AFL fantasy

AFLX was a sampler but the weekend for AFL Fantasy fans was a proper taste of what is to come in terms of SuperCoach and Dream Team. See below for our JLT Week 1 AFL Fantasy Wrap.

North Melbourne 71 defeated by Melbourne 124

Melbourne enters season 2018 with a hard expectation of finals whereas the Shinboners expectations wouldn't be as lofty and the game somewhat reflected that. The game was close up until half-time but the Demons always looked in control.

They (Demons) dominated possession, inside 50's, clearances and hit-outs (thanks to Max Gawn) but it was mature aged recruit Bayley Fritsch who really turned the heads of fantasy coaches. Fritsch, 21 who kicked 42 goals last year for Casey in the VFL booted three goals and two behinds (and handed one to Max Gawn in the square) and by all reports is firmly in contention for Round 1.

Key takeaways

• Bayley Fritsch ($117,300 SC) needs to be monitored closely over the coming weeks.
• Roos recruit Billy Hartung was among the better players and looks set to get ample opportunity in the Blue and White. His work between the arcs was very good.
• Christian Petracca ($433,900 SC) looked a class above most players on the field spending time up the ground and deep forward where he plays will be a talking point but wherever it is he will star.
• Clayton Oliver ($612,800 SC) was as busy as ever, gathering a game-high 22 disposals from 78% game time.
• Jake Melksham who was very good in the AFLX series was among the Demons best yet again at half forward.
• Fourth-pick in last years National Draft, Luke Davies-Uniacke ($189,300 SC) settled in well for the Kangaroos.
• Gun Melbourne recruit Jake Lever was steady and got through unscathed for the Demons.
• Jordan Lewis (calf) was the only injury of note from the game.

Billy Hartung puts on the jets in his new colours 🔥#JLTSeries pic.twitter.com/8so8wLIvMT

— AFL (@AFL) February 24, 2018

Essendon 37 defeated by Richmond 124

Essendon started strongly in the first few minutes and that's basically where the positives ended for the Dons. It should be said that there was a dose of gastro that went through the club during the week and it may have affected performance because they looked very sluggish.

Last years Premiers picked up where they left off last year in the finals series where they dominated their rivals. The Tigers had 14 individual goalkickers and their trademark tackling and intensity was a feature yet again. Cotchin, Caddy and Martin all looked sharp and ready for Round 1 while fringe players Reece Conca and Shai Bolton put their hands up for the vacant Round 1 spots Dan Rioli (injury) and Nathan Broad (suspension) have left.

Key takeaways

• Jake Stringer's form for the Dons didn't match his fancy haircut. After copping a heavy knock early he only managed six possessions for the half.
• Ex-GWS utility Devon Smith ($439,100 SC) was one of few shining lights for the Dons gathering 26 possessions on his full debut in the red and black.
• Both Toby Nankervis (Richmond) and Zach Merrett (Essendon) suffered concussions but both are expected to be right to go for Round 1 in a few weeks.
• Cotchin and Martin ($656,000 SC) both played less than 65% game time but both had a major impact on the contest. Can you afford not to have Dusty in your team this year?!
• Bombers recruit Adam Saad showed flashes of brilliance early for the Dons but faded out of the game in the second half.

How about that pace from Adam Saad? That's going to be one of the better goals you'll see in 2018! #JLTSeries pic.twitter.com/BXuUrR1m8T

— AFL (@AFL) February 24, 2018