50 Most Relevant Archives - Page 29 of 32

#17 Most Relevant: Zach Merrett

Read Time:3 Minute, 22 Second

Does the impact of Dylan Shiel help or hinder this fantasy beast?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Zach Merrett
Age: 23
Club: Essendon Bombers
Position: Midfield

2018 Highest Score:
138 Vs Gold Coast (AFLFantasy)
130 Vs Collingwood (SuperCoach)

2018 Average:
101.4 (AFLFantasy)
100.3 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $544,800
AFLFantasy Price: $736,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $725,600

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WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

Injury impacted his season right in round 1, Concussed after a head clash with Richard Douglas. He didn’t miss a week but a combination of a tag in round 2 and still suffering some KO side effects it wasn’t until round four he got his first ton for the year.

Across what was widely considered a ‘poor’ fantasy season Merrett was still able to deliver plenty of strong scores. In AFLFantasy/DreamTeam he scored 14 tons, 6 of those were over 120 while in SuperCoach he posted 15 tons and just the four over 120.

As the season went on Zac learnt to push through the tag when it came, this became evident as after his bye round he averaged 113 in SuperCoach and 114 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and the lowest score of 93 during the ten match window. On top of this, the club has recruited one of the more damaging midfielders in Dylan Shiel who at GWS was often the oppositions key tag target ahead of Josh Kelly.

Before last season, Zac was one of the most consistent highest scoring premiums across every format. In AFLFantasy/DreamTeam between 2016 & 2017 he played 43 games and scored 33 Tons, 22 of them were 120 or above and went at an average of 117.4. During that same period in SuperCoach, he posted 27 Tons, 17 of those were 120 or more and a combined average of 110.2.

MY TAKE

Most of the preseason Merrett has been one of the easiest ‘locks’ of the entire preseason some coaches among the fantasy community have begun to cool on him. This is because several weeks ago he suffered an ankle injury. During that time he has been in a moon boot and now is nursing his ankle back to full strength. While it’s far from ideal, it’s not a large concern seeing as the club still expect him to be right to play in the JLT Community Series. Furthermore, most of the ‘fitness’ base is built for players/clubs that miss finals is done pre-Christmas, so any concern of the impact around his fitness level should be minimal if any.

Outside of this ankle issue and a few concussions concerns last year he’s had a pretty good injury run missing only one game in the past three years. Outside of this ankle or another injury concern appearing over the next six weeks I fail to see a world that exists where I don’t select him in AFLFantasy and DreamTeam. SuperCoach is the format, if any that he may slide down the ownership numbers given the tremendous amount of value we possess and for coaches, it may just come down to personal preference and bye structure.

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DRAFT DECISIONS

Ina seasonal draft you could get him as an M2 but gets the scoring of M1. Zac will be there in the second round and wouldn’t be out of place as a selection here. If he lasts into the third round, he won’t stay undrafted for long.
In a Keeper league, I rank him highly and would have him as a top 5 pick, but I think you’d be able to land someone else first and pick him up in your second round turn.

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#18 Most Relevant: Anthony Miles

Read Time:4 Minute, 51 Second

For years he’s dominated in the VFL, after a trade to Gold Coast he now finally will get his chance to show he belongs at the elite level.

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Anthony Miles
Age: 26
Club: Gold Coast Suns
Position: Midfield

2018 Highest Score:
78 Vs Port Adelaide (AFLFantasy)
90 Vs Port Adelaide (SuperCoach)

2018 Average:
78 (AFLFantasy)
90 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $342,000
AFLFantasy Price: $425,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $390,500

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WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

During the AFL Trade period, Anthony Miles made his way to his third club after previously spending five seasons at Richmond and two years at GWS. During the trade period, Miles made it clear that the primary reason for his departure from the Tigers was to play more consistent AFL footy. Something that he had done over his first three seasons at the club but in the past two years others at Tigerland had passed him by limiting him to just 6 AFL games in the past two seasons.

Between 2014-2016 Miles was a central piece to the Tigers midfield unit averaging 89, 87 and 86 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam. During those seasons he showcased a fantasy ceiling with eighteen scores over one hundred including many over 110. In SuperCoach his fantasy output was even stronger with season-long averages of 99, 97 & 89. While these numbers are from several years ago it demonstrates that when given a chance to play at the elite level consistently he can score incredibly well and given that he’s priced at someone with an average in the range of someone in the mid 60’s he presents a minimum value of a 20 points per game increase.

Last year he got just the one AFL game and scored 78 in AFLFantasy and 90 in SuperCoach. For him to slide into the midfield unit so quickly in a Richmond side that has famously been delivering low fantasy footy numbers gives us further confidence of what he can do at his new team. In the VFL last year, Miles averaged 29 disposals, four marks, four tackles & 5 inside ’50s. By the end of the year, he was jointly awarded the VFL’s best and fairest player along with Michael Gibbons and also won his second straight Guinane Medal as Richmond’s reserves best and fairest.

It was the critical talls in May and Lynch that were the most prominent departures from Gold Coast during the trade period but another area the side have been lacking in winning the centre clearances. Last year the Suns ranked last averaging 11.3 centre clearances a game and over one hundred less than Melbourne who was rated #1 in the league. Miles walks straight into the Gold Coast midfield unit and will instantly provide support to Touk Miller and David Swallow and improve this area of the side drastically.

MY TAKE

Every season fantasy coaches have multiple stepping stone options across all lines, and 2019 is no different. Already in the 50 Most Relevant from the midfield we’ve discussed players like Tom Liberatore. Miles like Libba is someone who offers plenty of value and has the potential to score like a premium over a substantial period, the dilemma facing coaches is which player/s is right for you.

At his price, he doesn’t need to be someone you keep for the year, but rather is someone that can generate income and score actively for you and then upgraded to a fallen premium as soon as desired or at the bye round. For me, the logic you use to consider one midprice option needs to be used for all these players and given what Miles can do historically and what he’ll be required to do at his new side means if your looking for a stepping stone midfielder he must be considered.

While he may not have the same level of the ‘proven’ 100 averages over the years at AFL level as others around his price point do, he does come into the year with no injury history, fitness concerns or role queries as the others do.

Everything needs to be considered when selecting these stepping stones and factors such as a players bye round can be crucial. The added benefit of choosing Anthony Miles is that his bye round is the final (round 14) of the multi-bye rounds means you can safely utilise him through the first 2 MBR’s. At round 14 then upgrade him to a midfield premium coming off the bye such as a Lachie Neale, Angus Brayshaw, Adam Treloar or Elliott Yeo all of whom we’ve spoken about in the 50 Most Relevant as potential top 10 averaging midfielders.

I have Miles starting in my SuperCoach & AFLFantasy sides as I think he offers way too much value to pass on and should safely average between 85-95 across all formats.

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DRAFT DECISIONS

He offers plenty of upside but depending on the quality and knowledge of the coaches in your league that will determine how late you can let him slide into your draft. For me if you landed him at M6 that would be perfect, although to secure him you may need to jump a little earlier. Somewhere between rounds 12-15 I’d be happy to select him.

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#19 Most Relevant: Justin Westhoff

Read Time:5 Minute, 23 Second

A phenomenal 2018, but was it a once off?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Justin Westhoff
Age: 32
Club: Port Adelaide
Position: Ruck/Forward

2018 Highest Score:
132 Vs Fremantle (AFLFantasy)
147 Vs North Melbourne (SuperCoach)

2018 Average:
101.9 (AFLFantasy)
101.2 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $549,500
AFLFantasy Price: $740,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $728,900

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WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

2018 for many reasons was a year for the Port Adelaide football club to forget. For Justin Westhoff, he was one of a handful of Power players that had a career-best season. One of the key strengths as a utility is his ability to play anywhere and any role something he’s thrived at for many years. Last year once Patrick Ryder went down and missed a handful of games he was required to take the ruck mantle, and while against some of the big boys he was outworked in the tap out he more than made up for it around the ground and delivered his personal best fantasy season.

AF 11 tons, eight over 110, avg 102, five scores below 90 all year and a lowest a 75
SC 10 tons, eight over 11, two over 140 avg 101. Just two scores below 80 all year

Some will suggest that the only reason he had a ‘breakout’ season was due to his ruck minutes and while that is certainly a key factor there was still a number of games across the year where Ryder led the ruck and Hoff was barely used more than support role, which he’s done beyond just last year.

After coming back from injury only three times did Patrick Ryder score 100 or more in AFLFantasy and five times in SuperCoach. In these games, Ryder’s hitouts average were comparable to previous seasons, in fact, he didn’t drop below 30 hitouts. In these matches that he scored over 100, Justin Westhoff scored 115, 105 & 121 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 116, 114, 120, 126 & 120.

While 2018 may feel like a ‘once off’ year regarding last year being the first time he’s averaged over the hundred it’s not the only year that his seasonal average has put him into premium territories. Between 2013-2017 in SuperCoach his seasonal averages were 98, 91, 94, 85 & 87. During the same stretch for AFLFantasy/DreamTeam, his averages were 87, 89, 89, 80 & 83. As an available forward selection, some of these years put him into the top 10 averages.

To top it all off Westhoff has missed just three games of football since the start of the 2011 season meaning that historically a selection of Hoff is as consistent a

MY TAKE

While starting with him given the new inclusion of premiership ruckman Scott Lycett and a potentially fit Patrick Ryder into the port side could likely spell curtains for any ruck minutes he doesn’t have to be in the ruck to score well again. Yes, his hitouts numbers were at career-high averages but outside of that, almost every critical other scoring column was on point to what he’d delivered over the past handful of years. While we never wish injury on anyone all it takes is for one of these two to miss a bulk of games and ‘The Hoff’ goes back into some ruck opportunities. That said, his history shows that he doesn’t require ruck time to score.

In the limited trade formats of SuperCoach & DreamTeam, nothing can derail your end of season rankings or finals push more quickly than running low or at worst being out of trades. While in February it feels a long way out, remember if you’ve played these games before at some point in July or August you’ll look at the trades remaining and realise you could’ve potentially blown your shot at leagues or overall rankings title. Once you’re left with minimal or no movement at all in trade column, the only thing you have left at your disposal is prayers for no more injuries and whatever squad depth you’ve built throughout the year.

His RUC/FWD status only further adds a critical key to the relevance for Justin Westhoff as he offers something no other ruck who’s capable of averaging over 90+ can provide, that is flexibility within your squad. The ability to target him as an in-season upgrade target and make him the perfect F7 & R3 cover. This DPP link could be the difference between a doughnut and a rankings drop off or significant league loss.

Let’s talk worst-case scenario; he falls back to his mid 80’s seasonal averages, that’s still a more than a handy option as a ruck coverage or on field depth option inside forward 50. And that’s the worst case scenario, best case he keeps on going as he did in 2018.

Right now he isn’t a starting squad option for me, but he sure as heck is on the midseason upgrade list. I want to see the role and the impact of the other Power talls before jumping on. One thing is for sure that DPP link is a gold mine and even with a scoring drop off he could win you some crucial matches.

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DRAFT DECISIONS

If you’re drafting him based on last years seasonal averages, then he deserves to be taken in the second or third rounds. However, rightly or wrongly the fantasy community at large seem to believe he’s more than likely to drift back to the previous season’s averages and go mid 80’s as his peak.

His DPP link is priceless given he could be your R1 or an F1and gives you plenty of flexibility later on in the season let alone a great variable in what you select later on for draft day. Personally, if ‘Hoff’ is still there after the first 40-50 odd selections, it’s very hard to pass up and probably needs to get picked even if you predict a major drop off.

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#20 Most Relevant: Toby Greene

Read Time:4 Minute, 54 Second

History suggests that he’s a safe forward to average over 90, the question is can he stay on the park enough to make him selection worthwhile?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Toby Greene
Age: 25
Club: GWS Giants
Position: Forward

2018 Highest Score:
118 Vs Western Bulldogs (AFLFantasy)
131 Vs Western Bulldogs (SuperCoach)

2018 Average:
67 (AFLFantasy)
72 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $354,600
AFLFantasy Price: $604,00
AFLDreamTeam Price: $434,100

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WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

After back2back seasons of averaging over 90 last year was a frustrating season for fantasy owners and for Toby Greene. A series of injuries stalled his season meaning outside of his round 1 performance against the Bulldogs has he managed a 110+ score across all formats and his second match of the year in round 4 match against the Dockers where he scored 90 there wasn’t much to celebrate. But let’s not forget what Greene can do when he does get out on the field.

In 2017 he played 16 of a possible 22 games and that year in AFLFantasy he averaged 91.4. That season he scored 100 or more in 4 matches and didn’t drop his scores below 72 all year. While in SuperCoach he averaged 96.1, registered 5 tons, one of which was a 127 and has a season lowest score of 70. Make sure you note how strong that average is off such a small number of hundreds, this illustrates to us that although he may not have a consistently high ceiling, his scoring basement will rarely cost you a matchup.

The year prior was just as strong from a fantasy footy perspective but significantly better regarding games played as he missed just the one game for the season. That year in SuperCoach he managed 10 tons, 3 of which were over 120 and a seasonal average of 90.4. For AFLFantasy/DreamTeam he posted 8 tons and an average of 92.7

Due to missing multiple games last season, he’s been awarded a discount in SuperCoach/DreamTeam, and he’s now priced alongside others with an average in the mid-’60s. Meaning-based on his past scoring history, he’s 25 points per game beneath his possible 90. In AFLFantasy they’ve chosen not to price him at his 2018 scoring average, so given players like Chad Wingard, Blake Acres, Christian Petracca and Michael Walters are all priced cheaper than him his ownership numbers will likely be quite low as fantasy coaches will probably select these options above him. The positive of not rating him around where his 2018 numbers place him means he should be unique if you start him.

MY TAKE

Over the past 2 seasons, he’s found numerous ways of missing games from either suspension or injury. Unlike other players who have a consistent injury history, it always seems to be something different with Toby just last year it was an ankle and a hamstring injury that were the main culprits. While his past 2 years have been seeing him battling a number of injuries, it’s also worth noting that in 2015 & 2016 he played 43 of a possible 44 games. As we look at 2019 while still not back into a full training program this preseason, he’s been doing extra running loads to catch up on some of the missed preseason work.

If his history of missing games is the major obstacle to you selecting him then as such, I believe Toby Greene is someone you either have in your starting squads or not at all someone you look like an upgrade target. Even if he flies out of the gate averaging 95+ over the first eight weeks the reason you chose not to start him will remain the same. That being the likelihood of missing games has not changed even if he’s scoring ‘over’ your expectation. In fact the longer he goes without missing games, based on history the higher the likelihood of him missing games will increase. Yes, history isn’t always a matter of fact repeating, we’ve spoken at length this preseason about players that have a lousy history shouldn’t deter you from selecting them, but rather that you can choose them but do so knowing the possible risk associated.

He presents plenty of value given historically he’s a safe 90 average forward, this question that each coach must answer for themselves is the risk (missing games) higher than the reward (points based on price)? Once you can answer that for your different side, you’ll know if you’re starting or passing on Greene.

In SuperCoach I have him locked away and DreamTeam he presents a great value that I’m still considering him as an option. However, for AFLFantasy I have no interest in selecting him, I don’t see him as a top 10 forward in that format and others at a cheaper price offer a potentially more significant upside.

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DRAFT DECISIONS

Based on scoring potential regardless of the format, you play a fit Toby Greene is a 90 average forward and because of that is a worthy F2 selection. This would place him as someone that would start going off the boards from about rounds 5-7 range. Yes, he has his injury concerns but I believe we’ll have plenty of value deep in the drafts this season for forwards so selecting a guy with high reward even with a teams 5th-7th pick is still worth it.

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#21 Most Relevant: Sam Menegola

Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second

He ended 2018 on fire and starts this year ranked as a top 5 forward. The question is, do others go past him?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Sam Menegola
Age: 26
Club: Geelong Cats
Position: Midfield/Forward

2018 Highest Score:
126 Vs Hawthorn (AFLFantasy)
144 Vs Richmond (SuperCoach)

2018 Average:
98.6 (AFLFantasy)
100 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $543,100
AFLFantasy Price: $716,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $705,500

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WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

As a player, he compliments the Geelong side perfectly as he’s ferocious tackler who isn’t afraid to get into the think of it and win the contested ball. Menegola is also one of the club’s elite runner has shown across his time at the Cats he can even sneak forward to impact the scoreboard.

It was a slow start to 2018 for Sam Menegola with scores of 69 & 50 for AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 74 & 57 in SuperCoach opening up his fantasy campaign. At that point, many coaches traded him out of their side fearing that his second season where he averaged 95 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam & 99 for SuperCoach was just a flash in the pan. For those that did move him on they’d have been incredibly frustrated and have learnt the lesson that sometimes it pays to be patient with premiums as the following three matches, he scored 120, 118 & 103 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam & 128, 129 & 121 for SuperCoach.

Across all of 2018, he averaged 98.6 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam scored 12 tons with 5 of those over 120. While for SuperCoach he averaged 100 with 13 tons and 6 scores over 120. These numbers are undoubtedly substantial. However, astute fantasy owners will take of particular note to his final six games of the year. After having games where he’d be midfield only and others barely getting rotations and being based as a forward pocket, the Cats got his mix right, and it delivered in spades. Over the last six matches, he scored 115, 97, 112, 126, 98 & 103 at an average of 108 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam while for SuperCoach he scored 114, 100, 144, 119, 112 & 112 at an average of 116.

These end of year numbers echo how he ended the 2017 season with five consecutive tons and an average of 119 for AFLFantasy/DreamTeam. While in SuperCoach he averaged 117 and posted four scores over 110 in his final five games.

MY TAKE

Everything looks posied that he should once again be a top 6-10 forward in 2019, but one of the big question marks is around whether others cheaper than him can outperform him? Forwards like Josh Dunkley and even a Jack Billings are both more affordable and with the right roles don’t just match but have the potential to outscore him if used in a fantasy-friendly role.

The recruitment of former Bulldog Luke Dahlhaus should only benefit him as he’s stronger suited to a more defensive minded forward role which should all Menegola when he does spend time inside the 50 to have an attacking mindset. Yes, it’s another player with the potential of taking midfield rotations, but given the success, Geelong has had with how they’ve used him for the past two years with a 70% midfield 30% forward split I doubt the Geelong coaching staff would adjust that too much.

I’m looking to target him as one of my first upgrade targets in the forward line, that said he is a worthy starting option and I do still see another 95+ average and a top 10 forward finish to the year.

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DRAFT DECISIONS

He’s one of the few forwards who looks capable of averaging 100 as such he’ll be one of the first forwards off the board. Depending on how coaches in your league like to draft he could be off the board as early as the second round, but indeed will be gone inside the first 4-5 rounds.

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#22 Most Relevant: Lachie Neale

Read Time:6 Minute, 37 Second

He was one of the biggest surprise moves during last years trade period. While always a consistent fantasy premium, can Neale become a dominant force across every scoring format?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Lachie Neale
Age: 25
Club: Brisbane Lions
Position: Midfield

2018 Highest Score:
138 Vs West Coast (AFLFantasy)
159 Vs Carlton (SuperCoach)

2018 Average:
100.2 (AFLFantasy)
111.9 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $607,300
AFLFantasy Price: $727,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $716,900

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WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

2018 was another fantastic football season from the Former Fremantle Docker. For the second time in three seasons, Lachie Neale was recognised as the clubs best player winning the Doig Medal ahead of David Mundy and Nat Fye. Last year he ranked 5th across the league for total disposals, 5th for clearances and 6th for centre clearances all from just 80% game time.

Before his move while at Fremantle, his scoring has been incredibly consistent averaging 100 or more in the past four seasons in every scoring format. Last year he was the 5th highest scoring midfielder in SuperCoach and finished the season with an average of 111 and scored over the ton in 16 matches. Crazily he was a slow start last season in that format with his first ton coming in round 5. If you look at his work in the previous 18 games, he only failed to register the ton in 2 matches and averaged 116 in that stretch. For AFLFantasy he scored his average just over the ton but score 100 or above in 14 games including two over 125.

The year prior was almost identical with a SuperCoach average of 109 and posted 13 scores of 100 or more while in AFLFantasy he averaged 100.2 and hit the ton range in 11 matches. While these are two very handy fantasy seasons, especially in SuperCoach his best year came back in 2016 where he averaged 111 in AFLFantasy and scored 15 tons while SuperCoach he averaged 112 and posted an enormous 18 scores over 100.

Added to his consistent 100+ seasonal averages is the fact the over the past five seasons he’s missed just the two matches. Even if others do average ahead of him the fact that he rarely misses means you should be safe from having to ‘sideways trade’ to another premium or be forced to bench him to ride a small injury or suspension concern.

A move to Brisbane certainly will not damage his fantasy output at all especially with the departure of former skipper Dayne Beams. While not identical players his recruitment will ensure especially at stoppages the club doesn’t take a drastic step back. Like at Fremantle he’s also unlikely ever to be tagged with Dayne Zorko showing during multiple matches that you can shut him down meaning Lachie should be free to go about his ball-winning work without significant attention.

MY TAKE

Every preseason over the past few years Lachie Neale is one of the most discussed players in the preseason as potentially the next uber midfielder. For SuperCoach, I understand the amount of conversation and expectation given his past three seasonal averages have been 112, 109 & 111 making him a top 10 midfielder during that time. However, in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam it’s always been based on the potential that he can reach back to his 111-year average in 2016. We need to ask ourselves, why did he jump so drastically but in the year prior (2015) and the following years (2017 & 2018) he hasn’t averaged over 101? What made 2016 so different that his possession count jumped up to a career-high 33 a game?

On first glance, the fact that Nat Fyfe only played five games alongside him could provide some level of explanation. However, over that year his average just bumped up 5 points per game without Fyfe in the side. In fact, over the past two years (2017 & 2018), his averages in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam are actually better when Fyfe plays, up to even 10 points per game better last year. So while Nat’s absence in 2016 provides some answers, it doesn’t give us a full picture. Instead, it’s where he won these ‘extra’ possessions that I believe the solution is found.

That year Neale average disposals jumped up to a career-high 33.5 and Fremantle finished 16th while won just the four matches. Across the year they were continually getting belted from pillar to post both in the midfield contest and on the scoreboard. To help stem the bleeding Fremantle midfielders like Neale were often gathering plenty of touches inside defensive 50. On top of this Stephen Hill was getting any tagging focus if sides opted for a defensive midfielder given Hill’s ability to pinpoint passes with his deadly left boot.

A move to a new club does mean a new beginning, and I always have some level of caution of starting players as they arrive at a new clubs. I believe at Brisbane they will be even less dependant on Neale gave their midfield unit as a whole is further advanced than that of Fremantle. The move to Brisbane won’t impact his numbers to make his SuperCoach or AFLFantasy numbers slide drastically. However, I do not believe they’ll boost drastically in AFLFantasy enough to make him a 105-110 averaging midfielder.

For him to return to the 2016 numbers he must increase the amounts of the uncontested and easy possession ball, spend more time on ground in the midfield and given the developing young group the Lions have I can’t see them regressing their style of play which is incredibly fast-paced and quick moving transitional style to something more scoring-friendly for Neale.

I do think he’ll maintain his SuperCoach average and be right in contention for a top 10 midfielder again, meaning in that format he’s a serious starting squad or upgrades target. However for me to pick him in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam, I’d need to see something change substantially in the JLT Community series to think that Neale won’t just be a solid 100 midfielder.

I know many among the fantasy community rate Lachie Neale as a top 8 midfielder in AFLFantasy/AFLDreamTeam, and that’s fine. I’ve been wrong about plenty before and will be again, but right now the fact that he’s only shown a limited ceiling with just 4 tons over 120 in his past 43 games I’d instead upgrade to him if he does find a new level at Brisbane and be wrong than start him and be right.

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DRAFT DECISIONS

In SuperCoach he’s a worthy round one selection given the fact that he’s ranked as a top 10 scorer from last season (injury affected Mitchell removed.) That said, I don’t think he’ll go inside the first round so you should be able to pick him up on the return in the second round. Neale will certainly be off the board before the 4th round starts.

In AFLFantasy he slides out a little more for me. On current history, he’s ranked 27th for midfielders and while I have him probably about 20th overall for midfielders I know the fact that I value him less than others means someone will grab him before me and as early as the second round and as an M1. I wouldn’t personally select him any earlier than the 3rd round, but even then it’d depend on how many of my higher ranked midfielders were off the board.

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#23 Most Relevant: Adam Treloar

Read Time:5 Minute, 29 Second

For the past five seasons he’s averaged over 100 in every format, but can this star midfielder get back to elite midfield fantasy numbers?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Adam Treloar
Age: 25
Club: Collingwood Magpies
Position: Midfield

2018 Highest Score:
147 Vs Richmond (AFLFantasy)
149 Vs Richmond (SuperCoach)

2018 Average:
108.4 (AFLFantasy)
109.4 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $594,200
AFLFantasy Price: $787,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $775,800

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WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

Adam Treloar is one of the most consistent and safe 100+ averaging midfielders no matter the format you play. Ever since 2014, he’s posted a seasonal average above the ton every single year. in all formats since 2014

While we always want to own a player the delivers statistically what can’t be undersold is the enjoyment owning certain players can bring as they are just fun to watch. Personally, I find Treloar as one of the most enjoyable players to own in fantasy and watch in AFL in general. Adam wins plenty of his own ball, he posses a great burst of speed away from stoppages, can get on the outside and link up and impacts the scoreboard. Last year he averaged 29 touches a game, at 68% efficiency, averaged 7 score involvements a game & 5 inside ’50s to be among one of the most elite midfielders and fantasy scorers in the game.

Last year a serious hamstring injury in round 14 against the Blues early in the 4th term ended his home and away season. Prior to the injury, he played every game and had scored 9 AFLFantasy/DreamTeam tons with 3 of them over 130 ending the year with an average of 108. While in SuperCoach he posted 10 hundred plus scores, 4 of which were above 130 and a seasonal average of 109.

A season earlier he played 21 games, posted 14 AFLFantasy/DreamTeam tons, 6 of those over 120 and an average of 108. Again for SuperCoach a strong conversion rate with 11 scores over the hundred markers, 4 of the scores above 120 and an average of 101.

Over the past 2 seasons, he’s played 34 games and had only 3 scores under 80 and 21 matches where he posted a century in his past 34 games for AFLFantasy. While for SuperCoach and it’s just the 5 scores under 80 and 21 tons.

As impressive as these conversion rates for tons are it’s still a fraction off the pace from his best fantasy footy season ever where back in 2016 he averaged over 111 in all formats played every match and posted 15 AFLFantasy/DreamTeam hundreds and 16 in SuperCoach.

His fantasy scoring ceiling and frequency of hundreds mark him as a player that most weeks you can genuinely consider as a captaincy option and with the season-ending injury to Tom Mitchell this becomes even more crucial. Over the past 2 years ‘Titch’ was often left as a set and forget option meaning sides often didn’t have many variations between captaincy outputs. Now with no Mitchell guys like Macrae, Grundy, Cripps, Merrett, Gawn Oliver, Fyfe and yes Treloar among others all could be someone’s captain meaning with so many variables we could see a 100 point output and the difference just on captains selections only.

More unique variables only make for a more interesting competition and the need for multiple players within your side that could wear the captaincy armband most weeks something that Adam Treloar certainly is with a high ceiling and consistent triple figure returns.

MY TAKE

While it’s purely speculative the biggest question mark around selecting not just Adam Treloar but any Pies midfielder is the impact on their fantasy scores and midfield time with the trade inclusion of Dayne Beams. This inclusion into the side will only aid and not hinder the scoring potential as Adam will not be one of those who’s midfield rotations see a decline. Instead, I believe it’ll likely be one of or a combination of fringe players such as Chris Mayne and James Aish that are squeezed out of the midfield group. Also, some more clearly defined roles especially for Steele Sidebottom on the outside with the need for him to not be used for winning clearances but instead now being the first touch from the clearance. Furthermore, the inclusion of Beams probably makes him a potential 3rd in line option to cop the opposition tagger with many sides choosing to lock down out the damaging Steele Sidebottom who late last year was cutting teams apart on the outside of traffic.

I still think there is growth in him not just based on his 2016 numbers were he has averaged 110+ before but also because his current seasonal average includes the match he injured his hamstring early in the 4th term against Carlton. If you were to do his annual average based on ‘healthy’ games, he averaged 110 in SuperCoach 112 in AFLFantasy and had only one score beneath 90 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 2 in SuperCoach.

While we talk of last seasons injury, it needs to be noted that beyond this severe hamstring injury he’s had an incredibly strong career to date. Outside of last year where he missed the final eight games of the season he’s he’s only missed six games in the past five years

In the opening six rounds of the year, Collingwood has 3 Thursday night games and two night matches meaning he’s a perfect unique candidate for a vice-captaincy as many will be looking at his teammate Brodie Grundy. For me, I’ve got Adam in both my DreamTeam & AFLFantasy starting squads and am seriously considering him in SuperCoach.

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DRAFT DECISIONS

I rank him as a top 10 averaging midfielder across all formats so as such he’s an M1 selection for me. While he wouldn’t be a stretch to select him with your first selection overall chances are you’d be able to land him on the wrap around in the second round and either lock him as a super strong M2 or locked alongside a top 2-3 scorer in another line.

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#24 Most Relevant: Tim Taranto

Read Time:5 Minute, 24 Second

He was a breakout MID/FWD DPP option in 2018, but I think he’s got even more growth in him this season, and as a midfielder he’ll be unique.

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Tim Taranto
Age: 20
Club: GWS Giants
Position: Midfield

2018 Highest Score:
120 Vs Fremantle (AFLFantasy)
116 Vs Fremantle (SuperCoach)

2018 Average:
90.9 (AFLFantasy)
88.7 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $481,600
AFLFantasy Price: $660,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $650,200

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

As a forward last season, Tim Taranto did something that barely anyone else has done previously, and that saw him deliver a ‘breakout’ fantasy season in just the second year at the elite level. He now joins the elite league of ‘second-year premiums’ which includes Clayton Oliver (101 AF, 111 SC), Jackson Macrae (104 AF, 101 SC) and Nat Fyfe as a forward (98 AF, 108 SC.)
All three of these players are superstars of the league and have maintained this premium fantasy scoring since then based on his current trend I predict Tim will do the same.

Taranto was ranked first at the club for tackles, equal-third with former teammate Dylan Shiel for contested possessions, fourth for clearances and fifth for possessions.

Last year he averaged 91 in AFLFantasy for the season, it featured seven scores over the hundred marks including four over 110. While for SuperCoach he averaged 89 and posted 7 tons including three over 110.

What’s positive about these numbers is the ratio of hundreds to matches is 1 in 3 last year and yet he can still he averaged 90. It’s even better than you first think as he posted no scores over 120 meaning his strong enough and consistent basement was holding his average up not the occasional 130+ score. He now enters into a season with another full preseason under his belt and a fantasy scoring basement that will only get stronger as he develops as a player.

The departure of midfielder Dylan Shiel creates further opportunities for this young star who while isn’t a carbon copy replacement is someone that the coaching staff will look at to take on greater responsibility as part of the midfield unit.

Throughout the preseason players, coaches and club officials are raving about his preseason work. Now while the phrase ‘training the house down’ and ‘having his best preseason ever’ are words perfect to add to a fantasy footy preseason bingo card it’s evident that this is the case for Tim. During the clubs recent time trial he finished among the top few in the same time window of running machines Josh Kelly and Lachie Whitfield.

Both of his clubs co-captains are raving about him with Callan Ward stating to AFL.com.au that ‘he’s the perfect build for an AFL player because he’s got the height, he’s strong and he can run, he’s got it all.‘ Ward goes on to say that ‘I’m so excited to see him spending more time in the midfield this season, and he can also go forward and be dangerous, and if I was playing on him inside 50 I’d be nervous. If he can produce his best footy more consistently this year, I think he’ll be one of the best midfielders in the competition.‘

His other co-captain Phil Davis is big wraps on him from a fantasy perspective as we asked him on twitter if we should select his sides young gun and below is his response.

MY TAKE

When Tim Taranto played with Josh Kelly, but without Jacob Hopper, he averaged 105 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 106 in SuperCoach. When he played with Hopper and without Kelly, he averaged 100 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 96 in SuperCoach. While when all 3 of them played together, he averaged 81 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam & 79 in SuperCoach. The return of Williams in the finals meant a move of Whitfield back to the wing, and this impacted him further with scores of 72 & 78 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 76 & 62 in SuperCoach.

His scoring was impacted when Kelly was and also Hopper in the side. That said, the departure of Dylan Shiel should mean that midfield balance levels out and less likely taking points away from each other as we did see at times last year. The added midfield responsibility and possible midfield minutes increase should see him push right into premium territory as he enters into what is the traditional third-year’ breakout.’

Honestly, the only major question mark is at his price for DreamTeam & SuperCoach he needs to be a keeper and lift his average around 15 points per game up to a 105 as a minimum and can he do that? On potential certainly but it does probably require more faith to do so than running with him over slightly more proven guys like Taylor Adams and Rory Sloane.

It’s different for AFLFantasy as you can start him and then run him up to or even slightly before his round 14 bye if not earlier but with Dustin Martin less than $15,000 he’ll likely be a unique option which indeed isn’t a bad thing.

Worst case scenario he holds the average point, while best case scenario you get a unique midfielder who wouldn’t be out of place banging the top 10 averaging midfielder door down.

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DRAFT DECISIONS

By the end of the opening five rounds, every midfielder that averages 100 or will be off the board. At that point, coaches will be looking for players who show scoring potential to jump into that range. Here is where Tim Taranto starts to enter draft calculations. While M3 would probably too early a position to select him, it would depend on if you’d strengthened out other lines which would balance jumping on him at this position. I’d think he’ll be a popular M4 and a worthy selection at that point in any draft.

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#25 Most Relevant: Isaac Heeney

Read Time:4 Minute, 48 Second

He’s one of the most consistent scoring forwards available, but can that ever be a bad thing? MJ looks at this Sydney Swans fantasy relevance.

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Isaac Heeney
Age: 22
Club: Sydney Swans
Position: Midfield/Forward

2018 Highest Score:
118 Vs St Kilda (AFLFantasy)
134 Vs St Kilda (SuperCoach)

2018 Average:
90.7 (AFLFantasy)
97.4 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $529,200
AFLFantasy Price: $658,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $648,800

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

He’s been a staple in many fantasy footy forwardlines over the past few years and it’s crazy to think that this year the 22-year-old will be only his 5th season at AFL level. Isaac Heeney is one of the most exciting young players in the league who possesses poise and class with the ball and is one of the cleanest overheard marks in the game. Even with only limited midfield rotations, he’s still proving to be a formidable fantasy scorer averaging as the 8th highest ranked forward across all formats last year.

Across his 2018 season, he posted 9 tons in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 12 in SuperCoach and outside of an injury-affected game against the Tigers in round 15 where he failed to score above 20. Truth be told if you removed his injury affected game he’d have averaged 94.35 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 101.45.

Last years numbers were reinforcements of what he did in his breakout 2017 year. His average jumped 18 points from the previous year and ended the year averaging 92.1 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam with only 7 scores of 100 or more, while in SuperCoach he averaged 97.4 and the 8 scores north of the hundred from his 18 home and away games.

Over the past 2 seasons, Heeney has played 39 of a possible 44 games and averaged a combined 91 in AFLFantasy & 97 in SuperCoach. What’s encouraging for coaches here is the ‘lack’ of hundreds, which I know sounds odd to explain, but please let me explain. During these games, he’s managed just the 15 AFLFantasy/DreamTeam tons and 19 in SuperCoach. These low frequency (and contrasting low ceiling) points to one unheralded feature of his game, his scoring consistency.

Over a number of episodes of the 50 Most Relevant podcasts, it’s been highlighted by myself and some guests that especially in AFLFantasy he lacks a scoring ceiling especially in contrast to a Patrick Dangerfield, Josh Dunkley and Devon Smith. However, that is far from a criticism. If anything it gives fantasy coaches greater confidence to select him based on the fact that his scoring variations in contrast to other premiums are consistent and makes for fewer rounds when ‘fantasy regret’ sets in. Trust me, it’s a thing ask anyone that owned Dayne Zorko last year. The other positive is that as he enters into the 5th season he already has such a strong scoring base and so as the higher possession games, more midfield responsibility and even avenues to goal for the Swans increase so to should his AFLFantasy ceiling.

MY TAKE

While his scoring consistency is a tremendous positive coaches need to consider both sides of the coin. One one hand his scoring consistency and relatively big basement range mean you can safely build a forward line around him and not get burnt by the role change question mark others face like Josh Dunkley or the 140 one week 50 the next of a key forward. A safe approach doesn’t always mean a wrong strategy. Conversely, if Heeney’s scoring doesn’t leap up by a few points and his ceiling stays relatively unchanged can you afford to take him on and not own him given he’s unlikely to hurt you with big 130+ scores regularly? Honestly, you can build a case for both strategies being valid. Either way, I can’t see a world that a fit Isaac Heeney doesn’t average over 90 safely.

With the departures of Tom Mitchell and Dan Hannebery over the past few seasons is the need for him to move into the midfield entirely a reality? Honestly, the Sydney forwards structure still needs his forward presence and contested overheard marking as a regular feature inside the 50. Perhaps if Sam Reid can stay fit, if Will Hayward continues his positive direction and new draftee Nick Blakely cracks the side maybe then he’ll be allowed to roam more frequently inside the midfield group, but those are a lot of ‘if’s to overcome.

Before writing and researching this article I had him squarely as an upgrade target if not someone I chose to go against and take on all together. However, his consistency & what I believe to be his natural development with a few extra midfield rotations and responsibilities mean I will be starting him in all formats of the game.

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DRAFT DECISIONS

On current averages he’s ranked as an F1 selection and nothing points to him dropping away his scoring to suggest he won’t be yet again a top 10 averaging forward in overall rankings. While the first round is too early to get on Isaac Heeney I can see him disapareing off boards as early as the second round but certainly being gone as the 4th round commences.

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#26 Most Relevant: Dustin Martin

Read Time:5 Minute, 51 Second

After a stunning 2017 where Dustin Martin won everything except the Coleman Medal, a slight drop off could be understood. Does he bounce back to his fantasy footy best this year? I think he could!

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Dustin Martin
Age: 27
Club: Richmond Tigers
Position: Midfield

2018 Highest Score:
127 Vs Adelaide (AFLFantasy)
160 Vs Adelaide (SuperCoach)

2018 Average:
92.9 (AFLFantasy)
103.8 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $563,800
AFLFantasy Price: $674,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $664,500

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

It’s not often you have a ‘down’ year and yet get All Australian honours however that’s exactly what happened last year to Dustin Martin. After the dizzying heights of an almost faultless 2017, Dusty’s stats and fantasy numbers drifted back a little. From a fantasy perspective, it was his lowest seasonal average in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam since 2012 while in SuperCoach it was back in 2014.

In 2018 Dusty started just like he left off in 2017 with scores of 110, 127 & 111 in his opening four games of AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 139, 160 & 141 in SuperCoach. However, between rounds 7-15 he scored no AFLFantasy/DreamTeam tons and 2 for SuperCoach. You have to go back to 2011 for him to go that many games in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam for him to have a gap of tons that long. However, from after the bye, we started to see Dustin bounce back towards his impactful and scoring best. Over the final eight weeks of the year, he didn’t drop a score below 80 and posted 4 tons all of which were over 110 for AFLFantasy/DreamTeam. He was even stronger in SuperCoach with six matches reaching the hundred and just the one score under 90. Over the final eight weeks of the year, he ended up averaging 100 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 109 in SuperCoach.

One of the primary reasons for a dip in scoring was his forward role had increased more on the previous years, so much so that I had expected Champion data to award him additional forward status. With Richmond’s off-season recruitment adding a new potent weapon into the forward mix, it should undoubtedly decrease the reliance of Dusty inside forward 50 and free him back more into the midfield.

His previous fantasy seasons can serve as a reminder for us of how strong a fantasy footballer he can be. Last year he averaged 113 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam with 15 games over 100 and just the three scores under 90. For SuperCoach it was even better, with an average of 119, 17 scores of 100 or more and over his final 15 games of the year just once did he dip below 100. In 2016 he scored 14 AFLFantasy/DreamTeam tons and 12 in SuperCoach.

Even if Dustin Martin could only bounce back to his seasonal averages from 2016 and not his Brownlow yeat he’d still jump up 15 points per game to 107 and 5 points to 108 in SuperCoach. For a reference point, averages like that would rank him based on last seasons averages as a top 10 midfielder in every format.

The other often unheralded feature of his game is his durability since his debut back in 2010 he’s only missed just the five possible matches. Compare this to a player like Nat Fyfe who a while has a comparable scoring history and made his debut in the same year and yet has played almost 50 fewer games.

MY TAKE

Depending on who you speak to or the football sites you choose to digest you’ll hear many and varied speculations of the impact of both the effect of the new rule changes and the inclusion of former Gold Coast Sun and fellow 50 Most Relevant inclusion Tom Lynch will make to the game style of Richmond.

If the 6-6-6 starting positions are to make any positive impact for key forwards like Lynch it’ll require sides to win the centre clearances and transition the ball quickly into the forward 50, for Richmond while they don’t lack for midfield options Martin is undoubtedly the best of the bunch at winning the ball in tight for the Tigers. While I do think the inclusion of Lynch should allow the Tigers to use Dustin more as a midfielder, I still believe he’ll be given plenty of time as part of the Tiger forward structure. Dusty is such a difficult matchup and percentage of winning 1on1 match ups over the past few years is among the elite in the game. This is still only a positive because he’ll likely get a favourable miss match given the Lynch and Riewoldt command the needs of the best to tall defenders and many defensive units lack a player that is capable of matching it with dusty in a marking contest and on the deck.

One of the critical variables that makes me extra keen on Dusty is the fixture that is favourable for him to be a Vice-Captaincy loophole year round for SuperCoach, potentially AFLDreamTeam and on designated AFLFantasy rounds. This year Richmond 7 games on either a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday night and he is clear #1 VC option from the Richmond across most of those matchups. With last seasons ‘set and forget’ captain Tom Mitchell unavailable for most of the year, these opportunities to leverage a second bite at the captaincy cherry are hugely beneficial.

For me, I do believe in 2019 we’ll see a boost in his fantasy numbers it’d be closer to that of 2016 than 2017 numbers. Regardless that still would place him in the conversation of a top 10 midfielder. He’s right in the mix for me in SuperCoach and AFLFantasy as a starting squad option.

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DRAFT DECISIONS

For the past few seasons whether it be as a DPP forward or a pure midfielder he’s gone in the opening round of almost every draft so enjoy the fact that to own him it won’t cost you the first round selection. He’s currently ranked as the 47th best midfielder in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam but he’ll get drafted ahead of that. If Dusty were my M3, I’d be thrilled with that, however, if your desperate to own him an M2 selection isn’t out of reach. A choice as M4 is a massive steal given he has the potential to be a top 10 averaging midfielder once again.

For SuperCoach he’s ranked as the 18th best midfielder and will likely be gone by no later than the 4th round and as an M2 selection.

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