Draft Breakdown: Round 21, waiver-wire, trade targets

Draft finals are upon us for most leagues and a big congratulations for those that made finals.

I felt like most leagues I was involved in had really tight ladders, probably as a result of Turbo going down injured and some big swings in form from NRL teams.

This week I’d thought I’d mention a couple of tips for those that are unfamiliar to draft finals strategic gameplay.

We also have quite an interesting week of waivers with some big players ruled out and some juicy replacement players up for grabs.

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Strategy #1 – Two bites of the cherry

The strategy is about using your bench player effectively and giving yourself a chance to take a bench players’ score if he goes well.

All year we have been collecting potential players on the pine of our draft sides. In finals that changes and you should be getting ready to drop your entire bench and one of your starters if your bench players goes well.

I like to choose a risky high upside player (usually a FLB, CTW or half) on my bench who I think might go well and plays relatively early in the round.

If he goes above 70 or even potentially lower depending on my opponents score, I will make sure my bench is all NPPs and have one NPP in my starter side to get the good bench score.

If he doesn’t go well, we obviously don’t drop players and start another player – thus getting another chance at getting a good score.

For example, this week Anderson or Leremia play the Titans 6pm on Friday and would be good options to have on your bench and see how they score.

Keep in mind, this effects your VC loophole and if you are planning on taking your VC you might want a safer forward option on your bench.

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Strategy #2 – Waiver sniping

Another tactic in finals is analysing your opponents’ side and working out their weakest position and where they can upgrade on the waiver.

Depending where you are on the waiver wire order and how your own side is shaping up, you can target a player they could potentially use against you.

For example, if they just lost a HFB you may want to waiver a Lachlan Miller.

There is a fine line when using this tactic as you can definitely take this too far and go into waiver blocking (continually picking up and dumping players) which is a dirty tactic in my eyes but targeting a key player or two an opposition may use is play on.

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TOP PRIORITY WAIVERS

Lachlan Miller

Will Kennedy has been ruled out for at least a month and likely the rest of the regular season with a syndesmosis injury.

This should see Miller get the fullback role for the Sharks and could be one of the best finals waivers.

The Sharks have a dream run and play the Dragons, Tigers, Manly, Bulldogs and Knights to finish the season.

Miller scored 82 points in his only game this year against the Titans.

He is a very different player to Kennedy. He is a runner first and very illusive, which is great for SuperCoach.

He should be number one waiver in nearly every comp.

There’s a chance that Adam Dykes is picked over Miller and Dykes

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Sean O’Sullivan

SOS will see play the rest of the season with Luai’s injuries and Cleary’s suspension

He is averaging 63 PPG half and has been on this waiver list throughout this year due to his amazing running game and 30+ in base stats.

We know Panthers won’t be as lethal without Cleary, but they will still be a great team and SOS has some serious weapons inside and outside him.

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VALUE WAIVERS

Kurt Falls

Falls will likely line up for the rest of the season at Penrith and kick goals.

His 44 PPG average and potential isn’t as high as SOS, but he is still a solid option, especially against the weaker sides.

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Andrew Davey

Flying under the radar because of the limited minutes he played earlier in the season, Davey is in solid form.

He has attacking potential on top of his decent base stats and Manly have a soft draw to finish the season

Tui Kamicaka

Solid FRF choice that could potentially score against the Titans this week – gamble responsibly.