AFL Fantasy Crossroads: should You Trade Max Gawn in Round 15?
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A pivotal moment arrives in AFL Fantasy as round 15 approaches,presenting coaches wiht a significant dilemma: whether to trade out Max Gawn (RUCK,$1.2M), the dominant ruckman.Averaging 122 fantasy points over his last five games, Gawn remains a formidable force, yet some coaches are considering parting ways. This decision could significantly impact your season’s trajectory.
Did You Know? Max Gawn has been named All-Australian five times, showcasing his consistent elite performance in the AFL AFL.com.au.
Round 15: Traps and Treats
Navigating the upcoming round requires careful consideration of potential pitfalls and rewarding selections. Here’s a breakdown of players to target and those to avoid:
treats to Consider
- Tim English (RUCK, $1.1M): Overlooked in favor of Marshall and Grundy, English boasts an remarkable average of 110 in his last five games. Facing Richmond this week, he presents a compelling captaincy option.
- Luke Jackson (RUCK/FWD, $928,000): Jackson has been in excellent form, averaging 101 in his past five games. With sean Darcy absent from Thursday night’s clash, Jackson is poised to dominate against Essendon’s replacement ruckman.
- Zak Johnson (MID,$384,000): While the initial surge may have passed,Johnson remains a worthwhile selection.
Traps to Avoid
- Nick Daicos (MID, $1.02M): While picking up players after their bye is a common strategy, Daicos faces a daunting matchup against Marcus Windhager, who previously limited Marcus bontempelli to just 50 fantasy points. It’s advisable to wait until next week.
- Callum Mills (DEF, $763,000): Despite his appealing price and a recent score of 110 against Richmond, Mills’ previous performance against Melbourne (62 points followed by a suspension) raises concerns about his reliability.
Key Fantasy Matchups: Round 15
Understanding player matchups is crucial for AFL Fantasy success. Here’s a table summarizing key matchups to consider for Round 15:
| player | Position | Opponent | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tim English | RUCK | Richmond | Excellent captaincy option. |
| Nick Daicos | MID | St Kilda (Marcus Windhager) | Potential tag; consider waiting. |
| Luke Jackson | RUCK/FWD | Essendon | Dominant ruck role with Darcy out. |
| Callum Mills | DEF | N/A | Inconsistent; proceed with caution. |
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on late team changes and injury updates before finalizing your trades and captain selections.
What are your thoughts on trading Max Gawn? Which “treat” player are you most excited about this round?
Evergreen Insights: Ruck Strategy in AFL Fantasy
Ruck selection in AFL Fantasy has evolved significantly. Historically, dominant rucks were essential, but rule changes and the rise of dual-ruck setups have diversified strategies. Coaches now weigh factors like consistency, scoring potential against specific opponents, and the availability of forward/ruck options. The decision to invest heavily in a premium ruck like Max Gawn versus opting for cheaper, mid-range alternatives depends on overall team structure and risk tolerance.
According to Champion data, the average fantasy score for top-tier rucks has remained relatively stable over the past five seasons, highlighting the position’s consistent scoring potential Champion Data.
Frequently Asked Questions About AFL Fantasy Ruck Strategy
- Should I always have a premium ruck in AFL Fantasy?
- Not necessarily. While premium rucks offer high scoring potential, a balanced team with strong performers in other positions can be equally effective.
- What factors should I consider when trading a ruckman?
- Consider their recent form, upcoming matchups, injury status, and the availability of viable replacements.
- How critically important is the ruck position in AFL Fantasy overall?
- The ruck position remains crucial, but it’s importance has slightly decreased with the emergence of dual-ruck strategies and versatile players.
- What are the benefits of having a ruck/forward player in my team?
- Ruck/forward players offer positional adaptability and can cover multiple roles, providing greater team balance.
- How do I identify potential “treat” players in AFL Fantasy?
- Look for players with favorable matchups, strong recent form, and increasing roles within their teams.
- What is the best strategy for managing my ruck division during bye rounds?
- Plan ahead by trading in players with different bye rounds or utilizing bench cover to minimize scoring losses.
Ready to dominate your AFL Fantasy league? Share this article with your fellow coaches and let us know your trade plans in the comments below!
