Vice-captain Jack Ziebell and rising star Ryan Bastinac were North’s best fantasy performers on Saturday as it went down to Carlton at Eureka Stadium.
The Kangaroos late surge came on the back of an outstanding performance from Ziebell. He finished with 147 fantasy points, almost double Carlton’s best individual total.
Importantly for Ziebell, he was able to back up his 74 first-half points with 73 after the main break. The midfielder gathered 29 disposals, but was also ruthless in close, laying 12 tackles for the match.
Priced at $513,100 in AFL Fantasy Classic this year, Ziebell is a chance to make the leap to the league’s top fantasy performers.
In the AFL Fantasy Elite format, he looks set to outperform his current ranking of 32 among all midfielders.
Jack averaged 95 fantasy points last year, but scored 108 points per game over the last five rounds when Andrew Swallow missed due to injury.
As the Kangaroos’ leading possession-winner, Bastinac was equally important against the Blues.
His 126 fantasy point effort was the second highest tally for the game, and he was a consistent contributor throughout the match.
Bastinac used the footy with precision, and moved into the midfield in the last quarter, showing quality around the contest.
North’s number three averaged 85 fantasy points in 2013, but looks set to take his game to another level this season.
Nick Dal Santo was impressive in his first game for the club, oozing class throughout the match. Sporting eye-catching bright orange boots and silky skills, the former Saint set up several attacks off half-back and created countless opportunities for his new team-mates. His 27 disposals generated 89 fantasy points.
The Kangaroos’ prized off-season recruit has been a premium fantasy option in the past and at $479,200 could provide tremendous value at his new club.
Newcomer Luke McDonald looked right at home across half-back, gathering 22 possessions in debut. His 73 fantasy points was a great return and if he’s able to produce that sort of scoring in the regular season then he’ll easily justify his $243,900 price tag in AFL Fantasy Classic.
Fellow recruit Joel Tippett was equally impressive in his first game, shutting down the dangerous Jarrad Waite and keeping him goalless. He recorded 57 fantasy points for the match and could be a bargain in AFL Fantasy Classic this year, priced at just $115,200.
If he’s able to crack the Kangaroos’ defensive six the former Lion and Sun is a must-own.
Overall, the Kangaroos dominated the possession count, easily outperforming Carlton in this area, 376 to 301.
Tall-forwards Drew Petrie and Aaron Black booted six goals between them, while Todd Goldstein was the standout ruckman on the ground, despite splitting time with Dan Currie.
Goldstein looks set to be one of the top ruckmen in fantasy again this year, and it’s worth paying his top-end price of $487,100 in AFL Fantasy Classic.
The Roos will provide plenty on the fantasy front in 2014, after collectively outscoring Carlton’s players by over 300 points.
Buy now
Jack Ziebell ($513,100) - 147 fantasy points
Luke McDonald ($243,900) - 66 fantasy points
Add to watchlist
Nick Dal Santo ($479,200) - 91 fantasy points
Joel Tippett ($115,200) - 57 fantasy points
Room for improvement
Sam Gibson ($442,500) - 58 fantasy points
Lachlan Hansen ($391,900) - 48 fantasy points
| Player | AFL Fantasy score |
| Jack Ziebell | 147 |
| Ryan Bastinac | 126 |
| Nick Dal Santo | 91 |
| Drew Petrie | 89 |
| Brent Harvey | 87 |
| Ben Cunnington | 83 |
| Daniel Wells | 80 |
| Todd Goldstein | 78 |
| Luke McDonald | 66 |
| Sam Wright | 64 |
| Jamie Macmillan | 63 |
| Scott Thompson | 62 |
| Lindsay Thomas | 62 |
| Sam Gibson | 58 |
| Joel Tippett | 57 |
| Aaron Black | 55 |
| Mason Wood | 49 |
| Robin Nahas | 48 |
| Lachlan Hansen | 48 |
| Michael Firrito | 44 |
| Ben Jacobs | 43 |
| Brad McKenzie | 40 |
| Shaun Atley | 37 |
| Daniel Currie | 35 |
| Scott McMahon | 30 |
| Taylor Hine | 22 |
