With almost 50 changes at the selection table on Thursday, coaches will be scrambling to field a full side in AFL Fantasy this week.
North Melbourne wasn’t spared in the carnage, although the Arden Street changes were not injury-related like so many across the competition.
Suspended duo Brent Harvey and Daniel Wells will miss Saturday’s important clash with Adelaide, with the former’s three-week ban to keep him sidelined until at least the second week of finals.
It’s a tough break for Harvey, who has produced his greatest-ever fantasy season in terms of points scored per game, breaching the 100-point barrier for the first time in his illustrious career.
Wells, on the other hand, has had one of his least productive fantasy campaigns, and finds himself watching on again just one week after returning from a four-month injury layoff.
Replacing the key duo are defender Lachlan Hansen and youngster Kayne Turner. Hansen has been hot and cold in fantasy stakes this season, but has generally been kept quiet against the Crows, with a career fantasy average of 64 against them.
Turner made his debut against the Giants two weeks ago, and finds himself with another opportunity to impress. A bargain-priced midfielder in AFL Fantasy Classic at $123,964, Turner represents excellent value as a downgrade option if you’re in need.
Around the grounds
What’s more likely for fantasy coaches, however, is that they’ll need to replace a number of top-line midfielders. Michael Barlow, Dayne Beams, Josh Kennedy and Dyson Heppell are popular options who may not be sighted again before the end of the home and away season, while as mentioned Harvey won’t return before fantasy seasons are done.
In terms of replacement options, Matt Priddis ($581k) and Joel Selwood ($591k) have to be at the top of the pile. The pair average 110 and 106 points respectively, and are among the top scorers in 2014.
If you’re looking for a smoky who might win you a fantasy final, then Devon Smith could be a solid option. The young Giant is averaging 94 points this season, including a 147 in his last game, and comes up against the Magpies who have conceded the most fantasy points over the past 5 rounds. He’s not cheap at $493k, but he’s only owned in 4500 teams and could provide a great edge.
You could also do worse than have a look at Adam Treloar. Another Giant with a promising future, Treloar has averaged 104 points this season, and is only marginally more expensive than Smith at $511k. If you’re looking for value and a great matchup, Treloar is our pick of the bunch.
