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 options on Monday, we head back to determine the best option in the North Melbourne backline.
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Sam Wright - $303,000 - Current Ownership: 0.92%
Missing the last season and a half of football has seen Wright’s AFL Fantasy price drop significantly.
If he can overcome his injuries and return to his 2015 form in which he averaged 71 AFL Fantasy points, he could prove to be an absolute steal.
STATUS: ON THE RADAR
Luke McDonald - $603,000 - Current Ownership: 2.63%
North Melbourne’s most expensive defender in 2018 AFL Fantasy, and for good reason.
Averaging 85 points in 2017, the young rebounding defender is expected to go to even greater heights in 2018.
Significantly McDonald is also a dual-position-player, and has seen an increase in his midfield minutes in pre-season.
STATUS: LOCK HIM IN
Ryan Clarke - $484,000 - Current Ownership: 3.31%
Although beginning his career as an outside midfielder/forward, Clarke was successfully shifted to the defense towards the end of 2017.
Clarke’s last five games of the season resulted in a significantly improved 89 point AFL Fantasy average, as he collected plenty of the ball in his new role.
Priced off his overall average of 68 points, Clarke could prove excellent value for money if he continues his end of season form into 2018.
STATUS: ONE TO CONSIDER
Tom Murphy - $170,000 - Current Ownership: 2.58%
North’s first pick in the 2017 Rookie Draft, Murphy looks like he has every chance of breaking into the North Melbourne backline after an impressive start to pre-season.
Well-built for his age, and armed with a penetrating kick, Murphy may offer something different to the rest of the group, and could potentially feature in the AFL down the line.
Will likely not be a starter for your team in round 1, but could possibly make you some much needed cash later in the year.
STATUS: ON THE RADAR
Robbie Tarrant - $512,00 - Current Ownership: 0.28%
North’s vice-captain Robbie Tarrant is owned by just 0.28% of fantasy coaches, but could prove to be a real point of difference this season.
The key defender averaged 81.3 points over the last three rounds last season, and with the development of some younger key defenders, Tarrant could be freed up to collect more possessions.
At $512,000 Tarrant is a big investment, but given he is the cornerstone of North’s defence and very durable, the 28-year-old is every chance to produce strong scores.
STATUS: ONE TO CONSIDER
Marley Williams - $410,000 - Current Ownership: 0.32%
Marley Williams’ start to 2017 was one to behold, and found himself leading the club’s best and fairest count before being struck down by injury.
In the 13 games Williams played, he top-scored with 87 points in Round 5, and with another pre-season under his belt with his new team, expect the chemistry between the defender and his teammates to dramatically improve, and produce better scores as result.
If Williams can achieve some continuity in his footy, he could very well be capable of being a unique pick-up.
STATUS: ONE TO CONSIDER
Alex Morgan - $170,000 - Current Ownership: 3.02%
At $170,000, Alex Morgan could be a real point of difference in your fantasy team, and help you get one up on your opponents.
Yet to feature at the games highest level, Morgan has been given the basement price, but is every chance to make his debut in 2018.
The rebound defender never struggles to find the ball, and is a high-pressure player, capable of laying some bone-crunching tackles on a weekly basis.
STATUS: ON THE RADAR
Ben McKay - $201,00 - Current Ownership: 4.22%
When it comes to selecting your team, it’s very hard to overlook dual position players, and Ben McKay is one of those rare commodities.
After being knocked-out early in his Round 23 debut last year, McKay has been priced at just $201,000 and could prove to be a good pick-up if he earns selection.
STATUS: ON THE RADAR
