20 down, four to go!

We’ve almost made it fam. The end of the AFL Fantasy season is fast approaching, with every coach focusing on a different goal for the final month of action. There are only 8 trades left in the bank and using them to maximise our on-feild 22 is as crucial as ever. The best way to do that is to have plenty of cash in hand to chase the biggest of dogs down the home stretch – and flicking out our inflated cash cows/rookies is the best way to find the dollars you need for an uber upgrade.

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. Harvey Harrison, Magpies ($379K, 41 AVG, 67 BE)
2. Andy Moniz-Wakefield, Demons ($370K, 53 AVG, 37 BE)
3. Logan Evans, Power ($543K, 76 AVG, 31 BE)
4. Billy Dowling, Crows ($508K, 69 AVG, 35 BE)
5. Shaun Mannagh, Cats ($489K, 67 AVG, 23 BE)

Injured/non-playing rookies

1. Joel Freijah, Bulldogs ($446K, 56 AVG, 45 BE)
2. Koltyn Tholstrup, Demons ($413K, 51 AVG, 56 BE)
3. Arie Schoenmaker, Saints ($362K, 58 AVG, 14 BE)
4. Bruce Reville, Lions ($395K, 50 AVG, 99 BE)
5. Charlie Dean, Magpies ($387K, 48 AVG, 43 BE)

Cash Cow King – Round 20

We’re heading into a CRUCIAL week of voting for the Cash Cow King award, with familiar faces amongst the best scorers in Round 20. No one came close to Matt Roberts (138) who helped himself to a career-best 36 disposals and easily the best point total we’ve seen from a rook in the 2024 season. The best of the rest included mainstream starters such as, Darcy Wilson (76), Oliver Dempsey (88) and Harley Reid (78) with the recalled Jack Bytel (84) excelling against the Tigers too. The Swans’ halfback is the obvious pick for maximum votes this week, but after watching Harley live at the Derby, I’ll be giving him some love too.

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Making Moves

No one is chasing a rookie as a trade priority this late in the season, so as a result, I’ve streamlined the article before I get stuck into the awards a few weeks from now. If there’s a cash cow I don’t cover that you’ve got questions about, feel free to drop them below or hit me up on my socials.

DEFENCE

Colby McKercher ($743K, DNP, BE 74) – After missing Round 20 due to general soreness, all signs point to McKercher returning for the Roos this week against Richmond. Almost 10,000 coaches traded the North young gun out last round, but his recent scoring rate suggests that Colby will still be able to chalk up a decent score against Richmond. If you held onto him, you can continue to do so for another game or two.

Bodhi Uwland ($553K, 53, BE 81) – Thankfully Bodhi Uwland escaped suspension for his tackle on Lachie Neale – not that many coaches are still rocking with the Suns DEF. If you happen to be one of the few who still own Uwland, rectify that quickly.

Matt Roberts ($550K, 138, BE -20) – What a performance from Matty Roberts! His game against the Bulldogs stands out as the highest rookie score this season and as a result, the Sydney cygnet is the 4th most traded-in player this week. He could be a decent play for a D7/M9 spot with the hopes that he pops a few more times to close the fantasy campaign. I’d feel worried about playing him in my best-22 though.

Logan Evans ($543K, 53, BE 39) – There is still money to be made for Logan Evans, although a lower score on the weekend has seen him become the most traded-out player this round. In a perfect world, you would keep the Power youngster around for another week or two, but if you desperately need the cash to make another move, Evans can be sent packing.

Lawson Humphries ($489K, 73, BE 28) – Sitting in the same boat as Evans, Lawson Humphries is being cashed in by a portion of his owners too. The Cats do have a juicy run of games to close the season and of all the cash cows with a bit of coin on their head, Humphries is the one I’d trade out last.

Arie Schoenmaker ($362K, DNP, BE 15) – Went pretty well in the two’s, but I still expect Arie to rock Sandringham colours for the rest of the fantasy season.

Joe Fonti ($283K, DNP, BE 9) unused sub – Tough scenes starting as the sub and failing to see a minute of game time…

Dan Curtin ($246K, 21, BE 46) subbed on – Sigh…I was bullish on Dan Curtin’s potential score against Hawthorn, with the stars seemingly aligning for the developing Crow on Sunday. An injury hit midfield and a string of great SANFL performances should have seen Curtin enter Adelaide’s best-22, but instead, he wasn’t named initially and only played when Brodie Smith became a late out. At least he’ll be cheap in 2025, right?

Hugh Bond ($240K, 51, BE 7) – A healthy dose of tackles helped Hugh Bond record 50+ points for the first time in his career – but I wouldn’t be investing in the Adelaide prospect for the final month.

Kaleb Smith ($221K, 37, BE 9) – Richmond has allowed Kaleb Smith to string a few senior games together and as a result, he’s slowly ticking upwards in value. If you’re chasing a defensive green dot, you could invest in Smith to close the season.

Wil Parker ($200K, 33, BE 33) – There were almost 800 coaches who made the play for Parker prior to last week as a heartbeat down back. My advice, ignore the Magpie.

MIDFIELD

Harley Reid ($585K, 78, BE 61) – There were times during the Derby last weekend when Harley Reid looked like the best player on the ground. West Coast’s star in the making finished with a career-high 29 disposals and an equal game-high 10 clearances – recording his third 70+ score in the last month in the process. His days are likely done in your fantasy team, but Ried is still producing at a strong level as the finish line nears.

Caleb Windsor ($553K, 44, BE 74) – A low-grade syndesmosis injury will force Caleb Windsor to the sidelines at least for Melbourne’s next match. If the Dees continue to chalk up losses, it’s highly possible that Windsor’s rookie season is done after 19 games at an average of 59 points.

Jeremy Sharp ($551K, 65, BE 73) – 65 points is fine from a midfield rookie, but given the numbers we saw Sharp produce earlier in the season, this feels underwhelming. Since a month-long stretch before Freo’s bye where Sharp averaged 97.7 points, the winger has failed to fire with a 55 AVG from his last seven matches.

Shaun Mannagh ($493K, 63, BE 23) – I give the tick of approval to anyone contemplating a Shaun Mannagh trade out, however the mature-ager is still making considerable cash. Geelong are scheduled to play three of the bottom five teams over the final month of the fantasy season and I’ll be shocked if Mannagh doesn’t produce another impressive score or two.

Sam Clohesy ($476K, 49, BE 70) – It really has been a season of two halves for Sam Clohesy. The speedy Sun has failed to surpass 50 points in four of his last five matches – averaging 52.7 points from his last 8 games, compared to 77.1 from the first 8 games of his fantasy career.

Darcy Wilson ($474K, 76, BE 39) – A year after Mattaes Phillipou played every possible game for the Saints in year one, Darcy Wilson is also trying to complete the feat. Consecutive scores in the 70’s are a reflection of his fantasy talents, but his days as a relevant cash cow are certainly behind us now.

Will Graham ($398K, 73, BE 59) – Shaking himself free from the sub vest allowed Will Graham to put up very respectable numbers against Brisbane in the Q-Clash last Saturday. The tackling machine has shown enough glimpses to suggest he’ll be an important fantasy factor in the future – as long as Dimma Hardwick continues to give him MID clock.

Lachie Sullivan ($351K, 27, BE 62) subbed on – Most coaches would have chopped Lachie Sullivan already after his cash generation dried up and this effort vs. Richmond won’t change that.

Zane Trew ($330K, 4, BE 43) subbed off – It was a huge bummer to see Zane Trew left lying on the turf at Optus Stadium just a few minutes into the game last week. A neck complaint leaves Trew as a test for the upcoming Friday night clash with Gold Coast and there are 6,265 coaches who have their fingers crossed hoping he gets up.

Zac Taylor ($326K, 40, BE -1) – Producing two stellar scores in Rounds 18 and 19 saw Zac Taylor become THE coveted cash cow in fantasy. Gathering just 9 disposals last week wasn’t a great continuation, but with a negative breakeven next to his name I’m optimistic that Taylor can avoid the sub-vest and still make convenient cash for a few weeks.

Jack Carroll ($292K, 43, BE 16) subbed on – David Cunningham’s early shoulder injury allowed Jack Carroll to get an extended run against the Power. It didn’t translate to an eye-popping score, although it did help reignite Carroll’s cash gen.

RUCK

Samson Ryan ($333K, 75, BE 29) – I flagged a potential belter from Samson Ryan multiple times last week, with the Tigers tall making the most of Toby Nankervis’s absence. He somewhat stuffed the stat sheet for his 75 points against Collingwood, but his relevancy will be short-lived as Nank prepares for an instant recall now he has overcome his concussion woes.

Henry Smith ($214K, 31, BE 18) – I’m contractually obligated to mention Henry Smith, but no one who is taking their fantasy finals campaign seriously has the Lions RUC on their radar.

FORWARD

Oliver Dempsey ($661K, 88, BE 93) – With 18 disposals and three goals on the weekend, Oliver Dempsey now has one hand well and truly on the Rising Star award. One of the best money makers in the entire game this season, the Geelong jet is one of just three players (Colby McKercher and Tristan Xerri are the others) to increase his price tag by more than $400K this season.

Billy Dowling ($508K, 72, BE 35) – The scores that Billy Dowling has produced across the last three rounds may have been very convenient for fantasy coaches trying to plug gaps in the forward line. All signs point to another strong score from Dowling in Round 21, but a lot of his owners are jumping ship and making the most of his $500K+ price tag. You could give him another run this weekend against the Cats if you are trying to loop his score onto your field, but I think the time is right for Billy to depart our sides.

Harvey Harrison ($379K, 15, BE 67) – The days of decent production from Harvey Harrison appear over and I’d be making him a trade priority if he is still sitting in your squad. Collingwood’s forward has had bright moments this season, but there are only two scores over 60 from his 12 matches.

Hugo Garcia ($375K, DNP, BE 49) unused sub – You’d have every right to be pissed about starting as the sub and never getting to take the tracksuit off. Hugo Garcia still had a strong run in the reserves for Sandringham, although I feel for him.

Andy Moniz-Wakefield ($370K, 43, BE 37) – Being ditched by over 700 coaches this week, there isn’t much growth left for Andy Moniz-Wakefield. Scores of 38 and 43 in the past fortnight have seen his price rises stall and while trading him away doesn’t equate to a huge financial reward, it’s wise to make the most of his value before he starts declining.

Steely Green ($298K, 34, BE 14) – Some have targetted Steely Green across the past few weeks and the Richmond goalsneak fits the mould of a stereotypical small forward. His role isn’t conducive to great fantasy numbers and honestly, you may as well keep the Tigers cub as potential cover in the forward line over the final month of the season.

Corey Warner ($264K, 59, BE 3) – In the last two weeks, Corey Warner has made the most of his opportunity at Sydney and scored in mediocre fashion. As we all know, it’s hard for Sydney cash cows to get a serious and consistent run under John Longmire, but the way that Warner is playing may force Horse’s hand.

Bailey Laurie ($255K, 69, BE -4) – There is some merit in targeting Bailey Laurie as a downgrade option this week on the back of career-best fantasy numbers. Laurie’s score of 69 (nice) marked just the third time in his career that he played a ‘full’ AFL game – having spent four years on the Demons’ list toiling away for a consistent gig. I’d be shocked if he played four full games to end the 2024 season, meaning you’re better off trading for a red dot rookie and saving yourself $55K.

Ted Clohesy ($219K, 38, BE 15) subbed on – Give this man a decent run! Until Ted Clohesy frees himself from the sub vest, his scoring power will be handicapped and there isn’t much appeal to trading for the versatile Cat.

State League Stats

Here are the noteworthy 💰🐮 AFL Fantasy numbers from Round 20 in the state leagues

Jai Serong, Hawks (144) – 28 disposals, 13 marks, 8 tackles
Jhye Clark, Cats (130) – 24 disposals, 5 marks, 10 tackles, 1 goal
Charlie Dean, Magpies (124) – 27 disposals, 15 marks
Caiden Cleary, Swans (124) – 34 disposals, 9 marks, 5 tackles
Finbar Maley, Kangaroos (121) – 24 disposals, 22 hitouts, 8 tackles
James Leake, Giants (114) – 28 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles
Max Ramsden, Hawks (112) – 15 disposals, 31 hitouts, 6 marks, 1 goal
Mitch Hardie, Cats (111) – 31 disposals, 5 tackles, 1.1 in front of goal
Ed Allan, Magpies (108) – 32 disposals, 2.1 in front of goal
Bruce Reville, Lions (106) – 26 disposals, 8 marks, 2 goals
James Tsitas, Suns (105) – 21 disposals, 5 marks, 8 tackles, 1 goal
Hugo Garcia, Saints (104) – 18 disposals, 15 tackles
James Tunstill, Lions (104) – 27 disposals, 6 marks
Archie Roberts, Bombers (103) – 28 disposals, 6 marks, 1.1 in front of goal
Caleb Mitchell, Swans (102) – 19 disposals, 7 marks, 6 tackles
Ethan Phillips, Hawks (102) – 20 disposals, 15 marks
Hugh Jackson, Power (101) – 20 disposals, 8 tackles, 1.1 in front of goal
Arie Schoenmaker, Saints (100) – 29 disposals, 5 marks
Finlay Macrae, Magpies (100) – 28 disposals, 7 tackles
Kane McAullife, Tigers (99) – 23 disposals, 9 tackles, 1 goal
Marty Hore, Demons (97) – 23 disposals, 11 marks
Dante Visentini, Power (95) – 12 disposals, 45 hitouts, 5 tackles, 1 goal
Geordie Payne, Kangaroos (94) – 16 disposals, 5 marks, 10 tackles, 2 behinds
Luke Beeckan, Lions (93) – 19 disposals, 5 marks, 2 goals
Jacob Blight, Tigers (88) – 23 disposals
Olli Hotton, Saints (86) – 22 disposals, 6 tackles
Will Lorenz, Power (85) – 24 disposals, 5 marks
Oscar Ryan, Crows (85) – 24 disposals, 5 marks
Max Heath, Saints (82) – 19 disposals, 18 hitouts, 1 goal
Iliro Smit, Magpies (80) – 9 disposals, 55 hitouts, 1 goal
Tyrell Dewar, Eagles (78) – 18 disposals, 7 marks
Max Gruzewski, Giants (75) – 10 disposals, 6 marks, 5.1 in front of goal
Cooper Simpson, Dockers (74) – 12 disposals, 6 tackles, 2 goals
Karl Worner, Dockers (74) – 21 disposals
Toby Pink, Kangaroos (74) – 13 disposals, 2.1 in front of goal
Liam Reidy, Dockers (70) – 10 disposals, 42 hitouts
Clay Hall, Eagles (64) – 15 disposals
Kynan Brown, Demons (54) – 10 disposals, 7 tackles

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)
Jacob Blight (Tigers, $200K)

MIDFIELDERS

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

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

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 ?