That being said, the focus switches back to footy and being in the middle of the split round, we have ample time to discuss what’s happening in the league, specifically in relation to injury news and team selections.

Now obviously there has been some news and incidents over the last few weeks that have a huge impact on fantasy coaches including Missy Higgins rolling his ankle on a depleted Etihad Stadium, Waite being suspended for third time this season, Aka Daka being club suspended for comments regarding the sexual orientation of footballers, Diddles out injured with a ‘hip’ (can be a very scary injury description for coaches), Voss finally admitting Brown Dog will be out for a month and a recent update on his injury speculating he ‘could’ be out for longer, and the Kreuze Missile doing an ACL and electing for traditional surgery meaning he is out for 12 months. The other BIG news is that Roo could be back in the Saints forward line sooner than expected.

So let’s start with the injury news (SC relevant) and in the mix for a return from injury for this week’s games are Davis (Adel), Luke Ball & Alan Didak, Matthew Scarlett, Cameron Mooney & Joel Corey (both unlikely), James McDonald and big arms Bradshaw.

Looking to Round 14 and we have McLean, Hille, Palmer, Broughton, and Gray due to return, while Higgins is a very good chance to come up against the Hawks.

Now let’s get on to the 2 issues affecting tens (dare I say hundreds) of thousands of fantasy coaches around the country and they are “What to do about Kreuzer”…and Brown.

More over the break including the teams for week 2

I’ll start with Brown Dog…to trade, or not to trade: that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to bench him, or suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous lies about his injury.

At this stage, it would seem that Brown will not be back in action until at least Round 16 (in Tassie against the Hawks of all teams), and maybe even Round 17 at Skilled against a Geelong side who are looking every bit the part right now. Brisbane’s run from there goes Melb (Ga), WCE (Su), Adel (Ga), Ess (Es), Syd (Ga) and you could confidently say that while that is not the hardest run home, the Lions are no chance of playing finals footy this year. So will Brown get a run for the rest of year? And if he does, will he return to some sort of 100+ form?

He is currently priced (all prices here on in are SC based) at $390K and has dropped $135K off his starting price over the year, but with a BE of 67 on his return and the potential to gain back approx $40K of his losses after 3 games back if he hits his average of 97, there is hope for those willing to take a punt, or are low on trades.

If you are desperate to trade him now, possible trade in’s if you have a bit of coin in the bank include Chappy at $600K (but let’s face it, if you have the cash you would have done this already), J.Riewoldt at $532K, Pav at $529K and Pods at $493K (most already have them), Buddy at $509K who for mine, represents the best value (and there is no bias there), Diddles at $492K and Daisy at $489 who are also great value.

IMO – Buddy, Diddles and Daisy in that order for mine.

For straight swaps or limited cash, possible trade in’s include Bazza at $440K (but most have him or have had him), Stevie J at $436 is great value and averaging 90, Goodes at $435 is also great value and averaging 87, Junior Rioli at $424K who looks to be in form and over his injuries, Boomer at $418K and Gia $413K are tremendous value and both averaging 91, ROK at $385K is unbelievable value and nets you $5K back, and Rocklobster at $364K but most have him.

Take your pick from any of these but top 3 IMO are ROK, Goodes, Rioli.

Those I would steer clear of and why are: Waite – suspension and injury prone, Petrie, Gray, Bradshaw – all injury prone and coming back from one, Douglas – inconsistent and playing for Adelaide, Staker – don’t know why, but I just get a feeling he is crap, Byrnes, Roughead, Higgins, Brennan, Tippett, Neon Leon – all inconsistent.

If you are looking down the track, the obvious option is N.Riewoldt who WILL drop in excess of $65K to a very tasty $530K after 2 games back, and he could be back as early as next week although it is highly unlikely and a more realistic return date is Round 15/16 which “should” coincide with Browns return (Brown to cash up, Roo to cash down).

On to the Kreuze missile who is due to drop $31,600, down from $425,100 to $393,500. Factors to consider are cost, average, predicted salary movement, and the run home (as most want to set and forget).

Sandi at $563K is the obvious replacement if you don’t have him.
Ryder at $490K and averaging 89 is too expensive for my liking and is set to drop $40K over the coming weeks (tough run home).
Cox at $476K and averaging 89 is due to drop $27K over the coming weeks and is a HUGE risk of being wrapped in cotton wool towards to the end of the season (tough run home).
Mumford at $444K and averaging 85 is having a great season, but Seaby is due back in 4-6 weeks and this could have a negative impact on your team come finals time (tough run home).
Hudson at $441 averaging 81 is Number 1 at the Dogs but I am just not sold on him, could be a great POD (average run home).
Hille at $419K averaging 73 (with his 9 against Syd) is due back next week and is set to drop $80K after 2 games, great replacement option IMO but wait 2 weeks and pray your R3/4 get picked (tough run home).
Jamar at $380K averaging 83 is also a great replacement IMO and will rocket up $30K unless he has a stinker against Adelaide (easy run home).
Clark at $372K averaging 68 has burnt many coaches this year as he struggles to capture his form from 2009, could be a great POD but is due to drop $25K over the next few weeks (average run home).
HMAC at $367K averaging 76 offers good value, but seems to be struggling in a North outfit that has been hot and cold this year (tough run home).
NicNat at $347K averaging 75 is due to drop $14K and if Cox does get cotton balled, he will be the Number 1 ruckman at WCE, but his scores lately are inconsistent and is very much a gamble (tough run home).
And finally Jolly at $344K averaging 63 is dirt cheap for an ex-premium ruckman (while Collingwood’s last 7 are at the MCG, I think the pies have a tough run home – Carl, Gee, Ess, Adel, Haw).

IMO – Best value, longevity and points potential are Jamar, Hille and HMAC, with Clark and Jolly (they have to come good…don’t they) as the smokies. Mumford is the only other one I would consider.

I would steer clear of anyone under $341K as they just don’t have the scoring potential. Also Bradley (over-rated) and Maric (plays for Adel).

So what are all of you thinking?

edit: Gus Graham at Richmond is also looking the goods having taken the reigns from Simmonds a few rounds back. At $406K with an average of 96 after 5 games, is 100% worth consideration…thanks Terry. Richmond’s run home is moderately tough but that said, it is Richmond.

Lastly, I should mention that by no means am I vindicating ANY trades prior to an hour before lockout next week (which might be a partial lockout considering Carlton are playing Brisbane on Thursday night at Etihad Stadium and will hurt Kreuzer owners).

edit: teams for Round 13 – Week 2

ST KILDA v GEELONG CATS
St Kilda
B: Steven Baker, Jason Blake, Sam Gilbert
HB: Jarryn Geary, Sam Fisher, James Gwilt
C: Brendon Goddard, Nick Dal Santo, Farren Ray
HF: Clinton Jones, Justin Koschitzke, Adam Schneider
F: Brett Peake, Ben McEvoy, Stephen Milne
Foll: Michael Gardiner, Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna
I/C: Robert Eddy, Jack Steven, Andrew McQualter, Rhys Stanley
Emg: Sean Dempster, Zac Dawson, Adam Pattison

In: Steven
Out: Raphael Clarke (hamstring)

Geelong Cats
B: Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett, Josh Hunt
HB: Andrew Mackie, Harry Taylor, Corey Enright
C: James Kelly, Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Mathew Stokes, James Podsiadly, Shannon Byrnes
F: Travis Varcoe, Cameron Mooney, Steve Johnson
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood
I/C: David Wojcinski, Taylor Hunt, Trent West, Tom Lonergan
Emg: Mitchell Duncan, Ryan Gamble, Simon Hogan

In: Mooney, Scarlett
Out: Paul Chapman (hamstring), Simon Hogan

SYDNEY SWANS v COLLINGWOOD
Sydney Swans
B: Rhyce Shaw, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Nick Smith
HB: Martin Mattner, Heath Grundy, Tadhg Kennelly
C: Nick Malceski, Brett Kirk, Kieren Jack
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Adam Goodes, Josh Kennedy
F: Daniel Hannebery, Daniel Bradshaw, Jesse White
Foll: Shane Mumford, Jude Bolton, Jarrad McVeigh
I/C: Paul Bevan, Craig Bird, Ben McGlynn, Mike Pyke
Emg: Gary Rohan, Patrick Veszpremi, Lewis Jetta

In: Shaw, Bradshaw
Out: Patrick Veszpremi, Gary Rohan

Collingwood
B: Heath Shaw, Simon Prestigiacomo, Leigh Brown
HB: Harry O’Brien, Tyson Goldsack, Alan Toovey
C: Sharrod Wellingham, Dane Swan, Steele Sidebottom
HF: Luke Ball, Travis Cloke, Brad Dick
F: Dayne Beams, Chris Dawes, Leon Davis
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Dale Thomas
I/C: Alan Didak, Ben Johnson, Tarkyn Lockyer, Ben Reid
Emg: Josh Fraser, Brent Macaffer, Jaxson Barham

In: Johnson, Didak, Ball, Goldsack, Dawes
Out: Josh Fraser, Paul Medhurst, Nick Maxwell (calf), Brent Macaffer, Jaxson Barham

ADELAIDE v MELBOURNE
Adelaide
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Scott Stevens
HB: Michael Doughty, Phil Davis, Matthew Jaensch
C: Brad Symes, Simon Goodwin, David Mackay
HF: Scott Thompson, Kurt Tippett, Nathan van Berlo
F: Richard Douglas, Taylor Walker, Ricky Henderson
Foll: Ivan Maric, Patrick Dangerfield, Brent Reilly
I/C (from): Jonathon Griffin, Bernie Vince, James Sellar, Rory Sloane, Jared Petrenko, Tony Armstrong, Jason Porplyzia

In: Sellar, Vince, Jaensch, Phil Davis
Out: Nathan Bock (groin)

Melbourne
B: Clint Bartram, Matthew Warnock, James Frawley
HB: Colin Garland, Jared Rivers, Jack Grimes
C: Brad Green, Jack Trengove, Cameron Bruce
HF: Cale Morton, Matthew Bate, Tom Scully
F: Neville Jetta, Brad Miller, Aaron Davey
Foll: Mark Jamar, Brent Moloney, Nathan Jones
I/C (from): Joel Macdonald, Jordie McKenzie, Jack Watts, Lynden Dunn, Jamie Bennell, Kyle Cheney, Jake Spencer

In: Macdonald, Cheney, Spencer, Bennell
Out: Jordan Gysberts

28 years old. Taken at pick 30. Shattered coaches on the weekend.

His results for this season so far are:

130 (WCE)
171 (CAR)
141 (PTA)
81 (WBD) – This is where the mystery illness took hold
39 (MEL) – A 39 against last year’s wooden spooners.

As with last week and Riewoldt, this one player has dominated our comments. So here’s my thoughts.

So what’s going on?

The official Brisbane Lions line is Brown a certainty to face Swans. Honestly though, I think that is a scarier option than him having time off. If Brown is still underdone, and goes out to play- not only does he stand the chance of injurying himself further, he will also more than likely take another massive salary drop. Predictions say that if Brownie puts up another 40, then he’s going to drop another $77k. Two more 40’s will see the Browndawg drop into the 300 thousands.

So it’s of dire importance to find out what’s going on.

Before we look into that, let’s remember what makes a solid trade. 300 points and $100k. Or $200k+ as a downgrade. So can we use the same principles to question a falling star? If Brown scores two 40’s, then a trade will earn you roughly 120 points and $150k. Which is pretty damn close to a decent trade. Three 40s, which is almost worst case, would see the trade earn you 180 points and $210k. Which is a trade we should do.

Worst case is that he does that, then goes on a surgury based holiday for a couple.

So we know, if we expect Brown to go downhill, then trade now. But what if he doesn’t crash horribly? What if he just performs poorly poor the next 17 weeks ala Hodge/Judd? Let’s see what an average of 80 would do. Well, the first thing- it’s gunna lose you $150k. But that’s all unrealised losses. So you can’t really count that. What you can count though, is 17 rounds of 20ppg that you’re missing. See: 340 points.

Which is interesting. If JB averages 80 from here to the end of the season, even if he posts 40’s for the next three weeks, then it’s a line-ball as to whether or not you should be moving him on.

And it’s big JB. If he’s playing for the rest of the season, he’ll average more than 80.

So really for mine, the question lies- Will this injury cause JB to miss games. And that is the great unknown really.

In my opinion, the club would not be playing him if playing him would agrevate the injury. So unless it’s an injury that’s been misdiagnosed, then I’ll be holding onto big JB. And hey, the Brisbane doctors are paid the big bucks while I’m here writting on the internet because they know what they’re doing.

I guess, what I’m trying to say is- Trading out Brown is probably a 50/50 proposition at the moment, actually, probably 40/60. But if you do trade him out, strongly consider why you will be doing it. Remember to consider what that trade in particular will bring to your team. As we know, trades are valuable and if you’re just thinking in the short term, you’re doing it wrong.

Consult on Rievoldt?

Anyways, I’ve broken the options I’m considering into three sections.

Uber premiums – guys who are scoring big points.
Up and comers – Potential premiums who are scoring the big points.
fallen premiums – Those guys who haven’t hit the ground running just yet, though history tells us that sooner or later, they’ll come good.

Anyways, on with the show
(over the break)

Tier One – The Big Three – If you’re missing any of these guys, it seems an easy swap. (With one exception)

Jonothan Brown – Performing solidly with a 147 average over three. Looks to be in ripping form with Fev and an easy swap.

Ryan O’Keefe – A 132 average coming from a very durable M/F. Another easy swap.

Paul Chapman – Averaging 120 and looking as solid as ever. Of course, we all know about his hamstrings. So there is a certain amount of risk attached to taking Chapman. I would suggest picking him up if you were looking for a potential point of difference on the leaders (I know that if I were at the pointy end, I would have a hard time picking him up with the risk involved!)

Tier Two – The up and comers – A selection of players who look to be stepping into a genuine premium position.

Heath Grundy – I had him in and out of my squad all preseason as my “D/F premium”. And am now sad that I didn’t go with him. You must remember that he has scored well in a couple of routings over the 15th and 16th, but still- for the MPP Premium option that he offers, he must be considered.

Cyril Rioli – Was highly considered in the preseason with a much publicised move to the midfield slated. Well, the season has started and Cyril has been tearing it up, averaging 111 against 2 of the top 3 sides. He comes with a certain injury concern over his groins that must be considered. But he is tearing it up.

Jared Brennan – History says that Jared could give us a 140 next week, or a 40. But as a premium in a team that looks a serious chance at being top 4, he’s bound to improve on last year. The biggest question mark is the 60+ points and 20% loading he’ll carry into any future hearing, meaning he’s a big suspension risk.

Shaun Higgins – I like to think of Higgins as Chapman Lite. I can see him breaking out to a 110+ average this year, but only playing 16 games. That said, it was worth it to have Chappy last year, so perhaps the same can be said for Higgins this year.

Tier Three – The falling premiums – There is some definite value in a couple of fallen premiums already. But there is also some more coming, so if you’re in the market for a high-ender, you might do well waiting a week. Roo’s value isn’t going to chance because he won’t play. The others aren’t that lucky.

Adam Goodes – has dropped $40k and is looking to drop some more. He’s started the season off pretty well and sooner or later is bound to put up a big ton. Once that happens his price will rocket.

Leon Davis – A 57 last week has dropped his price by 45k but threatens to drop it another $50k over the next two weeks. I think he still has further to fall so would suggest waiting a least 1 week, but maybe even 2 or 3 (ie- pick him up in the upgrade period, not now.)

Alan Didak – Ol’ Diddles has a 54 in his price from round 2. This has dropped his price by $30k and looks to be doing it again this week. I think if you can pick him up for $500k next week, you’ll be getting some great value with a run against the Bombers, Blues and Kangeroos after it.

Matthew Pavlich – As with Diddles, a 57 last week will cause havok with is salary. Just not as much because of the 127 he scored this week. Should drop in price with a game against the Saints, but with Richmond and West Coast afterward, you prolly won’t get him that cheap again.

Tier four – Other – Personlly, that’s all I’m going to consider for Roo. He’s a premium going out on one of my allocated Long Term Injury trades. He’s in the team to make as many points as possible, and that what I’ll want his replacement to do. Trade. Set. Forget. Nothing too fancy.

However, if you’ve got any other thoughts or players, throw them up in the comments, I would love to hear about them!

Also, it give us a chance to test our new Polling thingy, so if you want to give it a crack below- let’s see how it goes!
Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Unless you cop a drunken Christmas/New Years greetings.

So I figure, I’ll make the last post a spot check for where each team is. Broken down into the three major categories we care about.

1. Who’s injured?
2. Who’s been pencilled in for the midfield
3. Who’s been training the house down!

Adelaide:
Injuries -
Otten (knee)
Moran (knee)
Symes (knee)
Bock (heel)
Van Berlo (back)

More in the midfield – Dangerfield
Training the house down – Walker

Brisbane:
Injuries –
Clarke (knee)
Bartlett (knee)
Golby (knee)

More in the midfield – Brennan, Staker

Carlton:
Injuries –
Jamison (hip)
Waite (knee)

More in the midfield – McLean.
Training the house down – Gartlett, Yarran

Collingwood:
Injuries –
Medhurst (back)
Anthony (sholder)
Fraser (knee)
Dick (shoulder)

More in the midfield – Ball
Training the house down – Jolly

Essendon:
Injuries –
Neagle (groin)
Hurley (wrist)
Slattery (leg)
Hille (knee)

Fremantle
Injuries –
Dodd (shoulder/wrist)

Training the house down – Palmer, Hill, Mayne, Duffield, DeBoer

Geelong
Injuries –
Johnson (hil)
Menzel (groin)

Training the house down – Drum

Hawthorn
Injuries –
Franklin (minor foot)
Burgoyne (knee)

Melbourne
Injuries –
Garland (foot)
Blease (leg)
Wonaeamirri (hamstring)

More in the midfield – Bennell, Jetta, Morton, Watts
Training the house down – Grimes

North Melbourne
Injuries –
Wells (The dreaded OP)
Anthony (hand)

More in the midfield – Greenwood
Training the house down – Warren, Wright, Grima, Ziebell, Bastinac, Edwards

Port Adelaide
Injuries –
Rodan (knee)
D. Motlop (ankle/shoulder/groin)
Carr (ankle)
Davenport (shoulder)

More in the midfield – Lobbe (as ruck), Gray, M. Motlop
Training the house down – Hartlett, Broadbent, Lobbe, Gray, Ebert

Richmond
Injuries –
Foley (ankle)
Cotchin (achillies)
cousins (hand)

St Kilda
Injuries –
King (knee)
Goddard (collarbone)

Sydney
Injuries –
Bolton (shoulder)
Seaby (ankle)
Kennedy (hip)
Thornton (knee)

Training the house down – Kennelly, Malceski, Barlow, Johnston, White

West Coast
Injuries –
Waters (knee)
Cox (groin)
Mackenzie (shoulder)

More in the midfield – NOT Lecras – has remained training in the forwards.
Training the house down – Kerr, Sheppard

Western
Injuries –
Reid (groin)
Tiller (groin)
Murphy (knee)
Hall (ankle)
Howard (hip)

More in the midfield –
Training the house down – Giansiracusa, Akermanis, Everitt, Johnson

It’s just a simple chart to refer to as the pre-season ticks on.

Anyways, I hope that you have your Christmas shopping done early, I hear that the Prospectus is availiable if you haven’t finish yet.

Heck, there might even be a word or two in there written by yours truely… maybe.

But, however you spend your holiday season, enjoy yourself and stay safe ok. It’s a long pre-season ahead of us.

But for the first time this year, I’m having a difficult time in choosing who to bench. And man, it’s a good feeling.

Anyways, here’s my current backline.

Broughton – 159 (98.71)
Grimes – 142 (98.12)
Lake – 134 (87.07)
Bock – 117 (97.40
Hodge – 112 (88.73)
McMahon – 111 (95.93)
Goddard – 99 (114.64)

Cornes – 0 (94.2)
Cheney – NA

I suppose the easy answer would be Brian Lake, having the lowest average there. But to be fair, his 3 round average is sitting on 109.33. Not a bad return.

But no, I digress. The purpose of this post isn’t to big note my backline. (alright, maybe just a little bit… it feels good to have such form! ), but to bring attention to
this article.

Cornes is set for an early comeback! Which should be a nice game against Melbourne to get back into things.

If they weren’t playing Melbourne, I would strongly be considering keeping Studly chad on the bench… but hey, it’s Melbourne.

So, if you were me. Who would you bench? (All, if this is the worst of my problems for the week, I’m gunna be smiling all week! )

Now, your hand might be forced on the issue.

PORT Adelaide will be without young playmaker Nathan Krakouer when it heads to Sydney to tackle the Swans on Sunday.

Krakouer, 21, has been a revelation across half-back but the lightly framed West Australian has developed some soreness over the opening eight rounds.

So, is that going to Duck anyone up? or perhaps has lack of going down will be a blessing is disguise for those who bench him? Plus, a week off might do him wonders.

That’s right, hot off the presses this morning, a emergency board meeting occured at 11:30 this morning, and the net result.

Ol’ Terry hotpant is shuffling his way back to the twos.

In other news and rumours.

Hill and Suban might be “getting rested”.
Bock is likely to miss this week.
(ps- my back line hates you guys!)
Terry Wallace has been named the new coach of the Tigers.
Mundy should be fine to play
Chapman is “Likely to play”
Ablett is near a shoe-in to play.
Kevin sheedy and Jade Rawlings have mounted a coupe against Terry, more news to follow.
Scott Thompson has been struggling with hamstring tightness… will prove an excellent pickup once that’s sorted…
And Kane Cornes should be right to go.

In other news, Terry has been named the new coach of the tigers

Here’s to hoping the selection table is kind tonight.
(oh and 150+ comments on the last post. Good discussion guys! You make this place an awesome place to visit! )

I can’t be bothered writing out the whole thing, but here are the highlights.

“the scan showed the hips are found and there is no inflammation around the pubis bone” No osteitis pubis then.

“We do regular tests to measure our core strength, and that’s what we’ll be using to work out when I’m back at 100% and ready to play”

“This week the aim is to ramp it up (at training)”

“I want to make sure I get it right now rather than having to battle through games later on” This suggests they’ll rest him if he’s only 90% fit.

“There’s a chance I’ll play against North Melbourne this Saturday….the worst case scenario is agains the Western Bulldogs the following week.”

Hopefully Gazza doesn’t do the Richo thing and makes sure he is fully fit and ready to go when he does return. But at least we know it won’t be a permanent 2-3 weeks away from returning, like Ottens was last year.

Edit: Here is the link, courtesy of Spud.

UPDATE: Gary Ablett will miss this weeks game against NM, according to Mark Thompson.

“While Ottens is yet to hit the training track, star onballer Gary Ablett has been running at 80 per cent but will not be risked this weekend against North Melbourne.

After missing last week’s win over the Sydney Swans with an adductor strain, the 24-year-old has been banging down medical staff’s door to prove his fitness, but Thompson said the Cats would not be swayed.

“The plan was always for two weeks and when it initially happened we gave a range (of weeks out) and two was the plan,” he said.

“Nothing has changed in our eyes. We’ve designed a rehab program to get him up to play not this week, but the following week.””
Shame.

GARY Ablett will miss up to three weeks for Geelong following scans on his injured groin.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,25426395-19742,00.html?from=public_rss

Everyone PANIC! With Beams and Hartlett also injured and other benchwarmers in Liam Anthony and Mitch Robinson still warming the pine, this is a big problem.

If you are in serious contention for the overall, (I’m talking top 200 or so here), well you probably don’t need my help because you’re doing so well. Seriously, though, I’m going to propose the unthinkable and say that I would trade out Jesus. With over 100 thousand on offer as well as the benefits of proven performers Neon Leon, Chris Judd , Jimmy Bartel, or Nick Dal Santo (who are all options for the captaincy as well, which we have to think about now )

However for the rest of us mortals who just want a league win, you can’t trade out of Gary Ablett. Instead, you just have to find a way to get a playing substitute for 2/3 weeks. Unfortunately, there aren’t that many playing cheap midfielders, so a straight swap with another of your non-playing rookies may be impossible. Andrew Collins (153,100), David Zaharakis (205,700) or Matt De Boer/Adam Cockie if they are selected (83,400/94,200) are your best options. Tom Swift (94,200) is another rookie who impressed in the preseason who is likely to make his debut this week, though Cockie is probably ahead of him (he made his debut first didn’t he?)  The advantage here is you get money and only need one trade, but you lose a lot of points and have to worry about them playing each week. This is probably the best option if you are low on trades.

If you don’t want to get rid of Gazza or get one of these rookies, a clever upgrade of one of your non playing rookies is the only other option. Some stars at bargain prices include:

Luke Power, BL, avg 96, BE 108, $448,800
Adam Selwood, WCE, avg 106, BE 83, $441,000 *
Adam Goodes, SYD, avg 100, BE 131, $490,900
Kane Cornes, PA, avg 92, BE 92, $450,100
Farren Ray, STK, avg 103 BE 42, $447,400 *
Luke Hodge, HAW, avg 88, BE 120, $518,000

*I’m still not convinced about either of these, but their numbers are hard to ignore.

If you can afford them, Power and Goodes are the best options here, (Hodge should really be in defense).

Some riskier options at even cheaper prices (for those on a budget) are:

Andrew Swallow, NM, avg 93, BE 43, $400,500
Troy Selwood, BL, avg 80, BE 62, $368,100
Travis Tuck, Haw, avg 80, BE 68, $341,800
Heath Hocking, ESS, avg 86 BE 43, $340,100
Garry Moss, HAW, avg 80, BE -6, $292,500
Mark Coughlan, RICH, avg 84, BE -19, $246,600

Of these, I like Coughlan the most, but you would have to hope for a raise in output if you want to keep them for the rest of the year. The advantage of these though is that you don’t need a huge amont to get there.

To get the cash, consider downgrading to Levi Greenwood (Def, NM, 94,200 avg 55) or one of your forwards to Brent Macaffer (Fwd, COLL, 94,200, avg 65).

There are plenty of players around, so hold off getting Buddy for another week (he’ll probably drop again this week anyway ) and fix up your midfield (unless you have Richo or Scott Lucas, in which case start reading Walesy’s article.)

Firstly Lucas dropped.

ESSENDON has dropped out of form forward Scott Lucas after the veteran again struggled in his side’s loss to the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night.

Coach Mathew Knights said on Tuesday that Lucas has been given the option of either turning out for Essendon’s VFL affiliate the Bendigo Bombers this weekend or taking a week off from football altogether.

With luck, it will just be for the week, but if you’re still keeping the faith in him, it’s looking bleaker all the time.
(DT-wise though, it might be worth waiting a week as he’s appreciating value over there, not LEAKING IT LIKE A SIEVE!)

The irrepressible Richoman, is slightly more repressible now, a season ending injury burning him, and a lot of coaches.

RICHMOND superstar Matthew Richardson’s season could be over with immediate surgery required to repair a tear in his left hamstring tendon.

The 10-12 week recovery period would leave him precious little time to get match-fit before the end of the season, with Richmond struggling at 1-5 and looking set to miss the finals.

Unfortunately, Richo has dropped 70k in value first before his little holiday, but it is definitely time to trade him out.

So what do we have to play with. 475k.

All of my *honest* suggestions will weigh in higher than that I think.

Neon Leon (627k – currently playing at 677k), is a freak at the moment. If you’ve got the cajones, he might be worth a looking.
Roo (617k – currently playing at 664k after a slow start), is going from strength to strength, however, might be too expensive now to represent good value.
The Chapstick (548k – currently playing at 571k), is looking good value. Particularly with Ablett missing a few weeks.
Pavlich (547k – currently playing at 547k after a slow start), looks to have played himself back into some form and is looking very tasty.

However, if you simply can’t free up the funds. You might want to look in the direction of.
Stevie J. (468k – currently playing at 495k), and like Chappy, might find some extra points with Gaz being out of the equation.
Lids – Looks to be hitting the trough. Might have a week before he starts to raise though.
Roughy – A big game on the weekend will see his price start heading up. If he can back that up against the Dons, he’ll be great value.

And finally, forwardWatch.

The idea here is to keep an eye on those premium forwards (started the season at 500k +) who are dropping in price. Ideally with the plan of snaring them up as a bargain.

Franklin. Price: 441k – Lost – 134k – BE: 115 – Still looks to have some falling to do. Though it will only take one game to turn it around.
I’ve heard rumours (from the comments here no less!) of Buddy still dealing with issues around his thumb. Worrying signs…

O’keefe. Price: 467k – Lost – 92k – BE: 109 – Still looks to have some falling to do. Though it will only take one game to turn it around.
Just looks to have fallen off the wagon. While he’s not getting horrible scores, it has been a steady, steady decline.

Lids. Price: 476k – Lost – 73k – BE: 72 – Finally looks to have bottomed out.
Another 100+ score and he might get himself off this list.

Lloyd. Price: 444k – Lost 73k – BE: 160 – Unless he plans on finishing the year as he did last year, I would steer clear of this superstar… (no bias intended…)

Brown. Price: 486k – Lost 52k – BE: 85.5 – Might be bottoming out, Sadly with Brownie, it takes two good games to get off the ground. He’s hit one of them, but whether he can back it up or not is a different story.

All round, a bad week for Supercoachers the nation over.

Luckily, there is a lot of value there, if you’ve got the funds to secure it… *waves to Ablett*…