AFL Fantasy with The Traders

AFL

AFL.com.au's Fantasy experts, Roy, Calvin and Warnie, deliver a podcast full of tips to help you have a successful (and fun) Fantasy season.

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860 episodes
Updated Monday

Episodes860

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Jul 27, 2017 · 59 min
Round 19 Live - Episode 144
IT'S THE last round before AFL Fantasy finals and The Traders are taking to the airwaves as the round 19 teams drop. Join Warnie, Calvin and Roy on AFL.com.au and the official AFL Live app for an hour of LIVE radio as they watch the teams land, and give the first tips on what it all means for your Fantasy squad. Every Thursday until round 23, the boys are joined by special guests and talk through all the big Fantasy issues of the week. On this week's show: - The boys get a sneak preview of some of the improvements coming in Fantasy in 2018 - A quick hit of Fantasy news - how's Brad Crouch's cheekbone? Does Stephen Coniglio come in for GWS? - The boys reveal the round 19 teams from 6.20pm AEST. Who's in and who's out of your Fantasy squad? - A complete run down of the best captaincy picks and best trades for this week - All the answers to your social media questions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 24, 2017 · 53 min
The Best 22 - Episode 143
Fantasy footy can be a guessing game. You can use the past to help you make decisions on what will happen in the future, but we don't always have a crystal ball to predict what will happen this week or a few weeks down the track. That hasn't stopped Roy putting together his best 22 for the last few rounds. The coach of destROY has looked at the top players per position and has made a call on who have been the best of late and who is likely to keep it going for the remaining five rounds. In defence, Sam Docherty and Taylor Adams quite easily sit in at one and two, but new DEF/MID Connor Blakely also gets a gig with his excellent late season form. Kade Simpson and Rory Laird have been consistent throughout the season with Michael Hibberd showing some great form to round out the back six. The midfield picks itself. Tom Mitchell, Patrick Dangerfield and Zach Merrett are the big three that are must-haves. Josh Kelly has enjoyed a stellar season and we can purchase him in Fantasy for much less than he may be offered in a couple of months when it comes to the trade period. Dustin Martin, Bryce Gibbs and Marc Murphy have rarely put a foot wrong. Brad Ebert, who is often seen as a first half of a season specialist, is among a group of players you could throw a blanket over the be among the best for the next month. The best ruckman, and bargain buy at the start of the season, Matthew Kreuzer is a safe option in the ruck line while Brodie Grundy, sans Mason Cox in the side, slots in at number two. Up forward, despite a lowly showing last week, Roy ranks Steele Sidebottom rank at the top with Jack Macrae, Isaac Heeney and Lance Franklin the go-to guys. He also suggests Elliot Yeo and Travis Boak are safe picks. The Traders discuss Roy's best 22 on this week's episode of the Official AFL Fantasy Podcast and name up some other players in the mix. Also in this week's podcast: - All of the action from round 18 - Fantasy news including injuries, suspensions, "Magoos news" and more - A look at Cal's Scale of Hardness for the last five rounds - Last hurrah trades before finals start - Your burning questions answered See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 20, 2017 · 59 min
Round 18 Live - Episode 142
There's just two rounds left until AFL Fantasy finals and The Traders are taking to the airwaves as the round 18 teams drop. For the first time, you can join Warnie, Calvin and Roy on AFL.com.au and the official AFL Live app for an hour of LIVE radio as they watch the teams land, and give the first tips on what it all means for your Fantasy squad. Every Thursday until round 23, the boys will be joined by special guests and talk through all the big Fantasy issues of the week. On this week's show: - The boys chat to Louie Kebakovski from Champion Data on the latest dual-position players - A quick hit of Fantasy news - will Danger play? Just how mangled is Pendles' finger? - The boys reveal the round 18 teams from 6.20pm AEST. Who's in and who's out of your Fantasy squad? - A complete run down of the best captaincy picks and best trades for this week - All the answers to your social media questions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 17, 2017 · 52 min
Final Wave Of DPPs - Episode 141
The third and final round of dual position adjustments rolled out on Sunday evening. A group of 15 players holding a single position status were awarded a secondary position based on a changed role in their team in recent weeks. Champion Data, the official stats gurus of the AFL, keep tabs on every player in every game and have highlighted those who are playing in a different position to their initial Fantasy position allocated. Fantasy coaches find most value in players who are originally listed as midfielders and acquire either forward or defender status. That's not to say the flexibility of a forward or defender adding midfield status isn't a good thing, but at this stage of the season it's all about fielding your best 22. Collingwood's Steele Sidebottom ranks second at the club for disposals inside 50 since round 12 and shares his time between the wing and forward line. At $635,000 it is going to take a decent upgrade to grad the new No. 1 Fantasy forward who is averaging 108.8 this season. It'll be worth paying the big bucks for Sidebottom as he has score 100 or more in each of his last nine games. Connor Blakely's role playing across half back has seen him gain defender status. Averaging 110.8 in his last five matches, and top scoring in the Western Derby on Sunday with 149, Blakely is relishing his new role and his Fantasy owners are enjoying the ride! On this week's episode of the podcast, The Traders discuss all 15 DPP additions and give their take on the Fantasy relevance as we head towards the last six rounds of the season. Also in this week's podcast: - How round 17 played out - Fantasy news including injuries, suspensions, "Magoos news" and more - What to do with Patrick Dangerfield - The best Fantasy run home - Roy's rolling best 22 - Your burning questions answered See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 10, 2017 · 52 min
Thanks, Hodgey - Episode 140
On Monday, Hawthorn veteran Luke Hodge announced his retirement from AFL. He will play out the last seven rounds. This weekend's match against the Cats will be Hodge's 300th in what has been a career full of amazing highs. Four flags, a couple of Norm Smith Medals, multiple All-Australian nods and most importantly, a Fantasy footy staple of our sides for more than a decade. The former Hawthorn skipper has a career high of 159 Fantasy points scored against the Western Bulldogs in 2015. That same year yielded his best Fantasy return. An average of 111 from his 17 matches. Hodge's career average is currently 89.7. This season the 33-year-old has knocked up four tons so far for an average of 90.4. Roy, Calvin and Warnie pay tribute to one of their favourite footballers on this week's episode of the podcast. They discuss his career and thank him for the insight he has given the Fantasy community over the years. Also in this week's podcast: - How round 16 played out - Fantasy news including injuries, suspensions, break evens, "Magoos news" and more - Interesting trade scenarios - Social media questions answered - A look ahead to what Calvin thinks will be another high scoring round See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jul 3, 2017 · 43 min
Hello Mr Darcy - Episode 139
The advice last week was to avoid picking 19-year-old Fremantle ruckman Sean Darcy despite an impressive 80 point game on debut. The issue, Aaron Sandilands would be back. Those ideas have now changed. A season ending hamstring injury to Aaron Sandilands and 114 Fantasy points thanks to 33 hitouts, 16 disposals, 7 tackles and a goal has made Darcy hot property this week. Darcy was taken at pick 38 in the 2016 National Draft and has been impressive in the WAFL averaging 29 hitouts and 77 Fantasy points from his 11 games. He now has a chance to shoulder the majority of the Dockers' ruck load. With the lowest breakeven in the competition of -28, Darcy's price has already increased by $75,000 and is set to be a popular late season cash cow. The Traders discuss on how you can take advantage of Darcy's new found opportunity on this week's episode of the Official AFL Fantasy Podcast. Also in this week's podcast: - The highs and lows from round 15 - Fantasy news including injuries, suspensions, "Magoos news" and more - Trade advice - Social media questions answered See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 26, 2017 · 51 min
Hardly Used - Episode 138
Last round was something incredible. Maybe we should have seen it coming on Thursday night. There were a few headaches at team selection with Suns Aaron Hall (hamstring) and Michael Barlow (leg) out as well as Matthew Scharenberg and David Myers being omitted. Then the Hawks causing an upset over the Crows. Friday came around and the term 'carnage' got a new definition. First it was Gary Ablett putting out of his 300th with a calf injury and his team mate Kade Kolodjashnij was withdrawn from Sunday's game. Brownlow Medallist Nat Fyfe was the next big name to go along with breakout star Josh Kelly. There wouldn't have been too many coaches in the country that didn't cop a hit. Add to that the first quarter injuries and single digit returns for Dayne Beams and Joel Selwood, made for a tough weekend. It is onward and upward as The Traders look ahead to round 15. They will be hoping that players celebrating their milestone this weekend actually suit up and show a bit more than Heath Shaw. In his 250th game, Shaw scored 29 Fantasy points. His 245th lowest return of his career. Photo credit: Heath Shaw Twitter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 19, 2017 · 49 min
On Your Bike - Episode 137
The bye rounds are in the rear vision mirror, but the road ahead isn't clear. The most traded in player last week will be the most traded out for round 14 as Geelong's Scott Selwood's hamstring injury sees him ruled out of Sunday's game against Fremantle. Up until the third quarter last Thursday night, "Scooter" was putting his hand up as the best mid-season mid-priced pick up of the year. On Saturday night, Michael Barlow broke his left fibula and the subsequent surgery will mean he has played his last game of the year. The injured duo have been popular Fantasy selections in recent weeks and they headline the big issues on the Official AFL Fantasy Podcast with The Traders. Roy, Calvin and Warnie discuss the best options to bring in for the run home. Also in this week's podcast: - The highs and lows from round 13 - Fantasy news including injuries, suspensions, "Magoos news" and more - Bye round stocktake - Social media questions answered See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 12, 2017 · 52 min
Badbye - Episode 136
The final siren of the Dees v Pies game has just blown and we're straight into the studio talking Fantasy. Round 12 wasn't too bad from a coaches perspective with some decent scores coming out of our best 18. But we come up to round 13 where plenty of our stars are missing. The highest averaging player in the competition, Tom Mitchell, is joined by Zach Merrett, Taylor Adams, Josh Kelly, Adam Treloar, Scott Pendlebury and Rory Sloane as guys going at over 110 per game while there are a few popular cows - like Hugh Greenwood - who have the week off making it tough to get an 18 this coming round. Roy, Calvin and Warnie discuss the round that's gone and get you prepared for the last of the multi-bye rounds... the hardest of all! Goodbyes are hard, badbyes are harder! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jun 5, 2017 · 59 min
Second Wave Of DPPs - Episode 135
Every six rounds, the team at Champion Data run the numbers and award a group of players dual position status. They take into account where they line up on the ground, which parts of the ground they get their disposals and their role in the team. If this is significantly different to the single position they are already assigned, they add the new one and become DPPs (dual position players). Having DPPs in your squad allows extra flexibility in your line up and can help you out when trading. During the week, 20 new players added a position and quite a few have been welcomed in the middle of the multi-bye rounds. Basement priced first year players such as Sam Petrevski-Seton, Zac Fisher, Daniel Lloyd and Kurt Mutimer were previously only available as midfielders and with their new forward status, they can provide a handy bench link. Filling the hole left by Max Gawn and Jake Spencer, Cam Pedersen is now available as a RUC/FWD. The most interesting names for Fantasy coaches are usually those who add either FWD or DEF to their midfield status. At their best, Pearce Hanley, Sam Menegola and Travis Boak would be among the best in their new positions. Daniel Rich, Jack Newnes and Dom Sheed will certainly be worth looking at as free agents in your Draft leagues. Also in this week's podcast: - How round 11 played out - Fantasy news including injuries, suspensions, "Magoos news" and more - Bye round trading - Your burning questions answered See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 29, 2017 · 53 min
Byemageddon - Episode 134
They strike fear into Fantasy coaches across the land. The multi-bye rounds are here and they're ready to wreak havoc on our teams. This weekend we experience the first of the multi-bye rounds. The MBRs - the shortened acronym means for more time to plan or panic - is the block of three rounds when up to six teams have a rest for a week. For most head-to-head leagues, like the players, you will get a rest as match ups are on hold and will resume in round 14. Coaches playing through these or aiming to rank highly overall, will need to do their best to maximise points over this challenging time. Rules change to help coaches deal with the group of players missing. Firstly, the best 18 scores within your on field 22 count towards your weekly total. Sub on the bench players and aim to have at least 18, if not more, playing in rounds 11-13. Secondly, as a new feature this season, coaches are given an extra trades to use in each of the next three weeks. Three trades per round for the MBRs will definitely help save a donut and get your squad in a position to be competitive. Roy, Calvin and Warnie are in different positions with their bye structure. They discuss how to manage this tough patch of the Fantasy season. Also in this week's podcast: - The highs and lows from round ten - Fantasy news including injuries, suspensions, "Magoos news" and more - How to make the most of the loopholes over the next four weeks - Milking cash cows vs holding for bench cover - Your burning questions answered See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 22, 2017 · 46 min
Titch The Official Pig - Episode 133
It's an honour that has only been bestowed upon two before him. Being crowned a "Pig" is not at all derogatory, it is a term of endearment from Fantasy coaches for players who go above and beyond. Those who greedily feast to bring their owners huge scores. Hawthorn's Tom Mitchell joins Dane Swan and Tom Rockliff in the Sty, a section of the hall-of-fame that houses those who produce incredible Fantasy feats. The two current Pigs, Swan and Rockliff, have been household names in the community and coaches have been rewarded with monstrous scores whenever they have played. Swan has legend status as a pig. His 2012 season where he averaged 133.5, backing up from 120.9 the previous year was phenomenal. Rockliff is the king pig. He holds the record for the highest season average of 134.7 posted back in 2014. This year, he was going at 129.2 before dislocating his shoulder. Coming off his 50 disposal and 177 Fantasy point game, it was time to crown Mitchell as an official pig. We have been tracking his progress, even before being drafted, as he has all of the traits to be one of the best ball-winners we've seen. On debut, Mitchell donned the substitute vest. When he got the chance to get into the game in the second quarter, he went on to score 98 points. The following week, free from that green clothing, he played a full game collecting 31 disposals and 10 tackles for 144 points. It was the start of something special. Although there were some ups and downs due to stints in the NEAFL and some having to play some roles that weren't conducive to big Fantasy scores, Mitchell has been the man we had hoped he would as a Hawk. In each of his nine games at his new club, Mitchell has scored 115 or more for an average of 131.7. This is the best start to a Fantasy season ever recorded as the midfielder's 1185 points knocks off Brent Stanton's record of 1164 scored in the opening nine rounds of 2012. The Traders chat to Tom on the week's episode of the Official AFL Fantasy Podcast to induct him into the Sty. Also in this week's podcast: - The highs and lows from round nine - Fantasy news including injuries, suspensions, "Magoos news" and more - What to do with the fattened cash cows - Which Gold Coast and Port Adelaide players are the best to pick up this week - Social media questions answered - Calvin's captain form guide See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 15, 2017 · 50 min
Wounded Pig - Episode 132
Watching the Fantasy Pig Tom Rockliff go about his business at University of Tasmania Stadium on Saturday afternoon pleased The Traders. That was until the last three minutes of the game. 'Rocky' dislocated his shoulder after racking up an impressive 130 Fantasy points. While the results of his scans are yet to be known, it would be safe to assume he will miss this week and not out of the question that he misses the following week before the Lions' bye. Sadly it looks like he needs to be traded. The positive is that the most expensive and highest averaging player in the competition has an understudy or two. Tom Mitchell scored 132 in Launceston to take his average to 126 as his pig-like tendencies have increased since joining the Hawks. Later that evening at the MCG, Zach Merrett gathered 33 disposals and 12 tackles for 150 points. One of the 'piglets' is the best option to trade the King Pig to, but if you already have the duo, there are plenty of suitable player to bring in to help improve your side as the bye rounds approach. Roy, Warnie and Calvin discuss trade possibilities and more on this week's episode of the Official AFL Fantasy Podcast. Also in this week's podcast: - The highs and lows from round eight - Fantasy news including injuries, suspensions, "Magoos news" and more - Playing the breakevens - Gold Coast and Port Adelaide byes - Social media questions answered - Calvin's captain form guide See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 8, 2017 · 1 hr 4 min
Who's Flying? - Episode 131
We are around a third of the way through the season and things start to get challenging. Yes, they may have already have been challenging so far this season with injuries, suspensions and players being managed, but there is more to come. Gold Coast and Port Adelaide face off in China as they play for premiership points for the first time outside of Australia and New Zealand. What scores can we expect from our Fantasy players in Shanghai? Will the long flight hinder the numbers of our stars? The Traders discuss the big matches in the upcoming round and delve into the numbers that each ground has dished up over the last three years. Also in this week's podcast: - Roy, Calvin and Warnie's great start to the season - The highs and lows from round seven - Fantasy news including injuries, suspensions, "Magoos news" and more - Which cash cows to milk - What to expect from the China game and trading strategy - Social media questions answered See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 1, 2017 · 52 min
Sloanedog 0.72 Millionaire - Episode 130
The Crows are flying, sitting at the top of the ladder at 6-0 and midfielder Rory Sloane (MID, $720,000) is leading the way as the top scoring Fantasy player in the competition. A fracture of Sloane's eye socket interrupted his pre-season limiting his ownership. Even some coaches who started with him when named in round one decided that 68 wasn't good enough and traded him out. Since then, Sloane has scored 152, 139, 143, 132 and most recently, 155. The five round average of 144.2 is a true indication of his form and less than 15,000 coaches own the most expensive player in the competition. Is Sloane a must-have? If he continues this form, then yes. A breakeven of 89 means that he isn't getting any cheaper. The Traders will discuss whether you should shell out the big bucks for Sloane or other premium players around that $700,000 mark or do you look for a fallen premium as cash is hard to come by this season. Also in this week's podcast: • The highs and lows from round four (link to Roy's Form Watch: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-04-30/fantasy-form-watch-jobe-needs-a-good-lie-down) • Fantasy news including injuries, suspensions, "Magoos news" and more • Cash cow culling • Bye structure • Social media questions answered • Calvin's captain form guide See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 25, 2017 · 1 hr 1 min
First Wave Of DPPs - Episode 129
Every six rounds, the number crunchers at Champion Data work with the team at Fantasy HQ to adjust positions of players to reflect their roles in 2017. Where they line up, gather possessions and their heat maps all go into the mix to award players with dual position status ahead of round six, 12 and 18. In the first round of changes, 24 players have had a position added. Robbie Gray has regained the MID/FWD status that he has held across most of his years. Mitch Robinson and Michael Barlow are other midfielders to pick up dual positioning and could be among the best of the forwards available for the rest of the season. Popular cash cows Andy Otten and Dan Houston have added FWD and DEF status making the duo share the swingman link of DEF/FWD. This may prove to become very handy when trading around the bye rounds. Draft coaches who selected Brandon Ellis and Cameron Guthrie will have some consolation for this slow start to the year with the ability to throw them in defence. On this week's podcast, Roy, Calvin and Warnie discuss each DPP adjustment in detail, together with exclusive numbers from Champion Data. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 17, 2017 · 50 min
Making His Marc - Episode 128
It was a round where things started evening out. Some of the players that exceeded expectations early on gave their coaches a reality check. One man who is consistently getting the job done for his coaches is Marc Murphy. Carlton's skipper started at $482,000 and after four rounds is now worth well over $600,000. Murphy is the highest averaging AFL Fantasy player following scores of 139, 125, 145 and 124. While there has been a fast start to the year from our premiums, Murphy is the only player to have scored more than 120 in each game. If you're in the 73 per cent of coaches who don't have him, is it too late to get him? The Traders discuss the big movers of the opening four rounds and how to get the most out of the cash cows in your team. Roy, Calvin and Warnie dissect the best trades and discuss the selection dilemmas facing Fantasy coaches ahead of round five. Also in this week's podcast: • The highs and lows from round four (link to Roy's Form Watch) • Chop's chopping block • Fantasy news including injuries, suspensions, "Magoos news" and more • The dual position player watch list • Social media questions answered • A look ahead to Anzac Day and your Match Day teams See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 10, 2017 · 50 min
Max, Gawn - Episode 127
A long term injury isn't something that any footy fan likes to see, especially Fantasy coaches. Max Gawn (RUC, $588,000) is set to spend the better part of the next three months on the sidelines following surgery on his injured hamstring. Melbourne's ruckman went down in the second quarter on 32 Fantasy points, meaning the most expensive ruckman at the start of the season dropped $46,000 in value this week. The main talking point on this week's episode of the Official AFL Fantasy Podcast with The Traders is what to do with the 208cm hole left in the ruck division. The 24 per cent of Fantasy Classic owners have a few choices. One is to find the cash and trade up to the in-form Brodie Grundy (RUC, $623,000), or basically straight swap him to Stefan Martin (RUC, $582,000) who is in the form that made him the top ruckman of 2015. These are simple moves, but could be get clever with the moves and make get more points out of our squad? Roy, Warnie and Calvin discuss the Max Gawn trade and help Fantasy Draft owners replace their first round pick with someone suitable. Also in this week's podcast: - The best and worst from round three - Chop's chopping block - Fantasy news including injuries, suspensions, "Magoos news", breakevens and more - Which players we should stick with and who to move on - The players we missed with a look at Charles' team who had the top scoring team of round three - Social media questions answered - Some stats to help you with your trade and captain dilemmas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 3, 2017 · 51 min
Fix 'er Up - Episode 126
TWO ROUNDS in and AFL Fantasy coaches are starting to get an idea of what's working and what's not. Cash cows are the backbone of your Fantasy Classic side. The cheap players are how you are able to generate the coin to upgrade players in your squad so you can get as many premiums in when it comes to the finals in the last four rounds of the year. If you don't think you have the best cash cows in your team at the moment, you need to make them a priority with your two trades this week. Roy, Calvin and Warnie work through the best moves to make ahead of round three. Also in this week's podcast: - The hits and misses from round two - Fantasy news including injuries, suspensions, "Magoos news", breakevens and more - Trading strategy in the early rounds - Social media questions answered - At look at "PACK 'ER UP BOYS", Trion's team that won the week - A sneak peek at Calvin's captains research See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 27, 2017 · 50 min
Game On, Baby - Episode 125
Round one scores have been tallied, new prices calculated and we're ready to make our first trades. With the weekly price movements, we need to be smart when using our two trades. There were some very high scores this round with 62 players breaking the 100 point barrier. It's important not to just chase last week's big score as Roy, Calvin and Warnie look at the best strategy for this first week of trading on the Official AFL Fantasy Podcast. Also in this week's podcast: - Warnie's lockout experience. - What we learned from round one including the slow burning rookies. - The top team of round one, Paul Forrester's "raulup" that scored 2373 (see team below). - Your social media questions answered. - The Traders' team. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.