IF YOU were moaning about the lack of decent defenders in AFL Fantasy this year, it's time to realise that with every crisis comes a serious amount of opportunity.
Five of the biggest price rises in the League this week came from defenders. So if you don't have a premium backline (and who does?), you should still be making a decent pile of cash from your back eight.
Bulldog Marcus Adams (DEF, $274,000) is the king-pin after three rounds – scores of 67, 101 and 107 have handed smart coaches an AFL-best $119,000 bonus.
Clay Cameron (DEF, $225,000) has been a handy selection too, although his numbers may drop to 2015 levels if the Suns keep him anchored inside 50 with Rory Thompson now injured. Cameron's price has jumped an even $100,000 since the season began.
It's your ability to pick those defenders between $200,000 and $350,000 that will likely define your team this year – the top seven backmen in terms of price rise this year are all in this bracket.
So make sure home-brand names like Luke Brown (DEF, $325,000) and Matt Dea (DEF, $252,000), along with the less forgettable Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (DEF/FWD, $223,000) are in your thinking.
With Bob Murphy (DEF, $481,000) out for the year, also consider Lukas Webb (DEF, $258,000) if he gets the call this week, or splash the cash on veteran Matthew Boyd (DEF, $540,000) who is a proven Fantasy scorer.
Six of the 10 lowest break-even scores for round four also belong to defenders, with the likes of Cat Tom Ruggles (DEF, $148,000) and Blue Ciaran Byrne (DEF, $145,000) having shored up their spots with impressive opening hit-outs last week.
Top five price rises
- Marcus Adams (DEF/FWD, Western Bulldogs) +$58,000: $274,000
- Aaron Hall (FWD/MID, Gold Coast), +$49,000: $525,000
- Clay Cameron (DEF, Gold Coast), +$47,000: $225,000
- Caleb Daniel (FWD, Western Bulldogs), +$43,000: $365,000
- Matt Dea (DEF, Essendon), +$36,000: $252,000
Top five price falls
- Aaron Sandilands (RUC, Fremantle), -$42,000: $432,000
- Michael Rischitelli (MID, Gold Coast), -$34,000: $455,000
- Jack Redden (MID, West Coast), -$33,000: $478,000
- Ben Jacobs (DEF/MID, North Melbourne), -$31,000: $311,000
- Allen Christensen (FWD, Brisbane Lions), -$31,000: $428,000
Get 'em in
Aaron Hall (FWD/MID, $525,000): As in, if you haven't selected him by now, find something to do with your weekends other than Fantasy.
Jared Polec (MID, $353,000): Bounced back to form last Friday and averages an impressive 115 against Port's round four opponents, Greater Western Sydney.
Pearce Hanley (MID, $460,000): The Lions are struggling but can usually find a gear for the QClash, and Hanley is projected to comfortably top the ton this week.
Bye for now
Robert Murphy (DEF, $481,000): Just under 5,000 coaches must put away the hankies, and search for a replacement for the redoubtable Dog.
David Mundy (MID, $536,000): Out for at least the next fortnight and the Dockers are already very much on the nose.
Jackson Merrett (FWD, $355,000): When he struggles, sub-50 is always a chance. Don't mix your Merretts - stick with Zach.
