Keeper Leagues

UltimateFooty | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 15
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Read Time:4 Minute, 45 Second

The byes are over! Back to full squads this week and time to find the diamond in the rough that will propel your side into your league’s finals. This week’s list includes a forgotten Sun whose scoring ceiling is through the roof plus a premiership winning Bulldog who has returned from a serious knee injury ahead of schedule.

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BACK:

Connor Idun – GWS
% owned – 34%
2021 average – 62.8

A handy cash cow in the salary cap formats, Idun isn’t someone I’d be recommending strongly but considering there isn’t an abundance of unique defenders available this week and the fact that the Giants appear to have found their high possession swagger again, he’s worth a look.

In his 3rd season this year, Idun has only missed one game impressively locking down a spot in a strong backline. He is averaging 6 marks a game but needs to find more of the footy and I think this will start to happen as the Giants would be wise to get it into his hands. His run and carry complements players like Whitfield and Cumming very well, and with 10 marks on the weekend and a career best score of 84, he is starting to show what he is capable of.

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CENTRE:

Brayden Fiorini – Gold Coast
% owned – 38%
2021 average – 70

Along with the likes of Will Brodie and Darcy MacPherson, I can’t work out how Fiorini can’t get into this floundering Gold Coast side. He has been finding plenty of the ball in the reserves but has been unable to break through in season 2021 until the weekend just gone when he was named as the medical sub. He came on early replacing the concussed Swallow and scored a solid 70 from 66% game time.

This is Fiorini’s 6th season and those with a good memory will remember when he debuted late in the 2016 season because in his second game, he scored a quite ludicrous 166! Since then, however, he hasn’t lived up to the billing and has found himself in and out of the team. The one season he played over 20 games was 2019 and he averaged 100.

With Swallow set to miss this week plus a hamstring injury to Lachie Weller, I expect to see Fiorini given a full game this week in what may be his last chance to prove he belongs at the level, at least with the Suns anyway. He is averaging 123 fantasy points from his 6 VFL games this year thanks to an average of 32 disposals, and is someone to strongly consider.

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FORWARD

Toby McLean – Western Bulldogs
% owned – 51%
2021 average – 81

Just 10 months after rupturing his ACL last season, Mclean amazingly returned to the Bulldogs AFL side last weekend coming in as a late inclusion for Stef Martin. He was a great inclusion too as he collected 21 touches and kicked a late goal that would have been the matchwinner if it weren’t for Gary Rohan’s after-the-siren heroics.

Mclean hasn’t been relevant in fantasy circles since his career best season in 2018 when he averaged 94.5 and just under 6 tackles a game playing a high forward role. The last couple seasons has seen his fantasy output decrease as he moved into a more defensive forward role.

Against Geelong in his comeback game, he attended 3 centre bounces whilst Lachie Hunter and Bailey Smith attended none playing off the wing and half forward. I think the three of those guys will rotate a fair bit giving Mclean some midfield time that should see his scoring improve and come closer to his 2018 season level.

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Matthew Kennedy – Carlton
% owned – 46%
2021 average – 58.7%

Kennedy’s average this season is deceptively low when you consider he has been the medical sub in 2 of the 3 games he has taken to the field. The former Giant has struggled with form and injury in his time at Carlton and this year has been no different as his first appearance without the sub was against his old side on the weekend. With young gun Sam Walsh copping a hard tag, Kennedy did his best to pick up the slack picking up 27 touches and taking 8 marks in an excellent performance, scoring 110.

He showed signs of being a consistent best 22 performer last season with a good run of 6 games in a row playing as an inside midfielder before his season was once again derailed by injury with a calf injury sidelining him. He returned for the final game of the season, impressing with 23 touches and 4 tackles.

At his best, Kennedy has shown an ability to hit the fantasy scoreboard and with a bit of luck on the injury front, will be a strong scorer for the remainder of the season.  His DPP status as a MID/FWD makes him all the more appealing.

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Ultimate Footy | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 14
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Read Time:4 Minute, 57 Second

This is a very tough week for unique free agents as we have 8 teams on the bye in what is, thankfully, the final week of byes. This week’s list is made up of players that could be one-week wonders in your side, stepping in to cover for one of your premium players missing. They either have a favourable match up or are in a fleetingly rich vein of form but are likely to be kicked back to the bench or free agent scrap heap next week. And if they end up being keepers, then that’s a bonus but I wouldn’t count on it. Enjoy, and good luck!

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DEFENDER

Trent McKenzie – Port Adelaide
% owned – 57%
2021 average – 76

The addition of Aliir Aliir and a fit and healthy Ryan Burton into Port Adelaide’s back 6 meant that despite playing all but 2 games last season, McKenzie was on the outer for the first half of 2021. He did get his chance in round 10 and has made the most of it playing every week since.

In those 3 games, McKenzie has averaged 7 marks a game and has opted to kick instead of handball at a very fantasy friendly rate. Of his 51 disposals, 46 have been kicks! This stat has been helped by the fact that McKenzie has taken the most kick ins for Port in his 3 games and like a true fantasy player, has played on 100% of the time.

Finally, this week he comes up against his old side, Gold Coast, who are down on confidence and last week against Fremantle, allowed the likes of Luke Ryan, James Aish and Darcy Tucker to take 30 marks between them, all on the way to solid fantasy tons.

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MIDFIELD

Jai Newcombe – Hawthorn
% owned – 59%
2021 average – 87

What a whirlwind few weeks it has been for 20 year old Newcombe. He went from being one of VFL side Box Hill’s best players, to joining an AFL list, to debuting on a Friday night and setting a record for most tackles by a debutant in AFL history laying a whopping 14. His disposal tally was much more modest at 13 but the fact that he attended 16/25 centre bounces shows Hawthorn are not afraid to throw the kid in the deep end.

Teammate Worpel attended 1 more centre bounce than Newcombe but will miss this week’s clash against Essendon through suspension meaning the new Hawk will have every chance to build on his impressive debut.

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RUCK

Jonathon Ceglar – Hawthorn
% owned – 63%
2021 average – 68.8

What a time to put in a career best performance (and 2nd highest fantasy career score) for Hawthorn’s perennial back up ruckman. Watching youngster Ned Reeves take his spot and play very well in it must have lit a fire in Ceglar and he is a perfect candidate for a one week spot in your side if you own one of the many ruckmen on the bye this week.

Reeves was a late out on Friday night paving the way for Ceglar to come in and surprisingly dominate against one of the competitions hardest ruckman to play on, Tom Hickey.  He recorded the most hit outs on the ground with 35 whilst collecting 20 disposals and kicking a goal in what was a complete performance. It is just the third time in his career that he has recorded 20+ disposals in a game.

Reeves appears to have recovered from him ankle problem but it is hard to see him pushing the veteran back out this week at least. They are up against Essendon this week who in their last two outings have allowed ruckmen to score well. Before the bye, Chol hit a 97 against them in the Dreamtime game, and the week before that, Naitanui posted a handsome 117.

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FORWARD

Steven Motlop – Port Adelaide
% owned – 62%
2021 average – 67.3%

At his best, Motlop is an excitement machine that loves finding the footy but unfortunately for Port fans (Geelong ones too), his worst is the complete opposite of that. It is this hot and cold fluctuation that makes it hard to pick Motlop in any fantasy format but it does make him a great candidate for a one week gig in your squad as he comes up against the struggling Suns this week.

Port have won 5 games by over 30 points this year and across those games, Motlop has averaged 84. In the remaining 7 games which have been a mix of wins by less than 30 and losses, he has averaged 55.

Now, does this mean Motlop only plays well when Port Adelaide beat up on sides, or does it mean Port Adelaide only play well when Motlop is up and about? I’ll let smarter minds than mine work that out, but what I do know is, if you think Port will beat Gold Coast by more than 5 goals this week, get Motlop in!

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UltimateFooty | Round 12 Positional Changes
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Read Time:3 Minute, 58 Second

After rounds 3, 6, 9 & 12 the drafting format of Ultimate Footy awards additional player positions to players that have had a role change in season. As always players are required to have played a minimum of 3 games to be eligible and to be playing the new position as their primary role in the side.

Nine players have gained an additional position. Two players have gained back status, six gaining centre, no new rucks and one player have picked up forward status. Let’s look at who they are and their relevance to your draft sides and leagues.

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Chayce Jones | ADD BACK

It’s not a high relevant gain, given his top score is 54 for the year. However, it looks as though Chayce might have just found his home at the AFL level. The former first round pick has struggled at times to get his hands on the ball at the top level in the past 18 months.

Jones has since shown glimpses of his elite running, creative ball use and defensive endeavour across half back in the previous month. He might be worth a pick up in a deep keeper league at best.

Zach Tuohy | ADD BACK

Over the previous 12 months, we’ve seen the Irishman get used higher up the ground. However, over the past 6 weeks, Zac Tuohy has moved back to his more historic role across half-back, including taking a share of kick ins. In his last four matches, he’s scored 85, 96, 85 & 109. He should become back eligible. It’s a huge gain for the 84% of coaches that own him and clearly the most relevant gaining of this batch of DPP’s.

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Matt Guelfi | ADD CENTRE

In 2021 he’s averaging 51. That’s not an option to roster as a back let alone as a centre. Look elsewhere!

Harry Schoenberg | ADD CENTRE

The Crows will be happy with the development of Harry, as his time through the midfield is gradually increasing across the season as . Like all players who gain centre, it’s rarely helpful in boosting on-field scoring. However, it could be helpful in your league if you play through the bye rounds.

James Harmes | ADD CENTRE

Normally the addition of centre status is the least helpful for coaches. It rarely adds to any increase of on-field scoring but rather adds some squad versatility. While this is true for James Harmes, the timing is also helpful for coaches who play through the coming bye rounds. This DPP might help you with field scores if scampering for every available options this week.

Kayne Turner | ADD CENTRE

The addition of centre status is a valid call from UF, with the Kangaroos asking Kayne Turner to play a tagging role. However, with only one score over 40 in the past four, he’s not someone you should consider.

David Zaharakis | ADD CENTRE

The addition of DPP does nothing for the relevance of David Zaharakis. Further to that, last weekend, he injured his hamstring and will miss the next few weeks. Pass!

Will Hoskin-Elliott | ADD CENTRE

I feel like a broken record, but as helpful as the hyphen has been in our forward line lately, he’ll give you nothing more than some squad flexibility. In the last month, he’s done well with three scores above 85, including a 113. At best, he’ll give you another body to play on the field this week if you play through the bye.

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Jason Johannisen | ADD FORWARD

As part of Luke Beveridge’s annual ‘wheel of positions’, the 2016 Norm Smith Medalist Jason Johannisen has been deployed inside the bulldogs forward 50. Beyond a game a few weeks back against the Saints in round 10, he’s shown little to suggest that this role change is scoring friendly.

Johannisen has just two scores above 60 all season, you really should be looking elsewhere. With an average draft position of 136, it’s been one of the most disappointing draft day returns for owners.

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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UltimateFooty | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 13
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Read Time:2 Minute, 52 Second

Just the three players again this week due to it being the second of three bye rounds.  Making the list are a couple of players fresh off the bye last week that have the potential to help your side in the second half of the year, particularly a North midfielder who could’ve been on his way to his first 100 average season if not for a bad injury in the pre-season. Speaking of injury, also on the list is a much-loved Collingwood forward who returned from a broken leg with a bang!

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BACKS

Riley Bonner – Port Adelaide
% owned – 37%
2021 average – 62.5

After 19 games in each of 2018 and 2019, Bonner was limited to 9 games last year as pressure for spots in the backline heated up. He was picked for round 1 but we then didn’t see him in the seniors again until round 9 when an opportunity arose in the shape of a Dan Houston injury. His game was unspectacular but crucially, it was enough for him to hold his spot when Houston returned the next week.
Before the bye, Bonner put together a solid game in the win against Fremantle recording 20 disposals and taking 9 marks and should grow in confidence with every game he plays.

MIDFIELD:

Trent Dumont – North Melbourne
% owned – 70%
2021 average – 58

Dumont’s average has increased every season of his career (if you account for shortened quarters in 2020) without ever having a true breakout. If this trend continued, 2021 was going to be the year Dumont averaged 100+ but a serious calf injury wrecked his pre-season and most of his season so far. North Melbourne were rightly cautious in how they brought Dumont back to AFL level, but it was a seemingly endless wait for those that drafted him.
He made his return in round 9 in his side’s first win of the year against Hawthorn and has now put 3 games together. None of these performances scream “pick me” to the fantasy world but this is the same guy that hit 5 scores over 90 (112 adjusted) last season. Coming back from a rest thanks to the bye, Dumont will be a real steal if he gets his fantasy career trajectory back on track.

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FORWARD:

Jamie Elliot – Collingwood
% owned – 55%
2021 average – 67.3%

Now THAT is how you return from a long term injury! The oft injured Elliot returned from 10 weeks on the sidelines with a resounding best on ground performance in Collingwood’s tight win over Adelaide. He kicked 6 goals straight playing predominantly forward but also had spurts in the midfield, attending 6 centre bounce attendances.
Elliot unfortunately has a long history of injuries having missed the entire 2016 and 2018 seasons but this time, he was returning from a broken leg sustained in round 2 and not anything hamstring or ankle related which are just some of the ailments that have plagued his career.
I wouldn’t expect 6 goal hauls every week, but a 70+ average from here on is very realistic as he has comfortably hit that in his last 5 or so seasons (when he gets on the park).

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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UltimateFooty | Possible DPP Additions | Round 12
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Read Time:3 Minute, 40 Second

After rounds 3, 6, 9, 12 & 15 the drafting format of Ultimate Footy awards additional player positions to players that have had a role change in season. On Wednesday, we’ll confirm with you exclusively which players WILL gain a new position, but before then, here are some players we believe would be in consideration for obtaining a new positional status.

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Zac Tuohy | ADD BACK

Over the previous 12 months, we’ve seen the Irishman get used higher up the ground. However, over the past 6 weeks, Zac Tuohy has moved back to his more historic role across half-back, including taking a share of kick ins. In his last four matches, he’s scored 85, 96, 85 & 109. He should become back eligible. It’ll be a huge gain for the 84% of coaches that own him.

Chayce Jones | ADD BACK

It’s not a high fantasy relevant gain, given his top score is 54 for the year. However, it looks as though Chayce might have just found his home at the AFL level. The former first round pick has struggled at times to get his hands on the ball at the top level in the past 18 months.

Jones has since shown glimpses of his elite running, creative ball use and defensive endeavour across half back in the previous month. He might be worth a pick up in a deep keeper league at best.

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James Harmes | ADD CENTRE

Normally the addition of centre status is the least helpful for coaches. It rarely adds to any increase of on-field scoring but rather adds some squad versatility. While this is true for James Harmes, the timing is also helpful for coaches who play through the coming bye rounds. This DPP might help you with field scores if your scampering for every available option.

Harry Schoenberg | ADD CENTRE

The Crows will be happy with the development of Harry, as his time through the midfield is gradually increasing across the season. Like all players who gain centre, it’s rarely helpful in boosting on-field scoring. However, it could be helpful in your league if you play through the bye rounds.

Jack Lukosious | ADD CENTRE

The Suns love his use of the ball by foot and have looked to transform him again into a damaging wingman. When he gets on the end of it, his sublime foot skills are often exploited to help set up deep inside forward 50 attacks from Gold Coast. He’s picking up centre status will add squad flexibility and not gain you more points on the field.

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Jason Johannisen | ADD FORWARD

As part of Luke Beveridge’s annual ‘wheel of positions’, the 2016 Norm Smith Medalist has been deployed inside the bulldogs forward 50. The club loves his run and carry, and given they have an abundance of half backs to fit them all in, they’ve needed to develop some new roles. Beyond a game a few weeks back against the Saints, he’s shown little to suggest that this role change is fantasy friendly. That said, some leagues are looking for anyone that has a pulse with forward status to get picked up

Xavier O’Halloran | ADD FORWARD

This one is probably only relevant for deep dynasty and keeper leagues, but the Giants Xavier O’Halloran youngster has started to show some signs in a pure football sense. From a UltimateFooty perspective, he’s had 3 scores over 60 in his last five which is reasonable playing predominantly inside forward 50. Depending on the league you’re in and the youthful expression on your list, it might be worth a sneaky pickup.

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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UltimateFooty | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 12
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Just the three players this week as we enter the dreaded bye rounds meaning we only have players from 12 sides to look at it. Making the list is a couple of Saints who have been in and out of the side plus a long time Tiger favourite who offers understated consistency for your midfield.  

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BACKS

Nick Coffield – St.Kilda
% owned – 68%
2021 average – 66

Taken with pick 8 in the 2017 Draft, Coffield started to look the part in 2020 playing every game bar 1 and averaging 62 (78 when adjusted for normal length games). Expected to elevate his game further in 2021, Coffield has been emblematic of St.Kilda’s up and down season, with both he and club performing below expectations.
An impressive 23 disposal, 12 mark performance against Richmond netted his only ton of the season but that was preceded by a meek 10 disposal effort against West Coast where he put up his lowest score of the season with a 38 making it hard to get a read on him.
Coffield was omitted in round 9 and spent a couple of weeks in the VFL to work on his deficiencies, but has now returned to the senior side and will surely be better for the experience and now build on his 2020 form.

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Midfield

Shane Edwards – Richmond
% owned – 63%
2021 average – 77

Like a fine wine, Edwards has gotten better with age and is on track for a career best average in his 15th season! The fact that his current average of 77 would be a career best shows that the veteran Tiger has never been one to trouble the fantasy scoreboards, but he has been consistent this season and is good enough to be the last player across your midfield. Expect him to return to the side this week after missing the last few weeks with an ankle injury and help push Richmond’s quest for a third consecutive flag.

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Forward

Mason Wood – St.Kilda
% owned – 8%
2021 average – 61

Time is ticking for Wood to reach his unfulfilled potential as he is yet to establish himself in the best 22 in his first season at St.Kilda which is his 8th season in the AFL. So far in 2021, the former Roo has added 5 games to his career tally but has only taken the field 3 times as he was the unused medical sub twice and then came on as the sub in round 8 collecting 5 disposals in minimal game time.

The two full games he played were in round 3 when he had little impact in a big loss to Essendon and then again on the weekend in the win against his former side when he scored his first fantasy ton since round 6, 2019.
He achieved this thanks to a 3 goal haul but also by laying 4 tackles and taking 8 marks. With the right role, he can be a great pick up for the Saints and the fantasy draft world.

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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UltimateFooty | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 11
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This week there are four former top 10 picks in the list, including an unlikely veteran down at the Cattery and a young Blue who finished 2020 like a steam train, will he do the same this year?

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BACKS

Lachie Henderson – Geelong
% owned – 51%
2021 average – 72.4

Lachie Henderson is not someone I was expecting to be writing about this season but here we are. After being taken with pick 8 way back in 2007, Henderson is now in his 14th season and playing at his third club. He has never averaged over 70 in a season and has therefore never found himself on any fantasy watchlists.

Despite this, Henderson’s current form can no longer be ignored as he is averaging career high numbers for marks this season taking an average of 7.5 marks a game. It’s a risky pick but with a 5 round average of 84, and playing in a back six that likes to possess the footy, you could do a lot worse.

Sam Taylor – GWS
% owned – 32%
2021 average – 63.4

I have held off writing about this young defender as I wasn’t sure his scoring levels could be maintained, but after a career first fantasy ton on the weekend, it’s time have a look at Taylor.
After playing off in a grand final in his second season, Taylor endured a horrible 2020 and missed most of the season due to health issues that he has thankfully recovered from.

After a terrible couple of scores to start the season, Taylor has put together a solid fantasy season using his excellent reading of the ball to intercept many inside 50’s from the opposition.
His stat line on the weekend read 21 disposals, 9 marks, and 4 tackles scoring 100 but it didn’t come out of nowhere, as he has been building steadily.

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Midfield

Will Setterfield – Carlton
% owned – 50%
2021 average – 59.4

After an excellent 2020 campaign, Setterfield has found himself on the outer this season after some average form early that saw him dropped back to the VFL. He has been back in the senior squad for the last two weeks and has looked ok, averaging 20 touches and 6 marks but what appeals most about the former number 5 draft pick, is how he finished last year.

Before the bye, Setterfield was averaging 56.5 (scaled up to 70.6 to account for shorter quarters) but caught fire in the second half of the season averaging 80.4 (100.5) in a 7 game stretch before missing the final game of the year. If he can do similar this season, he would be an astute acquisition for your midfield.

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Forward

Tarryn Thomas – North Melbourne
% owned – 55%
2021 average – 68.5

Another pick 8, this one in the 2018 National Draft, Thomas is having a strong third season at the level, and is giving fans of the lowly Kangaroos hope for the future. After missing a large chunk of 2020 due to injury, Thomas has played every game so far this season averaging 15 touches, nearly 4 marks and contributing just over a goal a game. He cracked 20+ possessions on the weekend for the first time and is going to be given plenty of opportunities to improve further.

Will Hoskin-Elliott – Collingwood
% owned – 67%
2021 average – 69.9

A perennial free agent in drafts, and another former top 10 draft pick (pick 4 in 2011), Hoskin-Elliot hasn’t been relevant in fantasy circles since his first year at Collingwood in 2017 when he started the season on fire (averaging 104 in first 3 rounds).

Hoskin-Elliott has hit some good scores since returning from a stint in the VFL in round 5 averaging 83, including a 113 against Sydney thanks to 23 touches and 10 marks. That Sydney game saw him play more of a wing role which suits the fantasy game much better and if the former Giant can stay on a wing, he will be a solid scorer in the second half of the season.

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UltimateFooty | Round 9 Positional Changes
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After rounds 3, 6, 9 & 12 the drafting format of Ultimate Footy awards additional player positions to players that have had a role change in season. As always players are required to have played a minimum of 3 games to be eligible and to be playing the new position as their primary role in the side.

14 players have gained an additional position. Five players have gained back status, three gaining centre, one new ruck and five have picked up forward status. Let’s look at who they are and the relevance to your draft sides and leagues.

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Aaron Hall | ADD BACK

Not even Nostradamus saw the scoring volume coming from Aaron Hall in 2021! He, alongside skipper Jack Ziebell, is mopping up everything inside the Kangaroos defensive half. While based on his history, he feels like an injury risk for his coach every single week, the scoring he’s offering is sublime. His true relevance is scoring big as a forward eligible option, but the DPP addition does add some versatility for his owner. An easy addition for UF to make.

James Stewart | ADD BACK

He’s playing a role for the Bombers, but the role isn’t translating into scoring for UltimateFooty. Playing as a key position option in the bombers defense his top score of 43 is nowehere near worth considering as a pickup.

Jy Farrar | ADD BACK

With scores of 86 & 74 in the opening 2 weeks, it looks as though the Suns had unearthed another player. However, since round 7, he’s had only 1 score over 50. Jy spent his time previously as a forward in the SANFL, but the Suns have developed him into a defender, and to be fair, he’s playing his role. Last week 9.8% of coaches dropped him back to the player pool, and I suspect another sub 50 score, even with a new DPP, will see a similar number of squad delistings. Pass!

Atu Bosenavulagi | ADD BACK

The former magpie forward has found a home inside a new loop Kangaroos backline. A simple addition for the team at UF, but not a highly relevant one. Before these DPP gains hit the system, we have 63 backs that are averaging 70 or more, while it’s just 54 in the forwards. Meaning, that right now, it’s harder to get a forward who could go 70 than a defender. If you weren’t one of the 9% of leagues that already own him, this DPP gain shouldn’t have changed your assessment of him.

Jack Sinclair | ADD BACK

Jack Sinclair getting back status is possibly less exciting than what it looked like in the preseason after scoring 112 in the AAMI Community Series. But with the saints trying to squeeze everyone into that midfield, Sinclair has been one of the players moved to the backline. A score of 102 plus two additional scores over 70 in his last five is solid enough to be picked up and added to your roster.

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Dan Houston | ADD CENTRE

Normally the addition of centre status is the least helpful for coaches. It rarely adds to any increase of on-field scoring but rather adds some squad versatility. While this is true for Dan Houston, the timing is additionally helpful for coaches who play through the bye rounds and might in some rounds be scampering for every available on field option.

Jack Crisp | ADD CENTRE

See comments above from Dan Houston!

Liam Baker | ADD CENTRE

Over the past few weeks, the Tigers have been destroyed by injuries through the midfield. It’s meant their coaching staff has had to get creative with who plays through the midfield. Liam Baker was played heavily through the midfield last week and spent some weeks prior also higher up the ground. It looks like this was enough to give the premiership tiger a new DPP.

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Caleb Graham | ADD RUCK

Here are a list of reasons for why you should consider picking up Caleb Graham

  1. You are Caleb Graham, and you’d like to own yourself!
  2. As coach, you are intentionally tanking your league results to benefit your own future draft position or annoy other league coaches.
  3. It’s a customised league that means you play with 2 rucks on the field plus bench cover. Meaning anyone playing with ruck status helps, and his weekly 40 points are the difference between having bench cover and no cover at all.

Other than these three reasons you should be steering clear.

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Lachie Hunter | ADD FORWARD

By name value, this is probably the biggest addition to DPP stocks for this batch. Historically, Lachie Hunter has been a safe 90-100 performer over the years. But in 2021, he’s been squeezed out of the wing role instead of playing as a high end half-forward. He had an ADP of 39, so this is some respite for coaches who spent an early pick on him and have been getting a low return on investment. He moves now into the F1 or F2 spot for most coaches.

Callum Ah Chee | ADD FORWARD

From his 8 games in 2021, he’s scored over 50 in just 2 of these games. You don’t want that as a back or a forward. Pass!

Sam Berry | ADD FORWARD

I really like Sam Berry as a player. He adds something to an Adelaide Crows side that, for a few years, they’ve lacked. That being a hard at it defensive mindset and a player that loves to tackle. He averages 5.3 tackles per game, and in time, the other elements of his game will develop. As that happens, the Crows are letting him build along nicely as an occasional midfielder, but more so as a pressure forward. His average of 50 isn’t anything to consider for seasonal leagues, but in keepers, he might be worth a pick up depending on how many you can hold on your list.

Shaun Higgins | ADD FORWARD

Earlier in this article, I highlighted the lack of forwards who weekly are safe 70+ scoring options. With Shaun Higgins now added to the list, existing owners now have something to smile about. Shaun has filled the void left by the Goat Gary Ablett in the Cats forward line. With scores of 78 & 85 since returning from injury, he moves from a probable bench option as a centre to an on-field forward. He’s still available in 20% of leagues, and I expect this DPP gain, ownership, and value to owners to increase.

Chris Burgess | ADD FORWARD

One score over 60. Pass

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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UltimateFooty | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 10
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Read Time:3 Minute, 40 Second

A two-time premiership star gets a look this week as well as an All-Australian defender that has lost his mojo. Plus, a Melbourne forward who could very well be their good luck charm, and maybe yours too.

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BACKS

Dane Rampe – Sydney
% owned – 65%
2021 average – 69.3

Rampe has never been a big player in fantasy circles with his best season average being a 79 in 2019 but the star defender has put together a decent form line since returning from surgery to repair a broken finger. In his two games since returning, he has averaged 20 disposals and 8 marks and has now scored 80+ in his last 3 games.

Nick Haynes – GWS
% owned – 70%
2021 average – 53.5

Haynes has been a great pick for our backlines the last couple of years but is having a stinker so far in 2021. He has not recorded over 20 disposals in a game once yet this season after achieving the feat 4 times in his All-Australian year, 2020 (in shortened quarters) and 8 times in 2019. Before injuring his hamstring in round 6, a role change of sorts had appeared to move Haynes out of his preferred intercepting role and further up the ground. Many owners have jumped off but with Haynes listed as a test for a possible return this week, he is worth a look. Whitfield is now back in the side so we could see Haynes return to his more familiar intercepting position and hopefully recapture that 2019/20 form.

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Centre

Josh Caddy – Richmond
% owned – 35%
2021 average – 79

Selecting Caddy is not as appealing as it once was since the removal of his DPP status and with him now seemingly just being a depth player at the Tigers. However, the recent spate of injuries to the Richmond engine room should put Caddy in the frame for a return. After being dropped to the reserves in round 5, Caddy then missed a bit of footy before returning on the weekend with a commanding 32 disposal and 2 goal effort in a big win against the Giants in the VFL. This could be enough to see Caddy add some experience to the senior midfield group this week against Brisbane.

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Forward

Alex Neal-Bullen – Melbourne
% owned – 40%
2021 average – 69.1

Before this season, Neale-Bullen had only played every available game in a season once in his 6 years at Melbourne and that was in 2018 when the Demons came within a game of a grand final berth. He has played every game so far this season and Melbourne is undefeated and a flag fancy. Coincidence? Probably. But he is still putting together a very handy season playing forward and roaming up the field. His tackling has always been a feature of his game averaging 4 tackles a game across his career and this season has been no exception. He has recorded at least 4 tackles in all but 2 games this year, and with those 2 poor games out of his average, he’s averaging 78.

Rhys Mathieson – Brisbane
% owned – 44%
2021 average – 68

The long-term injury to Lachie Neale in round 6 created an opportunity for Mathieson to establish himself back in the Lions’ side after only making 10 senior appearances across 2019-2020. Since coming into the side in round 7, Mathieson has attended 61% of all centre bounce attendances for Brisbane showing there is a lot of faith in his ability to get the footy. This hasn’t transferred to massive fantasy scores just yet but he has been building slowly and, with his forward/midfield DPP flexibility, is a viable option.

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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UltimateFooty | Possible DPP Additions | Round 9
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Read Time:4 Minute, 25 Second

After rounds 3, 6, 9, 12 & 15 the drafting format of Ultimate Footy awards additional player positions to players that have had a role change in season. On Wednesday, we’ll confirm with you exclusively which players WILL gain a new position, but before then, here are some players we believe would be in consideration for obtaining a new positional status.

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Aaron Hall | ADD BACK

Not even Nostradamus saw the scoring volume coming from Aaron Hall in 2021! He, alongside skipper Jack Ziebell, is mopping up everything inside the Kangaroos defensive half. While based on his history, he feels like an injury risk for his coach every single week, the scoring he’s offering is sublime. His true relevance is scoring big as a forward eligible option, but the DPP addition does add some versatility for his owner. An easy addition for UF to make. Lock it up!

Zac Tuohy | ADD BACK

Over the previous 12 months, we’ve seen the Irishman get used higher up the ground. However, over the past 4-6 weeks, Zac Tuohy has moved back to his more historic role across half back, including taking a share of kick ins. In his past 5 weeks, he’s had 4 scores of 80+. A year long average of 75 as a centre is irrelevant, but should he gain DPP, that’d place him inside the top 25 highest ranked backs over the past 5 weeks.

Jack Sinclair | ADD BACK

Jack Sinclair getting back status is possibly less exciting than what it looked like in the preseason after scoring 112 in the AAMI Community Series. But with the saints trying to squeeze everyone into that midfield, Sinclair has been one of the players moved to the backline. If he picks up DPP, then expect his current ownership of 71% to spike quickly.

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Jack Crisp | ADD CENTRE

‘Crispy’ has always pushed up the ground even when starting across half back. But in 2021, Nathan Buckley seems quite content to play him at centre bounce more regularly. The possible DPP will open squad versatility and create further options for his owners. It still looks like a top 6-8 defensive premium in 2021.

Harry Schoenberg | ADD CENTRE

The Crows will be happy with the development of Harry, as his time through the midfield is gradually increasing across the season. Like all players who gain centre, it’s rarely helpful in boosting on-field scoring. However, it could be helpful in your league if you play through the bye rounds.

Jack Lukosious | ADD CENTRE

The Suns love his use of the ball by foot and have looked to transform him again into a damaging wingman. When he gets on the end of it, his sublime foot skills are often exploited to help set up deep inside forward 50 attacks from Gold Coast. He’s picking up centre status will add squad flexibility and not gain you more points on the field.

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Lachie Hunter | ADD FORWARD

The addition of Adam Treloar was always going to have a cascading impact on the Bulldogs midfield that was already stacked for options. It seems that Lachie Hunter is one of those who’s taken the biggest hit, with the wingman now spending a majority of his time playing a forward bound role. He was close to getting DPP after round 6, but even with him missing last weeks matchup, I think he’s done enough to gain forward status. If he gains DPP, it could be a huge win in a line that injuries have decimated teams structures.

Xavier O’Halloran | ADD FORWARD

This one is probably only relevant for deep dynasty and keeper leagues, but the Giants Xavier O’Halloran youngster has started to show some signs in a pure football sense. From a UltimateFooty perspective, he’s had 3 scores over 60 in his last five which is reasonable playing predominantly inside forward 50. Depending on the league you’re in and the youthful expression on your list, it might be worth a sneaky pickup.

Jack Billings | ADD FORWARD

He’ll always be in the conversation for regaining his forward status, given how damaging he is inside forward 50. With the saints trying to squeeze Brad Crouch into that midfield unit, the Saints have used Billings more forward than across the wings. The question for us will be, has he spent enough time forward to his UF’s percentage quota. For me, I’m leaning towards it being a yes, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they opted against it. While he is playing more forward, it’s not an exclusive move.

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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