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
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!
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)
Great article as always Fry, essential reading for serious Fantasy coaches! I think the Swans rate Roberts, and given their injury crisis, he should have reasonable JS, at least short-term. So he’s in for me this week, probably for Mackenzie. Then I’ll hold Tom Green, and hopefully replace his points by moving another dropped or under-performing rook up to someone good, like Chandler to Tom Stewart.
Thanks Stevo, appreciate the support mate!
I agree with Roberts, it’s good to see he’s finally shaken the sub vest. I’m going to make a similar play this week – two rookies out, Roberts and a gun in
Hey fry mate, Jason Johannisen or Chayce Jones? And which rookie to get out of Roberts, Seamus Mitchell, Matt Johnson or Cincotta (assuming he is named)
I think I prefer JJ at this stage, but things may change when they drop their Round 6 team. Also, Roberts is first for me, CIncotta 2nd if he gets a gig
Hey Fry. Corey Wagner or Seamus Mitchell?
Thanks mate
On field Wagner, on bench Mitchell
Great Article Fry.
Quick question, would you prioritise getting Butters this round? Or JJ/Jones?
If I go JJ/Jones, I get all my Defender rookies off my field next week.
Thanks mate.
Thanks Bazzlinka!
I’m wary of Butters’ ability to drop a dud score, so I’d rather JJ/Jones. Out of the two I think I would recommend JJ just slightly ahead of Jones too for what it’s worth
Which trade would you do?
1. Hollands/Mackenzie to Roberts and Chandler up to Butters/JJ/chayce Jones
2. Cowan to Seamus Mitchell/Cincotta and Chesser to Roberts (then I can get an Uber premium next week like Laird or Clayton and have more rookies to cover Day and Green)
I like the idea of No. 2 out of those options Jeza
Recommended Trades: (1) Mackenzie -> Roberts; (2) Chesser -> Mitchell/Cincotta
Mackenzie BE of 62, 3-round avg of ~57, carrying a 20, plus job security concern
Chesser is injured and you should want someone on the bench generating $$$
Cowan and Hollands are likely to be STP this week and have more $$$ to make…
I wouldn’t touch Jones or JJ but Butters seems ”tempting.” He’s been inconsistent so far…
JJ has never been ”fantasy relevant” and Crows have a lot of depth = assumed risk. GL Jeza
Another great article Fry. Keep up the excellent work.
Appreciate the support as always Burger!
Hey Fry great article mate!
I can trade Chandler & Hollands to Johannisen & Chayce Jones, which gets two rookies off field
Or downgrade Chandler to Seamus Mitchell
Which then alllows me to upgrade Wilmot to ziebell or McKenna to Laird (couple thousand short of Touk
Any tips mate?
Thanks Jeremy,
I’m tempted to side with Chandler to Mitchell and McKenna to Laird mate
The benches are maturing. It’s upgrade season. Go g&r mate. Consider Neale too
Neale has absolutely been considered, I just want to see another couple good scores and not against kangaroos haha
would you trade Hollands over Wilmot (both on bench as E) if it means getting in Laird over Neale??
1 – Hollands to Laird with Wilmot as mid E
2 – Wilmot to Neale with Hollands as mid E
OR i could play the BE game and trade Mackenzie down to Neale & save some $$ to bring Day back in next week for Ginbey..
This is the answer a.jay. Mackenzie needs to go & Neale %stonks^^^
I’m asking myself the same thing with Laird/Neale for the inclusions, but considering Mackenzie/Callaghan/Ginbey/Chandler.
Constable survives another week I guess…allowed to have 1 meme selection!
I’d grab Lairdy a.jay, I’d back him in to be a better scorer than Neale
Have to say it again – top work Fry.
Cheers JJBKeeper, thanks for the kind words mate
Love your work Fry. Thanks again mate.
What’s thoughts on an upgrade target this round out of: Miller, Serong or Crouch.
Can afford anyone. Love what Serong is doing but will he keep it up for the year or do you just go the consistency of Miller as you know wha you’re going to get. Paying $890 for Serong also is getting up there but from what he is doing it still seems worth it.
Tough one!
Cheers Jacko, happy to help!
I do love the uniqueness of Crouch to be honest. He’s in my sights this week as well
Fryski!! Thanks for the article once again mate.
Trades atm:
Mackenzie > Roberts
Chandler > Touk Touk
Do you tick this off?
My pleasure Henry.
Those are ripper trades, let’s hope Touk instantly rewards you with a big score against the Roos
Couple of questions if you don’t mind Fry.
A) Miller, Anderson, Steele or Serong to upgrade to?
B) Trade Ginbey or Chandler first?
C) Why do you prefer Roberts over Mitchell on field.
Legend!!
Don’t mind at all Chimp.
A) I’d probably say Serong out of that group
B) Ditch Chandler first
C) Midfield clock should see Roberts get plenty fo touches/tackles. I think his spot in Sydney’s side is a bit safer as well
Do we think Roberts is still a sub risk though Fry? although he looked good against tigers
And Seamus Mitchell is in a crap Hawks teams where we should expect more game time for these young rooks?
He could be demoted, but I think Roberts showed enough last week to earn another run in the 22. Mitchell I’m a bit more wary about his JS with Scrimshaw possibly coming back into the side and Day set to return in Round 7
Any thoughts on Petracca and their upcoming draw?
Could be a nice unique, but I’d prefer his teammate if you’re keen on Melbourne’s draw
I can only muster 954k
If it was my team I’d be getting Sam Walsh. Ripper unique and didn’t show any rust in his first game back
Mackenzie+Chesser(+118k)—>Hunt+S Mitchell?
Hold McGrath and get day next week
I wouldn’t be trading Mackenzie to Hunt, would be trying to get Mackenzie to a potential keeper
Anyone in mind?
If I trade out Davey instead of Chester I have $667k after trading in S Mitchell, who would you put in?
Possible option like K Pickett, Rachele or Owens
Sounds like a good tactic to me mate!
Is Rachele the best of those 3?
That’s who I’d go for over Owens and Pickett
Who has better JS and/or cash gen between Johnson and Roberts?
Tough one, I think Roberts gets the slight edge
Hey Fry, love your articles – always very helpful. Struggling a bit with which premiums to pick… probably choosing between Laird, Jelly, Neale and maybe Serong and Crouch (however I think his scores might drop with Steele coming back). What order would you rank those five?
Serong for me!
Thanks, The Kid! Appreciate the kind words.
It’s tough to pinpoint the right premo, maybe have a look at your bye structure? I’d probably rank Serong first, then there’s not much between Laird, Kelly and Crouch. Neale probably last after his slow start to the year
Hey Fry, great article,
Am I crazing in going into Butters this week instead of a Cogs/Tim Kelly type (someone around that 850k range)
Thank you!
Nah not at all, Butters is a very intriguing option this week
Hi Fry
Really struggling to decide on my trades, also dont trust any rookies to bring in
1. Chandler and Mackenzie to JJ and Chayce Jones
2. Chandler and Hollands to Butters and Roberts/Mitchell
1 or 2
There’s a lot of people in a similar position John, I think ditching the two rookies to get JJ and Jones is the way to go though
G’day from London! Killer article as usual! I planned to trade 2 rookies (Chandler/Mackenzie) to Roberts and Butters but I saw Gawn named and I have Grundy. Still going to get Roberts but it might mean holding off on Butters and just grabbing English. What are your thoughts?
Cheers Devil Dance, as someone that lived in Canada and tried to stay locked into fantasy I love the commitment!
TBH, I think it’s wise to get English and thank yourself later. Can always pounce on Butters next week
G’day Fry. Which option are you taking below?
1) Chandler and Mackenzie to Roberts and C. Jones
2) Chandler and Mackenzie to Roberts and Butters
3) Chandler and Grundy to Roberts and English
4) Chandler and Green to Roberts and Serong
I am mainly thinking about what will give me more points on the field. Grundy should still score okay and I am slightly worried about Speaker-No’s match-up against Darce-Hole.
Hey mate, I wouldn’t overthink English’s matchup with Freo too much – he isn’t playing them every week. You’re right about Grundy though, he still should be fine against the Nank-less Tigers. I reckon go for option No. 1 and pocket some $$$ for next week
Hi Fry. Bring in Ziebull or C. Jones?
Probably Ziebell, every chance to be a top-6 DEF
Nice one Fry! Butters vs `Ziebull? Who do you like more?
Thanks mate, I’d prefer Ziebell but they’re both good picks TBH
Thoughts on Matt Johnson JS?
Should be solid, but I think Matt Roberts’ JS is higher. Scores should be pretty similar
Hey Fry, great write up as usual.
I am looking at 2 options this week:
1: Chesser -> Roberts and McGarth -> Stewart
2: Chesser-> Roberts and Uwland -> Mitchell/Cincotta/Johnson.
Stewart is a good pick up and I believe their prices are probably at there closest this week. Option 2 does get both dead weight rookies off my bench, helping with cash gen.
Thoughts…
Thanks Luke, appreciate it
I’d definitely fix up the red dot in Uwland first – there’s a chance he doesn’t play again this season. I’d probably grab Cincotta out of those options as well