Every week we the panel discuss some of the burning questions facing the fantasy footy community. Welcome to this week’s round table discussion.
Should we jump off a player after one poor game?
Ben: Stock standard rule for me is two games. I’m also not married to that, but two looks before the price changes is twice as much information without price pain. Unlikely to lose more than 30 points on an underperformer in one week, so something to ponder for Zerrett owners.
Rids: I can understand the logic in AF as prices change on a weekly basis from round 1. People need to try and work out why they selected the player in the first place, and then what they saw that makes them change their mind about that selection. There are many ways to play this game and there are very different definitions of POD/unique. Sometimes holding a player becomes a point of difference if the popular thought process is to trade them. The other thing to remember in the formats is that it is all about scoring as many points as possible for the season. The points from round 1 still count to this tally.
Tim:As with everything, it depends. Usually I would say no, to do so is a classic knee-jerk reaction, however you need to factor in whether there was an injury, a role change (inc confirmation by the coach that this role change will be ongoing) or any other specific new knowledge that you gleaned from it that would affect them going forward. Remember that trades only impact futures scores for your team – you are trading based on what players will score ‘from now on’; any scores that have already happened are now in the past.
How much data do we need to determine a failed starting squad selection?
Ben: Intuitively many would accept that much can happen in one game. Sample error. The issue in fantasy is that you need to be ahead of the curve with your trading patterns. There is a weighting of risk with these quick moves, but any decision is made knowing full well that you’re doing it without the full picture. Second thought – Is it unique to hold the underperformed
Rids: I would usually say 2 games but it does depend. I would not be totally against trading someone who’s role has totally changed from what you thought it would be. If that player though has a fantasy friendly game the next round then I will back them in to bounce back. There is no right or wrong answer to this really.
Tim: Per my answer to the last question, it really depends. Again, we need to factor in whether there was an injury, a role change (inc confirmation by the coach that this role change will be ongoing) or any other specific new knowledge that we gleaned from the performances that would affect them going forward. If you get black and white information like this in one week then great, making decisions is now quick and easy. But often we don’t get confirmation of blatant role changes and it takes us a few weeks to realise the midfield minutes are slightly less, or that they’re carrying an injury or whatever the change is. In these instances you are guessing if you declare the starting selection a failure after one week – it could be the right call, however, you really don’t know yet.
Is it a wise use of limited trades in DreamTeam & SuperCoach to make a trade this week?
Ben: Yes. There’ll be a good move to make this week for every fantasy side. But finding which one it is, that’s the difficult part. Don’t trade for trades sake, but I’m anti-hard and fast rules. Trade if there’s a logical rationale to do so.
Rids: I try to hold 2 trades from the first couple of rounds in the limited formats. It really doesn’t matter if that is after rd 1 or rd 2 etc. There will be more opportunities to conserve over the next few rounds. Back in your gut and don’t be afraid to try something that is against the norm.
Tim: You should know the drill by now – it depends in DT & SC we get no price rises until the 3rd game so ideally, we won’t need to make any fix-up trades until after Round 2. However, if from what you’ve learnt since you locked in your Round 1 team will require more than two fix up trades before prices change then logically you will need to trade this week. Per above questions, it’s up to you to make sure it’s a considered, evidence-based decision and not an emotional knee-jerk one, but if you’ve analysed it and you’re confident it’s the right move then go for it. There are no hard and fast rules on these things. If you do need to make trades this week though, perhaps have a look at what you could’ve improved in your Round 1 team selection to avoid doing this and note it down as learning for when you make your 2020 team.
