With the JLT Community Series returning, fans are getting a first glimpse of their potential AFL Fantasy options in the traditional format.
With only two pre-season games before Round 1 in 2018, there were plenty of big names involved as coaches look to get match fitness into their squads.
The result may not have gone the Roos’ way in Saturday’s first JLT Series game against Melbourne, but for AFL Fantasy fans there was plenty to see.
Jack Ziebell - $662,000 - JLT game 1 Score: 74
The skipper was his usual self, throwing his body at everything, and finished with a game-high 10 tackles to go with a goal.
His 10-disposal effort kept his score to 74, but that was still enough to lead North for AFL Fantasy points on the day.
If Ziebell can accumulate more heavily, his tackling and goal-threat could set him up for some big totals.
Billy Hartung - $563,000 - JLT game 1 Score: 60
It was the former Hawthorn man’s first game for North in the traditional format, and he was arguably the Roos’ most impressive player.
His pace and carry was exactly what was needed, and his 17-disposal, 2-goal effort resulted in an AFL Fantasy outlay of 60-points, behind only Ziebell on that front.
His impressive performance has him pushing for a Round 1 debut.
Luke Davies-Uniacke - $264,000 - JLT game 1 Score: 31
All eyes were on the number four draft pick in his first game in the blue and white.
Davies-Uniacke impressed in the first half, with his clean hands and ability to win the ball inside a strong feature.
He had a quiet second-half as Melbourne took a strangle-hold on the game, but the signs were still there that he could see some regular action in 2018.
Keep an eye on him.
Marley Williams - $410,000 - JLT game 1 Score: 50
North Melbourne’s top ball-winner on the day, Marley Williams collected 18 disposals on his way to a 50-point score in AFL Fantasy.
Williams impressed with ball in hand, but his zero tackles may be of concern to some prospective owners.
At $410,000, Williams is one of the cheapest ways into the North Melbourne regular defence, and if he can continue his ball-winning ability in the home and away season, he could prove an astute buy.
Todd Goldstein - $610,000 - JLT game 1 Score: 47
One of the biggest talking points of this off-season is whether Todd Goldstein can re-discover his best from.
It was a stern test for him in game 1 of the JLT Series, as he went up against 2016 All-Australian ruckman Max Gawn.
Goldstein’s 26 hit-outs and 87.5 per cent disposal efficiency suggests that he may be in line for a strong year.
