Adelaide stood tall against the Giants on Saturday with four Crows posting season-best AFL Fantasy scores in the Club’s 68-point victory at Spotless Stadium.
Joint vice captain Rory Sloane ($512,166) was the midfield catalyst for the visitors with 32 possessions, nine marks, five tackles, two goals and a mammoth 143 Fantasy points.
It was Sloane’s biggest total since Round 20 last season and the third time in his career that he has surpassed 140 Fantasy points. It was also the third week in a row that a Crow has cracked the 140-point milestone, following consecutive monster scores from midfield teammate Scott Thompson.
The golden-haired Crow started 2014 with a bang by scoring five tons on the trot, before his Fantasy form eased away in the middle part of the season. But the 2013 Crows Club Champion was in rare from on the weekend and has now posted three 100-plus scores from his past four games.
Sloane is arguably the most driven player on the Crows’ list and will be priming himself for a huge finish to the year as the Club fights for a finals berth.
The return of Ricky Henderson ($407,912) was a fantastic sight for Crows fans and Fantasy coaches alike. In his first AFL game for the season, ‘Hendo’ swept across half-back to collect 22 possessions and seven marks in an encouraging first-up display.
The rebounding defender enjoyed a breakout year in 2013 where he averaged over 80 points a game, including three 100-plus scores in the back half of the season.
With an injury-free run and more games under his belt, Henderson could prove to be a fine Fantasy pickup at an already discounted price. The dashing utility should reach his break even of 77 this week, so now is the perfect time to move on the 25-year-old.
Fantasy coaches on the hunt for an underpriced premium midfielder need look no further than Brad Crouch ($438,298).
The 2013 AFL Rising Star Runner Up impressed with 24 disposals, five marks, seven tackles and a goal to post 107 Fantasy points in just his second AFL game since returning from a fractured leg.
Crouch has shed $60k from his starting price and is an absolute steal for those looking for more midfield firepower. With the injury to Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett, shrewd Fantasy coaches can bank close to $200k and add a unique mid on the rise by trading Crouch in this week.
Brodie Martin ($285,761) was the final Crow to notch his season-best Fantasy score in Round 16, with 90 points from 22 possessions, five tackles, four marks and a goal. It was Martin’s second-highest Fantasy total of his career and his biggest score in almost four years.
Martin has played 10 AFL games this year – the most of his career in a single season – and has become an integral part of Adelaide’s midfield rotation with his desperation and clean skills.
The 25-year-old has been in and out of the side in recent seasons, but has now played eight games straight for the Crows, making him a safer option for Fantasy coaches digging for a bargain.
With a generous break even of just 21 points for Round 17, Martin is a great downgrade target in defence for those looking for a quick buck.
AFL Fantasy Top 5 v GWS Giants (Round 16)
1. Rory Sloane – 143 points
2. Brad Crouch – 107 points
3. James Podsiadly – 97 points
4. Matthew Wright - 90 points
5. Brodie Martin – 90 points
Official Adelaide Crows Fantasy League Top 5
1. Camacs Allstars – Matthew C
2. Dylan’s FFC – Dylan B
3. Tight Operators – Brendan F
4. MIFFCHESTER UNITED – Miffy P
5. Captain Clutch XI – Liam S
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