Adelaide’s impressive 10-goal win over Port Adelaide on Sunday will have AFL Fantasy coaches licking their lips on the eve of season 2014.
Matthew Wright ($368,900) was the clear standout, finishing with a whopping 139 Fantasy points from 36 possessions and two goals. The tough midfielder was the only player on the ground to break the 100-point barrier, with his 139 points matching his career-best Fantasy haul from Round 20, 2012 against Fremantle. The 24-year-old struggled for consistency last year, but has toiled rigorously over summer and looks underpriced for a player of his calibre. Wright’s dual-position status as a MID/FWD also makes him a tantalising option for Fantasy coaches, particularly if his rich pre-season form continues.
Another bargain Crow is Eddie Betts ($323,200), who was electric for Adelaide in his first game in the tri-colours. Betts booted the first two goals of the match and finished with a bag of five. The nimble forward looked dangerous whenever the ball was near, in the air and on the ground. Betts finished with 99 Fantasy points from 16 disposals and is certain to increase in value once the season begins.
Talented youngster Matt Crouch ($203,200) brought smiles to the faces of the Crows coaches with his performance. No doubt there would’ve been a similar reaction from thousands of Fantasy coaches across the country. Crouch posted 85 Fantasy points from 24 disposals and seven tackles, proving his ability to play at the highest level. Brother Brad Crouch ($499,000) is already a Fantasy gun and there is evidence to suggest Matt will follow in his older sibling’s footsteps. At his bargain starting price, Matt Crouch is an AFL Fantasy lock.
David Mackay ($364,800) was also amongst Adelaide’s best, notching 99 Fantasy points from 27 disposals through the midfield and across half-forward. The dashing 25-year-old has looked a determined figure on the training track this summer and is driven to improve on a disappointing 2013. Mackay is awkwardly priced, but if he can continue his strong pre-season form into the premiership season could provide a handy cash injection and a point of difference to any Fantasy squad.
AFL Fantasy Top Five vs Port Adelaide (NAB Challenge Game 1)
- Matthew Wright ($368,900) – 139 points
- Eddie Betts ($323,200) – 99 points
- David Mackay ($364,800) – 99 points
- Richard Douglas ($521,200) – 96 points
- Matt Crouch ($203,200) – 85 points
