It was a complete team performance which brought down the Magpies at the MCG on Sunday, with Adelaide’s Fantasy numbers reflecting an even contribution across the board.

Young gun Brad Crouch ($461,800) continued his rich vein of form since his return to AFL action. Crouch collected 25 disposals and a game-high nine tackles to finish as Adelaide’s top-scoring Fantasy performer on 95 points.

The hard-nosed 20-year-old continues to impress in just his second season at elite level, and is fast-becoming a cornerstone of Adelaide’s midfield rotation.

Crouch has swelled by over $30k in value in his past three outings alone, yet remains well under his 2014 starting price. At his current pace, Crouch will finish above the half-million dollar mark by season’s end.

Those looking for a midfield downgrade to free up cash should consider the emerging Crow as coaches finalise their teams for Fantasy finals.

Matthew Jaensch ($376,285) rekindled his early-season Fantasy form with a respectable 89 points from 22 possessions, seven marks and a goal against the Pies.

Jaensch bolted out of the blocks with an average of 105 points through the first five rounds of the season, but has battled inconsistency as the year has wore on.

But the neat-kicking 24-year-old was back to his best on Sunday, and posted his equal-best Fantasy score since a 112-point performance in Round 11.

Alongside Brodie Smith ($411,726), who also notched a handy 86 points from 24 possessions, five marks and two goals, Jaensch was integral across half-back for the Crows and created many rebound opportunities throughout the match.

Both men featured in the AFL Coaches Association polls as an indication of their impact on the result. The duo remains the lead Fantasy pair in defence for the Club in 2014.

Milestone man Richard Douglas ($412,941) celebrated his 150th AFL game in style. The 2010 Crows Club Champion collected 20 possessions and booted two critical goals on his way to 91 points in a sublime performance in the midfield.

Douglas also stifled the influence of Fantasy favourite Scott Pendlebury in Sunday’s clash. The Collingwood skipper finished with a total below 100 points for just the fourth time this season, while Douglas worked hard to make his own impact on the match.

Douglas’ total was his best from his last seven outings, yet the hard-running midfielder remains near his lowest price of the year.

A monster score could be just around the corner for the 27-year-old, with the Crows to face just one fellow top-eight contender in the final five rounds of the season.

It’s a good time to take a punt on ‘Dougy’ for coaches looking for a point of difference in the midfield.


AFL Fantasy Top 5 v Collingwood (Round 18)

1. Brad Crouch – 95 points
2. Richard Douglas – 91 points
3. Brodie Martin – 90 points
4. Matthew Jaensch – 89 points
5. Patrick Dangerfield – 89 points

Official Adelaide Crows Fantasy League Top 5

1. Camacs Allstars – Matthew C
2. Dylan’s FFC – Dylan B
3. MIFFCHESTER UNITED – Miffy P
4. Tight Operators – Brendan F
5. Massive Scorgasm – Stephen L