After a long pre-season of research, number crunching and unlimited trades, it’s now time for Fantasy coaches to finalise their teams as the first lockout of the new season approaches.
Injuries, form and selection concerns are just part of the bane of Fantasy coaches at this frantic time of the year.
To help alleviate some of the stress, we’ve compiled a list of Adelaide’s top-five NAB Challenge performers you should be considering on the eve of the new Fantasy season in order of average points per game.
Patrick Dangerfield
MID - $524,000
NAB Challenge average: 99 pts per game
Impressed in his two NAB Challenge hit-outs and chalked big scores despite spending much of his time up forward. Has the ability to post huge triple-figure totals when on song, evidenced by three 130-plus scores during Season 2014. Wins his own ball, kicks goals, and is underpriced for a player of his calibre if he can score consistently.
Eddie Betts
FWD - $386,000
NAB Challenge average: 80 pts per game
Last year’s leading goalkicker kicked off 2015 in style with seven goals and 242 Fantasy points from his three NAB Challenge games – the most of any Crow. Betts finished last season with a 100-point score against St Kilda and averaged 80 points through his last five games of the year. Awkwardly priced, but there is money to made from Betts if he can continue his recent form.
Rory Sloane
MID - $592,000
NAB Challenge average: 75 pts per game
A true Fantasy premium who somehow continues to fly under the radar. Sloane is owned by just four per cent of the competition despite a huge 2014 campaign where he was Adelaide’s top-ranked Fantasy player. He was the only Crow to average over 100 points per game and has not missed a beat again this summer. The 2013 Club Champion is reliable, durable and a safe Fantasy selection.
Richard Douglas
MID - $495,000
NAB Challenge average: 74 pts per game
Well-priced for a player of his quality, Richard Douglas could be a smart pick for Fantasy coaches looking to make a quick buck. Eased his way into the NAB Challenge with just 44 points at Simonds Stadium, but exploded with a total of 104 from 22 possessions and two goals in Adelaide’s final pre-season hit-out against Port Adelaide. The former Club Champion averaged 87 points per game last season including three triple-figure totals from his last three rounds. A unique selection who could provide good value.
Cam Ellis-Yolmen
MID - $120,000
NAB Challenge average: 72 pts per game
The most selected Crow in AFL Fantasy in over 30 per cent of all teams. Ellis-Yolmen played in all three of Adelaide’s NAB Challenge matches and looked at home hunting the ball in close in and around the scrimmages. Phil Walsh – and Fantasy coaches across the competition – would love to see Ellis-Yolmen improve his kick-to-handball ratio, and it is still unknown whether the dynamic midfielder can cement a spot in Adelaide’s best 22. A great bench option at such a bargain price.
Remember, players from Carlton and Richmond will be locked into all Fantasy squads ahead of their season-opening clash on Thursday night. Remaining players must be confirmed before the full lockout on Saturday afternoon. Also be sure to fill your Fantasy leagues before the match at the MCG.
Don’t forget to join the official Adelaide Crows Fantasy league and compete against fellow Crows fans and Club ‘experts’. Enter league code KNDCXZLF.
