The finals are upon us!

This week as many SC coaches gear up for their finals run, the Best Buys will attempt to give you some good POD choices, and mitigate the damage caused by some more popular choices you may be without.

The tip of the week from me this week, is Clancee Pearce. A high risk proposition, especially with Lyin at the helm, he has shown in the last few weeks that he can score well when on his game, and is quite a nice price still. A certain POD, unless your opponent reads this article as well, Clancee has the chance to create some SC history for himself over the next few weeks, and hopefully will deliver.

As the 2012 season wraps up I figured I should mention that I will be doing some general SC articles over the off-season, and some rookie specific ones over the 2013 pre-season. Make sure to follow me on twitter @BlueBelieverTS for notifications on when the articles are up, and a few SC related tweets on the way.

For the info on Clancee, and the rest of the Best Buys, Ill see you over the break.

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INFO

The Best Buys uses a mix of price, form, break-evens and projected salaries to assess the Best Buys of each round. These are essentially the players that represent the best “value” which is determined by the above factors. Some player will not be mentioned on here even if they are playing well, as value is the key for this article. If a player is averaging 110, which is certainly solid, but priced at an average of 112 then they will not be rated. This does not mean these players should be avoided or not picked due to this, but simply that they aren’t as good “value” as the others in the Best Buys. For all the players I’ve missed, and any more you’re wanting opinions on, the thumbs are always there.

The thumbs act as a polling tool for the TS community, if you pose a question with either a yes-no answer or a “thumbs-up X, thumbs down Y” in there then the community as a whole can give you some great feedback into your choices and what they think about it, while also catering to the lazy amongst them that can’t be bothered actually typing out a response.

The “Waiting List” section at the end of the article shows players who are looking like being great buys but for whatever reason will be better looked at in the coming weeks rather than this one. In the case of the first few names on the list this is because they have only played one game (indicated by the * next to their single game score) and you will have one more week to assess them, having only played one match they do not have a salary prediction either, for the others on the list it is usually because they will be decreasing in value this round based on current predictions and could be picked up cheaper the next week. Some players on the Waiting List will not make the next Best Buys, due to only a small decrease in price etc, and so it is something you should keep an eye on regularly. The Waiting List also includes a projected salary drop over the next round for each player.


DEFENSE
ROOKIES

Stephen Wrigley (BRI) DEF 94.7k
Wrigley has broken through to play his second game, and as such is now on the bubble. He is set to rise by around 35 grand this week, but his job security as finals cover is still somewhat unknown.

Alex Browne (ESS) DEF 113.2k
Browne is a rookie on the bubble this week, and may offer some decent coverage over the SC finals. His job security will remain an unknown but for those looking to take a punt, or just free up some cash, with Browne’s price rise expected to be about 54 grand there are certainly worse options out there.

Matthew Buntine (GWS) DEF 176.6k
Buntine is on the bubble this week after playing his second game for the season over the weekend, but will be overlooked by many due to his high starting price. Averaging 44 over his first 2 matches he may provide some decent cover but maybe not quite as much value as some others.


MID-PRICERS

Andrew Carrazzo (CAR) D/M 498k
Carrots price is now just under 500 grand, and his season average of 99 probably doesn’t quite do him justice. After a bad shoulder injury earlier in the season he has returned in great form, and has been one of the Blues better performers. With Ratts claiming finals are still a chance for Carlton you can expect a big effort this weekend.

Brendon Goddard (StK) D/M 445.8k
Goddard returned to form somewhat on the weekend with a nice 120+, but it has to be said that on previous years performances this season he has been somewhat off his game. Priced at under 450 grand he is a certain bargain, and his average of 102 isn’t exactly poor by most standards.


PREMIUMS

Heath Scotland (CAR) D/M 507k
Scotland has been a solid performer this year, averaging 101 as a D/M with some quiet games thrown in there. I was intending on leaving him out this week as he has been such a Best Buys regular this year, but with only around 90,000 coaches with him in their squad at the moment he is certainly worth a look.

Heath Shaw (COL) 517.6k
Heater has managed to stay on the park, so far, this year leading into the finals, and if he keeps going with his time on ground and scoring he may well be forgiven for last years debacle. Averaging 105 in the backline he has been a valuable part of a lot of SC teams, but is always a bit of a risk.


MIDFIELD
MID-PRICERS

Dale Thomas (COL) MID 469.2k
Daisy is a bit of a left-field option, averaging 98 for the year and priced at around 470 grand he isn’t putting up the best numbers around regularly but is certainly capable of pumping out the big scores from time to time. Again Swans out could influence his scoring output, but we can hope in a positive way.

Nick Dal Santo (StK) MID 471.1k
NDS has been much maligned this year, after threatening to return to latter-half of 2011 form on numerous occasions only to follow it up with some serious spudding. Priced at 470 grand and averaging 103 he is still certainly a decent option, and may be a POD as many look on his output so far this year as just not good enough.


PREMIUMS

Rory Sloane (ADE) MID 526.5k
Sloane is a great POD, and is continuing his good form averaging 109 for the year in a strong Crows outfit. Definitely his break-out season and largely overlooked Sloane could be a positive difference for those battling it out in the finals.

Scott Thompson (ADE) MID 511.7k
Scotty T has been in a slight form slump lately, which has brought his price down to around 510 grand. With a healthy 114 point average for the year and undoubtable class he should be strongly considered by those currently without.

Marc Murphy (CAR) MID 521.9k
Murphy is another Blue putting up good numbers after an injury lay-off, and his price of 520 grand should put him firmly in the sights of those looking for a cheaper elite midfielder. Averaging 110 for the year including his injury affected score he is a player with massive upside.

Scott Pendlebury (COL) MID 606.4k
Pendles keeps on with his usual dominating ways, averaging 126 for the season and is clearly one of the elite players in SC. Priced at just over 600 grand he may not be the cheapest option around but should be one of the safer ones. Swan out may help Pendles scoring, as he is usually tagged anyway.

Jobe Watson (ESS) MID 574k
What can I say. Jobe has shone for the Bombers this year, and is the favourite for the Brownlow for good reason. Averaging 123 for the season, and priced at about 575 grand he is currently under-valued and surprisingly still only in around 80,000 teams. Get him in.

Gary Ablett Jr (GCS) MID 674.7k
Gazza just keeps doing what he does, racking up massive scores and pretty much ignoring opposition taggers. Averaging 162 over his last 3 games his price of 675 grand is almost irrelevant, and for those without him who have the cash, he needs to be in your side for finals.

Joel Selwood (GEE) 550.3k
Ducky has been a great pick this year, and still continues to be. Averaging 121 for the season and priced at around 550 grand he should definitely be considered and will be leading the Cats from the front.

Callan Ward (GWS) MID 512.2k
Ward is another left-field selection, as many coaches will be looking for a solid POD to replace Swannie. Priced at just over 510 grand he has been a driving force in the Giants midfield, averaging a decent 107 for the year in a mainly losing side. A bit of a risk, but a certain POD.

Trent Cotchin (RIC) MID 539.8k
Cotch has been solid this year, without quite breaking into the “elite” category in SC. Averaging 112 for the year and priced at around 540 grand he offers some decent value and is a sure POD over most opposition teams. Could be a great swap for Swannie, but the Tiges have run into some trouble recently.

Josh P Kennedy (SYD) MID 571.8k
JPK is looking to come back into his early season form, and after a big game on the weekend is averaging 118 for the season and is priced at 570 grand. As the Swans continue to put in big game performances and now look to have top spot all but sewn up, JPK will remain a massive factor through the guts for Sydney.


RUCK
PREMIUMS

Todd Goldstein (NM) RUC 501.2k
Goldy has made it back into the Best Buys this week, after HMac was booked in for a knee reco leaving him as the clear number one ruck for the Roos. Averaging 97 for the season with some injury and HMac related issues he has shown previously that he can rack up the big ones. North are in some great form, and will be looking to carry this forward into September.

Ivan Maric (RIC) RUC 575.1k
Maric and his mullet have kept on from where they left off after a very brief hiatus, averaging 136 over his last 3 games and really showing why ruckmen have previously been so highly rated in SC-land. Tigers current issues notwithstanding, Maric has been one of the picks of the season to date.

Ben McEvoy (StK) RUC 521.5k
Ben McEvoy has made some decent strides towards regaining his previous seasons form of late, and is now averaging 104 for the year and is priced at about 520 grand. Always has some doubts about his abilities as a pure ruckman, but big Ben usually makes up for it with his work around the ground. A bit risky, but could well pay off.

Dean Cox (WCE) RUC 532.2k
Nic Naitanui (WCE) RUC 536.8k
Cox and Naitanui get lumped together today, as they are both sitting on very similar prices and averages in the same Eagles outfit. NicNat is the number one ruckman for the Eagles this year, meaning Cox is now a valuable swing-man scoring goals and making the occasional game saving mark down back. NicNat for the more reliable scores, and Coxy for the occasional massive one.

FORWARD
MID-PRICERS

Nathan Fyfe (FRE) M/F 449.6k
Fyfe has kept up his good form on return from injury, but unfortunately still has shoulders made of papier mache and still plays for Ross Lyin. A big risk but on recent form, possibly a worthwhile one.

Paul Chapman (GEE) 468.8k
Chappy has been a bit up and down recently, resulting in a nice price of just under 470 grand. A definite bargain for a player of his quality, the Cats are looking like really switching up a gear leading into the finals this year.

Brent Harvey (NM) M/F 495.5k
Boomer is another left-fielder, after being written off by most as being too old for the modern game. Averaging 94 for the season indicates that these doubters may have been right, however his 3 game average of 121 suggests otherwise. M/F eligible and a true champion of the game, Boomer could still have a few good ones in him yet.

Adam Goodes (SYD) M/F 427.9k
Goodesy has made it back from injury, and whilst having a couple of up and down games should be back on the radar for most SC coaches looking for a cheap mid or forward. His 93 average doesn’t reflect his undoubted talent, but for under 430 grand his numbers really aren’t that important.


PREMIUMS

Patrick Dangerfield (ADE) M/F 564.7k
Danger is now one of the most popular picks in SC this year, and for good reason. Averaging 112 for the year and with a decent run home he looks set to continue on with this form and will probably hurt those without him through the finals.

Dayne Beams (COL) M/F 616.9k
Beams has continued on with his impressive recent form, averaging 138 over his last 3 games, and may well benefit further from Swans forced absence. Priced at a high 615 grand he is pricey, but when you take into account his 3 game average would put his price at around 680 grand he can still be a value pick on current form.

Steele Sidebottom (COL) M/F 491.4k
Sidey is another player who could benefit from Swans absence, his endurance and decision making indicating he could be a key target with him out, and is well worth a look. Now priced at only 490 odd grand he offers some solid value and has the ability to go large. A more popular pick in SC he could be a difference maker.

Matthew Pavlich (FRE) M/F 636.6k
The Pav has been on an absolute tear of late, averaging a massive 149 over his last 3 games and 4+ goals a match over the last while. Priced at a steep 635 grand he looks overpriced for his season average of 112, but if he can keep up his recent form he will be well worth the price.

Clancee Pearce (FRE) M/F 513.3k
Pearce played well on the weekend, in a Derby demolition of the Eagles, and as such has made it into the Best Buys again for this week. Priced at just over 510 grand, his 126 average over the last 3 games show that when in form he can be a valuable addition to most SC teams. M/F eligibility must also help.

Jarryd Roughead (HAW) R/F 516.8k
Roughy has kept on with his solid form, averaging 105 for the year and possessing the ever valuable dual-position eligibility. As a ruckman or forward he isn’t quite in the leading group of performers, but as a swing man for both he is certainly a handy addition to most teams.

Ryan OKeefe (SYD) M/F 563.6k
ROK has been solid since his return from a short lay-off, with a 100 average for the season but a much improved 119 average from his last 3 games. In a dominant side battling to hold top spot, all signs point to ROK keeping up his good recent form.



WAITING LIST

Jason Johannisen (WBD) MID 113.2k *72
Michael Talia (WBD) DEF 106.6k *23
Aidan Riley (ADE) MID 132.2k *69
Sam Jacobs (ADE) RUC 548.6k -15k
Sam Mitchell (HAW) MID 550.9k -18k
Drew Petrie (NM) FWD 550.5k -28k