With footy finally returning this week in the form of AFLX, that can only mean one thing; AFL Fantasy owners are hanging out to see who to pick in 2018.
North Media is here to help you with any selection headaches you may have been deliberating over, as we review the best options for your team.
After previewing the midfield and defensive options this week, we head to the business end of the ground and discuss the best options up forward
If you haven't already, pick your AFL Fantasy team HERE.
Jy Simpkin - $345,000 - Current Ownership: 0.52%
An impressive first season of AFL football has seen Simpkin’s price increase into the $300,000’s.
A small and exciting forward by trade, Simpkin has been seen upping his midfield time in pre-season, and looking the real deal in his new role.
If he can improve on his 13 games from his first season, and spend time in the midfield, Simpkin could prove a very astute addition to your team.
STATUS: ONE TO CONSIDER
Mason Wood - $458,000 - Current Ownership: 0.27%
North fans have been anticipating a break-out year from Wood for a while now, and 2018 could be what they have been waiting for.
Somewhat injury-prone over his career so far, Wood had a pre-season program modified to have him fit for Round 1, which is great news for AFL Fantasy fans.
Wood averaged a decent 65 points per game in 2017, but if he can fully utilise his undoubted talent, expect this to increase dramatically in 2018.
STATUS: ONE TO CONSIDER
Shaun Atley - $467,000 - Current Ownership: 0.08%
Having begun his North Melbourne career as a rebounding defender who would spend time on the wing, Atley moved into the forward line with some success at the end of 2017.
A neat user of the ball, Atley kicked a career-high 11 goals last year, and will be looking to further increase this tally in 2018.
Despite being listed as a forward, expect to see Atley in the midfield and defence throughout the year, which will add to his AFL Fantasy value.
STATUS: ON THE RADAR
Cameron Zurhaar - $234,000 - Current Ownership: 0.37%
Rookie forward Cameron Zurhaar made an impact at the tail-end of last year, with a two-goal performance against Hawthorn catching the eye.
Impressive throughout the pre-season so far, Zurhaar is certainly one to watch across AFLX and the JLT Series, and has the potential to earn your team some cash if selected early on in the season.
STATUS: ON THE RADAR
Ben Brown - $509,000 - Current Ownership: 1.21%
After coming third in last year’s Coleman Medal race, Ben Brown will be looking to build on his 2017 performance, and could be a solid performer in your fantasy team.
Priced at $509,000, Brown ended last season averaging 85 points, including a 113-point performance in Round 23 after he booted seven goals.
With just 1.21% of coaches selecting the forward, selecting Brown could be a good way to get one-up on your opposition.
STATUS: LOCK HIM IN
Taylor Garner - $496,000 – Current Ownership: 0.09%
With his eye on a sustained run in 2018 and the chance of stint in the midfield, Taylor Garner could be a good point of difference for your team.
A top-score of 129 last season proves that Garner is capable of producing big scores, and live-up to his $496,000 price tag.
If the 24-year-old is rewarded with time in the middle, he could be a big player in your team.
STATUS: ON THE RADAR
Nathan Hrovat - $494,000 - Current Ownership: 0.09%
Heading into his second-year at North, forward Nathan Hrovat will be looking to make a mark on the team and his less experienced teammates this season.
Hrovat played the full 22 games in 2017, proving his durability, and when it comes to fantasy, durability is everything.
At $494,000, Hrovat is set to be a big investment, but could very well be worth it if he features as frequently as he did last year.
STATUS: ON THE RADAR
Kayne Turner - $456,000 – Current Ownership: 0.05%
Kayne Turner is hoping to achieve some continuity in his footy this season, and if he does, expect the 22-year-old to produce some solid fantasy scores.
Priced at $456,000, the electric small-forward is continuing to improve, and could be a handy pick-up if he can string some strong games together.
STATUS: ON THE RADAR
