Fry’s Forgotten Few – Round 23 (Grand Final Week!)

WE have finally reached the end of the 2017 Fantasy season. To say it has been a rollercoaster would an understatement as records fell, rookies flopped and the usual madness inflicted by the byes/injuries/suspensions broke many a coach. Throughout it all the diamonds in the rough helped soften the blow for those in turmoil, single handedly saving some lucky buggers’ Fantasy campaign. With my reputation on the line let’s see if I can pick out a top three at each position of unique footballers to help you raise the cup in the season finale.

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POD’S

DEFENCE 

1. Michael Hurley ($553K, 3.20% ownership)
2. Luke Hodge ($486K, 6.79% ownership)
3. Bachar Houli ($542K, 6.86% ownership)
3. Jack Martin ($520K, 5.75% ownership)

First things first if Hurley can’t get up from his calf complaint then obviously that draws a line through him against Freo. If he is named though, lock and load on the Don’s backman who has averaged 103 in his last four at Etihad. As Roy has mentioned there is a big chance that Hodge puts in a memorable performance in his final AFL game with an average over 118 in his last three against the Dogs. Finally, Houli and Martin can’t be split at 3rd. Houli has the chance to score well, but all signs point to low point totals in the Saints/Tigers game while Jack Martin, who has been criminally underrated all year, has a low score of 83 in the past two months.

MIDFIELD

1. Matt Crouch ($604K, 5.17% ownership)
2. David Zaharakis ($591K, 1.21% ownership)
3. Brad Ebert ($542K, 6.86% ownership)

Tha ball magnet known as Matthew Crouch makes his debut at the vast Subiaco Oval this weekend. Going at 32.4 touches a game and with Sloane destined for a Mark Hutchings tag, expect Crouch to put up 110+ and make it look easy. The definition of POD and a ballsy move that could pay dividends would be bringing in Zaharakis against the Dockers. He has struggled against Ross Lyon’s men in the past, but Zaka has toned up at in his last four outings at Etihad and is coming off a 130 last week. Another man with the potential to go 130 is Port’s Brad Ebert, whose four round average of 83 might suggest otherwise. It’s worth noting that Gold Coast has given up six scores over 120 in their last three outings as well as 13 other 100’s. The time for Ebert to go off is now!

RUCK

1. Tom Bellchambers ($431K, 2.34% ownership)
2. Ben McEvoy ($473K, 4.55% ownership)
3. Cam Pedersen ($542K, 6.86% ownership)

Bellchambers showcased what he can do to a team without a recognised ruckman last week and he may just do that again this week. After scoring 116 Bellchambers hits the season finale against a Sandi/Darcy-less Dockers outft with the chance to go bang yet again. Big Boy is in a similar boat as Bellchambers against the Bulldogs, who let Paddy Ryder run amok with 55 hitouts last week. While McEvoy isn’t exactly in ‘Ryder-esque’ form he could still very well clear triple digits. Lastly, the severely unique prospect in Cam Pedersen has scored 125 and 123 in his last two games and is facing Collingwood, the team he has his second highest average against (81.4).

FORWARD

1. Chad Wingard ($540K, 4.10% ownership)
2. Travis Boak ($517K, 4.49% ownership)
3. Isaac Smith ($532K, 7.47% ownership)

I was slightly reluctant to put two guys at the same club at the top of the FWD’s list, but their numbers leave me with no choice. Wingard’s numbers at home are absurd, going at a 125 clip in eight games this year, including a 132 three round average at Adelaide Oval if you don’t mind! Travis Boak’s numbers at home aren’t as impressive, but the Power skipper scored 153 on the Suns earlier in the year and banked a 133 last week too. Hawthorn’s Isaac Smith rounds out the list thanks to his four round average over 110 and his love for playing against the Dogs (last 3 vs WB: 97, 118, 109).

The Three Big Questions Of Round 21

Who Can Pull A Riewoldt in 2017?

Last year we were treated to greatness from Nick Riewoldt with the Saints skipper scoring a career high 200. The future Fantasy HOFer’s 26 disposal, 21 mark, nine goal haul was the lone difference in the majority of grand final matchups and we may very well see someone star on the Fantasy big dance this year too. My money is on Dangerfield to deliver in a blockbuster against the Giants. 150 coming at you.

Which Dayne Can Be Greatest?

687. That’s how many points Dayne Beams has scored over the last five weeks as he has torn the AFL Fantasy world to shreds. While his running mate Dayne Zorko hasn’t been as impressive in recent times his 114.2 season average speaks volumes of his stupidly high ceiling (see Round 16 box score vs Geelong). It’s no secret that the two Lions can score, but which one will be bigger in the battle for the wooden spoon against the Roos? The popular pick is easily Dayne Beams, but my choice is to opt for the ceiling of Zorko as he outscores the skipper, with both still surpassing the 120 mark.

Back From The Dead

As we turn the corner for home some popular and unique names made a timely return from suspension/injury.

J.Kennedy, Swans (130) – I traded Kennedy out in Round 21. Shit.

Duncan, Cats (117) – Stellar in return, consistently gets it done.

Johannisen, Dogs (107) – Just his 2nd ton for the year. We were expecting more from the AFL’s Odell Beckham lookalike.

Merrett, Bombers (91) – Speaking of expecting more, way to ‘return with a bang’. Will go 115 vs Freo though.

Riewoldt, Saints (86) – What does St Nick have up his sleeve in his final game?

Witherden, Lions (81) – God I love this guy, worth every cent.

Mumford, Giants (66) – Should have stuck with Dawson Simpson.

Ziebell, Roos (61) – Below his best. I wish he could find consistency and become a Fantasy stud.

Cameron, Giants (61) – Still doesn’t look quite right. Then again key forwards are the devil.

O’Meara, Hawks (53) – Warming up for next year. Monitor in 2018.

Bennell, Dockers (41) – Ditto. Will be super underpriced.

Got a question that needs answering? Feel free to leave a comment below or message me on Twitter @alexgfry6 and I’ll get back to you!