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
It was a tough road trip for the Bombers last week, but fans with some Dons in their Fantasy teams could take some consolation with some very nice scores across the board.
The Bombers actually won the game on the Fantasy scoreboard, 1825-1563.
Led by ball-magnet Brent Stanton (153) racking up 31 disposals, 11 marks and nine tackles, Zach Merrett (137) enjoyed his best Fantasy game to date laying 11 tackles to go with his 29 touches and seven marks.
Dyson Heppell (132) helped boost the scores for his owners on the tough opening bye round while Jobe Watson (119) made an impressive return from injury.
A couple of popular downgrade options, Ozario Fantasia (82) and Elliot Kavanagh (66), provided more than a heartbeat for their coaches who needed them to step into the 18 on-field players this week.
TOP 5 SCORERS V WEST COAST
- 153 – Brent Stanton (MID, $543,000)
- 137 – Zach Merrett (FWD/MID, $470,000)
- 132 – Dyson Heppell (MID, $563,000)
- 119 – Jobe Watson (MID, $494,000)
- 107 – Michael Hurley (DEF, $426,000)
- 107 – Mark Baguley (DEF, $385,000)
ON THE RADAR
The Bombers have the bye this week so we won’t be looking at bringing in one of the boys in the red and black ahead of round 12.
Strategy for coaches over rounds 11, 12 and 13 differs depending on your goal. If it is all about your league premiership, then building your team for round 14 is your primary focus as there are no head-to-head matches in default leagues. If you are heading for a high overall ranking, fielding the best 18 players possible each week is your primary focus.
My advice is to bring in players who have just had their bye.
Look ahead to next week and consider some Bombers to help make you some cash for future upgrades.
Fantasia has the lowest breakeven at -19. He is priced at $195,000 and is by far the best forward downgrade on the market. Kavanagh at $200,000 offers a lot of value and his breakeven remains low at -13.
If Shaun Edwards can hold his place in the team, the $185,000 defender is worth considering after an impressive score of 79 on debut.
WHAT’S COMING UP
With the bye this week, Essendon’s next game is against Hawthorn in round 13.
Back in round 2, the Dons won a thriller by two points. Heppell (129), Cale Hooker (117) and Merrett (116) were the best performers.
Follow @AFLFantasy and @WarnieDT on Twitter for news, information and advice from Warnie and The Traders.
