As the fantasy football season heats up, it's time to strategize and make smart trades to maximize your points. With the bye rounds in full swing, now is the perfect moment to trade out players with upcoming byes for those who have just finished theirs. This simple move can give you an edge by essentially getting an extra game out of your target player. Let's dive into some of the key players and strategies to consider for the upcoming rounds.
Trade Targets and Tips
Jordan Dawson (MID, $1,082,000) - TREAT
Grabbing a player off their bye is a no-brainer in fantasy football. Jordan Dawson has been on fire, averaging 122 points in his past four games. However, there's a risk he could be tagged by Mullin. Despite this, the potential rewards make it a trade worth considering. Personally, I think Dawson is a must-have for any serious fantasy player, especially with his current form. What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between his recent performance and his previous consistency. This could be a turning point for his season, and the risk is worth taking.
Christian Petracca (MID/FWD, $947,000) - TREAT
If you're looking for a forward replacement for the injured Sam Flanders, Christian Petracca is a strong contender. Not only has he averaged 100 points this season, but he's also in a tight midfielder rotation at the Suns that won't be changing anytime soon. In my opinion, Petracca is a safe bet for consistent points, making him an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable forward option.
Luke Davies Uniacke (MID, $892,000) - TREAT
The Kangaroos have a dream run ahead of them after facing the Dockers this week. Luke Davies Uniacke has the potential to hit great scores, as evidenced by his 126 points in round 11. However, he's also capable of dropping scores to around 70. Despite this, his draw is too good to ignore. From my perspective, Davies Uniacke is a player who could provide significant value, especially with his upcoming schedule.
Jason Horne-Francis (MID/FWD, $863,000) - TRAP
While the price is right, Horne-Francis is a rollercoaster of scores. In his last six games, he's had 124, 66, 65, 66, 120, and 126 points. This volatility makes him a riskier choice. Personally, I think Horne-Francis is a player who could be a treat, but you need to be prepared for the ups and downs. What many people don't realize is that his inconsistent performance could be a result of his young age and the challenges of adapting to the league.
Peter Ladhams (RUCK/FWD, $547,000) - TRAP
More than 1000 coaches have traded in Ladhams this week, but I wouldn't recommend it. Ladhams had a great game against the Tigers with 100 points, but Grundy will return this week. Even if he holds his position, his role will be shared. In my opinion, Ladhams is a player who could be a trap, especially with the return of Grundy. What this really suggests is that coaches are overreacting to a single good performance, which could lead to disappointment.
Most Traded Players
- Hugo Hall-Kahan (DEF/MID, $230,000)
- Jordan Dawson (MID, $1,082,000)
- Christian Petracca (MID/FWD, $947,000)
- Tom Anastasopoulos (FWD, $292,000)
- Noah Anderson (MID, $956,000)
Just days after being picked up in the mid-season draft, Hugo Hall-Kahan (DEF/MID, $230,000) has been named to debut tonight. After averaging 94 in the VFL, Hall-Kahan is a ready-made player and a must-have this week. If you require another rookie with one of your three trades, consider Port Adelaide's Tom Anastasopoulos (FWD, $292,000). Tricky name to say, but Tom A has scored 53 and 54 in his first two games and could provide a solid score this week.
Most Traded Out
- Sam Flanders (DEF/MID/FWD, $897,000)
- Tanner Bruhn (MID, $809,000)
- Patrick Retschko (MID, $579,000)
- Sam Grlj (DEF/MID, $560,000)
- Justin McInerney (MID/FWD, $802,000)
The season-ending Achilles injury to Sam Flanders (DEF/MID/FWD, $897,000) was a devastating blow for fantasy players. Flanders had been a rock in our 'fraud lines' this season, averaging 97 points prior to his injury. All the best for a speedy recovery! Personally, I think this injury highlights the importance of having a deep bench and the need for smart trading to fill any gaps in your team.
Draft: One-Week Wonders
A strategy in draft is to find one-week streaming options. This means finding players with low ownership and an option for a one-week play. You may require a player like this to fill any holes in your team while you wait for an injured player to return or for one of your players to gain dual-position status. Here are some players with low ownership that might be worth a punt on for this week:
- Jacob Weitering (DEF) v Essendon - Weitering scored 86 points from 11 marks last week, and with Essendon giving up plenty of points to defenders, he could replicate that performance again. There's a very good chance he'll be sitting as a free agent in your league.
- Tom McCartin (DEF) v St Kilda - McCartin has averaged 95 points in his past five games and is coming off 113 points. He sits in just 25% of leagues and has a great match-up this week against the Saints. Seriously, we've slept on this one.
- Ben Ainsworth (FWD) v Essendon - Ainsworth scored 92 points last week, his third 90-plus score in his past five games. He sits in 12% of leagues and should hit 90 again. With the right match-up and form, Ainsworth is a player worth considering.
Live Teams Show
The Traders will be live from 6:15 pm AEST on Thursday to cover all the important ins and outs as teams are announced. They break down the popular trades, discuss captains, and answer all your burning questions. Watch the Live Teams Show every Thursday night via AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App, and ask your questions in the comments.
Calvin's Best Captains
Your captain scores you double points, and as always, we need all the points we can get. Make sure you tune in tonight when the Traders go live at 6:15 pm on afl.com.au or via the AFL Live Official App to see who Calvin has in his top-5 and who the Traders are locking in as their captain options for the round ahead. Get expert advice from The Traders during the season in the Fantasy Hub. Follow AFL Fantasy on X and Instagram, and 'like' the Facebook page to join in the conversation.
In conclusion, the bye rounds are a critical time for fantasy football players to make smart trades and maximize their points. By avoiding traps and targeting treats, you can stay ahead of the game and potentially boost your overall score. Remember, in fantasy football, every decision matters, and the right trades can make all the difference.
