Every year the Herald Sun releases the little black book giving advice on who to buy and who to avoid. I will point out some of the ones they overlooked and errors they made while also offering my own suggestions. Of course I will praise the decisions that I agree with and why I agree with them.
Fremantle
It has been a big off-season for Fremantle, most of it being off the field. Firstly in spectacular fashion they pulled the wool over St. Kilda's eyes nabbing the services of Ross Lyon, secondly they sacked the incumbent Mark Harvey with a year to go on his contract. Lastly during trade week they were linked Mitch Clarke and were favourites the whole time to pick him up but lost out to Melbourne. On the field there was little to write home about missing the finals due to a freak amount of injuries and dropping games at home. This season look for Fremantle push for a spot in the 8 and also produce more fantasy relevant youngsters in the vein of Nick Lower and Tendai Mzungu.
The Superstar
Nathan Fyfe -Nathan Fyfe is a rare breed. Skinny, does not look like he is built for AFL and a second year player. All those signs suggest that last season he would not kick on from his debut season. What actually happened was that Nathan Fyfe averaged 108 ppg, which was up 35 from last season. On top of that he got named in the Champion Data's team of the year. Not bad for a 20 year old. Along with that he has the Mid/Fwd compatibility. If he is not one of the most popular players before the first round come season's end he will be. Jump on now or during the season either way watching this kid play and score points is highly enjoyable.
Bank 'Em
Matthew Pavlich - The Pav has been considered a lock for a long time in fantasy circles constantly averaging over 100 over the last 5 seasons. In recent years he has played in the midfield which has arguably been a detriment to his scoring but has allowed him to be classified as a Mid/Fwd. News from the West is the Pav will play more as a key forward in which when he was exclusively one he averaged 100 to 110 ppg. Although he is not the first picked he is always one to consider and definitely presents some value this season.
Greg Broughton - The most frustrating man in fantasy football. In all his seasons of AFL he has averaged over 93. Last season he switched between playing as a lock down defender and a free-wheeling backline. This season he has been earmarked to play in the midfield which should mean he gets more of the ball and higher scores but this has happened in the past. Hopefully it materialises and if it does jump on.
Buy 'Em
Alex Forster - Drafted at 29 in the 2011 draft, at the under-18 carnival he averaged 102 ppg. but averaged 15 disposals with an efficiency of 86%. The problem with this is if he does not get the ball much he could potentially struggle. Also the question of will he get a game is always there especially since this is Fremantle to go with that he is 18 and draftees generally struggle first up (unless they are Dyson Heppel). If he is named round 1 and has a good preseason jump on but until then be wary.
Suggested Player
Lee Spurr - Fremantle have a great record with their mature age rookies and young players in general. Based on the NAB cup so far, Spurr looks being no different. Granted he will not reach Barlow levels of scoring but if he gets a game (very probable so far) he will score a decent amount and in turn go up enough to cash in and upgrade. At the age of 24 he is the right age to be ready for AFL, if he gets upgraded jump on.
Michael Barlow - We all remember Barlow before Rhys Palmer ran into his leg (still never forgiven you for that Palmer) and we all remember the scores he put out going from rookie to premium in his first season. Last season he played a few games to return to match fitness and has another pre-season under his belt. Although there is definite upside the shift towards a guns and rookies type set up means that guys in that middle price bracket rarely get a look in. Also Barlow has done it once and it is hard to know where he stands in his first proper season back from injury. Although there is an obvious reward with the way fantasy football is going especially in the midfield and the obvious risks associated with Barlow it is hard to recommend him.
Suggested Player
Lachie Neale -A few weeks ago Neele was a guy who play during the season, after some impressive outings in the NAB cup he is now a guy we have to strongly consider. Granted his kicking efficiency during the under-18 carnival was not flashing coming in at 41.8% but during the club level u-18 grand final he finished with 40 disposals, 10 clearences and eight inside 50's. All this indicates that he can play and can score well. In the past Fremantle have given their youngsters a go and hopefully this continues under new coach Ross Lyon. If he gets named come round one jump on and watch his value increase.
Bury 'Em
Adam McPhee - McPhee, one of those guys that looks good but does very little. Highest average 95 in 2007 (over the past 5 years) and nearing 30 means that statistically he is over the hill. Now compound that with the previously mentioned average and the fact he is playing as a run with player. With Fremantle improving it may also be hard for McPhee to keep his spot. These reasons indicate that steering clear of McPhee is the wise and safe option.
Aaron Sandilands - Going back to previous seasons he was an automatic lock averaging over 100 for the past three seasons and at 211cm very little indicated he was going to stop. Fast forward to the start of this season where he is recovering from turf toe. With all the options available in the ruck this season, the fact he is reaching 30 and returning from turf toe means you can steer clear of him and hopefully not be burnt too badly by it.
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