We are around a month from SC finals and trades are becoming scarce. By now you've hopefully completed your team or have one upgrade left. It's time to focus on your bench cover and to make sure you have scorers sitting there in case a player of yours gets injured. This is why from now, the Podfather will be looking at cheaper POD options.
Of course, the run home is important when selecting players from here on in. We want selections that will play every game and score fairly well. Whether it's pure coverage, or you're looking to loophole bench players, it is always smart to analyse statistics at this stage of the season.
Ruck options won't be covered this week but, if you think one should be mentioned, drop them in the comments section below.

Jack Steven (StK) - Mid - $438,200 - 88.00 - 0.60%
After a breakout season in 2013, Steven had an injury interrupted pre-season which has really had an effect on his 2014. He has shown glimpses of brilliance, running down the wing at full pace and hitting targets as he does when he is at his best. His total impact on scores is down on last season, only having one goal assist next to his name (15 in each of the past two seasons). Steven and Montagna are the players St Kilda's opposition look to shut down, which makes it tough for him. With his disposal efficiency sitting at 69.3% for the season, Steven hasn't been too disappointing in that regard. There's an opportunity over the next two months for him to get more of the ball, which should increase his output. Is very cheap for what he can produce.

Leigh Montagna (StK) - Mid - $447,500 - 100.75 - 2.09%
Montagna averaged 123.5 over the first 6 weeks of the season, with consistently brilliant showings. Since then, he has averaged 78.17, picking up his first century in this period on Saturday. St Kilda have been absolutely dominated recently, and it's hard for even the stars like Joey to be scoring well every week. Montagna's tackle numbers haven't been this good since 2009, however he is averaging -5 disposals on last year, while only going at 67.5% efficiency. His time on ground number is well below what it has been in the past as well, which explains the sudden drop in output. Still, he has been an outstanding scorer in the past, and if Steven shows a bit more form, Montagna may be released a bit. Value for money here, but only consider as a M9.

Heritier Lumumba (Coll) - Def/Mid - $412,700 - 84.36 - 2.84%
Lumumba is an interesting player to consider. He often finds himself in the 85-95 range, with a couple of terrible scores keeping his average down. He is down in most areas on 2013, however his disposal efficiency is up to nearly 80% which is outstanding. As a predominately outside player, Lumumba relies on pumping the ball inside 50 and providing A-grade delivery to his teammates. His cleanliness with the ball makes him an option purely because it will likely lead to higher scores. He is definitely a solid D6/D7 floating option. Consider if the rest of your backline is full of reliable players.

Andrew Swallow (NM) - Mid - $476,100 - 87.86 - 1.20%
The returning captain played his best game of the season in North Melbourne's disappointing loss against Brisbane last Saturday night. He had 23 disposals, 9 tackles and 2 goals on his way to 134SC, when he wasn't even meant to play! It's these types of performances (minus the goals) we've come to expect from Swallow and it looks like he has finally found his mojo. His numbers are almost identical to his 2013 pre-injury statistics with less time on ground. Having now played 7 matches in a row, he won't be spending as much time on the bench which will definitely improve his scores. North need all hands on deck if they want to stay in the top 8, and Swallow will lead from the front. Good enough to start in your midfield.



Robert Murphy (WB) - Def - $392,500 - 84.50 - 2.54%
The veteran has shifted from his permanent half-back position to a more fill-in” role this season. He plays wherever he is needed, which is generally either half-back or half-forward. He has always been a great kick of the footy and he hasn't dropped off in that regard. It's the lack of continuity in one position, in an inconsistent team that has hurt him. That's why, if considering Murphy, it's important to keep an eye on the Bulldogs' team sheets. If it's apparent that the Bulldogs are lacking run from defence, you can put him on-field. Otherwise, he can be a D7. Always a solid player. Sub $400k and still has a decent average. Good back-up.

Jack Riewoldt (Rich) - Fwd - $401,900 - 84.71 - 2.44%
Should start this one by saying Riewoldt is purely a backup, loophole option. We know KPF's aren't to be considered at the best of times; especially one as up and down as Jumpin' Jack. He has averaged at least 81 over the past 5 seasons and has a habit of going big a few times a year (189 vs GWS). Looking at Richmond's run, Riewoldt should score fairly well. Clarke, Hombsch, Mackenzie, Mohr, Hurley, Talia, Delaney and Richards are his opponents for the rest of the season which is good enough to suggest he is a viable F7 option. He has averaged 107.4 against the upcoming teams he has already faced in 2014. May be a risk, but if you're still going with Shenton and Impey in the forward line, trading those two for Riewoldt and Luxford wouldn't be a bad option.