The end of Round 3 brought the introduction of player price fluctuation, making your job as a fantasy manager as much about building squad value for the future as it is about chasing points in the present.
Consider these five fantasy assets to take into battle in Round 4, thanks to neds.
Callum Talbot – Melbourne City
- Ownership: 6%
- Price: $236,400
- Total points: 22
Five points in Round 1, eight the next, and nine in Round 3; Callum Talbot’s stock is rising at Melbourne City as the full-back strengthens his grasp on a starting role in Patrick Kisnorbo’s side.
Talbot rewarded his 688 owners in Round 3 with a clean sheet and nine points. With all the quality in the City side both Talbot and young Jordan Bos are leading the way in the scoring department in the club’s defensive unit. A home clash with Wellington awaits in Round 4.
Aaron Gurd – Sydney FC
- Ownership: 9%
- Price: $150,700
- Total points: 7
Aaron Gurd is preparing to play his third game of the season this weekend – and when he does, his starting price of $150,700 is bound to rise.
The Sydney FC youngster is filling in at centre-back in the absence of the injured Alex Wilkinson and Jack Rodwell. Once a player reaches the three-game mark for the season, their average performance will impact their price, and beginning the season with the equal-lowest value of any player in the game, Gurd should see a positive impact to his price beyond Round 4 – which will in turn improve your overall squad value.
Sulejman Krpić – Wester Sydney Wanderers
- Ownership: 1%
- Price: $261,800
- Total points: 24
Sulejman Krpić has put eight shots on goal across three appearances this season – and seven of those shots have been on target. The Bosnian has bagged two goals in three games to start the season, and the Wanderers have a favourable fixture against Newcastle Jets to kick off the weekend in which their spearhead will look to add a third to his tally.
Beka Dartsmelia – Newcastle Jets
- Ownership: 5%
- Price: $209,000
- Total points: 25
In the absence of fellow Georgian Beka Mikeltadze in Round 3, Beka Dartsmelia put Newcastle’s creative burden on his shoulders, playing an integral role in his side’s 3-1 win over Macarthur FC.
Dartsmelia scored Goal of the Week in Round 3, adding an assist to a sublime display to earn the top fantasy score of the weekend (21). The Georgian comes into Round 4 high on confidence and low ownership (just 4%).
Craig Noone – Macarthur FC
- Ownership: 2%
- Price: $455,300
- Total points: 17
Craig Noone took a $64k price hit in the same week he made his first start of the season and featured in our fantasy team of the week, finishing with 16 points in a 1-1 draw with Western.
A player’s price is dependant on their form over their most recent three games. Noone played just 44 minutes across two bench cameos in Rounds 1 and 2, leading to the price fall despite his brilliance in Round 3.
Noone created six chances in Round 3, and looked back to his dangerous best. With Ulises Davila out, Noone is playing centrally in his absence. A worthwhile consideration as one of your premium selections for Round 4.
