Draft

UltimateFooty: Round 6 Positional Changes
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Read Time:8 Minute, 4 Second

After rounds 3, 6 & 9 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 12 players have gained an additional position, two players have gained back status, five gaining centre, one new ruck and four have picked up forward status. Let’s look at who they are and the relevance to your draft sides and leagues.

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Kyron Hayden | Add Back

The big-bodied midfielder has found a home more recently in the Kangaroos backline and because of this has picked up the new position. As far as relevance for UltimateFooty coaches, there is none. A seasonal average of 33 from five matches and a top score of 45 is the type of scoring you only wish on your opposition and want nowhere near your squad. Pass… Next!

Jay Lockhart | Add Back

Stay with us, there will be a DPP that helps UltimateFooty community, but Jay Lockhart isn’t it either. The forward turned pressure defender is in a similar scoring boat to Hayden above. A top score of 42 and an average of 34 isn’t worth having on your roster. There is a reason why his average draft position was over 350 and why he’s owned in just 4% of leagues. Pass!

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Brodie Smith | Add Centre

Even before the injury-hit Adelaide skipper Rory Sloane, the Crows have loved using Brodie Smith higher up the ground in 2020. The club loves using his elite kicking skills for inside 50 delivery, and while the Crows forwards are yet to get it done, Brodie is playing his part, and his fantasy football results are starting to show. Even though he had a slow start (35 and 45), his past four weeks have been impressive—Scoring 73, 73, 75 and last week’s 107 against West Coast. In the past three weeks, only Nick Haynes and Callum Mills have stronger averages for those back eligible players. The allocation of centre DPP just enhances your scoring potential, especially if you might be blessed with all the best backs. Using the same three-week rolling average, he’s currently ranked 26th for averages in all of UF.

Ben Keays | Add Centre

Since breaking into the Crows side, Ben Keays has found a role for himself playing as a tagger in the Adelaide midfield. His actual value is the fact that he’s forward eligible and has scored a 68, 72 and 59 in three of his last four outings. In most leagues that enough to consider placing on the field this year. Like anyone who gains a centre positional allocation it only ever enhances squad versatility, not player relevance.

Christian Petracca | Add Centre

The breakout year of Christian Petracca is well and truly on! He’s currently ranked as the top-scoring forward this year for total points. One of the primary reasons behind the scoring boost has been a significant increase in his midfield role at Melbourne. It’s no surprise he’s picked up C/F DPP.

James Aish | Add Centre

The move to Fremantle has seen the former Magpie become a crucial part of replacing Ed Langdon and Brad Hill. Playing predominantly as a winger James Aish is having a personal best season in terms of his relevance for draft coaches Currently as a back eligible player he’s ranked inside the top 20 for total points scored. As with every player that every gains centre status, it only ever adds flexibility to your squad and not adding to points on the field for owners.

Adam Cerra | Add Centre

Like teammate James Aish, 20-year-old Adam Cerra has taken his opportunities with departures in a few former teammates and started to make the midfield role his own. As a player, he’s a great user of the ball on both sides of his body, strong over the footy and clean at ground level. After being selected at pick five in the 2017 draft, Docker fans (and keeper league owners) are starting to get some glimpses of the player he’ll become. He’s ranked inside the top 50 for backs on averages and inside the top 40 based on total points. Does being awarded DPP make much of a difference to owners? Probably not, but it validates the role change he’s had in 2020.

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Darcy Fort | Add Ruck

This new DPP might be a but a very relevant one depending on the ruck stocks in your league. In the Geelong Cats ruck roulette, he’s the current flavour of the month. As such, he should be given the status given that when he has played in 2020 (four games), he’s been the ruckmen. A three-round average of 53 isn’t incredible, but as a bench cover, it’s not the worst. His scoring is significantly higher if you have additional scoring categories turned on.

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Tom Phillips | Add Forward

2018-2019 saw some fantastic scoring from Tom Phillips as he looked to establish himself as one of the best wingmen in the game. Averages of 95 and 90 had his coaches expecting another strong return in 2020. Except for Andrew Gaff, most wingers are seeing a scoring dip, but for Philips, it’s even more significant. For him, it’s more as he’s moved into a higher forward role. The benefit for the coaches that drafted him (Average draft position of 125) is that he moves from a midfielder you cannot field to now someone you can place in your forward line. His 101 back in round two against Richmond feels a long time away given he’s followed it up with four consecutive scores between 51-57. An average of 58.8 is far from stunning as a midfielder, but as a forward in this weird season, it’s not horrendous. He currently ranks inside the top 50 forwards and is ahead of popular picks like teammate Jordan De Goey, Luke Dahlhaus, Blake Acres and Robbie Gray. Small comfort for owners who’ve been frustrated with the return based on where there drafted him.

Jonathon Marsh | Add Forward

The Saints are stacked when it comes to tall defenders. With Callum Wilkie, Dougal Howard and Jake Carlisle taking up the three tall defensive posts the only way for the former Magpie to break into the side was through injury or a role change. For Jono Marsh, his journey back to the elite level more consistently has been through a role change. The offseason departure of Josh Bruce has opened up a tall vacancy to support young star Max King and Tim Membrey. From a fantasy football perspective scores of 39, 65, 41 and 24 are far from what we should want on our lists.

Hayden McLean | Add Forward

The Swans have been decimated for injures to key position players in 2020 and Hayden McLean while in the side as a ruck at centre bounces he has been forced to be a used up forward in general play to create a tall target to support Nick Blakey. A top score of 53 in the last four weeks isn’t huge, but could be handy in deeper leagues or those with additional scoring categories switched on. Regardless, once the talls start to return over the next few weeks I suspect he might not have the strongest job security.

Jarryn Geary | Add Forward

The Saints have had a radical change to their structures in 2020, and that was bound to happen given the plethora of players they brought into the team via the recent trade period. One of those changes was to use Jarryn Geary’s defensive skills up forward on opposition teams best playmaker. In the few times he’s done it he’s done a reasonable job. Given he’s only played four games in 2020 and one of those was an eight his average of 31 means that his fantasy relevance is as strong as the Adelaide Crows goal scoring. Non-existent!

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Close, but not yet…

Many coaches were hopeful that Dayne Zorko had done enough to be awarded forward status. And he was mighty close to picking up DPP. What arguably hurt his cause was that he’s missed multiple games through injury (round 3 & 5) plus missed a majority of the clubs round four clash with injury concerns.

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UltimateFooty | Possible DPP Changes | Round 6
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Read Time:4 Minute, 18 Second

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

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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 an average of 49 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.

James Aish | Add Centre

The move to Fremantle has seen the former Magpie become a crucial part of replacing Ed Langdon and Brad Hill. Playing predominantly as a winger James Aish is having a personal best season in terms of his relevance for draft coaches Currently as a back eligible player he’s ranked inside the top 20 for total points scored.

Christian Petracca | Add Centre

The breakout year of Christian Petracca is well and truly on! He’s currently ranked as the top-scoring forward this year for total points. One of the primary reasons behind the scoring boost has been a significant increase in his midfield role at Melbourne. Because of this, it’s a formality in my eyes that he’s awarded this new position.

Ben Keays | Add Centre

Since breaking into the Crows side, Ben Keays has found a role for himself playing as a tagger in the Adelaide midfield. His actual value is the fact that he’s forward eligible and has scored a 68, 72 and 59 in three of his last four outings. In most leagues that enough to consider placing on the field this year. Like anyone who gains a centre positional allocation it only ever enhances squad versatility, not player relevance.

Darcy Fort | Add Ruck

A pretty simple inclusion for the boffins at Ultimate Footy HQ. While it might be a but a very relevant one depending on the ruck stocks in your league. In the Geelong Cats ruck roulette, he’s the current flavour of the month. As such, he should be given the status given that when he has played in 2020 (four games), he’s been the ruckmen. A three-round average of 53 isn’t incredible, but as a bench cover, it’s not the worst.

Oscar Allen | Add Ruck

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 a career-high six hitouts a game and providing viable support to NicNat.

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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. Four scores over 50 in the last five rounds including an 86 and a 79. If we were to add his current season averages and rank him against the existing forwards, he’d be sitting just the top 50 players. It would see him ahead of Luke Dahlhaus, Darcy Parish and Jack Steven who all would’ve been drafted miles ahead of him.

Dayne Zorko | Add Forward

Injury that saw him miss round three might be the thing that costs the Brisbane captain from picking up a position this last time around. Regardless, Dayne Zorko has had a drastic role change in 2020, spending the majority of time-based inside forward 50. In round one he attended 12 of a possible 26 centre bounces, while in round two it was 12 of 24. 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. Since coming back from injury he’s spent plenty of time inside forward 50 and will be a huge addition for his owners.

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WHO PICKED UP DPP LAST TIME?

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UltimateFooty: Round 3 Positional Changes
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Read Time:4 Minute, 51 Second

After rounds 3, 6 & 9 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 8 players have gained an additional position, five players have gained back status, two gaining centre, and one has picked up forward status. Let’s look at who they are and the relevance to your draft sides and leagues.

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Jack Bowes | Add Back

This is by far the most beneficial inclusion of this round of new dual position players. Jack Bowes, the former first-round pick (I know you can say that phrase for most Gold Coast player) is averaging career-high numbers. Included in that is his five rebound 50’s a game.

An average of 75 in most seasons doesn’t sound too exciting, but in shortened quarters as a backman it is healthy. If we were to rank him against other current backs, only 12 others average higher than him, and he’d be ranked 10th for total points. An 88 last week against the Crows shows he’s also got some nice ceiling about him as well.

The allocation of back status means he transitions from potentially a coaches sixth or seventh best midfielder right up to a possible top-scoring back. This is a huge win for owners!

Ben McEvoy | Add Back

Ben McEvoy has had a drastic role change and is now a key defender. Scores of 45, 39 & 43 are weak, but he’s got the potential to be a highly significant addition. For this to happen, it would require an injury or tactic change to move out Jon Ceglar and for Big Boy to move back into the ruck role. If this happens though, coaches could get a massive reward with a likely 80+ scorer knowing being backline eligible.

Should Ceglar maintain the role, he still is a valuable pick in deeper drafts our category leagues. Given he’s even given the odd centre bounce at the Hawks.

Reece Conca | Add Back

Last year Reece Conca was a staple through the Fremantle midfield core, however, under this new regime, he’s been bumped in favour for the new generation. Before his trade several years back he played an aggressive half back at Richmond and has seemed to slide right back into this role in 2020. A poor round three score of 47 will sour some coaches from selecting him. However, a 68 and 62 in the opening two rounds is a rosterable score in our backlines this year. Like other backs on this list contrast his current averages on what our existing backs are delivering, and he starts to become someone to consider.

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Brennan Cox | Add Back

The dockers are struggling with talls down back with injuries to the key defensive stocks of Joel Hamling and Alex PearceBrennan Cox has been sent down back to try and battle opposition key forwards. With just one score over 40, he’s not a waiver wire target in most leagues. However, depending on the scoring category’s you have turned on, he could be a sneaky waiver wire pick up.

Ben Long | Add Back

The crafty forward has been deployed into a new defensive focussed role for St Kilda in 2020. The correct call from UF is to award a new DPP, but he doesn’t present any relevance for coaches. Scores of 33 and 37 in the past fortnight, while might a score Lachie Whitfield owners would currently desire, are not scores coaches should be settling for on the field. Pass!

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Brett Bewley | Add Centre

The injury to Blake Acres and Stephen Hill late in the preseason opened up a role on the Dockers wing, and Brett Bewley has made the most of his opportunities with scores of 89, 57 and 59. Like any player that gains a centre DPP, it doesn’t help increase the scoring potential of your side but instead just adds to some flexibility.

Lachie Weller | Add Centre

For years the Gold Coast Suns were mocked for parting with pick two (which was used on Andrew Brayshaw) to secure the services of Lachie Weller. However, late last year and now to start 2020 he’s starting to showcase his skill and worth to the Gold Coast. Like any player that gains a centre position, it doesn’t increase any on-field points for you. What it does do, is just add some depending versatility into your squad.

Shaun Burgoyne | Add Forward

Over the past few seasons ‘silk’ has been his teams Mr FixIt around the ground, often filling a need for his club. In 2020 Shaun Burgoyne has been deployed more forward where his damaging foot skills can be used for efficient forward 50 entries. The ability to now move him between the back and forward lines just provides you with some additional security should injuries strike your team. In this role, he’ll be prone to the odd sub 50 scores, but on the right week (like in round one) a 70 as a player who’s just purely picked up for injury insurance is substantial.

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UltimateFooty | Possible DPP Changes | Round 3
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Read Time:7 Minute, 0 Second

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

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Jack Bowes | Add Back

This is close to the most significant addition of a new position that I can forecast. Jack Bowes has found himself a home as the general for the Gold Coast Suns defensive unit. The former first-round pick (I know you can say that phrase for most Gold Coast player) is averaging career-high numbers. Included in that is his five rebound 50’s a game. An average of 75 in most seasons doesn’t sound too exciting but in shortened quarters and as a backman is strong. If we were to rank him against other current backs, only 12 others average higher than him, and he’d be ranked 10th for total points. An 88 last week against the Crows shows he’s also got some nice ceiling about him. Lock this positional change. We don’t see a world where UltimateFooty doesn’t award it.

Reece Conca | Add Back

Last year Reece Conca was a staple through the Fremantle midfield core, however, under this new regime, he’s been bumped in favour for the new generation. Before his trade several years back he played an aggressive half back at Richmond and has seemed to slide right back into this role in 2020. A poor round three score of 47 will sour some coaches from selecting him. However, a 68 and 62 in the opening two rounds is a rosterable score in our backlines this year. Like other backs on this list contrast his current averages on what our existing backs are delivering, and he starts to become someone to consider.

Ben McEvoy | Add Back

He is one of the easiest decisions that UltimateFooty will have to make in this batch of DPP’s. Ben McEvoy has had a drastic role change and is now a key defender. Scores of 45, 39 & 43 are weak, but he’s got the potential to be a highly significant addition. For this to happen, it would require an injury or tactic change to move out Jon Ceglar and for Big Boy to move back into the ruck role. If this happens though, coaches could get a massive reward with a likely 80+ scorer knowing being backline eligible.

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 an average of 54 doesn’t sound exciting, it still would place him inside the top 70 averaging backs currently available to us. Like several others on this list has played just two matches and probably won’t qualify yet for the new position, but on his current trend, it’s on its way soon.

Isaac Smith | Add Back

This one will be fascinating to see what happens. He’s currently averaging four rebound 50’s a game, and while it might be a small sample size of data, it’s certainly an increase on his previous seasons. The core question is Isaac Smith playing as a defender? Or is he merely being a damaging wingman and using his aerobic capacity to help out his team? How UltimateFooty judge this will determine if he’s considered or not.

Brennan Cox | Add Back

He isn’t fantasy relevant but a relatively easy one for the gang at UltimateFooty. The dockers are struggling with talls down back with injuries to the key defensive stocks of Joel Hamling and Alex Pearce. Brennan Cox has been sent down back to try and battle opposition key forwards. With just one score over 40, he’s not a waiver wire target.

Brayden Fiorini | Add Back

Much like another few players, you’ll see later on in this list, the fact that Brayden Fiorini has played just two games he’s unlikely to earn a new position. Brayden has certainly displayed fantasy footy pedigree, that’s seen with ten tons last year and an average of 99. However, others have gone past him in the midfield. Now he’s been deployed in a more defensive 50 role and is fighting for a part across halfback. The fact he was dropped from the Suns round three side means I think atleast for now he’s staying as a centre only.

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Jordan De Goey | Add Centre

It doesn’t help increase the scoring potential of your side but Jordan De Goey becoming a centre should provide some squad flexibility. In these shortened games Collingwood is employing Jordan at centre clearances often where his ball-winning ability has been on show often over his career. He then pushes forward to be a damaging option for the Pies. I love the way Bucks is using him at the moment, and while he’s yet to score over 70, he’s still inside the top 30 forwards for total points scored.

Brett Bewley | Add Centre

The injury to Blake Acres late in the preseason opened up a role on the Dockers wing, and Brett Bewley has made the most of his opportunities with scores of 89, 57 and 59. Like any player that gains a centre DPP, it doesn’t help increase the scoring potential of your side but instead just adds to some flexibility.

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Oscar Allen | Add Ruck

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 a care seven hitout a game and providing viable support to NicNat. However, he’s only played two games and will likely have to wait until the next batch of DPP’s. Lock him in to gain ruck status in the future allocation.

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Dayne Zorko | Add Forward

The injury that saw him miss round three might be the thing that costs the Brisbane captain from picking up a position this time around. Regardless, Dayne Zorko has had a drastic role change in 2020, spending the majority of time-based inside forward 50. In round one he attended 12 of a possible 26 centre bounces, while in round two it was 12 of 24. 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. I think he misses this allocation period due to playing only two games, but should this role retain for the next few games he’s a lock to pick up forward eligibility.

Rowan Marshall | Add Forward

The arrival of Paddy Ryder into the side was always going to impact the sole ruck role held last year by Rowan Marshall. As expected, he and Ryder are role sharing the key ruck responsibilities. One plays ruck. The other goes forward to support Max King as a towering presence. An exciting trend is that when one of them is playing ruck, they are also playing a little behind the play. In doing so, they are spending some time in the defensive half to allow the other inside forward 50 ‘ruck’ to take throw-ins & ball up responsibilities. The role sharing does hurt his fantasy output right now, but it could be of benefit longer-term for keeper league coaches. Ryder won’t be around for many years, but when he;’s gone it could mean owners get another year of sole ruck Rowan but as a forward eligible player ala 2019!

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Draft Free Agents | Round One
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Read Time:5 Minute, 22 Second

By the time the ball has bounced on Thursday night and our glorious game has returned to us, it will have been 81 long days since the conclusion of round 1. This is clearly the longest in season break we have ever seen and it is unknown what affect it will have on the performances of the players.

What is clear, is that there is a raft of players who will benefit from the break to recover from long term injuries. I have been pondering which players will have benefited the most and how that affects those who are playing in Draft leagues across the formats.

Below is a list of players who would have had almost no chance of suiting up for round 2 had we not had the break and therefore are potential nuggets if they are available in your league as Free Agents:

Please note for the purposes of the article, I have used scoring stats from RDT and AF but the info is still relevant for SC

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David Mundy – MID – Fremantle

Mundy’s relevance in fantasy circles has diminished in recent years due to his age and the loss of DPP eligibility but he is a warrior and hasn’t averaged less than 80 in a season since 2009. The former captain broke his leg in December in a freak accident and wasn’t expected to be back until early in the season. He missed round 1 but is now ready to go and would be a very handy back up for your midfield.

Blake Acres – FWD/MID – Fremantle

Acres is another Docker who has benefitted from the long break as he has now recovered from his 8 week hamstring tendon injury. Initially set to be out until round 5 at least, the former Saint was one of the standouts on the track during his first pre-season at Fremantle before sustaining the injury at training in early March. Acres is expected to roam the wings for the Dockers this year and would be a terrific addition to your squad.

Callan Ward – MID – GWS

After tearing his ACL in round 4 last season, Ward was not expected to return until at least round 3 and would have been overlooked in many Drafts. The Giants’ games record holder is now raring to go and after averaging in the mid to late 90’s for the better part of a decade, he is a no brainer off the scrap heap!

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Harley Bennell – MID – Melbourne

In what would be one of the feel-good stories of the season, Bennell is very close to finally playing AFL again. Picked up by Melbourne in what is likely to be his last chance at the highest level, Bennell suffered more setbacks with his troublesome calves and wasn’t expected to be available until mid-season at best. He’s now ready to play and coach Simon Goodwin is tossing up whether to debut the former number 2 draft pick this weekend against the Blues. Just as a reminder, the last time Bennell played more than 2 games in a season, he averaged 92!

Dyson Heppell – MID – Essendon

There was a lot of uncertainty facing Heppell’s availability in pre-season as he recovered from foot surgery. Initially expected to be right for round 1, the Essendon captain missed and didn’t look like returning for up to a month. Here we are nearly 3 months later, and it will still be touch and go whether he gets named for round 2. He averaged 94 last season but averaged 100+ in the 4 seasons he played before that. Would be a great get for your midfield

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Tom Liberatore – MID – Western Bulldogs

Libba was expected to put his hand up for selection in the first few weeks of the season as he recovered from post-season knee surgery. The 27 year old has now had nearly 3 months of extra rest for his troublesome knees and should add some much needed grunt to a Bulldogs midfield that was towelled up in round 1. He averaged over 100 in the opening month last season and you could do a lot worse than grab him for a stint in your midfield.

Stef Martin – RUCK – Brisbane

Big Stef’s season was in real trouble after suffering a tear to his PCL in the round 1 loss to the Hawks. He was set to miss half the season and was in a brace for 6 weeks but incredibly, the 33 year old veteran is now likely to play in round 2! If he was dumped in your league after round 1, he may still be available for you as a free back up ruck. Although, unless you have one of the big dogs (Grundy, Gawn, Witts etc), he should be your new number 1

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Tim Taranto – MID – GWS

Taranto had a shoulder reconstruction earlier this year after a bad dislocation in the Marsh series and looked set to miss most of the season. It’s highly unlikely he’d be a free agent even with that prognosis, but it is still worth a look because he is now listed as being just 4-6 weeks away!  If you could get the young gun, it’d be the steal of the century!


Grant Birchall – DEF – Brisbane

Birchall was a late withdrawal with hamstring soreness in round 1 and considering his age and recent injury woes, would have been no guarantee for round 2. He now looks set to play this weekend and if he can remain healthy, will be good for some decent scores. In his last full season, he averaged 81 which would make him a handy pick up for your back line.

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2020 Draft Rankings
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Read Time:7 Minute, 34 Second

Is your draft happening over this weekend? As a loyal Coaches Panel patreon member here are the rankings, I’ve created for the 2020 season.

Round One

Order of preference to take in the first round, regardless of who gets taken before my pick:

                    1  Brodie Grundy 
                    2  Lachie Whitfield 
                    3  Jack Macrae 
                    4  Josh Kelly 
                    5  Andrew Gaff 
                    6  Josh Dunkley 
                    7  Stephen Coniglio 
                    8  Dustin Martin 
                    9  Tom Mitchell 
                 10  Max Gawn 
                 11  Lachie Neale 
                 12  Toby Greene 

And then in round two:

If I took a midfielder in round one, I would then take Toby Greene, Jake Lloyd or Rory Laird – failing that, the best available midfielder.

If I took a ruck or forward in round one, I would then take the best available midfielder in round two

The Tim Taranto Dilemma

His average draft position this year is 51, however, this includes new keeper leagues, drafts completed prior to his injury, and auto picks afterwards. I’d be keen to pounce from about round 8 – roughly 100 players into the draft and as your 4th or 5th midfielder

Defenders

Jake Lloyd SY – B
Rory Laird AD – B
Bachar Houli RI – B
Sam Docherty CA – B 
Tom Stewart GE – B
Caleb Daniel WB – B
Dan Houston PA – B,C
Jack Crisp CW – B
Brodie Smith AD – B
Zac Williams GWS – B
Nic Newman CA – B
Daniel Rich BL – B
James Sicily HW – B 
Lachie Weller GC – B
Christian Salem ME – B
Shannon Hurn WC – B
Nick Haynes GWS – B
Sam Petrevski-Seton CA – B,C
Rory Atkins AD – B,C
Bryce Gibbs AD – B,C
Jordan Dawson SY – B,F
Chris Mayne CW – B,C 
Matthew Suckling WB – B
Darcy Byrne-Jones PA – B
Jason Johannisen WB – B
Nick Vlastuin RI – B
Hunter Clark SK – B
Heath Shaw GWS – B
Wayne Milera AD – B,C
Bailey Williams WB – B
Dane Rampe SY – B
Zach Tuohy GE – B 
Alex Witherden BL – B
Adam Cerra FR – B
Jayden Short RI – B
Harry Cunningham SY – B
Callum Mills SY – B
Harry Perryman GWS – B,C
Jack Lukosius GC – B,F
Isaac Cumming GWS – B
Zachary Bailey BL – B,C
Connor Blakely FR – B
Ryan Burton PA – B
James Aish FR – B
Sydney Stack RI – B
Brayden Maynard CW – B
Liam Baker RI – B,F
Dylan Roberton SK – B
Taylor Duryea WB – B
Jamie MacMillan NM – B
Jeremy Howe CW – B
Shane Edwards RI – B,C
Hayden Crozier WB – B
John Noble CW – B
Jacob Dawson GC – B
Adam Kennedy GWS – B
Jarrod Lienert PA – B
Jasper Pittard NM – B
Liam Duggan WC – B
Lachlan Ash GWS – B,C
Grant Birchall BL – B
Paul Ahern NM – B,C
Riley Bonner PA – B
Trent McKenzie PA – B
Levi Casboult CA – B,F
Luke McDonald NM – B
Majak Daw NM – B 
Jarrod Brander WC – B,F
Liam Stocker CA – B

MIDFIELD

Josh Kelly GWS – C
Jack Macrae WB – C
Andrew Gaff WC – C
Josh Dunkley WB – C
Stephen Coniglio GWS – C 
Tom Mitchell HW – C 
Lachie Neale BL – C
Marcus Bontempelli WB – C
Zach Merrett ES – C
Patrick Cripps CA – C 
Patrick Dangerfield GE – C 
Matt Crouch AD – C
Brad Crouch AD – C
Clayton Oliver ME – C
Adam Treloar CW – C
Nat Fyfe FR – C 
Elliot Yeo WC – C
Jacob Hopper GWS – C
Brayden Fiorini GC – C
Hugh McCluggage BL – C
Jack Billings SK – C
Sebastian Ross SK – C
Jack Viney ME – C 
Jaeger O’Meara HW – C
Josh Kennedy SY – C 
Mitch Duncan GE – C 
Steele Sidebottom CW – C
Dayne Zorko BL – C 
Scott Pendlebury CW – C 
Lachie Hunter WB – C
Timothy Kelly WC – C
Rory Sloane AD – C
James Worpel HW – C 
Jarryd Lyons BL – C
Will Brodie GC – C
Sam Walsh CA – C 
Luke Shuey WC – C
Shaun Higgins NM – C
Brandon Ellis GC – C
Marc Murphy CA – C
Dion Prestia RI – C
Dyson Heppell ES – C
Dom Sheed WC – C
Luke Parker SY – C
Dylan Shiel ES – C
Adam Tomlinson ME – C
Andrew McGrath ES – C
Mitch Robinson BL – C
Bradley Hill SK – C 
Dan Hannebery SK – C
Xavier Duursma PA – C
David Swallow GC – C
Jarrod Berry BL – C
Zak Jones SK – C
Angus Brayshaw ME – C
Tom Rockliff PA – C
Touk Miller GC – C
Jared Polec NM – C
Jack Redden WC – C
Trent Dumont NM – C
Quinton Narkle GE – C
Jack Graham RI – C
Paul Seedsman AD – C
Marlion Pickett RI – C
Oliver Florent SY – C
Jackson Hately GWS – C
Tom Cutler ES – C
Callan Ward GWS – C
Isaac Smith HW – C
Trent Cotchin RI – C
Charlie Constable GE – C
Sam Menegola GE – C
Jack Ross RI – C
Jack Bowes GC – C
Matthew Rowell GC – C 
Jye Caldwell GWS – C
Will Hayes WB – C
Tom Scully HW – C
Dom Tyson NM – C
Jordan Clark GE – C
Tom Green GWS – C
Riley Collier-Dawkins RI – C
Jeremy Sharp GC – C
Brayden Sier CW – C
Rupert Wills CW – C
Patrick Naish RI – C
Mitchell Hibberd ES – C

RUCK

Brodie Grundy CW – R 
Max Gawn ME – R 
Jarrod Witts GC – R
Tim English WB – R 
Reilly O’Brien AD – R
Jonathon Ceglar HW – R,F
Rowan Marshall SK – R
Stefan Martin BL – R 
Todd Goldstein NM – R
Scott Lycett PA – R
Sam Jacobs GWS – R
Matthew Kreuzer CA – R 
Rhys Stanley GE – R
Nic Naitanui WC – R 
Andrew Phillips ES – R

FORWARD

Lachie Whitfield GWS – C,F
Dustin Martin RI – C,F 
Toby Greene GWS – F
Darcy MacPherson GC – C,F
Isaac Heeney SY – C,F
Devon Smith ES – C,F
Jeremy Cameron GWS – F
Christian Petracca ME – F 
Jonathon Ceglar HW – R,F
Bailey Smith WB – C,F
Jack Steven GE – C,F
Hugh Greenwood GC – C,F
Jamie Elliott CW – F
Andrew Brayshaw FR – C,F
Jaidyn Stephenson CW – F
Chad Wingard HW – C,F
Darcy Tucker FR – C,F
Kane Lambert RI – F
Patrick Lipinski WB – C,F
Jordan de Goey CW – F 
Jack Martin CA – C,F
Darcy Parish ES – C,F
Jordan Dawson SY – B,F
Jade Gresham SK – C,F
Tom Lynch RI – F
Sam Powell-Pepper PA – C,F
Tom Papley SY – F
Jy Simpkin NM – C,F
Connor Rozee PA – F
Jack Gunston HW – F
Luke Dahlhaus GE – F
Will Hoskin-Elliott CW – F
Ben Ainsworth GC – C,F
Will Snelling ES – F
Liam Baker RI – B,F
James Rowbottom SY – C,F
Shai Bolton RI – F
Matt Taberner FR – F
Tim Membrey SK – F
Kyle Langford ES – C,F
Jack Lukosius GC – B,F
Josh Caddy RI – C,F
Gryan Miers GE – F
Jack Higgins RI – F
Harry Morrison HW – C,F
Josh Bruce WB – F
Aaron Naughton WB – F 
Cameron Zurhaar NM – F
Jack Riewoldt RI – F 
Josh Kennedy WC – F 
Lewis Taylor SY – C,F
Alex Neal-Bullen ME – F
Jack Silvagni CA – F
Josh Schache WB – F
Nick Larkey NM – F
Cameron Rayner BL – F
Rhys Mathieson BL – C,F
Ben Keays AD – F
Izak Rankine GC – F
Myles Poholke AD – F
Darcy Fogarty AD – F
Tom Sparrow ME – F
Jacob Townsend ES – F
Rhylee West WB – F
Bailey Scott NM – C,F
Nick Blakey SY – F
David Cuningham CA – F
Connor Budarick GC – C,F
Zak Butters PA – F
Aiden Bonar NM – C,F
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The Ultimate Mock Draft
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Read Time:16 Minute, 34 Second

Over the weekend members of The Coaches Panel and some fantasy, footy community friends got together to participate in a mock draft. This wasn’t like any other mock. Rather it came with a twist. Instead of letting coaches draft ‘whoever’ they wanted, they were forced to pick with a tactic in mind.
So, we created the Ultimate Mock Draft

Embed from Getty Images

Six different tactics were handed out to the ten coaches. The tactics were:

  • Load up on midfielders
  • Draft a top ten scoring defender and forward in the opening five rounds
  • Attempt to start a draft ‘run’ of a certain position
  • Draft who you believe is best available
  • Place low value in the forward line. Look to maximize the waiver wire in the season to play forwards with ceiling
  • Get versatility and flexibility in your team with ensuring you maximize DPP in your side.

Below is a summary of what each coach did with their tactic, how it impacted their draft

Jordox| Pick #1

Tactic allocated: Attempt to ‘force a run’ of other coaches picking a position.

How it impacted my draft: Having pick 1 meant the rest of my selections would be taken back to back giving me a stronger chance of pulling this tactic off and because I only grabbed 1 midfielder in the first 3 rounds, I wanted to use this tactic to keep some of the left over mids available for me later.

I decided to try and pull this off with my 4th and 5th picks which were taken back to back. Knowing that only 7 of the 39 picks already taken were forwards, I took two forwards (Jack Martin and Tom Lynch) in the hope this would start a run of others picking forwards. If this worked, it would mean my next two picks would land me two decent mids after already banking two of the best forwards.

Would you recommend this approach: Based on my experience in this draft, certainly not. The tactic didn’t work at all with only 1 forward being drafted in the next two rounds, and consequently meant I missed out on some decent midfielders with the likes of Rockcliff, Sidebottom, Worpel, Ross and Adams all being taken before my next pick.

First round pick and why: I flirted with going against the norm and not taking Grundy with pick 1 but in the end, I just couldn’t see any way I could snob the big man. Clearly the number 1 player in the game with no reason to suggest he will drop off this year.

Fav pick and why: There were plenty of bargains in JackSteven at pick 80 and Andrew McGrath at pick 121 but my favourite has to be grabbing Docherty at the top of the 3rd round with pick 21. He may take a few weeks to warm up but once he does, he’ll be putting up midfielder like numbers as he did before his knee injuries. I’ll be surprised if he’s not top 10 in most Drafts in 2021.

Jordox’s Full Team

Lewy| Pick #2

Tactic Allocated: Pick best available

How it impacted your draft: It didn’t, it was just a regular draft given my tactic.

Would you recommend this approach: Definitely although it’s completely variable on who you consider best available. It gives you the flexibility to go hard in certain positions if you personally deem them the best available pick in their position (def, mid, fwd, ruc). Ie a Taylor Adams type may go 100+ in the midfield but if a bloke like Heeney who traditionally is a 90 type guy in the forward line is still available, and given there’s a lot of midfielders that can push high 90s, it’s probably wiser to take the fwd first.

First round pick and why: Jackson Macrae. Selection speaks for itself – a bloke who has shown insane ceiling and an even more impressive consistency to push 120s week in, week out. Durability has never been an issue and because the dogs midfield is one of the best engine rooms in the comp, MacRae is often second in line for a tag behind Bontempelli. Wins the footy inside and out, running around taking plenty of marks, there’s not a lot not to like about Jackson Macrae’s fantasy football pedigree and his potential in 2020.

Favorite pick and why: Christian Petracca has always been an absolute jet but unfortunately for coaches and footy fans alike, it’s been here and there and often in small glimpses as he’s been anchored down as a forward who occasionally pushes into the midfield. This has been a hindrance on his fantasy scoring as a bit like Chad Wingard – he is just so valuable up forward.

However, it seems Simon Goodwin has handed Petracca the keys to the inside mid role and as his marsh performances have shown so far in 2020, he’s ready to take it with both hands. Ultimately – Christian Petracca is my favourite pick based on watching him as a general player but also because I believe 2020 will finally be the year we see him build, and potentially even reach, his full potential as both a player and fantasy gun.

Lewy’s Full Team

JimBob | Pick #3

Tactic Allocated: I was encouraged to draft a squad with as much flexibility as possible with DPP. While I adopted this strategy, I also try to target players that have recently lost  DPP Like Callum Mills (B only) and James Harmes (C only) in hope it may be returned during the season. 

How it impacted your draft: There are DPP’s littered throughout the rankings, so a player was never too far away as the best available, so not a great deal. I probably reached a little on a couple of players like Jordan Dawson (pick 38) and Houston (43, but am confident they will deliver as D1s, and may be a solid mid short in trying to reach for some extra DPPs

Would you recommend this approach: It’s probably not needed in a general 5/7/1/5 10-12 team league where waivers are active. Placing a higher value on DPPs in a league that goes 400+ deep, where waiver picks are limited or where your evil commissioner makes you play through the byes would definitely be a great tactic.

First round pick and why:Lachie Whitfield is one of the premier DPPs available this season and would have been in consideration at pick 3 anyway. A no brainer really.

Fav pick(s) and why Chris Mayne at 158 with defender eligibility could be one of the steals of the draft with numerous injuries to the back six of Collingwood and their naturally high possession game.

BUT – If the 12th highest averaging forward from last year can get anywhere near that again, Matt Tabener in the 15th round (143) is absolutely criminal and I should go to jail without passing go and collecting $200.

Jimbob’s Full Team

McRath | Pick #4

Tactic Allocated: Draft top 5 ranked defender and forward in first five picks

How it impacted your draft: I was really happy taking two genuine gun mids in Kelly/Neale to start, then O’Brien was someone I always wanted to target. That left me needing to bring in the best back and forward at Rounds 4 and 5. Stewart should be a safe top 5 defender, and Greenwood is someone that I believe could comfortably slip into that top five mix as the Suns improve. 

Would you recommend this approach? I’ve always been about a fair bit of balance in the opening half of your draft, employing a similar tactic over the past few years. This tactic does insure you against going too light in a particular area, but also can restrict you somewhat if a few sliding gun midfielders fall your way. So I would recommend this approach, but in conjunction with an open-minded perspective to read the draft as it falls.

First round pick & why: With my first pick, my goal was to get the guy I thought would deliver the highest scores across the season. In the absence of the obvious Macrae, Grundy and Whitfield, Kelly is someone I’m extremely high on. He’s fit and firing and set to have a career-year. From Round 3 to Round 15 last year, Kelly tonned up in every single game – with 6 (consecutive) scores of 120+ from Round 9. He’s a jet and should dominate in 2020.

Favourite pick & why: Jack Steele is a young mid that I was keen to target and all too happy to take him in the sixth round. Freed up from defensive duties, his ball magnet pedigree could see him push the echelons of a 110 average in 2020.

McRath’s Full Team

MJ | Pick #5

Tactic allocated: Load up on midfielders

How it impacted your draft: Honestly, hitting the draft heavy for midfielders is a fairly common tactic I use. That said, after doing multiple mock drafts ahead of this, I knew that if I didn’t lock a top tier forward early, I’d find myself too thin to be a threat.

After landing Dunkley and Oliver with my first two selections, I had to take Michael Walters with my third selection at #25. From then it was Pendlebury (#36), Sidebottom (#45), Gus Brayshaw (#56), Prestia (#76) Lyons (#85) and Liam Shiels (#95) to round out the midfield and bench spot.

From then it was about securing as many breakout candidates and fallen historical scorers to attempt to bump my scoring up.

Would you recommenced this approach:  For the most part, yes, but with one disclaimer. Don’t go so heavy in the midfield that you do it at the cost of thinning other lines. While I’m happy with my side, I do know some coaches were forced to change their intuitive style of drafting to model a tactical approach. Had they’d been freed to draft ‘uninhibited’ my backs and forwards could look much worse.

First Round pick & why: Given my tactic brief, was to drive strong into the draft for midfielders pick five gave me a great starting position. After McRath took Josh Kelly at four, it was down to either Dunkley or Mitchell.

Both have an element of risk, Titch with managing his workload, Dunkley with role change. However, I’m bullish on Dunkley and decided that he was the one for me. His ceiling is nearly unmatched.

Favourite pick & why: I had a few, but far and above it was the selection of my first defender in James Sicily. Locking away a D1 at pick 65 (7th round) with his calibre of scoring was a huge win. Especially considering I hit the draft hard chasing midfielders. The other is probably Andrew Brayshaw in the 10th round, on a current trend he looks like he’s pumping an average of 90 this year. To get that from a forward midway through the draft is a bargain!

MJ’s Full Team

Kane | Pick #6

Tactic allocated: Draft a top 10 back and forward in the first five rounds.

How it impacted your draft: This tactic didn’t impact me at all. With Jake Lloyd falling into my lap at 15 I had no hesitation locking him in as an elite defender and similarly with Devon Smith at 35. After that I was free to react to what the draft was giving me.  

Would you recommenced this approach: I would definitely recommend this approach of locking away a top tier back and forward in the first five rounds as it provides your team with a solid foundation for the rest of the draft and allows you to take the best available as opposed to drafting a position of need player to early out of necessity.

First Round pick & why: Tom Mitchell (Pick 6): With Grundy, Macrae, Whitfield, Kelly and Dunkley off the board it was between Mitchell and Gawn for my first pick. I can’t go past a player with the potential to be the highest scorer in the league and was confident I could find ruck value later on.

Fav pick & why: Nick Haynes (Pick 146): Finished 2019 on fire averaging 91 from his last eight games including four finals and looks to have carried that same role into 2020. I selected him in the 15th round which for a guy who has the potential to average in the 86-90 range I feel is incredible value.

Tim | Pick #7

Tactic allocated: Take the best available.

How it impacted your draft: I took this to mean the best available player left in the pool, ignoring any thoughts of positional scarcity or my structure to date. Generally, it worked quite well, although the lack of depth in the forwards resulted in me not taking enough forwards until the very end (as after a certain point he forwards just never were the ‘best available’ anymore).

Would you recommend this approach? Generally, yes, it worked quite well. I’ve also seen absent players in drafts before end up with quite a solid ‘consensus best pick’ team from what is essentially this strategy (paired with the wisdom of the crowd). Factoring in some awareness of positional scarcity should also improve it.

First round pick and why: Max Gawn. I had him as the best player left in the draft at that point & it was ‘take best available’ so I did.

Favourite pick and why: Adam Treloar at pick 14. Prior to his recent hamstring injury, I’m sure he would’ve been going first round – he’s been consistently a 110 mid in recent years and no reason for that to change now. I feel his injury’s overplayed and he’ll likely just miss one match.

Tim’s Full Team

Fish | Pick #8

Tactic allocated: Load up on midfielders

How it impacted your draft: With limited elite options on other lines I felt compromised chasing mids. I also felt with the later 1st rd pick that all of the uber mids were gone by #8. This would have been the perfect time to take a top 2-3 fwd or see. The mids that I was able to select were solid, but not the type to be overly excited about. Compared to other teams my mids look very similar and I don’t really have the 1-2 punch on the fwd and see lines.

Would you recommend this approach: I wouldn’t recommend the tactic with a late 1st round pick, but do feel that it might work a little better with a pick in the 2-5 range. Hopefully, others would take fwds, def or rucks in a standard draft with their swing picks and a few more elite mids slip through.

First round pick and why: First pick was Zac Merrett at #8. Merrett still averaged 108 last year and this was with 2 games that had below-par scores due to injury. I felt he was the best option available with the uncertainty around the injury of Adam Treloar to start the season.

Favourite pick and why: Was probably Christian Salem at 73 in the 8th rd. Has the potential to average 95 .Given my tactic of loading up on mids, it was a surprise to find him still sitting there when it was time to start looking at other lines.

Fish’s Full Team

Rainman | Pick #9

Tactic Allocated: Streaming forwards

How it impacted your draft: It is how I would normally draft to be honest and I feel like put me in the box seat. Meant I could focus on quality mids and defenders and I feel like my side reflects that.

Would you recommend this approach: Fwds are generally the most readily available and lowest scoring. This means that there is generally a plethora available outside of the too 5-6 that will score within 5-10 points if each other. Additionally means you can stream to suit match ups.

First round pick and why: Dangerfield at pick 9. Best available Mid and thought that I could get Coniglio on the way back.

Favorite pick and why: I have 3. McCluggage in round 6. I think he will explode this year Goldstein in Round 12. Top 5 ruckman that late was a bonus. Bailey Williams in the second last round. I think he is best 22 at the dogs and can score very well with the right role

Rainman’s Full Team

Jimmy | Pick #10

Tactic allocated: Attempt to create a run on player types

How it impacted your draft: I took the opportunity of having a double pick on the turn each round (started from pick ten) to often pick two players from the same line to try start/continue a run on players from a certain line. First up I took Dustin Martin and reached for Toby Greene, later I took Tim English and Jon Ceglar, and at various other points took two forwards, defenders or midfielders especially when one or two had been taken just before me. This had a profound impact on my own draft as it often meant not taking my first choice of player to try impact other coaches’ selections instead. In this mock draft, it failed completely for three primary reasons: • The other coaches all had their own strict briefs to stick with rather than getting sucked into a run • These coaches are smarter than the average bears and wouldn’t often get sucked in anyway if there was a better option available regardless of perceived scarcity • And lastly, I really think there is a strong sense of value deep on every line this year so there’s no need to panic when 80pt defenders and forwards are disappearing.

Would you recommend this approach: Yes and no. I do think it’s crucial when drafting to look after your own backyard first. If there is an opportunity to create some chaos then by all means load up, but not at the expense of building a team you really love. With that said, I also think this is the year to pick to Ceglar as your second ruck, to play him forward and as backup, and doing so can create the run if there is a scarcity of decent available ruckmen. Beyond that it’s all about timing and perhaps banter in your draft’s chat box to try con your fellow coaches into panic selections.

First round pick and why: Dustin Martin with pick ten. I wanted to see what happened if I picked the two best forwards off the bat (Whitfield excluded) however per above, the other coaches mostly just went about their business picking midfielders. Given the sharp drop-off, this also makes sense as why would you pick a second-rate forward when there are still elite midfielders and defenders on the board?

Favourite pick and why: I loved the English/Ceglar double at picks 90 & 91. I’d expect both to average 90+ this year and this was at a time when there were few other players available who could achieve that mark. It didn’t spark a run but I’m happy with that choice regardless – and that is the key point. Listeners may also know that I freaking love Jack Lukosios so was stoked to pick him up at pick 190. Aaron Hall at 230 might just answer my midfield woes if he can get back to his best.

Jimmy’s Full Team

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Six players that could replace the injured Tim Taranto
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Read Time:4 Minute, 15 Second

Last weekend the GWS Giants were hit with horrible news. The clubs reigning best and fairest winner Tim Taranto injured his shoulder and will require surgery. This reconstruction will mean he misses the next four to five months. With a return unlikely until after the bye round, it opens up an opportunity inside the Giants midfield. But for who?

Embed from Getty Images

The season could not have had a disastrous start to the season for the Giants. Tim Taranto injured his shoulder in the within minutes of the club’s first Marsh Series match against Sydney. However, if any team has the depth to cover his loss, it’s GWS. Here are six players that could fill the void left by Tim Taranto.

Stephen Coniglio

Just weeks ago Giants coach suggested his new captain could spend more time forward as he looked to juggle the star-studded midfield. With Taranto’s injury, Stephen Coniglio could be released to play the majority of game time as a midfielder. Should this occur, the already underpriced premium midfielder presents more definite value for fantasy coaches.

His 2019 AFLFantasy average of 104 is excellent, but if we remove then injury impacted game where he scored 0, it boosts up seven points to 111. Similarly in SuperCoach his average of 101 is more than respectable, but with the injured game removed then he spikes up to 108.

That backs up his scoring from 2018 where he averaged 110 in AFLFantasy and 108 in SuperCoach.

Earlier in the preseason, I wrote about him in the 50 Most Relevant, and you can read that article here.

Tom Green

As a junior Tom Green highlighted that he was one of the best midfielders available in his draft year. Last year he averaged 24 disposals, eight clearances and four tackles per game in the Under-18 Championships. 

In the same game that Tim Taranto was injured, we got our first look at the future Giants star. He amassed 21 possessions, 15 of these were contested and kicked two goals. From a fantasy perspective, he scored 106 in SuperCoach and 76 in AFLFantasy. Should he debut round one and pick up some or all of Taranto’s midfield minutes we have a reliable midfield cash cow option to consider.

Jackson Hately

For many among the footballing community, Jackson Hately was already pencilled in for more opportunities with the departure of Adam Tomlinson. Given the similar physical and football traits, it’s understandable for the expectation. Taranto’s injury has just created an even bigger hole in the midfield. Given Hately’s physical presence and ability to win the ball on the inside and outside of the contest, I expect him to cement himself inside the sides best 22. 

Hately has had limited opportunities, but in his first two games with scores of 84 and 80 in AFLFantasy and 95 and 85 in SuperCoach, he has shown his fantasy scoring potential already.

Jye Caldwell

The explosive and damaging midfielder is one to come under substantial consideration for the Taranto role. The former #11 draft pick is a stoppage king who brings with him a healthy defensive mindset. Additionally, Caldwell has a burst of speed from the contest that will make him a fan favourite.

Toby Greene

Round 17 at the MCG, the Giants injury crisis hit its peak. Already Callan Ward, Josh Kelly and tagger Matt deBoer were all out. However, it was also the infamous match the Stephen Coniglio injured his knee and scored a giant doughnut for coaches. These injuries forced the coaches hands, and Toby was thrown into the midfield.

During the final six matches of the season, he showed his class, ball-winning and presence as a midfielder. The injury to Taranto could see the coaching staff ‘go back to the well’ and place him back into the midfield. When place there he scored: 144, 115, 126, 146 142 & 99 at an average of 128 in AFLFantasy. For SuperCoach he scored; 138, 112, 107, 134, 122 & 115 at an average of 121.

Given the lack of genuine forward premium candidates we have available this year, this move could be one of the most beneficial for fantasy coaches.

Earlier in the preseason, I wrote about him in the 50 Most Relevant, and you can read that article here.

Callan Ward

He’s still a minimum of six weeks away from getting back into AFL calculations. However, when he does, the former skipper is one of the more natural candidates to take on the additional midfield responsibility.

Back in 2018 he averaged 27 possessions, 13 of these were contested, seven score involvements and averaged 96 in AFLFantasy and 104 in SuperCoach.

Earlier in the preseason, I wrote about him in the 50 Most Relevant, and you can read that article here. 

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UltimateFooty | Additional Positions for 2020 Revealed
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Read Time:5 Minute, 33 Second

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

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Add Backs

Chris Mayne (Collingwood – C) add B

It’s not a flashy addition, but a fair one. Chris Mayne is now available in your backline. Last year pretty much since coming back from injury in round 8 he’s found a home as part of the Magpies defensive six. The defensive pressure that served him well over his career first as a forward, then as a wingman has translated into him applying plenty of defensive pressure when the ball comes into the oppositions forward 50. 

He might sneak under some radars, but he does offer value and is worth a selection on the draft day should he retain this defensive role. Check out these scores since the role change: 87, 106, 88, 88, 66, 82, 70, 27, 29, 104, 91, 64, 90 & 110.

David Zaharakis (Essendon – C) add B

The Dons have reshuffled their midfield rotations, and in doing so, it’s seen the former Anzac Day medallist spend his time starting half-back and then being used to push up the ground and between the arcs.

Over the final two months off the season as he played through this role his scoring ceiling dried right up. He had only one score over 90 (107) during this time. Due to the status allocation, he’s now slightly relevant again. Just!

Harry Perryman (GWS Giants – C) add B

I like this decision from the boffins at UltimateFooty. Was used higher up the ground when the GWS injury curse hit it’s sickening low last year. Does he return to the backline or will the club continue to use his exquisite ball use of the wings? Time will tell. Now available in our backline you can build a case that he could push inside the ranks as a top 30 option.

Matt Guelfi (Essendon – C) add B

An obvious move as across the year Matt became part of the Essendon backline. However, even with the eligibility of back status, he’s probably not someone you’ll be picking up. A seasonal average of 56 is something you don’t want to be associated with your team.

Bryce Gibbs (Adelaide Crows – C) add B

Of all the DPP inclusions we have, the decision to award back status to the former #1 draft pick is probably the biggest. He struggled for games at the Adelaide Crows, however, in the final few games, he did play he was trialled across half-back. This in addition to the fact new coach Matthew Nicks has said they will use him across half-back, is enough for UF to award the position.

The potential positive for coaches here is that he’s played this role before and scored very well. In 2011 at Carlton he scored 13 tons for an average of 107. Numbers like that would see him challenge Jake Lloyd as the top back of the year.

Rated just outside the top 20 backs on average Bryce Gibbs is a game change on your draft boards in the backline and your ranks do need to be adjusted.

Tom McCartin (Sydney Swans – F) add B

The Sydney forward was given some opportunities down back late last year to help cover the key defensive injury crisis of 2019. He’s developing nicely as a key position player and Swans fans can see the potential. However, coming into the year with an average of sub 50, even with a positional addition he’s unlikely to find many suitors.

Rory Atkins (Adelaide Crows – C) add B

As a midfielder, he’s a dime a dozen pick that would have been used to finish your bench off. Now Rory Atkins becomes very relevant eligible for selection in our backline. An average of 81.4 last season now sees him ranked just outside the top twenty. He’s currently rated (based on previous years numbers) ahead of Luke Ryan, Hunter Clark and teammate Wayne Milera

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Add Rucks

Rucks, UF 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 just provide added flexibility on as a bench option.

Sam Reid (Sydney Swans – F) add R

Shaun McKernan (Essendon – F) add R

Peter Wright (Gold Coast Suns – F) add R

Esava Ratugolea (Geelong Cats – F) add R

Harry Himmelberg (GWS Giants – F) add R

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Add Forwards

Lewis Taylor (Sydney Swans – C) add F

If he’d stayed as a centre available option only there was every chance the former rising star winner would stay undrafted in your league. Now as a forward the forever mid 70’s average he delivers means he’s at least worth a late-round pick up on the draft day.
Keep an eye on his role at Sydney, if he can get into some midfield rotations he is certainly worth a stash on your bench if nothing else.

Oskar Baker (Melbourne – C) add F

Chances are if your selecting OskarBaker you are probably scraping too deep in the forward line barrel. Every chance he’s not in the Demons best 22. Regardless, as a DPP forward he at least is someone that might see the light of day in some draft boards. Join with me in praying for those leagues. 

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11 players we’d love to see gain DPP in UltimateFooty
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Read Time:4 Minute, 45 Second

In a matter of days, UltimateFooty will open and with it, a set of new DPP’s will be added. In 2020 we will yet again be partnering with them giving you exclusive access to every new player position added. While we wait for the official positions to be revealed, here’s 111 players we’d love to see gain DPP in UltimateFooty.

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Patrick Dangerfield – ADD FORWARD

Surely he was close in the eyes of champion data to retaining his forward status. Last year Danger spent a majority of games with chunks of game time forward. His addition of forward status would give us our first significant challenger for taking the #1 forward mantle from Lachie Whitfield. 

Marcus Bontempelli – ADD FORWARD

Maybe it’s a reach, given that Dangerfield didn’t get it. But you can build a case that Bont didn’t just ‘rest’ forward but spent time as a forward. Is it enough? Possibly not, but his inclusion into a line that’s already paper-thin for premiums would add another fascinating element. Check out my take on him in the 50 Most Relevant preseason article here.

Lin Jong – ADD FORWARD

Didn’t play at all last season due to a combination of injuries and battling his mental health. For the previous few seasons he’s been a MID/FWD option and would move from irrelevance to being rosterable should this occur.

Tom Rockliff – ADD FORWARD

There might not be enough data to suggest the move, but I’d love this move. As the season went on and the Port midfield started to fill out with Dan Houston starting to get more opportunity. Yes, Rocky was still getting plenty of midfield minutes, but his forward time trajectory was heading higher. Potentially this is a proactive move, but I believe barring significant injuries to an Ollie Wines or Travis Boak; we’ll see him play more time inside forward 50.

Sam Menegola – ADD FORWARD

Was barely sighted in 2019 after having multiple injury setbacks. While we had just over a handful of games of data in the AFL last year, I’d propose that his role wasn’t drastically different from the years prior. As such, I’d be more than happy for UltimateFooty to return the forward status, as I’m sure his keeper league owners would be too.

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Mitch Duncan – ADD BACK

All last year coaches were screaming out for UltimateFooty to awarded Mitch Duncan with back status. He was undoubtedly playing behind the ball, and his presence at centre bounces was becoming increasingly more notable. It’d be a massive boost for the backline and certainly shake up coaches draft ranks. There’s enough data to hand it to him, get it done UF! 

Brandon Ellis – ADD BACK

If you’ve drafted with UltimateFooty for a long time, you’d be familiar that it has a history of allowing individual players to hold onto a position for an additional 12 months after Champion Data had previously. Players like Bryce Gibbs and Brendon Goddard both were back eligible despite being a year removed from that role.

Last year Brandon Ellis was squeezed up to the wings with the development of Sydney Stack and Jayden Short. As an outside midfielder at Gold Coast, it might not be a pretty season, but if he was a back, he could be a handy D3 selection.

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Harry Perryman – ADD BACK

Much like Ellis above, UltimateFooty could allow Perryman to hold his back status. They could argue he was ‘forced’ up to the wing with the plethora of midfield injuries for the Giants. And that his actual position in the AFL side is across the halfback.

Kade Kolodjahnij – ADD BACK

Just the two games for the former Gold Coast Sun in 2019. Despite them being both on the wing, UltimateFooty could argue it’s insufficient game data to cause him to lose back status. As back we’d at least see this once-promising youngster get drafted.

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Mitch Hibberd – ADD BACK

He spent last year playing as an inside midfielder in the VFL. However, just a few seasons earlier he was playing as a rebounding defender for North Melbourne. Should UF wish too, they could allow him through to the backs based solely off the premise of what he was last in the AFL. Read our full take on him here from the 50 most relevant.

Tom Cutler – ADD BACK

Using a similar argument for Hibberd, Cutler spent the majority of last year out of the Brisbane Lions AFL side. Historically, Tom Cutler has been used as a rebounding half-back who can play high across the wings. As a midfielder, he looms destined to sit on the waiver wire and go undrafted. As a back, he’s worth a late-round pick up. 

Who do you think will gain DPP in UltimateFooty? Have your say at our Facebook,  Twitter or Instagram

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