Dive into the multifaceted world of fantasy football where Jack Sinclair emerges as a key figure for fantasy coaches, offering a blend of top-tier defence and strategic advantage for the early part of the season. Uncover the intricacies of backline structuring and how Sinclair’s role, especially at Marvel Stadium post-bye, could be pivotal in balancing your team against other premium defenders like Nick Daicos.
WHY IS HE RELEVANT?
Jack Sinclair stands out as a pivotal figure in the St Kilda lineup, known for his versatility and exceptional skills on the field. His importance to the team is underscored by his ability to adapt to various roles, effectively playing as a midfielder, a wingman, or even in the half-back line. Sinclair’s greatest strengths include his precise ball-handling, intelligent game sense, and impressive foot skills, which enable him to execute effective disposals and create scoring opportunities.
His agility and pace also make him a constant threat in offensive and defensive situations. Sinclair’s consistency and flexibility make him an invaluable asset to St Kilda, allowing the team to be more dynamic and adaptable in their strategies. His role often involves linking play between the midfield and forward lines, demonstrating his critical role in the team’s overall performance and strategy.
Jack’s performance in the AFL is highlighted by some impressive statistics, which are crucial in understanding his impact on the field for St Kilda. He ranked 2nd per game for kicks, showcasing his primary role in ball distribution and his proficiency in moving the ball effectively. This statistic is significant as it reflects his involvement in the team’s offensive plays and his reliability in executing disposals.
He also ranked 3rd for effective disposals, indicating not just the quantity of his ball use but the quality. This efficiency in disposals means that Sinclair is frequently involved in the play and ensures that his contributions positively impact the team’s ability to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities.
Sinclair’s 9th-place ranking for disposals per game further emphasizes his active involvement and ability to get the ball consistently. This high disposal rate is a testament to his ability to find space, read the game well, and be a go-to option for his teammates.
Lastly, being ranked 12th for metres gained is a significant indicator of his ability to drive the ball forward and make substantial ground for his team. This stat illustrates his role in advancing the team’s position on the field, setting up scoring chances and transitioning from defence to offence.
Jack Sinclair’s 2023 season in AFLFantasy and SuperCoach solidifies his top-tier fantasy football defender status. In AFLFantasy, he notched an impressive average of 102.2, with 14 scores over 100, including four above 120 and only two under 80. This stellar performance ranks him 3rd among defenders by average and first in total points. In SuperCoach, Sinclair’s average climbs to 106.6, consisting of 15 tons with six exceeding 120 and only four scores falling below 80, positioning him 3rd in total points and 5th in average among defenders.
This consistently high score is a testament to Sinclair’s significant role in St Kilda’s gameplay and his efficiency on the field. Notably, Sinclair’s scoring improved for the second consecutive year as the season progressed. In the 11 games leading up to the Saints’ bye, he averaged 96 in AFLFantasy and 100.2 in SuperCoach. However, his performance post-bye was even more remarkable. In the final 12 games of the season, Sinclair’s averages jumped to 107.9 in AFLFantasy and 112.5 in SuperCoach.
This upward trend in Sinclair’s scoring during the latter part of the season is crucial for fantasy coaches to consider. It reflects his ability to maintain and elevate his performance throughout the season and indicates his potential for even higher scores. His post-bye averages suggest that he is a player who can be relied upon to deliver consistent and high fantasy points, making him a valuable asset in any fantasy football team, especially in the crucial later stages of the season.
He had an even stronger AFLFantasy/DreamTeam season in 2022. He scored ten tons, including three scores above 120, 133, 140 & 146. On top of this, he had seven scores between 93 and 99 and dipped his coring under 80 just once. He ended the season with an average of 102.9 and was ranked second for all defenders in both total points and averages.
It was a near-perfect season in SuperCoach in 2022. His average of 113.7 had him the top defender for overall points and averages. He posted nineteen tons. That’s a triple-digit score from 86% of his games played. He went over 120 five times, including 133, 135, 140 & 150. He also dipped his score once under 80 (79) all season! If you include all player lines, he ranked seventh for total points and had the eighth-highest average.
Over multiple seasons, under various coaching regimes and strategic shifts, Jack Sinclair has consistently demonstrated that he is not just a reliable defender but a top-tier premium player in the defensive line. His ability to adapt and excel regardless of the changes in coaching or team strategy cements his status as a standout performer in the AFL.
Embed from Getty ImagesMY TAKE
Jack Sinclair’s 2023 season with St Kilda showcased his remarkable positional versatility, as he seamlessly transitioned between roles across half-back, wing, and centre bounce midfielder. This adaptability is highly valued in AFL, as it allows for greater tactical flexibility and the ability to respond to various game situations. However, such versatility can be a double-edged sword from a fantasy football perspective. While it demonstrates a player’s comprehensive skill set, the frequent changes in roles mid-game can lead to unpredictable scoring variance, which is less than ideal for fantasy managers seeking consistency in their lineup.
Despite the fluctuations in his role, an analysis of Sinclair’s performance reveals no immediate and consistent correlation between his Centre Bounce Attendances (CBAs), kick-ins, and significant fluctuations in his scoring. On one hand, this can be viewed positively, suggesting that Sinclair’s fantasy output remains robust regardless of the specific role he plays in a match. It implies a level of scoring resilience and the ability to adapt his game to maintain fantasy relevance across various positions.
On the other hand, this lack of correlation can also be interpreted negatively. The absence of a clear pattern between his positional shifts and scoring means that fantasy coaches cannot reliably predict how changes in his on-field role will impact his fantasy points. This unpredictability can make strategic planning more challenging, as managers might struggle to anticipate how Sinclair’s shifts in position from game to game will affect his overall fantasy performance.
The variability in Jack Sinclair’s roles and the impact on his fantasy scoring can be illustrated by analyzing specific games and their corresponding statistics.
In Round 15 against the Brisbane Lions, Sinclair was heavily involved in the centre of the action, participating in 68% of Centre Bounce Attendances (CBAs) but had no role in kick-ins. Despite this, he scored over 130 across both major fantasy formats. This performance showcases his ability to score highly in a predominantly midfield role, emphasizing his effectiveness in contested situations and ball distribution.
Contrastingly, in Round 18 against Gold Coast, Sinclair’s involvement in CBAs dropped to 45%, and he took 2 kick-ins. Despite the reduced midfield presence and the added responsibility of kick-ins, he still managed to score a ton across the formats. This game highlights his adaptability and his capacity to contribute significantly to the team’s scoring, regardless of the slight shift in his on-field responsibilities.
Further illustrating this point, in Round 23 against Geelong, Sinclair had no CBAs and took 3 kick-ins. Despite a complete absence from centre bounce attendances and a different role focusing more on rebounding from defence, he again scored over 130 across the fantasy formats. This performance underscores his ability to excel in a defensive role, utilizing his kick-ins effectively and contributing to the play from the backline.
The nuances and potential changes in St Kilda’s playstyle, particularly in the midfield, could significantly impact Jack Sinclair’s role and fantasy football relevance. With the recruitment of Paddy Dow and the return of a fit Zak Jones, the dynamics of the Saints’ midfield are poised for a shift. Both Dow and Jones bring specific skills to the centre bounce, which could potentially see Sinclair being moved more consistently to a wing role.
Dow’s inclusion adds another dimension to the midfield mix, potentially allowing for more inside ball-winning capability, while Jones’s speed and versatility could see him taking up a more prominent role in the centre. These changes might lead to Sinclair being utilized more on the wing, where his ability to use the ball effectively and create play can be maximized. This shift, while leveraging Sinclair’s skills, might alter his involvement in direct centre bounce contests.
The Saints’ gameplay statistics from last year also play a crucial role in Sinclair’s fantasy prospects. St Kilda led the league in disposals and marks and was ranked number one for team points in AFL Fantasy. For Sinclair to maintain his premium status, it’s crucial for these team stat lines to hold. His high fantasy scoring is partly attributable to the team’s overall ball dominance and effective use of possessions, which facilitate scoring opportunities and high fantasy points for players like Sinclair.
Should St Kilda continue with a similar gameplay approach, maintaining high disposals and marks, it bodes well for Sinclair’s continued success in fantasy leagues, even if his role shifts more towards the wing. However, any significant changes in the team’s playstyle or strategy could impact these statistics and Sinclair’s scoring potential.
One significant factor that works in Jack Sinclair’s favour for fantasy football managers is his availability during the crucial early part of the season. Holding a Round 15 bye, Sinclair presents a distinct advantage as he is set to play continuously without any early absences in the first six weeks of the season. This aspect of his schedule is particularly beneficial for fantasy teams, as it ensures a consistent and reliable scoring option through the front half of the season.
During the early rounds, fantasy coaches often face challenges with player rotations and byes, disrupting team structure and scoring consistency. Sinclair’s uninterrupted presence during these rounds offers stability and a steady flow of points, making him a valuable asset in navigating through this period. His ability to consistently perform and contribute high scores becomes even more crucial during these weeks, where every point can significantly impact overall team performance.
When structuring your backline in fantasy football, it’s crucial to be cautious about becoming too heavily invested in players who share the same Round 15 bye. This is particularly pertinent when considering top-tier defenders like Nick Daicos, Jayden Short, Jack Sinclair, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, and James Sicily, all of whom are off in the same week. Having multiple key defenders from this group can create a significant gap in your lineup during Round 15, potentially impacting your overall scoring and team balance.
Jack Sinclair’s scoring prowess, especially at Marvel Stadium, is a compelling reason to include him in your fantasy team. Historically, he has performed exceptionally well at this venue. While the Saints do have some promising games at Marvel Stadium early in the season, it’s post-bye when they play almost all of their matches there. This scheduling can be advantageous for Sinclair’s scoring potential, making him an even more attractive option as the season progresses.
Starting Jack Sinclair is a viable strategy and can be a smart play. However, the decision to include him often hinges on his own merits and the broader strategy regarding Nick Daicos, another top defender with an early bye and potential for early-season tags. Many fantasy coaches might lean towards starting Sinclair as a D1 alternative, particularly if they choose to fade Daicos due to his early bye and tagging concerns.
Therefore, starting Sinclair is intricately linked to your strategy around Daicos. Opting for Sinclair could be more about balancing your team’s structure in light of Daicos’ early bye and the associated risks. This decision-making process underscores the importance of considering the overall composition of your backline and the bye structure when selecting your starting defenders.
Embed from Getty ImagesDRAFT DECISION
Jack Sinclair firmly establishes himself as a D1 option in fantasy football drafts, sitting prominently in the mix for coaches seeking a top defender. While he may not be the very first defender taken, often a spot reserved for Nick Daicos, Sinclair’s consistent premium performance and adaptability under various coaching styles make him a highly sought-after choice right after the top pick. His proven track record and reliability on the field position him as a valuable asset for any fantasy team’s defensive lineup.
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