AFL Fantasy is back and our Bombers could possibly be the most relevant team in 2016.
With an emerging squad full of opportunity and the addition of the top up players, there are plenty of options from the red-and-black ready to score big Fantasy numbers and make some handy cash.
30 players are needed to fill your Fantasy Classic squad. We’ll look across at the best options from Essendon in each line.
DEFENDERS
Value is where it’s at down back.
The most popular selection for the Bombers is Mitch Brown (DEF/FWD, $194,000). The former Cat enjoyed some fantastic scores as a replacement in the 2015 NAB Challenge, and started with 83 this year against the Blues three weeks ago. As a key position player, consistency in Fantasy scoring could be an issue.
Opting for Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (DEF/FWD, $162,000) for a few dollars cheaper could be a better option. His 76 point game against the Eagles last week impressed many Fantasy coaches and the flexibility of his dual position status allows you to switch him forward or back. For me, I will be starting him on the ground in the backline. Matt Dea (DEF, $170,000) is also a member of my back eight.
Like Brown, key back Michael Hartley (DEF, $125,000) may not consistently rack up the big scores, but as someone likely to play, you can safely place him on your bench and he will slowly build cash.
Mark Baguley (DEF, $417,000) is our premium defender and has the opportunity to improve on 2015. He could be a good selection in the draft game, Fantasy Elite. Martin Gleeson (DEF, $304,000) should be monitored early as he will most likely be available as a free agent in Elite.
MIDFIELDERS
I’m surprised that David Zaharakis (MID, $415,000) appears in less than five per cent of teams. A down season sees him under-priced from the 96 he averaged in 2014. His NAB Challenge numbers are magnificent, knocking up 101 and 89 while scoring at over a point per minute. Have no hesitation in locking him in if you are looking for a mid-priced midfielder.
Brendon Goddard (MID, $552,000) should also be a solid option, however being so highly priced, I may wait a few weeks before jumping on the acting captain.
First round draftee Darcy Parish (MID, $260,000) played the one pre-season game for 62 points. While this may not sound huge, it came from 58 per cent time on ground. Last season Parish averaged 77 points at the Under 18 Championships and 95 in the TAC Cup.
If Ryan Crowley (MID, $226,000) is able to run free without the shackles of his tagging duties he has done so well over his career – much to the disgust of Fantasy coaches – he could prove to be a valuable option. Woosha has said he may spend some time forward and if he gains dual position status during the season, Crowls could be an unlikely Fantasy hero after hurting many premium scores in years past.
A sneaky option for your Elite league is James Kelly (MID, $450,000). I don’t suggest starting him in Classic or drafting him too early, but I have a feeling he may spend enough time playing in the back half to also gain DPP status. It could be a match winning move if he becomes a defender during the season and averages as well as he did in his career at Geelong.
RUCKS
Landing Matthew Leuenberger (RUC/FWD, $301,000) during the trade period was not only great for the club, but even better for Fantasy coaches. The former Lion has been a premium ruckman in the past and due to being behind Stefan Martin at Brisbane, he comes to the club at a bargain price.
Although he didn’t participate in the NAB Challenge, Leuenberger performed well in the VFL practice match last weekend and is a chance for round one. If he is named, your second ruckman picks himself.
Sam Michael (RUC, $140,000) played well against the Blues and is priced nicely to play on your bench. When he gets the opportunity, he should score well judging by his NAB Challenge appearance racking up 60 points from just 49 per cent time on ground.
FORWARDS
Beside Mitch Brown, the most selected Bomber available in the forward line is Nick Kommer (FWD, $125,000). He is a very popular bench option, appearing in 30 per cent of teams.
It’s nice to load up the front half of your ground with dual positions players. Jonathan Simpkin (FWD/MID, $226,000) averaged 111 points in the VFL last season and averaged 76.3 points per 100 mins over the NAB Challenge. This kind of return would see the 28 year old increase a considerable amount of money over the first few weeks.
Craig Bird (FWD/MID, $321,000) is another cheaper option as a DPP. He averaged 80.3 points per 100 minutes in his three NAB Challenge games.
Last season Zach Merrett (FWD/MID, $501,000) averaged 90.5 points and he has started 2016 in similar fashion as Essendon’s best performer for points per minute in the pre-season games. 85 and 89 going at a rate of 1.16 ppm bodes well for another cracking season as he enjoys the extra time in the midfield.
Matthew Stokes (FWD/MID, $394,000) is arguably under-priced going on his Fantasy history. 84 points from 79 per cent time on ground in his first game donning the red sash could be the start of something exciting for the premiership winning Cat.
Keep an eye on Kyle Langford (FWD, $187,000), Will Hams (FWD, $155,000) and Jake Long (FWD/MID, $125,000) as rookie priced players to downgrade to during the season.
Register now for AFL Fantasy at http://fantasy.afl.com.au and join the verified Essendon Classic league (CODE: CZS2UE4C) and take on other Bombers fans for a chance to win a guernsey at the end of the season. Download the free smartphone app to adjust your Fantasy Classic, Elite and Match Day teams on the go.
Follow @WarnieDT on Twitter for more AFL Fantasy tips.
