Round 9 dished up quite a mixed bag in terms of injuries and suspensions, with several big names and lesser lights finding themselves out of action for at least the next fortnight as a result of the past weekends matches. As we approach the all important bye rounds (and with the midway point of the season not too far off) we need to take stock of our trade situation and work out just whether or not the frenzy of early trading can continue. Remember, if you hope to make the Grand Final of your respective leagues, that may be up to 14 actual games away. If your team is starting to have as the same number of trades as there are weeks to go, you might need to ease up a little.
At this point in the season, our SC teams should be starting to take some serious shape and, simultaneously, our number of trades remaining continues to drop. Obviously you need to trade when the time is right to get maximum value from your rookies, as well as snapping up those struggling premiums who have dropped significantly in value. However, the one thing that can destroy the best laid plans is injuries or suspension. If you have any of the guys listed below, you need to bite the bullet and move them on.
Whilst round 7 of AFL matches didn’t really leave any superstars in its wake, there were a number of fringe players who have either succumbed to injury or been suspended, meaning there may still be some forced trades coming up this week in order to keep your team competitive. If you need a win to keep in touch with the top eight, the possible doughnut left by that player who is going to miss 2 or 3 weeks might just be enough reason to move him on. Remember, a win now is just as valuable as one down the track.
The most popular player to bite the dust this week was Carlton defender Chris YARRAN (Av 71). After appearing injured the week before, YARRAN ended up being named for the 10% of SC teams who have him, however it quickly became a disaster – one handball (and a score of 2 pts) and he was out of the match with a hamstring injury. Now THAT hurts. It’s not official, but 2 to 3 weeks would be best case scenario, meaning he may have to go. Best options look to be Harry O’BRIEN (Av 82) or Trent MACKENZIE (Av 92) – or if you’re looking to make some cash, sneak a look at James GWILT (Av 98), who would free up $50,000 and has been in some good form since returning from injury. Like a surfer walking up the beach having just been dumped at Pipeline - board snapped in half, sand wedged in every orifice, blood dripping off our chin - we now must try and regroup after Carnage 2013, and get some semblance of normality back into our teams this week. Round 6 was not a pleasant place to be, but at least on the injury and suspension front we didn’t cop too much directly out of last weekend – unless you happen to have one or more of the following players, of course.
First cab off the rank this week is Melbourne co-captain Jack GRIMES (Av 85). In 5% of SC teams, GRIMES had been solid without setting the world on fire so far this year, but that all came crashing to a halt early last weekend when he was crunched to the ground in a tackle. Renowned for being injury-prone, GRIMES popped his shoulder/collarbone and will be missing for 8 weeks or so. That’s obviously not acceptable, and he must go. If you have a little spare cash look to Paul DUFFIELD (Av 85) or Shannon HURN (Av 91), however if you need a direct swap look at Corey ENRIGHT (Av 88), POD Jarrod HARBROW (Av 92), or Courtney DEMPSEY (Av 92). Another to definitely consider is new Saint Dylan ROBERTON (Av 93) – he looks at home in the Saints backline and as a bonus, will leave you with $46,000 in the kitty. Is it just me, or are we alternating on a weekly basis between bad and good when it comes to players being unavailable? Round four was kind to us, meaning round five bit back – and hard. Injuries to key players and suspensions to others have left many teams in disarray coming into round 6…
Going by the selection percentages alone, the most significant result from last weekend is the two week suspension to Bulldog rookie Brett GOODES (Av. 94). Chosen in an incredible 74% of SC teams, GOODES has been one of those rare rookies who has the ability to remain a keeper. However, a stint on the sidelines might just stretch the friendship too far. My advice – keep him if you can. With a breakeven of only 11, his value will continue to rise upon his return. |