It's the showcase fixture for North this week, taking on Geelong at Simonds Stadium on Friday night. Dubbed as the toughest road trip in footy, the team will take confidence from their last encounter with the Cats - a 10 point win in Round 19 of last year.
There's only one change from the team that defeated Brisbane by 87 points last week. Michael Firrito comes into the team, with Scott McMahon making way.
This move doesn't have much of a direct impact in AFL Fantasy, as neither Firrito nor McMahon would be owned in many teams.
However it's important from the perspective that Joel Tippett ($125,481) has again retained his place in the squad. He may only be averaging 30 points per game, but he was a valuable downgrade target in fantasy, and the more games he plays the more he should increase in value.
Much of the dialogue this week has been around quelling the influence of key Geelong forward Tom Hawkins, and the intercept marking ability of North's tall defenders. It doesn't bode well for the fantasy prospects of Scott Thompson ($367,183) and Lachie Hansen ($393,287) that the Cats are consciously aware of their elite talents in this area. Geelong may look to shut the pair down in order to gain the upper hand.
One player we'll be keeping an eye on will be Andrew Swallow ($466,917). The captain was solid in his first senior hitout of the year last week, gathering 18 disposals in three quarters before being given the red vest. He was always going to take some time to hit his straps, but the signs are certainly positive.
After dropping $45,000 in value last week, a few more games to build up to full fitness and Swallow will be a very attractive trade target in fantasy.
Despite having little impact as the substitute last week, Ryan Bastinac ($374,612) has retained his place in the team. It's been a lean month for the number three, with fantasy scores of just 13, 54 and 75, and he'll be looking to snap out of this quiet patch.
Brent Harvey ($503,299) led the league for fantasy points scored last round, and with so many dangerous midfield options he may find space again. Cats' tagger Cameron Guthrie has taken the opposition's best midfielder each week this year, so that will make for an interesting sub-plot ? Ziebell, Swallow, Dal Santo or even the veteran Harvey may be in his sights.
Similarly, Levi Greenwood ($420,612) looks set to go to Joel Selwood. With Steve Johnson out suspended, the Cats' captain is the logical shut down target.
Around the Grounds
GWS ruckman Shane Mumford ($494,429) makes his AFL return this week, after missing the past six games through injury. He averaged 120 points over the opening 3 rounds, good enough for number 1 among ruckmen.
As mentioned, Johnson is unavailable through suspension, so too Jarryd Roughead ($407,600). The duo should be stashed if you own them in AFL Fantasy, as they will return next week.
Ryan Griffen ($415,186) is bargain-priced right now, and scored his first fantasy ton last time he played. After averaging 100+ in 2013, he's ripe to bring into your AFL Fantasy team.
If you're looking for a bargain rookie, then go no further than Adelaide small forward, Charlie Cameron. He?s just $125,430 and managed 62 fantasy points on debut last week.
