50 Most Relevant Archives - Page 24 of 32

#18 Most Relevant | Isaac Heeney

Read Time:4 Minute, 59 Second

He’s been one of the most consistent forwards over the past few seasons. With limited options available, is he in your plans?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Isaac Heeney
Age: 23
Club: Sydney Swans
Position: Midfield/Forward

2019 Highest Score:
121 Vs Carlton (AFLFantasy)
137 Vs Carlton (SuperCoach)

2019 Average:
89.7 (AFLFantasy)
94 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $510,700
AFLFantasy Price: $666,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $649,000

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

We all have our personal favourites when it comes to fantasy football — players we love to own as they bring you great joy. One of mine is Isaac Heeney. He is the complete footballing package and arguably a picture of the modern-day footballer. He’s damaging around the ball. Has the grunt to win it on the inside and the polish to finish on the outside. Additionally, when required to go forward, he’s an elite overhead mark and is a difficult matchup for even the most experienced defender.

Since 2017 he’s been a staple of the forward lines for many coaches. in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam during that time he’s averaged 92, 90 & 89, while in SuperCpach he’s averaged 97, 97 & 94. Already across the preseason coaches, have lamented at the loss of many of last years top-end forward scores. However, with Heeney retaining, we have the relatively consistent and durable scoring option to consider.

During the 2019 season, Isaac Heeney started slow and many coaches after the opening two rounds I know many who chose to move him on. In spite of that, he ended up averaging 89 last year consisting of nine AFLFantasy/DreamTeam hundreds, one of those he converted into a 20+ score and dipped below 70 in only five matches. For SuperCoach he averaged 94, reaching triple figures in nine games, three of them were above 130, and in only four games he failed to score over 70.

While many remember the slow start from him were he managed only three tons in the opening eleven matches his back half of the year is a more closely aligned to what he has done over his career. In the opening 11 games, he averaged 84 in AFLFantasy and 90 in SuperCoach, while in the later 11 games he averaged 94 in AFLFantasy and 97 in SuperCoach.

Currently, based on 2019 data of forewards still available to us, Heeney is ranked second for forwards on total points and fifth in terms of averages. Many would consider Lachie Whitfield and Dustin Martin as safe top-end forwards should they stay fit and healthy. Beyond that many struggles to have confidence in who will fill the remaining top positions. I believe Michael Walters will be one, and while someone will always fly up and dominate, I can see a world where Heeney is comfortably a top 10 forward.

Embed from Getty Images

MY TAKE

Issac Heeney over the past few seasons has been one of the most consistent forward premiums available. And while he is consistent, he doesn’t often convert his scores into damaging hundreds. Consistency and ceiling are both equally essential variables in building a strong scoring side. However, with him, does he hurt you if you go against starting him and ‘take him on’?

For the past three to four seasons the football community has been awaiting a release of him into becoming a full-time midfielder. Will he ever get the bulk midfield time at Sydney? The Swans certainly need and want him in the midfield unit. However, they also need him inside the forward line.

How much midfield time he acquires is linked in part to the health of their marking talls. Sam Reid, Lance Franklin and Callum Sinclair of late don’t have the exceptional durability.

Heeney is an elite mark and is an incredibly difficult matchup for opposition defenders who will lose out to him either because of an aerial ability mismatch, or they cannot go with him at ground level.

Every person says they want to see Sydney release him into the midfield fully, and perhaps that will happen. However, he doesn’t require that to be a genuine premium and average in the mid to high 90’s.

Just in the past few days, the Isaac Heeney preseason injury curse occurred. This time he’s broken his thumb. He’s a certainty to miss the preseason matches and depending on his recovery he might miss the opening game of the season.

Whether you choose to start or upgrade to him, given the state of current premium forwards Isaac looms to be one of the safe forward premiums we can count on in 2020.

DRAFT DECISION

Regardless of the format you use to draft, given his high ranking, he should first forward selected for a coach. Once Dustin Martin and Lachie Whitfield go (likely inside the top 15 selections) it’ll be intriguing when coaches take the next bunch of forwards.

For me, I believe after you’ve locked away two selections, whether that be both midfielders or one mid and another line the third round is the place to target Heeney.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Do you believe he is fantasy relevant?
Will you be starting with him?
Have your say at our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

WANT EARLY ACCESS?

Want access 24 hours early to the 50 Most Relevant podcasts? Join our Patreon and get ahead of the Crowd!

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

#19 Most Relevant | Caleb Daniel

Read Time:4 Minute, 4 Second

In 2019 he was a revelation and was among one of the top averaging forwards. Now as a defender is he even more relevant?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Caleb Daniel
Age: 23
Club: Western Bulldogs
Position: Defender

2019 Highest Score:
135 Vs Collingwood (AFLFantasy)
124 Vs West Coast (SuperCoach)

2019 Average:
93.7 (AFLFantasy)
99 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $537,900
AFLFantasy Price: $696,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $677,900

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

One of the biggest surprise packets of the 2019 season was the emergence to premium scoring from Caleb Daniel. Previously he’d filled a role for the Doggies as a forward / midfielder and outside of his debut as a cash cow he was only really draft relevant.

It was late in the 2018 season and then across the 2019 preseason that the Bulldogs coaching staff trialled him to play across half-back. The side loved his elite ball use by foot and clinical decision making. He was moved permanently to become the Dogs primary distributor who has made him a star in the fantasy community.

Last year he averaged 27 disposals going at 80% efficiency. He was ranked 8th in the league for kicks, 9th for effective disposal and 10th for rebound ’50s per game.

SuperCoach was the format that he excelled the most last year. From his 17 matches, he averaged 99, had ten scores of 100 or more and dipped below 80 in just four games.

AFLFantasy/DreamTeam he averaged 93, had six scores over 100 including two over 120. He had just four scores below 80 throughout the season.

Across all formats of the game, he’s ranked as a top 6 defender based on his 2019 averages. As you look across the ownership percentage and it’s well down on many of the other elite defenders. Nobody should be selected just ‘because you need a point of difference.’ However, if Caleb was already close to getting selected for you, it could be enough of a reason to tip you over the line.

Embed from Getty Images

MY TAKE

The Western Bulldogs are notorious for changing the roles of players. We’ve seen it impact both positively and negatively the scoring of players like Toby McLean, Josh Dunkley and to a lesser extent Marcus Bontempelli. Can we enter into the upcoming season with confidence that his role will retain in 2020?

Honestly, nothing is ever for sure, but I see no reason for the Bulldogs to change up what is a damaging weapon rebounding out of defensive 50. The addition of Alex Keath should help strengthen up the backline even further. One slight caution I have is wondering despite being very different players, how much (if any) he impacts his intercept possessions? This will be answered in the preseason matches.

As healthy as 2019, there was the commencement of a worrying trend. Sadly he suffered a hamstring injury against Port Adelaide round 15. Then again a fortnight later he experienced some additional tightness and wasn’t seen yet for the remainder of the year. Hopefully, these are just isolated incidents to last year and isn’t a pattern

It’s fascinating to me that Caleb Daniel has barely been sighted this preseason. For a player that averaged in mid to high 90’s, and is one of the most consistent scorers he’s getting 0 love this preseason. As a community, we see to be chasing this year more than previous years the ceiling of a player over the consistency. Players like James Sicily, Zac Williams and Dan Houston are getting lots of love this preseason.

I’m genuinely considering him as my D2 in SuperCoach to start, and he’s right on my upgrade target list in the season for all other formats. He’s a jet!

DRAFT DECISION

Going off his 2019 numbers, he’s currently ranked as a top-six defender, and unless someone selects two defenders with their opening selections, he should be someones D1. Anywhere from the third round is the right place to pick him.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Do you believe he is fantasy relevant?
Will you be starting with him?
Have your say at our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

WANT EARLY ACCESS?

Want access 24 hours early to the 50 Most Relevant podcasts? Join our Patreon and get ahead of the Crowd!

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

#20 Most Relevant | Mitch Hibberd

Read Time:3 Minute, 51 Second

Mitch Hibberd has already spent time in the AFL system. In a new club and a midfield role available could he be one of the best cash cows of the season?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Mitch Hibberd
Age: 23
Club: Essendon
Position: Midfield

SuperCoach Price: $114,400
AFLFantasy Price: $197,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $148,800

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

It’s the second chance he was hoping for. After playing four games for North Melbourne in 2017, the 23-year-old midfielder has made his way to the Essendon Football club via the rookie draft.

Hibberd booted ten goals and averaged 24.3 disposals and 6.9 tackles across his 20 games in the VFL. His season was topped off when he was awarded a spot on the wing in the VFL Team of the Year. From a fantasy perspective, he averaged 128 #SuperCoach and 99 #AFLFantasy points in the VFL.

During his season at Williamstown in the VFL, he provided valuable run as well as being a reliable first touch player who would regularly win the contested ball. Ever since the retirement of Jobe Watson, the bombers have been crying out for a contested ball winner inside the contest. Zach Merrett and Dylan Shiel are excellent, well-rounded midfielders. However, for the Bombers to be a genuine finals threat, they need some more inside support. Hibberd fits that bill perfectly!

Adrian Dodoro, the list and recruiting manager, had this to say on why he was brought into the club.

“Throughout this whole period we were looking for a ready-made inside midfielder, and we believe we have found one in Mitch. We believe Mitch’s impact on the side will be immediate.“

Hibberd played 4 AFL games for North back in 2017, two of those matches he played as a lockdown defender, another he was injured early in the game. However, in one game, we saw some positive signs. It may only be one game of data to observe, but it’s still better than what we get for most players under $200,000. In that game against Fremantle, he won 22 possessions, had seven marks and scored 74 in SuperCoach and 84 in AFLFantasy.

Embed from Getty Images

MY TAKE

Given the list profile of the Essendon, you don’t recruit a player like Hibberd unless you expect him to play. The Dons list position is such where they feel they are contending for finals. With minimal access to top-end talent in the draft lately (thanks to the Shiel trade) they have decided to attack the state league for who they believe is the next best ready to fill a position in the list

Everything seemed to be aligning nicely for Mitch Hibberd until it all went pear-shaped at a recent training session. He suffered an injury at training which forced him to undergo knee surgery to repair the damage he sustained to his meniscus. Hibberd is expected to resume full training in six weeks. This will place him right on the edge of being ready in round one.

Even if he doesn’t start the year, he’ll be given a good crack at it during the season and will be one of the most popular rookie upgrades. At some point in the season Hibberd will be among the most popular owned rookies and if his VFL is anything to go by he should be a fantastic cash cow for fantasy coaches in all formats.

DRAFT DECISION

I wouldn’t be opposed to the using one of the last few rounds selection in either a keeper or single-season draft. Especially if he gets the midfield role the possibilities are sky high, and the risk at that position in the draft is not existent.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Do you believe he is fantasy relevant?
Will you be starting with him?
Have your say at our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

WANT EARLY ACCESS?

Want access 24 hours early to the 50 Most Relevant podcasts? Join our Patreon and get ahead of the Crowd!

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

#21 Most Relevant | Jack Steven

Read Time:5 Minute, 16 Second

2019 was a rough season personally for Jack Steven. Can a new home and potentially a new role refresh this former St Kilda star?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Jack Steven
Age: 29
Club: Geelong Cats
Position: Midfield/Forward

2019 Highest Score:
105 Vs Fremantle (AFLFantasy)
95 Vs Fremantle (SuperCoach)

2019 Average:
76 (AFLFantasy)
74 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $361,700
AFLFantasy Price: $653,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $494,500

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

2019 was a difficult season for Jack Steven. After failing to secure a rumoured trade during the previous offseason he never really got his season going. He played four of the opening six matches of the year, but in May he took an extended break from football to deal with mental health issues.

During those opening four matches he posted two scores over 90 in all formats, one against the Suns, the other the Crows.

It wasn’t until August when the four-time St Kilda best and fairest players was seen again playing at the elite level. Upon his return, Jack himself admitted he wasn’t at peak physical fitness but mentally was in a much stronger place. Because of this, he spent his final three matches of the season plonked firmly inside the Saints forward fifty.

For fantasy footy coaches, this is how he became forward eligible for us in 2020. Thankfully in one of these matches, we did see flashes of the Steven of old. Against Fremantle, he won 22 possessions, kicked three goals and scored 105 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 96 in SuperCoach.

In his most recent full season at AFL level, he played 22 games and averaged 96.6 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam which featured 10 tons. In SuperCoach, he averaged 94.5 and scored over 100 in 10 matches. P

Throughout playing fantasy footy for numerous years, you get accustomed to hearing specific phrases. These include, but aren’t limited too ‘training the house down’ and ‘more midfield time.’ Recently on Melbourne radio station, SEN Patrick Dangerfield spoke highly about the potential impact Jack Steven will have at Geelong. Here are just some of the things Danger had to say on the clubs newest recruit.

“Obviously with the loss of Tim (Kelly), he’s going to be an important player for us and we think he’s that line breaker and goal kicker that we have seen him do across his career.

“He’s got pace, he’s got break-neck speed, he’s a four-time best and fairest winner, and if he can approach that, I know they’ve lost Tim Kelly, what an injection (Steven) is into that side.

Embed from Getty Images

MY TAKE

The big question this preseason is around what role does he play at Geelong? The departure of Tim Kelly has created an opening inside the midfield for the Cats. The skill sets of he and Tim aren’t identical, but his ability to run and carry and burst from stoppage is an impressive skill for the Cats.

Geelong is firmly pushing hard for another chance at a premiership this season, make no mistake about that. It’s why allowing Jack to play mainly through the midfield makes sense. However, the club will need to keep half an eye to the future with Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood and even Patrick Dangerfield heading towards the twilight of their careers. Young Cats like Charlie Constable, Quinton Narle, Nakia Cockatoo and Brandan Parfitt will need substantial midfield minutes for Geelong to future proof the side.

One thing to factor in through this is that Steven isn’t a natural forward in the sense that he didn’t play last year in that role by choice. Instead, it was born out of necessity as he lacked the fitness base to play through the midfield. Geelong is also stacked in this line with Gryan Miers, Luke Dahlhaus and Gary Rohan all adding some flair and pressure inside forward 50.

Can you pick him and Devon Smith in your side? In short, the answer is yes, especially if it helps push another forward cash cow off the ground. The key variable will be around how many other stepping stone selections you have in the additional 28 spots. Although both present the potential to be season-long ‘keepers’ you need to also plan for them not to be.

Everything seemed to be going to script for Steven until just days ago he tweaked his calf at training. Thankfully, it appears to be nothing too serious, and the club anticipates he’ll re-join the main group in coming days. If that eventuates, we should see him playing his first game as a Cat in the Marsh Community Series against Gold Coast on February 22.

If he plays through the midfield predominantly in the preseason matches at his price point, it’d be tough to pass upon him. If Steven is playing through the midfield mainly, I struggle to see a world that he doesn’t average 90 in all formats.

DRAFT DECISION

The range of where he goes in drafts will vary in part depending on when your draft is hosted. If it’s after the preseason matches and he’s playing through the midfield, I do see a world where people would use a pick to select him as their F2.
Right now, I wouldn’t be reaching any higher than a prospective F3 choice on him.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Do you believe he is fantasy relevant?
Will you be starting with him?
Have your say at our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

WANT EARLY ACCESS?

Want access 24 hours early to the 50 Most Relevant podcasts? Join our Patreon and get ahead of the Crowd!

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

#22 Most Relevant | Zach Merrett

Read Time:4 Minute, 51 Second

Over the past four seasons, Zach Merrett has been among one of the most beloved and popular premiums. Will this trend continue into 2020?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Zach Merrett
Age: 24
Club: Essendon Bombers
Position: Midfield

2019 Highest Score:
143 Vs North Melbourne (AFLFantasy)
155 Vs Brisbane (SuperCoach)

2019 Average:
108.2 (AFLFantasy)
105.6 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $573,600
AFLFantasy Price: $803,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $782,400

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

Over the past few seasons, Zach Merrett has been one of the favourites of many fantasy coaches. He first rose to prominence in the Essendon drug scandal affected season of 2016. That season he was one of the best selections finished the season averaging 117 in AFLFantasy and 111 in SuperCoach.

More recently in 2019, he was unlucky not to find himself inside the 40 man All Australian squad. Across the league, he was ranked in the top 15 for Inside ’50s, disposals, tackles, handballs, uncontested possessions. He averaged 28 disposals a game, four marks, five tackles and almost five inside 50’s a game.

In AFLFantasy/DreamTeam last year he posted fifteen scores of 100 or more, with seven of those tons being over 120 and finished the season averaging 108\ From rounds 4-15 he had an11 game stretch where his lowest score was 99. Only two scores below 92 all year, both in the 50’s. One of them he spent a quarter off the ground with a concussion test again the Swans, the other was the dreaded Matt de Boer tag.

In SuperCoach he finished the year with a seasonal average of 106. The season consisted of fourteen scores of 100 or more, seven of them were over 120, and only twice last season his scoring dipped below 80.

Zach’s far from a one-hit-wonder. His season in 2018 Merrett in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam scored 14 tons, 6 of those were over 120 while in SuperCoach he posted 15 tons and just the four over 120. In fact, over four years, he has posted remarkable numbers

Between 2016 – 2019 in SuperCoach he has scored 52 tons, reaches that mark in 64% of matches and has an average of 106 during that time. The statistics are even stronger in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam. He’s posted 62 tons, hitting the triple figures in 71% of matches over those four seasons and average 111.

To top it off, he’s only missed the one match over the past four seasons and hasn’t missed a game in the previous two. When it comes to relevant premiums across the formats, Zach Merrett ticks every box we need.

Embed from Getty Images

MY TAKE

Over the past few seasons, many in the SuperCoach community have chosen to look past him and viewed more as an AFLFantasy selection. While it is true, he has a higher frequency of hundreds and a higher scoring floor he doesn’t lack for the ceiling. This year against Brisbane he posted his biggest SuperCoach score of 155.

Last season Zach Merrett showed that he was starting to work through the tag. When previously tough customers Jack Steele and George Hewett were sent to him they didn’t impact his scoring drastically. In reality, it was only Matt de Boer that got ahold of him and affected his output.

Merrett is a good captaincy option in AFLFantasy, but this year he comes with an added benefit. In these formats, we don’t have a regular rolling lockout, as such, getting multiple chances at selecting a captain are limited to the Thursday night games. Thankfully, Essendon has the most of all teams in league with a total of four. In round three and five, he could be a perfect Vice-Captain option early in the year, while post-bye round he presents an opportunity for us also in round thirteen and sixteen.

I love him in AFLFantasy and DreamTeam option to start, or as an upgrade target. At the time of writing in AFLFantasy, he’s currently in 6% of sides and given his scoring potential that low ownership is exciting for those who are now on him. If you can time the run in SuperCoach, then he could be a great unique on the run home.

DRAFT DECISION

Zach Merrett is relevant in all forms of the game, but historically it’s AFLFantasy scoring formats that he’s been at his best. Currently based on averages, he ranked 8th for midfielders in AFLFantasy and 17th in SuperCoach.

I struggle to see a world in AFLFantasy scoring formats that Zach isn’t taken within the first 20 selections. In some drafts, he’s a chance even to be a first-round selection. I’d target him in the second.

SuperCoach formats given he’s ranked as the 17th best midfielder he won’t go as early. The third round is probably a stretch, but I can see some keen to jump here to own him. Rather the fourth round and having him as an M2 or M3.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Do you believe he is fantasy relevant?
Will you be starting with him?
Have your say at our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

WANT EARLY ACCESS?

Want access 24 hours early to the 50 Most Relevant podcasts? Join our Patreon and get ahead of the Crowd!

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

#23 Most Relevant | Michael Walters

Read Time:6 Minute, 19 Second

With the departure of many popular forwards, is Michael Walters now primed to be one of of our best premiums this year?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Michael Walters
Age: 29
Club: Fremantle Dockers
Position: Midfield/Forward

2019 Highest Score:
143 Vs Port Adeliade (AFLFantasy)
158 Vs Port Adelaide (SuperCoach)

2019 Average:
93.4 (AFLFantasy)
100.7 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $547,200
AFLFantasy Price: $694,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $675,600

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

Our forward lines have taken a beating this year. The majority of last seasons top ten forwards are no longer available. Travis Boak, Patrick Dangerfield, Jack Billings, Rowan Marshall, James Worpel, Josh Dunkley and Tim Kelly are all gone! While many top options have departed, one of them has stayed.

Last year Michael Walters was 11th in the AFL for goals (40), 20th for score involvements, 16th for tackles inside forward 50. He averaged 22 possessions, seven score involvements, four marks, four tackles, four clearances, four inside 50’sG:

In AFLFantasy/DreamTeam he’s currently ranked fourth by averages. Only Lachie Whitfield, Toby Greene and Dusty Martin had better seasonal averages. However, with all those players missing multiple games last year, Walters is the highest total points scoring forward available.

Last year he averaged 93, had six scores of 100 or more, four over 110 including a 143 against Port Adelaide. In addition to these tons, he had seven scores between 90-99. Across 22 games last year he also showed his high scoring floor with only two scores sub 70 previous years.

SuperCoach was an even better result. He’s currently ranked as the second-best forward by averages with Lachie Whitfield the only ahead of him. He’s also one of only three forwards who have an average over 100. Topping it off he’s ranked as the Top scoring forward for total points and is a clear 150 clear of Issac Heeney who is second.

Across 2019 in SuperCoach he hit the ton in twelve of his 22 matches. Six of his tons were over 120 including a six-goal game and 158 scores against Port Adelaide. In addition to his twelve tons, he had three additional matches between 90-99. Like in AFLFantasy, he barely gave owners a poor score with his two scores dipping below 70 all year.

If you believe the Dockers are heading up the ladder and will improve the number of wins then based on last years data that should air in the scores of Sonny. In wins last for AFLFantasy/DreamTeam, he averaged 103.9 as opposed to 86.2 in losses. A differential of 17.7. The trend is even more noticeable in SuperCoach with an average of 120.7 in victories as opposed to 86.9 in losses. A differential of 33.7.

Fremantle does have a relatively good opening few months of football. The possibility of them winning four games in the eight weeks is possible. Over the first eight weeks, they play – Bombers (A), hawks (H), Demons(A), Suns (H), Roos (A), Cats (H)Eagles (H) Crows (A). A handful of victories here could kick start scoring season of Sonny and your fantasy footy side.

Embed from Getty Images

MY TAKE

One of the most intriguing narratives of this year will be the different strategies coaches employ for the forward line. With the vast majority of last seasons best departing, we find ourselves left with a significant dilemma in our forward lines. Beyond new inclusions Lachie Whitfield and Dustin Martin it appears we have no clear third in line, let alone a top five. The variance and potential outcomes inside our forwards look one of the most open in years. On first glance that could be daunting and concerning, however, I see it the complete opposite.

With less ‘must picks’ through this line it should make coaches look more left of centre at some players and hopefully add some uniqueness to the game. With so many questions in our forward line, I am confident about one thing. Michael Walters will not play as a full-time midfielder this year. Not because he can’t, but rather it’s because he is an elite small forward. If the Dockers are any chance of winning ten games or more this year, it won’t be because ‘Sonny’ never played forward.

All that to be said, I do believe while he won’t play exclusive midfield, he will play through that line predominantly. The Fremantle football club has lost Ed Langdon and Brad Hill through last years Trade Period. Both bring speed, experience and class to a midfield that now looks very slim. Thankfully for the club, Michael Walters has those qualities in spades and at 29 will add some experience to support Nat Fyfe.

With the outgoings of some experience they’ve topped up nicely in the draft, but none of them is the immediate fix. However, they could hold the key for releasing Sonny up the ground more regulalrly. Liam Henry is creative classy on both sides, has terrific goal sense and is the closest replacement you’ll ever get to Michael Walters. Fellow top 10 selection Caleb Serong is a competitive animal that’s damaging inside forward 50 as well as being a polished midfielder who’s clean hands and composure will add a new element to the dockers.

The addition of these two I believe will allow Sonny to play up to 80% of game time through the midfield, and as such we should see his scoring in all formats of the game place him right in contention as a top-five scoring option.

In the limited trade formats of SuperCoach & DreamTeam if I were starting three premium forwards, then I’d seriously factor in Michael Walters as a starting squad option. Or perhaps if you believe Dusty might slow like previous seasons, then he could be the F2 you need to get ahead.

I believe Michael Walters will be a top-five scoring forward for us across all lines, and as such needs to be firmly on our preseason watchlist.

DRAFT DECISION

In every draft, I see Lachie Whitfield and Dustin Martin as the first two forwards off the draft board. Both of these stars will go inside the top 15 picks in all drafts. What forwards go next, and where will vary in many drafts. For me, Michael Walters looks to be one of the safest 90+ averaging forwards we’ll get this year, as such I can see him getting picked as early as a late third-round pick as coaches will be desperate to lock away a strong F1.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Do you believe he is fantasy relevant?
Will you be starting with him?
Have your say at our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

WANT EARLY ACCESS?

Want access 24 hours early to the 50 Most Relevant podcasts? Join our Patreon and get ahead of the Crowd!

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

#24 Most Relevant | Patrick Cripps

Read Time:5 Minute, 42 Second

For years Patrick Cripps has been a lone hand for the Carlton Football Club. As the side finally looks to have turned a corner, will it continue as business as usual for the skipper?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Patrick Cripps
Age: 24
Club: Carlton Blues
Position: Midfield

2019 Highest Score:
163 Vs Gold Coast (AFLFantasy)
194 Vs Brisbane (SuperCoach)

2019 Average:
101.4 (AFLFantasy)
117.1 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $635,900
AFLFantasy Price: $753,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $733,400

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

It was another strong season from Patrick Cripps. He picked up his third club best and fairest, was the AFL PA Award winner and was given All Australian honours for the second year running.

Last season he was among the best midfielders in the game, he ranked second in the league for contested possessions and clearances while he led the AFL in centre clearances per game.

As strong as his season was ‘Crippa’ had a small fantasy footy points decline. In SuperCoach last season he had 13 games where he scored 100 or more, nine of these he went over 120 and finished the season with an average of 117. This season he also managed his career-high SuperCoach score against Brisbane with a 194 against the Brisbane Lions.

For AFLFantasy/DreamTeam he scored ten tons across the season, six times he was able to convert them into scores over 120 and finished the year with an average of 101.

In starting squads last year Cripps was a popular selection, and those who did so had the full benefit of this selection. Between round 1-8 he posted six AFLFantasy tons, didn’t dip hos scores below 93 and was averaging 114.9. For SuperCoach it was seven tons, a low of 93 and an average of 126.

One of the most important things we need from our premiums, especially in the midfield is a scoring ceiling. Yes, consistency is important, but it’s the ability of players to score well beyond the average player that sets them and your fantasy side apart. Have a look at the top five scores from Cripps in 2019. For SuperCoach: 194, 169, 157, 152 & 148. In AFLFantasy/DreamTeam: 163, 151, 141, 136 and 126.

2019 Patrick Cripps was pretty good, but in terms of fantasy scores, it was a dip on his 2018 season. The 2018 season for AFLFantasy/DreamTeam he scored 14 tons, five of which were above 130 including 162 against the Suns. On the run home, he was absolutely on fire with 10 of his last 11 games were tons, with the one game being a 96.

Over in SuperCoach, he posted sixteen scored over the hundred marker and an insane four over 150 and a ridiculous two over 170. To top off this phenomenal season he had just the one score all season below 90.

Embed from Getty Images

MY TAKE

He started like a house on fire, but if you upgraded to him post-round eight, chances are you would’ve found the scoring rollercoaster a frustrating ride. After six (AFLFantasy) and seven (SuperCoach) hundreds in his opening eight matches he was able only to post four (AFLFantasy) and five (SuperCoach) tons over the final ten games.

Additionally, to a lower frequency of tons, we saw a frequently lower-scoring floor. Five of the final ten games in AFLFantasy saw him score below 80 while it SuperCoachwhile it was just three.

During 2019 the Carlton Football club again sacked a coach midseason. While we did see an immediate spike in scoring 194 (SC) 154 (AF/DT), the change from Bolton to Teague in a topline sense didn’t change. He seasonal splits from round 1-11 and round 12-23 are identical with a SuperCoach average of 117 and AFLFantasy/DreamTeam of 101.

What happened with Cripps to end the season? Did opposition coaches figure him out with a tag? Did a load of carrying the team on his back cause a scoring deviation? Or has the Blues new game plan under Teague required Cripps get additional support? While the scoring splits don’t reveal any change, I do believe it’s a combination of all those elements.

Over multiple seasons Patrick Cripps has been one of the most popular picked premium midfielders. Already 2020 is shaping no different. Currently, he finds himself in 52% of sides. For some, those numbers make him an attractive player to ‘take on’ and look for a unique option. Players that have already appeared in the 50 Most relevant like Clayton Oliver (13%), Josh Dunkley (17%), Marcus Bontempelli (10%) Andrew Gaff (2%) and Dayne Zorko (2%) might all be good options.

However, for others that ownership locks him deeper into their teams as they do not want to miss out on one of the few midfield premiums that’s capable of taking a season away from you in 6 weeks. If you don’t have him in your starting squad, he’s certainly someone to consider as an upgrade even with high ownership numbers. Just be aware that trading in a ‘popular’ guy won’t assist you in making any ground on the pack if you’re behind them.

For AFLFantasy/DreamTeam coaches he does present some value given he’s priced at 101, but 12 months earlier he was coming off the back of 1 personal best season of 109. Depending on which score you feel his 2020 is reflective of should provide you with the information you need to decide whether to start him or not.

DRAFT DECISION

SuperCoach drafts he’s a genuine M1selection and if he isn’t drafted in the opening round it won’t be long into the second round that he lasts. For AFLFantasy/DreamTeam formats he’s ranked just outside the top 20 midfielders based on 2019 averages. The earliest he should go in a draft is the third round, however, if you desperately want him you will likely need to reach into the second round.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Do you believe he is fantasy relevant?
Will you be starting with him?
Have your say at our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

WANT EARLY ACCESS?

Want access 24 hours early to the 50 Most Relevant podcasts? Join our Patreon and get ahead of the Crowd!

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au

Happy

0 %

Sad

100 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

#25 Most Relevant | Sam Jacobs

Read Time:4 Minute, 56 Second

Not wanting to start with a set and forget structure? Than Sam Jacobs could be your man!

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Sam Jacobs
Age:31
Club: GWS Giants
Position: Ruck

2019 Highest Score:
115 Vs Western Bulldogs (AFLFantasy)
125 Vs Western Bulldogs (SuperCoach)

2019 Average:
80.4 (AFLFantasy)
80.2 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $348,400
AFLFantasy Price: $514,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $465,000

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

The writing was on the wall for another pain-filled season when in round two Sam Jacobs injured his knee. It wasn’t until round 21 that ‘Sauce’ was seen back at the elite level.

Part of this was due to him needing time to rehab the injury. The other was due to the emergence of Reilly O’Brien. After biding his time for years in the SANFL, the Jedi Knight became master as the Crows. This forced jacobs to play eight games in the SANFL as it became evident that for the first time since 2012, Adelaide a brand new first choice ruck.

We don’t have alot of statistics to observe from the year given it’s impacted with an injury and a game where he rucks shared with ROB. However, in the three games, he was sole ruck and fit, he was scoring right in the zone we want heading into 2020.

AFLFantasy and DreamTeam he posted a 73, 95 & 115 at an average of 93. In SuperCoach he scored 86, 84 & 125 at an average of 98.3. Yes, it’s a small sample size, but it reminds us that even in 2019, he can still be relevant.

A look back over the most recent history of his time at Adelaide, and you see a durable ruck, capable of posting some strong seasons.

Back in 2018, he played every game, averaged 36 hitouts and 11 two tackles, two marks and 11 possessions a game. In AFLFantasy/DreamTeam that translated to a seasonal average of 81, which featured four hundred plus scores. For SuperCoach he averaged 84, had three tons, one of them was a 145.

Sam’s also only two seasons removed from his personal best AFLDantasy/DreamTeam year. In 2017 he averaged 99, had ten scores over 100 three of those above 120 and he had only four scores below 80 all year. For SuperCoach he averaged 95, had ten matches where he scored over the ton, three of them were north of 130 and dipped below 80 in just three games.

Not a bad set of recent numbers. Especially, given that we are paying for him at a substantial discount to that price.

The critical reason your selecting Sauce is this. You do not want to start the ‘set and forget’ ruck strategy of Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy. Whether it be because it makes your team weak in other lines, don’t like set and forget or any other of a million reasons. The reason you’re picking him isn’t to replace one of them for the year, but rather to be a quick-stepping stone to the one you take one.

MY TAKE

It’s alot of money to start Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy! By seasons end you’ll want them both, but can you maximise your salary cap better by taking one of them on. For example, in SuperCoach Gawn is $350,000 more than Sauce, but if Sauce scores at 85 and Gawn go 120 over the opening ten weeks of the season your approximately 350 points ‘worse off’. However, it isn’t as simple as that, the additional cash you’ve saved is the difference between starting Stephen Coniglio over Noah Anderson. You’d expect ‘Cogs’ will outscore him by that points gap of 350.

It may not work out that way, but it’s the mindset, and process coaches must use to aid the decision of if they should select Sam Jacobs or not.

Om the topic of SuperCoach, I anticipate his hitout to advantage numbers to go through the roof. At GWS he has arguably the best midfield in the land reading the ball from his hand. Josh Kelly, Lachie Whitfield, Stephen Coniglio, Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper and Callan Ward.

The Sauce couldn’t have asked for a better fixture to open the season with. Many of the teams have either low quality or are players who historically are scored well against. Over the opening eight weeks, GWS take on Geelong, Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, Essendon, Sydney, Gold Coast, Richmond and Collingwood. Only three of those matches look challenging for Sauce, the other five he is streaming ahead and should score very well against.

Finally, with Grundy and Gawn sharing the same multi bye round (13) alot of teams will be scoring donuts through this line. However, those that have Sam Jacobs could be rewarded. Not only is he playing that round (he can be easily traded at his bye round the following week), but he also plays The Bulldogs. The team he scored his 115 (AFLFantasy) and 125 (SuperCoach against last year.

All aboard who I believe is the best multi-format stepping stone in the ruck division.

DRAFT DECISION

If you don’t get an early selection in the opening round of the draft, you can pretty much kiss goodbye the hopes of owning one of the elite scoring rucks. Sam Jacobs presents immense substantial value late in a draft given his recent history is of scoring between 80-95. Not a bad pick up with one of your last on-field selections.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Do you believe he is fantasy relevant?
Will you be starting with him?
Have your say at our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

WANT EARLY ACCESS?

Want access 24 hours early to the 50 Most Relevant podcasts? Join our Patreon and get ahead of the Crowd!

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

#26 Most Relevant | Clayton Oliver

Read Time:4 Minute, 26 Second

2019 was a disaster for the Demons; one of the bright lights of the year was the consistency of Clayton Oliver. After a marginal dip, can he bounce back and post personal best numbers?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Clayton Oliver
Age: 22
Club: Melbourne Demons
Position: Midfield

2019 Highest Score:
161 Vs Gold Coast (AFLFantasy)
175 Vs Gold Coast (SuperCoach)

2019 Average:
105.8 (AFLFantasy)
109.3 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $593,900
AFLFantasy Price: $786,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $765,300

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

It’s hard to believe Clayton Oliver is just 22 years old. It’s incredible to think we still have another potential decade of this midfielder superstar in our fantasy sides.

Last season he had 12 games with 30 possesions or higher. He ranked Second, in the league for contested possessions (16 per game), only Lachie Neale had more. Ranked 4th in Total Clearances, Ranked 7th in Total Tackles 9th in Disposals Per Game

Looking into his AFLFantasy/DreamTeam scores from last season he scored 100 or more in fifteen games of his 22 games. Ten of those hundreds were higher than 110, and he had only four scores that were below 90 all year. His seasonal average of 105 ranks him as the eleventh best by averages for all midfielders. For overall points, he was the tenth highest last season across all lines.

SuperCoach was another excellent season even if it did see a marginal scoring dip. He posted 14 tons across the season, ten of them were 110 or higher and a strong return of four scores over 140. In addition to his stable frequency and ceiling of tons, he had only four scores all year than he dropped below 90. If you were to contrast him to others seasons, he ended up ranked 10th for overall points, seventh for midfielders and eleventh by the average for all midfielders.

Over his past three seasons (hasn’t missed a game) and has been a consistent scoring player in that time. In those 66 games in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam, he has an average of 105 and scored 38 tons during that time. That a hundred every 57% of games. SuperCoach, the conversion is even stronger! He averages 111 in the past three seasons, has reached the 100 markers in 49 of those matches which are 74% of his games.

Embed from Getty Images

MY TAKE

Have you heard the myth about Clayton Oliver in AFLFantasy scoring? The tale goes that he doesn’t score hundreds that hurt you. While it’s true that his frequency of 140+ scores isn’t near the likes of Tom Mitchell and Jackson Macrae, his number prove this myth not to be true. Of his previous 32 scores of 100 or more 27 of them have been over 110 and 12 over 120.

He ticks everything you want in a premium. Durable (hasn’t missed a game in three years), has a high frequency of 100’s, a consistently top-scoring floor and shows the capacity to score over 150.

If you believe that the Demons will be better in 2020 and win substantially more games, then the scoring splits of Oliver with scores in wins versus losses is an important variable. Last year in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam her averaged 119 as opposed to 102 in losses. A differential of 17 points. For Supercoach in wins, Clarry averaged 126 and 104.5 when they lost. An even further difference of 21.5 points

His bye round isn’t short of accessible premium midfield selections. Patrick Cripps, Adam Treloar and Nat Fyfe lead the charge. If his ownership percentage is considerably lower than them, he could be the difference-maker that scores within the ballpark of the more popular pick.

Given it’s his frequency of hundreds more so than the ceiling of tons (which does exist) that is the appeal. Along with durability, Clayton Oliver is a more appealing starting squad option than upgrade. That said, he’s perfectly fine to trade into your side during the season. If he’s not on your preseason watchlist, you need to add him on the list today seriously. Regardless of the format, you play.

DRAFT DECISION

Whether he’s a coaches M1 or M2 selection will largely depend whether you lock away another line player with your first selection. He’s not an opening-round selection but will be a popular second-round pick that might drift as late as the third.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Do you believe he is fantasy-relevant?
Will you be starting with him?
Have your say at our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

WANT EARLY ACCESS?

Want access 24 hours early to the 50 Most Relevant podcasts? Join our Patreon and get ahead of the Crowd!

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %

#27 Most Relevant | Lance Franklin

Read Time:4 Minute, 21 Second

Buddy Franklin hasn’t been this cheap in a decade. Even with an injury impacted preseason is he worth considering in 2020?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Lance Franklin
Age: 32
Club: Sydney Swans
Position: Forward

2019 Highest Score:
117 Vs West Coast (AFLFantasy)
127 Vs West Coast (SuperCoach)

2019 Average:
70.5 (AFLFantasy)
72.6 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $394,200
AFLFantasy Price: $666,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $509,700

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

2019 was a disappointing season for the Swans and for Buddy, from a fantasy footy perspective it’s his lowest seasonal average since 2007. For SuperCoach & AFLFantasy he managed just two scores over 100. The positive is this wasn’t a drastic role change that caused such an unfortunate turn out or the aging decline of a star. Instead, it was persistent injuries that limited his ability to play to his fullest potential.
In SuperCoach he’s priced 28 points below what he delivered in 2018. For AFLFantasy/DreamTeam it’s 21 points.
A look into his 2018 season reminds us of his scoring potential. From his 128 games for SuperCoach, he began the year with a 175 against the West Coast Eagles. By seasons end he had eight scores over the ton, four over 120 and three over 160. Additionally, he had three scores between 90-99 and averaged 100.
AFLFantasy/DreamTeam was also a strong season with eight tons (including a 151 for the first game) and an additional three matches between 90-99.
61% of his games in all formats of the game he scored 90 or above this year. Not bad for a player who we’re forking out at the price point of 70.
Since joining the Swans over the past six seasons, he’s got an AFLFantasy/DreamTeam average of 90 and a SuperCoach average of 94. Currently, he’s underpriced by 20 points per game from his career Sydney average.

Embed from Getty Images

MY TAKE

Before the Swans Christmas break, Lance Franklin was dominating on the track. It can be challenging to get away from the preseason hype from coaches where everyone can sometimes be seen to be ‘flying this preseason.’ However, it seemed evident to anyone who attended the club preseason training that Buddy was back. It was the first time in years that he’d completed preseason training before Christmas

That all changed where earlier this month he was forced to undergo some minor knee surgery which has put his ability to be available for round one in doubt.

2019 was his lowest games tally across his season. Although Buddy has only played every game in a season three times across his career, his recent ability to play has been strong. Between 2016-2018 he has only missed four games, and in two of those seasons, he played every game.

If you were keen on him before the injury, do we have justification for going cool on him, even if it is now as an in-season trade rather than just a starting squad selection?

This is the lowest price he’s been in 12 seasons, based on where he’s ranked as the #55 forward FWD in SuperCoach and 50th in DreamTeam,

Should he get himself available for the opening game of the year, the Swans have a relatively good early fixture with matches against Adelaide, Essendon, Gold Coast, Carlton, GWS and Brisbane. That’s not a bad opening run For Buddy and Sydney.

Significant premiums on this line from the same bye week are Isaac Heeney, Dustin Martin and Michael Walters. After that, it’s just potential breakout options, not proven players like Buddy.

Whether he’s named round one or not, I like the value of Buddy this year. Targetting him as an upgrade trade could work out even better. That way, I get a chance to observe him play a few games and then opt-in with a trade if I like what I see.

DRAFT DECISION

As the preseason goes on if he’s not looking likely as being available for the Swans in round one then he could slide down peoples draft boards. On potential, he could score as the F1 in a draft side.

I think you could get him at F3 easily in a draft. Maybe even further. At that point on the risk of him, missing games or getting injured is eliminated. A anywhere near fit Buddy is going to deliver an average in the ’90s.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Do you believe he is fantasy relevant?
Will you be starting with him?
Have your say at our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

WANT EARLY ACCESS?

Want access 24 hours early to the 50 Most Relevant podcasts? Join our Patreon and get ahead of the Crowd!

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au

Happy

0 %

Sad

0 %

Excited

0 %

Sleepy

0 %

Angry

0 %

Surprise

0 %