Fantasy team builder: Aaron Sandilands

[Ricochet]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-02-17/fantasy-team-builder-sandilands

NAME: Aaron Sandilands [RUCK]
PRICE: $244,500
CLUB: Fremantle Dockers
BYE ROUND: 10
2011 AVERAGE: 95
2012 AVERAGE: 93
2013 AVERAGE: 50
PREDICTED 2014 AVERAGE: 86

WHEN it comes to bargains, much like when it comes to players, none come bigger than Aaron Sandilands. Until last season, Sandilands averaged premium scores for the past four years recording 96, 98, 95 and 93 AFL Fantasy points before injury ruined 2013 with just 7 games (2 red vests) and an average of 50.

Although durability for the aging big man has been an issue the last three seasons (playing just 13, 12 and 7 games), he is reported to be having a good pre-season which is brilliant news for we AFL Fantasy coaches.

Even when out of touch, or returning from injury, Sandilands is still a hit-out machine which ensures he gets coaches points on the board.

Last season in round 23, Sandi did not register a single kick but his 42 hit outs ensured he still scored 62 which leads me to believe if he can regain his fitness and ball winning ability, there is no reason he can't push an average of 90.

In 2012, Sandi showed he can go really big in the hit-out department, twice registering 54 taps.

After rarely looking comfortable throughout 2013, Sandi produced his best footy for the year in his two finals appearances where he recorded thirteen possessions in both games, to go with 33 and 44 hit outs to finish on 77 and 79 points respectively.

The only reason Fantasy coaches might avoid Sandi is if they are going with the 'set and forget' policy in the ruck department.

Recent history tells us that Sandilands is a high injury risk and a common wearer of red vests, so some coaches may choose to go with a younger, more durable option to avoid this potential headache.

LOCKABILITY: 5/5

Not only is Sandilands a bargain, with injury causing a 43 point drop in his average, he has also received a massive discount on his starting price due to missing such a large chunk of the season.

I am not under any illusion that Sandi will play the full season, but the fact he can be selected for less than the price of some of the rookies makes it an easy choice as he will only need to play a handful of games to make you some cash.

[Jukes]

He'll play 11 games, 4 sub-affected, for an average of 70.

Why risk it on him when there's tons of relatively cheap premos ready to go bang like Big Boy, Nic Nat, Maric and even Grundy.

[blues boy]

He'll play 11 games, 4 sub-affected, for an average of 70.

Why risk it on him when there's tons of relatively cheap premos ready to go bang like Big Boy, Nic Nat, Maric and even Grundy.

Not a huge risk when only 244K however it may cause some people to rearrange their teams if they opt out of using him.

[ADEZ]

It is a bigger risk not to get him, if he flunks out 90% of serious coaches will be in the same position
If he gets to the bye averaging 80+ those that didn't pick him look like fools

[blues boy]

It is a bigger risk not to get him, if he flunks out 90% of serious coaches will be in the same position
If he gets to the bye averaging 80+ those that didn't pick him look like fools

Thats probably true! but if he does flunk it could leave your team in a very awkward position!

[fertalong]

His scoring ability is never in doubt, so as long as he manages to play until the byes without injury you are laughing.
If he gets turf toe in r11, you simply straight swap him to any premo and you should be set for the season.
Bargain and Lock!

[shaker]

Not such a risk with all the trades in DT or AF as it is called now

[jamfrank]

Has had one of his best preseasons so far. As long as he survives the NAB challenge, e's a lock!

Fremantle also have a much tougher fixture this year, not sure if many games will afford them the luxury of subbing sandi...