Most Traded: Round 9

The obvious lack of viable downgrade options for rookies on the bubble is determining the make up of the trades table for the week. Derek’s Rookie Review can detail these in far greater depth than this article, so check that out as well.

That said, seven of the ten top traded OUT this week are rookies, indicating that upgrade season is in full swing and that these guys have pretty much maxed out in value. The lowest BE of the seven is Jagga and that’s still a bit up there at 48. Obviously your team structure will ultimately determine which rookies you trade this week, so if you choose the Cumming/Burton combo, both being mids, try to make sure you don’t end up relying on them too much for scores. Use the DPP where you can as you are probably best not having all pure mids on your mid bench, especially with a seeming lack of downgrades on the horizon.

           

MOST TRADED OUT

The most traded is Sam Grlj, gone from 35k teams and the number is growing. His BE is ten points higher than his average so it makes absolute sense, and whilst he still may score well, now is not the time to take that punt even though he’s only made us $130k.

Jacob Farrow has made slightly more cash but is also approaching his average with a BE of 63. He has a role and the talent but as cash is needed this week, the $300k will come in handy for anyone going one up, one down. That same cash will also be useful from Jai Serong as his $198k profit takes him over the $300k mark and his BE and Ave are only ten points apart. He would be the useful third trade if you are using a boost this week. Given all three of the top ten trades are D/M DPPs, much may depend on where they are situated in your team, or if you can swing a few swifties and juggle that D/M flex to fit in the new trades. I think each of these three could be a little useful in the near future as cover options but I’n not hesitating to go two or three of them if it means grabbing someone on your premo radar this week. Derek says often we wait that little bit too long to dump a rookie that is capable of scoring, and often that proves to be a mistake. It’s upgrade season so happy trading.

Even though Tanner Bruhn is number four on the list, we will deal with all the rookies first for that comparison of like for like. The other D/M DPP is Tom Blamires and he only got a late reprieve last week to gain a couple more dollars, but you will need to check the teams before making a decision here. BE is 57 and Ave 70 so not an absolute must trade if he is picked. Has made us $193k so is ripe if you need to, especially if he is not in the team to take on the Swans. The question here still remains how many Def/Mids can we practically and sensibly move on without stuffing up the structure of the team. Ideally you will have a couple each in defence and midfield to make it easier.

Lachie Jaques is the other defender on the list. He has made us $140k which has almost reached the target pass mark of $150k we need to justify selling. BE is 53 and is capable of acieving it but was not in the side last week so we need to also monitor his selection. If he’s not named again, the choice is easier, but if he is, he’d be one I’d hang on to. Apart from the miserable 34 against Geelong he he’s reached at least 67 in every game so will more than like make more money, especially after this week when that 34 is gone from the cycle.

Jagga Smith has made $191k which is enough for a sale under normal circumstances. However, he’s in a role that can produce and with an average of 70 and a BE of 48 does not need to part of a fire sale unless you need that midfield spot to slot a combo of Cumming/Burton into. Has a three round ave of 68 and that will net him another nine grand against the lions if he sticks with it. We do need to factor in the Lions Mids as a tougher oppo though!

Sam Lalor, being out for a couple of months has to go if you are being serious. Has only made the $90k but the $391k that he is worth will help you into a premium so do not hesitate to move him on from list clogger mode.

Now for Tanner Bruhn. 14k coaches have moved him on, including those in the top bracket, a strong indication he could become someone better as of now. If you are looking at a big dog to include, it is unlikely your rookie cash will cut a deal so it is going to be a Bruhn type with the coin behind him to make it happen. Comes up against the Pies at the G this week and his ability to cover the ground and collect disposals should not see him lose any money despite a BE of 70 which he only dropped below once in his last five games. A better scoring option than a bench rookie if you can manage your trades elsewhere. No problem if you need the cash though.

The final two on the traded out list are players many thought would be keepers but have proved a little underwhelming to say the least at this stage of the season. Caleb Serong forms a little bit of unique trades history by being traded out in the same top ten as his brother. However, unlike his brother, he should not be on this list at the stage of the season. Upgrade season will take so much longer if you sideways trade you premos now. This is a trade that can be done as luxury trade when your team is full. Caleb has strong scoring history in the past and you picked him for that. Still averaging a handy 97 and comes up against the Hawks where he has a career average of 101. Hang in there even though he may lose $20 – $30k. As a Brayshaw owner, I can feel your pain, as Freo has many more mid rotation options with the Reids, Youngs, Boltons and Jackson all stealing the points now, but you will better off than relying on a Cumming type to get that score for you every week. The same can be said for Sam Flanders, but in not so strong terms. He will also lose coin but an Ave of 89 is not horrible, especially if you plan on whipping a bench rookie in to replace him. If he is your way to completing you forward line, then it is justifiable.

MOST TRADED IN

80k coaches in total have combined to trade in the three bubble boys this week. Sam Cumming (40k), Tom Burton (20k) and Jed Busslinger (20k) take out the top spots, and with justifiable good reason. Sam Cumming has started his AFL life with a pair of 80s and if he does it again against the Crows at the G, he will make his new owners up to $60k. His higher price tag may see teammate Tom Burton make money a bit quicker with a BE of -44, and if he achieves his average score he will rise upwards of $40k. Cumming I feel will be a better scorer and have a better job security if you need to factor that in. He looks a serious footballer. Burton on the other hand, gives you an extra $77k to spend and if you are not likely to rely on him on your field, that could be handy. Either way, even though choices are limited, they are both excellent downgrade options this week.

The other top bubble boy of the week is Dog Jed Busslinger. A pair of 90s to start his campaign is more than handy as a cash cow or an on field option. If you can cop the extra dollars, the BE of -66 should see him top a fifty grand increase with a half decent score against the Power on Friday night. If you just need a lazy $100k then a swap from Jai Serong should not dampen your scoring and give you a bit of coin to upgrade elsewhere.

We’ve discussed Christian Petracca here now for a few weeks and he is still being brought in by a few thousand coaches per week. Has risen $40k and still rising one would suspect at a BE of 91. Champion Data has him earning another $14k at a projected 121, so I say again if you can do it, then do it because he has to be in your final team.

Another 8k coaches are adding the big X, Tristian Xerri this week. Big bucks but probably relative with a BE of 90 unlikely to see him drop further in price despite an epic match up with Brodie Grundy under the roof on Saturday. I’d love to look at this move seriously as he has a huge ceiling that he often reaches and is a genuine weekly C or VC option. However, I have three rookies on the defensive field to sort out first so my two exiting defensive rookies are looking like becoming Whitfield, mainly because of his bye, but also hoping Ash stays in the guts a bit longer.

Finn Callaghan is a popular trade in this week (6k) I think mainly due to sub $500k price tag. The Flying Finn has shown a susceptibility to be tagged down in recent weeks, and one score of 110 is probably not enough for me to consider viable yet. A BE of 124 should keep him affordable while we have an extra week to consider. People are saying that he is bound to pop off against The Dons this week and so they should grab him now. A look at the stats does indicate you can wait that week until he fronts against the hapless Weagles next week. Career stats (although limited) show he has never gone above 100 and only averages 76 against the Bombers. Some teams just don’t suit some teams. Epitome of the fallen premo, but pending budgets obviously, is there someone else this week?

The Bont has found his way into an extra 6k teams this week. The Bont on one leg is better than most on two legs, he just scores. BE of 98 suggests he will rise a bit but probably not over $600k so you could wait on a little more data re his knee. Club wants to rest him, he wants play and will front up against Butters this week. I have him so that decision is easy at the minute. If he plays on and is under $600k, I think you just have to grab him if you can wrangle it. He scored 141 against Port in Ballarat last year and has a career average of 111 against them. For the record, Derek has opted for Butters over Bont in the VC stakes but I would not let that deter you from bringing him in.

Kozzy Pickett comes into hot calculations with an average of 108 and a three round average of 117. This puts him in rare air as one of only six forwards averaging over 100, sqarely putting him in the frame for a spot in our sides. DPP is also very handy, especially during the byes. BE of 91 coming up against West Coast, so not likely getting any cheaper soon, and is a main reason for Melbourne’s resurgence so will continue to play the role. I think we have choices and we can’t always get who we want, but I still reckon you’ve got to get him in somehow soon.

Hugh McCluggage for under $470k, I’d like to see that. Oh wait, it’s there! I’m waiting at least a week. BE is 98 which is obviously achievable in the overall scheme of things, but his highest score in the past three years against the Blues is only 91. Sometimes those match up are not as fruitful as we would like. His bye is more suited to my upgrades as well. so I will be targeting him next week, all going well.

Will Edwards is not on my radar. Averaging under 50 and does not pass the eye test with a few clangers and disposal efficiency. Can’t see the sense as his job security cannot be trusted, and with so many defensive DPPs running around, surley you can jig a way to put one back in defence and open a place for one of the midfield bubble boys. Only an option if you don’t have the flexibility.