Five down, 19 to go!

The going is starting to get tough for fantasy coaches. Cash cows are starting to approach their top price with a lot of the mainstream rookies faltering during Gather Round, causing plenty of headaches along the way. It’s a timely reminder that we need to remove these players from our field whenever we get the chance (no Sheezel, you’re safe) and it comes as no surprise to see four cash cows as the most traded-out players halfway through the week. It is important to keep reliable rookies around who have a promising role/scoring potential, but don’t let that stop you from upgrading and improving your team for the long run.

Rookie/cash cows are defined as players who started the season priced at $300,000 or lower

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Cash Cow King – Round 5

The usual suspects once again appear at the top of the pecking order as Harry Sheezel (96) and Will Ashcroft (94) produced the top scores last weekend. Coaches will happily trust the two of them moving forward while popular picks Fergus Greene (75) and Mattaes Phillipou (70) also earned a nomination thanks to their season-best output. Charlie Comben (77) rounded out the quintet after he filled up the box score against Brisbane.

Round 5 Power Rankings

After 5 weeks of action, these are the top 10 cash cow performers in season 2023!

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DPP Updates

There weren’t too many cash cows who benefitted from a new batch of dual-position players hitting the platform, but these 5 will certainly help coaches now that they can be utilised in two spots.

Darcy Wilmot – DEF > DEF/MID
Cam Mackenzie – MID > MID/FWD
Harry Sheezel – FWD > FWD/DEF
Will Phillips – MID > MID/FWD
Matt Roberts – MID > MID/FWD

Making Moves

Money makers

I’ve skimmed over the success of Harry Sheezel ($748K, 96, BE 48) throughout the opening five weeks of the season, but it’s time to give him his flowers. An unparalleled disposal tally to open his career has seen Sheezel turn heads unlike any other previous rookie, with no coaches planning an exit strategy for the versatile Roo. Now possessing forward and defender status, expect Sheezel to become a rare ‘keeper’ cash cow for the 2023 season. Will Ashcroft ($534K, 94, 22) hasn’t had the same jaw-dropping point totals, although he might end up being another lengthy hold, with a juicy 82.7 AVG in his last four games. The clear one and two in the cash cow of the year votes thus far, you can let them be and execute trades around the pair.

Sticking with the duo theme, both Matt Roberts ($213K, 64, BE 6) and Seamus Mitchell ($229K, 64, BE -2) find themselves coveted by coaches ahead of Round 6. Currently the most popular trade-in options, both Roberts and Mitchell could emerge as handy money makers if they maintain their role in Sydney and Hawthorn’s outfit respectively. Personally, I prefer Roberts and his potential midfield opportunity, but both rooks loom as viable options this week at the trade table. If neither of them interests you, investing in Matthew Johnson ($215K, 55, BE 8) might be a wise play, with the young Docker excelling in his first full AFL game. A permanent place in Fremantle’s midfield might not be up for grabs, but providing Johnson can hold his spot for a few more weeks, he should do his job as a cash cow.

Mainstream rookies Fergus Greene ($327K, 75, BE 5), Mattaes Phillipou ($392K, 70, BE 19) and Will Phillips ($398K, 62, BE 16) all produced decent scores over the weekend to ensure they continue to rise in value. Greene’s score in particular came at a perfect time, with the Hawks forward working his way up the ground to emerge as a link-up player moving the ball inside-50, finishing with three goals of his own. I wouldn’t go playing him on your field with confidence, but Phillipou and Phillips can be a part of your starting 22 if need be.

Keep the faith

Shoutout to the 3955 coaches who are rocking with Charlie Comben ($355K, 77, BE 27) in their sides, following the tall Roo’s production last weekend. 9 touches, 5 tackles, 5 marks and 5 shots on goal will keep his price ticking up, but don’t expect that to last too much longer. I have a lot more faith in defensive cash cows Max Michalanney ($412K, 50, BE 30) and Corey Wagner ($299K, 54, BE 21) with Wagner emerging as an attractive trade target prior to Round 5 kicking off. One of the main threats for his spot Nathan Wilson produced 20 touches at WAFL level and Heath Chapman is still 1-2 weeks away, meaning Wags should hold his spot to take on the Bulldogs. Michalanney earned the Rising Star nomination for his performance on Thursday night and there’s no reason to move on from him yet.

With the defensive carnage that affected almost every coach, some were left to field Judd McVee ($338K, 46, BE 19) and/or Darcy Wilmot ($369K, 57, BE 26) in their back-6. In a perfect world, both of them would reside on your pine, but you can do a lot worse than fielding that duo if similar stress is induced by team selection on Thursday night. At the opposite end of the ground, both Noah Long ($322K, 56, BE 12) and Luke Pedlar ($380K, 47, BE 22) fall into the same basket as McVee and Wilmot, ticking along nicely and slowly increasing their value before it’s time to swing the axe. Patience is wearing thin for Ollie Hollands ($417K, 49, BE 39) owners, with over 2,000 teams opting to chop him out as his average inches closer to his breakeven. It appears as though Hollands’ role is fairly cemented in the Blues’ side, and even though his scores haven’t been as fruitful, I still think it’s smart to give him another week or two before moving him on.

Cut them loose

After a sporadic five weeks to start his AFL career, it may be time to part ways with Cam Mackenzie ($444K, 20, BE 62), especially if Hawthorn plans on using him as the substitute again. His CBA numbers have decreased with every game he has played and even though he entered the game at half-time, Mackenzie only managed 5 disposals against GWS. The teenager now has a breakeven of 62, a score he has only topped twice so far this season, which has seen his ownership plummet as coaches jump ship.

There are a few other forwards in the firing line with Anthony Caminiti ($356K, 38, BE 31) at the top of the list after being hit with a 3-match ban for elbowing Nathan Murphy. His suspension and the impending return of Tim Membery means now is a perfect time to ditch the Saints youngster, with Jye Menzie ($389K, 9, BE 68) just as much of a trade priority after his miserable showing vs. Melbourne. His teammate Alwyn Davey Jr ($334K, DNP, BE 24) failed to get up for Round 5 and can be moved on if necessary while Lachie Cowan ($311K, 39, BE 28) has had enough chances and may even find himself left out of Carlton’s side (perhaps paving the way for Cincotta or Binns to debut 👀).

GameDay Squad – Create. Coach. Compete.

Thin Ice

I’m not ready to classify Reuben Ginbey ($489K, 43, BE 64) as a trade-out candidate just yet, even though the Eagles jet has produced consecutive scores in the 40’s. Subbed off in the third quarter against Geelong, Ginbey has been forced to shoulder a heavy workload for West Coast to begin his career and I have faith that he can still produce some noteworthy numbers for the fantasy community. Melbourne’s Jacob van Rooyen ($306K, 29, BE 20) might not be so lucky with Max Gawn inching closer to a return and Josh Shache dominating in the VFL for Casey with four goals and 19 touches.

That could lead to van Rooyen being left out of the Demons’ side to take on Richmond, with his teammate Kade Chandler ($460K, 41, BE 53) also struggling to keep his cash generation moving in the right direction. Since his Round 1 triple-figure score, Chandler has produced an average of 58.7 and he has already been dumped from over 5,000 teams this week as a result. One more dud score could see him sent back to the VFL, although there are bound to be more pressing trade matters for the majority of coaches.

Wait and see

Even though he’s coming off his best game as a pro, it’s too late to invest in Richmond ruck Samson Ryan ($265K, 51, BE 17). Chances are smart coaches either have Ryan or Ned Moyle ($268K, 34, BE 6) locked in at R3, but burning a trade to bring one of those young big men into your team isn’t a wise maneuver. I’d also advise against making a play for the inexperienced trio of Corey Warner ($206K, 32, BE 19), Arthur Jones ($212K, 32, BE 17) and Dylan Williams ($246K, 46, BE 4) with their scoring/job security cause for concern. I do think that Williams has the potential to play consistent minutes for Port, but there are better scoring options out there. Fremantle forward Sam Sturt ($214K, 43, BE 12) may also become a solid downgrade target if he can back up his strong showing from Gather Round when they clash with the Bulldogs on Friday night.

Sub status

Subbed On – Will Gould, Cam Mackenzie, Harry Rowston, Jack Bytel

Subbed Off – Bailey Humphrey, Reuben Ginbey

I’m struggling to keep up with Jack Bytel ($332K, 17, BE 55) this fantasy season as he bounces from solid option to injured to starting sub and everywhere in between. Either way, with a lofty BE and Jack Steele returning, it’d be wise to rid yourself of him now and save a few dollars if you can. Bytel joined Harry Rowston ($280K, 31, BE 32) and the mythical Will Gould ($208K, 35, BE 17) as starting substitutes with Gould finally featuring in his first AFL game 1233 days after he was drafted by the Swans. If the McCartin brothers and Dane Rampe miss Round 6, then Gould may get a run in Sydney’s best 22, but I’m not convinced he’ll have a long stay either way. Lastly, Bailey Humphrey ($301K, 29, BE 35) saw his day end early against the Dockers and as a result, we’ll need to see a robust score before we can trust him on our field again.

Reserves Watch

As if things couldn’t get worse for the Eagles on the injury front, first-rounder Elijah Hewett ($251K, 0, BE 35) hurt himself just seconds into West Coast’s WAFL game. The club is awaiting x-rays to confirm the extent of his ankle injury, but hopefully Hewett will be back and firing before too long. On the other side of town, Karl Worner ($200K, 100, BE 25) produced a team-high 30 touches for a score of 100, but he’ll have to continue biding his time in Peel Thunder colours. The same could be said for Port Adelaide ruckman Dante Visentini ($200K, 81, BE 25) who excelled for the Magpies in the SANFL. Even though Scott Lycett is in an average vein of form, no one expects the raw Power player to crack the senior side just yet.

There isn’t much more Alex Cincotta ($200K, 128, BE 25) can do to force the selectors’ hands at Carlton, with the mature ager gathering 34 touches in another impressive display. If he doesn’t earn a gig, we may see the Blues give Jaxon Binns ($238K, 113, BE 30) a berth after he chalked up 29 disposals and 11 marks against Richmond’s VFL side. After coming up short against Adelaide, Michael Voss might finally be ready to hand one of them a chance in the senior side, but I wouldn’t go holding your breath. Finlay Macrae ($290K, 108, BE 36) continues to push for a gig at Collingwood, perhaps looming as a short-term replacement for the suspended Taylor Adams. The likely leader of their B&F count at the VFL level through four rounds, Macrae amassed another 28 disposals and 8 tackles for his score of 108.

Remember the Name

In no particular order, here are some of the other rookie-priced players to consider throughout the season.

DEFENDERS

Jake Stein (Suns, $288K)
Josh Fahey (Giants, $200K)
Josh Weddle (Hawks, $266K)
Rhett Montgomerie (Bombers, $200K)
Jaokb Ryan (Magpies, $246K)
Sam Banks (Tigers, $200K)
Sam Durdin (Blues, $213K)

MIDFIELDERS

Connor Blakely (Suns, $235K)
Jhye Clark (Cats, $286K)
Blake Drury (Kangaroos, $200K)
Angus Sheldrick (Swans, $200K)
Billy Dowling (Crows, $216K)
Elijah Tsatas (Bombers, $292K)
Ed Allen (Magpies, $264K)
Hugh Bond (Crows, $202K)
Jaspa Fletcher (Lions, $278K)
George Wardlaw (Kangaroos, $294K)
Henry Hustwaite (Hawks, $228K)

RUCKMEN

Jacob Edwards (Kangaroos, $200K)
Lachlan McAndrew (Swans, $200K)
Alex Mirkov (Blues, $200K)
Harry Barnett (Eagles, $256K)
Max Heath (Saints, $200K)
Dante Visentini (Power, $200K)

FORWARDS

Josh Sinn (Power, $233K)
Thomas Berry (Suns, $286K)
James Tsitas (Suns, $200K)
Jaxon Binns (Blues, $238K)
Angus Sheldrick (Swans, $200K)
Joe Richards (Magpies, $206K)
Ollie Dempsey (Cats, $200K)
Finlay Macrae (Magpies, $290K)
Patrick Voss (Bombers, $200K)

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