14 down, 10 to go!

We’ve almost reached the end of the bye rounds and the light at the end of the tunnel is getting some coaches (me) through, with everyone eager to slot their best 22 scorers back on field. Of course, the Round 15 bye rules out a handful of popular rookie choices and gives us one last opportunity to improve our squads with access to three trades. A lot of fantasy teams will find themselves in a great position – fielding one, two or maybe even zero rookies! Cash generation is still important with 10 weeks remaining in the season, so don’t go punting those bench positions just yet.

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

Mooooving On

Part of our weekly trade focus is to remove the rookie-priced players who are no longer making money. When a cash cow sees their average fall in line with their breakeven or they find themselves on the outside looking in for multiple weeks at a time, that’s a good time to give them the axe.

Fattened cash cows

1. Jeremy Sharp, Dockers ($689K, 76 AVG, 125 BE)
2. Darcy Wilson, Saints ($590K, 68 AVG, 91 BE)
3. Harvey Gallagher, Bulldogs ($489K, 55 AVG, 71 BE)
4. Kane McAuliffe, Tigers ($338K, 40 AVG, 58 BE)
5. Lachie Sullivan, Magpies ($412K, 54 AVG, 50 BE)

Injured/non-playing rookies

1. Harley Reid, Eagles ($559K, 65 AVG, 60 BE)
2. Joe Richards, Magpies ($376K, 79 AVG, -20 BE)
3. Hugo Garcia, Saints ($374K, 54 AVG, 27 BE)
4. Darcy Jones, Giants ($312K, 43 AVG, 44 BE)
5. Chris Burgess, Crows ($360K, 46 AVG, 36 BE)

Cash Cow King – Round 14

We all expected Arie Schoenmaker (74) to hit the ground running in his AFL debut, but it was a stretch to assume he’d lead all rookies for scoring in Round 14. He narrowly pipped his teammate Darcy Wilson (71) for the best points total produced by a cash cow, with recalled Dockers defender, Karl Worner the only other rook to top the 70-point plateau. Young, crafty forward duo Harvey Thomas (67) and Nick Watson (67) also earned a nomination for their efforts and despite trading him out last week, stellar Saint Darcy Wilson will get my vote this round.

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Making Moves

Fresh legs

Here’s a quick synopsis of the rookies who are coming off a bye in Round 14:

Sam Clohesy ($564K, 72 AVG, 87 BE) – One score over 70 on his last seven games – time to move Clohesy on.
Oliver Dempsey ($555K, 68 AVG, 57 BE) – Yo-yo production makes him hard to trust anymore.
Harley Reid ($559K, 65 AVG, 59 BE) – Will miss his third straight this week. Some may have opted to hold, but I’d rather chop the Eagles cult hero.
Will Graham ($485K, 64 AVG, 68 BE) – Solid, but he’s reached his peak price point.
Bodhi Uwland ($543K, 60 AVG, 7 BE) – Uwalnd is still on the rise and he’s generating some interest. Not for me though.
Caleb Windsor ($487K, 57 AVG, 64 BE) – If you’re one of the 35,000+ coaches who own Windsor and you still care about your season, axe Windsor.
Blake Howes ($449K, 55 AVG, 71 BE) – A month straight of scores under 50 means Howes has to be delisted.
Oisin Mullin ($376K, 47 AVG, 26 BE) – It’s a shame he’s not $100K cheaper or Mullin might be one to consider. It’s a no.
Jhye Clark ($371K, 43 AVG, 24 BE) – Still has coin to make…if he cans dodge the god damn vest.
Shaun Mannagh ($217K, 34 AVG, 12 BE) – Don’t hold your breath…
Taj Woewodin ($312K, 33 AVG, 48 BE) – Started as the sub in 8 of his 10 games this season. Gross.
Harry Barnett ($204K, 29 AVG, 20 BE) – Still the best R3 for loophole purposes with four consecutive Sunday games coming up.
Bailey Laurie ($216K, 28 AVG, 15 BE) – I’m not convinced he’s a part of Melbourne’s best-22. Monitor.

Money makers

Alright, let’s get down to business. We all know that Arie Schoenmaker ($236K, 74, BE -9) and Billy Dowling ($247K, 89, BE -18) remain the best possible downgrade targets, but with both on the bye which cash cows can we turn to? The lack of standout $200K options has forced coaches to think outside the box and after his decent showing against the Bulldogs in Round 14, some are investing in Karl Worner ($319K, 71, BE 9). On the back of his 16 disposals and six marks last Saturday, nearly 3,000 coaches are pulling the trigger to snare the discounted defender – a move that I’m not entirely sold on.

Worner suffered a NASTY concussion in Freo’s opening game of 2024 and has had to ply his craft in the WAFL since then before earning his recall last round. Averaging 86.2 points with 24.2 disposals for Peel Thunder, we should see the Dockers DEF score in respectable doses. Given the scarcity of cheaper trade targets on offer, Worner doesn’t fill me with a lot of confidence but he could be a target ahead of their matchup with the Suns out of necessity.

If you have a few more dollars up your sleeve, it’s also wise to consider re-buying Colby McKercher ($592K, DNP, BE 24) with the North Melbourne gun poised to return in Round 15 after five weeks on the sidelines. Prior to his injury setback, Colby was turning heads with a trio of performances by averaging an impressive 98.7 points fuelled by 30.7 disposals. Owning an average of 73.2 on the season, it’s hard to see McKercher performing any worse than that over North’s final 10 matches this season. If you are chasing a fieldable D6/M8 coming out of the byes, that player could very realistically be Colby McKercher.

Keep the faith

A trio of Brisbane rookies are helping plenty of coaches through the bye rounds and there’s no reason to move them on just yet. Bruce Reville ($430K, 57, BE 32), Logan Morris ($358K, 51, BE 14) and Kai Lohmann ($597K, 58, BE 68) all face a tough on-paper matchup against Port Adelaide on Saturday arvo, but owners will surely stick with them for at least another week before fantasy normalcy returns in Round 16. Some may also have faith in Harvey Thomas ($381K, 67, BE 34) to replicate another 65+ score, with the GWS small producing some bright moments so far this year. However, a date with the Swans means that Thomas could realistically struggle and even fail to reach his breakeven of 34.

Everyone’s favourite bench defender Toby Pink ($289K, 44, BE 17) looms as another green dot this round – although, I can’t see the Roos swingman contributing a best-of-18 worthy score. A few of the rooks resting this week still offer some fantasy upside with Ryley Sanders ($504K, 51, BE 59) an interesting case. We know that the Bulldogs’ ball winner is capable of amassing encouraging fantasy scores, but it’s fair to assume he’s made most of his money and won’t significantly climb much further.

You could stick with Sanders coming out of the byes and thanks to his MID/FWD versatility, he may be able to help a handful of coaches in either line. Still the best plan is to utilise your three trades this week and upgrade the young pup to a proven fantasy stud. Magpies pair Nathan Kreuger ($326K, 41, BE 12) and Charlie Dean ($376K, 44, BE 27) didn’t wow against the Roos last weekend, although they still have more coin to make and could be left in your lineup providing they will take up residence on the bench after the byes. If you’re in a luxurious position and could move them on for Dowling or Schoenmaker, go for it.

Cut them loose

The Round 15 bye will spell doom for a lot of Joel Freijah ($410K, 55, BE 39) and Kane McAuliffe ($338K, 17, BE 54) owners, with the latter rookie one I feel very comfortable culling. Freijah may still have a tiny price rise remaining, but the pair can be sent packing having served their purpose over the last three weeks. Similar can be said for Freijah’s teammate Harvey Gallagher ($489K, 31, BE 71) – a rookie who has had great moments throughout the fantasy season, but has clearly done what we need and can now be moved on.

Arguably the two best cash cows from the first 14 weeks of the season are on the block this round with Darcy Wilson’s ($590K, 71, BE 91) week off allowing his owners to move on. Coaches who had faith in Jeremy Sharp ($689K, 15, BE 125) will be looking to rage trade him on the back of his miserable performance too. The bulk of the fantasy community have benefitted greatly from their presence in our teams throughout 2024, but as the duo progressively decline in value it’s clear they have to go. With three trades up our sleeve for the last time this year, maximise the extra move and send both Wilson/Sharp packing if you haven’t already moved them on.

Thin Ice

This week, the thin ice category exclusively features rookies from the Collingwood Magpies. I’ve already mentioned the likes of Charlie Dean and Nathan Kreuger, but the Pies have a plethora of young talents in their lineup right now. After Finlay Macrae ($374K, 15, BE 53) and Reef McInnes ($291K, 18, BE 47) rotated through the sub-vest against North Melbourne it’s hard to trust either of them right now and Tew Jiath ($203K, 27, BE 23) didn’t exactly light it up in his AFL debut.

There is some cautious optimism around Lachie Sullivan ($412K, 46, BE 50) and Harvey Harrison ($376K, 42, BE 26) despite mediocre scores last weekend. I feel like we could give Harrison another run, although Sullivan has served his purpose as a cash cow. By no means is he a must trade this week, but I’d look to move him on and cash in on his $400K+ price tag before he starts regressing.

Wait and see

Another sub-affected effort in the final game of the round ruined Toby McMullin’s ($286K, 3, BE 44) cash generation and nearly 10% of the competition currently find themselves stuck with the Giants forward. I think the smartest play is to wait it out and hope McMullin finds a way to break into GWS’ best-22, as his current price makes it hard to justify trading him out. Hawthorn duo Nick Watson ($399K, 67, BE 34) and Calsher Dear ($353K, 35, BE 34) deserve a mention, but non-owners shouldn’t really consider either of them off the bye while Crows backman Will Hamill ($367K, 54, BE 13) falls into the same category after already climbing slightly in value.

Sub status

Subbed On – Kane McAuliffe, Matt Roberts, Reef McInnes, Toby McMullin

Subbed Off – Finlay Macrae, Aaron Cadman

The Mc brothers in the form of Kane and Toby have had their cash gen severely stunted by multiple vestings and owners are somewhat stuck with the pair now. Since he reached his peak price in Round 8, we’ve seen Matt Roberts ($444K, 11, BE 100) average a measly 31 points and decline by $187K. Can’t wait for this rule to become extinct…

State League Stats

Luke Lloyd, Lions (125) – 22 disposals, 14 marks, 3.1 in front of goal
Joe Fonti, Giants (123) – 22 disposals, 10 marks, 8 tackles
Jack Bytel, Magpies (121) – 36 disposals, 7 marks
Harry Rowston, Giants (115) – 27 disposals, 6 marks, 7 tackles
James Tunstill, Lions (110) – 24 disposals, 7 marks, 5 tackles, 1 behind
Riley Garcia, Bulldogs (107) – 31 disposals, 8 tackles
Wade Derksen, Giants (107) – 28 disposals, 9 marks
Reece Torrent, Lions (106) – 22 disposals, 11 marks, 3 tackles
Zane Duursma, Kangaroos (106) – 25 disposals, 3.1 in front of goal
Charlie Lazzaro, Kangaroos (104) – 31 disposals, 8 marks
Josh Bennetts, Hawks (103) – 21 disposals, 8 marks, 2 goals
Cooper Harvey, Kangaoors (101) – 21 disposals, 9 marks, 3 goals
Zac Taylor, Crows (101) – 26 disposals, 6 marks, 4 tackles, 1 goal
Max Hall, Saints (94) – 19 disposals, 3.1 in front of goal
Max Heath, Saints (93) – 19 disposals, 24 hitouts, 5 tackles
Luke Beecken, Lions (92) – 24 disposals, 6 marks
Shadeau Brain, Lions (92) – 21 disposals, 12 marks
Wil Parker, Magpies (89) – 17 disposals, 7 marks, 6 tackles
Jedd Busslinger, Bulldogs (88) – 22 disposals, 9 marks
Will McLachlan, Lions (85) – 18 disposals, 9 marks, 1 behind
Jasper Scaife, Hawks (84) – 14 disposals, 7 marks, 3.1 in front of goal
Hugo Garcia, Saints (83) – 18 disposals, 10 tackles, 2 behinds
Max Gruzewski, Giants (81) – 14 disposals, 7 hitouts, 7 marks, 2.3 in front of goal
Daniel Curtin, Crows (79) – 18 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles
Geordie Payne, Kangaroos (79) – 17 disposals, 4 tackles, 1.1 in front of goal
Campbell Gray, Tigers (78) – 13 disposals, 9 hitouts, 5 marks, 1.1 in front of goal
Joel Hamling, Swans (78) – 14 disposals, 6 marks, 4.1 in front of goal
Hamish Free, Kangaoors (76) – 19 disposals, 28 hitouts
Jacob Blight, Tigers (74) – 18 disposals, 9 marks
Caleb Mitchell, Swans (72) – 24 disposals, 4 tackles, 1.1 in front of goal
Iliro Smit, Magpies (69) – 10 disposals, 26 hitouts
Kaleb Smith, Tigers (67) – 20 disposals, 6 marks
Caiden Cleary, Swans (66) – 19 disposals, 1.1 in front of goal
Cooper Simpson, Dockers (63) – 10 disposals, 4 marks, 6 tackles, 1 behind

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)
Billy Wilson (Blues, $201K)
Archie Roberts (Bombers, $200K)
Jedd Busslinger (Bulldogs, $200K)
Charlie Edwards (Crows, $240K)
Saad El-Hawli (Bombers, $200K)
Logan Evans (Power, $200K)
Jacob Blight (Tigers, $200K)

MIDFIELDERS

Caiden Cleary (Swans, $231K)
Clay Hall (Eagles, $200K)
Hugh Jackson (Power, $200K)
Harry Rowston (Giants, $241K)
Harry DeMattia (Magpies, $228K)
Mitch Hardie (Cats, $200K)
George Stevens (Cats, $200K)

RUCKMEN

Henry Smith (Lions, $200K)
Coen Livingstone (Eagles, $200K)
Max Heath (Saints, $200K)
Archer Reid (Eagles, $213K)
Will Verrall (Demons, $200K)
Taylor Goad (Kangaroos, $243K)
Mitch Edwards (Cats, $207K)

FORWARDS

Kynan Brown (Demons, $200K)
Andy Moriz-Wakefield (Demons, $200K)
James Tsitas (Suns, $200K)
Ashton Moir (Blues, $216K)
Tom Anastasopoulos (Power, $200K)
Brayden George (Kangaroos, $200K)
Max Hall (Saints, $200K)
Campbell Gray (Tigers, $200K)
Toby Murray (Crows, $200K)

Fry

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