Fantasy Football Guide: R7 Trade Targets, Draft Tips, and Buy/Sell Recommendations

The AFL Fantasy landscape is heating up as Round 7 approaches, with key players emerging as both opportunities and risks for fantasy coaches looking to optimize their squads. With several premium performers delivering consistent high scores and others showing signs of regression, the trade market is poised for significant movement.

Zach Merrett of Essendon continues to be a standout performer, maintaining his elite form with another strong showing. After recording 34 disposals, nine marks, eight tackles and a goal against Gold Coast, Merrett has lifted his season average to 111, including a remarkable 127 over his last three games. His consistent production comes at a relatively affordable price point of $1,078,000 with a break-even of just 70, making him one of the most valuable midfielders in the competition.

Bailey Smith has established himself as the clear leader in AFL Fantasy scoring, with Geelong’s ball-magnet averaging 137 over his last five games. His most recent performance against his former side yielded 33 disposals, eight marks, seven tackles and a goal for a massive 145 points. Smith’s consistency and high ceiling have created a significant gap between him and the rest of the field, positioning him as a premium asset despite his $1,220,000 price tag.

In the forward line, Jeremy Cameron delivered a season-best performance that has fantasy coaches taking notice. The Geelong star exploded for 141 points against Melbourne, kicking 10 goals while adding 18 disposals and 10 marks. This output has lowered his break-even to 63, representing excellent value for a forward capable of producing match-winning scores on a regular basis.

Harry Sheezel and Ed Richards have also featured prominently in recent fantasy discussions. Sheezel, priced at $1,145,000 as a midfielder/forward, contributed 136 points in his team’s match against Richmond, while Richards managed 133 points despite his side suffering a heavy defeat, demonstrating his ability to perform independently of team results.

As Round 7 nears, fantasy coaches are being advised to assess their current holdings carefully. The concept of identifying “cash cows” – players who have exceeded expectations and generated significant value – has become central to trade strategy. These elevated performers present opportunities to sell high and reinvest in under-priced premiums who may be poised for a breakout.

The AFL Fantasy podcast featuring Calvin, Roy and Warnie has been examining these dynamics in detail, discussing which players represent the best trade targets ahead of Round 7. Their analysis focuses on distinguishing between genuine breakouts and temporary spikes in form, helping fantasy coaches make informed decisions about when to hold, trade or upgrade their squads.

With upgrade season beginning for many fantasy squads that avoided injuries in recent rounds, the coming days are expected to see increased trading activity. Coaches who have accumulated surplus cash through strong performances from their current holdings will look to target premium players who may be available at a discount due to recent underperformance or unfavorable matchups.

The AFL Fantasy platform continues to provide resources for coaches preparing for each round, including trade targets, draft tips and strategy guides. As the season progresses, the ability to identify value and make timely trades will become increasingly important for those aiming to climb the rankings and compete for prizes.