Trading on Reputation
The basic premise of ‘trading’ in economics is an exchange where both parties can receive mutual benefits from an exchange. The idea is that everyone can benefit trading from strength to cover weaknesses.
This concept is admirable. However in NRLCEO a lot more is to be gained by screwing the other party; by pilfering the talent they undervalue in return for your over-valued junk. The question is how to try and extract what you want without giving up talent you want to hold? Here are the Doctors tips to exploiting trades.
- Know your squad
This sounds simple, but is often overlooked. Before even considering any trade, go into the Coaches Box, head to the final round and name your ideal lineup. Bye weeks aren’t a problem in the finals and everyone should be back on deck from injury (if they won’t be, why have you still got them?). Anyone not in your best squad of 17 is expendable.
- Look at the ladder position of opponents
Face it; the guys at the top aren’t looking to give up their stars for your fringe guys. Trading is like the jungle; look to the weakened teams with the gimpy leg, battling to make the playoffs. Coaches who can’t afford to lose may be forced into accepting a couple of starters during bye rounds in exchange for better talent. Prey on them.
- Know others needs
There is no point in just throwing a trade offer together without considering your potential trade partner. You need to give them a reason to say ‘yes’. Look to their weaknesses and how you can help address them.
- Look at history
It is human nature to look to the past to address the future. In private leagues, it is good strategy to offer someone players they may have had success with the year prior. In public leagues, try and offer an opponent players who have had strong performances against them. If your opponent was on the wrong end of Peter Hiku’s four try effort, you better believe he is going to think long and hard about accepting your offer
- Use fantasy reputation
A good reputation doesn’t get you any points. Corey Parker is considered a fantasy god, but he is still only averaging 4 points per game. Andrew Fifita is another: in 2014 he has one line break to go along with his workhorses. Conversely Ben Creagh has a bad reputation in fantasy, but is still averaging just as many points. Adam Blair also has a pretty crappy reputation, but hasn’t missed a workhorse in 7 games. Liam Fulton’s extended absence should only aid him moving forward. You mightn’t find many coaches who consider Parker and Creagh equals but at the end of the year if the points are the same, who cares? You can try and trade ‘reputation’ players for adequate replacements and upgrades at other positions to boot.
- Look at injuries
Sometimes you can be holding a player who if performing well due to someone elses injury. Jamie Buhrer has played a greater role due to Glenn Stewart being out but is likely to see his minutes reduced on Gifty’s return. Ethan Lowe has performed admirably since getting a crack three weeks ago, but will struggle to maintain a first grade spot once Tariq Sims and Gavin Cooper return to partner Taumalolo in the back row. These players will essentially lose all fantasy value when the regular starters return. Flipping them to an unsuspecting opponent at the right time can give you scoring potential for the rest of the season.
Using these strategies, hopefully you will be able to position your squad for the playoffs. You can always try and orchestrate a ‘mutually beneficial’ trade, but lets face it; who wants to give up something good? This is fantasy football and giving up as little as you can for as much as you can is the aim of the trading game.
If you’d like to tell me why I’m right or wrong or just have another trade question, hit me up in the comments or on Twitter @aussiepiston
Ryan
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