Three players have been added to the squad that got the job done in Perth last week with the final 22 will be finalised on Friday.
Scott Thompson is a certain inclusion after a week off through suspension, meaning someone will be unlucky to miss out.
Joel Tippett was Thompson’s replacement last week, but showed some impressive signs in his first game for the club. He only managed 26 AFL Fantasy points, but did a fine job on Fremantle's second ruckman Zac Clarke. Fantasy owners will be hoping he retains his spot.
Jack Ziebell had his best performance of the year with 89 fantasy points and will be keen to build on that against the Suns this week. Ben Cunnington continued his impressive run of form, while Brent Harvey’s ability to break the Ryan Crowley tag last week will give Gold Coast plenty to think about.
Gold Coast has made a number of changes this week. There's been five inclusions in the extended squad, including ruckmen Charlie Dixon and Tom Nicholls. The Suns have turned to the duo to attempt to combat the ruck tandem of Todd Goldstein and Majak Daw.
All four ruckmen have been less than prolific so far this year, but Goldstein in particular has room for improvement. Priced at $396,917 in AFL Fantasy Classic, 2013’s number three fantasy option is undervalued and almost $100,000 cheaper than he was at the start of the year.
Despite speculation earlier in the week, neither Andrew Swallow nor Daniel Wells will play this week, with the duo a chance to appear in Round 9 after the bye.
Swallow made his long-awaited return from an achilles injury in the VFL last week and is expected to up his game-time, while Wells will sit out again weekend. Add the former to your watch-list.
Around the Grounds
A number of fantasy stars are out this week, including Lion Pearce Hanley and Swan Lance Franklin. Neither are expected to miss more than a week at this stage, so if you own them, stash them on your bench.
Lesser names but just as important in the context of fantasy teams, Will Langford and Luke Dunstan are both out of their respective teams this week. Given they were always cash cows and they can’t make you money if they aren’t playing, it’s time to consider moving the pair on.
Some downgrade targets this week could include another Hawk youngster in Billy Hartung.
Priced at $200,500, Hartung was selected at pick 24 in last year’s draft. He’s an endurance machine (ran a 16.6 beep test, an all-time record). He may be the substitute this week however, so wait and see before trading him in.
Brendon Goddard and Brett Deledio return this week, after two and four weeks on the sidelines respectively.
Goddard’s last game saw him subbed out on just 13 points, so if you’re looking for an underpriced midfield gun, at $515,352 you could do worse.
Finally, if you’re looking for a star forward, go no further than Patrick Dangerfield. Priced at $496,685 he’s a must own for all coaches, after returning to form in the past fortnight.
