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Fantasy 304 – NRL Fantasy Draft
Sadly draft is like the red headed Tasmanian cousin. You know what they say about red heads don’t
you? Well the same is true when it comes to the draft process, it is fun. If you were to introduce
someone to Fantasy, this is the ideal introduction process. Ironically it’s this same format that
America goes crazy for when they play NFL Fantasy, yet hardcore NRL fans aren’t that in to it.
How does it work?
You pick a day to draft (the term draft is an Americanism, but it is a fancy way to say pick your team).
You and your fellow coaches then pick players in sequence until your roster is full. No player can be
owned by two teams, making the competition intense.
The sole team ownership adds some other nice wrinkles to roster construction, such as trading with
other coaches.
You can decide how many rounds you want to play then have a finals series at the end. So
consistency is important to get you to the finals. If you’re not packing heat when turning up to the
finals, it will be like turning up with a knife when the other team has guns; it will hurt you. You will
be given an order to draft. Remember prices are irrelevant as each person can select a player once,
and once that player is selected NO other coach can select him.
A few key things to increase the enjoyment and success in this format of fantasy:
1. Get coaches that are committed and actually will check alter and trade each week, there is
nothing worse than having a couple of ghost or phantom teams. This tends to erode the
excitement of all involved. A way to avoid this is to have embarrassing challenges or trophies
for last placed teams.
2. Ensure all or most can be present for the draft, this is twofold, it will engage people and also
allows people to choose who they actually want (or to the best of your drafting ability)
3. Draft well! Look for players that average high, play lots of games and are not injury prone.
Also look for dual position players, as this helps when it comes to making a team in bye
rounds and for injury cover.
4. Look to fill problem positions early. For example, get a hooker early. There is a big drop off
between gun Hookers and Matt Srama
5. Only get Guns in the early rounds, don’t gamble on Luke Brooks to be a break out player.
So give it a go and remember to set your team each week.
If you want any convincing about how competitive and fun Draft Fantasy can be, check out the
popular US TV show, The League.
Written by JWarrior
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