Our Saturday fantasy team of the week scored a respectable 758 points last weekend which would have been good for a $32.40 payout in the Draftstars Saturday contest for a $15 entry fee. We’ll look to continue to at least double up our money as we take a look at the Saturday slate for Round 6 and provide our team below.
Defenders: Rory Laird, Brandon White
While it has traditionally been certain midfielders that have been the must have players in the past, this season it’s a defender in Rory Laird. Larid has been the standout fantasy performer of the year so far with scores of 124, 141, 120, 115 and 89. He still racked up 30 touches in the 89 point game, so we have no doubts that he can surpass 100 against the Suns this weekend.
White was the surprise packet of the round on the weekend, racking up 85 points that included 6 marks and 7 tackles. Job security has always been the major issue for White but with a strong performance on the weekend he should gain plenty of confidence. Tackles are a safe bet in White’s case so expect him to be value this week.
Midfielders: Patrick Dangerfield, Ryan Griffen, Nick Coffield, Nick Holman
Dangerfield is the lynchpin of the midfield here. While many might have opted for Mitchell, Coniglio or Gibbs this weekend, all who play relatively easy matchups, I’m going for Danger who has a tough one against the Swans. I think Danger always steps up in big games and with a 109 point performance in a big win in Port Adelaide last weekend, he should be right to go down at the Cattery in Round 6.
The value picks this weekend are Nick Coffield from the Saints, Nick Holman from the Suns and Ryan Griffen from the Giants. Coffield and Holman have been the standout rookies of the season so far, and should continue to get plenty of opportunity across half back and through the midfield. Blowouts always favour small forwards and I think GWS could blow out Brisbane on the weekend, look for Griffen to hit the scoreboard multiple times as he has in both of his 2018 games so far.
Forwards: Tim Taranto, Jade Gresham
Tim Taranto is almost the must have forward in the competition at the moment. His price continues to rise but I still think he’s value this weekend, especially with Tom Scully and potentially Josh Kelly still out of the line-up. Has become a top tier midfielder and will continue to get plenty of run through there.
Gresham is a value pick this week, think he has looked okay over his last two games, racking up around 15 touches per game and if he can hit the scoreboard just twice he should be great value.
Ruck: Mark Blicavs
Another value pick here in the ruck but one that I think can have impact this weekend against the Swans. Spends more time in the midfield and on the wing than he does in the ruck but against a weaker ruck duo in Sinclair and a part time ruck could add some hit outs this weekend.