ADELAIDE
Beneficiary: With the unfortunate injuries to Brodie Smith (concussion) and Matthew Jaensch (ACL), Rory Laird will become the designated rebounding defender off half back. Expect him to thrive after consecutive 99s in the past fortnight.

BRISBANE
Stock rising: Both Brisbane and fantasy fans will rejoice as favourite Tom Rockliff has returned. Although his scoring hasn't been what we know and love, nine tackles shows he's on the way back.

CARLTON
Defiant: With the club and coach under extreme scrutiny, expect to see Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs return to their best in the coming weeks. 101 and 92 are acceptable scores, although we know they are capable of more.

COLLINGWOOD
Junk time: If West Coast were able to run rampant in the midfield against Gold Coast, then expect Pendlebury, Adams, Crisp and Swan to do the same and improve from their round seven efforts.

ESSENDON
Forward thinking: If Jobe Watson spends extended minutes up forward on a regular basis, his scores may very well drop, significantly. Although he may kick more goals, he wouldn't be in the frame to collect forward status.

FREMANTLE
Treasure to trash: The emergence of Lachie Neale, although impressive in its own right, has weakened one of fantasy's elite. Michael Barlow's production rate, an average of 89.43, is the second worst of his career.

GEELONG
Passing the baton: With Mitch Duncan missing up to three months with a broken foot, the opportunity may arise for Cam Guthrie to unleash his fantasy potential. Against Carlton, Geelong may not tag anyone allowing him to play a natural brand of football.

GOLD COAST
Amnesty: Mitch Hallahan will be counting his lucky stars after he was omitted, only to earn a reprieve as a late inclusion. With 28 disposals, 11 tackles and 107 points, his spot in the side isn't in jeopardy anytime soon.

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Butterfly effect: If Ryan Griffen were to miss the Adelaide clash due to his twisted knee, it is likely Dylan Shiel or Adam Treloar will received close attention from the Crows and allow Toby Greene to return to the midfield.

HAWTHORN
Keeper watch: Jordan Lewis is set to return this week, yet second-year player Billy Hartung is unlikely to budge at the selection table. The young Hawk picked up 26 touches at an impressive 100 per cent efficiency for 91 fantasy points.

MELBOURNE
Changing tides: It's hard to imagine Tom McDonald not continuing his form against the Western Bulldogs this week. Following scores of 85, 116 and 87 in his past three matches, it ought to see him in contention for All-Australian.

NORTH MELBOURNE
Stepping up: Last year in Andrew Swallow's absence, Ben Cunnington was the one who stepped up. With the skipper again set to miss with a thumb injury, Cunnington could again go beyond expectations despite his patchy form this season.

PORT ADELAIDE
Final stretch: Despite an inconsistent campaign, it wouldn't be foolish to suggest Kane Cornes will go big in his 300th and final game.

RICHMOND
Raise the bat: If Richmond are able to challenge Port Adelaide this weekend, then we can expect their fantasy scores to impress as well. Against Collingwood, the Tigers had eight players score more than 100 points.

ST KILDA
Track record: Sean Dempster and Sam Fisher may not be the youngest of a rejuvenated St Kilda list, yet the veterans continue as worthwhile fantasy options. Pick them up as a free agent and lock in 70 points each week at a minimum.

SYDNEY
Fool's gold: With Nick Malceski gone, many, including John Longmire touted Dane Rampe as the replacement as the side's primary running defender. However, Rampe has shown little to suggest that and has only eclipsed the 70 mark twice.

WEST COAST
Revelation: In 2014, we had Jackson Macrae. This season, we have Elliot Yeo. Since a move to the midfield in round four, Yeo has averaged 102 points per game.

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Bamboozled: When Koby Stevens and Marcus Bontempelli are given the orders to compete against the tallest ruckman in the league, then perhaps it's time for Will Minson to return to the line-up.

Article supplied by Footy Prophet – football analysis with a fantasy focus. Footy Prophet is fantasy football.