Ripe Pickings for Round 13

Ibbotson is having a breakout season in 2013

Garrick Ibbotson (FRE) DEF $488,500 BE 82

After missing the first 4 games due to injury, Garrick Ibbotson has returned in red hot form and is currently having a breakout season averaging 104 points per game.  Ibbotson is one of Fremantle’s main distributers off half back and has excelled at intercept marks which is Supercoach gold. He also loves his home ground with scores of 137, 112 and 142 in his last three at Patterson’s stadium, a place where Freo play three of their next four games.  Ibbotson is only in 4% of teams making him a great POD. Strongly consider!

Joel Selwood (GEE) MID $492,800 BE 95

Joel Selwood is an absolute bargain this week! Selwood has dropped $137K in price since the beginning of the year and is now priced nicely at $492K. Although he has underperformed at time this year, he has a huge upside being capable of posting big scores like his 137 last week. The Cats also have a nice draw in the run home. With his bye out of the way now might just be the right time to jump on the Selwood bandwagon! 

Grant Birchall (HAW) DEF $415,800 BE 34

Grant Birchall started the season on fire with scores of 122, 126, 110, and 152 before opposition teams woke up and started tagging him. Birchall struggled with the tag initally making him nice and cheap for those wishing to pick him up this week. However with Birchall starting to find some form again with scores of 118 and 105 in his last 2 games, now is the time to jump on him before his price starts to rise again. With Hawthorn already having had their bye, Birchall would make a nice addition to your defence.

Brandon Ellis (RIC) DEF $459,900 BE 8

Brandon Ellis has been a revelation since losing the green vest earlier in the year. Ellis has posted scores of 134, 82, 103, 149 and 127 which can no longer be ignored. He also has the advantage of playing loose through the midfield with the tag going to one of the big three in Deledio, Cotchin or Martin. The Tigers have a nice run playing the Bulldogs, Saints, Kangas and Suns in their next four games. If you want to pick up Ellis then this is your last chance to get him at a reasonable price.   

Tom Mitchell (SYD) MID $115,900 BE -141

Tom Mitchell is a ball magnet who has lived up to the hype since making his debut a few weeks ago. Mitchell started as a sub in his first game before coming on in the second quarter and scoring 87 points. He then amassed 31 touches and 127 Supercoach points in only his second AFL game. This kid can defintiely play and doesn’t look like slowing down anytime soon. If for some reason you don’t already have him make him a priority this week before his price increases significantly.  

Top 5 Downgrade options for the bye rounds

Kyle Martin dominated at VFL level last year winning Frankston’s Best and Fairest.

With the bye rounds upon us it's an important to generate some cash and provide adequate cover while your star players are out. Here are my top five downgrade options that will help you achieve both these things. 

1. Kyle Martin (COL) MID $110,200 BE -127

Make Kyle Martin your number one downgrade option this week. Martin is a mature age player who won the Best and Fairest for Frankston in the VFL last year averaging 26 disposals a game. He has been in red hot form in the VFL again this year, which continued in his first game for the Pies on the weekend. Martin finished with 19 disposals, 5 marks, 6 tackles, 6 clearances, 2 goals and 97 Supercoach points. Martin knows how to find the footy and with Collingwood having a round 13 bye, he would provide adequate cover for the bye rounds.

2. Tom Mitchell (SYD) MID $115,900 BE -104

Mitchell was a ball magnet as a junior and not much has changed since he’s entered the senior ranks. He has been dominating in the reserves (NEAFL) churning out 52 and 56 possession games before getting his opportunity on the weekend and he didn’t disappoint. Mitchell racked up 18 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles and a goal in just 50% game time after coming on as the sub. He finished with 87 Supercoach points. Expect this trend to continue but take another look at him this week and bring him in after his round 12 bye as his price won’t rise until then.  

3. Nathan Hrovat (WBD) MID $114,500 BE -79

Hrovat is an inside and outside midfielder who ranked in the elite category for both contested and uncontested possessions in last year’s U18 Championships. He has been likened to Brent Harvey and the similarities could be seen in his first game. Hrovat collected 19 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50’s and a goal on debut, adding some real zip and outside run to the Bulldogs outfit. After two games he is averaging 74 Supercoach points and is set to rise by $66K after his round 11 bye. If you have room after Martin and Mitchell he is definitely worth picking up.  

4. Sam Grimley (HAW) RUC $115,900 BE -79

Grimley is a 22 year old with a basketball background who was drafted by the Hawks four years ago. He has been languishing in the Hawks VFL side during that time and even spent time in the VFL development side last year. This year he has made rapid improvements with the help of the Hawks assistant coaches and impressed on debut with 14 disposals, 7 marks, 11 hit-outs, 2 tackles, 5 inside 50’s and a goal against the Suns for 82 Supercoach points. The Hawks have a bye this week so wait to see if Grimley lines up as the main concern is his job security with the plethora of ruck stocks at the Hawks. He would be a perfect downgrade option for Majak Daw allowing you to pocket $148K.

5. George Burbury (GEE) FWD $115,900 BE -44

Burbury starred in the VFL premiership for Geelong last year and was recently upgraded from the rookie list after some outstanding form in the VFL this year. It’s not easy to break into a dominant Cats side so that is a feat in itself. Burbury has averaged 57 Supercoach points in his two games so don't expect huge scores, but with a lack of forward downgrade options he is worth considering. Once again the main concern is his job security. Although the Cats have shown they’re willing to play youngsters, Burbury will have to maintain some good form if he is to stay in the side long term.