Welcome to a Friday arvo column that hopefully helps you get set for the weekend ahead. I’ll be looking at the key points/questions that have popped up during the week with some quick fire opinions, plus a look at how the mighty Warne Dawgs are looking ahead of the coming round.
Don’t miss:
- Calvin’s Captains
- Fry’s Cash Cows
- Dunny’s Thursday Scramble
- Matt’s Weekend Wash-Up
- Teams live stream
- Weekly podcast
Can we trade Rory Laird?
Ahhh… as much as it pains me with my old school mentality, the answer is yes.
With 50 trades this year you can make moves like this. He’s dropped a heap last week, and he’ll drop some more this week putting him in the mid-$900k range in the next couple of weeks.
Now, the issue is who are you going to? Andrew Brayshaw is a great option. It’s very sideways, but he’s still the captain option you picked Laird for – especially with some soft fixtures coming up – and could possibly be the No.1 man this year. The tag target had me concerned, but he didn’t even cop it in R1 as they went to Serong. As for other premiums, I don’t think I have the confidence to move Laird to them.
You could go down to Tom Green. I’d only recommend this move if you can do something with the cash on the otherside. Perfect for the Xerri owners that need to go up. Maybe it’s a good idea for the Bytel coaches to get up to the mid-pricer they missed?
I’m holding Laird and even without the Kelly issue (concussion), I would probably hold. I want to back him in. He’s got excuses for last week … I’m not sure the heat is worth a 50+ point excuse, but it’s there. Fingers crossed he smashed it this week back at home even if his record isn’t great against the Tigers.
To be honest, I am kicking myself for caving into the FOMO … which I am devastated to say, has a bit to to with Calvin’s sell on the captain option that he ‘is’.
Take Ollie Hollands’ 77 and keep Josh Kelly?
Roy is in this position and he’s doing it. I’m not exactly sure how he’s going to make it all work as he has Xerri and the Kelly down to Green play got him the cash to get himself off X island for Tim English.
I think it is certainly a play. I already played Hollands on field, so if you’re structured up with only two rookies on deck (ie. Ashcroft and Mackenzie), then it’s worth a look.
Kelly will be unique and he started so bloody well. It was a great pick *pats self on back*… and that role is perfect! Exactly why some of us started. The only concern is if he’s not back for R3. I am probably being a bit glass half empty saying he could be out for two weeks (listed as 1-2 weeks on injury list, but they said he is tracking well to return), but concussion scares me this year. The court stuff, clubs being ultra-safe, etc. But, don’t really let that dictate things. It’s looking like he’ll be right for next week.
You can hold Kelly and take Hollands’ score. Tick.
Is Kade Chandler a must-have?
No … but, he’s going to make a heap of coin while he’s playing.
That ton in round one saw him increase $60k and with a breakeven of -27, we’re going to see some decent dollars next to his name over the next 2-3 weeks. Hopefully he lasts that long. My mail is that he’s in for Melksham who was the sub last week and is likely to be the sub again tonight. Melbourne are using him in this position for a ‘few’ games as he bulds fitness.
Chandler has got a spot in the 22 and deserves it off the back of his pre-season and his R1 performance.
He’s not a must-have as he could quite easily be out of the side – even subbed out if things aren’t going his way tonight – and then we’re left with a red dot rookie. If you’ve got a non-player, it’s a no-brainer to go to him. It’s almost a no-brainer from one of those players who are likely to be super-slow burn cash cows (Long, Greene).
Not a must-have, but a great target to get some cash generation happeing… let’s hope he lasts at least another month.
Who are the best value options to grab?
Some of these fix-up trades coaches are making this week revolve around the value and in a lot of cases, mid-priced options.
Let’s just start with Tom Green. At $782k, just do it! Priority to grab if you don’t have him.
The next group of midfielders is tricky.
Will Setterfield (MID $648k) was epic with 122 in R1. While he won’t play Hawthorn each week, it was all about the role (74% CBAs, second to Parish). I like him a lot as an option. Some have opted to trade Dom Sheed to him. I don’t hate this, but it could be a waste. Nothing else to do, sure… back it in as the mid-pricer that Setters is versus Sheed will see greater cash generation and a bit quicker.
Soft match-up aside, James Worpel (MID $494k) had 77% of the Hawks’ CBAs to rank their No.1 midfielder. I like him as a sub-$500k option… as with Finn Callaghan (MID $433k) who could be a decent option as a M6. His scoring increase as the bodies went down for the Giants and should be solid this week, but know that a wing role can be a bit volatile.
I mentioned Sheed before. I would continue to back him in over these guys, but the Setterfield one isn’t an awful move considering these mid-pricers are there to make cash and the quicker they can do it, the better.
As for some FWDs, we have Jack Ziebell (FWD $572k) who has his juicy half-back role back. I like it, mostly as a play to get him to the backline when he gains DEF status after round five in a position that sucks and we are feeling least confident on. That said, we should be able to move Sheezel back then if that role continues.
I am a Jason Horne-Francis (MID/FWD $572k) owner, but I’d hold my horses on getting him in (some are doing it via DPP). He was close to BOG and put up a 90. Great for owners, but I think his scoring could be up and down. He’s impact and might be suited to that other game…
You can go to Will Day (DEF $564k) but again it was a soft match-up versus the Dons. I would prefer to do that over Brennan Cox (DEF $634k) even after that 141 and that 107 in the pre-season. He could be a play though with the weak backlines though.
New Edit Trade feature
It’s here! Click here for the piece that explains it all on AFL.com.au.
Simple version: You can change a single player involved in a trade as long as they haven’t played and the player you are changing them to is yet to play.
This works both ways… eg:
– Tom Stewart to Nick Daicos … Stewart is locked, but I can change Daicos to Young as they are both yet to play.
– Josh Kelly to Patrick Cripps … Cripps is locked as an in, but I can change my mind on trading Kelly and choose someone else in my squad such as Laird as they are yet to play.
There are some limitations and quirks with DPP… and the apps are yet to be updating (happening soon we believe). You can use the website on your phone via the browser.
Our new 'Edit Trade' feature in action with Tom Stewart being traded out.
Stewart is locked, but Will Day being traded in can be changed to Jack Sinclair (and back) as they are yet to play and fit within the budget.
MORE: https://t.co/mgcoKrYbc4#AFLFantasy pic.twitter.com/JRDzlBRlqU
— AFL Fantasy (@AFLFantasy) March 23, 2023
Warne Dawgs – Round 2
It’s pretty simple for me this week. I have Josh Kelly and while the hold is an option, it is an easy option for me to turn him into the ‘must-have’ that Tom Green is for me. This facilitates getting the cash cow that I missed in Kade Chandler. I opted against Sam Docherty as my VC last night because I want to back in Josh Dunkley to bounce back tonight. The redemption story
ROUND 2 TRADES
Josh Kelly (M3) > Tom Green (M3)
Noah Long (F8) > Kade Chandler (F7)
Cash left: $78,000
ROUND 2 CAPTAINS
Josh Dunkley VC
Tim Taranto C
Click here to watch the YouTube team update video.
Lockout times
All times AEDT
Friday 24 March
Brisbane v Melbourne (G) – 7:55pm
Saturday 25 March
Collingwood v Port Adelaide (MCG) – 1:45pm
Adelaide v Richmond (AO) – 4:35pm
Western Bulldogs v St Kilda (MRVL) – 7:25pm
Fremantle v North Melbourne (OS) – 7:30pm
Sunday 25 March
Sydney v Hawthorn (SCG) – 1:10pm
Essendon v Gold Coast (MRVL) – 3:20pm
West Coast v GWS (OS) – 6:20pm
Don’t forget we have our Patreon pumping along! From $5 a month you can be watching our flagship Sunday night live stream once the final game finishes (this week it’ll be around 9pm AEDT). For $10 you get a bonus mid-week Q&A podcast, which we call the Pintcast, where we answer plenty of questions over a few beers! There’s heaps more, so check out patreon.com/dttalk for more details.

Which two to go first? Assuming the above suggestions are my targets. Noah Anderson, Serong, Duggan, Greene, Laird
Duggan and Greene for me. Back the others.
I would think it is Duggan, Anderson, Greene, Serong, Laird in that order.
Depends how much faith you have that your uniques will bounce back this week.
Can I scratch my whole team and start again? I made some stupid decisions in rnd 1, so now I’m trying to fix it.
/s
Warnie – have similar trades to you – def getting Chandler.
Kelly to LDU leaving rooks on field 2-3-2 or to Sicily meaning 1-4-2?
Ohh… as much as I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing it, a MID rookie would be better than whatever we’ll get at D6 outside of Ginbey. It’s going to be the definition of rookie roulette back there… but spinning up 00 more often than not.
The only issue is we want the midfielders (premiums and midpricers) in there asap. Don’t forget we will most likely get Sheezel to move back in 4 games time.
No forced trades.. did long to Chandler but have Powell at F4 with no cash on his head. Does he get another game or should I drop him for Callaghan
I’d be happy to drop Powell to Callaghan.
Option 1: Kelly->Setterfield and Bytel->Day (using DPP) and thus getting second 2nd DEF rookie off-field and Ginbey at D6.
Option 2: Kelly->Green and either (Macrae/Bont up to Brayshaw) or (Bytel to Phillipou/Uwland (if named)) for cash grab.
Although Bytel looks like a good rookie, no word on how long he is out for.
Have Hollands E on mid bench, covering either Bytel or Kelly if I wish as well.
Nothing better to do, as nailed all my other mid-pricers and rookies.
I think it’s option 2 with Bytel out. Uwland could be handy with DPP and part of that rookie swap in D6.
I would love to rid myself of D6 issues with the other move… but it’s 2 for me.
Warnie – do you think Uwland will make the final team? He is the last one named on the extended bench. Not really a difference to me, because I already have him, but I was considering playing him in place of Seven-Point Liam.
Named! And yep, I would play him… but know that Jones is in and the Saints gave up a HEAP of points. Jones sucked pretty badly last week.
Trade 1 Kelly to setterfield trade 2 either greene to chandler or McGrath to Sicily?
Greene to Chandler. But that is me … soft, conservative Warnie.
Long to Chandler is my first trade, for the my second I’m thinking one of the following:
1. Kelly to LDU +116k
2. Sheed to Setterfield/Ziebell +93k (Take Hollands 77)
3. Greene to Uwland (Take Hollands 77)
Secondly, who would you field out of Chandler & Philipou?
Geez… I would back in Sheed, but going to Ziebell could be good if you have a plan to move him back after R5. Otherwise, the Greene to Uwland could work for some nice cash gen.
I’m growing a bigger fan of holding Kelly to take the 77.
Warne dog, would you go laird to green and xerri to darcy, or Moore to Horne-Francis and xerri to Darcy?
Chandler or Pedlar as F6?
Gotta back in Chandler after last week… but Pedlar is a good option.
Thanks Warnie. Already have Pedlar but thinking of replacing Laurie with Chandler. Firstly (unfortunately) had to downgrade Laird to Warner to give me the cash needed and I can see a big score coming from him against the Tigers.
Sunday, March 26
Sydney v Hawthorn at the SCG, 1.10pm AEDT
SYDNEY
In: J.Amartey
Out: L.Franklin (suspension), M.Roberts (Medi-Sub)
Last week’s sub: Matt Roberts
HAWTHORN
In: Nil
Out: C.Wingard (calf)
Last week’s sub: Conor Nash
Essendon v Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium, 3.20pm AEDT
ESSENDON
In: Nil
Out: A.McDonald-Tipungwuti (soreness)
Last week’s sub: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
GOLD COAST
In: L.Weller, M.Rosas
Out: J.Farrar (omitted), M.Chol (omitted), A.Davies (omitted)
Last week’s sub: Brayden Fiorini
West Coast v Greater Western Sydney at Optus Stadium, 3.20pm AWST
WEST COAST
In: J.Waterman, S.Petrevski-Seton
Out: C.Jamieson (omitted), X.O’Neill (omitted), J.Petruccelle (omitted)
New: Elijah Hewett (as sub)
Last week’s sub: Jack Petruccelle
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
In: H.Rowston, C.Hamilton
Out: J.Kelly (concussion), H.Perryman (hamstring), L.Whitfield (concussion)
New: Harry Rowston
Last week’s sub: Adam Kennedy
Chandler or Pedlar at F6?
Great write up. The Prancing Ponies had all the right rookies and balance of big names and mids. Unstuck with a Stewart (thanks Yeo) and Kelly costing me a 2100+.
Trades are Stewart to Richards based on the eye test and enthusiasm he showed in preseason and round 1. Bytel then up to Callaghan.
Might need to look at restructuring again if Wilmot can’t pull through at D6.
Rank Uwland, Wilmot & Chesser in order to field first ?
Comment;
whatever can go wrong with ‘edit’ will, given the performance of the AFL fantasy programmers this year.
and
all this mid-priced stuff will end in tears as it has for
Bruhn owners.
It will with that attitude! I reckon edit trade needs to be treated in the simplest form, for now. Ins and outs. Don’t overcomplicate things with mass DPP switches. Hopefully that becomes easier/improves.
Mid-pricers – I agree, but you’re as old school as me and haven’t caught up to some who play less conservatively.
Bruhn still scoring at or above his price, after 2 Geelong loses. Only takes one good game and you’ll be singing a different tune. I’d much rather have him on field than another rookie on field.
Thanks Warnie, I have listened to and read a lot of content this week and I think you have summed it all up very well. Great recap. Appreciated, Cheers
No worries. I reckon this article will evolve a bit. Handy Friday arvo read over a beer. Gives me a chance to give a few thoughts about my team and decisions, too.
Gawn out injured on 4! Another ruck goes down early :0
All week I had Gawn in for Xerri, as I thought I had better switch to a set and forget option. Today, I thought no, I am going for a cheaper option in Witts. Dodged that bullet. Probably put the mocka on Witts now.
0 in SuperCoach, imagine captaining him
I did have the C on Gawn, but changed to VC
Yeah. F-ck this game!
Defence:
Docherty, Dawson, Sicily
McKenna, Constable, Ginbey (cowan, wilmot)
Midfield:
LAIRD, Macrae, Brayshaw, Merret
WORP, Callaghan, Ashcroft, Bytel (c.mackenzie, hollands)
Rucks:
Flynn, Xerri (s.ryan)
Forward:
Dunkley, Rozee, Taranto
Sheezel, Philipou, Davey (long, greene) Utlity: Chesser
———————————————-
Im going Xerri to S.Darcy but I am 206k short.
what should i do? Trade Laird or Worpel?
BEEN GOING CRAZY TRYING TO FIGURE THIS OUT!!!
If i traid worpel out and bring in peddler i can field mackenzie and get Hollands 77.
Not a fan of dropping either of those, although dropping Laird if you want to gamble on break evens is the better of the two.
I’d consider bringing in a temporary place holder ruck that will be around long enough for Gawn’s 4 to work it’s way through his price. Should be a nice little sideways trade.
Ok what to go with, trade laird to sicily or hold laird and trade out caminiti or greene?
my main concern with laird is that he is going to drop in price no matter what…
thoughts warnie and co?
the laird trade also allows me to then go long up to worpel…
Doesn’t matter if Laird’s price goes down, if you don’t consolidate the losses. You’ve already taken the hit, from his 57 or whatever it was.
Use the trade to improve your team by getting rid of rookies that aren’t making you bank.
Champion data already stealing points off Goldy by not counting free kicks payed…
Obviously they’re Gawn owners.
Players don’t get points for fee kicks- they haven’t for the last two years.
Where have you been?
Incorrect Bill.
Players get 1 fantasy point for a free for (and -3 points for frees against).
It used to be 3 points for a free, and -3 for a free against.
As far as I understand the 3 points for a free was scrapped altogether.
They may have changed it again, I’m not sure.
Okay, I can see that it’s now 1 point for a free. I’m pretty sure that last year players got 0 for a free.
Iiiiii duunnnooooo Billllll……
No. It was the same ff = 1 point, fa = -3 points
It must have just been a fantasy brain fade.
Easily happens when you have Gawn in your team.
The frees for & against fantasy scoring system has not changed since the Dream Team days.
True. I had Xerri last week, and almost replaced him with Gawn. Fantasy is legal, self-imposed torture.
Tich would be laughing:
Moved on from the potential wooden spooners to a team that looks like being a premiership chance.
SHould i get zorko and laird for neale and dunkley??????? CANT TELL!!!!
SHOuld i trade neale and dunkley out for laird and zorko