As the 2014 season settles into it's stride the potential future stars of SC begin to emerge, and we start to get a much better picture of how teams and players will fare over the year. A lot of the early bolters have dropped off, and some of the stars from previous years have now gotten back into the swing of things, coupled with the bye rounds fast approaching to make for some crucial rounds of trading.

Luke Dahlhaus has impressed enough this season to be the week's Best Buy, and after missing one game earlier on with injury is still a relatively obscure pick. His contested play style, natural improvement and overall improvement from the Dogs all contribute to this nicely, and with a comparatively good bye round he will probably be a popular trade-in over the coming weeks. Playing more in the midfield, but still kicking the occasional goal, gives Dahl a more fantasy friendly role this season and one I expect will continue to deliver him solid scores.



DEFENSE
ROOKIES





Darcy Gardiner (BRI) DEF 117.3k 42 +24k

Gardiner hasn't been getting too much attention lately, sipping under the radar for many coaches but bringing himself onto the bubble nonetheless. Averaging 42 from his first two games and looking at a price rise of around 25 grand he looks a decent downgrade target in defense.



Tom Cutler (BRI) DEF 154.4k 51 +41k
Cutler Isn't on the bubble any more, after last week playing his third game and increasing in price by a bit, but at around 150 grand and averaging 51 he still offers some decent value. Some might not be too happy with fielding two Brisbane rookies in the same line, so for those not interested in Gardiner Cutler still has some cash generation left in him yet.

MID-PRICERS





Lynden Dunn (MEL) DEF 433.7k 93
Dunn has stepped up his game so far in 2014, culminating in a big 133 on the weekend. Still only averaging 90 however, and in a poor side to boot, Melbourne have a decent run into their bye round but Dunn will probably only be picked by the high-risk sides looking for a POD. Only around 1,000 selections to date.

PREMIUMS





Michael Hibberd (ESS) DEF 525.1k 103

Hibberd looks to be coming back into some good form now, possibly taking some points back off Hooker with a 124 on the weekend to bring his seasons average up to 103. A relatively consistent young defender in an improving side Hibberd also offers good POD value with only around 9,000 picks so far this season.



Heath Shaw (GWS) DEF 505.4k 98

Heater has been Heater really, up and down scoring but with enough potential to convince more than a few coaches he's worth the angst. Averaging 98 for the year and sitting in around 22,000 sides Shaw has great run and carry coming out of the backline as evidenced by his latest score of 134. If Patton continues to play down back as he did on the weekend, Heater could be in for more points still as he spends more time moving the ball and less time shutting down opposing forwards.



Jarrad McVeigh (SYD) D/M 530k 100
McVeigh was a popular pick pre-season this year, but had more than a few questioning whether he could maintain his 100+ average. So far the answer has been yes and no, as he is averaging 100 for the year for his 66,000 coaches and contributing solidly, but as the byes roll around he will likely be picked up by a considerable chunk of sides as one of the better performing defenders to date.

REGULARS





David Swallow (GCS) D/M 510.4k 114

MIDFIELD
ROOKIES





Mitch Hallahan (HAW) MID 123.9k 45 +27k

Hallahan is another rookie to not receive much fanfare, bringing himself to the bubble with a 45 average for the reigning premiers. Given they are the reigning premiers he may struggle to keep his spot in the side, but as with all rookies he only needs to get enough games to make some good dollars for those that pick him.



Jake Lloyd (SYD) MID 123.9k 32 +9k

Another rookie Lloyd, this time it's Jake at Sydney on the bubble though and getting a look in. Averaging 32 and another rookie to face a tough time trying to cement a spot in the 22 for his team, Jake will most likely not have the selection numbers of Sam at Richmond, but may still be worth considering anyway.



Nick Robertson (BRI) MID 172.5k 65 +47k
Robertson surprised me by making the list of most popular trade-ins last week, but an average of 65 and a price still around 175 grand means he may make his way into more teams yet. Looking at a price rise around 50 grand this week if he continues to perform, the Lions won't want to change a winning side too much so he should keep getting games for another couple of weeks at least. Hopefully.

MID-PRICERS





Marc Murphy (CAR) MID 529.3k 116

SMurph seems to have come right now after a slow 2013, and just when the Blues have needed him to. Averaging 116 for the season on the back of two weeks that netted him a combined 301 points, as well as the Blues only two wins for the season, SMurph looks good value at his current price of 530 grand but will likely cost over 570 grand by the start of next week. The only real question around him at this stage is whether these numbers show he's turned the corner, or simply racking up the points when his side's playing strongly.



Nathan Jones (MEL) MID 542.4k 115

Jones looks relatively similar to SMurph on paper, but really so far has been almost the opposite. Scoring very well in defeats, primarily as he's playing head-to-head against or tagging the opposition's main midfielder. Still on the cheap side for his average, and with plenty of potential losses still to come for the Dee's, Jones is on track for a break-out season to claim a spot amongst the competitions premium midfielders. Looking the goods for a bloke with only around 6,000 picks.



Brent Stanton (ESS) MID 535k 107
Stanton is perennially overlooked, usually in comparison to Jobe, but is a good fantasy performer in his own rights all the same. Scoring a nice 127 on the weekend to put his average at 107 for the year, Stanton has elite endurance, and the capacity to run all day. Only in around 6,000 sides so far, Stants has good POD value but may struggle to make it as a top-ten midfielder.

PREMIUMS





Steve Johnson (GEE) MID 626.6k 123

Stevie J has been in excellent form so far this season, and quite possibly career best. Even as a midfield only player he still offers good value, averaging 123 for the season so far and sitting in only around 17,000 teams. He is priced pretty much on his average, so won't see much movement this week, but if he keeps up his current level of performance he could well be a leading midfielder come seasons end.



Matthew Boyd (WBD) MID 618.6k 122

Boyd here is a bit surprising, as his roughly 2,000 selections attest, but with an average north of 120 to date and an improving team around him he's certainly earned his spot. Pumping out a 143 on the weekend definitely helped, as does Griffen's less-than-best current form, but the Handball King will likely remain a POD as most coaches predict the his numbers will drop off as the season progresses.



Nathan Fyfe (FRE) MID 581k 120

Fyfe seems to always be there or thereabouts when it comes to the Best Buys, the key appears to be picking the right week. He started the season poorly with an early suspension, and subsequent trade out by many teams, but is now back from the sidelines and in good form to boot. Averaging 120 after his 134 on the weekend and still priced around 20 grand cheaper than that average, his selection numbers are expected to rise dramatically from the current 30,000 odd to his name.



Leigh Montagna (StK) MID 588.9k 119

Joey missed the opening round of 2014 through suspension, which may well explain his roughly 2,000 selections this year. A little surprising none-the-less, considering his 115 average last year, his massive 174 in the shaky isles should have now brought him squarely to everyone's attention. That brought his seasons average up to 119, and his with a price just shy of 590 grand he will likely be a strong contender for an upgrade as coaches attempt to navigate the bye rounds.



Steele Sidebottom (COL) MID 587.2k 112

Sidey has backed up his Best Buys inclusion last week with a 138 on the weekend, bringing his average up to 112 for the year so far. Still in only around 2,000 sides this number will probably not increase that dramatically as the byes approach, with most teams already having Pendles and Beams with Swan next line for Collingwood inclusions. Priced a little high for his overall average, but solid value when going by his last couple of outings.



Travis Boak (PTA) MID 576.7k 106

Boak is back again this week after scoring a very nice 156 in his team's victory over the previously unbeaten Cats, even though he is priced considerably above his season's average. With only 3,000 picks so far it appears a lot of coaches are expecting him to keep that average, or a similar one, for the majority of the season, but with Port stepping up again this year this could be the start of his rise to dominance.



Dane Swan (COL) MID 550.6k 100
Swanny just squeaks in as a premium this week, sitting just over 550 grand in price with an un-Swan like average of 100. However he has pumped out two games in a row over 120, including the weekend's 143, and will be high on many team's wish-list. His bye round is an issue, and will see a fair few wait before bringing him in, but a consistent fantasy gun for years now like Swanny has been will certainly make his way into a big chunk of teams by seasons end.

REGULARS





Gary Ablett (GCS) MID 735.8k 147

Dayne Beams (COL) MID 579.2k 122

RUCK
MID-PRICERS





Ben McEvoy (HAW) RUC 486.7k 100

Lean pickings in the ruck this week have led to Big Boy leading the charge, with an average of 100 for the year after sitting out some games through injury. A 135 on the weekend helped to announce he's back to being fit, and was a welcome relief for his 19,000 odd coaches. Never an excellent ruckman but a good contributor around the ground Big Mac suits the Hawks play-style well, and if he stays on the park should continue to put up solid numbers.



Tom Hickey (StK) RUC 376.8k 91

Hickey was seemingly just starting to gain momentum, and selection numbers, early on in the year before injury struck forcing him to spend some time on the sidelines. Averaging 91 after his 105 on the weekend in a loss, albeit against West, his 24,000 coaches will be hoping he can pick up where he left off. As number one ruck for the Saints he will be given every opportunity to succeed, but may still be some time yet before truly making a mark on the competition.



Patrick Ryder (ESS) RUC 454.3k 90

Ryder has returned to the Don's line-up after some time off with an injury, and his 127 on the weekend shows that he's still capable of making an impact. Averaging only 90 for the year to date, and still without Bellchambers in the team, Ryder is a solid ruckman and can snag a few goals when the opportunity presents. Priced around his average at about 450 grand he offers decent POD value with only 6,000 picks, but will need to step up his game to be really worthwhile.



Trent West (BRI) RUC 400.2k 87

West has benefitted from Leuey's injury, probably the only Lions player to do so, and is now settling into the role of number one big-man. A 121 on the weekend in his side's maiden 2014 victory showed his scoring potential, but he'll need to be well supported to maintain that level of output you'd think. Priced at just over 400 grand and only sitting in around 4,000 sides he has the potential to be a real bargain, but again will need to keep putting in career best efforts to deliver.



Nic Naitanui (WCE) RUC 390.9k 71
Nic Nat has been very off this season, averaging just 71 for the year so far but still managing 15,000 selections. This is likely a solid indicator of his potential however, with many coaches refusing to believe he will keep performing this poorly, and presenting some good value at his sub 400 grand price if he can lift his game back to previous levels. Certainly a risky pick going by performances so far this season, but one that always has the potential to tear a game open.

REGULARS





Aaron Sandilands (FRE) RUC 469.1k 114

FORWARD
ROOKIES





Matt McDonough (RIC) FWD 155.3k 36 +6k

McDonut is on the bubble this week, although I can't imagine that will convince many to bring him in. A popular pre-season pick who just couldn't stay on the park the coaches that held onto him will be pleased, but he really hasn't shown enough Job Security to make him a worthy addition now. Averaging 36 from his first two matches.



Tom Boyd (GWS) FWD 217.3k 14 -38k

Boyd is on the bubble this week, but going by break-evens etc he's set to lose almost 40 grand in value. This probably won't happen, but it's still a good indicator of his potential output as 3rd string GWS KPF. A player with a big future, but a big pass” this season in SC.



Patrick Ambrose (ESS) FWD 102.4k 63 +55k
Ambrose has also made it to the bubble this week, after many coaches jumped the gun and traded him in only to have him not play again afterwards. Hopefully he can stay in the side this time around, but again it's a decent indicator of pretty poor JS for the kid. 63 average is promising, but certainly a risky selection now.

MID-PRICERS





Cyril Rioli (HAW) FWD 476.2k 104

Cyril dominated the 3rd quarter against the Tigers, giving him a score of 154 for the game and bringing his average to 104 for the season. Seemingly playing more midfield this year, as the majority of non-midfielders at Hawthorn are, Rioli has long promised SC dominance but is still yet to deliver. Sitting in around 14,000 sides he still has some good POD value, but has never been a consistent SC scorer in the past. Could this be the year he steps up?



Dayne Zorko (BRI) M/F 459.2k 103

Zorko was a very popular trade-in earlier in the season, only to see him spud the next couple of games and draw the ire of more than a few of his coaches. Sitting in 68,000 teams he has been slowly building back to that earlier form, and is again averaging over 100 and tempting a few to bring him in. Priced at about 460 grand he is cheap for his average, and with the selection numbers he has he is a safer bet than many.



Luke Dahlhaus (WBD) FWD 460.8k 102
Dahl is another player to start the year strongly before succumbing to injury. Those that started the season with him hopefully kept hold of him however, as he returned to action quickly and is now averaging 102 for the year after a nice 128 in his last game. With around 7,000 picks so far and the Dogs improving nicely Dahlhaus makes for a great POD, and will likely be a popular SC pick in years to come. Priced at around 460 grand he's offering some great value currently, and has a pretty useful bye round which edges him over the line as the Best Buy for the week.

PREMIUMS





Patrick Dangerfield (ADE) M/F 582.7k 111

Since Danger is already in over 150,000 sides most of you probably don't need convincing, but for those that do his price of 580 grand and excellent form over the last two games should really seal the deal. Back in contention for the best forward in SC this year, it would take a brave coach to ignore him for the whole season.



Robbie Gray (PTA) M/F 500k 102

Gray backed up nicely on the weekend, keeping his average north of 100 and sitting on a price that's pretty much spot on for that. 102 is an impressive average for a forward in any season, and with Port's list continuing to play good footy his 10,000 coaches will be hoping he remains a POD for some time yet. Personally though I doubt that will happen, as his attractive bye-round and form in general are likely to get him a fair few more selections over the upcoming weeks.



Luke Parker (SYD) M/F 501.5k 102
Parker continues to reward those that picked him pre-season, especially those that picked him over TMitch, with a 102 average and a price now just over 500 grand. 17,000 coaches have backed him in so far, with many more likely to do so. TMitch did perform well in the reserves over the weekend, I've been told anyway, so may be due a return but not many will see that affecting Parker either way. A mainly midfield player Parker has great scoring potential, but it will be interesting to see how Sydney structure up when they have a fully fit team at their disposal.

WAITING LIST





Joel Selwood (GEE) MID 598.5k 121 -32k

Tom Rockliff (BRI) MID 588.8k 114 -14k

Jobe Watson (ESS) MID 533.6k 110 -9k

Nick Riewoldt (StK) FWD 547.8k 110 -19k

Sam Mitchell (HAW) D/M 563.6k 105 -22k

Pearce Hanley (BRI) D/M 475.2k 86 -43k

Jarryd Roughead (HAW) FWD 442k 82 -31k

Dustin Martin (RIC) M/F 466.4k 88 -22k

Todd Goldstein (NM) RUC 488.6k 85 -22k