North's forward line is very potent with the likes of Drew Petrie, Jarrad Waite, Ben Brown and Lindsay Thomas, but is it the most fantasy-relevant forward line around?
The Main Man:
Brent Harvey (FWD, $451,000)
At 37, Brent Harvey remains at the top of the pack when it comes to North Melbourne’s forward line.
The 20-year veteran had a solid 2015, averaging 81 points and only missing one game.
While this is low compared to previous years, his consistency over a long period of time makes him a reasonably safe option.
In fact, 2015 was his lowest averaging year in over 10 years which shows that he’s always been a good scorer.
His age always is always raised as a concern, but every year, he proves that is no barrier and with the substitute rule being removed, any fear of him being used sporadically is gone.
If you’re looking for a consistent and durable forward with an X-factor, the soon-to-be 38-year-old might be your guy.
The X-Factor:
Shaun Higgins (FWD, $472,000)
A new Roo in 2015, Higgins went from an unreliable player who teased fantasy relevancy to one of the safest scorers in the competition.
He was given a new role up forward and thrived, locking down a place in North’s side and kicking an impressive 39 goals for the season.
Higgins averaged 85 points, but produced quite a few 100+ scores throughout the year, putting him above a lot of the players around him.
What gives Higgins an X-factor is the fact that he can really be used anywhere on the ground, be it up forward, down back or through the middle, meaning he’s a hard player to tie down.
As long as his body holds up, he is certainly a player worth considering for your starting side in 2016.
The Comeback Kid:
Daniel Wells (MID/FWD, $293,000)
Wells is the forgotten man of the Kangaroos lineup, having played nine games in the past two years, including the opening two rounds of 2015.
While Wells has never been the highest fantasy scorer – only once averaging more than 90 points in a season – his price of $293,000 as well as his forward line eligibility makes him relevant, should he get his body right.
The key there is if he gets his body right.
Wells’ injury status over the past two seasons makes him a very nervy selection and on top of that, he’s not that cheap, sitting at a rather awkward price.
You’re definitely going to have to wait and see how Wells performs in the NAB Challenge and maybe even the first few rounds of the season before considering him.
The New Guy in Town:
Jed Anderson (MID/FWD, $224,000)
Anderson played nine games in his first three seasons for the Hawks and now finds himself at the Kangaroos.
Despite his lack of senior footy, the Roos gave up pick 15 to acquire the speedy forward and so they must have some confidence in him.
As far as AFL Fantasy goes, it’s almost impossible to get a gauge on him, as a fair chunk of his games have been played in either a green or red vest.
He’s certainly a player to watch in the NAB Challenge to see how he’s utilised at his new home.
At $224,000 and with a very handy dual position status, Anderson could be one to watch in 2016.
The Best of the Rest:
Drew Petrie (FWD, $433,000): Petrie has never really been overly Fantasy relevant, but he does dish out a few 100+ scores every year. He is a very high risk option though.
Kayne Turner (FWD, $260,000): Turner is coming into his third year of footy and has shown signs of being a quality player of the future. Now that the substitute rule is gone, he has a chance to shine and could be one to watch in future years.
Aaron Black (FWD, $156,000): Black was previously a key member of this North Melbourne team, but after a tough 2015 finds himself at rookie price. If he can find a regular spot in North’s side, he’d make for useable bench cover in your fantasy side.
