Fantasy coaches are rejoicing the fact the 2016 bye rounds are over and for normal transmission to resume this week.
The Bombers headed west last week to take on the Eagles in a Thursday night fixture. After a fast start, the Bombers were right in the match before last year’s grand finalists went on to win the game by 78 points.
West Coast combined for 1781 Fantasy points, while the Bombers tallied 1448.
Zach Merrett, as he has done many times this season, top scored for Essendon. He racked up 24 disposals and 11 tackles to help him to 123 points. He was a popular Vice-Captain option for the round meaning astute coaches could ‘loophole’ his score for double points.
Defender/midfielder James Kelly keeps on keeping on. The 32-year-old posted his sixth ton of the season and is well and truly in calculations to be in the top six defenders in the run home. At $513,000, he is worth a look in your backline if you’re not one of his 10,435 owners.
It’s always advisable to check out who the free agents are in your Elite league following each round. If Jackson Merrett is there, look to bring him in for your bench as he has shown the ability to score well on occasions. If he backs up from his 95, there could be some coaches willing to trade with you. Or at the very least, he is going to be handy cover over the last few rounds.
Ruckmen Mark Jamar and Matthew Leuenberger will miss this week through suspension and injury. Leuenberger has made $69K for the season to date and now would be a good time to upgrade him to a fallen premium such as Stefan Martin. If you’re after a downgrade on your bench to make a few dollars, consider bringing in Sam Michael who has shown some good form in the VFL, collecting 86 points against Port Melbourne on the weekend.
Domain Stadium hasn’t been David Zaharakis’ favourite venue this season. In round 11 against Fremantle he was held to just 26 points and then last Thursday night he managed just 50. A one match suspension will see him miss this week. Unfortunately it is time to trade.
There are only eight home-and-away games which means just four weeks to get your Fantasy team into the final eight of your league for an assault on the finals to gain those important bragging rights! Good luck!
ESSENDON’S TOP 10 SCORERS V WEST COAST - Rd 15
NAME | POSITION | PRICE | AVERAGE | ROUND 15 |
Zach Merrett | FWD/MID | $567,000 | 114.2 | 122 |
James Kelly | DEF/MID | $513,000 | 101.9 | 119 |
Craig Bird | FWD/MID | $394,000 | 80 | 113 |
Brendon Goddard | MID | $526,000 | 101.2 | 99 |
Jackson Merrett | FWD | $334,000 | 70.3 | 95 |
Joe Daniher | FWD | $364,000 | 69.4 | 86 |
James Gwilt | DEF | $381,000 | 76.5 | 81 |
Martin Gleeson | DEF | $334,000 | 68.3 | 76 |
Matt Dea | DEF | $378,000 | 73.2 | 65 |
Adam Cooney | FWD | $459,000 | 87.6 | 60 |
Courtenay Dempsey | DEF | $337,000 | 71.3 | 60 |
It’s not too late to play AFL Fantasy in 2016. Take part in Match Day, the quickest and easiest form of fantasy footy, for every Essendon game for the remainder of the year. $1000 to win each weekend. http://fantasy.afl.com.au
