Keeper Leagues

Ultimate Footy | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 9
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This week there’s a possible ruck/forward option with a first choice ruckman likely to be suspended plus there’s a defender who has been scoring poorly as a forward but was moved back to defence this week and, lo and behold, posted a career high score!

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BACKS

Darcy Moore – Collingwood
% owned – 68%
2021 average – 69.9

Another example of key defenders increasing their fantasy relevance this season has been Darcy Moore who started the season in great fashion using his elite intercepting to boost his scoring. Due to Collingwood’s misfiring forward line, Moore was moved forward to provide a tall target in attack which put a halt to his positive fantasy scores. The experiment ended on the weekend as Moore went back to his defensive post against North Melbourne putting up a career best fantasy score. He recorded 28 touches and a whopping 19 marks for a score of 134 and is now one to consider again.

Will Powell – Gold Coast
% owned – 70%
2021 average – 73.5

Since being taken as a surprise pick 19 in the 2017 Draft, Powell has shown plenty of potential at the Suns and a move to the back line last season helped him play all but 2 games. Like many Gold Coast players this season, Powell has been playing a fantasy friendly style averaging 92.5 in the last two weeks and is averaging 6 marks a game for the season. His numbers should continue to improve from here so would be a nice acquisition to your backline. 

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Midfield

Patrick Lipinski – Western Bulldogs
% owned – 70%
2021 average – 67.8

Lipinski has found himself on the fringes of the best 22 this season which isn’t entirely surprising when you consider the wealth of talent in that midfield. After a strong performance in the VFL and the long-term injury to Dunkley, Lipinski made his way back into the side in round 7. With scores of 73 and 60, he hasn’t set the world on fire, but he is still someone to consider as he has shown a high ceiling in the past averaging 85 in 2019 and hitting scores of 129 twice. He is still only 22 and if he can keep his spot, should continue to build into the season and playing in a side that loves to share the footy around, a big score won’t be far away.

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Ruck:

Peter Ladhams – Port Adelaide
% owned – 53%
2021 average – 46.5

With Scott Lycett likely set for a spell on the sidelines after his crude tackle on Adelaide’s Ned McHenry, an opportunity for Port Adelaide’s number 2 ruck has opened up. Now in his third year on the list, Ladhams has shown he is more than capable of hitting a good fantasy score in his 19 career games, especially when playing as the number 1 ruck.
It’s no surprise Ladhams’ career best score was as a solo ruckman in round 10 last season. In a tight win against the Bulldogs, the big man collected 18 disposals along with 32 hitouts for a solid score of 104 (130 adjusted). The game was 1 of 4 in a stretch of games Ladhams played without Lycett and in that period, he averaged 71 (89 adjusted).
There will be strong competition for Lycett’s spot as young ruckman Sam Hayes has been performing strongly in the SANFL and is pushing hard for an AFL debut. But if it is indeed Ladhams who gets the nod, he will be a nice short-term option especially with DPP forward status. 

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Forward

Charlie Cameron
% owned – 38%
2021 average – 55.6

Never a prolific fantasy scorer, Cameron is still an excitement machine and great to watch. Much like Brisbane, Cameron’s 2021 campaign started slowly but he and the Lions are now on a roll. With an increase in the quality of inside 50 deliveries in recent weeks, the former Crow has been able to get on his bike (or motorbike as per his trademark celebration) and hit the scoreboard. In the last two rounds, he has had 16 scoring shots (7 goals 9 behinds) and averaged 8.5 marks a game for a nice two round fantasy average of 98. With the Q Clash coming up this week, Cameron will be up against a side he enjoys playing greatly in Gold Coast. As a Lion, he has played the Suns 4 times for an average of 96.

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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Ultimate Footy | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 8
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Read Time:3 Minute, 37 Second

Plenty to look at this week including a forgotten Blue on the injury comeback trail and two players in their first seasons at new clubs. Plus, two midfielders who have been around a while and both recorded career high disposals on the weekend.

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DEFENDER

Aliir Aliir – Port Adelaide
% owned – 70%
2021 average – 72.4

Aliir has not missed a beat since joining the Power in the 2020 trade period, slotting seamlessly into the back 6 as a tall interceptor. Tall defenders don’t typically score too well in the fantasy world, but this season has seen those who read the play well take plenty of marks. Aliir is averaging 7 marks a game (3 intercept marks) and a career high 17 disposals making him worthy of a spot in your side.

Nic Newman – Carlton
% owned – 69%
2021 average – yet to play

Newman has had a tough run with injuries in the last 18 months, playing only two senior games since 2019. In that season, which was his first at the Blues, he averaged 93 and looked every bit the ball magnet we thought he was in his first two seasons at the level as a Swan. After another long setback on the eve of this season, Newman made a successful return in the VFL on the weekend and will be close to AFL selection. Grab him now before anyone else does!

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MIDFIELD

James Cousins – Hawthorn
% owned – 54%
2021 average – 81

For various reasons, Cousins has been unable to cement his position in Hawthorn’s best 22, playing just 25 games since his debut in 2017. Originally listed as a rookie, Cousins has looked very capable at the level but has too often been squeezed out by the likes of Mitchell, O’Meara and Worpel. He was made to wait for his opportunity this season with his first look being as an unused sub in round 5 but he has now played the last two rounds and looked good. He was particularly impressive in the big loss to St.Kilda recording a career high 27 disposals and attending 18 of 32 centre bounces. His job security is shaky but his scoring potential is strong.

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FORWARD

Jack Higgins – St.Kilda
% owned – 66%
2021 average – 63.1

A prolific midfielder in his junior years, Higgins has been required closer to goals more often than many thought this season, as a spike in midfield minutes had been expected at his new club, St.Kilda. His fantasy scoring has been dependant on hitting the scoreboard with his two best scores of 86 and 90 coming from 4 and 3 goal hauls respectively. Another clear pattern that has emerged is Higgins’ scoring in wins versus losses as his average score in the Saints’ 3 wins is 74 and his average score in losses is 55. It’s not a huge discrepancy but it adds some insight to your decision making. If you think St. Kilda will turn their season around from here, grab him!

Kayne Turner
% owned – 2%
2021 average – 62.4

At the time of writing, Turner was only in 2% of teams which speaks volumes of his fantasy relevance in recent years, but his DPP status as a forward makes him someone to at least keep an eye on. Tasked with some tagging roles this year has seen his midfield time increase and whilst his scoring hasn’t spiked considerably, his performance on the weekend grabbed my attention. A career high 27 disposals along with 6 tackles and a team high 25 centre bounce attendances (up from 8 the week before) makes Turner an interesting watch from here.

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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UltimateFooty | Round 6 Positional Changes
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Read Time:4 Minute, 37 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.

12 players have gained an additional position. Five players have gained back status, 4 gaining centre, 0 new rucks and 3 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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Dyson Heppell | ADD BACK

Dyson Heppell missed getting DPP post round three because he missed the qualification of playing three games. Since then, the Essendon skipper has solidified this defensive role. His addition should be a huge boost for his owners, especially if they are running shallow in the backline and deep in the centre. Arguably this is one of the biggest DPP gains we get.

Miles Bergman | ADD BACK

The young forward has been redeveloped as a defender in the offseason and has shown he can get it done in defence at the elite level in his handful of games. He probably has more value to his owners as a forward, but the flexibility is helpful.

George Hewett | ADD BACK

An injury affected 10 last week doesn’t make his average (47) very pretty. But even before that, this midfielder turned defender has only had one good score all year. That was an 83 all the way back in round 1. If he can regain some midfield time, he might be worth a stash in deeper leagues. But not someone worth using a waiver selection one.

Shaun Burgoyne | ADD BACK

The 786 year old is still getting it done for the Hawks, but he seems to be well past his used by date for UF coaches. A top score of 59 and a seasonal average of 47 means that he shouldn’t be considered even with this new position.

Bailey Dale | ADD BACK

Bailey Dale has forged a role for himself as part of the Bulldogs defensive seven. He’s started to take some of the kick in duties from Caleb Daniel and is showing plenty of XFactor and class. It looks like Bevo has turned another mid/fwd into a centrepiece of the backline.

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Liam Duggan | ADD CENTRE

With Luke Shuey and Elliot Yeo missing plenty of games, the Eagles have given others greater midfield opportunities. Liam Duggan is one of a few Eagles that have taken the opportunity and as a result he picks up a new position.

Mark O’Connor | ADD CENTRE

The Cats have continued to use Mark O’Connor in a defensive midfield role over the past month. Despite picking up an injury last week, he did enough to earn centre status.

Zac Williams | ADD CENTRE

Nothing special, but the new blue Zac Williams is now a D/C. Like all ‘centre’ adds, it’s rarely going to benefit your on field scoring, rather just allow for greater squad versatility.

Chad Warner | ADD CENTRE

Chad Warner has already proven to be one of the best value for money picks of the season. He’s found himself at home as part of the Swans midfield group and was a walk up DPP addition for UF.

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Marc Murphy | ADD FORWARD

By name, this probably feels like a big inclusion, but on current points scoring, it’s not as exciting as one may hope. In his last 5, he’s averaging 72, and for the season, his top score is last weeks 84. All this to say, with many draft sides looking weak in the forward line, it’s nice to get a unrosterable centre now able to get back on the park. He’s still available in 28% of leagues.

Devon Smith | ADD FORWARD

His average of 73 as a centre is almost someone not worth rostering in most leagues, so he needs this new DPP to stay relevant. He now moves inside the top 50 forwards available in the game and can hopefully recapture some value for his owners.

His current role (heavy forward hence the DPP gain) isn’t seeing him score with ease. From 6 games, he’s had 4 scores under 69 and just the one ton. Helpful for his owners, but unless he can get back into the midfield, it might not be season defining.

Lachlan McNiel | ADD FORWARD

He’s averaging 39… Don’t got there! Just don’t! He’s in 8% of leagues, and that’s 8% too many!

Almost There

Jack Billings and Lachie Hunter were close to gaining additional positions, with them right in contention for forward status. At the same time, Brandon Ellis isn’t far off being back eligible. All three, amongst others, are in the mix for the round 9 additions.

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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UltimateFooty | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 7
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Read Time:3 Minute, 48 Second

Each week I’ll bring you some names to consider for your Ultimate Footy side that will hopefully give you the edge you need. To be eligible, a player needs to be available as a free agent in at least 30% of Ultimate Footy leagues.

A short one this week as coaches seem to be getting better at finding these diamonds in the rough pushing their ownership up! A DPP at a top club who is yet to play this year gets a mention and so does a slimmed down Bomber whose centre bounce numbers will surprise you.

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Defenders

Liam Baker – Richmond
% owned – 68%
2021 average – 67.7

If you forget about the round 1 performance against the Blues (a 25 from 78% game time), Baker has been quietly putting together a reasonable season at Tiger land. Just shy of 50 games, Baker has well and truly locked down a spot in this strong Richmond side having only missed one game last year and playing every game so far in 2021. He stood up in a tough loss on the weekend recording a career best 27 disposals and an impressive 7 marks in the wet. Averaging 93 in his last two, Baker should only get better from here.

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Midfield

Marc Murphy – Carlton
% owned – 69%
2021 average – 69

This is a stretch but the absence of any other solid midfield options means I have had to get creative. Now in his football twilight years, Carlton’s former captain is down on his career averages across the board playing in an unfamiliar role forward of the centre. He hasn’t quite taken to the role just yet but at least in recent weeks has started hitting the scoreboard to help boost his fantasy scoring.

A couple of 80’s in the last few weeks isn’t much to get excited about as a midfield option but, there is a chance he will receive forward status in the upcoming DPP changes. The other bit of upside is the fact that Carlton are struggling in the win/loss column, and the masses are getting restless. The Blues may not persist with this forward line experiment for the whole season which would see Murphy back into a midfield/wing role which would almost certainly help his scoring.

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Forward

Sam Powell-Pepper
% owned – 66%
2021 average – yet to play

This is year 5 for Port Adelaide’s young midfield bull and after 4 seasons of averages in the 70’s, many have been wondering if this is the year Powell-Pepper will add 10-15 points to his scoring average. A broken hand and some time away from the club has meant SPP is yet to feature in the senior side this season and we aren’t any closer to knowing if this will be a breakout year. He has been back at the club for a few weeks now and dominated in the SANFL on the weekend with a 34 disposal, 8 tackle performance. If he gets named this week, his dual position status as a MID/FWD makes him worth a punt.

Jake Stringer – Essendon
% owned – 64%
2021 average – 67.5

Despite having an injury interrupted pre-season that saw him miss the first two rounds, Stringer has been reasonably consistent this season. Apart from a stinker in wet conditions in a big loss to Brisbane, he has scored 70s in every other game.

The former Bulldog slimmed down in the off season to allow him to play more midfield minutes and this has come into fruition as he has attended 72 out of a possible 95 centre bounces this season (minus the Brisbane game). In fact, he attended more centre bounces than any other Bomber on Anzac Day and this, combined with his known prowess in front of goals, makes him a very interesting watch.

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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UltimateFooty | Possible DPP Changes Round 3
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Read Time:4 Minute, 36 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. At the conclusion of the round 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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Nick Hind | ADD BACK

The former saint will be one of the first and easiest DPP decisions that UltimateFooty will make in 2021. Nic Hind has gone from occasional AFL player at St Kilda to a permanent fixture of the Essendon backline. His run and carry have seen many supporters not notice the gap left by Adam Saad. He’s currently averaging 93 and would have owners now torn whether to play him up forward or down back.

Thankfully depending on their squad’s depth and the availability of option in the player pool could well determine where he’s best serving his owner.

Jack Ziebell | ADD BACK

He’s in a similar vein to Hind, in that fact that the forward eligible and should pick up back status. The Roos captain has been revitalised as a scorer and will provide his owner flexibility to play him at whatever end of the ground they need.

The only flag I have is the club flagging Luke McDonald’s return as early as round four. What impact he has on Ziebell’s scoring ceiling is yet to be seen. But those who drafted him with an average draft position of 122 will be stoked with his return thus far.

Jarman Impey | ADD BACK

Since recovering from an ACL late last year, the Hawks have deployed the former Port Adelaide to provide dash off the Hawthorn backline. He won’t be the most dynamic scoring option, but given he’s still available in 18% of the league in the player pool, he is a worthy addition.

If you think the Hawks struggle this year, then Hawthorn’s defenders’ narrative getting plenty of looks at the ball could boost his scoring chances. Add that they’ll be without James Sicily or Will Day for most of the season, then it could be a decent DPP gain for his owners.

Tom Atkins | ADD BACK

Another DPP that’s been mooted since the preseason began. Geelong has spoken about and now used Tom Atkins as a defender. The club loves his pressure acts and the defensive efforts on the game. If the Cats can get their possession game going, he should be in a high 70’s averaging FWD/DEF, which would be more than handy for his owner.

If he’s still sitting in the player pool grab him now before the DPP inclusion lands on Wednesday afternoon/evening.

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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. That said, he is averaging 68, and while it’s not amazing, the addition of back status would rank him just outside the top 50 backs in UltimateFooty.

Dyson Heppell | ADD BACK

It’s going to happen, but not yet. He missed the round two clash and because of this he’s not played the minimum of three games required to get positional eligibility. Keep an eye out on the next batch, he should feature in this.

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Errol Gulden | ADD FORWARD

Has to get it, and will be a monster addition for his owner. Errol Gulden has been the best performing rookie of the season and with scores of 108, 93 & 98 he’s every chance to become his teams F1. Rostering him on field as a midfielder might have felt potentially risky given who you might have been benching for him. But as a forward and given his proven scoring over the past three games any risk is all but gone.

Tim English | ADD FORWARD

Stefan Martin’s addition has allowed Tim to become the ‘second ruck’ option for the Bulldogs. As a result, he’s playing predominantly full forward and creating a marking target for the doggies. Normally a ruck adding forward status is only a ‘squad versatility’ move. But if the owner has another viable ruck option in their squad, English is scoring well enough (avg 78) to be a rosterable forward on the ground.

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Tim Taranto | ADD FORWARD

Historically, UltimateFooty leans on the conservative side of awarding positional changes in season. Especially for moves that have big potential outcomes. Should he gain forward status, he’d move from being someone’s M3 to a clear F1. If a side has a deep midfield bench, this could be a huge addition for them.

If his role continues with this much forward time, he’s every chance to gain it, but more likely to be after round 6.

Nat Fyfe | ADD FORWARD

A combination of two things will see him be considered in the post round six inclusions. Firstly, he missed round three with a concussion, meaning he hasn’t played enough matches. Second, see above comments RE: Taranto.

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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Ultimate Footy | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round Two
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Read Time:4 Minute, 28 Second

Hi team, Jordox here!

One of my favourite parts of fantasy footy is nabbing a free agent off the waiver wire before anyone else does and watching him turn into a gun scorer for my draft sides. Each week I’ll bring you some names to consider for your Ultimate Footy side that will hopefully give you the edge you need. To be eligible, a player needs to be available as a free agent in at least 30% of Ultimate Footy leagues.

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Defenders

Changkuoth Jiath
% owned – 56%
2021 average – 76.5

Jiath showed signs in pre-season that he could become fantasy relevant scoring an impressive 83 in the AAMI Series win over North Melbourne. After an impressive 25 touch, 8 mark display on the weekend, he now appears to have locked in a spot in the Hawks’ back 6.

He plays a great fantasy game providing run off half back but he also reads the play very well averaging 3 intercept marks a game so far. He looked very confident against a top side in Richmond, taking the game on and even giving Dustin Martin the old Dusty fend off!

Daniel Howe
% owned – 67%
2021 average – 81.5

Also available as a midfielder, Howe is another Hawk that found plenty of it on the weekend and will see his ownership rise. Running up and down the wings, he took 11 marks and showed signs of becoming more than just a bit part player. Wingard’s imminent return could hurt his scoring potential but for now, his DPP status makes him very appealing.

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Midfielders

Willem Drew
% owned – 54%
2021 average – 73

Humble numbers so far with scores of 80 and 66 but what interests me most about Drew is his role. Almost the forgotten man of that brilliant 2018 draft haul that Port snagged, Drew missed all of 2020 and looks hell bent on making up for lost time, laying 11 tackles in round 1! He leads the way for centre bounces at Port attending 45 of 61 (74%) with Lycett the next best with 41.

He needs to get his hands on the pill a bit more, but this kid is keeping Tom Rockcliff out of the side. That says something.

Charlie Constable
% owned – 48%
2021 average – 49

Chris Scott’s reluctance to give Constable a long stint in the side has been a source of frustration for the fantasy world ever since the young Cat debuted in 2019 and averaged 88 in his first 4 games. Constable has gotten a small look in so far this year due to the injuries and suspensions at Geelong.

His average looks terrible due to scoring 25 as the medical sub in round 1 but worth noting he scored that 25 in just 13% game time and then followed it up with a 73 off just 55% game time against Brisbane. If he gets close to a full game this weekend, he should score very well.

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Ruck:

Nothing to see here, try again next week!

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Forward:

Tom Atkins
% owned – 53%
2021 average – 69.5

Playing in a new role across half back, Atkins turned heads in the AAMI Series with an impressive 28 disposal effort against Essendon, well above his career best of 23 disposals in a game in 2019. Those that were optimistic may have been turned off by his paltry score of 51 in round 1 in the loss to the Crows but that was a strange game and many Cats were well below their best.

He backed it up with a solid 88 against Brisbane and what excites me most about his scoring potential is how hard he is at the man having averaged 5 tackles a game so far this year and 4 a game across his young career. The flipside of that is that he has given away 9 free kicks (-27 points) in 2 games and been awarded none!

Minairo Frederick
% owned – 28%
2021 average – 76

Largely unknown before this season due to only averaging 31 in his debut season last year, Frederick became a more familiar name after scoring a ton in the AAMI Series thanks to 9 marks and 2 goals. Unfortunately, he then strained a calf causing him to miss round 1 and potentially losing his place in the 22.

But his solid pre-season was rewarded as he came back in round 2 and looked great playing high half forward and scoring 76 from just 13 touches. Walter is likely to return this week and could impact Frederick’s scoring, but I think the kid is exciting and will thrive with more experience around him.


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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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Patreon Exclusive | MJ’s Keeper League MVP’s
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Read Time:3 Minute, 29 Second

This isn’t a list of the top 10′ or the best keeper league players. Rather it’s a combination of players that I believe are the most valuable keeper league options. Here are my keeper league MVPs.  

Tim Taranto

Finding midfielders capable of averaging 100 isn’t super difficult in keeper leagues. But finding ones that have a proven capacity of 110+ is rare. At just 23 years old, Tim Taranto has another 8+ seasons of premium territory footy. 

Matt Rowell

Like another player I’ll write about later, Matt Rowell is one of the most hyped players in keeper leagues and understandably. His handful of AFL games showed his dominance, and he’ll only get better as time goes on. Lock him in and throw away the key. 

Jake Lloyd

At 27 years old, Jake Lloyd is one of the oldest players on my MVP list. But why does he make the MVP? Simple! He’s got positional security as a top end premium. To own a clear top tier forward or defender that retains that position annual is near impossible. More often, the players ‘breakout’ year coincides with them moving into the midfield full time. For example, from 2020, it was Christian Petracca or Jy Simpkin. 

With Lloyd, you get premium midfield scoring in the backline and with the Swans still trying to fit Isaac Heeney and Callum Mills into the midfield; you can breath easy that Lloyd will retain defensive status. To have these scores for another 4-5 seasons should keep your keeper side in the finals run annually.  

Reilly O’Brien

It feels like Reilly O’Brien is a scoring clone of Brodie Grundy. While there might only be 12 months difference in age, the range of where ‘ROB’ gets drafted makes him more valuable to me. Why? Because I believe the scoring gap between the 2 is minimal. You will probably have to draft him anywhere between 1-2 full rounds later; it provides you with potential more value and upside. 

Lachie Whitfield

At 26 years old, Lachie Whitfield isn’t the young ‘up and comer’ from a few seasons ago. Now he’s a genuine premium after delivering well over the past 3 years. In that time, he’s been eligible as a forward, defender and midfielder. The beauty of Lachie is that regardless of where he plays, he scores. And even if he spends more time through the midfield, you can argue that his scoring capacity increases, so you don’t lose. 

Sam Walsh

This shouldn’t be too difficult to understand. He’s 20 years old and has shown since day one that he’s got a premium midfielder written all over. If you were in a new keeper league, he’s a genuine candidate for the #1 pick overall. If you manage to snag him outside of the first round, consider yourself a big winner.  

Josh Dunkley

OK, this one is controversial, so let me explain. Josh Dunkley has huge fantasy footy scoring proven potential. A look across his 2018 and 2019 seasons should remind us all of that. But the hesitation coaches have with him is around his role predictability. 

But think of it more broadly, what’s the potential upside and downside? Upside, he plays midfield and scores enough to be pushing for the top scoring midfielder year in and year out. Downside? He spends a bulk of time inside forward 50 and has his average hover around 80. In that case, you get a regular forward who has the potential to pop a 100+ monster depending ion the week. Honestly, you can’t lose in this option. 

Clayton Oliver

Always durable, always consistent, and last year Clayton Oliver showcased his ceiling. The emergence of Christian Petracca actually helped him. With ‘CP5’  viewed as more dynamic and influential, opposition teams would often clamp down more on him. That would allow Oliver to be less accountable outside of the stoppage and be used more in general play. 

23 year olds who have 3 years averaging 105+ and haven’t missed a game of footy and super rare! It’s why he makes this list. It’s the perfect combination—high scoring and durability.  

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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Best 22 and under Keeper Targets for Every AFL Side
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Read Time:1 Minute, 24 Second

We asked the Coaches Panel members to tell us who they believe are the best keeper league targets for every AFL club aged 22 and under. Here are their responses.

First up, you can tune into the podcast episode where every pick is discussed and why.

Rids | Lachie Sholl

Fox | Jackson Hately

Jimmy | Jackson Hately

MJ | Harry Schoenberg

Rids | Hugh McCluggage

Fox | Hugh McCluggage

Jimmy | Hugh McCluggage

MJ | Hugh McCluggage

Rids | Sam Walsh

Fox | Sam Walsh

Jimmy | Sam Walsh

MJ | Sam Walsh

Rids | Isaac Quaynor

Fox | Isaac Quaynor

Jimmy | Josh Daicos

MJ | Josh Daicos

Rids | Andrew McGrath

Fox | Sam Draper

Jimmy | Jye Caldwell

MJ | Jordan Ridley

Rids | Caleb Serong

Fox | Caleb Serong

Jimmy | Adam Cerra

MJ | Andrew Brayshaw

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Rids | Brandan Parfitt

Fox | Brandan Parfitt

Jimmy | Charlie Constable

MJ | Jordan Clark

Rids | Matt Rowell

Fox | Matt Rowell

Jimmy | Matt Rowell

MJ | Matt Rowell

Rids | Lachie Ash

Fox | Harry Perryman

Jimmy | Harry Perryman

MJ | Tom Green

Rids | Will Day

Fox | James Worpel

Jimmy | James Worpel

MJ | James Worpel

Rids | Luke Jackson

Fox | Trent Rivers

Jimmy | Luke Jackson

MJ | Trent Rivers

Rids | Jy Simpkin

Fox | Jy Simpkin

Jimmy | Jy Simpkin

MJ | Jy Simpkin

Rids | Zak Butters

Fox | Connor Rozee

Jimmy | Xavier Duursma

MJ | Zak Butters

Rids | Shai Bolton

Fox | Shai Bolton

Jimmy | Shai Bolton

MJ | Shai Bolton

Rids | Nic Coffield

Fox | Jack Higgins

Jimmy | Hunter Clark

MJ | Hunter Clark

Rids | Dylan Stephens

Fox | Nick Blakey

Jimmy | Dylan Stephens

MJ | Dylan Stephens

Rids | Alex Witherden

Fox | Alex Witherden

Jimmy | Alex Witherden

MJ | Alex Witherden

Rids | Bailey Smith

Fox | Bailey Smith

Jimmy | Bailey Smith

MJ | Bailey Smith

About Post Author

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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UltimateFooty | Additional Positions for 2021 Revealed
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Read Time:4 Minute, 55 Second

Every year UltimateFooty reveal an additional group of Dual Position players which is in extension to the changes handed down by champion data. Let’s take a look through the eleven additional players and their relevance to your UltimateFooty Drafts.

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ADD BACK

Tom McCartin (Sydney Swans – Forward) Add Back

Young key position players regardless of which end of the ground they play aren’t great scorers. So if for whatever reason you picked Tom McCartin don’t expect much.

He’s developing nicely as a versatile swingman for the Swans, and with the drafting of Logan McDonald, we believe he’s likely to stay down back for the foreseeable. But he’s a better footballer than fantasy option right now

Chris Mayne (Collingwood – Centre) Add Back

You won’t want to be the one that picks him on draft day. But given Chris Maybe has shown over the past few seasons a tendency to deliver some solid scoring he’ll still likely get selected on draft day.

It won’t be pretty, you will get mocked, but it’s a solid depth option depending on league sizes.

Harry Perryman (GWS Giants – Centre) Add Back

For the second season running the gang at UltimateFooty have awarded back status to Harry Perryman. The inclusion of back status takes him from the potentially undrafted position, not now a viable selection.

Based on last seasons averages, he’s ranked inside the top 25 backs and should see a dump on his average draft position.

James Aish (Fremantle – Centre) Add Back

Like Perryman above, James Aish moves out of draft day purgatory as a centre, to now being a likely draft day target, all be it later in drafts.

He missed just one game last season at his new club, and even with the shorter quarters Aish still had multiple handy games. Remember ’80 was the new 100′ in 2020. And last year he had three scores over 80 with a further three 70+.

If he can maintain those scoring ratios and convert them into full length quarter returns, he could provide some handy depth despite his likely draft selection as a bench option.

There’s alot of ‘IF’s, but be honest, that’s what most late round draft flyers are… IF picks.

Adam Kennedy (GWS Giants – Centre) Add Back

If your league is this deep that you need to consider drafting a bloke who’s only had one season averaging over 65, then you might need to reconsider some life choices.

Adam Kennedy has shown that with the right matchup, he can pop the odd 80+ score. However, finding those scores are rare. Best to look elsewhere.

Jackson Hately (Adelaide Crows – Centre) Add Back

The addition of Hately is arguably the biggest potential inclusion and might even be the biggest surprise for some. At his former side GWS, Hately struggled for midfield time, and according to the gang at UltimateFooty he’s spent enough time there

For many across the UltimateFooty community this might surprise. But cast your mind back to 2020, many were pitching for him to gain back status midseason in the round 9 update.

His addition now will see him rocket up coaches back tiers and given his forecasted midfield role with Adelaide, he looks like becoming a popular breakout candidate now in our backline.

If everything falls his way, the coach that gets him on the draft day should get a great scoring return based on draft position.

Keeper and Dynasty leagues are even happier, Hately’s value just skyrocketed in 2021!

We wrote about Jackson Hately earlier in the preseason for our 50 Most Relevant series. Click Here to read and listen to the article.

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ADD FORWARD

Paddy Ryder (St Kilda – Ruck) Add Forward

No surprises here with this selection. Alongside Rowan Marshall, the former Bomber and Power bigman has split his time across the ruck and forward line at St Kilda. The DPP is not much more than squad versatility unless you have customised category scoring on. In this case, then he opens up another scoring forward with his hitouts.

The biggest benefit will be if injuries strikes teammate Rowan Marshall and he’s forced to carry the ruck load solo.

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ADD RUCK

UltimateFooty considered anyone who was a second ruckman amassing 5-10 hitouts regularly. Rather than a player by player comment, we thought we’d make a generic comment about all of the new ruck eligible selections.


None of these inclusions should be pushing for an R1 spot in your side. However, if your draft teams require two on-field rucks, then these inclusions will add significant value to you. For shallower leagues, they provide added flexibility on as a bench option.

Darcy Cameron (Collingwood – Forward) Add Ruck

Oscar Allen (West Coast Eagles – Forward) Add Ruck

Levi Casboult (Carlton – Forward) Add Ruck

Luke Jackson (Melbourne – Forward) Add Ruck

Want access to our exclusive draft ranks as well as additional exclusive content? Join the Coaches Panel Army.
Become a Patron!

I Want More DPP’s

For 2021 yet again league commissioners will choose to allow (or not) for future DPP’s to be added into your league. After round 3, 6, 9, 12 & 15 we’ll bring to you exclusively the new DPP’s added to the game by UltimateFooty.

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mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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Patreon Only | Top 10 Keeper Ranks from 2019 AFL draft class
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Read Time:3 Minute, 1 Second

The 2020 footy season is over! For Keeper League coaches that means focus moves to list management ahead of the 2021 season. To help you with the process, we asked our Panel to create a rank the top 10 keeper league prospects from the 2019 AFL draft class.

1) Matt Rowell

Only played a handful of games this year, but was already scoring like a premium in the games we saw: an absolute beast and someone to treasure for a long time.

2) Caleb Serong

Was a highly-skilled junior and barring a shock should be awarded the AFL’s Rising Star award. A final round 101 is a BCV (before coronavirus) 126 and highlighted his scoring potential.

3) Noah Anderson

Last years #2 draft pick didn’t disappoint. His outer part of his game (and also his scoring) will only further grow as the inside skills of players like Rowell elevate.

4) Will Day

Positional security in keeper leagues is tricky. Usually, when a youngster ‘breaks out’ in a DEF or FWD role it’s when they play only midfield. The following year they become mid only player ala, Andy Brayshaw. This won’t be the case with Will Day. He has poise, courage and is an elite user of the ball by foot—a long term defensive gun.

5) Tom Green

In three years he has the potential to be the best clearance midfielder in the competition. He’s a beast with his clean hands and quick decision making. Due to his heavy work inside, he may never boast a 110+ ceiling, but he doesn’t have too. A 10+ year career going 90-105 is still elite in keepers.

6) Trent Rivers

Melbourne have a superstar on their hands. Much like Day above, he’s a brave footballer who takes on the game with his skill and courage. While in time he may seem himself moved up to the wing, coaches can enjoy a few more seasons yet of consistent scores on the field.

7) Hayden Young

We didn’t get to see much of him in his debut season, but we saw enough that suggests he’s going to be a long time jet! Reads the ball inflight as well as anyone on the AFL and has the skills to execute the intercept mark. He can then laser a pinpoint pass 50 metres to a teammate. Lock him in as a long term star in our backlines. Think Nick Haynes merged with a young Heath Shaw. STAR!

8) Harry Schoenberg

Harry was an elite fantasy scorer as a junior and showed glimpses in his handful of games as a Crow. He’s the perfect mix of inside grunt at the contest, but then has the wheels to explode from stoppage. I like what I see, and we may even get him as a MID/FWD in 2021. What a treat!

9) Dylan Stephens

If Lachie Whitfield and Jackson Macrae ever had a fantasy baby, it’d be Dylan Stephens. He finds space and uses the ball incredibly well. An average of 57 is a BCV of 71, which is outstanding of a first-year player. Please do what you can to get your hands on him!

10) Lachie Ash

All you need from first-year players in keeper leagues is small signs and then the potential opportunity in their side. For Lachie Ash, he’s got both! A combination of blistering speed, class and footy IQ make him a great long term rebounder for the Giants. Throw in the fact that Zac Williams is moving on and keeper coaches may see a spike in scoring as early as next year.

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
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