Connect with us

Cash Cows

Fry’s Cash Cows – Rd. 5

Fry returns to preview the cash cow landscape ahead of Round 5!

Four down, 20 to go!

A week can be a long time in fantasy footy. How quickly we forget the 30’s and 40’s we saw from the mainstream FWD cash cows and now, they’re poised to sit on our fields during two more early bye rounds. A lot of our rookies now find themselves around the $400K mark and it’s clear that some of them are almost at their peak value. Shuffling rookies is always part of our thinking at the trade table each round and with a few cheaper options emerging, there’s nothing wrong with pulling the trigger early on a popular rook if it helps you land the upgrade you desire!

Make sure to also cast your eyes over:
My DT Talk 2024 Rookie Guide
My DT Talk 2024 Preseason Watchlist

SBF article – The most important rookies/cash cows for 2024

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


Cash Cow King – Round 4

Another cash cow managed to hit triple figures over the weekend, although not all of Jeremy Sharp’s (106) owners benefitted from his massive score. Gathering 29 touches and 7 marks vs. Carlton saw him post the best rookie score from Gather Round, with surprise packet debutant Sam Clohesy (95) only a few points behind him. Those two were clearly ahead of their peers this week as Ryley Sanders (84) was the only other rook who passed the 80-point mark. Mainstream MID/FWD combo Darcy Wilson (79) and Harley Reid (78) performed well for the coaches who resisted the urge to give them the flick.

Who's gets your vote as the most important cash cow in Round 4?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Round 4 Power Rankings

After 4 weeks of action, these are the top 10 cash cow performers in season 2023!

Making Moves

Money makers

Despite the concern surrounding competent cash cows in our forward line, a handful of the well known rookies performed admirably in Round 4. It was great to see Harley Reid ($401K, 78, BE 18) excelling against the Swans the way we thought he might and the most traded in player last week Oliver Dempsey ($490K, 72, BE 12) wasn’t much further behind him – gathering 19 touches in another strong showing. In that same game, another popular trade target in Harvey Gallagher ($390K, 51, BE 7) ensured he kept moving in the right direction while Seth Campbell ($391K, 64, BE 20) is getting the job done for his owners. Facing a bye next week, Campbell may only survive one more week for his owners but there’s no urgency to send him packing.

A portion of coaches are electing to move Matt Roberts ($555K, 69, BE 34) on this week while he rests after he saved hiss core late with a 42-point quarter. I still view Roberts as one of the best cash cows going right now and if you can hold him through his bye he’ll continue to be a strong contributor when a fresh batch of DPP’s drop in Round 7. Coaches who have Jeremy Sharp ($4947K, 106, BE 5) sitting at M9-M10 can easily switch him onto the field for Roberts, fresh off a season-best performance vs. the Blues that featured 29 disposals, seven marks and a goal.

I was able to cash in Sharp’s score via some loophole action last week, but it meant that I had to leave Ryley Sanders ($495K, 84, BE 9) on the pine. The Bulldogs rookie has nudged his three-rpund average north of 80 and as long as Bevo continues to give him midfield minutes, there’s nothing to suggest he’ll be slowing down. Speaking of minutes, Gold Coast debutant Sam Clohesy ($253K, 95, BE -22) was the cash cow star of the round – registering an impressive 92% TOG while gathering 22 disposals and eight marks against GWS. He is the most sought-after player at the trade table this week for good reason, thriving on a wing during Gather Round in a similar role that Brandon Ellis has played in the past. His new teammate Will Graham ($252K, 63, BE 4) could also be targeted by coaches who need a DEF boost, as Graham took Sam Flanders’ midfield minutes with 49% of the CBA’s.

Keep the faith

There aren’t too many clear cut replacements for these rookies in the forward line, meaning they can live to see another day for now. Caleb Windsor ($397K, 61, BE 31) is the most popular of this bunch, although he’ll likely be traded by the majority of coaches when his bye arrives next week. Windsor’s score of 61 against Adelaide was a season-high and while he has made a fair chunk of change, he is nearing peak value. Chris Burgess ($302K, 18, BE 27) was subbed out of that same game and his owners won’t have as much patience. Three of his four scores have been under 50 points and we all know that key FWD’s aren’t traditionally the greatest fantasy contributors. While Burgess should be given the flick soon, there are a few prominent forward’s who still have a touch more cash to make.

Aaron Cadman ($357K, 42, BE 18) and Zane Duursma ($406K, 61, BE 29) didn’t shine for their owners over the weekend, however the duo are safely entrenched in their respective team’s best-22. Cadman continues to attend a handful of ruck contests that have nearly 27% of the competition praying for the Giants project to gain RUC status (unlikely) in a few weeks, while Duursma may provide his owners with some assistance through the next fortnight. Once ROund 7 arrives, you’ll probably want to move him on though, with Darcy Wilson ($381K, 79, BE 13) in the same boat despite a strong score over the weekend. If you need to trade Wilson to facilitate another upgrade, he is hardly a must-have anymore – however, you could opt to keep him in your outfit as a contributor for the bye rounds.

Cut them loose

It’s important to remember that we’re only a month into the fantasy season and the red dots sitting on your bench should be addressed sooner rather than later. North Melbourne pair Toby Pink ($242K, DNP, BE 20) and Charlie Lazzaro ($351K, DNP, BE 20) may earn a recall this week, but if not they should be axed from your lineup – and the same can be said for defenders like Zach Reid ($244K, DNP, BE 38) and Marty Hore ($355K, DNP, BE 31). Currently, the most traded out player prior to Round 5 is Hore’s defensive teammate Blake Howes ($396K, 30, BE 55), who lured us into a false sense of security only to score 23 and 30 across the last fortnight. With DEF downgrades available, he needs to be dealt quickly, while Geelong’s Jhye Clark ($331K, 35, BE 17) doesn’t appear to be the capable cash cow that we were hoping for.

Thin Ice

I’m putting Colby McKercher ($499K, 50, BE 38) on notice, through no real fault of his own. Moving into the midfield against Brisbane meant McKercher didn’t have access to as many cheap +6’s and his score suffered as a result. I get that he was an elite MID during his junior days and that’s clearly where North Melbourne wants him to play once he matures, but if the Roos gun continues to heavy usage at CBA’s (14/26 over the weekend) he not might be the keeper pick that we envisioned. Another score in the teens from Harvey Thomas ($295K, 15, BE 13) deflated a lot of owners – undoing all positive gen on offer after his 100 points vs. West Coast. Thomas found himself dragged and subbed out relatively early against the Suns and there are no guarantees he’ll remain in their 22 this week to take on St Kilda.

Wait and see

Kai Lohmann ($270K, 78, BE 6) FINALLY got to show us what he was capable of on the weekend, shaking off the sub vest and producing a strong score that will reignite his cash generation. Starting with a 35-point first quarter and kicking two goals are both encouraging signs from the Brisbane FWD, however, there’s still a small flag regarding his place in their best lineup. I have faith he’ll avoid the vest against Melbourne on Thursday, but it might be worth waiting another week to assess Lohmann’s role and performance against a decent Dees squad. Gold Coast duo Ethan Read ($270K, 25, BE 38) and Bodhi Uwland ($295K, 51, BE 8) aren’t great trade targets with Read poised to exit the Suns’ lineup after just one week.

You could hold on to Uwland for a little longer as a valuable DEF green dot, although his scores won’t make a dramatic difference to your team. A handful of cheaper, tall talents should remain off the fantasy radar with Mykelti Lefau ($222K, 37, BE 14) and Jed Walter ($273K, 34, BE 39) players I won’t be touching in 2024. Because I’m good at my job I’ll at least mention Max Ramsden ($235K, 60, BE 2) who scored 60 last week, although he looms as a short-term option with Mitch Lewis listed as 1-2 weeks on the injury report. I don’t advise in grabbing Ramsden, even if you desperately need the cash.

Sub status

Subbed On – Taj Woewodin, James Tunstill, Loch Rawlinson, Caleb Mitchell, Kane McAuliffe, Angus Hastie

Subbed Off – Chris Burgess, Jhye Clark, Harvey Thomas

A few relevant fantasy rookies continue to be ruined by the vest with Angus Hastie ($200K, 0, BE 72) pretty much a cross-off now. The Saints teen has played two games now for less than 32 total minutes while compiling just 4 disposals – effectively killing off any chance that he remains an option in 2024. Sydney youngster Caleb Mitchell ($200K, 0, BE 37) even managed to spend a whopping three minutes on the ground against the Eagles!

Let’s hope Richmond debutant Kane McAuliffe ($200K, 23, BE 25) doesn’t have the same fate! The promising Tigers cub only featured in 22% of the game last weekend and laid a few tackles to at least ensure he won’t move backward. Last little rant – ENOUGH of players debuting from the sub position, it’s borderline embarrassing. If they earn a place in the team give them a genuine run. If not, leave them in the two’s until that chance arises.

State League Stats

As the footy world descended on South Australia, most of the state league put their feet up for the week with the WAFL the only competition in action. There weren’t any West Coast or Freo players who stood out from a fantasy standpoint so the SLS section will return to normalcy next week. For the diehard fantasy coaches out there, here are the stats from the relevant rooks who did take part in the WAFL last weekend:

Zane Trew (107) – 26 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles
Harvey Johnston (72) – 20 disposals, 7 marks
Clay Hall (64) – 22 disposals (16 handballs), 3 marks
Harry Barnett (47) – 7 disposals, 21 hitouts
Cooper Simpson (44)
– 10 disposals, 1 goal

Remember the Name

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

DEFENDERS

James Leake (Giants, $252K)
Jakob Ryan (Magpies, $200K)
Oisin Mullin (Cats, $245K)
Billy Wilson (Blues, $201K)
Riley Hardeman (Kangaroos, $234K)
Archie Roberts (Bombers, $200K)
Jedd Busslinger (Bulldogs, $200K)
Charlie Edwards (Crows, $240K)
Connor O’Sullivan (Cats, $270K)

MIDFIELDERS

Ed Allen (Magpies, $200K)
Jake Rogers (Suns, $261K)
Caiden Cleary (Swans, $231K)
Hugh Jackson (Power, $200K)
Harry DeMattia (Magpies, $228K)
Mitch Hardie (Cats, $200K)
George Stevens (Cats, $200K)
Jack Bytel (Magpies, $270K)

RUCKMEN

Henry Smith (Lions, $200K)
Coen Livingstone (Eagles, $200K)
Max Heath (Saints, $200K)
Nathan Kreuger (Magpies, $261K)
Archer Reid (Eagles, $213K)
Will Verrall (Demons, $200K)
Dante Visentini (Power, $283K)
Taylor Goad (Kangaroos, $243K)
Mitch Edwards (Cats, $207K)

FORWARDS

Tyrell Dewar (Eagles, $200K)
Kynan Brown (Demons, $200K)
Nate Caddy (Bombers, $273K)
James Tsitas (Suns, $200K)
Ashton Moir (Blues, $216K)
Steely Green (Tigers, $200K)
Darcy Jones (Giants, $200K)
Bigoa Nyoun (Kangaroos, $200K)
Reef McInnes (Magpies, $285K)
Billy Dowling (Crows, $200K)
Koltyn Tholstrup (Demons, $264K)
Brayden George (Kangaroos, $200K)
Logan Morris (Lions, $210K)


You can find more AFL, NBA and NFL fantasy advice from Fry by joining the Fantasy SportsbyFry Patreon community!

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER@SportsbyFry for all things AFL Fantasy! Feel free to hit me up with any questions you have throughout the season. Good luck! ✌️

An Australian coffee/burrito enthusiast who is the frustrated owner of 16 fantasy teams. Writer for SportsbyFry and DT Talk ?

37 Comments
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
37 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Pine_Apple_Crush
Pine_Apple_Crush
5 months ago

Too late for Sharp. I have Wardlaw this season and while he has made some cash he has halted and his BE is getting higher and higher each week. Im thinking Wardlaw to Sharp to generate some extra cash to do double upgrades next week?

JungleMuffin
Member
5 months ago

Even if you missed Sharp early, there’s still cash to be made.

Just because he’s not going to make you bank like a 200k rook, doesn’t mean he’s still not 200k underpriced, and therefore worthy of being picked up.

Izzy
Izzy
5 months ago

I know he’s not rookie priced, but what are your thoughts on Comben for on field cash gen?

NateG
NateG
5 months ago
Reply to  Izzy

Good for quick cash knowing only top 18 scorers this week and next I believe so it’s worth the punt. I’m still thinking Flanders or Comben this week with Clohesy

JungleMuffin
Member
5 months ago
Reply to  Izzy

The North tall, who’s only ever been mediocre?

Or the cheep rookie downgrade who pumped out an 80?

kekek

Franke
Franke
5 months ago

Hey Fry
Mitch Georgiades, scored well.
How is his JS?
Thanks bro

lizardofoz
lizardofoz
5 months ago

Spot 0n with the sub/debut rant.
All the family’s there / it’s very cheap and shoddy.

M_C
M_C
5 months ago

Howes + Jordon –> Clohsey + Comben (bring Flanders in next week)

or

Ambrosio + Jordon –> Clohsey + Flanders

Liam
Member
Liam
5 months ago

Thoughts on trades this week, 54k in the bank

Initially I’m thinking of going Howes- Clohesy and Jordan – Jezza Cameron as a POD?

Or do I go Ambrosio/ Williams down to Clohsey and Jordan to Flanders

Thoughts?

DEF: Sheezel, Whitfield, Young, Houston, D’Ambrosio, Zilliams (Reid, Howes)
MID: Zerrett, Green, Rozee, N Martin, Bonner, McKercher, Sanders, Roberts (Mannagh, sharp)
RUC: Gawn, Grundy (Barnett)
FWD: Heeney, Jackson, Powell, Jordon, Reid, Dempsey(Ramsden, Campbell)
UTIL: Cadman

Turtle Villages
Turtle Villages
5 months ago

Hi Legend, I am still missing Sheezel, Steele and Flanders. I’ll be going Jordan to Clohesy but my second trade is up in the air! I can go Howes to J.Clark or Ambrosio to Sheezel, Steele, Bont or Flanders (via dpp). Should I just grab one of the big dogs like Sheezel or hold off and grab Flanders? I’ve got Jackson covering Grundy in the ruck but could flick him to Marshall too. So many possibilities and I need your advice!

Help Me
Help Me
5 months ago

Thoughts Fry?
Def: Sheez, Whitfield, NWM, Massimo, ZWill, Howes (Clohesy, Pink)
Mid: Rozee, Miller, Rowell, Crouch, Martin, Hewett, McKercher, Sanders (Roberts, Clark)
Ruck: Gawn, Grundy (Barnett)
Fwd: Heeney, Jackson, Powell, Jordon, Fyfe, Reid (Cadman, Wilson)
Utl: Mannagh
$72k

Not sure what to do
Howes—>Rookie
Jordon—>Martin?

Sucks not having dpp in the midfield so Martin or McKay are the ones I’m thinking of.
Cheers

Help Me
Help Me
5 months ago
Reply to  Fry

Followed what you said and that will leave me $371k for next week

Jacko
Jacko
5 months ago

Love your work Fry! Thanks again mate.

Thoughts on below trades this week:

Massimo > Clohesy
Jordon > NWM (via dpp)

Can get any defender (or forward). Thinking NWM is still good value but happy to hear other opinions.

Cheers!

Jez
Jez
5 months ago

Gawn VC into Bont C… thoughts? Thanks mate

Jez
Jez
5 months ago

Can you rank these players to bring in this week:

NWM, Zorko, Stewart, Young.

Adrian
Adrian
5 months ago

Hey Fry
Thanks for the amazing job you do
Need some help –
have D4 to D8 – B Howes, M Hore, T Pink & C Dean
also have Billings as well
Thinking trade
Billings to Clohesy/Will Graham / Comben
One of D4 – D8 to Clohesy/Will Graham/someone else
Your thoughts
Cheers

doug
doug
5 months ago

followed a lot of ppl by grabbing Thomas last week for his -25 BE, instead of Clohesy (like to see 1 game before trading in)..

so this week double downgrade as the GCS kids look the goods and Dimma has let them loose, so expecting a fair few games from Clohesy & Graham..

means i have nearly 800k in the bank for Gulden & Daicos next week, although i would LOVE to get Brayshaw this week, getting in Graham for Howes is a higher priority..

Will
Will
5 months ago

Great write up mate!! Elite stuff.

DEF: Sheezel, Daicos, NWM, Young, D’Ambrosio, Zilliams (Howes, Dean)
MID: Bont, Dawson, Rozee, Martin, Boner, Roberts, McKercher, Sanders (Sharp, Hall)
RUCK: Gawn, Grundy (Heath)
FWD: Heeney, Flanders, Powell, Jordon, Reid, Wilson (Thomas, Burgess)
Util: Mannagh

Current rank is 4637. ATM my trades are:
Grundy -> RoMar
Jordon -> Clohesy via Daicos utility

That leaves me with 85k. Should i be worried about my forward cover this week? I could go up to Zorko from a Massimo or zwill instead of the Grundy trade because how shallow my forward line will be this week, but is it fair to hide behind it with the best 18 and go to rowan Marshall who will hopefully stay there? Let me your thoughts cheers legend!!

Luke
Luke
5 months ago

Thanks for the great rookie advice each week mate!
The rooks really came through for me last weekend. Managed to score 2250 and my rank came in from 9000 to 2427.

Looking at 2 possible options this week.
1. Williams -> Clohesy (field at D6)
Jordan -> Flanders

2. Howes -> Clohesy (on bench)
Jordan -> Lukosis (looks alright playing off half back in the last two games).

Leaning towards option 1 atm with best 18 for the next 2 weeks and many new defenders to come with DPPs soon.
Thoughts….

Overthinker
Overthinker
5 months ago

Who goes first…Williams, massimo, or Howes?? To clohesy

Overthinker
Overthinker
5 months ago
Reply to  Overthinker

Howes is off-field




Recent Comments

Podcasts

Advertisement

More in Cash Cows