THE PRE-SEASON is well and truly ramping up.
The match simulations are behind us and things get a little more serious with the AAMI Community Series.
On their podcast reviewing the latest match sims, The Traders discussed one player from every practice match they will be keeping an eye on.
Who will lock themselves into our sides this week?
Dylan Shiel (MID, $769,000), Zach Reid (DEF, $230,000), Isaac Kako (MID/FWD, $304,000), Sam De Koning (DEF, $564,000) and more feature in Fantasy watch.
Find the quick Fantasy takeaways from the Bombers’ win over the Cats here.
Nick Daicos (MID, $1,074,000), Harry Perryman (DEF, $759,000), Josh Daicos (MID, $973,000), Jayden Short (DEF, $825,000) and more feature in Fantasy watch.
Find the quick Fantasy takeaways from the Magpies’ win over the Tigers here.
Ryley Sanders (MID/FWD, $656,000)
The role was definitely there for Sanders in the match simulation, but that was without Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Liberatore and Adam Treloar. The former two will be there on Thursday, while the latter will miss the start of the season. This time, Ed Richards is sidelined with a calf injury. Sanders seems set to get a good chance in the midfield again. Don’t forget The Traders will be producing a live radio call with a Fantasy focus that you can catch on AFL.com.au.
Izak Rankine (FWD, $819,000)
The star Crow missed the match sim, so this is a better chance to see both his role and Adelaide’s midfield mix. How much, if at all, will he impact James Peatling (MID, $634,000) and Jordan Dawson (MID, $1,080,000)?
Ollie Hollands (MID, $640,000)
The new half-back role is real, but there’s nothing like seeing it again and hopefully with an official, and strong, score to go with it. Hollands shapes as a value option who will also get DPP.
Bailey Humphrey (FWD, $465,000)
The young Sun caught the eye in match simulation and had some midfield time. There are plenty of forward line options but Humphrey could be among them if he impresses again. And, coaches get another look in Opening Round.
Hugo Garcia (MID/FWD, $421,000)
The Saints are still set to be without a host of guns, likely giving Garcia another chance to shine. His Fantasy game is strong so if he can deliver as a midfielder again, he presents as a great on-field option in the forward line.
Elijah Hewett (MID/FWD, $332,000)
The Eagles young gun has been locked in teams for months, but more proof may be needed of both his job security and his scoring ability, particularly given the number of rookies on offer in the forward line. Hewett is all class but there is some competition for spots at West Coast, particularly in the middle.
Nathan O’Driscoll (MID, $441,000)
Can the Dockers wing do it again? Well, we don’t expect a repeat of the 107 (from 66 per cent time on ground) he scored against the Indigenous All Stars, but O’Driscoll is well and truly on the radar of coaches and another big score would seal his spot in many teams.
