Fantasy Footy Tips And Tricks Part 4 - The Forwards | Thebigtip

Last, but not least, the forward line. It may be the third-lowest scoring section of the ground, but by no means is it a quick process to select your goal kickers.

However, the top 10 most expensive forwards from Paul Chapman (GEE/116.4/566.5k) to Adam Goodes (SYD/94.3/458.9k) are all very good selections. I expect all of these players to average 100 throughout the season, bar maybe Chapman who has injury concerns, and Jonathan Brown (BRI/97.7/475.3k) who despite being over his groin issue has a worn and torn body, and I would be very surprised if he played all 22 games this year.

Lance Franklin (HAW/107.5/522.9k) should be in more teams this year, as he is only 24 and also the free kicks against have been changed from -6 to -4 points, where is where ‘Buddy’ loses a few points. This will be handy.

There are a fair few players below the premium mark in the forward line this year who are worthy of selection, too.

Travis Cloke (COL/90.7/441.3k) was a handy player last year, and if he can correct his goal kicking woes, he can average 100 for you. Remember than he won Collingwood’s Best and Fairest at the age of 20. He’s a very good forward.

Ben McGlynn (SYD/89.4/434.9k) will be a valuable left-field selection if he stays uninjured. Don’t select him if you want Goodes, though.

Another player who needs to stay uninjured is Shaun Higgins (WB/77.9/379.2k), and by all reports, he has so far. He’s currently under-priced, so if you don’t have enough money for a premium in your midfield or forward line, snap him up.

Mitch Morton (RIC/77.1/375.1k) and Ricky Petterd (MEL/83.8/367.1k) are also set to improve - Morton blossomed in the midfield after an extended VFL stint, and Petterd was on fire until he injured his shoulder in Round 6.

Colin Sylvia (MEL/88/428.2k) is definitely talented enough to burst into the premium category at some point in his career, and looks set to do it this year. He often gives you those 150 point games and can be a great choice for captain if you pick the right week.

Steve Johnson (GEE/89.8/436.9k) is also set to play more in the midfield. If he can get 25 touches and 2 goals a game, he’ll be a very good pickup.

Nathan Fyfe (FRE/72.6/353.1k) should also continue to improve. He is already a good player who can only get better.

Before I get to the rookies, there are two interesting players who started their careers are North Melbourne. David Hale (HAW/51.8/252.2k) was popular in trade week for a reason, and should rotate between the ruck duties and the forward line, and Drew Petrie (NM/55.5/216k) is over his season-ruining foot injury of 2010. At their best, they will both average 80+ so both will be valuable cash cows or potential keepers.

Andrew Krakouer (COL/58.9/200.6k) is very, very cheap, considering he has been a star in the NAB Cup for the Magpies. He may be hard to fit in if you select Alan Didak (COL/103.7/504.3k) though, but personally I think Krakouer is more valuable.

Moving on to the rookies, there are a few good selections here, and it should be easy to fill the rest of your team. Dion Prestia (GC/NA/148.6k) is the most expensive of them, but is worth the price tag.

The good rookies, however, all seem to fall into the $110k price range. These players include Cameron Richardson (NM/NA/110.2k), Luke Tapscott (MEL/NA/110.2k), Jack Darling (WC/NA/103.6k), Brandon Matera (GC/NA/110.2k), Charlie Dixon (GC/NA/110.2k) and Isaac Smith (HAW/NA/103.6k). All of these players are playing Round 1 bar the two Suns, who should debut in Round 2.

Tendai Mzungu (FRE/NA/110.2k) can also be selected as a forward if you wish to downgrade a player when he returns from injury. Ian Callinan (ADE/NA/91.7k) is in a similar position, as he is out for two to three months with a torn bicep.

Other than that, Jed Lamb (SYD/NA/103.6k), Jayden Pitt (FRE/NA/103.6k) and John Butcher (PA/NA/110.2k) should all be selected at some point during the season, as all three are very promising young talents.

With a good mix of these players, you should be able to end up with a strong looking forward line with a great bunch of high scoring premiums and plenty of rookies at the other end earning you lots of money and points.