Round one is just a few days away, so it’s time for me to reveal the SuperCoach side for the upcoming 2023 season. Enjoy it!
Defenders
James Sicily and Sam Docherty are the two premium defenders I am the most comfortable with. Elliot Yeo picks himself. Liam Jones, I struggled with it. I am uncomfortable having him at d4 and feel he is the most likely to burn a few trades early to fix if he fails. At least he is gaining popularity. Reuben Ginbey and Charlie Constable pick themselves if they get named.
Midfield
I decided to go a little thinner in the mids to fit in the big five forwards. I also think there are big questions around many of the top mids. The two that I don’t have questions about are Rory Laird and Clayton Oliver. Tom Green will take the next step in SC this year and end the season as an uber mid. Jacob Hopper is a clearance beast and should thrive in the Richmond setup.
The jungle drums have been beating loudly about Finn Callaghan for a while now. I usually hate starting players around the 250,000 range, but with 36 trades and boosts, it can be rectified easily enough this year. Finally, will Phillips start on the field I have more faith in him than a forward rookie in SuperCoach.
Rucks
Sean Darcy is SC proven to a point. He is the fittest I have ever seen him. Rowan Marshall picks himself.
Forward
I’m starting the fab five forwards. Josh Dunkley, Stephen Coniglio, Connor Rozee, Tim Taranto and the newest member to the five, Errol Gulden. It just feels right to start this year. Having Alwyn Davey Jnr on the mid-bench allows flexibility to swing them into the mids if required. Harry Sheezel rounds out the on-field forwards.
The Coaches Panel members make bold predictions for the upcoming season every pre-season. These predictions are made without knowing what other members are saying, and just like you, find out as they read this article. Check out the boys predictions for the forwards in 2023.
MJ: It’s very easy to say Josh Dunkley. We’ll have some amazing forwards this year, but Dunks is still head and shoulders above them all.
Jordox: Now at the Lions, Josh Dunkley is set to explode with less time sitting forward and more time beast-moding in the guts.
Jimmy: In a turn of events that will surprise absolutely nobody who has been tuning in here for awhile, I’ll nominate Tim Taranto.
The Midprice player that fires
Rids: Tom Powell. Kid can play. He is over his injuries and has had a full preseason. Watch him flourish under Clarkson.
MJ: I don’t often look at things with ‘Crows coloured glasses’, but I don’t see how Izak Rankine doesn’t average over 90 in SuperCoach this season.
Jordox: He’s a slam dunk pick in SC, but Nat Fyfe might just surprise a few in the other formats. He looks ready to officially start his career as a forward and he will have a great year doing it.
Jimmy: Suggest keeping an eye on Tom Sparrow this year, just quietly. Ben Hobbs, too.
The Midprice player that is a bust
Rids: Sam Flanders. Has a bit of hype around him. Kid can play. Just think he averages enough to make it worthwhile.
MJ: Jack Ziebell. There’s been some late preseason love come for the former North skipper. As the season goes on, the Kangaroos will give an even stronger responsibility to the kids. Ziebell might have some kick-in duties, but I can’t forecast him returning to the scoring trend and role of 2021.
Jordox: Whilst he hasn’t put a foot wrong in the preseason, I don’t think Tanner Bruhn walks into the Cats midfield and scores well straight away. He will get ample opportunities, but it might just be a year too early for the fantasy rewards.
Jimmy: That Lions midfield gets increasingly stacked every year, and I can’t see Zac Bailey getting the rotations needed to increase his average by any significant measure. I’d go so far to say that if you own him in a keeper league, look to sell high now.
Cash Cow you need to start with
Rids: Fergus Greene has looked good in the offseason. Presents and works hard up the ground from a flank. Will make solid coin!
MJ: I can’t believe the amount of coaches that are sleeping on Jye Menzie. He’s got one of the best job securities for all forward cows and has a nice early fixture.
Jordox: He’s expensive, but Harry Sheezel looks like being an on field cow that will take us to the byes.
Jimmy: Lachlan McAndrew looks to be a good chance for a handful of games this year and gives a handy ruck/forward link on your bench in the meantime. Worth a look
My Big Call Is…
Rids: Jade Gresham will play every game in 2023.
MJ: Bailey Smith to be the first of three new MID/FWD’s we get this season that will all average over 100.
Jordox: After years of promise, Wayne Milera will finally deliver on some of his potential as he returns to his best position, setting up the play from halfback. Watch him average 80+ across the formats this year.
Jimmy: This is the year that we see why Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was taken at #1.
The Coaches Panel members make bold predictions for the upcoming season every pre-season. These predictions are made without knowing what other members are saying, and just like you, find out as they read this article. Check out the boys predictions for the rucks in 2023.
MJ: For seasons it’s been something all fantasy coaches have known. A solo ruck role for Rowan Marshall means he’s a pure fantasy scorer. We’ve seen it for patches over the past few years, and last weekend we were reminded just how dominant he can be.
Jordox: It’s finally Rowan Marshall season! All signs point to RoMo exploding this season and it’s going to be great to watch.
Jimmy: We’re throwing darts at the best of times but especially in the rucks. Oh let’s say… Moe. Or Tim English. He seems about due.
The Midprice player that fires
Rids: None. They are smelly this year. He won’t fire but Lloyd Meek might have a honeymoon period at the Hawks. Mid pricer that busts All of them! They smell.
MJ: Do I have to pick one? Fine! Tristan Xerri. The Roos need to look forward to the future and Tristan is that for them in the rucks.
Jordox: I don’t think he “fires” as such, but Peter Ladhams will never get a better opportunity to become the number ruck at Sydney than he gets right now, with Hickey to miss most of the first half of the year. It’s now or never and I think he steps up.
Jimmy: Is this the year that TDK finally takes the step? Probably not, but he’s fun to watch, and Carlton should (“should”) be giving him the first opportunity every week.
The Midprice player that is a bust
Rids: See above! I hate mudprice rucks.
MJ: Braydon Preuss. He’ll score great, but get suspended eight times!
Jordox: Like most, I have been umming and uhhing over Scott Lycett all pre-season and ultimately, I think he will bring more headaches than good scores and cash generation. Don’t be surprised if Teakle taps him on the shoulder at some stage this year too.
Jimmy: You weren’t picking Lloyd Meek anyway, let’s be honest.
Cash Cow you need to start with
Rids: I would only touch Esava in SC. Start a ruck with DPP that wont play as the captain loophole option. People will need to do some homework who that is in relation to their side.
MJ: The injury to Tom Hickey has opened up a spot at R1 for the Swans. It won’t surprise me if Lachie McAndrew gets a few games to see what he can do. His RUC/FWD status will be hugely helpful, even if he doesn’t play.
Jordox: Esava Ratugolea isn’t basement price but his role and DPP eligibility make him a great R3 to start the year. Has spent most of his stop-start career as a forward but seems to have found himself a nice spot in the back 6 that should generate some good cash flow.
Jimmy: Any with DPP and/or named round one. Samson Ryan might tick both boxes, but don’t expect a score much above 40.
My Big Call Is…
Rids: Sam Draper cuts his mullet off before the end of the year.
MJ: The ‘set & forget’ ruck strategy truthers will be proven correct
Jordox: Reilly O’Brien is largely friendless in the fantasy world, and I really don’t know why. 2023 will be a career-best fantasy season for the big ROB dog. As the players at his feet improve, so will he.
Jimmy: Both Gawn and Grundy will increase their averages from last season.
The Coaches Panel members make bold predictions for the upcoming season every pre-season. These predictions are made without knowing what other members are saying, and just like you, find out as they read this article. Check out the boys predictions for the midfielders in 2023.
MJ: I don’t believe he’ll have the highest average, but the top scoring player for the season will be Clayton Oiver. He finds a way to score and score big all of the time. I think he and the Demons find a scary new level of excellence in 2023.
Jordox: Andrew Brayshaw will continue his ascension to fantasy greatness with another massive year. In RDT/AF, he has added 8 points to his average every year since 2020 (if you play the x 1.25 game) and I think he’ll do it again, up to the 120 mark.
Jimmy: He flew into the top handful last year and I suspect Callum Mills will increase yet another notch again this season.
MiniMonk: Andrew Brayshaw has all the tools to be the number one midfielder in AF/RDT this year and should push to be a top 8 in SC. He has full reign over the Dockers midfield and is able to get ball on the inside and the outside. 115+ is on the cards.
The Midprice player that fires
Rids: Jacob Hopper appears to have his body right. He is now at the right club to play full time inside mid. Ready to pop!
MJ: Let’s go a little left field, but I like what Matt Rowell has done this off-season. Yes, in the televised games, it’s been without Touk Miller. However, the impressive part has been that we’ve seen him work on and improve his uncontested possession all preseason. He’s more than just a good clearance winner and tackler; he is an excellent, well-rounded midfielder. Having his first complete AFL preseason will put him in good shape to ‘pop’ this year.
Jordox: James Worpel doesn’t need to do a heap to be a great pick as his price is much lower than most of the other common midpricers. He will have all the opportunities to become a prime mover in that young midfield and I think he’ll take them.
Jimmy: Third time lucky for Will Setterfield? The role looks to be there and he’s shown glimpses before – talent has never been the question. Think he’s finally landed where he belongs.
MiniMonk: Finn Callaghan is at such a cheap price that he basically cannot fail. Yes, he might not be getting into their midfield mix, but his wing role will be primed for him and he showed that he can find the space to accumulate the ball.
The Midprice player that is a bust
Rids: Dom Sheed. Has been very popular. I just don’t like the Eagles mid-mix at all. They look like they will be poor again too this year. At some stage they will need to get games into the kids.
MJ: James Worpel. He boasts amazing intensity and effort, but his decision-making with the ball is disastrous. Eventually, players like that get overtaken in rebuilding sides. A good sign for the Hawks would be the ‘need’ to play Worpedo as a centre bounce mid in their best 22.
Jordox: Finn Callaghan has turned some heads this pre-season, but I don’t think this is the year he breaks out in the fantasy world. He’ll have some great games but is too awkwardly priced and I don’t think his cash generation will be consistent enough to be a good pick.
Jimmy: Dare I say it – Dom Sheed. I just can’t see the planets aligning on this one in 2023.
MiniMonk: Jai Culley has a surprising amount of ownership who is on the fringe when the Eagles are fit. Steer clear in my opinion.
Cash Cow you need to start with
Rids: Will Ashcroft. The end.
MJ: I’m going to assume at least one of my fellow panellists is going to mention a specific Lion. So I’ll take the next most impressive midfielder in Cam Mackenzie. The young hawk was exceptional last weekend. Surely an absolute lock for round one.
Jordox: Don’t get cute, pick Will Ashcroft and enjoy the ride.
Jimmy: The simple answer here is Ashcroft, of course. But if (when) Oliver Hollands is named, I’m all in there too.
MiniMonk: Will Ashcroft is the most selected player in the game. Don’t overthink it, just pick him.
My Big Call Is…
Rids: GWS will have 3 players to average 100+ in their midfield. Cogs, Green and Kelly.
MJ: Tom Mitchell will fail to average over 100 across any format.
Jordox: Lachie Whitfield will be the Giants’ highest scoring fantasy player in 2023, and we will all be scurrying to get him into our backlines after round 6.
Jimmy: Jaeger O’Meara averages over 100 this year at Fremantle, and Will Brodie does not.
MiniMonk: The Bulldogs will also have at least 3 players who average 100+ in their midfield, and none of them will get DPP!
The Coaches Panel members make bold predictions for the upcoming season every pre-season. These predictions are made without knowing what other members are saying, and just like you, find out as they read this article. Check out the boys predictions for the defenders in 2023.
MJ: I find it hard to go past Sam Docherty. He has the complete fantasy game for a defender and has shown across formats over his career he’s got the capacity to score nearing 120 for a season. If these forecast midfield minutes hold, this could be his ticket to the #1 player in the game, not just the defensive line.
Jordox: Pretty hard to go past Sam Docherty. Has had a flawless pre-season and I see no reason for his scoring to drop this year.
Jimmy: Everyone is saying Sam Docherty and it’s hard to disagree. But if anyone else can do it, Angus Brayshaw has the ceiling to get that average above the line.
MiniMonk: It is hard to go past Sam Docherty, but if anyone could match him in 2023 it would have to be Tom Stewart. The Geelong gun has shown his ability to match his scoring over stretches and has a higher ceiling.
The Midprice player that fires
Rids: Geel promised Jack Bowes games and mid time to win his signature. If they stick to their word, then Bowes will fire!
MJ: Jake Bowey. The Demons love to have the ball in his hands. He’s a skilful user who is tough but has a blistering turn of pace. He’s shown glimpses last year of scoring, but I think he puts it together this year.
Jordox: Elliot Yeo looks fit and raring to go. Great price across the formats and it’s unlikely we’ll even have to upgrade him.
Jimmy: Ed Richards finished the 2022 season with a five-game average of 97. If he can find some consistency in keeping his lower games at a reasonable level, there’s value to be found here.
MiniMonk: Elliott Yeo is the most popular midpricer in the game for a reason. Role, fitness, and proven scoring is all there. Lock him in and throw away the key.
The Midprice player that is a bust
Rids: Hunter Clark really disappointed me on the weekend. He played in the midfield but didnt get near the ball at all. Might take time to find his fitness and touch back after a long layoff.
MJ: I hate to say it, but I’m just not sure that Hunter Clark will ever make it as a fantasy prospect. He seems to have the role, but he just can’t get the football volume needed to make it pop. I hope I’m wrong, but it’s time to move on from Hunter.
Jordox: Bust is a harsh word but I don’t think Will Day will score enough to justify his selection. Will certainly increase on last year with the extra midfield time, but not enough.
Jimmy: I’m a big fan of Jack Bowes as a player, but much less so on Scott as a fantasy-friendly coach. Bowes fits nicely as a throw-anywhere utility – dare I say it, with a vest – so it’s a case of buyer beware.
MiniMonk: There aren’t many popular midprice options down back but Christian Salem is one someone you should cross off. There are too many coaches who still own him and it’s tricky to know how many games he will play this year, let alone if he plays round 1.
Cash Cow you need to start with
Rids: Alex Cincotta. Knows the Blues system. Mature aged half back. Was chosen over Oleg Markov as a SPP in the preseason. Injury to Zac Williams. The stars have aligned for this guy to play games.
MJ: Charlie Constable. He’s ‘outside’ the range in AFLFantasy, but he’s safely in the range for DT & SC. That ‘quarterback’ role from the Suns defence is real. Don’t overcomplicate it; he’s one of the best options.
Jordox: Reuben Ginbey already looks like an AFL player and will make a heap of cash for us, playing between halfback and on the ball. Has DDP status too, making him extra handy.
Jimmy: It looks like Liam Stocker might have finally found a sense of purpose and clarity in his game. His name carries a stigma in certain circles but the kid might just go okay.
MiniMonk: When we are looking for any rookie that will play down back and there’s one who has a role where we can be confident they’ll score, we have to lock them in. Reuben Ginbey fits this bill. Don’t overthink it.
My Big Call Is…
Rids: Andrew McGrath will be an All Australian half-back in 2023.
MJ: Jordan Ridley will become a top five defender in SuperCoach for total points by the end of the 2023 season.
Jordox: If Jack Bowes is named round 1, he’ll play every game for the Cats this year. They didn’t just target him for the much discussed pick 7, they have been into him for a while and like what he can bring to their midfield mix.
Jimmy: Nick Daicos will get a rude awakening on the virtues and trials of being tagged every week, which will only help his game long-term but see his average dip this year compared to last. MiniMonk: Hayden Young will be a top 6 defender. I think this call will break me this preseason, but I still back this gun even after his preseason games. The role is there, the skills are there, all he has to do is put it all together.
All the talk in this match will be about one man, but the reality, there’s a plethora of takeaways that the fantasy community should be getting beyond Errol Gulden. From cows to premiums and everything in between, this match will be one of the most relevant from the weekend.
45 touches! What the actual. I empathise with those who’ve been bullish on Errol Gulden all preseason. They’ve endured weeks of comments from the community that he won’t get the midfield role or have a high enough ceiling. It might be preseason, but that can’t be said now. We’ve seen Errol as one of the midfield’s primary staples for multiple weeks.
In these match reviews, people often forget about the missing players; in this clash, there was no Callum Mills. So that doe need to factor in, but it’s important to note that in the match simulation last week, Mills did play, and Errol held a similar midfield role. The role looks real, and his preseason performances now elevate him into serious consideration for our starting squads.
I wrote about him earlier in the preseason during the 50 most relevant. You can read the article & listen to the podcast here.
Matt Roberts
I was impressed with Matt Roberts. He showed his high footy IQ, and he’s got all the signs he’s yet another strong insider midfielder. But he screams vest candidate to me; I couldn’t select him with any confidence.
Luke Parker
This is what Luke Parker is. Safe & reliable. Unless he picks up DPP again, he’s unlikely to feature in too many teams outside of draft and daily fantasy. But you have to respect how consistently good he has been over his career.
Lachlan McAndrew
The fantasy community watched with great interest to see how Lachie McAndrew would go. With no Tom Hickey early in the season, coaches hoped we could’ve landed a basement price RUC/FWD at R3. While he looked good out there, he only played 38% of the game. The positive for McAndrew truthers is that Peter Ladhams didn’t look great. The Swans coaching staff will have some decisions to make ahead of round one. However, he’s no lock to miss or get named round one.
Angus Sheldrick
The club has been bullish to talk up Angus Sheldrick a lot in the preseason, but the fact he only got minimal minutes and with a few of the best 22 absent it doesn’t bode well for him getting named round one. Even if named, he’s got a coloured vest hanging around his neck.
Chad Warner
If you have been bullish on Chad Warner all preseason, nothing in this match should have changed your mind. He still has the midfield role; he got through unscathed and cruised in second gear.
I wrote about him earlier in the preseason during the 50 most relevant. You can read the article & listen to the podcast here.
With all the talk from this match about Errol Gulden, people are sleeping on one of the biggest stories of the preseason. That being that, Sam Docherty will once again be a points-scoring force. He still picked up some centre bounces but was primarily back in the role he held last year across halfback. If you choose not to start him, you’ll be either paying up to land him or hoping for an injury to come his way. He’s showing no signs of slowing down and looks like a clear topline defensive premium.
I wrote about him earlier in the preseason during the 50 most relevant. You can read the article & listen to the podcast here.
George Hewett
Twelve months ago, the community was all aboard George Hewett as one of the best midprice defenders. He became a legit premium, and only an injury impacted him doing even better. Losing defensive status has impacted his standing in the fantasy community, but it hasn’t impacted his role and scoring potential that he has.
While I’m not advocating for him as a pick in ‘classic,’ he’s still a genuine premium to pick in drafts. Every season this happens, a player loses DPP, and the community loses interest in them. If you’re lucky enough to land him on draft day, chances are you’ve got him below his market rate.
Alex Cincotta
The signing of Alex Cincotta as an SSP looks like a masterful addition to Carlton. He has settled in well to the Blues back six. His speed, clearance work, defensive pressure and vertical leap were displayed. He looks to have found the speed and tempo of AFL, and I believe he’s done enough to have won a debut in round one.
All preseason we’ve known that Blakes Acres will hold down one of the wings for Carlton. He was recruited for a purpose. But who’d get the other? Oliver Hollands has the skills, speed and smarts for this role. His connection between the other midfielders and the forward line will improve as he gets opportunities. A handful of marks and almost 20 touches means he’s shown that he more than ‘belongs’ at the level.
I’ve got him right in the mix for a round-one debut. And with Carlton playing in round one, the fantasy community will jump on him if he gets a debut. However, the need to lock away a midfield bench spot and not ‘miss a cow’ will be more of a driver rather than how good he has looked.
Lachie Cowan
Lachie Cowan is battling with Alex Cincotta to get the spot left by the injury to Zac Williams. We saw flashes of Cowan’s speed and skill. Carlton fans and the fantasy community should be excited about his potential in time. Based on this match, you’d have to say Alex has pulled ahead and should get the opportunity against the Tigers. The Blues cannot play them both unless another injury hits.
For one last time in 2023, we get a ‘free look’ at our players before the commencement of round one. So we asked the panel to pick one player per side they’ve got on their watchlist and why they are heading into this weekend of games.
Rids: It is a real shame Wayne Milera is missing this game. Another week to get your eyes on Sam Berry and to see if he is hunting the ball and not just the man. If shows the potential to increase his possession count to 25-30 then a break out 3 figure avg is on the cards for 2023.
MJ: A strong showing inside the forward half from Luke Pedlar against the Eagles should be enough to book his ticket in the round one side. The club has continually sung his praise throughout the offseason. His weapons are his power, speed and lethal left foot. If he can push up the ground, we can expect a 55+ average.
MiniMonk: The name on everyone’s tongue after their match simulation last week was Sam Berry. At the price bracket where quite a few players are in contention for a spot in our starting teams, can Berry show that he has a lock on that midfield spot and have the ability to push into the top echelon of players for us?
Rids: Can he win a wing spot for round 1? Darcy Wilmot gets the opportunity this week to argue his rd 1 case. Definitely feels a spot in the Lions best 22 is up for grabs with a good performance.
MJ: When Darcy Wilmot debuted during the 2022 AFL finals series, fantasy coaches nationwide opened their little black book and put his name in. The Brisbane speedster looked at home at the elite level, scoring 51, 62 & 52 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 52, 61 & 73 for SuperCoach. It’s not monster scoring, but enough for a basement-level defender cash cow. Another strong showing will all but lock him into the Lions round-one side and be a fieldable defender for us across all formats.
MiniMonk: Darcy Wilmont and Connor McKenna. Can these two coexist or are we going to be burnt by one or the other. The combination of the two will dictate our backline structures come round 1 and so all eyes will be on them.
Rids: Mature aged Alex Cincotta will have approx 200,000 eyes on him this week. Another good performance will have him in a prime position to be the Zac Williams replacement for rd 1.
MJ: Sam Docherty. Spent some time last week through the midfield and back in the defensive half. I’m very bullish on him this year, but keen to see what his split is between those spots on the ground.
MiniMonk: Adam Cerra is someone who went under the radar from his practice game last week. Coming in at a discount due to injury and with Sam Walsh potentially out for an extended period, Cerra could be a play to generate cash quickly with the potential to end up a keeper.
Rids: This is simple. The fantasy world wants a significant CBA for Tom Mitchell. Forget his score in this game. A 50% or greater CBA would give his fans a great boost of confidence that he will score enough to stay the season.
MJ: The heavy forward role last week for Darcy Cameron wasn’t a surprise for me. He’s had an interrupted preseason, so I wasn’t shocked to see him getting eased through his workload. With that being said, if I see an equal split this week, I’ll fade any consideration of him being an R2 in my starting squads.
MiniMonk: Nick Daicos was pushed through the midfield for the Pies during their game last week. Will their CBA mix continue to be varied or will he and Tom Mitchell cement places in their core mix for round 1.
Rids: Brad Scott will be in the gun this week. After a couple of years of being over-coached, will Scott let his new team play footy on instinct. If he does, guys like Darcy Parish and Zach Merrett may be amazing PODs.
MJ: With one more strong showing from Jye Menzie & he’ll lock himself into the Essendon round one team—any forward cash cow consideration to factor into our structure.
MiniMonk: Darcy Parish impressed last week and has proven his ability to be a top line player across the formats. If he has shrugged off all the niggles of 2022 then he has the potential to reclaim that position and be an outright premium in 2023. The game style of the Bombers is one to watch though.
Rids: Not just one name in this one. More the whole midfield as 1. How do Fremantle split the mid time for Brayshaw, Serong, JOM, Brodie and co? Will be awesome to get some real data around this leading into rd 1.
MJ: I’d love for Matt Johnson to have a blinder. We could do with some more basement-priced midfield cash cows. I don’t see him fitting into centre bounces, but If he can get into the wing rotation group and get himself around the ball, it might be enough for us to consider him if named.
MiniMonk: No Luke Ryan makes it hard to know how much we will be able to read into it but Hayden Young is someone I want to watch again. He didn’t have a great game against the Crows, but there is still time for him to prove to many that he deserves to be in their round 1 teams.
Rids: What a shame there is no Bowes…. lucky for us however we do get to see the big fella Esava at full back one more time. While he feels very SC, he may become a pivot type in the other formats too. Time to find out why Port wanted him so bad yet Geelong held strong.
MJ: Is it as simple as Joel Selwood out and Max Holmes in from the Grand Final side? I’m not considering Max for ‘Classic’, but he could be a ripper draft pick late if he’s picking up those midfield minutes.
MiniMonk: The spot that would’ve gone to Jack Bowes if he was named. Unfortunately, we have Chris Scott doing Chris Scott things. Instead, Esava Rategoulea is the one we should be monitoring. With a handy R/F DPP and a cheap price, he could be a sneaky option for the in-tune coaches.
Rids: Hoping Tom Green plays forward pocket and struggles to get a kick. Way too much hype on him after playing nobody a week ago. If the hype continues I will be fading him as a starter…. nah not really but maybe.
MJ: Josh Kelly! There I said it. In all honesty, I want to see how this midfield mix works. I’m confident about Green being the centrepiece, but I’m fascinated to see what happens around him unfold. Josh could still sit in my side if I see the right role and game style.
MiniMonk: 50-Touch Tom Green (citation needed). Can he replicate his efforts in his intra-club? Even 60% of that might be enough for him to cement a slot for many. The youngster oozes class and will be a fun watch even if he doesn’t make it in in the end.
Rids:Matt Rowell was the talk of the town 12 months ago yet he has got through preseason without any mention of his name and looked amazing last week. Of course many will be looking elsewhere but feel most are sleeping on this future gun.
MJ: Everything Charlie Constable did last week made it supremely clear that Gold Coast want to get the ball into his hands as much as possible. Should that unfold again against the Giants and lock many others, I’ll be locking him into my starting squad.
MiniMonk: Charlie Constable displayed class for the Suns off half back last week and with their injuries, should he cement a round one spot, he will be a popular pick. Just how much ball can he get?
Rids: All eyes will be on a number of rookies in this game but the rookie that everyone will be keen to see if Cam MacKenzie. Has had a huge preseason from all reports and a solid performance will not only lock him into a rd 1 debut, but also for our fantasy teams.
MJ: What are the Hawks doing in the ruck division? Will it be a combination of two rucks rotating through? Or will one of Ned Reeves or Lloyd Meek win and hold down the #1. We’ll get a good idea when they play the Magpies.
MiniMonk: Will Day was touted for midfield time earlier in the preseason and then had some last week. Can it continue? And if so, how much can he score? An interesting watch for many who are looking for value down back.
Rids: Another team I dont really need to see this week. The vanilla option then is the Grundy Gawn mix but I really dont care what it looks like as I wont go near either this year unless the other guy has an injury. So I will say Pickett and to see if he gets more CBAs again. He might be SC relevant if it is real!
MJ: On SEN in Melbourne, Christian Petracca hinted that we could see some changes to the midfield make-up. He alluded that he and Clayton Oliver might spend more time outside the midfield! That caught my eye, and I’m curious how they might manifest this weekend: no panic stations, but something to watch.
MiniMonk: Angus Brayshaw because the seagull down back, getting involved in everything for the Demons. The concerns that he has to be in the midfield to have value may be alleviated if he shows the same desire for the ball a second week in a row.
Rids: The most intriguing team for me this preseason. Where do I start? Goater – does he continue the half back role? Powell – looks a million dollars. Just want to see him playing inside more with a full mid contingent. Xerri – is he first choice now? Feels a bit smelly with the Goldysaurus still hanging around. Comben – does the fwd cow ghost of years gone by ready to make an appearance rd 1? Powell – just get thru the game in one piece pls.
MJ: I can’t wait to see Ben Cunnington back towards his best. All reports are he’s been a beast all preseason an d is expected to get back to his inside midfield role. If the midfield load favours him, he’s still a very viable play, especially in SuperCoach.
MiniMonk: The competition for that value midfield spot is getting hot, and Luke Davies-Uniacke is one who is still in the mind for many coaches. Dominant against Richmond last week, can he back it up and become the contested bull that both North supporters and fantasy coaches want him to be?
Rids: Many in the community wouldnt be able to tell the difference between the dynamic duo – Zak Butters and Connor Rozee. What is the mid split between these 2? Who pushes forward more? Kenny will be fighting for his footy life this year so will want to nail the official preseason game. This stinks dress rehearsal for rd 1.
MJ: The spot looks like it’s his to lose. But I’d love to see Scott Lycett remove all doubt and show me that he’s the #1 ruck for the club.
MiniMonk:Zak Butters missed the match simulation for the Power last week and so we didn’t get to see how he fit into their CBA mix. Will his addition this week affect the time in the middle for the likes of Connor Rozee and Jason Horne-Francis?
Rids: We get another oportunity to give new recruits Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper an eye test. Both look fit and have settled into their new club well. But will they have the required fantasy output in the not so fantasy friendly game plan of the Tigers?
MJ: Jayden Short. There was some anticipation from the fantasy community that’d he be moving back to the defensive line and becoming a DPP consideration during the season. But so far, he seems to be an established part of this redeveloped midfield alongside Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper. I’ll fade Short down my draft board if that’s on display again.
MiniMonk:Tim Taranto was everywhere for the Tigers, being in their CBA mix and pushing forward to get goals. The premium forward mix is tricky with coaches looking for any reason to disregard one of the big four. The slightest hiccup from Taranto could be enough for some to fade him.
Rids: Something has to give for season 2023. New coach. New rumoured game plan. But the real focus will be on the returning Nick Coffield. The former first round draft pick is exactly what the Saints have been missing across half back. Looming as a possible mid price defender that could generate loads of cash if his role is friendly. This weekend should be a good indication of what to expect for rd 1 and 2023.
MJ: Draft Watch! Marcus Windhager. As a forward-listed option that could be playing a defensive-minded midfield role, he could provide value late. Especially important given how thin the forward stocks are this year.
MiniMonk: Rowan Marshall was dominant with Tom Campbell not present. Can he continue that role if he is there? Or can he show to Ross Lyon that he doesn’t need any backup and give coaches full confidence to jump into him?
Rids: Third year break out you say? Why not!!! And what a cool name at the same time. Could the big 4 dogs of our forward lines have a sneaky 5th? Errol Gulden will get his chance to impress this week. Watch the CBAs and not the score people! Role is king for Gulden this week.
MJ: I’m not as turned off by the forward time role that Callum Mills had last week in the practice matches. I think there’s only one positional role that Callum could play, which means his fantasy output is negatively affected by—the wing. Based on the Swans game style, he can score as a topline premium even if he’s being rotated through the HF line. I’ll be watching what the Swans do on the wings. I’m tempted to take the plunge and ‘gamble’ on Mills.
MiniMonk: Errol Gulden was not one I expected to get a huge midfield share this early on but he showed his class when he was pushed through there. Is Horse playing games with fantasy coaches again like he did with Heeney last year or can he take the next step for coaches?
Rids: All about 2 things here. Which rookie impresses for rd 1? Is it Chesser on a wing? Where does Gingey play? Aside from that it would also be awesome to see Sheed in an inside mid role before rd 1.
MJ: I’ll keep this simple. If Elliot Yeo gets through the game and pulls up well in recovery, then he’s locked away in my side across the formats.
MiniMonk: Reuben Ginbey missed last week’s match simulation with an injured toe. Their preseason game this week is his chance to cement his round 1 spot for the Eagles. This is the first (and last) chance for many of us to get a look at him prior to then, so all eyes on this rookie on Friday night.
Rids: I dont care what the Dogs do in this game. Bevo will continue to do Bevo things. I am going to my keeper team though to get a look at Ed Richards and the role he has. I am hoping that Daniel into the mids is real and this allows Richards to form a working half-back relationship with Dale.
MJ: One of my favourite players to watch and own is Bailey Smith. He’s in the mix for me in AFLFantasy & DreamTeam. If his role is split again between the centre bounces and half-forward, that might be enough to make me start him.
MiniMonk: Bailey Smith, Marcus Bontempelli, and Jackson Macrae are all premium midfield options from the Bulldogs for us after the departure of Josh Dunkley. Who will get the increased share, increase in scoring, and push for starting squad selections for us?
The 2023 Preseason is reaching its peak, and before we know it, the teams will be named, the ball will bounce, and with that, the season has begun! All your thoughts, research, conversations and team tampering have all been locked away, and the stage is now set.
The weight of the 30 locked-in decisions we make this week plays heavy on the coaches’ minds, so what should we be looking for? Am I jumping at shadows? Is this the correct structure for my unique side? These questions arise, but I would like to flip the script on this. Instead of asking questions that raise doubt, let’s make decisions with confidence!
A good place to start is to ask what you’re looking for, and the reasoning behind it. Sounds simple enough, and in principle, it is. Coaches over the years destroy their teams, all their research and planning gone because player “x” scored well in a practice game.
To avoid these mistakes, I make a watchlist of names, players I’m interested in, premiums, breakout contenders, rookies, and everyone I’m keen on. Then I write down why I’m interested and following that, I write what I need to see to lock him in.
For example:
Zac Butters,
Why select him: 2 scores over 120 with 52% cbas. 5 scores under 70 from 26% cbas. Avg 107 in last 5. The outcome for port didn’t seem to have relevance on him, he plays well regardless.
What I want to see: 50% cbas in a practice game.
I don’t care what butters scores in a practice game. The numbers speak for themselves if he has a spot in the midfield for port. This is a subjective list, unique to each individual. it’s what you need to see. You may just need to see someone start in the first Centre bounce, play the full game for fitness. Take kick outs. What do you need to see, what do they need to show you for the to be selected in your side?
Self-Awareness
The term floating around atm is “Groupthink”. Everyone’s team is considered “Vanilla”. This is a small point but I believe it is important, watch the games yourself and have your own thoughts and ideas. When you watch the game look at the list you made and what you wanted to see, see which players were missing, who was injured. Ask yourself why did Sam Flanders score 130 in the practice game? Was Touk miller playing? Why did Flanders have so many Cbas?
To add to this point we have Facebook Groups, discord servers and all sorts of discussion platforms available to us. What I find amazing is there are so many people asking for advice on a full 30-man squad from people you don’t know. How do you know what they are talking about? Is it your team, or their team? Start discussions about 1-2 players sure, create the conversation about structures etc., but be careful who you take your advice from.
The inside Voice
Now more than ever, there is content everywhere, everyone has a voice, everyone has an opinion on a player, a team, a structure. We are all experts this year because no one is right or wrong. It’s a prediction and a discussion. The fantasy community is great, the content is elite and the information comes in quick.
What needs to be said about this is you need to have your own thoughts first and have someone confirm them, or bring awareness to something you haven’t considered. This Blends into the previous point, but you need to back in your thoughts, what you have seen with your eyes and the research you have done.
For example, you could be hot on Tom Green, obvious breakout candidate, but have you considered the possibility that he only gets to 100 avg? his marks don’t actually improve? The game style implemented by Kingsley has an adverse effect of his scoring? These may be things you haven’t considered. Take a step back and re-assess. If Tom Green averages 100, that could be all we need, anything more is a bonus. Make your own decisions first about what you believe can happen and reconsider when news becomes available.
Ultimately, it’s your team, back yourself in Coach!
The Leadup to the first Bounce
You have done all the hard work, all the information gathering, the hours and hours of podcasts you’ve listened to and now it’s time to choose. To help you do that, list each player individually. Look at their priced at figure. Can they improve on this? Or am I following the crowd? Is there a better value option? Do they have a good run to start the season? Conversely, do they have a tough run? Be honest, you should have a reason, if anyone was to ask you, why you selected a player. Don’t select them because they’re 40% owned and you’re afraid to go against it.
There’s a way to differentiate your team, and sometimes that is by fading the popular guys. Every player you select, should be because of a reason you have come up with. “Oh, he’s my breakout guy”. “Oh him, he’s my captain option”. “He’s my favorite player to watch”. What is the narrative and reasoning behind your selection?
Enjoy The Game
There’s a reason we love and hate this game at times, and we always come back for more each year. We love footy. It is a game at the end of the day, maybe you’re a bit more of a fanatic or maybe you’re just trying to win your leagues. We all have Goals in this game, I hope you’re able to achieve them! Ultimately this is a game, meant for fun and enjoyment around a game we all love. Back yourself in, select the players you want, for the reasons you have decided. Back yourself in and Enjoy the Ride.
Over the coming days, AFL clubs will participate in some unofficial match simulations. This will be the clubs first opportunity of the offseason against an opponent. The time length of each will vary, some opting for traditional quarters while others are running upwards of seven periods to allow a good workout for the full squads. While making wholesale changes to your fantasy sides might not be wise, it will give us our first glimpses of some things to watch. As a result, here are some players on the Coaches Panel watchlist for the upcoming match simulations.
MJ: Plenty of love came last year for Sam Berry in 2022; as a MID/FWD, he tackled his way to a handy 80+ average. He is a key cog in the Crows future midfield; if he can start adding ball-winning to his game, he’s another to consider from the 80-90 averaging grouping that could average the ton in 2023.
Rids: Milera has been touted as having the half back role again. 2 things to watch for here. Do the Crows look for him and does Milera look fit and can he get thru a game against a different team without looking sore.
Jordox: My eyes are on Milera, too. There’s a touch of deja vu about Milera being a mid-priced option, and his price across the formats makes it harder than ever to commit to him. But I’ve long been bullish around what Milera can do, and the half back role will give him the best chance at it. Hopefully this is his year.
MiniMonk: Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me – can’t get fooled again. Milera presents value and will significantly affect the setup of the Crows backline for the year. If he gets the role that many are hoping for and plays both preseason games then I think there will be a restructure on the cards for many coaches. It is a big if though.
MJ: Brisbane is among the few teams involved in a 4 x 25-minute game. As a result, we can gain some understanding of how the Lions half-back line will stack up. Conor McKenna and Darcy Wilmont could be essential money-makers for us this year.
Rids: Sharp and Wilmot battle for a wing spot. It may come down to one of these 2 for the final best 22 spot. Beware the sub risk however.
Jordox: Cam Rayner off half back? Is this real, or just intra-club experimentation? Rich, Coleman, McKenna, Wilmot. They can’t all play that role!
MiniMonk: Josh Dunkley is the most selected premium player across formats and for good reason. However, it is good sometimes to check that he will be as good as we think he will be.
MJ: Who’s in the gun to replace the injured Zac Williams? I’m secretly hoping cash cow LachieCowan gets the nod.
Rids: Where does Docherty play and how does he look?And which of Cowan or Cincotta might just impress his way into a round 1 debut.
Jordox: The unfortunate news of Zac Williams’ season ending injury has to have some sort of knock on effect, and one name I’m not hearing much of is Nic Newman. This is a great opportunity for him to start scoring more consistently.
MiniMonk: The midfield mix for the Blues interests me, as do both Patrick Cripps and Adam Cerra. Both present some value at different price points with Sam Walsh missing the first portion of the season.
MJ: I’ve been cooler than most on Tom Mitchell. He’s potentially unbelievably cheap. But I want to see how he goes sitting in the Magpie structure and style. He’ll win plenty of inside ball; that’s obvious. But I want to see his uncontested game being fed so I can have supreme confidence in his scoring revival.
Rids: Lots of noise around Edward Allan being best 22 on a wing. Will be awesome to lay some eyes on him to see what the noise is all about.
Jordox: Darcy Cameron’s DPP offers flexibility and will be a big deciding factor in your side’s structure. I’m curious to see the Cameron/Cox split % as main ruck.
MiniMonk: With the struggle for rucks to pick, I am looking for any information I can get on Darcy Cameron. Shared time, positional splits, and sub risk all scare me so it will be interesting to see how he goes alongside Cox.
MJ: We may all be just a year too early on Jordan Ridley becoming that established premium in our backlines. However, I’ll seriously consider him if he’s allowed to be the third man up at contests and Essendon looks to release him as the interceptor.
Rids: Do the Bombers use Andy McGrath as the half back general. The kid was elite in this role in his junior days and might be the perfect POD people seem to be looking for in the backs.
Jordox: Sam Draper has been harshly dismissed in fantasy circles as a future star after his scoring stalled in 2022. It’s worth remembering that Max Gawn didn’t start putting up good fantasy scores until his 4th season when he added 30-40 points to his average. Draper enters his 4th season this year. It’d be a brave coach to select him as R2, but he’s relevant in drafts so I’ll be watching closely.
MiniMonk: DarcyParish is a premium being slept on across all formats for someone who could be the highest averaging player in 2023. The gamestyle of Essendon under Brad Scott will have a significant impact on coaches interest over the last month of preseason.
MJ: I’ve got a soft spot for Caleb Serong. It’s not at the Josh Kelly levels, but I love how he goes about his footy. Adding Jaeger O’Meara probably doesn’t help his breakout potential, but I’ll watch how he’s being used through centre bounces.
Rids: Hayden Young hype has been rising as the preseason has continued. Time to put him to the eye test!
Jordox: The Sean Darcy/Luke Jackson ruck split is arguably as intriguing as Gawn/Grundy at Melbourne. Jackson may actually help Darcy’s output by giving him a longer break from the rigours of being the first ruck. And if we believe Jackson would explode in the event of a Darcy injury, then surely he must be set for a break out of sorts, regardless.
MiniMonk: Hayden Young. You’ve heard me through the preseason talk about him. He’s my boy. Think that is enough said.
MJ: Does Jack Bowes have a home inside the Cats best 22? And if he does, where does he get opportunities on the field? As a junior, his class was seen through the midfield, but more recently, his former side used him across halfback. Nevertheless, he’s very interested in watching what the ‘steak knives’ does at his new home.
Rids: It is Bowes watch. Where is he being used? How does he look?
Jordox: I’ve heard Brandon Parfitt’s name a few times this pre-season and I’m keen to have a look to see if he is going to get more midfield time. He put up some nice scores late last season and could be the one to benefit most from Selwood’s retirement.
MiniMonk: Tom Stewart is one of the top priced defenders coming into 2023, but there are concerns about his role with Mitch Duncan. Does he keep the key distributor role that he had early last year or will his output be decreased due to have to share?
MJ: Are you new to the Coaches Panel? All you need to know is I’m a huge mark for Josh Kelly. He could probably steal my life savings, and I’d still be OK with it. Within the right system and role, he has the pedigree to be the #1 scoring player in the game. But can and will he get the opportunity for those two elements to collide? That’s what I’ll be watching for.
Rids: Massive noise about the preseason of Finn Whilst he is awkwardly priced across the formats, it will be good to see the young Giant in action.
Jordox: I’m looking forward to seeing how Aaron Cadman looks. Not considering him in my teams, but if he looks good for round 1, and Jesse Hogan is fit and firing, there’s still slight hope that Harry Himmelberg plays defence. It’s a long shot though.
MiniMonk: Midfield mixes are the watch all preseason. New coach, Hopper and Taranto leaving, who gets all the time? Let’s hope it is Tom Green.
MJ: How far off are Will Powell and Lachie Weller from injury returns?The latter looks closer than the former. However, if the opportunity arises across halfback, Charlie Constable is another cash cow in our backline to get us through the opening few weeks of the season. I want to see more than just the role. I want to see him nailing teammates and targets regularly by hand and foot.
Rids: Beware of the mid mins for players if Touk is out. Noah Anderson and Rowell however will get a lot of mins in season so see how they both look. Won’t take much for Anderson to reach the uber premium status across the formats.
Jordox: Ben Long has been of interest to me since the trade period and this has only increased with word that he is likely to lock down a spot in the back 6. Will he play loose or accountable, or a mix of both? Keen to have a look.
MiniMonk: Ben Long might be the only half-back left at the Suns by the time round 1 comes around at this rate. If he is, his price means there is plenty to like.
MJ: How hard will Sam Mitchell lean into the rebuild this year? Cam Mackenzie will see plenty of senior footy this year if he’s all in. But how much time will it be through the midfield? And is it a mix of inside and outside? He’s got the ability to play both.
Rids: Weddle watch for me. I wouldn’t mind having him on the field. Just needs to show he can score.
Jordox: There’s been a fair bit said about what Worpel can be this year, and I’m very keen to get a glimpse. He’s priced so modestly that I don’t need to see much other than the role.
MiniMonk: With such a young team, there is sure to be plenty of experimentation for the Hawks this season. Will Day was touted earlier in the preseason to be playing outside wing but has also been given CBAs during some match simulation. Will this hold through the preseason games?
MJ: The Melbourne forward line needed to be more cohesive in 2022. It was one of the major failings of why the club couldn’t push deeper into the finals. Internally the club have been very excited about what key position forward Jacob van Rooyen is doing. I’m keen to see him have a crack—potentially another cash cow to stash away.
Rids: Grundy and Gawn mix and how it looks.
Jordox: There was a time not too long ago where Lachie Hunter was pretty good at fantasy. A fresh start at a club that loves fantasy points and he has my attention.
MiniMonk: Angus Brayshaw. Half back? Midfield? Or heaven forbid, Wing?
MJ: After a stunning debut season in 2021, Tom Powell barely got going in 2022. Everything coming out of the club talks about his teammate Will Phillips, but don’t sleep on Powell. He’s looking fitter and stronger and could well make the big leap into the midfield.
Rids: I am a little cool on the pricier Nth mids due to how many there are. Simpkin, LDU, Cunnington, Powell, Phillips to name a few. Still keen to see the mix.
Jordox: Jack Ziebell is no longer captain, and according to the man himself, also no longer playing forward! A lot has changed at North Melbourne since Ziebell’s insane 2021 season but I’m very interested to see how he settles into that back 6 again.
MiniMonk: We are looking for all the Ruck options available, so why not consider one who was good to us in 2022? Tristan Xerri could get the #1 role for this season so he is one to watch at his price.
MJ: What happens in the ruck division and how people structure up in 2023 is one of the most interesting for coaches structurally. Scott Lycett and what happens at Port Adelaide with the ruck stocks are just one of the why’s. He’s got the scoring potential to be the perfect R2, but so far, he’s not cemented the role internally, at least in the eyes of some of the coaching staff. If he can, it might be a lock-and-load pick in some formats.
Rids: I have been fooled many times by crazy Ken. I am on Rozee watch. It seems like a no brainer full time mid move but just want to see it. If it is then he becomes one of the big 4 forwards!
Jordox: Lycett and forget was a strategy I was very interested in but I don’t like the noise coming out of the club around ‘every spot being up for grabs’. Looking forward to seeing him dominate as the number 1 ruck, so I can pop him back into R2.
MiniMonk: I am a massive Zak Butters fan, but given the ownership and injury concerns over him I will be watching Connor Rozee instead. If given the keys to the engine room he could easily match it with the big dogs we have up forward and at a much cheaper price.
MJ:I know the majority of the competition is picking Tim Taranto. But I can’t wait to see him play. I love his aggression and intensity and think he’ll be a ripper addition to the Tigers.
Rids: Jayden Short role is of interest. I suspect he goes back to half back which may mean a likely DPP premium addition come rd 6. Don’t go too heavy in the backs as there will be a few.
Jordox: Like so many Richmond fans, I can’t wait to have a look at Taranto in a predominantly midfield role.
MiniMonk: Jacob Hopper is the midpricer most have tucked away since the formats first opened. Just a quick check on him to confirm his role and his place in our teams is all that is needed.
MJ: Injuries are never great. But the upside is they create significant dollar discounts for us the following season. Enter Nick Coffield. A talented kid who’s never got going. If he can settle into a half-back role and become a handy foil to Jack Sinclair, he might be an option to consider at D4/D5.
Rids: Mitch Owens. If it looks like a duck, sounds like a duck, even smells like a duck (maybe a little too far?) then hopefully Ross just let’s the kid play football and hunt the ball! He will break out if he does.
Jordox: Awkwardly priced across the formats, Hunter Clark is reportedly fully fit and in the midst of a rare injury-free patch. I think he can have a big year and he is well and truly flying under the radar of fantasy coaches.
MiniMonk: Rookie watch is on and after Ross Lyon said he was every possibility for a round 1 debut, Mattaes Phillipou is one to keep your eye on. Substitution risk could be a concern for him, but his scoring pedigree through juniors is there.
MJ: This is purely for SuperCoach, but Tom Hickey. In 2021 he averaged over 100, and this year he’s priced in the low 80’s. He’s priced comparable to Darcy Cameron, but he’s got zero injuries, ruck sharing or any other seeming issue the rest of our ruck division does. If you include the AFL Finals, his final six scores for the season were: 126, 128, 88, 126,132 & 85.
Rids: Which of the kids will take the next step in 2023. Campbell, Gould or will it be another? Also very intrigued if Jake Lloyd bounces back now that Blakey will miss games early.
Jordox: More midfield minutes for Heeney? Just kidding. I’m keen to see if Rowbottom’s scoring increase in the latter stages of 2022 was a sign of things to come, or merely just a hot streak in a side that was thundering towards a Grand Final appearance.
MiniMonk: Will we ever see Will Gould play AFL? Or is he just a ghost… Perhaps the preseason games will confirm whether he exists. He and Angus Sheldrick are the two rookies here worth keeping an eye on.
MJ: It might be low-hanging fruit, but I want to see Elliot Yeo some glimpses of his former self. If he has that power back in his legs and is covering the ground well, it might be enough to throw away the key!
Rids: Just want to see the kids – Ginbey, Chesser, Long etc.
Jordox: Alex Witherden was a top 10 averaging defender across the formats last season but was unable to cement himself in the best 22. This is an indictment on his progress when you consider West Coast needed to use WAFL listed players at times for the AFL side. That being said, Witherden is too good to be in and out of the side and this could be the year he settles. I want to see how the Eagles’ backline operates with Hurn, Witherden, the kids and Shuey/Yeo playing in spurts off half back.
MiniMonk: Dom Sheed has been a hot topic all preseason alongside Elliot Yeo. A watch of the Eagles midfield mix as they begin to rebuild their side with youth will hopefully confirm what we all hope is the case.
MJ: Can Oskar Baker hold down the wing for the Bulldogs? If he can get that role, then not only is he a good cash cow to consider, but he’ll also prevent Jackson Macrae from getting moved into fantasy no man’s land.
Rids: I want to see the mid/fwd splits for Bont. Yes will be hard to predict anything from a practice game but will be good to get some eyes on it.
Jordox: Caleb Daniel the midfielder? Maybe the Bulldogs liked how Jayden Short looked in the role at Richmond last year. It’d be hard to commit to him, knowing how much Bevo likes to chop and change his squad, but Daniel as a midfielder definitely increases his appeal in the fantasy world.
MiniMonk: The extra midfield time left vacant by Josh Dunkley departing will be taken by someone, the only question is who? Bailey Smith has shown he has the ceiling to push into the top midfielders and could be the one who gets that time. If he does, the sky’s the limit for this young gun.
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