PROMISING MID-PRICED PLAYER PERFORMANCES

Matt Campbell, $299 700, played in a NAB Challenge game so I only have a bit of 2nd hand information on how he went. Campbell ran through the midfield again – great news for everyone considering him as a bargain breakout player. Track his NAB Challenge game again this week as his price is quite awkward at $300k.

Tadgh Kennelly, $320 700, played in a NAB Challenge game so I only have a bit of 2nd hand information on how he went. Played a good game off the half-back and of all the ‘cheap backmen’ this year he’s been one of the first locked in by many coaches.

Patrick Dangerfield, $332 700, played in a NAB Challenge game so I only have a bit of 2nd hand information on how he went. In the Crow’s best and played a very promising game for all the fantasy coaches hoping Danger would take another big step this year. Won plenty of clearances throughout the game. Craig tends to starve his rookies for TOG so just the fact that Danger should get significantly more TOG this year (only averaged 88min a game last year) should see him rise in stocks.

Mark McVeigh, $342 400, played in a NAB Challenge game so I only have a bit of 2nd hand information on how he went. Had yet another solid run through the midfield to continue his overall promising NAB Cup campaign thus far. Looks to return to his ’07-’08 form this year.

Chris Masten, $345 500, played in a NAB Challenge game so I only have a bit of 2nd hand information on how he went. Had another good run through the midfield – was prolific as per the norm this preseason. Breakout imminent.

Daniel Wells, $361 900, played in a NAB Challenge game so I only have a bit of 2nd hand information on how he went. In his first game back, Wells was BOG despite only playing in the first half. Got some good touches and delivered a surprise 3 first-half goals. For those of you that still need the warning – don’t get sucked in by Wells’ preseason scores… Every year Wells has a good preseason – scoring well in the NAB Cup and Challenge games – but then proceeds to flounder for the season proper and/or get injured. He has done this consistently since SC’s inception.

Barry Hall, $366 000, He’s big. He’s bad. He’s back. 4 goals and 2 goals handed off directly in front of goal to back up his 6 goal haul last week. The real test is how Hall will go against the Saints next weekend. Hall has gone from smokey to bargain buy in 2 NAB Cup games. But beware – the inherent risks of picking up Bazza are still as present as before.

Jarrad Waite, $407 500, played in a NAB Challenge game so I only have a bit of 2nd hand information on how he went. Played as a key defender which was unexpected. Just being back for a game is positive news though. Was probably due to the fact that it was his first game back from the ACL injury. I’d expect him to mostly float from HB to HF.

David Armitage, $413 600, had creepy Crowley tagging him most of the game and still had a good game. From the preseason games it looks to be the case that Armitage will take another big step forward this year. Ball co-existed in a team with other inside giants like NDS and Hayes so there’s no reason why Armitage can’t do the same. Averaged 8.7 tackles in his 3 games last year. Prefers the boot to the hands and can go forward and kick goals. Former pick 9 entering his 4th year in a premium list. Sound like a prospect to you?

Jason Gram, $419 600, had another good performance. Obviously capable of racking it up but his inability to handle the tag, inconsistency and year-on-year steadily declining disposal efficiency are worries that are hard to shake off. Overdue to reach premium level but perhaps never will.

Kurt Tippett, $425 900, played in a NAB Challenge game so I only have a bit of 2nd hand information on how he went. Finally had a good game this preseason. Starred in the game, kicking 5 goals (including the sealer). This is the problem with Tippett though – promising performances paired with inconsistent poor ones see his current average hard to improve on.

Robbie Gray, $449 600, played in the center over the weekend and played a great game. Played a strong inside game as well doing the lucrative outside plays well too. Ability to have a forward impact must be a draw too. Many have penned him in to break out into premium/keeper status this year.

DISAPPOINTING MID-PRICED PLAYER PERFORMANCES

Graham Polak, $231 100, played in a NAB Challenge game so I only have a bit of 2nd hand information on how he went. Another poor performance by Polak with 0 goals as full forward. Picking forwards in a team with horrid delivery is never a good idea.

Bradd Dalziell, $347 800, played in a NAB Challenge game so I only have a bit of 2nd hand information on how he went. Dalziell makes another appearance in this category. Played a tagging role this time and didn’t get much ball again. His 1st year scores look unlikely to be repeated.

Brett Peake, $353 200, made the hat-trick appearing as a disappointing mid-priced player. Poor kicking. Limited ball. Unimpressive. Cross off the list.

Adam McPhee, $432 100, McPee makes yet another appearance in this section of the article. A club move looks to have done little to this guy’s fantasy scoring. Played through the midfield this week yet had only a single stat for his time there in the first half. Rubbish prospect.