Are we not paying enough attention to this brother of a star? The surprise highest scoring defender in fantasy footy? Can these two Freo stars co-exist? There are so many questions coming out of round 7. But let's turn our attention back to fantasy footy for a second and identify some risers in form and others who should be falling out of favour with all fantasy coaches. Let us know your thoughts on who we have down below on all of our social channels twitter, facebook, instagram, discord.
RISERS
Josh Daicos – MID, Collingwood Magpies (115 points)
All the talk has been in around his brother Nick, and rightfully so, but I think it’s time we start talking about Josh Daicos as a genuine fantasy option. Historically, wingers haven’t been consistent enough to be attractive selections for fantasy coaches but Josh, as well as the likes of Mason Wood and Blake Acres are currently flipping that script on its head. Josh specifically has gone to another level, averaging 114 GDS fantasy points after round seven, off the back of averaging 15 kicks, 12 handballs, 4 marks and 2.5 tackles a game. He’s listed as a midfielder and I know in GameDay Squad Aussie Rules fantasy footy we only have 5 midfielder slots to fill, but for a guy averaging 114 points a game and has only fallen below 100+ GDS fantasy points once so far this season, he could be a point of difference player who can give you that leg up on the competition. Do not sleep on Josh!
Jake Stringer – FWD, Essendon Bombers (141 points)
I’m not gonna sit here and tell you that this guy is an absolute set and forget starter that you need to go and give you’re entire inventory for… but just quietly, Jake Stringer had the most centre-bounce-attendances for all Essendon players in round 7! It’s important to temper expectations with Stringer, the 29 year old is about as injury prone as the come and definitely isn’t the player he used to be, but if he carves a role out in this Bombers midfield, he’s still talented enough to become an option. With the added opportunity, Stringer put up an eye-watering 141 GDS fantasy points after notching up 17 kicks, 9 handballs, 5 marks, 2 tackles and booting 4 goals to go with it all. He’s one to keep an eye on over the next few weeks to see if this roll is actually legit, and if it is… the package could be back in full form!
Nic Newman – DEF, Carlton Blues (192 points)
Nic “Doch” Newman? No, I’m joking… unless? But in all seriousness, Newman is legitimately on fire and needs to be considered going forward. I thought his spike in production was heavily related to Sam Docherty’s absence, but then he goes and piles on 192 GDS fantasy points in Docherty’s first game back from injury! He’s been sneaky good all year as well! Averaging 120 GDS fantasy points per game down back for Carlton. With Docherty and Adam Saad back in the team in round 7 I though Newman would play too deep to keep the scoring power up, but he proved me wrong, and if you can slot him into your D5/D6 slots, you might have a guy who wins you weeks as a point of difference… he would have this week…
FALLERS
Luke Ryan – DEF, Fremantle Dockers (87 points)
Ew and gross from a guy who I have adored this year in 2023 and that is Luke Ryan. It’s probably a little harsh putting him in the fallers section after he went ballistic in round 6 for 144 GDS fantasy points but the worrying part of this whole Luke Ryan thing is Hayden Young and their ability to co-exist as viable fantasy assets on the same team. Luke Ryan could only muster up 87 GDS fantasy points in round 7, often playing on one of Brisbane’s talls down back while Hayden Young was able to get off the leash and go nuts for 131 GDS points. Hayden Young is an incredible dynasty prospect but has for the most part, failed to get off the ground this year while Ryan has been going off his head. If the two can’t figure out how to dominate together or if the Freo system doesn’t change, we might have to make decisions for both based on potential matchups, which is frankly just a headache.
Brad Crouch – MID, St Kilda Saints (89 points)
Well, Jack Steele has been back in the Saints midfield for two weeks now and we've seen Brad Crouch's scores go from three consecutive scores of 140 GDS fantasy points or above, to just 82 and 89 GDS fantasy points with Steele in the team. Super worrying considering that Crouch was an important part of GDS coaches midfield's while Steele was out with an injury and Crouch was left to feast. Crouch is still able to be started going forward but I don't think we should be expecting those 140+ point games we got so used to with Steele unavailable for selection,
Dylan Moore – FWD, Hawthorn Hawks (78 points)
Dylan Moore had some big 2022 shoes to fill coming into the 2023 season after finishing as the 4th ranked forward averaging 108 GDS fantasy points at the close of last season. It has to be said that to this point in the 2023 season, Moore has been no where near that standard! Aside from his round 2 and 3 outburst scores of 126 and 154 GDS fantasy points, Moore has failed to eclipse the triple digits marker since! It seems to be going from bad to worse for the 2022 star, averaging just 82 GDS fantasy points in his two most recent games. For me, Dylan Moore is far too volatile a fantasy scorer to be a starter in your teams, but rest assured, if he finds some form, he could be straight back into conversations.