[m8rix]

I aim to have the best team possibly by finals time (rd 19).
Trade focus is mainly on big guns (SC $450+) (DT $350+) and good performing rookies/drafts.

When a player is injured I will consider the following;
a) Has the player been a good performer?
b) Do I have a bench player that can step up with an average score of 40+?
c) Is the injury is for less than 3-4 weeks?
d) Who in my league am I playing this week?
e) It there a better trade available this week?

So the impact of an injury I hope to minimize to a 30-70pt dint in my weekly score but no more than 300-400pt to my yearly score.

This all changes after round 16 when you have to consider finals. I try to keep at least 6 trades left by round 16

The value I get out of a good trade is worth far more than trading for an injury. Could be worth a few thousand to my yearly score so trades are very well thought out and never rushed, always make them on a Friday (or last possible day)

Rookies that increase in value are great one of three reasons.
1) They are performing well enough to promote them to your field
2) They will make you cash when trading for new third gamers
3) They cost less to upgrade to gun players

You hope to get 2-4 that fit into first category (e.g. Palmer, Rioli)
More than 11 first year players or more then 3 in any position IMO is too many, you must keep it balanced.

Anyway, I think I am writing too much now so I will try and dot point the rest.
* Don't trade out gun players just because they have dropped a lot of $$$ they were that price for a reason and your opponents are probably trading that same player into their side because he is a bargain.
* After Rd 10 trade in less first year players (I look to have one bench player in each position who is low cost, low average, but plays every game so in an emergency at least I score something..
* Trade selection criteria, yes I have one, but i am sick of typing. and maybe I've given away too many secrets.

So the answer is YES! It is all about strategy!