Well, we bounced back last week in The Podfather, with all players scoring well. We're into our 4th edition now, and I've been keeping records of the PODs mentioned to see how they stack up compared to some of the top class players of the competition. For example, over the past month (since the start of the article), Gary Ablett has averaged 115SC and Scott Pendlebury 129SC. These are clearly the two best players in our fantasy game. In comparison, looking at a couple of players featured in the very first edition of this series, Rory Sloane has averaged 114SC and Mathew Stokes 116SC. While they haven't quite reached the heights of Scott Pendlebury, you'll see these two POD options have stacked up against the best. That's what we're looking for in these players; left field choices that can outscore more popular selections.

In defence, Shannon Hurn was always going to be value. I hope you jumped on and have enjoyed his average of 107.75 in his last month of footy. Even Travis Cloke has averaged 96.75 in that same period. Last round, Zaharakis, Stokes and Sloane all dominated with massive scores and it's hard to see them staying at their current ownership levels for much longer.

Not many players are standing out to me this week, with a shorter than usual list of players to consider. Still, they should certainly be considered.

Rory Sloane (Adel) - Mid - $572,500 - 112.83 - 4.01%
Rory features once again as he continues to dominate matches of football. His work ethic is incredible, taking marks on the wing and in defence on Saturday night against North Melbourne. He recorded his lowest tackle tally (3) of the season yet his crucial intercept marks and attack through the middle boosted his points up considerably. He continues to fly under the radar and won't be getting tagged unless teams are willing to let Dangerfield run riot. Now fully convinced he is a premium option and you should target him in your midfield as a bench option or M8.

Paul Duffield (Frem) - Def - $472,000 - 87.00 - 1.98%
Duffield is one that has burnt SC'ers on many occasions over the years. He has teased us with great form and hurt us with some defensive roles. He had an indifferent beginning to the season but his last 3 matches have been quality. Fremantle has a good draw coming up and while Duffield seems to get rested at least once a season (or dropped), the absence of Johnson in defence means it's unlikely. It's a positive if he can play in MJ's role, as he is a good user by foot and has the ability to take intercept marks. He had just 16 disposals against Richmond which resulted in 102SC. While he has risen in price, he can still provide value should he continue his form. One to consider if you're looking for something different down back.

Nathan Jones (Melb) - Mid - $536,600 - 109.92 - 3.63%
Jones is a born leader, really lifting his team to playing a good standard of footy this season. He was on fire to start the season and is coming back into some of that early season form. He has the perfect mix of contested and uncontested play, while hitting the scoreboard more often than not. Some teams have given up on trying to tag Jones and moved their attention towards Dom Tyson instead! Still, he seems to be able to cope with the tag, which is probably easier if you can play as an inside midfielder. His last two weeks have been outstanding averaging 28 disposals, 5.5 tackles and a goal a game, really lifting when his team needs him. Melbourne have a tough run over the next month, but these are the types of games Jones loves. Has a high ceiling and always impacts on games. 107 average from this point.

Brad Ebert (Port) - Mid - $506,700 - 106.33 - 1.19%
Coming off a personal best 40 disposals against the Swans, Ebert is in some fine form. He's the first POD trade I made this season (in Rd4) and, for the most part, he has been a reliable performer. For his output, he is extremely good value as well as having a low break-even. It's telling that the two poor matches he's had, were against GWS and Melbourne (in very different conditions). Means he thrives the toughness of top 8 sides. Tackling has been a feature of his game, ranked 5th in the competition for that statistic. It helps him get good scores when he picks up his 18-23 possession games. I don't have an exact statistic, but I'd be guessing that hitouts to advantage would also be playing a part in his best SC season to date. Disposal efficiency is up to 70% while his goal assist and inside 50 numbers have him ranked highly in bother categories. He is certainly an underrated part of the Port machine and is one to keep an eye on. Cheaper and more reliable than some fallen premium options.

Cyril Rioli (Haw) - Fwd - $442,300 - 93.67 - 3.16%
Due to his history with injuries, Rioli is certainly the riskiest POD to consider bringing in this week. Coming off his injury layoff, Cyril has scored 77 (in 55% gametime) and 89. He's lucky he avoided suspension this week after executing a near perfect WWE clothesline……to teammate Paul Puopolo. Along with spending time on the sidelines, Rioli is known to be relatively inconsistent. Taking out his injury affected score of 40, he's played 8 games (avg 100.38) with three scores in the 70s and four in the 100s highlighting his tendency to be up and down. This is always a risk with forwards though and if the lowest he'll go is 70, you'd take that. Hawthorn need to play their best possible team to ensure a top 4 and possible top 2 finish for 2014. Expect Cyril to be in the thick of it. Has fallen down to a nice, affordable price. Higgins/Impey to Rioli looks good.