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The Kangaroos bounced back from a round 15 loss in the most emphatic fashion, toppling ladder-leader and reigning premier Hawthorn on Friday night.

It was a win that not only confirmed the finals credentials of this group, but also elite fantasy status for one of 2014’s genuine breakouts.

In fantasy football there are players whose form we can predict. Young players who attain greater consistency through accumulating games; older players who suffer decline in production (Brent Harvey, with yet another fantasy ton this week, has obviously defied the latter).

From time to time, however, there are players who come from absolutely nowhere to become fantasy giants. Levi Greenwood is one such man.

After years of trying to establish himself in the Kangaroos’ lineup, to say that Greenwood has taken his chance in 2014 would be an understatement.

The 25-year old was close to North’s best player against the Hawks, putting in a complete performance. He accumulated 27 possessions – normal by his standard – but also contributed 7 tackles and 2 goals. Such was his statistical dominance of this game, he also registered 2 hit-outs, going third man up at a number of contests.

His seven-game average of 119 fantasy points has him ranked second in the league in this time, behind only Brisbane star Tom Rockliff. At $553,826 in AFL Fantasy, the number 24 is a legitimate replacement option for the injured Gary Ablett.

Against Hawthorn, however, Greenwood was far from alone. Lachie Hansen had a mammoth game in defence, including a 50-point first quarter, as he set up across half-back and repelled the opposition attacks.

Hansen has had an inconsistent year, but games like this show why he can be so valuable, particularly in the draft-style AFL Fantasy Elite.

Nick Dal Santo enjoyed his first game as a dual-position player (Mid/Defender) racking up 36 disposals and 100 fantasy points. At $441,838 he should be considered for any defensive unit in AFL Fantasy.

Drew Petrie continued his run of form in recent weeks, booting 5 goals on his way to 96 fantasy points, and ensured that North kept pace with the damaging Jack Gunston (6 goals, 119 fantasy points).

Petrie is cheap ($382,329) but it would be a brave fantasy coach that traded him in.

Around the Grounds

The biggest news out of Round 16 was undoubtedly the shoulder injury to Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett.

The extent of the injury has not yet been confirmed, however Ablett is expected to miss several games. Those looking to replace the $613,638 midfielder will have plenty of options, however, including the aforementioned Greenwood.

Kieren Jack false-started in his first game eligible as a Mid/Forward in AFL Fantasy, but he remains a premium option up front. He’s dropped to $514,744 but if you’re looking to bring in another forward, make him your priority, rather than waiting for him to drop further in price.

It may be time to cut your losses with Grant Birchall, after the defender failed to have any impact this week. He managed just 30 fantasy points for the game, and has dropped to under $400,000. He’s a long way from the premium fantasy option we thought he should be. One to watch in the coming weeks is his teammate, Sam Mitchell, who was quiet in his first game back but has a fantasy record like few others.