Seven down, 17 to go!
Just a casual reminder for fantasy coaches – there are still 17 rounds of fantasy footy left in 2025, with almost 40 trades still up our sleeves. Those who opted to chase the cheapies last week in the form of James Tunstill and Campbell Gray are now (likely) left with an uninspiring brown/red dot on their bench who won’t contribute a great deal moving forward. While we are all rushing to trade Lachie Whitfield, Nick Daicos, Christian Petracca, or whichever other premium you love into our teams, it’s still important to keep a long-term view and not completely butcher our squads in the process. Yes, the lack of downgrade options priced under $300K is alarming, but that doesn’t mean we should chase players who come with plenty of red flags.
Rookie/cash cows are typically defined as players who started the season priced at $400,000 or lower
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Cash Cow King – Round 7
A pair of Melbourne rookies started Round 7 with a BANG as both Xavier Lindsay and Harvey Langford put forth fieldable scores against the Tigers. Lindsay will likely dominate the votes this week, but his partner in crime in Langford and a Sydney duo deserve their fair share of recognition as well. The ever-reliable Riley Bice and Caiden Cleary mirrored each other in terms of production, with promising 80+ outings, while Zach Reid earned his third nomination of the season thanks to his efforts on Anzac Day.
*If you’re having issues submitting your vote try clicking “view results” first and that should resolve the problem 🤞
Making Moves
Let ’em grow
The majority of our starting rookie picks are reaching their peak value and coaches are looking to follow a traditional “one up, one down” philosophy with their trades over the coming rounds. We won’t be moving on from Riley Bice ($653K, 82, BE 31) anytime soon as the mature aged Swan continues to produce, but some of his defensive peers are well and truly on the block. 70’s from Zach Reid ($546K, 74, BE 36) and Luke Trainor ($529K, 73, BE 54) in Round 7 will lead to some giving the young talls another life at D6 – however, there’s nothing wrong with culling them to ensure you have enough cash for a coveted upgrade. You could look to flick one of them to Dogs debutant Jedd Busslinger ($246K, 42, BE 13), who started with a flurry scoring 25 points in the first quarter, only to struggle throughout the rest of the contest vs. GWS. If Busslinger manages to hold his place in Bevo’s team, then I fully expect him to remain the No. 1 option at the trade table for coaches.
He could take up residence on our DEF bench next to Matt Carroll ($367K, 57, BE 3) after he produced another solid 50 to keep his cash gen ticking over. His teammate Will White ($416K, 48, BE 11) also owns one of the lowest breakevens heading into Round 8, firing four shots at goal from nine disposals to surpass the $400K mark. I’d feel much better about my team if Caiden Cleary ($457K, 82, BE 10) were sitting in his place at F7-F8, with a solid bounce-back performance reinstalling our faith in Cleary as a money maker. There’s a world where you can play Cleary at F6 given his recent form, although most of his owners will be content with him sitting on the pine – perhaps next to Conor Stone ($441K, 65, BE 25). The Giants FWD/DEF has produced back-to-back 60’s after seemingly topping out in value and as he maintains his price rise, coaches will likely give him another life.
There was more support to keep Stone after he added DPP a few weeks ago, with Levi Ashcroft ($658K, 65, BE 61) perhaps the most important cash cow to add another position in Round 6. Over 2,500 coaches are opting to chop the talented Lion this week now that he has climbed a significant $330K in price since the start of the season. Personally, I’m giving Levi a chance to flourish against North (Rd. 9) and Melbourne (Rd. 10) before I entertain the idea of moving him on, but I do understand the reasoning behind coaches pulling the trigger if it helps them land a big fish in the midfield. I’ll happily leave him sitting at M7-M8 for now, with Xavier Lindsay ($528K, 98, BE 26) or Harvey Langford ($503K, 74, BE 20) potentially holding down the other spot for coaches. The Dees duo excelled against Richmond last week and I imagine they’ll maintain their positive scoring ways this week as they face a trip West to clash with the Eagles.
Watch this space
One of the worst feelings in fantasy is trading out a rookie who goes on to make another notable price jump. I find myself in this position after moving on from Corey Warner ($483K, 74, BE 42) last round – only for Sydney’s young gun to jump another $19K and produce a near season-high in points. It’s very possible that Warner will score a 40-50 against the Giants and I’ll feel somewhat justified. The same could be said for mainstream MID/FWD options such as Max Hall ($517K, 67, BE 49) and Murphy Reid ($517K, 36, BE 59) and moving them on to help with another upgrade is a fine route to go down now that they’ve surpassed the $500K threshold.
Sam Lalor ($551K, 41, BE 56) belongs in this conversation too, with a 41-point effort seeing him stall in cash gen. He has only recorded one score over 70 so far this season and despite Lalor’s undeniable talent, if the Tigers cub is sitting on your bench, he may be the one who makes way to help you land a Chad Warner/Christian Petracca type. Down back, players such as Connor O’Sullivan ($555K, 70, BE 48) and Jaxon Prior ($536K, 55, BE 49) have been a great source of production with Karl Worner ($488K, 64, BE 19) an unpopular pick who fits the same mould. There is a world where you can give these players another chance if you have more pressing trade issues, but all of our rookies need to go at some point, right?
Let ’em go
After a subpar score on the weekend, now feels like the right time to pull the trigger on Sam Davidson ($626K, 51, BE 65). Doctor Davo is now priced at 61 points and after climbing almost $400K in price, he doesn’t have a lot of perceived growth left. It is much easier to get access to an on-field premium you have faith in my moving on from Davidson, with the rest of our cash cows in the “must-trade” basket checking in at uninspiring price points. The 40-point king himself Finn O’Sullivan ($397K, 41, BE 45) remains a thorn in the side for almost a third of the competition and he seems destined to hover around this price now until he either drops a surprise 60+ score, or he is given a week off from the senior team.
Daniel Curtin ($442K, 39, BE 64) and Christian Moraes ($452K, 49, BE 56) have a few more dollars on their head, however they are destined to lose value in the coming rounds. With a lack of viable downgrade options around, coaches may have to get creative when chasing replacements for these guys, but you’re still better served to move them on to one of the players listed in the money makers section – even if you don’t pocket a lot of coin as a result. Isaac Kako ($401K, 46, BE 38) is another frustrating rookie at this point in time and while a lot of readers may have moved him on already, there’s still merit in trading if he’s stuck at your M10/F8/UTL position.
Sub status
Subbed On – Sid Draper, Quinton Narkle, James Tunstill, Zane Duursma, Cooper Hynes, Tom Hanily
Subbed Off – Campbell Gray, Isaiah Dudley, Oliver Whiltshire, Hamish Davis
A friendly reminder that just because a rookie is picked, doesn’t mean they are the answer. The writing was on the wall that James Tunstill ($272K, 15, BE 20) was going to be Brisbane’s starting substitute, but that didn’t stop over 17,000 coaches from trading him into their team. Some (5,500+ coaches) went down the Campbell Gray ($236K, 30, BE 21) route instead, only to see him gather 5 touches before being subbed out. As we continue to scramble for downgrade options, think twice about the player you’re investing in to avoid getting stuck with a Tunstill, Gray, El-Hawli type.
Q & A
I’m adding a Q&A section to the weekly articles to help address the biggest issues we have with our rookies/cash cows. If I don’t get to your answer in the article, I promise I’ll answer it on Twitter – and as always, you can drop your follow-up question below.
Hustwaite?
— Matthew M #WATheDreamState (@MattM_78) April 29, 2025
Tempting with the juicy fixture coming up, but no. We can’t get stuck shopping in these areas, even with the lack of cheap, trustworthy trade targets.
Easy question. Hard to answer
Who do we actually trade in if no new rooks are named with teams?
— Evolved (@Evolved_23) April 29, 2025
Well worded. The players priced under $300K aren’t filling us with confidence right now, so we’re going to have to get creative to keep our cash gen moving in the right direction. It feels taboo, but if you’re looking to offload a Zach Reid type this week, moving him to Matt Carroll or Caiden Cleary (via DPP) is a move to explore given their low breakevens and perceived job security. It doesn’t make as much money as trading in a James Tunstill or Campbell Gray type, however I have much more faith in Carroll/Cleary making another $100K-$150K from their current price compared to the cheaper alternatives.
Is Oscar McDonald’s job security any good?
— Nathan Langone (@LangoneNathan) April 29, 2025
Thursday night will tell us a lot, with the Dockers poised to welcome Luke Jackson back from injury. O-Mac has been playing second fiddle in the ruck for Freo and has done a decent job, but I can’t see Jackson, Darcy and McDonald all playing in the same outfit. So to answer your question, I don’t think so…
I have Reid/trainor as d6/7, Lindsay m8, lashcroft f6
Who to trade first?— Gedav (@Gedav147022) April 29, 2025
The bench player probably goes first to help upgrade one of the other on-field rookies. For me, I’d be chopping Reid over Trainor and playing the Richmond rook at D6.
I’ll get Batman to ask my question pic.twitter.com/WYvWlWtuml
— Hawker (@HawkersHeroes) April 29, 2025
They’re around, their price just doesn’t start with a 2 unfortunately…
Remember the Name
In no particular order, here are some of the other rookie-priced players to consider throughout the season.
DEFENDERS
Josh Gibucs (Tigers, $230K)
Luke Beecken (Lions, $230K)
Bo Allan (Eagles, $295K)
Alix Tauru (Saints, $313K)
James Barrat (Saints, $247K)
Ben Jepson (Suns, $230K)
MIDFIELDERS
Hugh Boxshall (Saints, $230K)
Luke Urquart (Kangaroos, $230K)
Josh Smillie (Tigers, $322K)
Caleb Mitchell (Swans, $230K)
Zak Johnson (Bombers, $230K)
Ben Camporeale (Blues, $230K)
RUCKMEN
Max Heath (Saints, $230K)
Taylor Goad (Kangaroos, $230K)
Tom Campbell (Demons, $316K)
Kayle Gerreyn (Bombers, $232K)
Lachlan McAndrew (Crows, $302K)
Nic Madden (Giants, $230K)
FORWARDS
Cooper Simpson (Dockers, $230K)
Cody Angove (Giants, $230K)
Ashton Moir (Blues, $230K)
Will Hayes (Magpies, $230K)
Ty Gallop (Lions, $230K)
Recent Comments
on Fry’s Cash Cows – Rd. 12: “G’day Legend! What do you prefer? 1) Zorko + Berry 2) Merrett + McAuliffe 3) Green + McAuliffe” May 29, 10:56
on Fry’s Cash Cows – Rd. 12: “The sub rule is obviously bad for fantasy but necessary with the [recent] attention to concussion. I would like to…” May 29, 10:40
on Fry’s Cash Cows – Rd. 12: “Hey Mate, loved the article. Thanks for putting in the work every week! What do you prefer? 1) Trainor and…” May 29, 10:40
on Fry’s Cash Cows – Rd. 12: “G’day Mate, killer read as usual! Which premo do you prefer this week, Merrett, Zorko, Dunkley, or Green?” May 29, 10:27
Podcasts
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Cash Cows
Fry’s Cash Cows – Rd. 12
Cash Cows
Fry’s Cash Cows – Rd. 8
Calvin's Captains
Calvin’s Captains – Rd. 9
Cash Cows
Fry’s Cash Cows – Rd. 9
Cash Cows
Fry’s Cash Cows – Rd. 10
Hey Fry do you have any news on L Ash? And why the fantasy app has him injured?
Ignore it mate. Apparantely it’s just a Champion Data mishap, there’s nothing wrong with him
Thx for that. I was going there but Butters in looks better.
The AF site seems to be always in meltdown.
i know the comparison isn’t rook to rook, but thoughts on L. Ashcroft scoring against C. Daniel over the next 2-3 weeks??
the extra 200k from the latter would help chase the big Cheese or NWM next week..
One is averaging 94 on the season and the other 74 – with 20 points equating roughly to $200K. Brisbane have some softer matchups coming so the gap could be closed and yes, Daniel’s form has been down a bit. Still, the rookie goes first and if Daniel doesn’t right the ship then you can probably still move him to a premo in a few weeks anyway
i tend to agree, so it was Ashcroft out, but checking their last 3 and it’s only 10 points difference now.. Daniel has a higher BE and now competes with Cheese across HB, but also, rooks do go first..
Hey Fry,
Who would you trade in out of Long and Chad Warner?
Long has been a great value pick, although I think Warner is primed to pop so I’d target him first
Great post Fry! Given the rookie crisis, does Kai Lohmnann become a left field “rookie” downgrade option in next couple of weeks?
Priced at $422k with a BE of 94. May get down to ~$360k.
Definitely a huge injury risk though.
He’s one that we can absolutely monitor. If he gets fit and his price slides into the mid $300K’s there is undeniable value there (he averaged a tick under 60 in 2024). Good find!
L.Ash fixed I now see.
The trades I’m thinking this week could be veiwed sideways a little bit?
Sanders to Schultz if he is back from injury and
Ashcroft to N.Long
They both a lower BE in the 30s so at worst-case they can be a stepping stone to the top with the bye rounds coming up.
Don’t love the idea of chasing Schultz TBH mate, If you’re looking at sideways moves, I’d be tempted to do it with rookies and give Sanders one last run.
What do think?
Trainor to Boxshall
Sanders to Butters
That sounds MUCH better!
Keeping Sanders not the right call he will be going next. A lot of players did not proform this week Sinclair 61 what was that?
Reason for Hustwaite being a no?
I’m not convinced he’ll stay in the side for too long and while he won his fair share of the footy vs. West Coast, Hustwaite doesn’t fill up the box score with marks/tackles. If he was priced lower I’d be more tempted, but I think there’s too much risk
Ripper article every week, love it, thanks Fry. In order, can you tell me the ones i should make a priority to trade out, out if Lalor, Moraes, Kako, FOS, davidson, prior, trainor. Ashcroft.
And in order what rookies should i be looking to bring in. Thanks again
I’d look to move Moreas/Prior down to say a Boxshall/Busslinger type and maybe chasing an upgrade if you have enough cash to grab a gun. Kako and FOS are also fine to give the flick, but you could hold onto the other guys for now.
Hey fry
Thoughts on Lalor- boxhall if named then either Trainor/ashcroft- Jdaicos/ Nmartin
Lalor to Boxshall and Trainor to Nic Martin (if you’ve got enough cash) is the route I’d go down mate
I wish I did, only way I can get Martin is if I trade Ashcroft, if I did that I could get anyone under 1.04m. I was also thinking about going Mreid-Laid as my second trade, now that crouch is out.
Bugger! Nothing wrong with chasing Josh Daicos either, as you mentioned above
Thanks for the amazing rookie information Fry!
I am considering 3 different options this week:
1: Lalor to Boxshall and Davo to Petracca
2: Davo to Boxshall and Ashcroft to N. Daicos
3: Lalor to Boxshall and Stewart to Zorko/Whitfield/NWM (any defender)
(Having Stewart has been painful haha)
Which of the options above did you like the best?
Also, if Boxshall not named, I can use him as a loop. Hoping that he does get named soon.
I think No. 1 is the most appealing mate – Ashcroft and Stewart should outscore Davo and Petracca is a great buy. As a fellow Stewart owner I understand your frustration!
That is what I was thinking to. If Stewart continues to be bad he can probably go to Coleman in a few weeks.
After doing this trade I will have Lindsay at M8 and Maric at F6, with Ashcroft on the bench. This week would you prefer playing Lindsay and Maric or use Ashcroft to replace either Lindsay or Maric (who both have good match ups)?
Exactly, there are ways we can move off Stewart if this poor form continues. I believe there’s bound to be. bounce back game before too long though
I think Maric gets the nod, but picking between Lindsay and Ashcroft is a tight one – I think we side with Lindsay given the WCE matchup though
Nice One Fry,
Can you please rank these trades
Briggs->Xerri
L.Ashcroft->Horne-Francis/Warner
Z.Reid->J.Daicos/Rivers/Stewart (which would happen in 1/2/3 weeks). or Coleman (which would happen in 1/2/3 weeks)
Oliver/W.Ashcroft/Cerra->N.Daicos
Short->J.Daicos/Rivers/Stewart (which would happen in 1/2/3 weeks). Or Coleman (which would happen in 1/2/3 weeks)
I’d be tempted to jump on Xerri before tomorrow night the most out of those options mate. Second preference would be turning Reid into Daicos or Rivers
Oh, and fry why is everyone banging on about Boxhall
I was wondering the same thing
He’s been putting up great numbers in the two’s and is one of the best $230K guys yet to debut. Sub chance against Freo but I still think he’s a great buy
Hi fry what should I do with Tom Stewart currently prioritising sanders as a trade out first. And also should I be targeting a Zork or Nasiah over sneeze as I already have 4 players on the round 12 bye, and will be targeting JHF and X in the future
I think moving on from Sanders over Stewart is the right play mate and given the Rd 12 bye players you already own, Nasiah is a great buy
Sorry autocorrect turned sheez into sneeze
Autocorrect must have a cold…It also changes Callum Ah Chee to “Ah-Choo”
And also what trade??
1. Sanders and Trainor to Sheez and Boxshall
2. Sanders and Stewart to long ond J.Daicos
The second option would mean Trainor on field instead of Lindsay thanks fry.
First one for me mate
G’day Fry, top article again! Is L Ashcroft + Reid to Zorko + Boxshall okay if it means I have to field Cleary at F6? My other option is just going TDK to Xerri and fixing a rookie spud elsewhere. Currently ranked 469 so I am keen to take the best option to build rank!
I’d definitely prefer to go the two rookies to Zorko and Boxshall mate, Cleary at F6 should be alright moving forward. You can probably wait a few weeks to turn TDK into Xerri as well
G’day Fry, currently ranked outside the top 900 and looking to make a move this week. Do you tick off TDK to Xerri? My rookies on field are Reid/Trainor (switching between the two), Lindsay, L Ashcroft. Maric is my F6. Otherwise I could flick Ashcroft to Zorko or Warner via DPP. Slightly worried about not owning Xerri this week, I think we were lucky with TDK last week and he won’t score the same this week.
It’s an interesting spot to be in – personally, I think we don’t want to burn too many trades in the RUC department, but I do own TDK and Xerri. I’d probably prefer to land a Zorko or Warner for the long run, but maybe see how you’re structured up for the byes to help with your moves
G’day Fry, currently ranked outside the top 900 and looking to make a move this week. Do you tick off TDK to Xerri? My rookies on field are Reid/Trainor (switching between the two), Lindsay, L Ashcroft. Maric is my F6. Otherwise I could flick Ashcroft to Zorko or Warner via DPP. Slightly worried about not owning Xerri this week, I think we were lucky with TDK last week and he won’t score the same this week.
Sorry, double post!
Hi Fry, legendary article! What option do you prefer?
1) Maric to T. Green
2) Maric to Zorko (dpp)
3) L Ashcroft to Warner (or Zorko)
Oooo good question. I think I prefer No. 3 – Maric should have a field day against Melbourne and I’d want Zorko over Warner
I see quite a few comments rating Trainor a keep and letting Reid go. But in R6 we saw the impact of Balta on Trainor – demoted to sub! So now Balta is back again. Surely Trainor has to go first?
It’s a valid point you make mate. Although, I think Trainor being sub was because Richmond wanted to rest him, it just coincided with Balta being back in the team. It’s very possible they play together and Trainor struggles to score, but he’s been a much more consistent source of points so far and I feel inclined to back him in over Reid. Much of a muchness though
Hey Fry,
Garcia-Finnbar Maley
Briggs-Xerri
I could get ned long over maley but Long is too expensive for bench.
I’ve got 560k for next week looking to go Lashcroft- Ndaicos
I wouldn’t be touching Finnbar Maley mate…and you’re right about Long being too expensive for the bench
Than who should I get Fry?
I’d tweak your trade plans if you couldn’t get one of the solid rookie buys like Busslinger or Boxshall – but that’s just me
But I need to get rid of Briggs and Garcia so if I up Briggs to x I have 300 left
With $300K left, I’d grab Boxshall or Busslinger (in that order)
Thank you
Trade in NWM and field Cleary or trade in Nic Martin and field Trainor??
Grab NWM mate
Should I get rid of trainor or M.Reid first
Murphy Reid goes first
If I can’t afford Trac or Warner without blowing up my team, who’s the best stepping stone: Kozzy, 2 metre Peter or Mannagh?
Full disclosure, I don’t love any of them. If you HAVE to pick one, I’d go Mannagh
Oliver or Xerri out now
Oliver easily, surely not Xerri out?
Sorry i meant briggs
Did you end up pulling the trigger on Briggs to Xerri? I’d be inclined to say Oliver goes first, but Briggs has been a hard watch…
G’day Fry, with the late Oliver news I’ve ended up flipping Oliver to Sheezel (VC) and trading Sid Draper to Boxshall. This allows me to loop Reid. Still fielding L Ashcroft and Lindsay. Maric is my F6. Just hoping TDK and Gawn go alright so I can hold rank! Thanks for your help!
Pretty strong start the round then mate! Let’s hope TDK can keep producing hey
Hey Fry,
Which trades would you prioritise – Oliver > Dunkley and Garcia > Allan/Boxhall or Garcia > Long and Moraes > Allan/Boxhall?
Would you hold Oliver – is he only out for a week?
It sounds like Clayton is only going to miss this week, but I’m using it as a good opportunity to launch into a bonafide top-8 MID. For that reason, I reckon do the first move and grabs Dunks/Boxshall
Hey Fry,
Thoughts on grabbing B Allan this week?
He’s not a bad shout, although I’d prefer Busslinger or Boxshall
Who’s the better mid to bring in, Daicos or Dunkley?
Daicos
Hey legend, would you be looping Boxshall’s 74 over Lindsay or L Ashcroft? Thinking to bank it over L Ashcroft and field Lindsay against WC.
Banking the 74 and fielding Lindsay over Levi makes sense
Hey Fry, love your work.
With TDK out, i can get either get Gawn or Marshall.
Getting Gawn still leaves me with 174K and getting Marshall will leave me with 436k. With Marshall’s two hard matchups after this week, i am leaning towards Gawn but that 436k will be very useful in some big upgrades next week. Would love your thoughts.
sorry, meant to put this in this week’s article, apologies