Today we’re continuing our 50 Most Relevant series with Sam Draper at number 49, a player who could be on the verge of a breakout season with the Brisbane Lions. Draper presents both opportunity and risk for AFLFantasy & SuperCoach players in 2026.

Sam Draper is now a key figure in the Brisbane Lions’ 2026 lineup, and importantly for us, he’s got ruck/forward eligibility that adds significant value for fantasy coaches. That dual position status creates flexibility that few players at his price point can offer.

Last season, Draper achieved a career best average of 91.6 in SuperCoach. That’s a serious number for a player priced at $396,600 in SuperCoach and $731,000 in AFL Fantasy. The catch? He only played five games last year before injury ended his season.

Those five games tell an interesting story though. His stats showed genuine improvement across the board. Handballs rose from an average of 2.5 to 6.2. Goals increased from 0.7 to 1.4. Tackles nearly tripled. These improvements contributed to his average score of 82 in AFL Fantasy and 91 in SuperCoach.

That’s not just noise. That’s a player who figured something out before injury struck.

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Here’s the elephant in the room. Draper’s injury history raises genuine concerns. He’s only played 15 games twice in his career. If Draper can maintain fitness and avoid further injuries, he stands to be a valuable asset in any fantasy lineup. But that’s a big if. His body has let him down before, and there’s no guarantee it won’t happen again.

The optimistic view is that his move to Brisbane gives him a fresh start. New club, new medical staff, new training methods. Sometimes a change of environment is exactly what a player needs to stay healthy. The realistic view is that you need to monitor his preseason closely. If there’s any whisper of injury concerns or limited training loads, you adjust your strategy accordingly.

The integration of Draper into the Brisbane Lions’ structure is fascinating. The team has undergone significant changes, including the addition of Oscar Allen, which raises questions about how the ruck and forward lines will be managed.

I think Draper could take on a primary ruck role, especially with Joe Daniher or Oscar McInerney no longer at the club. Brisbane needs someone to step up, and Draper has the talent to be that guy.

The question is whether the coaching staff eases him into the season. They might split ruck duties with Darcy Fort early to manage Draper’s workload and ensure his health. That would hurt his fantasy scoring in the short term but could pay dividends if it keeps him on the park all season.

Watch the preseason closely. If Draper is dominating practice matches and taking the majority of ruck contests, that’s a great sign. If Fort is getting equal time, you might want to wait and see how the role shakes out.

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New ruck rules have been introduced for 2026, and they create an interesting dynamic for players like Draper. Some see these changes as a disadvantage for athletic rucks, but I’d argue the opposite.

Draper’s agility and athleticism could actually benefit from the new regulations. He’s not a traditional bash and crash ruckman. He’s mobile, he can run, and he’s got the tank to cover the ground. If the new rules reward that style of play, Draper could be a genuine beneficiary.

The key is how he adapts. If he can use his mobility to get to more contests and create scoring opportunities around the ground, his fantasy scoring could jump significantly.

Given his performance trajectory and potential role at Brisbane, Draper presents value for fantasy coaches willing to take on some risk.

In SuperCoach at $396,600, he’s priced well below that 91 average he posted last year. If he can stay healthy and maintain that scoring, you’re getting 10 plus points of value per game. Over a full season, that’s massive. In AFL Fantasy at $731,000, the case is trickier. You need him to push towards 85 to 90 average to justify that price. I think he can do it, but it requires faith in his body holding up and Brisbane giving him the role.

The ruck/forward eligibility is the trump card here. You can start him in your ruck line, knowing you’ve got the flexibility to move him forward if needed. Or you start him as a forward and have ruck cover if your primary ruck goes down. That versatility is rare and incredibly valuable.

Draper’s preseason readiness is critical. You need to see him completing full training sessions, dominating practice matches, and showing no signs of his previous injuries lingering.

Pay attention to how Brisbane structures their ruck division. Are they committing to Draper as the number one? Or are they sharing the load with Fort? The answer shapes his fantasy relevance dramatically.

Sam Draper represents both an opportunity and a risk for fantasy coaches in 2026. His impressive performance stats from last year, combined with his potential role at the Brisbane Lions, make him a player worth considering.

But concerns about his durability and how Brisbane manages their ruck rotation cannot be overlooked. This isn’t a safe pick. It’s a calculated gamble on talent and opportunity.