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.
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.
Success in your draft league isn’t normally found in the opening handful of rounds. Rather it’s where coaches discover diamonds in the rough towards the end of the draft. As draft day approaches for coaches, I decided to share who I think are every AFL clubs best UltimateFooty sliders
One of the biggest positive things that came from the 2020 season for Adelaide was Lachie Sholl’s emergence. He offers two key quality traits that the Adelaide midfield has been crying out for. That being outside speed and classy ball use by foot.
His round 17 performance against Carlton last season was a nice sampler of his potential. He had 24 possessions, 2 goals and scored an 89 ( 111 adjusted) in UltimateFooty.
In the preseason, he has won the Crows time trial and the coaching staff has been desperate to get him playing across the wing. As a defensive eligible option, hoping for an average of 75+ isn’t out of the equation.
Joe Daniher | ADP 204
It’s a theme that you’ll see across these sliders. Forwards suck, so I’m seeing if can we get some late potential value rather than burning an early pick. Joe Daniher has had a faultless preseason and is seemingly finally getting the best out of his body. His 2017 season averaging 84.7 is a long time ago now, but it does highlight his scoring potential.
Normally picks beyond 200 are just purely speculative picks with an upside that often end up back in the player pool. So given his proven performance, it’s well worth a late pick.
I wrote about Joe Daniher earlier in the preseason. Read his article from the 50 Most Relevant here.
Will Setterfield | ADP 182
How a player ends a season can be a great indicator of how the coming season will track. And for those who draft Will Setterfield this season, they’ll be hoping that this is true. Last year his season average of 67 (83 adjusted) was fine, but it’s his final 7 games that would have coaches interested.
Between round 11 til seasons end he scored 77 (96), 70 (87), 92 (115), 91(113), 54 (67), 86 (107) and 93 (116). That’s a seven game average of 80 (100 adjusted.) You’ll take scoring like that in the middle of the draft, let alone this late.
Isaac Quaynor | ADP 179
Despite only playing 11 games of AFL footy, Isaac Quaynor has started to show promising signs. Both as a rebounding defender and as a fantasy footballer.
In round 14 against Carlton, he had 20 possessions, 5 marks, 5 tackles, and 84 (105 adjusted) in UltimateFooty. A fortnight later, against the Suns, delivered a 76 (95 adjusted).
It’s a small sample size, but the upside is there. Plus, Collingwood have always been a highly relevant and high scoring fantasy side.
Dyson Heppell | ADP 195
Don’t expect a return to the 100+ averages from Dyson Heppell. 2018 was the last time he delivered numbers that high, and while it’s not that long ago, alot has happened in those 2 seasons. Both on the injury front, and the players added to the Bombers midfield unit
Rather, the big potential value in Dyson is around an impending DPP allocation. In the offseason, Heppell has been training with the defenders, and the club wants the ball in his hands rebounding out of the defensive 50. If he picks up this allocation, he moves from being just ‘bench cover’ as a 75-85 midfielder to being an on-field D3/D4.
I wrote about Dyson Heppell earlier in the preseason. Read his article from the 50 Most Relevant here.
Hayden Young | ADP 242
5 games of AFL is a super small sample size, but in round 4 & 5 last year, Hayden Young owners would’ve spotted something special. His booming left boot returned scored 77 (96 adjusted) and 58 (72).
The dockers loved getting the ball in his hands and allowing him to set up the play with pinpoint precision. I think he’ll take another step towards fulfilling his fantasy potential, which will ultimately culminate in him being a long term premium for us in time.
Shaun Higgins | ADP 145
If your draft league has positional changes on, then Shaun Higgins is a must consider. His move to Geelong has him earmarked for the forward role previously held down by Gary Ablett.
At best, he gains a MID/FWD DPP and averages in the ’80s, making him a strong F2. At worst, he maintains a heavy midfield role, and he averages 90+. You really can’t lose.
Noah Anderson | ADP 197
It’s a rare talent that can bust out of the second year Blues. But it wouldn’t shock me at all to see Noah Anderson join the club and do it. In his final 4 games of the year, he averaged 71.5 (89 adjusted). Noah possesses both a damaging inside and outside game which makes him a perfect fantasy performer. He might not pop in 2021, but he’s as good a chance as anyone at a second year breakout.
Isaac Cumming | ADP 207
You could probably put Lachie Ash in this spot too. If you get the chance to handcuff them together, it should increase the pick delivery chances.
The GWS Giants defensive unit has undergone an offseason overhaul, with Heath Shaw, Aiden Corr and Zac Williams departing the club. This opens up plenty of opportunities for the talented youngster. Isaac uses the ball well by hand and foot & has a high footy IQ. Certainly someone with upside late in a draft.
Liam Shiels | ADP 205
I’m all for looking for ‘upside’ late in drafts, but sometimes in the hunt for the one in a thousand breakouts (aka Luke McDonald), we ignore other solid options. Liam Shiels has been a consistent performer over numerous seasons and has also shown that he can punch out some tasty tons in the right match.
Last seasons 67.7 average (84 adjusted) isn’t horrid. While the three seasons prior, he averaged 91, 97 & 95. Getting potential numbers like that in the 20th round of a draft is a steal. He’s certainly worth the pick as some bench depth, if nothing else.
James Harmes | ADP 160
As each day passes, the earlier it seems James Harmes is going in drafts. Why? Because the experiment of him playing in the backline is over. And the club has confirmed that he’ll return to the midfield. Just 12 months ago, he was coming off a 2019 season wherein the midfield her averaged 94. If he delivers numbers like that, he’s a genuine D1 and getting picked up in drafts at a position of a D5.
Luke Davies-Uniacke | ADP 193
As a junior, Luke Davies-Uniacke drew comparisons to Carlton and West Coast champion Chris Judd. Sadly, injuries haven’t been kind over the past few seasons to the former first round pick.
Now fit, he’s finally firing and ready to establish himself in the North midfield. LDU is an explosive midfielder and has elite stoppage traits. If it all clicks for him, he can push an average of 85-95.
Xavier Duursma | ADP 253
All the preseason hype is head towards both Zak Butters and Connor Rozee. And understandably so. However, I think coaches forget about the scoring potential of Xavier Duursma. In his second AFL game, he scored 102, and across the remainder of his debut season, he scored another ton plus an additional four scores between 90-99.
The third year breakout rule is in effect for the archer, and given his ADP, the potential upside is insane. He goes from being possible last selected players, to being an on field midfielder.
Toby Nankervis | ADP 169
The knee injury to Ivan Soldo means the Tigers will likely leave Toby Nankervis as a sole ruck for the season, with various talls playing a supporting role. In 2017 & 2018, when the Tigers adopted this strategy, Toby averaged 86 & 89 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 88 & 98 in SuperCoach.
If you choose or are unable to get one of Brodie Grundy, Reilly O’Brien or Max Gawn in your draft, then getting Nank as a late pickup is a handy target.
Sebastian Ross | ADP 221
All it takes is for a couple of injuries in the St Kilda side, and the relevance of Seb Ross will bolt. While you’d never wish injuries on anyone, the Saints have their fair share of ‘injury prone’ midfielders. Recruit Brad Crouch and Dan Hannebery have missed plenty of footy over the last 3 seasons. Should either miss big chunks of this season, then Seb could well get pushed back into a core midfield role.
Between 2016-2019 he averaged 98, 102, 107 & 94. At this point of the draft, where he’s basically last picked in your team, there is now risk. And he doesn’t just have ‘potential’; he’s a proven performer. When looking for upside, the ‘proven’ is a better pick than the ‘potential’ scorer.
Lance Franklin | ADP 214
Are you a forward? And do you have the potential to score over 80? If so, coaches will consider you on draft day! The scoring history of Lance Franklin even at 1,000 years old isn’t the concern. Rather it’s on his durability. But at this point of the draft, it’s all upside.
I wrote about Lance Franklin earlier in the preseason. Read his article from the 50 Most Relevant here.
Luke Shuey | ADP 122
It isn’t a ‘flashy’ pick, nor is ita drastically ‘late’ pick. But given what Luke Shuey can do, it’d be a great get to get him even at his ADP on draft day. Before 2020, Luke was an incredibly durable player, and his scoring consistency was incredibly reliable.
Between 2015-2019 he missed just 6 games and averaged 93, 94, 99, 98, 87 & 101. You can put down his poor scoring of last year due to a few injury niggles and nothing more. A fit Shuey will become one of the best picks on the draft day given his return at this point in a draft.
Mitch Wallis | ADP 221
Thin pickings here, most dogs you want OK, draft coaches, you know it, but the forward stocks in 2021 suck. So it’s players with job security and scoring potential that can pop that we’re looking at later in the draft. The Bulldogs new Vice-Captain Mitch Wallis won’t get any midfield time, but he’s safely inside the Dogs best. However, because so much of his scoring is based on tackles and goals, if the Doggies can dominate the inside 50 game, he should turn in several 70-90+ scoring games.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Every preseason draft coaches excitedly prepare for draft day. They spend months doing mock drafts, building their tiers and do everything possible to ready themselves for the most important day of the year. Truth be told, you don’t win your league on those early rounds of draft day. More often than not you win your draft of the back of some astute late picks and waiver wire selections.
You’ll always get some value for selections inside the top 100 picks. For example, Jack Steele is currently ranked sixth for total points scored but on the draft day had an average draft position of 79.6. In a ten team league, that’s an 8th round selection and an excellent return for owners. Christian Petracca is another who had an average draft position of 90.4 but is the highest ranked forward for both points and averages.
Even between picks 100-200, you get some that absolutely pop. One of the surprise packets of the year is Brayden Maynard. He’s currently ranked third for total points behind Jake Lloyd and Rory Laird (both picked within first three rounds) while Brayden’s ADP was 164. Sam Menegola (149) and Trent Dumont (153) were highly drafted but given their positioning have been enormous successes for owners.
As great as these selections have been, and they are. I want to look at players who were picked beyond range 200 that have gone on to return some of the best value of the fantasy footy season. So using UltimateFooty statistics as our guide here are 20 late round selections that you can build a case are the best picks of 2020.
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.
In total 10 players have gained an additional position, two players has gained back status, four gaining centre, one new ruck and three have picked up forward status. Let’s look at who they are and the relevance to your draft sides and leagues.
Will Powell isn’t a sexy name acquisition to our backlines, but his number highlight that he is someone we need to patrol the player markets for consideration. Over the past five week’s he’s averaging 57 which features scores of 73 and 67. His seasonal average of 47 might put off some coaches, but a look into the numbers shows he’s much more reliable than that. This average includes an injury impacted score of 3. So he’s much closer to the mid-’50s in terms of real deliverables. On the first reflection that’s not amazing, but it’s enough to get him inside the top 75 backs based on averages. It’s not amazing, but you could do worse.
Ryan Gardner | ADD BACK
His scoring isn’t relevant for even the draft format, let alone classic. But it’s a role change that needs to be awarded. Ryan Gardner is currently owned by 1% of leagues and that still too high a number for our liking.
Meh! It’s a warranted gain that Travis Varcoe picks up this positional allocation, but is he even someone you want in your draft side? We don’t think so. Currently he’s in just 2% of teams and the allocation of this additional position will not boost it.
Connor Blakely | ADD CENTRE
Since breaking into the Fremantle side a few weeks ago, Connor Blakely has been allowed to play his preferred role through the midfield. The dockers are playing a high possession game style that is profitable for fantasy football coaches. It’s seen with scores of Caleb Serong, Adam Cerra and Andrew Brayshaw over the last few weeks. Thankfully Connor has been able to get in on this action a little bit with two 70+ scores in his previous three games. As always for players who gain centre status, it just adds squad versatility more than scoring benefit to your draft team.
Sydney Stack | ADD CENTRE
The Tigers have done well over the festival of footy to expose as many players as possible to some AFL game time. One of those is Sydney Stack. The classy ball user has been given a reasonable go through the midfield over the last month. He’s scoring OK, but nothing amazing. And as a back now with DPP he just offers you cover should cover in multiple lines if you get stuck for a player.
Mark Blicavs | ADD CENTRE
A seasonal average of 58 is being elevated by a five-game average of 73. Mark Blicavs is one of the Mr Fixit options at the disposal of the Geelong coaching staff. The athletic beast is equally as capable as playing a lockdown defensive role, as he is as a relief ruck or a tall winger. His hitout numbers have seen a significant boost over the last month. However, is Blics playing as a ruckman? Not according to the team at UF! One can presume it’s more as an around the ground role as a midfielder/wingman that he’s been getting these chances in their eyes.
With Nic Naitanui taking the lead ruck role the Eagles have often used another tall as the relief ruck. West Coast turned to Oscar Allen to help bring some support. This year he’s averaging career-high hitouts a game and providing viable support to NicNat. While it might not appear to have much benefit, this could be hugely helpful in deeper and category scoring leagues.
In the past few weeks, Lachie Fogarty has shown his scoring potential. Over the past five weeks, his scores have included a 65, 87 & 61. These scores are reasonable as a centre, but now with the allocation of forward status, he is undoubtedly a substantial stash on your forward bench if nothing else. The challenge for him is about retaining a role inside the Cats best 22. While he adds plenty of defensive efforts and speed to a Geelong forward line, the cats are about to welcome Luke Dahlhaus back into the team from injury. Can he score well when playing? Absolutely! Is his role in the side secure? Far from it!
Jye Caldwell | ADD FORWARD
He’s found it hard to crack into the GWS side over his time since being drafted. However, Jye Caldwell is starting to craft a role for himself in the team primarily as a forward. His burst of acceleration, goal sense and defensive efforts have seen him be rewarded with five consecutive games. As a centre only option he’s not someone even worth considering as an emergency cover, but as a forward, he brings some value and given he’s in only 46% of leagues you’ve got a chance to snag him off your player market with a waiver wire pick. A vast majority of those would be keeper leagues too.
A season-high 74 and three additional scores over 50 mean that he won’t set the world on fire, but he now becomes draft relevant all be it only by a smaller amount.
Ned McHenry | ADD FORWARD
He’s only a relevant player in keeper or dynasty leagues but expect over time the Crows to give Ned McHenry a chance. The Crows invested in a first-round selection, and since his debut earlier this year Ned has been given limited midfield minutes. Keeper league owners will be hoping this small forward who has shown the potential in the SANFL to play up the ground is given his chances. In his first season at SANFL level, McHenry averaged 18.1 disposals (at 77 per cent efficiency), 5.3 marks, 4.5 tackles, 1.6 clearances, 2.8 inside 50’s and 1.8 rebounds.
Where’s Nat Fyfe, Patrick Dangerfield, Dayne Zorko or any other player that you feel is missing? One of the things that make UltimateFooty unique is that for a player to be awarded DPP they must be playing 70% of game time in this new position. So why has your player missed the cut? Likely that in the data it would suggest they haven’t spent enough time in that role.
Only exception is backup rucks as UF generally need more rucks in the game to help deep leagues
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.
In total 10 players have gained an additional position, one player has gained back status, four gaining centre, one new ruck and five have picked up forward status. Let’s look at who they are and the relevance to your draft sides and leagues.
The former Lion Sam Mayes has forced his way into the Port Adelaide side and has scored pretty well in his three games for the pear. A top score of 92 last week and an average of 66 is a handy boost for owners that currently have him or those able to snag him off the waiver wire. For a reference, a 66 average ranks him 27th overall for backs and be ahead of teammate Darcy Byrne-Jones, Zac Williams, Hunter Clark and Jack Bowes.
Chayce Jones | Add Centre
The Crows are certainly in rebuild mode. The Winless Crows have turned their attention rightly towards the future. As a result, plenty of youngsters are getting opportunities. One of those is first-round selection, Chayce Jones. The Tasmanian born is now getting his chances through the midfield. However, as yet it’s not transferred into scoring with 46 his current season-high score and an average of 32. Given that scoring and 22% ownership, it’s relatively safe to say it’s only keeper leagues that have him.
One of many former GWS Giants players that now reside at Carlton, Matt Kennedy has finally started to get the reward for effort and been granted a midfield role. Since working his way back into the side at round six, he’s been among the top Blues players to attend centre bounces. His average of 63 is more than enough to make him be a player on the forward bench or final forward spot if required. No surprises UF have granted him this new position.
Shai Bolton | Add Centre
The premiership Tiger has been increasing his midfield time every year. Now Shai Bolton has been forced to increase his time in the guts with injuries to Trent Cotchin, Josh Caddy and Shane Edwards choosing to stay home from the hubs. His value in keeper leagues has undoubtedly increased because of it and is a more than handy forward in single-season leagues. Usually, the addition of a centre status adds minimal value, however with some teams struggling to field 22 this DPP could be the saving grace for coaches.
Kane Lambert | Add Centre
For the second year in a row, the Tigers have been decimated by injuries to a plethora of star players. As a result, not only are they blooding some new players, but they have tweaked the roles of some more experienced hands to take on some greater responsibility. For Kane Lambert, his midfield time has increased nicely, and for those who own the forward, they’d have seen a scoring bump specifically in round five and six when he scored 100 and 105.
Along with Sam Mayes, the addition of DPP status for Rory Lobb is probably the other significant gain for coaches. Unless your league is rostering two ruckmen on the field, then it’s a high chance that Rory Lobb is nothing more than emergency coverage for your first choice ruck. Now as a forward, he can become someone that boosts your scoring on field. A top score of 92 and a season-low of 44 are included in his seasonal average of 61. Ranked against other forwards, he’s now just outside the top 30 but is now ahead of Tom Phillips, Shai Bolton, Jack Gunston and the GOAT Gary Ablett.
Harley Bennell | Add Forward
As a centre only, Harley Bennell has been mostly irrelevant given his average of 45. It’s no surprise that only 35% of leagues have picked up the former first-round pick. Now as a forward he still sits well outside the top 100 averaging players in this line, but he moves into contention to atleast be used as an emergency option when named.
Luke Jackson | Add Forward
In a keeper or dynasty league, I think Luke Jackson is going to be a player. He shows good signs when given time to play through the ruck, however, as long as Max Gawn is playing his time and his scoring will be limited. Melbourne is desperate to get games into him; as a result, he’s spending the majority of the game as a key position forward. In single-season leagues, this position doesn’t do much but keepers it might just be enough to retain him on your list heading into next season. The future is bright, but like for any young ‘tall’, they’ll take time to develop.
Matthew Suckling | Add Forward
The Western Bulldogs could field an entire team of half-backs if they want. The club is stacked to the rafters with rebounders. As a result, the club needs to find a role for those not able to squeeze into the core backline crew. Matt Suckling won the lottery and has since been used across half-forward so that his damaging left boot can be used for quality inside ’50s. Back in round seven, he scored a 71 and coaches would be excited and the flexibility his DPP addition would make had it not been for one small problem. Last round he injured his hamstring early in the match and will miss the next month of footy.
Brendon Ah Chee | Add Forward
Playing as a crafty small forward, Brendon Ah Chee is starting to play some consistent football at the West Coast Eagles. Currently, he’s been selected in 7% of leagues and given his average of 37 and three scores over 40 it’s understandable why coaches haven’t jumped at the chance to own him as a centre. Honestly, there should be better forward options in your player pool even with this new position. Pass!
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. 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.
He could be one of the significant gains should UltimateFooty allow this to happen. Jackson Hately has struggled for games at the Giants but over the past month has found himself more regularly inside the GWS side. While not playing exclusively across half-back, his time in a defensive role has drastically increased and his average of 56 moves from being irrelevant as a forward to a potential starter/bench option for backs.
Callum Ah Chee | Add Back
The former Gold Coast Sun Callum Ah Chee was brought into the Lions outfit to add some speed and class off half-back. Since breaking into the Brisbane side, he’s certainly delivered that. While his average doesn’t sound exciting, it still would place him as a potential depth player in your league.
James Harmes | Add Back
Was in contention in the last batch of DPP’s three weeks ago and has continued his role as part of the Melbourne defensive group. A top score of 64 and an average of 55 isn’t something you can field through your midfield, however, as a back could be enough to make it on your ground if not certainly be some defensive insurance.
Jay Lockhart | Add Back
Playing as a lockdown defender and only once score over 40. The DPP allocation is there, but his scoring isn’t. pass
Sam Mayes | Add Back
The former Lion has forced his way into the power side and in the past three weeks has looked at home across half back and up across the wings. An average of 66 including a season high score of 92 puts him right in the mix to sneak on field in most teams backlines. A handy DPP pick up if this is awarded.
The premiership Tiger has been increasing his midfield time every year. Now Shai Bolton has been forced to increase his time in the guts with injuries to Trent Cotchin, Josh Caddy and Shane Edwards choosing to stay home from the hubs. His value in keeper leagues has certainly increased because of it and is a more than handy forward in single-season leagues.
Cam Rayner | Add Centre
Another that for keeper leagues has drastically increased his relevance and value. The former #1 pick has developed his tank more this year to be able to push up more consistently up the ground and play significant time on the wing. Like Bolton, and any other player gaining centre it doesn’t add scoring to coaches sides, but rather flexibility.
Michael Gibbons | Add Centre
Last year the fantasy football community was hoping that the VFL midfielder star would get his chances in an undermanned Carlton midfield. It didn’t eventuate in 2019, but in 2020 ‘Gibbo’ has forced his way into the Carlton midfield and playing a significant support role to Patrick Cripps.
Matt Kennedy | Add Centre
Like his teammate above, Matt Kennedy is getting plenty of time through the Carlton midfield. He’s been a handy pick up off the waiver wire for astute coaches.
With Nic Naitanui taking the lead ruck role the Eagles have often used another tall as the relief ruck. West Coast turned to Oscar Allen to help bring some support. This year he’s averaging career-high hitouts a game and providing viable support to NicNat.
A few small niggling injuries might have been the thing that cost the Brisbane captain from picking up a position this previously. Regardless, Dayne Zorko has had a drastic role change in 2020, spending plenty of time-based inside forward 50. The Lions midfield is heavily centred around Lachie Neale,Jarryd Lyons and then a floating cast of thousands which includes Zorko, McCluggage, Berry and Rayner amongst others. While Zorko is still spending time in the midfield, it’s, without doubt, he’s inside the Lions forward 50 a lot. His season average of 66 isn’t astonishing, but scores of 72, 78 & 88 over the three weeks heading into round 9 is a definite scoring increase.
Rory Lobb | Add Forward
The Fremantle big man has spent the majority of the season playing a split role with Sean Darcy. What might not bode well is early in the season Rory Lobb was forced to ruck solo when Darcy went down injured. However, over the past month, it’s been much closer to a 50\50 split especially without Jesse Hogan playing up forward. Whether this split of time is enough in UltimateFooty’s eyes is enough will ultimately determine if he’s awarded DPP.
Rowan Marshall | Add Forward
The arrival of Paddy Ryder has seen his time in the ruck diminish from last season where he carried the load solo. Much like Lobb above, the percentage threshold is the only thing that might stop him getting forward status. He’s playing that role at times, but is it enough? If it is, it’ll be a massive addition as he’ll become atop ten averaging forward given his average of 74.
Aaron Hall | Add Forward
The emergence of Jy Simpkin into the Roos midfield has limited the opportunities of some including Aaron Hall. He’s found himself while getting some midfield moments being used predominantly as a high half-forward option. As a centre, he’s not scoring amazing, but as a forward, it’s a different story.