Warnie from The Traders, AFL.com.au’s NAB AFL Fantasy experts, will be taking a look at the Bombers each week exclusive to essendonfc.com.au.
LAST WEEK
A massive 37 goals were kicked on Saturday night to help boost the Fantasy scores, but unfortunately the Bombers fell 13 points short in the battle against the Power.
While the main scoreboard is the real thing is the thing that really matters, Fantasy coaches have some consolation with the Bombers scoring 165 to Port Adelaide’s 1367.
Brent Stanton racked up 32 touches to finish on 124 points as his three game average is now at 120, pleasing his 1068 owners.
In his fifth game, Nick O’Brien posted his highest score of his career thanks to his 32 disposals, seven marks and three tackles. With an increase of $50K this week, O’Brien has now added $154K to his initial price and has been a handy cash cow of late. A breakeven of -14 should see him add quite a few dollars next week regardless of his score.
Returning from concussion a fortnight ago, Alex Browne scored 75 points. This helped him add $22K to his price and should still be considered as a cheap bench option for the remaining rounds
TOP 5 SCORERS V PORT ADELAIDE
- 124 – Brent Stanton (MID, $563,000)
- 118 – Zach Merrett (FWD/MID, $477,000)
- 118 – Cale Hooker (DEF/FWD, $440,000)
- 106 – Nick O’Brien (MID, $274,000)
- 106 – Brendon Goddard (FWD/MID, $518,000)
ON THE RADAR
This week another group of players were awarded dual position status based on the roles they have been playing this season. Three Bombers were among the changes this week.
Swingman Cale Hooker is now available to be selected as a forward. The flexibility this will add is invaluable, especially in Elite over the last few weeks as the injury toll mounts for many clubs.
A five game average of 91 and breakeven of 47 makes Hooker a viable option down back at $440,000 this week.
Shaun Edwards was initially named as a defender and with his forward role, it was a no-brainer to make him a FWD/DEF. The substitute vest has limited his scoring so far this season.
Finally, Patrick Ambrose has played 14 games to average 62.4 points. With extended stints through the midfield, Ambrose now has FWD/MID eligibility.
WHAT’S COMING UP
On Sunday afternoon, the Bombers take on the in-form Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
The two sides met in round 18 last year with Essendon winning by seven points, ironically thanks to Jake Carlisle’s eight goals and 165 points. Dyson Heppell was important in the last quarter winning plenty of the ball and scoring 103. Brent Stanton also performed well with 100.
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