Draft

UltimateFooty | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 23
0 0
Read Time:6 Minute, 59 Second

It’s Grand Final week! Hopefully you are in the big dance, on the verge of the ultimate glory. To celebrate, this week’s article is a bumper Grand Final special edition! I’ve picked one player from each game this round that could potentially give you the boost you need to snag the flag. As usual, the player needs to be in less than 70% of teams but something different for this week is the addition of the 3 game average. Good luck, and thanks for a great 2021!

Embed from Getty Images


Western Bulldogs vs Port Adelaide
Marvel Stadium

Miles Bergman – Port Adelaide – Def/Fwd
% owned – 66%
2021 average – 64.5
3 game average – 83.3

It has been an excellent debut season for Bergman, playing in all but 3 games for a top 4 contending side, and receiving a Rising Star nomination for his efforts in the Showdown a fortnight ago.
He has scored over 80 four times for the year with two of them coming in the last two games.
He has a tough opponent in the Bulldogs, but similar players such as Blake Hardwick and Daniel Howe had field days against them last week scoring 110 and 139 respectively.

Embed from Getty Images

Richmond vs Hawthorn
MCG

Tim O’Brien – Hawthorn – Fwd
% owned – 14%
2021 average – 57.2
3 game average – 82

One of the biggest things we look for in the fantasy world is a clear role change, and that’s what O’Brien has seen the last couple of weeks. Not worth a fantasy look in his usual role as a key forward, O’Brien has spent the last two games down back and has enjoyed a solid scoring spike as a result. He has taken 20 marks in the last two weeks and should continue that against the Tigers this week.

Sydney vs Gold Coast
Marvel Stadium

Darcy MacPherson – Gold Coast – Fwd
% owned – 63%
2021 average – 66
3 game average – 72

MacPherson hasn’t set the world on fire since returning to the senior side a few weeks ago but he is someone who is capable of scoring well, particularly if the Suns can make a game of it.
The Swans can be quite restrictive but similar players in Jaidyn Stephenson and Tarryn Thomas both scored 78 last week for North Melbourne.
It’d be a speculative pick (aren’t they all though?), but MacPherson is due for a good one, and could possibly be playing to keep his spot on the Gold Coast list.

Embed from Getty Images

Brisbane vs West Coast
Gabba

Daniel McStay – Brisbane – Fwd
% owned – 57%
2021 average – 64.2
3 game average – 97

Since Eric Hipwood went down with an awful knee injury, McStay has had to step up for the Lions and he has done just that. In the five games since, McStay has kicked 12 goals and averaged a touch under 85 fantasy points including 3 games above 90.
The West Coast defenders can be miserly at times but with the way Brisbane have been playing, expect another solid score for McStay to finish the year.

Embed from Getty Images Become a Patron!

Geelong vs Melbourne
GMHBA Stadium

Zach Guthrie – Geelong – Mid/Def
% owned – 58%
2021 average – 60.6
3 game average – 88.3

Guthrie appears to have found his spot at the Cats after years of being in and out of the side. A few weeks ago, he scored a career best 128 fantasy points and was looking good on the weekend sitting on 42 at half time before slowing in the second half as Geelong hit their straps. Melbourne should challenge Geelong this week which will allow for Guthrie to get plenty of looks.

Embed from Getty Images

Carlton vs GWS
Marvel Stadium

Zac Fisher – Carlton – Fwd
% owned – 32%
2021 average – 57.8
3 game average – 60.7

Fisher has looked a chance to break out a few times in recent years, but it just hasn’t happened for him. His score of 80 on the weekend was his best score since round 14 last year (a 65 in shortened quarters) and it came on the back of more midfield time. Fisher attended 14 centre bounce attendances on the weekend which was up from just 2 the week before.
Patrick Cripps was missing last week and is expected to return which could see Fisher removed from the inside which is a concern. However, a similarly flighty player in Liam Baker scored a nice ton against the Giants last week and that was with zero centre bounce attendances.
Carlton have a fair bit of pride to play for this week and I’d expect Fisher to play a big role.

Embed from Getty Images

St.Kilda vs Fremantle
Blundstone Arena

Hayden Young – Fremantle – Def
% owned – 70%
2021 average – 65.7
3 game average – 83.7

Young has been back in the senior side for 4 weeks now after missing several months through injury and has looked very comfortable in the Dockers back six, winning a Rising Star nomination along the way. The former number 7 draft pick looks a real player of the future with his fantasy output already looking good. He has scored over 70 in 5 of his 11 career games (excluding one game when he was injured early).
Young has taken 21 marks over the last two weeks and will be good again this week.

Embed from Getty Images

Essendon vs Collingwood
MCG

Mason Redman – Essendon – Def
% owned – 61%
2021 average – 65.9
3 game average – 55.7

Redman has been hot and cold this year, hitting 90+ on 4 occasions but also scoring under 50 5 times. At his best, he is a points machine off half back taking kick ins and racking up marks. But at his worst, he simply doesn’t get near the footy.
It’s very hard to predict what he will score from week to week but after a career high 30 touches last week and a favourable match up this week against Collingwood, I’m backing him in for a big finish.

Embed from Getty Images

North Melbourne vs Adelaide
Marvel Stadium

Cameron Zurhaar – North Melbourne – Fwd
% owned – 66%
2021 average – 63.3
3 game average – 60

A couple of game ending injuries have impacted Zurhaar’s average this season not telling the full story of what has been a breakout season. He is averaging 83 in his last 6 non injured games kicking 16 goals in those games. Last week a player who plays a similar role, Bayley Fritsch, had a field day against the inexperienced Adelaide defence, kicking a bag of 7 goals with relative ease and I suspect this week will be a similar story in the battle of the cellar dwellers.


About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %
UltimateFooty | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 22
0 0
Read Time:4 Minute, 3 Second

It’s the penultimate round of the fantasy season, Prelim Final week! It’s do or die, and the gems you’re looking for off the waiver wire only have to perform well for you this week (and then if you’re lucky enough to advance, again next week in the big one). This week’s list includes a Cat who may be ready to step out from his older brother’s shadow, a young Hawk who has had a significant role change, plus an often injured and forgotten Saint who was a fantasy jet back in the day.

Embed from Getty Images

BACK:

Zach Guthrie – Geelong
% owned – 55%
2021 average – 60.4

This is Guthrie’s 5th year on the list but only the first season he has reached 10 games with his previous best being 9 games in his debut year 2017. With older brother, Cam, becoming one of Geelong’s most important midfielders in recent years, the younger Guthrie has struggled to hold down a regular spot in the 22. As an outsider looking in, it’d be fair to suggest a delisting was on the cards especially with the Cats contending seemingly every year.
But after 9 weeks out of the senior squad, Guthrie was a late inclusion the week before last against North Melbourne and safe to say, he took the opportunity with both hands. 28 touches and 13 marks later, Guthrie had put in a career best performance scoring 128, forming a defensive wall with Tom Stewart and repelling attack after attack.
He backed it up last weekend with a solid 75 in the surprise loss to GWS and with the injury to Zach Tuohy, we are unlikely to see Guthrie in the VFL again anytime soon.

Embed from Getty Images Become a Patron!

CENTRE:

Dan Hannebery – St.Kilda
% owned – 35%
2021 average – Yet to play

You couldn’t could you? You absolutely could, but should you? Probably not, but he deserves a mention!
It’s been a torrid time for the former Swan since he arrived at St.Kilda in the 2018 trade period. He has only managed 13 games for his new club due to ongoing soft tissue injuries. A calf injury sustained in January this year has plagued his 2021 campaign and has meant he hasn’t been seen at senior level all year. He has now gotten through a couple of VFL matches unscathed and is a chance to be named this week for the big clash with St.Kilda.
In the 5 games he managed in 2019, he averaged a respectable 98.6 but in his 6 home and away games last year, averaged just 71.6.
If you’re in the market for bench cover, you could do worse than grabbing Hannebery for your midfield bench this week, and if he looks decent, hopefully he can get a gig for you in a grand final next week.

Embed from Getty Images

FWD:

Conor Nash – Hawthorn
% owned – 47%
2021 average – 59.2

Nash debuted for the Hawks late in the 2018 season and in just his second game, scored an impressive 99, before playing in Hawthorn’s finals series in just his 4th and 5th career games. As much as he impressed the Hawthorn coaching team, fantasy coaches would not have looked at him twice since.
After the 99 score in his second game, Nash wouldn’t come close to replicating that sort of score for years. In fact, he didn’t score above 63 for his next 23 career games, until just recently thanks to a noticeable role change.
Perhaps it was the Sam Mitchell effect because once it was announced that Alistair Clarkson wouldn’t be coaching next year, Nash was brought into the senior side and thrust into an inside midfield role, away from his previous role in the forward line. The fantasy impact was immediate as Nash collected a career high 23 touches in the upset win over Brisbane and then backed it up with another 20 in the win over Collingwood last weekend.
The role looks solid, and he is averaging 93.5 in the last two games thanks to averages of 21.5 disposals and 7 tackles. Get him in!


About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %
Ultimate Footy | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 21
0 0
Read Time:3 Minute, 22 Second

Whether your finals series started last week or this week, it’s more important than ever to find players who can put in a strong three-week cameo in your side to give you the ultimate fantasy success. This week’s list looks at a couple of Power players that love the Showdown, plus a forgotten Sun that may have one last chance to shine in 2021.

Embed from Getty Images

BACKS:

Riley Bonner
% owned – 55%
2021 average – 65.6

2021 so far has summed up Bonner’s career to date, plenty of promise but form issues and injury have robbed him of the opportunity to get continuity into his game. A serious hamstring injury sustained in round 1 saw Bonner miss a chunk footy early in the season and he has since been in and out of the side unable to run himself into form.


The last few weeks have looked better, however, as he has put together 3 senior games in a row for just the second time since early 2020. At his best, Bonner offers the Power pace and dash off half back and up on the wing. He’s averaging 81 in his last 3 games, and plays in the Showdown this week, a fixture he has a two-game average of 98 in.

Embed from Getty Images

FORWARD:

Darcy MacPherson – Gold Coast
% owned – 53%
2021 average – 62.9

Like many others, MacPherson’s career stalled somewhat in the chaotic season that was 2020. After a 3rd place finish in the Gold Coast best and fairest in 2019, MacPherson played a lot more as a forward last season to allow room for the likes of new recruits Hugh Greenwood and Brandon Ellis, and of course the AFL-ready draftees in Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson.


This bump in the midfield hierarchy negatively affected MacPherson’s fantasy output, and despite a strong pre-season and playing the first 5 games this year, he has found himself as a fringe player, playing plenty of VFL and chipping in recently as the medical sub for the senior team.
Last week was his first full game at AFL level since round 5 and even though he didn’t perform too well, he had plenty of mates on the weekend as the Suns were obliterated by the Demons and he should get another chance this week.


At his best, and in the right role, MacPherson has a solid fantasy game. He averaged 84.5 in the opening month of this season and in his career best season 2019, averaged 87.3 which included 12 scores over 90.

Become a Patron!

Robbie Gray – Port Adelaide
% owned – 65%
2021 average – 71.3

How fitting that the Showdown specialist could potentially make an early return from injury this week to take on the Crows. Gray hurt his knee in round 14 in what was his 250th game and required surgery that initially threated the rest of his home and away campaign.
The injury stalled what had been a decent fantasy season for the wily veteran putting up plenty of 70+ scores in what is his 15th season in the AFL. In fact, leading into the injury game, Gray had a 3-game average of 90.


He still needs to get through training but at the time of writing, Gray is a good chance to return to fixture where he holds the record for most best on ground performances having won the Showdown medal 5 times.
His return would be a real boost for Port Adelaide’s top 4 hopes and a possible game breaker in your fantasy finals match up.


About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %
MJ’s Top 10 Keeper Ranks from the 2020 Draft Class
0 0
Read Time:8 Minute, 5 Second

As we head towards the end of an AFL season, every year, keeper league coaches out of contention start to look towards the coming season. To help with list management, MJ ranks his top 10 keeper league prospects from the 2020 AFL draft class.

Embed from Getty Images

ONE | Tom Powell

Heading into this season, he was my #1 ranked player from this draft class, and he leaves it holding onto the same possession. He does everything we want from a future premium midfielder. He wins plenty of contested ball, does the defensive stuff and knows how to find space and get the uncontested pill too. Additionally, he’s not so damaging with the football by foot that you must tag him. Between rounds 4-7, we saw glimpses of his potential. During this month, he scored 91, 73, 102 & 104. Not a bad effort to deliver two tons in your first seven games, not many current premiums can boast that pedigree. There is also a chance that he’ll have MID/FWD DPP in 2022. But, even if he doesn’t, he’s a future fantasy gun and someone I’d love to own!

TWO | Errol Gulden

One of the key metrics I track with projecting potential fantasy stars is how many games it takes to register a ton. For Errol, it didn’t take long as he did this in his first game. While it took another 12 games before he delivered another, his start as a player has been outstanding. 2 tons, a 98, a 93 + an 88. Not a bad top 5 scores from your first 13 games. What I also like is his positional security. He looks far too damaging and crafty to depart the Sydney forward line. If you can’t get your hands on Powell, then Gulden is the next best target.

THREE | Braeden Campbell

Maybe a little high for some, but Campbell boasts all the weapons you want from a fantasy player. Damaging skills, high footy IQ and, in my opinion, is the heir apparent Jake Lloyd in a few seasons. Rewind the tape to round 2 against the Crows. He racked up 25 touches across half-back, took 6 marks, had 2 tackles and delivered a 96. If you could get a decade of scores like that on your keeper side, you’d be stoked!

FOUR | Finlay Macrae

Several things are safe predictions in fantasy football. Rucks scoring well against Gold Coast, Mason Cox performing against Richmond and a player with the surname Macrae being a ball magnet. Across his junior days, Finaly showed a high possession count that mirrored the brilliance of his brother. While he’s had minimal opportunities to play through the midfield at AFL level, he’s shown the same traits to be a fantasy jet in the moments he’s had. Go back at his first half against his last quarter against West Coast and his first half last week against Port. This is a ball magnet who just needs to build his tank over the next few seasons before he can explode and be a future star comparable to his brother.

Embed from Getty Images

FIVE | Caleb Poulter

When you watch them play, certain players can see their fantasy footy pedigree on display. And with Caleb Poulter, it was obvious from game one. ‘CP’ just knows where to find the footy and is your perfect wingman. Not only does he get into space to become an outlet. But he also looks composed in traffic. In his fourth AFL game, he tonned up and a fortnightly later followed it up with a second. I see him as a future Andrew Gaff style performer. So grab him if you can! The kid can go.

SIX | Will Phillips

Depending on the calibre of coaches in your keeper leagues, there is a chance that Will Phillips was the first midfielder taken on draft night that he was the #1 draftee taken in your keeper league this year. Regardless of where you get drafted, players can develop at different rates. Not everyone is going to have debut seasons like Sam Walsh. I believe Phillips has the clear potential to be a long term 90+ midfielder for coaches, but I’m not convinced he’ll ever become a ‘franchise’ style fantasy player. Why? Look at the other midfielders north have. Jed Anderson, Jy Simpkin, Luke Davies Uniacke, Trent Dumont, Tarryn Thomas, Jaidyn Stephenson, and Tom Powell. That’s a lot of midfielders that are at their best as ball winners. You can only have so many of that type with a pure midfield role. And this isn’t even factoring in Ben Cunnington, who is only 30. He’s yet to crack a score over 70, but he’s also yet to get a good run at holding down serious midfield minutes. He might be a slower burn than owners might like, but I still rate him as a prospect.

SEVEN | Nik Cox

The Bombers nailed this selection at the draft last year with Cox, the leader for the rising star with many bookmakers. For his height, he does so many things exceptionally well. Nik covers the ground with a good turn of speed. He has clean hands below his knees and then has the elite foot skills and intercept marking to make him a handful for anyone. It took him 12 games before he registered his first fantasy ton, but given he’s played various positions for Essendon this year, his scores fluctuation doesn’t surprise me. I won’t be shocked if he becomes the next Marcus Bontempelli. And just like Bont, he could break out as early as his second season.

Embed from Getty Images

EIGHT | Luke Pedlar

Of all players in this list, I think Luke could be the one that is either still in the player pool, or if owned, is the one that’d cost you the least to trade for. The Crows do take their time with developing midfielders. Look at how they are using Berry and, to a lesser extent Pedlar. Giving them high midfield minutes at SANFL level, but building their craft at the elite level more as a forward who then slots into the middle. Pedlar is exactly the type of midfielder the Crows have been crying out for and is perfect for fantasy. He’s a contested bull, but he has a turn of speed over the first 5 seconds that makes him pull away from opposition quickly at a stoppage. He’s also a goal kicker. With guys like Crouch, Sloane & Laird in that midfield to speed up that development, I think we could see a future fantasy jet in the making.

NINE | Archie Perkins

He’s a hard one to place, but the upside with Perkins is certainly there. If he stays as a primary forward, he’ll probably drop out of relevance for keeper leagues. Not because he’s not talented, but rather he’s such a high impact & low volume ball winner. Think of your favourite crafty half forward over the past decade. Not many become consistent 80+ averaging players. Equally, I don’t think Essendon want to lose him from that forward line, and so his midfield minutes may be minimised, especially if the Bombers go after Josh Dunkley again. With low midfield minutes, his scoring will have a ceiling. 5 of his 16 games have been over 60, it’s not great, but it’s also not horrible. There’s room for him on your keeper list for sure, given the possibilities.

TEN | Elijah Hollands

For many seeing a kid who’s yet to debut inside the top 10 is too much of a reach. And in most scenarios, I’d be right there with you. If you ask any draft watchers of this crop, they’d all tell you that Elijah has the potential to be the clear best player from this group. And had an ACL injury not ruin his season, he might’ve been selected #1. Instead, Hollands is a classy ball user, boasts footy smarts and is damaging inside forward 50 and through the midfielder. He reminds me a lot of Christian Petracca for what it’s worth.

A Final Thought

Every year a few players are unlucky to miss this list, none more so than Lachie Bramble. However, given he wasn’t drafted (rather was an SPP addition), he doesn’t make the 10 on a technicality. However, his speed and class have been so important to the Hawks over the last month. His three round average of 84 is just the beginnings of his potential. He should also pick up defensive eligibility for 2022 based on his current role. The other is Lachie Jones. Injuries have created a frustrating start/stop season for him. But he’s an important part of the Power backline when he’s fit. Getting players in the defensive or forward lines that hold that position across their careers is challenging in keepers. But he looks like a player that will hold it. So he misses my top 10, but still worth having.  
Do you agree or disagree? Who’d be in your top 10? Comment below and let me know.

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %
Ultimate Footy | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 20
0 0
Read Time:3 Minute, 41 Second

We’re getting to the pointy end of the season and that means the talent pool is drying up, so we must continue to get creative in how we look for surprise packets in the waiver wires. This week’s list looks at a versatile young Giant and a Tiger champion in the twilight of his glittered career. Also, on the list is a Docker with the unenvied record of being named the medical sub more times than any other player.


BACK/FWD:

Kieran Briggs – GWS
% owned – 11%
2021 average – 55.7

A player with just 3 senior career games next to his name is an odd choice for this article but some opportunities lay ahead that could result in a better fantasy output. The ruckmen stocks at the Giants continue to drop with young gun Matthew Flynn recently joining Brayden Preuss on the sidelines long term. That leaves the aging wonder that is Shane Mumford and young Briggs as ruck options.

Mumford has been remarkable this season considering his age but it has been well documented that he cannot play more than 2 or 3 games in a row which has seen Flynn get games as well as Briggs.
In his 3 games this season, Briggs has shown he can put together reasonable scores playing as a ruck/forward, sharing with Flynn. His best score was a 62 thanks to an impressive 6 tackles against Carlton followed by a 60 the week after against Hawthorn.


With Mumford carrying a sore back, and needing weeks off at times, Briggs is the last man standing and could see himself playing as the sole ruck in some games. That should be enough to add an extra 20 points to his scoring.

CENTRE:

Trent Cotchin – Richmond
% owned – 70%
2021 average – 72.6

A Brownlow medallist and three time premiership captain, Cotchin has been a giant of the game but has not been much of a fantasy option for years now with 2017 being the last time he averaged over 90 in a season. Even though his disposals average has declined in recent years, Cotchin can still score thanks to his tackling, averaging just under 4 a game this year.
Richmond have been hit hard by injuries to senior players this season and in recent times, the midfield, in particular, has been hit hard. This could explain a slight spike in Cotchin’s centre bounce attendances in the last few weeks.
With Martin out for the season, and question marks around the fitness of Prestia and Edwards, Cotchin will be leading the midfield charge hoping to teach the young Tiger cubs around him.
In wins this season, Cotchin has averaged 85 with that number dropping to 64 in losses so with Richmond’s season hanging by a thread, he’ll be doing everything he can to keep the season alive.

Connor Blakely – Fremantle
% owned – 14%
2021 average – 33.6

In his 7th season in the AFL, Blakely has endured what one can only imagine has been an incredibly frustrating season in 2021. He been named as the medical substitute 8 times this year (the most of any player in the league), getting onto the ground 6 times. On top of that, he has played just two games as part of the starting 22 with a very poor output.

It’s a big fall from grace for a guy who averaged 90+ across the 2017-18 seasons but also does make sense when you consider he has been out of favour at the Dockers since coach Justin Longmuir took over at the start of 2020. He was nearly traded last year but decided to stay and fight for his spot.

So why pick him? There should be an opportunity for Blakely in the final rounds of the season as captain Nat Fyfe is now out for the season and Michael Walters is at long odds to return from his hamstring injury before the end of the season. This could open a spot for Blakely as the 25-year-old is now one of their most experienced midfielders and the likes of young guns Brayshaw and Cerra will develop quicker with experience around them. It’s a long shot, but if Blakely gets a go at it, he has a history of scoring well with a high ceiling. In the earlier mentioned seasons when he averaged over 90, he scored 130+ on four occasions.



About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %
Ultimate Footy | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 19
0 0
Read Time:3 Minute, 27 Second

This week’s list looks at a couple of hard nuts from the Crows, plus a son of a gun Swan whose recent role change could make him a late season breakout candidate.

Embed from Getty Images

BACKS:

Jake Kelly – Adelaide
% owned – 63%
2021 average – 66.4

In his 6 years at AFL level, Kelly’s best fantasy average has been 67, making him an unlikely selection for a fantasy squad. Despite that, Kelly has actually had a decent year thanks in part to Adelaide’s desire to possess the footy in the back half and, of course, the ball being down that end of the ground often.


Kelly’s best scoring asset is his marking, averaging 5 a game this year and taking an equal career high 12 a couple of weeks ago against Essendon. Also in his favour, is his kick to handball ratio as he has opted to kick the ball over twice as many times as he has handballed.


It’s certainly not an exciting pick, but Kelly is averaging 99 from his last two games, and has only scored under 60 four times this year (if you exclude round 1 when he was knocked out in an infamous clash with Patrick Dangerfield).

Embed from Getty Images

FORWARD:

Nick Blakey – Sydney
% owned – 63%
2021 average – 56.5

Some astute fantasy coaches would have had Blakey on their watchlist for season 2021 as the highly touted young Swan had a taste of the midfield in 2020 and was a 3rd year breakout candidate. With the likes of Gulden, Warner and Campbell emerging and starring for Sydney in the early rounds, Blakey struggled to impact as a midfielder and eventually lost his place in the side.


After various stints in the VFL and as the medical sub, Blakey was brought back into the senior 22 a few weeks ago and given a new role, playing off half back. The role change had an instant impact as Blakey recorded season high numbers for disposals and marks (19 and 6) and the Swans had a massive win over the Eagles.


Blakey continued in the same role the next week in another impressive victory over the Bulldogs, recording similar numbers and then again on the weekend in the come from behind win over the Giants.
Sydney are 3 from 3 with Blakey in this role and he is averaging 74 in that time, making him an appealing option for the run home.

Become a Patron!

Harry Schoenberg – Adelaide
% owned – 69%
2021 average – 65.2

Since debuting in round 10 last season, Schoenberg has played every game available for the Crows which shows he has taken to the big time well, albeit, playing for a bottom side. Playing forward of the ball with stints in the midfield, his fantasy scores have been reasonable for a second year player averaging 17 disposals but not good enough to be in our sides.

The last two weeks have made me take notice, however, as the future star has added tagging to his skill set. Two weeks ago, Essendon’s Darcy Parish was doing as he pleased against the Crows collecting the footy 16 times in the first half.  Schoenberg was moved onto Parish for the second half and completely shut him down restricting him to just 3 touches in the second half whilst collecting 8 himself.


This role didn’t necessarily mean more midfield time for Schoenberg but was a likely confidence booster as he went on to post his career best score the next week against West Coast scoring 113 thanks to 24 touches and 6 tackles. He is averaging 98 in his last two games and looks set for a big finish to the year.

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %
Ultimate Footy | Draft Day Wins
0 0
Read Time:9 Minute, 44 Second

You rarely will ‘win the draft’ in the opening handful of rounds. Rather, it’s the mid to late draft day selections that can really take your team from good to great. So here’s a look at some of the late draft day selections that have been winning selections for their owners.

Embed from Getty Images

Ben Keays | AVG: 108.9 | ADP: 206

18 months ago, Ben Keays wasn’t even on an AFL list, let alone a genuine top tier performing fantasy midfielder. With the loss of Matt Crouch through injury and his brother Brad Crouch at the trade table, the Crows needed someone to stand up and support ‘the Rory’s.’

Keays has been a picture of consistency this year. With his scoring ranging between 91-156 across this season, he dropped beneath 100 in only six of his fifteen matches and nothing under 90. To put his season into contrast, he’s currently scored the same amount of points as Christian Petracca. CP5 had an ADP of 27; that’s almost 180 spots on draft day, the difference between the two.

Jack Ziebell | AVG: 106.6 | ADP: 121

Jack Ziebell is not in the unfamiliar territory of delivering premium scores for us. For a better part of a decade, he was a bankable 90’s centre and even had a season where he was a top tier forward. This year his move into the backline has seen him pop to become one of the best backs or forwards (his DPP allows both) of the season.

Across the season, he’s only dipped his scoring under 82 once, had four scores between 90-99 plus seven scores over 100, including a 139, 140 & 170. The question over Jack was never scoring potential (OK, nobody thought this big) but rather over durability. He’s seemingly put that doubt now to bed too.

We did write about Ziebell in our preseason 50 most relevant series here.

Become a Patron!

Karl Amon | AVG: 94.7 | ADP: 199

When Port Adelaide get on top of their opponent, more often than not, Karl Amon is enjoying plenty of freedom and space outside the contest. As a result, the Power wingman has delivered a ton in nearly 50% of the games played this season. That might not sound like much, but to get a 90+ centre that’s capable of delivering multiple tons is huge at any point of the draft. Let alone at an ADP where you’re picking a bloke as a bench option at best.

Touk Miller | AVG: 120.2 | ADP: 81

It’s earlier than everyone else on the list. In fact, he’s the only player drafted inside the top 100 that finds a home. But Touk Miller deserves his spot on. While this is a draft selection on average in the 8th-9th round, he’s delivering at an M1 level, not the likely M3 or M4 that he was selected.

Miller is currently the highest ranked player in the game by averages and ranked 8th by total points. He’s scored 11 tons from his 14 games and has only one score under 88 for the season. Well done if you drafted Touk in 2021.

Embed from Getty Images

Aaron Hall | AVG: 103.5 | ADP: 167

Much like his teammate above, Aaron Hall is no stranger to delivering top tier seasons. In 2016 & 2017, at his former club Gold Coast, he delivered seasonal averages of 105 & 98. But it’s been a long time since he’d scored like that. The 89% of coaches that drafted him were all hopeful of a scoring boost, but with him missing round one and a subbed in a score of 11 in round 1, things didn’t look good.

Since that point, Aaron has been superb, scoring eight tons, with all except one being over 120. Bravo if you drafted him, even better if you snagged him from the player pool. Pickups like that make your UltimateFooty season.

Paul Seedsman | AVG: 94.6 | ADP: 262

The last time Paul Seedsman was draft relevant was several seasons ago when he was eligible as a back. There he delivered his regular mid to high 70’s season. Before 2021, ‘The Seed’ had never averaged over 80. Enter this season; he’s become an unstoppable running force for the Crows. He’s ranked 5th in the AFL for inside ’50s ahead of big name players like Dayne Zorko, Clayton Oliver, Jackson Macrae and Dustin Martin.

With his 70 tons for the season and 5 additional 80+ scores, he’s been a huge win for the 52% of coaches who drafted him. He’s gone from being a bench option to a genuine M5, if not higher.

David Mundy | AVG: 94.3 | ADP: 222

David Mundy isn’t the only player on this list to use the keys to the time machine. You’ve got to go back to 2015 for the last time, averaged over 90. His five tons have certainly elevated his average to respectable levels, but given that he was potentially someones last pick on draft day, it’s a huge bonus!

Mundy is yet to hit his early season scoring form, but given the fact he hasn’t dipped below 72 all season, he’s certainly overachieved for the 73% of coaches who drafted him.

Become a Patron!

Sean Darcy | AVG: 94.7 | ADP: 223

If you play in a keeper league, then you’ll be familiar with Sean Darcy. He’s long showed promise of his scoring. However, before this season, he couldn’t seemingly sting more than a handful of games together. Thankfully for 63% of coaches that drafted him, he’s been exceptional this season.

He’s scored six tons plus an additional five scores between 80-99. He’s ranked third amongst the rucks but points and averages. Not a bad return for his owners that likely selected him with either the final on field spot or as a bench option for someone they picked earlier.

Embed from Getty Images

Isaac Cumming | AVG: 87.4 | ADP: 241

Have you ever jumped on a player 12 months too early? I know I have and did with Isaac Cumming. He’s taken the opportunity to cement himself inside the Giants with the departure of Zac Williams. Just a mere 42% of coaches picked him on draft day, but he’s delivered massive dividends to owners.

Of his 15 games, he’s only dipped his scoring beneath 70 in just three matches, had six scores between 80-99 and pumped out four tons. Bravo if you picked up Isaac this year either in the draft or off the player pool. He’s been immense this season.

Bailey Dale | AVG: 82.9 | ADP: 249

Where the heck did this come from? Yet again, ‘Bevo’ strikes again with redeploying the bits and pieces forward into a prime ball move across halfback. Bailey Dale is currently ranked 16th for total points among all backs. While he hasn’t had the frequency of big tons as others on this list, he’s become a perfect reliable option for his owners. From his 15 games, he’s had just 3 scores under 77. Not bad for a bloke drafted in only 8% of leagues.

Nick Hind | AVG: 85.1 | ADP: 209

Following on the ‘where the heck’ is Essendon recruit Nick Hind. His addition to the side has made everyone forget that Adam Saad was among the top 3 best players (according to their B&F) last season. Hind has been electric this year also for coaches who drafted him. Over the opening 10 rounds of the season, he scored three tons, three additional scores over 90 and didn’t drop his scoring below 70. In fact, he’s dipped below that marker just once across the entire season.

While his scoring may have slowed over the last five weeks with zero scores over 80, the benefits have far outway and decline in recent scoring. Well played to the 51% of coaches who drafted him.

Taylor Walker | AVG: 79.9 | ADP: 210

We’ve had some surprises on this list so far, but I don’t think anyone believed Taylor Walker could wind back the clock and deliver his strong 2021 season. Instead, his season opened up with 105, 120, 136 & 99 leaving him as the #2 forward behind Josh Dunkley at the time. Not a bad return for the 5% of coaches that picked him on draft day.

Over the previous 3 months, we’ve had some patchy low scores, a bunch of ’80s and ’90s, plus last weeks game where he was subbed out of the game. Regardless, it’s been a massive success for his owners if you look at his season as a totality.

Become a Patron!

Tom McDonald | AVG: 77.9 | ADP: 273

The latest pick of all players picked on my list with an average draft selection of 273. In fact, on the draft day, only 43% of leagues drafted him. Yet now, by averages, he’s ranked 25th for the season. Of course, like all key forwards, his scoring fluctuates, but with 9 scores over 80, he’s been a more than help addition for his coaches.

Jarman Impey | AVG: 85.7| ADP: 240

A season ending injury a few weeks back has certainly soured the celebrations. But those who picked up Jarman Impey were given a flying start to the 2021 season. As a reference point, before this year, he’d never averaged over 72.

However, from his 13 matches, he delivered four tons, three more scores between 94-98, plus an additional three scores of 74+. Throw in the fact he’s been forward eligible, and just 35% of coaches drafted him. It’s a steal in a line that’s lacked genuine, reliable performances.

Embed from Getty Images

Darcy Parish | AVG: 113 | ADP: 145

Four scores over 80, including a 117, is hardly a poor start to the season for someone you likely drafted in the vicinity of round 14. However, injuries create opportunities, and when Dylan Shiel went down, the Bombers were forced to permanently release Darcy Parish into the midfield. Since round six, he’s scored 9 tons from 10 games, including four over 140.

This sort of performance is the kind you dream about getting from a mid-range draft pick. For those lucky coaches who struck across this scoring goldmine, they’re laughing to the bank with his performances every single week.

Chris Mayne | AVG: 94.1 | ADP: 210

This is clearly Chris Mayne’s best season in UltimateFooty. Before this season, his best year was back in 2013, where at Fremantle, he averaged 86. Unfortunately, not many have improved their scoring at Collingwood this season, with Steele Sidebottom, Jordan DeGoey, Scott Pendlebury and Braydan Maynard all regressing. But, promisingly for his owners, Mayne has! Since round 8, Chris has scored five tons and has the lowest score of 97.

Ranked 13th for average amongst all backs, those held onto him after an indifferent start has reaped massive rewards over the last few months.

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %
Ultimate Footy | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 17
0 0
Read Time:3 Minute, 47 Second

This week’s list looks at a forgotten Adelaide veteran and a much maligned young Blue for your forward lines plus a couple of Saints, including a disappointing midfielder that has plenty of upside for the run home.

Embed from Getty Images

BACKS:

Jimmy Webster – St.Kilda
% owned – 26%
2021 average – 61.4

Webster has been around for a while now and has at times looked like becoming a fantasy relevant defender but in recent times, injuries have halted his momentum. After a career best season in 2018 where he averaged 79, he sustained a back injury in 2019 that saw him miss half of that year and the entire 2020 season.
He returned in round 1 this year and after being in and out of the side earlier in the year, has now played the last 9 games for an average of 66. His last two games in particular have been solid averaging 86 and with Nick Coffield on the sidelines for a few more weeks, the role looks good for Webster to continue his recent scoring.

Embed from Getty Images

MIDFIELD:

Brad Hill
% owned – 71% (squeezed him in despite being over 70%)
2021 average – 69.3

It has been a challenging second season at St.Kilda for Hill who, much like the club itself, has performed well below expectations. When in full flight, Hill is great to watch and can accumulate possessions quickly and effectively. He does, unfortunately, go missing for long patches in games too often and is vulnerable to a lock down tag.
Delisted by many a fantasy coach, he has looked much better since the abysmal 6 possession game against North Melbourne in round 11. He racked up 30 touches on the weekend in the win against Collingwood and in the last 4 games, is averaging 80 thanks to 24 touches a game making him worth a look as a depth player for your midfield for the run home.

Embed from Getty Images

FORWARD:

Tom Lynch – Adelaide
% owned – 36%
2021 average – 59

Lynch has not been seen at AFL level since the infamous medical sub fiasco against Hawthorn in round 6 when he was named as the sub despite clearly carrying an injury himself. The toe injury that hampered his early season form and made him an odd choice as the sub that day was then operated on and saw Lynch miss the next 9 games.


Known as the link man due to his ability over many years to link the Crows midfield to it’s forward line, Lynch returned in the SANFL on the weekend kicking 3 goals and looking fit. The Crows are crying out for another experienced head up forward at the moment to help out Taylor Walker (who may miss this week with a neck injury) and Lynch is likely to return. At his very best, Lynch is a solid 90 guy and could be a late season masterstroke for your squad.

Paddy Dow
% owned – 35%
2021 average – 47.6

Paddy Dow or Paddy Wow (cringe); that has been the question many have wondered since Carlton drafted him with pick 3 in the 2017 draft. His journey has been covered ad nauseum and he has been unfairly criticised so let’s just focus on recent times. Last week against the Crows, Dow played on ball and probably for the first time, didn’t look out of his depth collecting 20 disposals for the first time this season.

He backed it up on the weekend with another 22 disposals against Fremantle and whilst his fantasy scores of 77 and 67 aren’t huge, it does appear that Dow has found his place in the side. Carlton simply must persevere with Dow in this position because he really does look like a star of the future. With DPP status as a midfielder also, Dow is one to look at it particularly for keeper leagues.

Become a Patron!

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %
UltimateFooty | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 16
0 0
Read Time:2 Minute, 57 Second

A short and sharp one this week as we approach the home stretch. This week’s list includes a developing side’s new recruit who hasn’t been able to get a regular game plus a Kangaroo veteran back after 3 months on the sidelines.

Embed from Getty Images

BACKS:

Jackson Hately – Adelaide
% oned – 49%
2021 average – 64.5

After joining last year’s wooden spooners in the off season, we had expected to see a lot more of Hately to this point of the season. After leaving GWS for more senior opportunities, Hately has only featured in two AFL games for Adelaide this season as he continues to ply his trade in the SANFL. He laid an impressive 11 tackles across those two games but it wasn’t enough for him to keep his spot in the developing side.

He is averaging 23 disposals and 7 tackles from his 8 matches in the SANFL this season which included an impressive 31 disposal, 8 tackle performance against Sturt a couple of weeks ago. Although he was quiet on the weekend, the injury to Rory Sloane opens the door for Hately’s return to the AFL side and I expect him to make the most of his chance this time.

Embed from Getty Images

MIDFIELD:

Jared Polec – North Melbourne
% owned – 51%
2021 average – 58.3

Polec has been a somewhat polarising figure since his high profile move from Port Adelaide at the end of the 2018 season. He played every game in his first season at North Melbourne (averaging a neat 88.2) but found himself omitted on multiple occasion last year despite regularly being amongst the team’s highest ball-winners. He still managed to average 71.2 (89 adjusted) from 13 matches.

A new coach for season 2021 suggested Polec would be given every chance to recapture his best form this year but he was struck down by a serious hamstring injury in round 3 which also skewed his average (he was averaging 74.5 from his first two games). After 3 months on the sidelines, Polec returned in the VFL on the weekend with 28 disposals and should return to the senior line up this week.

Become a Patron! Embed from Getty Images

FORWARD:

Sam Flanders – Gold Coast
% owned – 36%
2021 average – 62.3

In just his second season, Flanders has more than held his own at AFL level well, quietly putting together a solid season playing as a small forward with spurts in the midfield. He isn’t accumulating big disposal numbers just yet with the 20 against North Melbourne the highest he has tallied in a game but in every game he has avoided being a sub, he has laid 2 or more tackles (including 5 tackles three times). One for the future, but with his DPP status, is certainly worth keeping an eye on for the run home.

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %
UltimateFooty | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 15
0 0
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.

Embed from Getty Images

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.

Embed from Getty Images

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.

Embed from Getty Images

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.

Become a Patron!

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.

About Post Author

CP Writers

mj.want@lightmelbourne.com.au
Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %