Catch up with the latest Official A-Leagues Fantasy talking points from the weekend, brought to you by Liberty.
Another weekend of Official A-Leagues Fantasy action is in the books, and several high-scorers caught the eye, creating the big talking points at the end of Round 14 in both the Liberty A-League and Isuzu UTE A-League.
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Alex Rufer: Wellington’s unlikely goalscorer and fantasy weapon
Hats off to the 3% of managers with Wellington Phoenix midfielder Alex Rufer in their fantasy squads.
The ‘Nix captain is enjoying an unprecedented run of goalscoring form that not even the boldest optimists could have predicted.
Rufer had scored two goals in his first 132 Isuzu UTE A-League appearances. In fact, it took him 107 games to bag his very first league goal; he’s since taken that tally to five, scoring in each of his last three appearances for Wellington in one the unlikeliest of scoring streaks in competition history.
In the process, Rufer has become somewhat of a fantasy phenomenon. His three-game scoring average of 16.0 points is well up on his season average of 9.1, with only Ulises Dávila, Hiroshi Ibusuki and Joe Lolley recording higher averages across the last three rounds.
But if you’re considering bringing Rufer into your squad this week, proceed with caution. Two of his three goals along this surprise stretch have come from the penalty spot, and Rufer is no guarantee to remain on penalty duty with the return of star striker Oskar Zawada from injury.
Wanderers midfielder’s form can no longer be ignored after incredible nine-game run
Early in the season, the headlines belonged to Western Sydney Wanderers striker Sophie Harding. But in recent weeks, it’s been Holly Caspers in the red & black spotlight.
Caspers is relishing a sensational run of form, having scored in three consecutive games following a six-game run in which she produced five assists.
In fact, Caspers has only failed to score or assist in one of her last nine appearances for the Wanderers in the Liberty A-League.
Caspers’ fantasy value has skyrocketed as a result of her purple patch. Her 18.0 three-point average is the best in the league – but incredibly, the midfielder is in just 1.9% of fantasy teams heading into Round 15.
Caspers could be your ticket to differential points heading into the backend of the season.
Latest Antonis wonderstrike sees City midfielder lead Team of the Week
Another week, another Terry Antonis wonder strike!
Melbourne City defeated Adelaide United 1-0 in Thursday night’s Round 14 opener, and it was Antonis’ long-range bomb that settled the slender victory in favour of the reigning Premiers.
As a result, Antonis bagged 22 fantasy points – an equal-best for the weekend.
Joining Antonis on 22 points for Round 14 was Sydney FC defender Jordan Courtney-Perkins, who bagged his very first goal for the Sky Blues in a 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory.
Zinedine Machach scored the equaliser for Victory in Friday night’s Big Blue and joins Courtney-Perkins in the Team of the Week as a result.
In-form Mariners full-back Jacob Farrell put 20 fantasy points on the board in yet another classy performance from the young defender.
Phoenix dominate Team of the Week as two Matildas make their mark
A 2-0 win over Canberra United delivered Wellington a much-needed three points in the Liberty A-League – and as a result, a quartet of Phoenix stars made their way into the Round 14 Team of the Week.
Kate Taylor and Zoe McMeeken made the XI classified as defenders with their respective 15-point hauls, while Isabel Cox and Mariana Speckmaier (15 and 27 points respectively) earned places in the front three.
Speckmaier scored a brace in the victory over Canberra – as did Western United striker Hannah Keane in a 3-1 win over Melbourne City.
Matildas midfielder Chloe Logarzo was heavily involved in both of Keane’s goals, and earned 15 fantasy points to sit in a five-player Team of the Week midfield.
Logarzo was joined by fellow Matildas star Tameka Yallop, who bagged 25 points in Brisbane’s 3-1 win over Western Sydney.
