under the radar of opposing teams? Because that guy seems to pick up loads of uncontested marks and i don’t think he learnt how to handpass as a juniour
This is a great site monty
I was just wondering will Stuart Dew consistently produce scores of 80-90 in Supercoach??
Clinton Young is a good pick as Hawthorn don’t have the best stocks of running half backers
jarrod: i know how you feel with bowden he didn’t perform that well this week but i wouldn’t trade him out if i was you. his average come end of the year will be good enough for me to keep him all year. it will be a waste of a trade
people seem to be wasting a lot of trades on rnd1 performences. Try to remember that if you have cash cows lets say 8 for the year overall downgrade cashcow upgrading another to gun wastes 2 trades costing 16 trades.. 4 trades left for injuries.. not a lot of trades to waste around for trading good players for other good players
Staker played as a key defender vs. Brisbane. Which would hurt any fantasy coaches who picked him up after Worsfold was talking him up as a possible midfield option this year.
I’ll be making a trade this week for sure, all i needed to know was that Tadgh Kenelly was fit again so I’ll get him for either Mattner or Chris Newman. What’s your opinion on Newman Monty?
Hawthorn are making for interesting blogging already after 1 round of footy! Where does everyone think grant birchall stands now both croad and danny jacobs are absent? 1 player you could possibly call a running half back for hawthorn. Do you think he will have to play a match up roll in defense or will have still have free range to run off the half-back line?
I almost got stung by the staker talk too X. But i just had that feeling about nicoski, remembering him as a long kicking, fast running backman from 2 years ago. And as far as your trade, drop mattner, if anyone, that way you won’t have 2 players from the same team that play the relatively same roll and I think chris newman’s time is now, I see hhim getting a lot more time in the engine room soon, especially if wallace decides to make deledio a permanent forward pocket! Newman’s also a great link up player
Jarrod: don’t trade J-Bo. Stick with a sideways trade on Lucas. Wait on this week’s teams, I think you’ll get good news.
mitch: I don’t think he’ll get 110 every week! Dew’s good for 80 minimum though I think, so many inside 50s and so many long effective kicks to Buddy will boost his SC numbers. He’s a must for SC I think.
XztatiK: I’ve never rated Newman as being able to step up to being a top 10 fantasy back. Not until Bowden retires, anyway.
I read pre-season reports that Newman and foley ran-a-muck in the richmond midfield, which could only raise newman’s stocks as a DT player. And with no trent cotchin, and kane johnson atleast for the immediate future this could mean a lot more touches for newman in the centre.
That’s what I was thinking when I got him Dymez but his 58 on the weekend has me a little worried. Hopefully he’ll get more of it once the Tig’s are back to getting thrashed and the ball is back there more often lol.
Lol X, yeah can’t wait 4 the real tig’s 2 come back so J-bo will start playin kick 2 kick with his back line buddies again. I don’t know wat terry wallace is thinkin tho, Brett Deledio was drafted as 1 of the hottest prospects goin around as a midfielder! And wallace has transformed him into the least important position on the ground (forward pocket). Is there a hidden motive behind this? Is Lids still carrying an on-going injury from his past?
Craig: I think Ricky Dyson didn’t perform this week because he was tagging Daniel Wells, other than that he played a good game just not for dreamteam
ahh cheers for that maja, lets hope he gets the pill a bit more this week. im gonna stick with him either way i think. tis a long season…
simplicity speaks truth as well i think. you guys are gonna run out of trades by rnd 10 the way your all going .. lol
be wary of the hawthorn scores this week, because no other side will be as shit as melbourne this year. and secondly, with a few stars coming back from suspension in the coming weeks, some players roles may change, affecting their scoring output.
i thought sam power was tagging dyson, dont know why
24 hours later and I’m starting to think more rationally and not getting rid of every dud in my team this week (of which there was a few). Just remember, there was a reason for picking these players in the first place wasn’t there?
Who is this Simon bloke above me? Its not me?
What’s everyone’s opinion on tredrea? Is he for real this year? Will he find his form from 02-03? Will he get the “yips” again?
Let me know…
I rekon there are better options at lower prices dymez, but still he’s worth keeping an eye on. I’d be looking more at hill-carter, dew or thommo though. Depends on how much money you do or dont want to free up.
I’ll use a different alias from now on if that will make you happy
will david myers get a game for bombers?
And is max rooke injured at the moment or just not getting a game?
any thoughts…
Hey monty, love the site. Do you think Nick Lower will start to get a game for Port?
By the way Sam I think Max Rooke is going to play this week against the Bombers which should be good news for you.
Hey guys, still wondering on your thoughts for James McDonald. He’s a good player but being a Melbourne player I might have to look at rading him before his price drops. The thing is though I didn’t see him at all on Sunday and he got 60, signs of a good player I guess??
monty. out of proud, hansen, selwood and pfeiffer which rookie backs look like getting a game first i have all 4 should i trade for a mid range player?
Wait until Thursday night, Rowshow.
tony, in my opinion, the fact that u barely noticed him and he still got 60 means he is a good dreamteamer. i wouldn’t waste a trade so soon, and especially after the demon’s game on sunday, that is hardly a good indication of where most of those players are at.
Plus it’s his 200th this week, i reckon he’ll bounce back
Would you say I have to get Stuart Dew and trade maybe an Ebert?
Also im on the Nicoski band wagon as well West Coast don’t have many great running half backers and he might nail his spot there this year
he’s a good pickup mitch but I’ve gotta question your logic about west coast not having many great running half backs. Waters, Brett Jones, Nicoski and Wirra when he plays back. Sounds like an embarrasment of riches to me.
Monty, i have 2 spots to fill in my MF out of Dyson ,Palmer ,Bird and Geary. was thinking dyson and palmer? can dyson hit back or should i stick with geary who got me 77 last week?
yeh monty I was wonderign where barry hall and ricky dyson fit into this article, should I stay the course or is it worth ditching 1 of them this week to give me more options next week when form is more apparent? I was thinking Hall for HIll-carter or dyson for houli/gearry/jack
simon brett jones isnt a permanent player yet and wirrpanda is playing more as a forward these days but yer you do have a point
Monty as Nicoski has been named on the bench does that mean he won’t get much of a run??
What was his time on ground last week????????
I’d say Brett Jones has established himself as a ‘permenant’ player in that side. And I wouldnt take much notice of Nicoski being on the bench he’ll get his chance.
simon i must say i like the idea of hall out for josh hill. this hill character looks a player after seeing him impress on suday.
monty i have masten and palmer one must sit this weekend out…who should i pick?
toss a coin tim
Sorry if this is a stupid question… What has happened to Brodie Holland?
he’s an emergency this week Maja.
Do u think he will be named any time soon?
When is the earliest we can see the finalised teams for sundays games?? And where??
now, afl.com.au flash.