The Stream Team – Round 21

Fantasy finals – it’s about time. The post-bye lull is over and an urgent interest in my draft teams has returned. In my home league, I’ve lost Gulden and Sinclair (aka. I’m missing my first 2 picks) so I’m having to stream my balls off to stay alive (thanking my boy, Matty Johnson). You may be in a similar boat, so read on!

Ps. I’m writing the article early this week, so ownership %s may varyh during the week.

Pps. thanks to Draft Doctors Intern for reprising the term ‘river’ (a stream option that turns into a longer term hold) on X. I’ll be sure to use it this week.

Anyway, the purpose of this article is to suggest one-week streaming options for draft leagues. Each week, I compile a team of lowly owned players (<40% ownership) that are worthy of a one-week pick-up-and-play, helping you fill any gaps you may have in your starting squads.

But first, let’s see how I went last round:

HITS

Blake Hardwick (85) – defenders against North have become a thing, and that’s who we plays next.

Nick Vlastuin (114) – BOOM. The Dogs remain a money matchup for all defenders, and Vlastuin is also worth a hold against the Eagles.

Zac Guthrie (89) – with a matchup against the Pies to come, he’s a hold, and a perfect loop option on the Friday night.

Tom Atkins (81) – you’ll take it. He’s another Thursday night loop option against the Pies.

James Worpel (80) – like Atkins, he barely qualifies as a hit. He’s worth a hold in his current role and is a river option (wink).

Cam Mackenzie (105) – BOOM. He’s a little unreliable, but a nice guy to stream in a soft matchup.

Cooper Lord (86) – we love the Suns as a matchup for mids. I’d be holding Lord if I was you.

Kai Lohman (87) – Stream everyone against the Power right now.

MISSES

Ned Moyle (42) – do not stream rucks against Pittonet.

Mitch Lewis (4) – ooft. The early head injury was rough and I hope you avoided this tip.

Considering I half-assed my research last week, I had one damn good week. However, a number of highs were met with a couple of crippling lows, one of which I’ll take full responsibility for (Moyle, of course).

Here are the lowly owned players that I like as stream targets for Round 21 (ownership % taken from AFL Fantasy):

DEFENDERS

Billy Wilson (~10%) vs. Brisbane – the matchup isn’t great, but with Newman hurt, Wilson could benefit. He scored a 99 coming off half-back last week, and I’m happy top say that Wilson officially has the chops (and a last 3 average of 82)

Blake Hardwick (24%) vs. North Melbourne – defenders are loving things against the Roos lately, and Hardwick currently has a last 3 average of 88. Amon’s absence will help here as well.

Sam Banks (13%) vs. West Coast – I know what you’re thinking…but the matchup is there and he’s coming off a good score last week. I can’t say it feels safe, but the upside is there and this stream could win you a matchup.

MIDFIELDERS

Marcus Herbert (~10%) vs. Richmond – last week he showed off his fantasy chops, in a derby, against the ladder leaders in Freo; not bad for a first year player. He’s a guy we’ll be drafting for years to come, but certainly grab him this week for his matchup against the Tiges if you can.

Harry Rowston (5%) vs. Port Adelaide – he’s been back in the side for the last month, but has been playing on limited game time. With Finn going down, this is the guy I like. He’s got the chops, and he certainly has a juicy opponent.

Dan Curtin (10%) vs. Essendon – he’s averaging 80 in his last 3 and has a juicy little matchup on hand here. The Crows will want to bounce back in a big way after last week so I’m feeling good about their chances to feast on a week opponent.

Matt Johnson (9%) vs. Bulldogs – my man is rotating through the midfield right now, and you have to think this is because the Dockers are managing their first class inside mids. Additionally, this is a green matchup for inside mids, so I’m really backing in Matty J and calling him the Shoe-in of the Week! If this role persists for Matty J, he’s in river talks…

ps. you can loop him during the Friday night game.

RUCK

Nick Madden/Kieran Briggs vs. Port – it’s not a great ruck matchup, but there aren’t many other available rucks going around on wires, as per usual. Check who makes the team Thursday if you’re desperate for a ruckman.

FORWARDS

Stephen Coniglio (14%) vs. Port – I’ve already mentioned the nice matchup for the GWS boys, and I’m imagining that Callahan’s absence means more ball for Cogs. His ceiling isn’t what it used to be, but he feels like a safe 75 this week.

Darcy Fogarty (4%). vs. Essendon – the matcup needs no detailing here, and he should have his tail up after a nice 90+ score last week. This schoolyard-bully-looking mofo should bully some league dweebs this week.

Mitch Georgiades (28%) vs. GWS – I reckon this is going to be a bruise-free game of pre-season proportions, with lots of ball whipping in and out of the 50s. Mitch stands to score well in a game being played under these conditions.

Goddamn this season is long, but finals are exciting so that’s something. Hit me up on X if you have any stream related problems.

Adios!

Matty Faz

I like draft-style fantasy footy, frisbees and the Simpsons.