TooSerious

Normally I try to put a positive spin on things, be optimistic, and look at the lighter side of SuperCoach, but I have to say this week really sucks for fantasy footy. With only 8 teams playing on the weekend there really are very little good options around, and most reading this will likely already have a decent few of them in their teams. This has led to a greatly shortened Best Buys, with only a few choices making the grade and in some positions just the one solitary player. Luckily the waiting list is reasonably healthy, so if you can afford to spend a bit more cash than is strictly necessary there are still some good options here for most SC sides.

The Best Buy of the week is one that many of you have been waiting for some time now for, Sam Mitchell. After an injury relatively early on in the year sidelined him for a decent chunk of games he's now back in action, and as his 100+ in his last game showed he appears to back to full fitness and ready for SC finals. As cheap as you'll likely find him, D/M positioned and generally a great pick in all forms of fantasy footy, I can't really see why anyone would go past him at this stage.



DEFENSE
ROOKIES


Daniel McStay (BRI) DEF 140.5k 41 +27k

McStay did his job in round 17, getting on the field and keeping his average from the first 3 games at 41. As the only rookie option in the Best Buys this week McStay is still priced affordably at 140 grand, and will be facing a price rise of about 27 grand after his next game. Risky, but there are very limited options this weekend.

MID-PRICERS





Sam Mitchell (HAW) D/M 412.8k 89

SMitch will likely be the most popular player brought in this week, not just because he's the Best Buy either, and is already sitting in around 29,000 teams. A bargain basement price of just over 410 grand certainly helps, along with his D/M status, but with a price rise of only 9 grand on the cards for his next game he could be waited on for...

Just the 5 games this weekend, with 8 teams to play next week.

Rolling lockout is in effect for those who aren't Supercoach, so play your VC's where you got em!

And just a quick warning, I'll be starting the season wind-down of the servers over the weekend, so if there is a little downtime, that'll be why.

Shouldn't have any effects anywhere though- but as always, if you see something funky, let me know!

<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt; background: #fcfcfc;][span style='color: #444444;]In our first Ablett-less week since the bye rounds, some familiar (and possibly unexpected!) faces stepped up to lead the way last weekend. Jackson Macrae led all scorers with 172, whilst Goldstein (166) and Dangerfield (158) also scored well. Carlisle was next best with 155 whilst Boak (153) and Harvey (150) also scored heavily. The rest of the top ten were Motlop (147) and Hamish McIntosh, Joel Selwood and Armitage all with 144. Let's look at the numbers for the split round &amp;hellip;
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt; background: #fcfcfc;][span style='color: #444444;]
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt; background: #fcfcfc;][span style='color: #444444;]CARLTON v. NORTH MELBOURNE
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt; background: #fcfcfc;][span style='color: #444444;]
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt; background: #fcfcfc;][span style='color: #444444;]Recent game - Round 17 2013: Carlton scored a thrilling one point victory at Etihad Stadium last year winning 109 to 108. Top scorers were Kreuzer (139), Scott Thompson (126) and Petrie (125). Curnow was sent to Harvey who scored 98 SC points from 26 touches and one goal. Murphy scored 103 SC points (18 disposals, 7 tackles, 1 goal) playing head to head against Bastinac.
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt; background: #fcfcfc;][span style='color: #444444;]
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt; background: #fcfcfc;][span style='color: #444444;]Murphy v. North Melbourne
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt; background: #fcfcfc;][span style='color: #444444;]
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt; background: #fcfcfc;][span style='color: #444444;]Rd 17 2013: 103 SC points, 18 disposals
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt; background: #fcfcfc;][span style='color: #444444;]Rd 16 2012: 112 SC points, 24 disposals
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt; background: #fcfcfc;][span style='color: #444444;]Rd 19 2011: 138 SC points, 28 disposals
<p style='margin-bottom: 0pt;...

Well, I'm finding the backend of this season quite tough. With players not performing and running out of trades, I'm sure many are in the same boat. It only takes one selection, however, to turn it all around.

We're close to finals time in our leagues and that premiership glory is something driving many on. We need to be wise with our moves at this stage of the season; that great left-field trade, or the well selected VC loophole could guide you to the flag. It's the most important time of the SC season.

It's a split round this week but I'll be treating this as a normal round in terms of players shown below (nothing next week). At this stage, it's all about the intestinal fortitude one is willing to have in their trades.

Sam Fisher (StK) - Def - $430,300 - 102.00 - 0.32%
Fisher came in for his first game last week in the heavy loss to North Melbourne and looked solid. Old mate Chips&amp;rdquo; was once a Supercoach lock in defence, however injuries and possible indiscretions have had an effect over the last two seasons. Still, after picking up 102 from 15 touches and 6 tackles, he could be worth a look. Let's face it, the ball is going to be in the Saints' backline a fair bit. If Fisher can regain his ability to intercept, while keeping his tackle numbers up, he could be a good selection. Really risky. Can wait a week or two before jumping on.

Shannon Hurn (WCE) - Def - $456,500 - 88.17 - 3.01%
After an explosive return from injury, Hurn has dropped off significantly over the past 3 rounds averaging just 77. He hasn't been driving the ball inside 50 as much, losing points for his lack of goal assists. Being such a damaging player, it wouldn't surprise anyone to see Hurn tagged. I'd suggest his next two opponents don't play with that sort of player in mind meaning he has every chance of reaching his BE of 115 against Richmond and going back up in price. Can still average 95 from here.

Callan Ward...

Ablett, Ablett, Ablett ... not so much a spanner in the works with the benefit of hindsight, but guaranteed to use up one of the trades. Who comes in? Of course there is no like-for-like replacement, but there is a beneficiary ...
Round 17 season to date
Initial team selection
<p style='text-align: center;]

<strong style='font-size: 14px;]

[/b]
<strong style='font-size: 14px;]Trades[/b]
<div style='text-align: center;]/Portals/0/Users/230/78/2278/R17_table_trades.png' style='width: 614px; height: 1041px; text-align: center;

As pretty much expected, the trades in round 1 and 2 have disappeared as well as the trades in the last couple of rounds. Ablett is the last one out, with Kennedy (SYD) appearing to be the beneficiary, while Macrae has the honour of being Ablett's trading counterpart as a result of his great game last round.
Current team selection
<div style='text-align: center;]/Portals/0/Users/230/78/2278/R17_table_currentteam.png' style='text-align: center;

Interestingly it is back to two unused rucks, i.e. no need for backup rucks. And there is over $3M in value on the defence, midfield and forward bench.
Number of players by value per round
<div style='text-align: center;]/Portals/0/Users/230/78/2278/R17_chart_gnr.png' style='text-align: center;

Losing a few premium guns in the later rounds, Ablett of course but also Kennedy, Ward, Liberatore and Harvey dropping below $600k (while retaining their spot), while Jacobs gains premium gun value.
Number of players by team per round
<div style='text-align: center;]/Portals/0/Users/230/78/2278/R17_chart_teams.png' style='text-align: center;



Sydney is still smashing it, North continues to gain and 10 teams with 1 or 2 players.

All the details, round by round - season to date, including captains and bench movements (not shown above) can...

<p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; background: white;]CARLTON v NORTH MELBOURNE

Etihad Stadium, Friday 18 July, 7.50pm (AEST)
<p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; background: white;]CARLTON

B: Michael Jamison, Sam Rowe, Zach Tuohy

HB Chris Yarran, Kade Simpson, Andrejs Everitt

C Nick Graham, Chris Judd, Mitch Robinson

HF: Dale Thomas, Levi Casboult, Brock McLean

F Marc Murphy, Lachie Henderson, Troy Menzel

Fol Cameron Wood, Bryce Gibbs, Ed Curnow

I/C Tom Bell, Sam Docherty, David Ellard, Simon White

Emg Jeff Garlett, Blaine Johnson, Jarrad Waite

In Mitch Robinson, Troy Menzel, Cameron Wood

Out: Robert Warnock (omitted), Andrew Walker (Knee), Blaine Johnson (omitted)
<p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; background: white;]NORTH MELBOURNE

B: Michael Firrito, Scott D. Thompson, Scott McMahon.

HB Shaun Atley, Lachlan Hansen, Sam Wright.

C Sam Gibson, Andrew Swallow, Levi Greenwood.

HF Brent Harvey, Aaron Black, Nick Dal Santo.

F Ben Brown, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas.

Fol Todd Goldstein, Ben Cunnington, Jack Ziebell.

I/C Ryan Bastinac, Ben Jacobs, Leigh Adams, Luke McDonald.

Emg Brad McKenzie, Majak Daw, Aaron Mullett

In Jack Ziebell, Luke McDonald.

Out Aaron Mullett (omitted), Brad McKenzie (omitted).
<p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; background: white;]

ST KILDA v FREMANTLE

Etihad Stadium, 4.40pm AEST, Saturday 19 July
<p style='margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; background: white;]ST KILDA

B Sean Dempster, Luke Delaney, Sam Fisher.

HB Jack Newnes, James Gwilt, Dylan Roberton.

C Leigh Montagna, Lenny Hayes, Shane Savage.

HF Josh Saunders, Nick Riewoldt, Luke Dunstan.

F Jack Billings, Rhys Stanley, Adam Schneider.

Fol Billy Longer, David Armitage, Maverick Weller.

I/C Farren Ray, Tom Curren, Josh Bruce, Brodie Murdoch

Emg Sebastian Ross,...

<iframe width='560' height='315' src='//www.youtube.com/embed/_dzCEjGwKDo' frameborder='0]</iframe>
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This week see's the start of a split round for AFL, which brings with it the strong potential for more SC carnage. Last weekend, even without Gaz, the majority of teams seemed to avoid too many issues and post some nice scores, and I'm sure we'll all be hoping for more of the same over the next two weeks. Unfortunately though the SC gods don't often work like that, so while we need to be prepared for bad news at the selection table this week it's also important to try and keep a trade handy for next weeks games, just in case. Due to the split round the Best Buys are a bit shorter this time around, and especially so in defense where there's only one option to make the cut and even then it's a risky one. Hopefully most teams can afford to wait a week and grab SMitch to fill any defensive holes.

The Best Buy for this week is also a risky one, but after missing a lot of games early has really found some good form including a 140+ score on the weekend past. Steven Motlop, the young Cats star, has really started turning heads once again lately and is looking like a great pick in the forward line to finish out the SC year. Spending decent time through the midfield and showing his obvious class, Motts is a POD in great touch and could well end the season on a high by continuing his form into the finals.


DEFENSE
MID-PRICERS





Corey Enright (GEE) DEF 438k 85
In a week where defensive options are severely limited, thanks in big part to the split round, Enright is the only one that gets the nod and even then he's obviously quite risky. Averaging 85 for the season he pumped out a 117 on the weekend to bring his price to around 440 grand but will only see a minimal price rise after his next match. Currently sitting in around 15,000 sides the Cats defender is a POD who hasn't been scoring especially well this season, and the majority of coaches chasing a defender would likely be better off waiting a week for SMitch or keeping an eye on Fisher....

The ORFFL Round 14 Review is brought to you by Kel

vs



Sarah Isla<strong style='font-size: 14px;]nd Savages 1417[/b]<strong style='font-size: 14px;]d[/b]<strong style='font-size: 14px;]efeated Poowong Potoroos 1118[/b]
As predicted by Jason the Potoroos have hit the wall and suffered their 3rd loss in 4 games. No Ablett for the rest of the season and no forward line aside from Darling and the Tomahawk. Expect management to be active in the off season again looking for decent forwards. Should still make the finals but without the spiritual leader it is difficult to see them being competitive against the top teams. A trip to Coulta awaits which could be a challenge.
For the Savages, business as usual, consolidating top spot and locking in a top 2 spot. The main question is does Hornsy still exist, or has he disappeared into the Matrix? A trip to Milikapati next on the agenda.



[span style='font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: 1.3; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff;]<strong style='font-size: 14px;]vs [/b]

<strong style='font-size: 14px;]Woy Woy 1277 defeated Coulta Couldabeens 1072[/b]
Solid win to the Wizards but they still sit a game outside the 8. Ranked 5th on total points scored, if they can sneak in they might be able to do some damage late in the season....

Waikikamoocow 1328 d Charlie's Opening 1192
The skinny: Waikiks firm up a top four spot on the back of seven 100+ scores. Sam Reid a highlight for the Spelunkers.
Best: Waikis - McIntosh (144), Fyfe (127), McVeigh (121). Charlie's Opening - Reid (139), Jack (99), Gunston (89).

Whitsundays 1194 d Marble Bar 1094
The skinny: 14-man Warriors team defeats Marble Bar thanks in part to big scores from Boak and Motlop. Marble Bar enjoy an improved effort over last week.
Best: Whits - Boak (153), Motlop (147), Barlow (112). Marble Bar - Ward (131), Tomlinson (103), Whitfield (101).

Iron Knob 1471 d Venus Bay 1163
The skinny: No Ablett no problems for Iron Knob as everything clicks for a big score. Venus Bay get plenty out of their forwards, but the backline is a worry.
Best: Iron Knob - Macrae (172), Goldstein (166), Shuey (143). Venus Bay - Gibbs (138), Howe (125), Parker (123).

Gariwerd 1074 d Gundagai 984
The skinny: The Cockies win a close one with Lids enjoying a return to form. Veterans Hayes and Mitchell best for the Hoppers in Rockliff's absence.
Best: Gariwerd - Deledio (112), Smith (100), Hurn (84). Gundagai - Hayes (114), Mitchell (103), Sandilands (90)

Cradle Mountain 1222 d Birdsville 1183
The skinny: Cradle Mountain win a vital game against fellow finals aspirants Birdsville. Lee Spurr's late game ton enough to hold out the fast finishing Battlers.
Best: Cradle Mountain - Johnson (135), Spurr (113), Heppell (107). Birdsville - Murphy (130), Enright (117), Houli (116).

Lovely Banks 1366 d Larrikin Lagoon 1146
The skinny: The Lilacs jump straight back into the eight in a big way, topping 1350 on the back of another good forwardline effort.
Best: Lilacs - Carlisle (155), Chapman (142), Pyke (130). Lefties - Priddis (108), Cunnington (101), Lewis (99).

Foul Bay 1489 d...