The heady points tallies from last week were always going to be difficult to match, but a number of players did their best. Steele Sidebottom (142) was instrumental in lifting Collingwood over a resolute Port Adelaide on Sunday evening. Collecting 31 disposals, eight marks and two goals, Sidebottom gathered pace as the game wore on, in contrast to teammate Dayne Beams (136), who shone early. An inside warrior, Beams fought hard early and sprinted to 84 Ultimate Footy points by half time. He couldn’t maintain that output for the whole game, but still managed 32 possessions, seven tackles and a goal.

The last player to go large in Round 19, Joel Selwood (137), was rarely challenged by North Melbourne and pretty much did as he pleased. 29 disposals at 86 per cent efficiency suggests Selwood found far too much space in which to work his magic. Add in twelve tackles, a goal and four tackles, and you have a very nice night out indeed.

wRong

What is it with the lower half of the eight this season? Too many teams have showed plenty of promise, only for their campaign to stall. Port Adelaide, Adelaide, North Melbourne and Essendon all lost on the weekend, making the fight for the finals cutthroat. While Fremantle, the Suns and Collingwood took home their points this week, none are secure in their spots.

For certain, key players in all teams are still scoring healthy fantasy totals, but to get the best value a player’s team needs to be dominant. Take Sydney v Essendon this round, for example; Sydney’s strong performance saw eight players score 90 points or more, compared to Essendon’s three.

The only teams with an unblemished run in the past five weeks are Geelong (we should expect no less as they hunt for a top-two spot) and Richmond (we should expect no less, now that the pressure of finals footy has dissipated for another year).

Ridiculous

I dare you to watch the replay of Lindsay Thomas’ toe-curling collision with Corey Enright and Steve Johnson, and not wince. I’m not sure what is more ridiculous, the courage all players showed while they focussed on the ball, or the fact that no one was hurt. All it would have taken was Thomas falling at a slightly different angle and it would have been stretcher time.

Regrettable

It’s a pity that a Tiger occupies the ‘regrettable’ tag two weeks running, but Reece Conca has earned the honour with aplomb. Had a complete and utter brain-meltdown against Greater Western Sydney on the weekend. Similarly to Vickery’s indiscretion last week, it was a retaliatory act that caused the problem. Conca struck following a wrestling contest against Devon Smith, where Conca’s jumper was pulled right above his head. It’s no excuse though and Conca should not have run after Smith to have a crack at the back of his head.

This is more than disappointing for Conca’s fantasy owners. There’s little point owning any fantasy player who is likely to get themselves suspended. Unless it’s Tom Rockliff, of course.

Article supplied by Footy Prophet (www.footyprophet.com) – football analysis and opinion with a fantasy focus. Be a part of the game