The new AFL Fantasy season kicks off on Tuesday, and coaches should consider several Crows forwards when building their opening side.
The standout is Taylor Walker ($415,000), who is generously priced heading into Season 2015.
Almost two years on from a horrific knee injury and with a fresh contract in his locker, new captain Walker is likely to be a popular selection among Fantasy coaches.
The two-time Crows leading goalkicker impressed in several games late last season, booting multiple majors in every match from Round 17 onwards including a bag of six against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.
Expect ‘Tex’ to improve on his average of 73 points per game with another pre-season under his belt.
Tom Lynch ($327,000) is another Crow with a tempting price tag.
Lynch will be eager for a fresh start after a frustrating 2014 campaign. Foot, shoulder, jaw and neck injuries restricted him to just eight games and saw his Fantasy price plummet by over $120k.
The former Saint knows how to find the big scores. He’s notched five triple-figure totals from his past 22 outings, including a monster 165 points from 10 goals against the Giants in 2013.
With a bit of luck on the injury front, Lynch is certain to increase in value as the season progresses.
Our first AFL Fantasy preview analysed the worth of dual-position players Brodie Martin ($367,000), Jarryd Lyons ($314,000) and Sam Kerridge ($288,000), but at least one other name should be added to that list.
Left-footer Mitch Grigg ($273,000) is a rising star who could be poised for a breakout season.
Grigg added nine games to his tally last year after making his AFL debut with the Crows in 2013.
The former Norwood junior showed a glimpse of his Fantasy potential with a handy score of 82 against the Cats in Round One. Several games spent with the substitute vest then made it more difficult to read his true Fantasy worth.
But with the flexibility of DPP status, his bargain price tag and Phil Walsh’s love for left-footers, Grigg looks a sound Fantasy selection.
Speed machine Charlie Cameron ($252,000) is another cheap option who could rise in value.
The 20-year-old brought great energy to the team after being promoted to the senior list midway through last season.
Tackling is Cameron’s speciality, meaning he can still score well even without much time with the footy. It’s no secret he also loves to kick a goal, which is a fruitful trait for Fantasy coaches willing to take a punt on the promising West Australian.
Keep an ear out for Riley Knight’s ($120,000) name to be read out at the selection table this year.
The dual-position forward/midfielder could be a handy trade-down option should he force his way into the side at some stage in 2015.
It’s likely he will again spend much of the year at SANFL level, but don’t miss out on the easy cash injection should he be named to make his AFL debut.
Adelaide Forwards in AFL Fantasy 2015
Player | Position | Price |
---|---|---|
Matthew Wright | FWD/MID | $457,000 |
Taylor Walker | FWD | $415,000 |
Eddie Betts | FWD | $386,000 |
James Podsiadly | FWD | $373,000 |
Josh Jenkins | FWD | $372,000 |
Brodie Martin | FWD/MID | $367,000 |
Tom Lynch | FWD | $327,000 |
Jarryd Lyons | FWD/MID | $314,000 |
Sam Kerridge | FWD/MID | $288,000 |
Mitch Grigg | FWD/MID | $273,000 |
Charlie Cameron | FWD | $252,000 |
Mitch McGovern | FWD | $166,000 |
Harry Dear | FWD | $142,000 |
Anthony Wilson | FWD | $120,000 |
Reilly O'Brien | FWD/RUC | $120,000 |
Riley Knight | FWD/MID | $120,000 |