Just because the big dogs were putting on a show to raise funds in the State of Origin for Bushfire Relief game (and what an awesome spectacle it was), it doesn't mean there wasn't plenty of Fantasy-relevant information to dissect from the four Marsh Community Series games that were played.

Here are three key findings from each game to help you select your Classic and Draft teams.

Fremantle v Carlton

1: Andrew Brayshaw (MID/FWD, $516,000) has been a popular pre-season candidate for a third-year breakout. Well, his performance against the Blues has done nothing to deter perspective owners after an impressive game as one of the main men in the midfield. The former No.2 pick demonstrated his tackling prowess with an impressive seven, while also adding 19 touches and four marks for a score of 90 from just 60 per cent TOG. Of course, Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters need to come back in but given he can be selected as a forward, I expect his ownership to rise from the current 20 per cent. Another one to watch was Adam Cerra (DEF, $451,000) who also did enough to remain on the watchlist after receiving plenty of midfield time and scoring 83.

2: Sam Docherty (DEF, $563,000) overcame an understandably slow start in his long-awaited return to look more and more like the Doc of old as every quarter progressed. At this price he justified his heavy ownership after an impressive second half which consisted of 53 of his 79 points from 80 per cent TOG. Do not hesitate to lock in the legend.

3: Blake Acres (MID/FWD, $501,000) is yet another mid-priced player with forward eligibility who has his hat well and truly entrenched in the selection ring. He made an outstanding debut for the Dockers, playing in his well-publicised role on the vacant wing position for 104 points from an impressive 31 possessions. He has low ownership at three per cent and is priced at just 68.

West Coast v Essendon

 1: It was great to see Jarrod Brander (DEF/FWD, $217,000) starting on a wing for West Coast as his scoring prospects in that position are far better than what we have seen from him in the past as a forward or defender. Although he was praised for his structural positioning, his 45 points from 75 per cent time on ground (TOG) will unlikely be enough to break into an almost full-strength Eagles team in round one. 

2: Bailey Williams (DEF/RUC, $170,000) has thrown his hat in the ring as ruck emergency. Although he didn't set the world on fire, he may well be in the mix for a game after scoring 59 from 70 per cent TOG. His versatility may help him leapfrog Nathan Vardy after moving into the back-up ruck role halfway through the second quarter to finish with 12 possessions, five hitouts and a goal. Nic Naitanui (RUC, $471,000) looked his dominant, powerful self and his points per minute picked up where he left off last year with 64 from 51 per cent TOG. The concern remains the same here that the Eagles will manage him through the season by giving him plenty of rest on game day. If, however, his game time looks like increasing, jump on!

3: Zach Merrett (MID, $803,000) appears to be a perfect unique selection at the moment with only four per cent ownership following question marks over his pre-season. In fact, he looked pretty sharp with some impressive bursts of speed to beat opponents to the ball. He went on to score 68 which won't attract many more coaches, however it was from just 65 per cent TOG. His partner-in-crime Devon Smith (FWD/MID, $720,000) overcame a slow start playing predominantly forward before moving into the midfield in the second half to eventually finish with 20 possessions, six tackles and 84.

Greater Western Sydney v Sydney

1: Sam Jacobs (RUC, $514,000) did enough to consolidate his position as R2 for 19 per cent of coaches. He looked re-energised and enthusiastic in his new colours … until he copped a knee in the head at the start of the third quarter. In a different look to when Shane Mumford rucked last year, Sauce positioned himself in threatening positions around the ground as a target or interceptor, eventually going on to score 62 from 70 per cent TOG. If you are someone who doesn't mind spending up on your bench, Sam Naismith (RUC, $284,000) will serve as a nice cash cow and safety net after returning from a long layoff to score 67 from 55 per cent TOG.

2: With the unfortunate injury to young star Tim Taranto, highly touted rookie Tom Green (MID, $252,000) put his hand up as an early-season replacement with an impressive hitout, scoring 76 from 71 per cent game time. Another potential replacement who did his chances no harm was Jackson Hately (MID, $456,000), who used the ball well all day on his way to a respectable 85.

3: Pre-season buzz name Jordan Dawson (DEF/FWD, $614,000) lived up to the hype in a tough game where he was lacking much support. He played across half-back and collected 19 possessions, five marks and seven tackles for a team-high 97 from 91 per cent TOG which was impressive given how badly the Swans were beaten. The only concern is the impact Callum Mills and Jake Lloyd will have down back upon their return.

Richmond v Collingwood

1: Taylor Adams (MID, $706,000) is once again well under-priced considering his career-high average of 115 from 22 games in 2017. He did his selection chances no harm with 99 from 75 per cent TOG but his stock also rose late in the fourth quarter with an unfortunate hamstring injury to Adam Treloar (MID, $839,000), who will likely have a delayed start to the year after dominating with 34 disposals and 103.

2: Defender Jack Crisp (DEF, $725,000) had a very impressive outing for the undermanned Pies with a whopping 124, which included 12 marks and all this from just 63 per cent TOG. He is often a forgotten man despite his ability to score with the best defenders and that is reflected by his nine per cent ownership. Do not hesitate to select him early in Draft to anchor your backline.

3: In a game with a few popular cash cows on display, it was Darcy Cameron (RUC/FWD, $170,000) who impressed the most with an impressive 107 from 75 per cent TOG. Obviously, it will be tough to find a spot with Brodie Grundy and Mason Cox in the same side but it was still enough to be considered for the ruck bench role. For the Tigers, Marlion Pickett (MID, $170,000) started the game well but faded late while scoring 44 from 79 per cent TOG. Regardless of the low return, that bloke was in the mix for the Norm Smith on debut, so don't let this turn you off.