With the trying conditions in Cairns restricting both teams to a scrappy and low-scoring affair, fans of AFL Fantasy with players from either team would have looked on in some horror.
Despite the tough conditions, there were still a number of North players who posted impressive scores, and put their hands up for potential selection in your team.
Todd Goldstein | Score - 91 | $612,000 (+$2,000) | Ownership - 4.21%
In the team as the number 1 ruckman, Goldstein impressed in the trying conditions, top scoring for the Roos with 91 AFL Fantasy points.
A majority of his points came from his hit-out count, as he just edged his opposite number Jarrod Witts in the department, winning 35 to 34.
Goldstein didn’t gather a huge possession tally, 14, but AFL Fantasy players can be confident this number will increase in better conditions, and with it so will his scores.
Jy Simpkin | Score - 60 | $351,000 (+$6,000) | Ownership - 0.42%
Despite being listed as a forward on the game, Simpkin was heavily involved in the midfield in the season opener.
He was able to accumulate 22 possessions in the sub-standard conditions, with 16 of these contested.
Forwards who play midfield time are extra-appreciated in the realms of AFL Fantasy, and the North number 12 fits in that bracket.
Although Simpkin only scored 60 in the opening round, that was enough to have his price increase, and it will surely only grow further as the season continues.
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Trent Dumont | Score - 88 |$551,000 (+$5,000) | Ownership - 0.09%
North’s second-highest scorer on the night, Dumont impressed with his eye for goal, scoring a cracking effort from the boundary, as well as leading the team in tackles (9).
Priced over $100,000 cheaper than midfield counterparts Ziebell and Higgins, Dumont could prove a very smart pick-up if he can consistently produce these scores, particularly with his ownership being so low.
Ed Vickers-Willis | Score - 69| $337,000 (+$13,000) | Ownership - 0.76%
Vickers-Willis was North’s biggest mover in price, with his value increasing by $13,000 as a result of a strong showing in the North backline.
16 disposals and 5 tackles gave the young defender a solid score of 69, and he looks an affordable defensive option.
Ryan Clarke | Score - 83 | $492,000 (+$8,000) | Ownership - 1.35%
After moving to a half-back role towards the end of last season, Clarke enjoyed a spike in his fantasy numbers, and he looks set to continue in this fashion in 2018.
Clarke led North for disposals, with the number 13 gathering 26 touches to go with his four tackles, leading to a respectable score of 83 in the season-opener.
If he can consistently keep these numbers up, Clarke will do doubt become a handy fantasy addition through 201
