The Late Cut: AFL $5,000 Tigers v Crows

At the end of another working week, what better way to unwind than some Friday Night Footy. Tonight’s game sees the Richmond Tigers play host to the Adelaide Crows at Etihad Stadium. The Tigers go into this match without star defender Alex Rance, but the real story is in the Crows notable absentees. Rory Sloane, Scott Thompson, Brad Crouch, Jake Lever, Paul Seedsman and Kyle Cheney will all miss this match. Draftstars will be running a $5,000 game for this match with $750 going to first place.

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Here is a team you may consider for the AFL $5k+ Saint v Power competition

Forward

Tom Lynch ($13,000)

The hard working half forward is an underrated fantasy player, averaging 75.4 DS points over the 2016 season, nearly ten points higher than his fellow forwards, Taylor Walker and Josh Jenkins. Lynch’s greatest strength is his work rate and he gets a lot of his footy high on the wings of the ground. Richmond’s defense is without their general, Alex Rance, so Lynch should be able to work over whoever it is they decide to match up on him.

Oleg Markov ($9,450)

Markov had a breakout year for the Tigers in 2016, with his impressive play resulting in a two year contract extension. Although he is listed as a forward on Draftstars, expect him to play quite a bit through the midfield, adding to the Tiger’s midfield depth. There is no questioning the quality of the top 4 or 5 Tigers, but if they are to finish above ninth this season, they will need some of the supporting cast to have big season, Markov is one of these.

Midfield

Dustin Martin ($15,250)

To say that it is a big year for Dusty is an understatement. With his contract due to expire at the end of the season, a career-best season could potentially see Martin become the league’s highest paid player, but a lackluster season could see his salary halved, or Martin playing at a different club in 2018. Martin averaged 98.1 DS points throughout the 2016 season, but look for that number to increase this season.

Josh Caddy ($12,800)

Richmond was very busy in trade week, one of the players they brought in is the former Gold Coast Sun and Geelong cat, Josh Caddy. Caddy is a big bodied midfielder who is a great athlete, capable of winning his own ball. Caddy still needs to find consistency if he wants be become an elite midfielder, but he most definitely in Richmond’s best 22. Caddy will look to impress in his first outing in the yellow and black, so he is a good selection for this match.

Richard Douglas ($11,600)

The ageless veteran will likely see a lot of time in the Crows midfield tonight due to the number of injuries. Douglass was not as his best in season 2016, averaging 62.5 DS points. Douglas is a classy player who is very good on the inside of stoppages. If the Crows are to go to the next level, they need all they can get out of their veterans and that all starts tonight in their first preseason game.

Brodie Smith ($11,350)

Smith is coming off an excellent 2016 where he held down a spot as a rebounding half back. Smith averaged 71.5 DS points and can easily increase that if he moves into more of a midfield role. Smith will likely get an opportunity to play significant minutes through the midfield in this match due to the Crows injuries, so it is a good opportunity to see if he has what is required to break into the midfield group.

Defender

Nick Vlastuin ($9,900)

Vlastuin has made his name as a key member of the Tigers defense, but he has played further up the field in all of the Tiger’s practice matches. Vlastuin starred in the Tigers first intra-club match playing mainly in the midfield. A move up the ground could further elevate Vlastuin’s game and might push Richmond over the edge and into finals contention.

Curtly Hampton ($6,400)

Hampton is a gifted athlete who was traded from the Giants to the Crows at the end of the 2015 season. Hampton was not able to break in to the Crows 22 for a game last season, missing most of the year with a foot injury. Hampton is an explosive runner, who according to the Adelaide Crows website, will get a run through the middle, which makes him a great value prospect for this match.

Ruck

Toby Nankervis ($9,550)

The former Swan found himself a fair way down the pecking order in Sydney, but impressed when he was given the opportunity. He should be given plenty of opportunities down at the Tigers, who go into the season with limited ruck depth. Nankervis will most likely be the number one ruck, but he still needs to secure the spot, so look for a huge preseason from the former Swan.

The Line Up

FWD: Tom Lynch ($13,000)

FWD: Oleg Markov ($9,450)

MID: Dustin Martin ($15,250)

MID: Josh Caddy ($12,800)

MID: Richard Douglas ($11,600)

MID: Brodie Smith ($11,350)

DEF: Nick Vlastuin ($9,900)

DEF: Curtly Hampton ($6,400)

RK: Toby Nankervis ($9,550)

Salary Remaining: $700