Hi,
Welcome back to my on going Fantasy Blog, previewing some of the best buys heading into the 2018 season.
Today we continue in the No Mans Land price zone, this time the $500k-$600k bracket.
At this price range you can barely describe them as Keeper Cows anymore and any profits they make will likely be minimal unless they have a truly special season - but if they do that, why sell them?
So it's safe to say the only point in purchasing a player in this price range is if you really think they can be a cheap Keeper option for your team.
So lets go bargain shopping.
My top 12 Cheap Keeper options are:
12: D Smith $575k Forward - Essendon
New recruit Devon Smith is a classy small forward who can pinch hit on the ball. Averaged a tidy 81 per week last year but I think he has more in his locker than that.
Smith had a bit of an injury cloud hanging over him last year and missed games at times.
Smith will be freshened up with his move to a new club and with a full pre season under his belt I expect to see him back to his very best this year.
Will give you a very high output and is a good buy at $575k.
11: C Petracca $500k Midfielder/Forward - Melbourne
What a star in the making this youngster is. The Demons couldn't read his name out quick enough in the 2014 Draft when they got him at Pick 2, after the Saints caused a mini shock by taking McCartin ahead of him.
Petracca missed his first year of football due to an ACL injury before making is debut in 2016 where he would go on to play 17 games.
Last season he further cemented his spot in the Demons best 22 by establishing himself as a powerful half forward flanker who can have stints on the ball.
Petracca showed last year is a powerful all round player, given he is hard, strong, explosive, can take a mark and is a penetrating kick.
Can still be a little inconsistent thus the 71 point average but he is nowhere near the peak of his powers just yet.
This could be the season he really breaks out and at $500k, he could be a real bargain keeper for your team.
10: J Martin $585k Forward - Gold Coast
Martin has always been described as an athletic freakishly talented player but he struggled with the physicality of the game early in his career. Last year that all changed and he showed he belonged at the level by showcasing his talent and putting up some big Fantasy scores.
Martin had an 83 point average which I expect he will only improve again this year as he enters the prime of his career.
He had six 100+ games with a high of 118 and you can expect more this season.
At $585k you could really land yourself and elite scorer for a discounted price here.
9: J Daniher $597k Forward - Essendon
Superstar. Probably should be higher on this list but he can still be prone to a little inconsistency.
Daniher is going to be in for a treat this year with that strong Bombers midfield delivering the ball to him.
He had a strong 85 point average last season with 7 games over 100 and a high of 127.
Only had 4 games below 70 so whilst he can have down days he still finds a way to at least put up usable scores.
Worth tolerating those for the big ones he will give you this year.
Daniher is still young and will only be further improved so don't hesitate to add him to your forward line, you won't regret it.
8: Z Smith $596k Ruck - Geelong
Has been a fantastic pick up for Geelong and now 2 seasons in, he is their number 1 Ruck.
If you are looking for a slightly cheaper Ruck he could be your man.
Had a solid average of 85 and got the ton 5 times last year with a high of 148 in his locker. Could still have some improvement left in him as well. Smith would be a more than handy 2nd ruck for your team.
7: J Sicily $523k Hawthorn - Hawthorn
Had a break out year and was a shining light in a poor season for the Hawks.
Has the very handy dual Defender/Forward position and had a solid 74 average in 2017.
What is also worth noting is the fact that in the 2nd half of the year Sicily had 5 tons his last 10 games with a high of 124.
I think he is on the brink of becoming a very important player for the Hawks and he gave us some snippets of what to expect in the AFLX.
A small gamble but one I am willing to take for sure. Get him in and thank me later.
6: M Robinson $542k Midfielder/Forward - Brisbane
What a star this guy has been since being picked up as a Delisted Free Agent by the Lions in the 2014 off season.
It was such a shame most of his 2017 season was lost to injury, but he reminded us all how good he is in the AFLX and will be an important player for the Lions this season. Had a 91 average in 2015 and 84 in the 2016 season.
Now in a stronger Brisbane team I would not be surprised if he put up personal best numbers this season.
Great value selection at that price.
5: B Ellis $596k Defender - Richmond
Another Tiger who went up a gear in the 2nd half of the season although was quieter in the Finals series.
Is a high possession winner on his day and Ellis is a good option for your Defence. Averaged 85 last season but is capable of better than that. See how he is travelling in the JLT series but I suspect he is a solid keeper choice at that bargain price.
4: K Lambert $600k Midfielder/Forward - Richmond
Had a break out season and played a big role in the Tigers flag. His first 10 rounds were up and down but his form was stunning after that. From that point he had five 100+ games, a further 4 in the 90's and only dipped under 70 once.
Full of confidence and with almost 50 games under his belt now he is going to play a major role in the Tigers midfield this season. The fact he is a Forward in Fantasy is a huge bonus and he is terrific value at $600k.
3: J Gunston $598k Forward - Hawthorn
A seriously good player who was one Hawk who could hold his head high last season. Also showed he can play a blinder in Defence so don't be surprised if you get a Dual position upgrade with him later as Clarko will use him as a spare parts player to fill needs on a week to week basis.
Had an 85 average last season with the 5 tons and a high of 138. Will probably go even better this season in an improved Hawthorn side. A great Keeper option at a bargain price.
2: R Burton $594k Defender - Hawthorn 84
Great 2nd season by this youngster who not only cemented his spot in the Hawks back 6 but also became an integral part of their defence. Burton can do a job big or small for his team and is ultra consistent for Fantasy owners, averaging 84 last year.
Burton also had 3 tons, a further 5 in the 90's and only 3 times went under 70. Will only be better in his 3rd season and I would not be surprised if he was putting on an All Australian jumper at the end of the 2018 season.
1: R Gray $572k Forward - Port Adelaide 81
Robbie Gray is one of the Superstars of the competition and showed why again last season.
Gray seemed to be hampered by a groin injury straight from the get go in 2017 so he played mainly as a stay at home Forward all season.
Whilst the Power missed his class on the ball, he showed what a devastating forward he can be.
Gray was a constant menace for opposition Defences and caused them to even resort to double teaming him at times.
Had a sore groin, was on one leg, was double teamed and still couldn't be stopped. He is a special player, that's for sure.
Gray finished last season with 47 goals and an average of 81.
He is fully fit again now and has had a full pre season, so I expect to see him back as more of a Midfielder in 2018 which is great news for Fantasy coaches, given his bargain price of $572k.
I will be back soon with the business end of the preview. My top 12 Keepers over $600k.
Thanks for reading
- Dahmsy