Cal’s Scale of Hardness – Rd. 22

It’s crunch time and now is more important than ever when it comes to using your trades. Below is a guide of the points scored against teams from each position. This may help you hunt down a cheap option, who may just score similar points to a top line premium player over the next two weeks.

Below displays data from the bye rounds (round 15), with a little personal/professional calls of my own along the way. Just remember, it’s guide and for you to use as YOU see fit.

EASY AS…

From the defenders, teams such as Essendon and the Bulldogs caught my eye, but who do they have that you could actually pick?

Hunter Clark got to 99 on the weekend after a blistering start and his games that are coming up seem pretty simple for a bloke like him. At $594k he still might be an option who loves doubling back for those little +6s. I talked about Rory Laird last week and expected big thing. He managed 103 and this week, it will be Bachar Houli who will have an easy game against the Eagles, who gave Newman (135) two weeks ago.

Jarryd Lyons (158), Zorko (130) and Berry (121) all dominated the Suns last week and this week, the Hawks get their turn. Now, if you need a win this week and need a unique name who might be massive, consider Liam Shiels ($689k). He has averaged 110 in his last four and last year against the Suns he posted 124.

Here is the big call for the week – hold Rocky.

Yes I know. 71 last week and has an average of 89 in his last five, but his next two games suit him beautifully. North at Marvel and Freo at home in the final round of the year. It doesn’t get much easier than that for the pig and I’m expecting him to go 110+ in each.

HARD AS…

For those kicking around with Nic Newman and Kade Simpson – well done. They have been awesome, but is now the time to cash in? They have St Kilda and then Geelong (at GMHBA) coming in their next two and it doesn’t get much tougher than that.

Then we have the Crouch Brothers. Matt has bee awesome in the last two weeks with 151 and 126, but their next two games are bloody tough. Collingwood only allowed 2×100+ scores last week and the Dogs were even better, only conceding 1×100+.

My boy Fyfe will be trying solo again as he aims for another Brownlow, but can he keep it up. The Bombers are still deemed as a ‘hardish’ team despite what happened on the weekend. He will get attention in this, but will it matter? They have been tough, so don’t let one poor game make you think anything different. He’s at home though and then away to Port. Good luck trying to stop him at them moment, he’s in beast mode.

Catch Cal’s Scale of Hardness discussion on the podcast from the 27 minute mark.