So, we’ve got the blog up and running- which is good. Now to get the rest of the site back up and running.

Also, carn the Bombers!!

Finally, we had to go back a day to restore the database, so we lost some of the stuff that happened on Friday. I have the iScent and tips that were entered though, so I’ll transfer all that here.

Sheesh, it’s been a long 14 hours! Here’s hoping we finish up soon.

Please keep this to trade talk.  If you don’t I will go back through the list whenever I log on and delete your post.

Let the debate on trades specifically related to fantasy football follow:

OK it’s almost finals time and we all are busy and have things to do.  What we need is who to bring into our sides that will make a difference.  But first the advice for the week: 

If you have 4 trades left you are in a great shape.  Use one downgrade to upgrade 3 players.  Should be doable.
If you have 3 trades, I’d go one downgrade, two upgrades.
Two trades left and if you’re ok in your leagues I’d sit for a week, then make 2 trades in finals.  Unfortunately likely to be straight swaps.
One trade left, and if you are in the finals don’t trade.  Otherwise you will be pumped in finals.  To be honest unless your team is strong with reserves your goose is already cooked as far as leagues go.

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Round 17 already?  And Collingwood on top of the ladder?  I can’t think how unbelievable both sound!
Sorry this didn’t come up yesterday, had a very full-on day at work.

Best Buys advice for the week: If you are out of the finals and by trading you can make the finals with zero trades, then do it, rather than missing out because you saved them.  So yeah, most of us have 4 trades, but useless these are if you can’t make the finals.

I’ll try some different tips over the break

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Given there’s no formal review, or no updated stats, I think it’s safe to say that Walesy may be tied up with family matters (or sleeping off a big World Cup party).

Let’s hope everything’s gone smoothly for you and Jo mate!

On the reviews, if anyone wants to add their thoughts on the games, give your 2c in the comments section. Or you can wait until our “Brownlow” votes are tallied, and Swan can go further into the lead booya!

Welcome to TS Best Buys once again.  This week all the talk is about Barlow…which makes us all aware of how fragile the number of trades we do have could end up in the next few matches.  There will be a bit of a discussion on the best people you can bring in to replace him.  Though not cut and dried, I think it’s down to 6.

Advice for the week:  Quite a few people have run the marathon and hit the wall with 1-3 trades left at this stage, and find themselves really heaving near the end.  Others have been way back but are craftily getting into positions 5-8 in leagues and are ready for an assault on the flag.  All I can say is watch out those in leagues who are confident with 10-1 records.  Your great run could be about to come crashing down if you haven’t planned ahead.

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Man, this early lockout business has thrown me off my game!

I’ll post the full teams below shortly, but just wanted to remind everyone to get their tips and iScent picks in tonight! You’ve got a 90 minutes!!

INS: Murphy, Black, Higgins, Chapman, Kelly, TDL, Gram
OUTS: Kreuzer, Waite, Lucas, Silvagni, Hurn, Stevens, Jetta, Rohan

And the all important extended benches- because we just won’t find these out!

Extended bench: Corey, Farmer, Webberly, TDL, Playfair, Scully.

Pretty big news that TDL has been called up! A potential downgrade to free up cash in the forwardline is a welcome relief. And his 7 goal haul doesn’t hurt either…

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Friday night saw the second part of the split round get underway, with what was to be the blockbuster of the year.  Tough game to choose who will get the votes in this one, with a lot of stars coming in and out of the game for brief periods of time.  No single one player was the difference, it was more of a St Kilda midfield v Joel Selwood affair, hence I’ve gone with Dal Santo ahead of Hayes ahead of Selwood.  Ablett played well, but won’t poll… this is now the longest run he has gone without putting in a best-on-ground performance since Round 16, 2007 – pre GFC for those playing along at home.  I’m convinced his mind is on the sunny beaches of the Gold Coast – and he will not win the brownlow this year.  $4.50 is ridiculous.

Saturday night came along, and reminded me of two reasons why I hate Dane Swan.  1. He plays for Collingwood, and 2. He continues his strong run of form, I continue to reward him with votes, and I get  told by all of you too-serious folk out there that I have no idea what I’m doing.  Well…dems da brakes.  Swan’s (albeit weak) three see’s him wrestle the lead from Luke Hodge.  The pair are now 3 votes clear of third – bet of the week would have to be putting your money 50/50 on either Hodge or Swan to win, with a net return of $5 (better return, and a far bigger chance than Ablett on his own).

The last game of the split round saw a couple of cellar dwellars go at it - with Goodwin and Johncock the clear standouts.  The pair are now well clear of their main rivals at Adelaide – all this and more can be seen over the page:

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Ah the split round, most hated of rounds. Come on, who’s idea was it to only have 3 games on in the second week? Seriously stupid. Tips following.

Essendon V Hawthorn

Carlton V Fremantle

BL V Richmond

NM V Port Adelaide

WCE ? V Western Bulldogs

Saints ?V Geelong

Sydney V Collingwood

Adelaide V Melbourne

Well, I’m back. Better late than never. And I’ve learnt something from my experiences in exams-mention Bear Grylls in everything (those doing VCE will get it).

Friday June 11
North Melbourne v Carlton at Etihad Stadium, 7.40pm Top Scorer: Bear Grylls (or, maybe Juddy).

Saturday June 12
Hawthorn v Adelaide at Aurora Stadium, 2.10pm
Essendon v Geelong Cats at Etihad Stadium, 7.10pm
Port Adelaide v Sydney Swans at AAMI Stadium, 7.10pm

Sunday June 13
Richmond v West Coast at the MCG, 1.10pm
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium, 2.10pm
Fremantle v St Kilda at Subiaco Oval, 2.40pm

Monday June 14
Melbourne v Collingwood at the MCG, 2.10pm

All these would be what Bear Grylls would tip if Bear Grylls tipped. As it is, he doesn’t, he just tells the teams who is going to win.

Captains:

Bear Grylls

Gablett

Goddard