Fantasy: Round 14 Review
Leading the fantasy effort in the middle was Levi Greenwood, who continued his recent good form with a healthy 127 points.
North Melbourne came away 41-point winners against Melbourne on Sunday afternoon. The Demons issued a stern challenge as the game progressed and it took a colossal third quarter by the Roos to snare victory.
Leading the fantasy effort in the middle was Levi Greenwood, who continued his recent good form with a healthy 127 points.
Greenwood collected 30 possessions and drifted forward for two goals, as all good midfielders should. His disposal was a little off at times but his overall effort was outstanding.
With five tons in a row, the number 24's price in AFL Fantasy Classic is now a hefty $538,568. If you can afford him, then jump on him now as North play Brisbane and St Kilda within the next three weeks.
Also having a massive impact on the game was Jack Ziebell. While Greenwood has been consistent, the vice-captain has struggled to string together a series of high-scoring games.
Against Melbourne, Ziebell shrugged off the shackles, collecting 115 points including 24 disposals, nine marks, four tackles and a major.
North Melbourne would be rapt if the on-baller could deliver performances like that more often. When on song, he is a powerful and damaging player who doesn’t need to see huge amounts of the footy to make his mark.
Ziebell’s fantasy owners would agree. At $448,260, he is under-priced for the best he can produce, but his inconsistency and occasional dry spells combine to keep his fantasy price down.
Finally, Scott Thompson had a rare day where the fantasy points just fell into his lap. Usually spoiling attacks down back and making things easy for his team-mates, the All-Australian defender exploded with a 121-point effort.
He roved about the ground impressively, shutting down play and feeding the ball out. He ended up with 26 disposals and 12 marks, numbers I’m sure neither he (nor his fantasy owners) will forget in a while.
Those coaches thinking Thompson’s $308,012 price tag might represent value, however, should look elsewhere. He is a valuable defender in real life, but rarely makes fantasy waves.
The only disappointing aspects of North’s win were injuries to Robin Nahas and Andrew Swallow.
Swallow came off late in the game with a knee complaint, which is a real shame as he was starting to build back form. It’s too early to say if it is anything serious or precautionary.
Nahas could face an extended spell on the sidelines when his scans return. He was in the thick of the action early, kicking the first goal and contributing well so will be sorely missed.
Around the Grounds
The wonders never cease at Brisbane. As predicted, they were absolutely flattened by Fremantle, but against common wisdom Ryan Crowley went to Pearce Hanley.
While poor Hanley suffered his way to a paltry 47 points, Tom Rockliff decided he wouldn’t take defeat lying down.
A staggering 45 possessions and 12 tackles later, the Lions' midfielder had earned himself 172 points and ensured he keeps the title of the most valuable fantasy player around.
Those hoping for Rockliff’s price to come down dramatically over the next few weeks may have to wait, or just pay the cash required. It’s looking like, no matter what you have to pay, he will be worth it.
Also worth noting is Harley Bennell’s brilliant 155-point, six-goal effort. He outshone Gary Ablett (which is no mean feat) and helped the Gold Coast beat Geelong by a nice margin.