AFL Fantasy: Navigating the Trickiest Bye Rounds
Bye Round Challenges
This season's six bye rounds have presented significant challenges for AFL Fantasy managers. With six teams on the bye in both Round 14 and Round 15, it's crucial to strategically manage trades and player selection.
Teams on Bye:
- Round 14: Carlton, Essendon, Geelong, Gold Coast, Melbourne, West Coast
- Round 15: Adelaide, Collingwood, Hawthorn, Richmond, St Kilda, Bulldogs
Chasing Players Coming Off Bye
Players coming off their bye can be valuable pickups. Here are some traps to avoid and treats to consider:
Treats:
- Errol Gulden (MID, $968,000): Has averaged 129 in his last three games and could be worth over a million dollars soon.
- Jy Simpkin (MID/FWD, $580,000): Can provide consistent 80-point scores.
- Arie Schoenmaker (DEF, $200,000): Launceston draftee with a strong VFL record, could debut and stay in the team due to an injury to Dougal Howard.
Traps:
- Connor Rozee (MID, $771,000): Underpriced, but faces a tough matchup against the Giants and has a high breakeven of 159.
- James Peatling (MID/FWD, $552,000): Has been inconsistent and often benched by the Giants' coaching staff.
Most Traded In and Out
Most Traded In:
- Billy Dowling (MID/FWD, $247,000): Scored 79 on debut but may start as a substitute in Round 14.
- Nathan Kreuger (RUC/FWD, $295,000): Another player benefiting from the high player movement due to byes.
- Jordan Clark (DEF, $891,000): Premium defender averaging 140 in his last three games.
Most Traded Out:
- Sam Clohesy (DEF/MID, $564,000): On the bye in Round 15, losing value for managers with heavy Round 15 commitments.
- Riley Bonner (DEF/MID, $719,000): Scored poorly in Round 13 and is also on the bye in Round 15.
- Darcy Wilson (MID/FWD, $614,000): Similar to Bonner, with a poor Round 13 performance and a Round 15 bye.
Calvin's Best Captains
Captain selection becomes critical during the bye period. To optimize point scoring, consult with experts like Calvin during the AFL Live Teams Show at 6:15pm on AFL.com.au.