For most of us, winning a fantasy footy competition seems as unlikely as winning Tattslotto.
But for BigFooty user and forum regular ‘DatBird187’, the dream of winning a fantasy competition was realised after he won the 2016 Real Dream Team competition, while also finishing a very impressive 6th in AFL Fantasy.
For those hoping to join him as a fantasy footy champion, we asked the champ some quick questions in the vain hope it would improve our fortunes in 2017.
1. How have you fared previously in fantasy footy?
I ranked 2904 last year in AFL Fantasy and 1433 in RDT, but I may have pushed top 1000 back in the day with the old format.
2. Did you have an overall strategy? Did it differ to what you had done previously?
In Real Dream Team it was be aggressive early. Making up ranking places at the end of the year is impossible, especially with teams all looking the same. Fix your duds quickly, don’t carry them. I was 6th in RDT by round five and stayed there or above from then on. Was number one for the last six rounds.
3. Who were your star selections for the year?
Trading out Wingard before the round three price rises/drops and bringing in Zac Merrett. Max Gawn was in from the beginning. Patty D and the pig that is Tom Rockliff.
4. Did you have a bold trade that you made that paid off?
My mega trade of Brett Deledio and Aaron Hall to Nick Riewoldt and Buddy Franklin in round 18 won me the dosh. Most people held them for a week or even four.
5. What will you be looking to do in 2017 to maintain your success?
Don’t be shy with the trading early. You can’t chase down 1st from 1500th in week 19.
Don’t forget you can discuss fantasy footy all day, every day in our dedicated forum boards.
