Keeper coaches, the moment you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived – Keeper’s next round of position changes are here!
Keeper is revolutionizing how player positions are managed with a systematic approach designed specifically for draft fantasy leagues. The position updates will follow rounds 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18.
These regular position updates create exciting new strategic dimensions for Keeper coaches. Players who gain additional positions instantly become more valuable draft assets, while for savvy coaches, spotting these trends early could give you a significant advantage over your competition.
Caleb Windsor stands out as the most important addition here. While his scores haven’t been start-worthy this season, his historical performance suggests significant potential. For dynasty and keeper league coaches, this transforms Windsor from a potential delisting candidate to a valuable hold. Having a young talent who can slot into your defensive line when needed adds crucial flexibility to your draft side. A handy gain if he can start to elevate those scores back into the 70’s.
Nic Martin emerges as the crown jewel of this update. After gaining forward status in the Round 3 position changes, he now adds midfielder to his credentials. This makes Martin the ultimate triple-position swingman, giving owners unprecedented flexibility to play matchups across three different lines based on fixtures and opponents.
James Peatling missed last week through suspension, but has demonstrated his scoring potential with four 70+ scores, including a ceiling of 112. This position gain turns him from a borderline starter in the midfield to a valuable forward asset that demands to be placed on the ground.
Levi Ashcroft has emerged as this year’s standout rookie. Every season we seemingly get a first-year player who becomes genuinely start-worthy, and Ashcroft fills that role as a forward. With three scores over 82 (including a 94) and none below 58, he provides reliable production in a forward line where consistent 70+ scorers are scarce. I thought he’d get it after round 3, but thrilled to see him finally get FWD status.
Jordan De Goey brings a history of 90+ averages, though injuries have limited his centre bounce attendance this year. His increased forward time has earned him this position gain, and if he can regain consistency and health, his midfield role should expand—boosting both his scoring floor and ceiling. This represents tremendous upside for coaches if we can see this premiership Pie return back to his peak.
Sam Flanders started slowly due to injury and has struggled to maintain his midfield role, resulting in inconsistent scoring. While he may need an injury to others to regain a more favorable role, his newly awarded triple-position flexibility allows owners to deploy him optimally as either a defender, midfielder or forward, ensuring you can max your bench players’ potential based on matchups of any given week.
To find out more about Keepers selection process click here.
Every year, Keeper reveals an additional group of new position allocations for players, which extends the changes handed down by champion data. Let’s examine the twelve additional players and their relevance to your Keeper Drafts.
It’s not been a great week in the media for Reuben Ginbey, so here’s hoping the addition of defensive status can help the Keeper community flush away the negativity.
During his first 2/3 of the season, it was clear that West Coast had a tight centre-bounce midfield rotation. He was the fourth option. However, in the final eight weeks, the data showed that he was phased out of that space, including six of the final eight games with no centre bounce presence. Where did he play? Halfback. Those few months were enough time for Keeper to award defensive status. It also makes him someone who becomes relevant.
Liam Duggan | ADD MIDFIELD – NOW DEF/MID
Over the last few seasons, Liam Duggan has been used as the Eagles ‘fixer. As a result, he’s seen himself moved to play in several positions, from a playmaker across half-back to someone used as a centre-bounce midfielder and a wingman.
While only attending 21% of centre bounces over the season, in the final eight games of the year, that increased to 34.88%. In addition, the Eagles allowed him to spend time as a wingman as they continued in the experiment of who/how they play in 2025.
Like all players with ‘ADD MID’ status, it doesn’t increase their relevance or draft ranking; rather, it just allows owners to have some further squad flexibility.
Harry Sheezel | ADD MIDFIELD – NOW DEF/MID
One of the big surprises I had when the champion data positions dropped was that Harry Sheezel was without midfieldstatus. From round seven onwards, Harry attended 194 centre bounces, with an average range per game between 14% and 88%.
This addition doesn’t rule out the chance of him gaining forward status. It’s one of the great unique customisations available. Check out this video episode that talks through some of the groundbreaking new features (including TPP) that Keeper has.
Alex Cincotta | ADD MIDFIELD – NOW DEF/MID
Alex Cincotta became Carlton’s tagger during the season, While not evident in centre bounce data, he often pushed from halfback and played a lockdown role. He slowed the likes of Touk Miller, Zak Butters, and Zach Merrett well below seasonal averages.
With only four scores above fifty, this isn’t a player you want on your side, regardless of the positional allocation available or the valid justification for gaining one. Pass!
Jackson Macrae | ADD MIDFIELD – NOW MID/FWD
The 2024 season was the lowest ‘midfield’ centre bounce presence for Jack Macrae since we started tracking centre bounce data in 2020 as a community. Last season’s 15% is a long way back from the 74% of 2020. It has no impact on his draft relevance, but it probably more accurately reflects how he played in 2024. Let’s be honest: If Keeper didn’t give it to him now, we’d get it at the end of round three.
That being said, Jack didn’t play exclusive forward. He often pushed up from the flanks (when he wasn’t vested) and became an extra midfielder/wingman.
As a forward, you probably weren’t considering drafting Liam Henry due to an average of 57.3. And if you were, it would be in the later rounds at best. However, like Sheezel listed above, I felt that this was a name that ‘slipped through the cracks’ from Champion Data. Henry spent more than a fair share of time across the Saints wings and is a worthy allocation. Relevant to the draft? Maybe not, but it is a worthwhile positional gain.
Izak Rankine | ADD MIDFIELD – NOW MID/FWD
There wasn’t a game in 2024 that Izak Rankine played where he didn’t attend a centre bounce. In a third of his games, he attended 43% or higher and showed a strong ability to win the centre clearance and stoppages around the ball.
Some might suggest that Keeper’s addition is proactive, and while that’s not an unfair statement, I think it’s clear that the MID/FWD positional allocation is warranted for both him and the Crows.
Mark Blicavs | ADD RUCK – NOW MID/RUC
Last year, Mark Blicavs attended 37% of centre bounces. In addition, he had eight games where he won 10 hitouts or more. Over the season, he attended 25% of the Cats ruck contests. To me, this addition just adds a Geelong ruck we can trust to play every week and is the one you can handcuff with whichever of Toby Conway or Rhys Stanley isn’t injured or out of favor for that week.
It is one of the more significant gains handed down by the boffins at Keeper. Oliver Dempsey spent plenty of time last year across the flanks for the Cats. Still, often, it came from a starting base across the forward lines and then pushing high up the ground.
Based on his 2024 average of 72.8, he now roars into the top 30 forwards and becomes highly relevant to single-season drafters, not just those in keeper or dynasty leagues.
Archie Perkins | ADD FORWARD – NOW MID/FWD
Much like Oliver above him, the awarding of forward status to Archie Perkins moves him from being destined for the player pool to becoming someone we look at on our draft day. While last year Archie had a prime midfield role, as the season went on, it became clear that he (and Sam Durham) fell out of the primary midfield rotations in favour of the likes of Dylan Shiel and Darcy Parish, so much so that in the final three games he failed to attend a centre bounce.
His arrival in the forward line and upside potential of averaging north of 70 makes him relevant to consider in the later rounds of your draft. Depending on the number of players you need to retain, he may even become viable to hold in your keeper side.
Esava Ratugolea | ADD FORWARD – NOW DEF/FWD
Another example shows that Keeper will accurately reflect changes from the AFL game during the season and not just ‘cherry-pick’ potential draft-relevant moves. If the player has a position change that meets the threshold, they’ll add it.
Esava’s career at Port Adelaide started in defence but ended as a key position forward due to multiple injuries of first-choice options. He didn’t score well in either field position and shouldn’t be someone you consider.
Mac Andrew | ADD FORWARD – NOW DEF/FWD
Don’t sleep on this allocation. At first glance, Mac Andrew’s average in the 60s looks poor and not worth considering. The coaching staff experimented with the side’s makeup once the Suns season was cooked for making finals. Here, we saw Mac start to spend game time inside forward 50.
While he’s more likely to return to an intercepting role down back (where he has scored his best), in the four games Mac played forward last year, he still had three scores above 50, including an 81.
As a late-round selection, there could be enough value as a bench option, let alone the DPP, to aid your squad flexibility, depending on the size of squads and leagues.
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I WANT MORE POSITION CHANGES.
For 2025, league commissioners will choose to allow (or not) future positions to be added to your league. After rounds 3, 6, 9, 12 & 15, we’ll exclusively bring you the new gains added to the game by Keeper.
After rounds 3, 6, 12 & 15, the drafting format of Ultimate Footy awards additional player positions to players that have had a role change in the 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. So, for the final time this season, let’s look at who they are and their relevance to your draft sides and leagues.
It’s been a tough few seasons if you’ve owned Elliot Yeo. Injuries have sadly got the best of him. However, in the limited games that he has played, he’s been deployed into the backline as an interceptor. The role isn’t unfamiliar to him as it’s where he played when he first got traded to the Eagles. Adding back status is a huge boost to his owners potential scoring. In the past two weeks, he’s scored 84 & 80. As a centre only, that’s just in contention to be on the field. Now, he’s an absolute lock to play on the ground as a defender.
Harry Himmelberg | ADD BACK
Some positional moves come out of the blue and pay massive dividends for coaches every year. In 2022 the move down back Harry Himmerlberg is in contention for that mantle. He was drafted in just 18% of teams with an ADP of 293. However, since the move, he’s been an animal playing the intercepting and key position defensive role. To his credit, he’s looked very good there, and his scoring has taken a considerable bump. After having just one score over 70 between rounds 1-9, he’s scored a 74, 101, 161, 99 & 117 in this new role. Even the return of Nick Haynes and Phil Davis has done little to move him from the role.
Normally when a player gets some heavy midfield time, we see a spike in scoring. Sadly for Jayden Short owners, that hasn’t been the case. Don’t get me wrong, he’s still been very good, but he hasn’t entered the uber scoring that owners might have been hoping for with the role shift. Since round six, Short has been attending an average of 52% of centre bounces for the Tigers. An obvious and easy addition for the gang at UF!
Tom Atkins | ADD CENTRE
The role change of Tom Atkins has been sudden and obvious at Geelong over the past five matches. Over this stretch of games, he’s attended 29%, 73%, 73%, 83% & 77% of centre bounces for the Cats. Tom’s hard at it contested nature has thrived as a centre bounce midfielder, and his scoring has increased as a direct result. The addition of centre status might not help you on field centre line scoring, but if he holds this role, he will be selected on the field in your backline given the good scores.
What a surprise, but Luke Beveridge has given a player a role change! All jokes aside, Bailey Williams has taken his opportunity on the wing. With the absence recent absence of Lachie Hunter, he has owned the wing for the past few months. His true value to his owners is he can be played as a backman. However, squad versatility is always helpful, and so like Atkins above, it’s just adding versatility to your team
Since round 11, Jeremy Finlayson has been the primary ruckman for the pear and had multiple games where he’s attended north of 70% centre bounces. He’s delivered a couple of scores in the high 70s in this role and has been a handy player pool pick-up. Just be aware that first choice ruckmen Scott Lycett is due to return shortly.
It’s been a tough run over the past few seasons for Wayne Milera, but he seems to have finally gotten confidence and strength back into his body. Since getting back into Crows side over the past month, he’s been deployed as a half-forward. I like this role and the use of his skill set. With Jordan Dawson and Brodie Smith playing the primary ball users across half-back and Jake Soligo and Jackson Hately holding down the wings, it’s as a forward the greatest opportunity for his skills can shine. So much has been made about Adelaide’s poor inside 50 entries over the past few years; by having Wayne as a half-forward, we should see this increase in better entries.
Lachlan Jones | ADD FWD
Port Adelaide fans have been calling for Lachie Jones to get a strong run at the AFL level for a while. The pear has found the best place to give him this opportunity has been to use him as a forward. His trademark physicality has been on display, and while he’s not scoring massively, it is a DPP gain that’s warranted.
After rounds 3, 6, 9, 12 & 15, the drafting format of Ultimate Footy awards additional player positions to players that have had a role change in the season. On Wednesday, we’ll confirm with you exclusively which players WILL gain a new position, but before then, here are some players we believe would be in consideration for obtaining a new positional status.
I never thought I’d do a ‘DPP’ write-up for Harry Himmelberg; he seemed destined to always be a tall target inside the Giants forward line. However, in rounds 10 & 11, he was thrown into a key defensive position under a new coaching regime. To his credit, he’s looked very good there, and his scoring has taken a considerable bump. After having just one score over 70 between rounds 1-9, he’s scored a 74, 101, 161, 99 & 117 in this new role. Even the return of Nick Haynes and Phil Davis has done little to move him from the role. Lock him in for BACK/FWD status!
Elliot Yeo | ADD BACK
It’s been a tough few seasons if you’ve owned Elliot Yeo. Injuries have sadly got the best of him. However, in the limited games he has played, he’s been deployed into the backline as an interceptor. The role isn’t unfamiliar to him as it’s where he played when he first got traded to the Eagles. Unfortunately, he’s only played four games, and one of those was an injury-affected match. Regardless, he hits the criteria of the game to earn DPP and should be a name that the boffins at UltimateFooty consider allocating back status. If he does, it’ll be a huge boost for his owners.
The role change of Tom Atkins has been sudden and obvious at Geelong over the past three weeks. Over this stretch of games, he’s attended 29%, 73% & 73% of centre bounces for the Cats. Tom’s hard at it contested nature has thrived as a centre bounce midfielder, and his scoring has increased directly. Between rounds 1-9, his top score was 81. However, in the previous three games, he’s posted an 87, 96 & 82. The likely addition of centre status might not help you on field centre line scoring, but if he holds this role, he will be selected on the field in your backline given the good scores.
Bailey Williams | ADD CENTRE
What a surprise, but Luke Beveridge has given a player a role change! All jokes aside, Bailey Williams has taken his opportunity on the wing. With the absence of Lachie Hunter, he has owned the wing for the past few months. His true value to his owners is he can be played as a backman. However, squad versatility is always helpful, and so should this DPP land; it’ll be another layer of potential versatility within your team.
Two things. First, the addition of ruck status for Jeremy Finlayson is an absolute lock to happen. Since round 11, he’s been the primary ruckman for the pear and had multiple games where he’s attended north of 70% centre bounces. Second, how the Power continues to use him over a Sam Hayes is beyond me. Hayes has his shortfalls, but so does Finlayson in the ruck. Port Adelaide has been lucky that the decision to play Jeremy over Hayes hasn’t cost them a game… yet!
It’s been a tough run over the past few seasons for Wayne Milera, but he seems to have finally gotten confidence and strength back into his body. Since getting back into Crows side over the past month, he’s been deployed as a half-forward. I like this role and the use of his skill set. With Jordan Dawson and Brodie Smith playing the primary ball users across half-back and Jake Soligo and Jackson Hately holding down the wings, it’s as a forward the greatest opportunity for his skills can shine. So much has been made about Adelaide’s poor inside 50 entries over the past few years; by having Wayne as a half-forward, we should see this increase in better entries.
Lachie Jones | ADD FORWARD
Port Adelaide fans have been calling for Lachie Jones to get a strong run at the AFL level for a while. The pear has found the best place to give him this opportunity has been to use him as a forward. His trademark physicality has been on display, and while he’s not scoring massively, it is a DPP gain that’s warranted.
Nat Fyfe | ADD FORWARD
Plenty will be calling for it, but Nat Fyfe has played just two games, and the minimum qualifying amount is three. He won’t get it as much as Fyfe is certainly being used as a primary forward.
After rounds 3, 6, 9, 12 & 15, the drafting format of Ultimate Footy awards additional player positions to players that have had a role change in the season. On Wednesday, we’ll confirm with you exclusively which players WILL gain a new position, but before then, here are some players we believe would be in consideration for obtaining a new positional status.
During the preseason, Andrew McGrath was one of the most hyped players. With an ADP of 76.3, it’s fair to say owners are slightly underwhelmed with an average of 81 and just three tons. The addition of back status will revitalise his owners as he’s now moved from being ranked the 74th best centre by average to being inside the top 35 backs. His DPP gain is easily the biggest impact on the drafts sides from this batch of new allocations.
Oliver Florent | ADD BACK
The Swans midfield and defensive unit has undergone a drastic change over 12 months. For Oli Florent, he’s been squeezed off the wings, with Justin McInerney and Errol Gulden taking the major share. For Oli, his run and carry have been deployed across the half-back flanks. He’s hardly banging the door down as a strong performer with an average of 66 and just five scores 70+ all year. But the addition of back status now moves him from someone that is barely rosterable to someone you could place as an emergency in your backline. A huge relevance gain because he is now arguably valuable to draft coaches.
Brady Hough | ADD BACK
Single season leagues probably won’t get too excited by this addition. Especially with the Eagles cavalry starting to return, it won’t shock me to see Brady Hough squeezed out of the West Coast lineup. But it’s keeper and dynasty league coaches that might be paying a little more attention. Hough has looked at home across the Eagles halfback flank, and his round 11 score of 99 against the Bulldogs shows that he can score well within the teams structure and style. So depending on the depth of ‘keepers’, be may be worth a stash on your list.
Isaac Heeneywas meant to be the great hope in our forwards this year. And he started string in 2022 with four tons and an additional 90+ score in the first five rounds. However, since then, he’s had just two scores of 80+. The addition of DPP this round appears to be more about a legacy addition of what he’s done over the totality of the year. One can only assume his round 10 match, where he attended 48% of centre bounces, was enough to push him over the UltimateFooty seasonal percentage threshold. Regardless, a DPP addition it will help squad flexibility for owners.
Anthony Scott| ADD CENTRE
Getting centre status isn’t just about whether or not you start at centre bounces. So for those wondering why Anthony Scott has got it, don’t go looking for CBA’s. He’s got none. Rather, the positional allocation can only be put down to the fact he’s getting some opportunity to play on the Bulldogs wings. He’s in a small percentage of leagues, and given he’s had just one score over 60 all year, he’s not someone to go and chase.
In round six, Connor Rozee was flung into the deep end of the midfield with a season-high CBA of 73%. Since then, he’s been regularly attending over 50% of the game as a centre bounce midfielder. Of course, his relevance won’t skyrocket like any centre gains, but the versatility adds to your squad is helpful, especially if you play through the byes.
Plenty has been made about the emergence of Darcy Cameron as the Magpies first choice ruck since Brodie Grundy went down injured. But he’s not had exclusive access to the role, especially over the past three weeks. Last week, Mason attended 43% of the Magpies centre bounces, a season-high for him and for whichever Magpie was used as ‘second fiddle ruck.’ His seasonal average of 43 isn’t amazing, but the timing of the DPP could be the difference between some deeper leagues fielding a 0 this week or not. He’s owned in just 7% of leagues, and beyond those very deep leagues couldn’t advocate for grabbing him.
Buku Khamis is not someone to rush out and own with an average of 51 and just one score north of 50, but the gaining of this status is 100% with merit.
James Peatling | ADD FORWARD
James Peatling has played just four games throughout the season, but that’s enough game data to make him eligible for gaining DPP. In rounds 10 & 11, the Giants have used him as one of the more successful avenues to goal up forward. In the 39% of leagues where he’s unowned, James will be someone coaches are grabbing off waiver wire that plays through the byes. Especially after scores of 119 & 89 in the past fortnight.
Upon first glance, the allocation of forward status to IvanSoldo seems quite irrelevant to leagues. An average of 49 and just three scores over 50 isn’t screaming ‘pick me.’ However, for deeper draft leagues and especially category leagues, he can become quite relevant, especially if the category of hitouts has a premium.
Ben Hobbs | ADD FORWARD
One of the easiest decisions from UltimateFooty for this allocation of DPPs will be to hand forward status to Essendon’s Ben Hobbs. The inside midfield bull is finding his way at the AFL level. As a result, he’s playing forward and getting drip-fed some midfield opportunities. He could add some versatility to maximise players on the field especially during the byes.
After rounds 3, 6, 9, 12 & 15, the drafting format of Ultimate Footy awards additional player positions to players that have had a role change in the season. On Wednesday, we’ll confirm with you exclusively which players WILL gain a new position, but before then, here are some players we believe would be in consideration for obtaining a new positional status.
I never thought I’d ever do a ‘DPP’ write up for Harry Himmelberg; he seemed destined to always be a tall target inside the Giants forward line. However, in rounds 10 & 11, he was thrown into a key defensive position under a new coaching regime. To his credit, he’s looked very good there, and his scoring has taken a considerable bump. After having just one score over 70 between rounds 1-9, he’s scored a 74 & 101 in this new role.
Given that it’s been only two games of data in this updated role, it’s unlikely the UltimateFooty will allocate the back status, but it’s still possible. Regardless, it could be an astute early pick, given he’s scoring well enough as a forward to be someone your play on the ground. If not now, it will happen at the round 15 allocations should the role hold.
The role change of Tom Atkins has been sudden and obvious at Geelong over the past three weeks. Over this stretch of games, he’s attended 29%, 73% & 73% of centre bounces for the Cats. Tom’s hard at it contested nature has thrived as a centre bounce midfielder, and his scoring has increased as a direct result. Between rounds 1-9, his top score was 81. However, in the previous three games, he’s posted an 87, 96 & 82. The likely addition of centre status might not help you on field centre line scoring, but if he holds this role, he will be selected on the field in your backline given the good scores.
Jarrod Berry was a feature in the Lions centre bounces at the start of the season. Over the first five rounds of the year, he had multiple games that he attended over 60% centre bounces. However, more recently, he’s been squeezed onto the wing and playing some defensive focussed forward roles. The gang at UltimateFooty may look for some more data before pulling the positional trigger. But if they do award the status, it could be a season-saving move for him. Currently, Berry is averaging in the low 70s, which is poor for a centre-listed option even in deep leagues. As a MID/FWD, he’d move from the depth of coaches benches to a potentially playable forward.
Patrick Lipinski | ADD FWD
After a dazzling ton in round one, Patrick Lipinski is yet to hit the heights of his debut game as a Pie. Part of the reason is the former Bulldog is playing across the half-forward flank when not at centre bounces. He’s a strong chance to pick up forward status and will provide an instant boost to his owner’s forward stocks.
James Peatling has played just four games throughout the season, but that’s enough game data to make him eligible for gaining DPP. In rounds 10 & 11, the Giants have used him as one of the more successful avenues to goal up forward. In the 39% of leagues where he’s unowned, James will be someone coaches are grabbing off waiver wire that plays through the byes. Especially after scores of 119 & 89 in the past fortnight. A walk up addition for the gang at UlttimateFooty.
Jason Horne-Francis | ADD FWD
The ‘rookies of the year’ for single-season draft coaches are easily Nic Martin and Nic Daicos. Both have been phenomenal since their round one debut. And have over delivered on value based on where they were drafted. But, long term, Jason Horne-Francis will be a beauty and will be a highly desired prospect to own for the better part of the next decade.
North Melbourne has looked to him as part of their forward 50 solutions by giving him plenty of time to play as a forward. Since round six, he hasn’t attended over 50% of North’s centre bounces. An average of 67 for a centre is practically un-rosterable. However, he could now be someone to look at as a forward bench option for a single season league. Excitingly for a keeper and dynasty league owner, this is a positive sign that he’ll enter 2023 with MID/FWD DPP.
Buku Khamis | ADD FWD
An absolute no brainer gain in my eyes! Lock it in, adding forward staus to Bulldogs’ Buku Khamis. He’s not someone to rush out and own with an average of 51 and just one score north of 50, but the gaining of this status is 100% with merit.
You rarely will ‘win the draft’ in the opening handful of rounds. Rather, it’s the mid to late draft day selections that can really take your team from good to great. So here’s a look at some of the late draft day selections that have been winning selections for their owners.
Normally I wouldn’t feature a player drafted inside the first ten rounds, but the season of Bailey Smith is so good it had to be acknowledged. Smith has the highest average of all players in the game and has only one game that he hasn’t scored over 100; in that game, he posted a 92. The only small downside is he’s missed two games, but given he was drafted as someone’s M3 or M4, it’s been a superb return.
George Hewett | AVG 103 | 129.7
The free agency move of GeorgeHewett has gone better than anyone could have anticipated. Before this season, his season-high average was 75 back in 2019. At Carlton, he’s been a dominant force after being allowed to thrive back in his preferred role as an inside midfielder. He’s posted five tons; it’s included a season-high of 119. To go with his top-end scoring is a high end is a strong scoring basement with a season-low of just 83. For owners, he’ll likely be sitting as their D1 but was drafted considerably later. A massive draft day wins for owners.
Jack Sinclair | AVG 102.2 | ADP 132.4
In the back half of the 2021 season, we started to see the scoring power of Jack Sinclair emerge. After being deployed in a new role across half-back, he posted multiple tons and a bunch of extra scores 80+. Coaches knew about the possible upside to 2022 on the draft day, considering he averaged 83 from his final eleven matches. However, averaging triple digits, delivering five tons, and a season-low score of 80 is a great return for someone selected in the middle-later portion of the draft.
There is nothing more certain in football each year than two things at Geelong. Firstly, in most games, they have a ‘late out’ and second that they play a selection merry-go-round in the ruck division. The greater beneficiary of the ride in 2022 is Mark Blicavs. After a patchy few scores in the opening rounds where he played as a key position defender, his scoring got a bump with a move into the ruck.
Since round four, he’s averaged 106, had just one score below 93 and delivered four tons, including three over 125. Based on his ADP, he was drafted as most teams final on-field defender or as a speculative late-round ruck pick up. Even if the role doesn’t hold, he’s already delivered above his owner’s expectations.
Tom Green | AVG 92.8| ADP 172.2
Sometimes in football, you need something to go your way. That can happen in many ways, but in the case of Tom Green, the injury to Jacob Hopper in round one has only been positive for him. The absence of Hopper has allowed him full freedom to be the most constant inside midfield presence for GWS. The Giants inside bull started the season on fire with scores of 133, 102 & 114. It has been quiet over the past six weeks, with a top score of 98. But it’s nothing to complain about when you’re drafting a guy to be either your last on-field option or even on the bench. It’s been an amazing run in 2022 so far.
Dylan Moore | AVG 89.5 | ADP 186.2
If you’d told me at the start of the season that by the midpoint of the year that Adam Treloar, Josh Dunkley, or Tim Taranto would be inside the top seven ranked forwards by averages, everyone would have expected that. One player inside that group that nobody could’ve predicted is Hawthorn’s Dylan Moore. The young Hawk has elevated his game by almost 20 points per game on last year’s average. There is the odd scattering of sub 70 scores. However, some monster ceiling games have offset these, including a 138 that could’ve won you a matchup.
In the drafting rounds of 18-20, let alone beyond, you’re just taking speculative flyers hoping that one may stick. In the case of Dylan, he hasn’t just stuck; he’s been brilliant. Getting your F1 by averages at this position from the draft day is elite!
By name, Hayden Young might surprise some readers to make a list, but the reality is his owners are very familiar with how reliable a performer he’s been in 2022. From his nine games this year, he’s posted a ton and six additional scores of 80+. On averages, he’s the 27th best back in the game. To land your probable on field D2/D3 from the position when he was likely just a depth bench pick is a massive dub. The exciting thing for coaches is that while he may lack the ceiling of others on the list, he brings minimal scoring deviation. In the past five weeks, his scores have ranged between 80-90. He may never win you a matchup with a monster, but he certainly won’t cost you a game.
Braydon Preuss | AVG 98.7 | ADP 203.7
When you get to the stage of picking 200+ on draft day, many coaches are either picking a player whose name they know. Or have consumed too many frothy’s to remember who they even picked. Regardless of how owners have come into the possession of Braydon Preuss, he’s been a revelation for his owners despite playing only six games. In these six matches, he’s scored three tons and hasn’t dropped below 85. He’s currently third amongst rucks for averages and inside the top 20 for total points. That scoring is phenomenal even with only 50% games played.
Rucks have proven to be a headache for coaches. Don’t worry about the serious injuries to Brodie Grundy or the multiple games missed by guys like Sean Darcy, Reilly O’Brien, Tim English or Rowan Marshall. Even Max Gawn has had his challenges for owners. In just the past four weeks, he’s had just one triple-digit score and an average of 85. To get anyone averaging near 100 after the picks beyond 200 on average is amazing, let alone in a line that’s been volatile at best for coaches.
When people talk about the renaissance of the Sydney midfield revival, they often focus on Callum Mills, and understandably so. But an important piece in the Swans midfield unit is Chad Warner. His high effort two-way footy has helped breathe new life into the harbour city. A highlight of his season was a stretch of four consecutive tons between rounds 6-9. An excellent draft picks up who looks only to b getting more comfortable at the AFL level.
Nick Martin | AVG 86.6 | ADP 264.5
Nobody should be surprised to see Nic Martin’s name feature on this list. Unfortunately, just 6% of leagues drafted him because he was added into UltimateFooty in late February as a pre-season supplemental period signing. He burst onto the scene with a score of 130 against the Cats in round one. Since then, he’s scored two additional tons and two more scores over 85.
Martin is currently ranked 10th by averages and 12th for total points for all forwards. A masterstroke of a selection for coaches!
Jai Newcombe | AVG 86.9 | ADP 268.9
With the mid-season draft just completing, the AFL media has spent plenty of time pumping up Jai Newcombe and his recent AFL performances. It’s entirely understandable. The former Box Hill Hawk has stamped himself as the new leader of the Hawthorn midfield pack. His offensive attack on the ball and defensive pressure on the opposition has quickly made him an UltimateFooty draft coach’s favourite.
Between rounds 3-10, he was at his scoring best as he posted three tons and went at an average of 94.5 during eight weeks. Even better is that with an ADP as low as 269, he was drafted by just 30% of leagues. It means he’s an even better buy for those who took the punt, drafted him, and held him. Well done if that’s you!
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 the 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. Let’s look at who they are and their relevance to your draft sides and leagues.
An exciting gain for those who play a keeper or dynasty format. Finn Callaghan was one of the hottest prospects from the most recent draft class. As a centre, only his average in the mid-’50s isn’t of many benefits. But it could be helpful in the deeper keeper/dynasty style leagues.
Adam Kennedy | ADD BACK
By name, the addition of Adam Kennedy is not exciting at all. But on the current scoring trend, it’s a significant gain. Currently, he’s owned in just 37% of leagues. But in the past month, he’s scored 94, 74, 49 & 89. So if your backline depth is weak, he might be worth placing a waiver claim on. However, just show some caution. A player’s role and scoring like Adam’s could become hostile with the new coach at the helm.
With the West Coast Eagles injury list being so extensive over the last few months, the club has been forced to trial players in various positions. As a result, Connor West gained plenty of midfield minutes, and by osmosis, he’s been awarded centre status by the gang at UF.
Jamaine Jones | ADD CENTRE
In two games so far in 2022, Jones has scored 95+! That’s a positive ceiling. Concerningly he’s scored under 40 in just as many games. With the cavalry starting to return for the Eagles, he’s not someone I’d be joining out of my way to get.
Since forcing his way back into the Crows AFL side, Sam Berry has been a regular at centre bounces for Adelaide. He’s averaging well over 50% of CBA’s, including a season-high of 70% in round five. Any player that gains centre status becomes a significant boost to the owner as it further enhances squad flexibility.
The injury to Brodie Grundy has created an opportunity for Darcy Cameron, and he has taken it with both hands. In the last three weeks since becoming the #1 ruck, he is averaging 103. Nobody should be surprised, but Darcy is a walkup RUC/FWD gain. Depending on the current owner’s state of ruckmen or forwards, this DPP flexibility could be a massive help.
Zaine Cordy is averaging 33. That alone should be a reason to not read any further and look to the next player. Massive Pass.
Robbie McComb | ADD FWD
With an average of 56 as a centre, only Robbie McComb is someone that’s not rosterable in most leagues. And in most leagues, even with the probably FWD status addition, he’s not on most coaches radars. But in deeper leagues with large squads, he might just be the reason you dodge a donut for a match or two.
Connor Macdonald | ADD FWD
The Hawks are in rebuild mode, and as a result, some of the future midfielders are getting the education of playing multiple roles beyond just centre bounces. The junior ball magnet plays his role through the midfield and as a small-medium forward. It might not help single-season draft leagues, but a good pick up for keeper and dynasty leagues.
Aaron Francis | ADD FWD
You can’t go near Aaron Francis as a pickup. He’s played just three games and scored over 45 in just one of these. Even if he had TPP I wouldn’t pick him. Pass!
After rounds 3, 6, 9, 12 & 15, the drafting format of Ultimate Footy awards additional player positions to players that have had a role change in the season. On Wednesday, we’ll confirm with you exclusively which players WILL gain a new position, but before then, here are some players we believe would be in consideration for obtaining a new positional status.
I’m borderline on whether UltimateFooty allocates this for David Swallow. For the better part of the first six weeks, he’s spent the primary function across the halfback for the Suns. However, he’s attended 72%, 68%, and 53% of centre bounces in his last three games. So if he hasn’t got it to this point, I doubt he’ll get it now. Nevertheless, who knows, maybe we get the legacy addition.
Since forcing his way back into the Crows AFL side, Sam Berry has been a regular at centre bounces for Adelaide. He’s averaging well over 50% of CBA’s, including a season-high of 70% in round five. Any player that gains centre status becomes a significant boost to the owner as it further enhances squad flexibility. Pencil this DPP in to happen on Wednesday.
The injury to Brodie Grundy has created an opportunity for Darcy Cameron, and he has taken it with both hands. In the last three weeks since becoming the #1 ruck, he is averaging 103. Nobody should be surprised, but Darcy is a walkup RUC/FWD gain. Depending on the current owner’s state of ruckmen or forwards, this DPP flexibility could be a massive help.
With an average of 56 as a centre, only Robbie McComb is someone that’s not rosterable in most leagues. And in most leagues, even with the probably FWD status addition, he’s not on most coaches radars. But in deeper leagues with large squads, he might just be the reason you dodge a donut for a match or two.
Connor Macdonald | ADD FWD
The Hawks are in rebuild mode, and as a result, some of the future midfielders are getting the education of playing multiple roles beyond just centre bounces. The junior ball magnet plays his role through the midfield and as a small-medium forward. It might not help single-season draft leagues, but a good pick up for keeper and dynasty leagues.
Ben Hobbs | ADD FWD
Like Connor above, the potential MID/FWD gain for Ben Hobbs might not be a relevant inclusion in a single-season league. However, it is a promising trajectory in keeper and dynasty leagues. Ben Hobbs is learning his craft with small opportunities in the midfield for the bombers. The contested bull is spending most time inside the Essendon forward 50. It should be an easy add for the gang at UltimateFooty.
Marcus Bontempelli | ADD FWD
Please do not get your hopes up, but this is a small chance. UltimateFooty generally looks for a primary role change which can be upwards of a 70% position change before awarding a new DPP. For example, Marcus Bontempelli is splitting his time between MID-FWD, but is the split heavy enough forward to gain the status? Unlikely, but in the words of Lloyd Christmas in the movie dumb and dumber, ‘so you’re telling me there’s a chance.’
Bailey Smith| ADD FWD
Bailey Smith is in a very similar position to his skipper Bont. The difference is Bailey is starting across half-froward and then pushing up and down the ground with his high endurance. Is a position change certain? No! Possible? Yes! Likely? We’ll know the answer within 48 hours.
Jarrod Berry | ADD FWD
Jarrod Berry was a feature in the Lions centre bounces at the start of the season. Over the first five rounds of the year, he had multiple games that he attended over 60% centre bounces. However, more recently, he’s been squeezed onto the wing and playing some defensive focussed forward roles. The gang at UltimateFooty may look for some more data before pulling the positional trigger. But if they do award the status, it could be a season-saving move for him. Currently, Berry is averaging in the high 60s, which is poor for a centre-listed option even in deep leagues. As a MID/FWD, he’d move from the depth of coaches benches to a potentially playable forward.
Patrick Lipinski | ADD FWD
After a dazzling ton in round one, Patrick Lipinski is yet to hit the heights of his debut game as a Pie. Part of the reason is the former Bulldog is playing across the half-forward flank when not at centre bounces. He’s a strong chance to pick up forward status and will provide an instant boost to his owners forward stocks.
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 the 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. Let’s look at who they are and their relevance to your draft sides and leagues.
FINALLY!That’s probably the first PG-rated word owners uttered upon seeing Dayne Zokro confirmed to pick up back status. His scoring has been a little bit hot and cold, but with a season-high score of 145, he’s still got the scoring capacity to be incredibly damaging. By average, he might not be D1, but he certainly could be on historical data. Massive win for his owners, especially if they are light on backs and heavy for midfielders. Being able to flip him into the backline could be a premiership-winning allocation.
Angus Brayshaw | ADD BACK
Like with Zorko, UltimateFooty waited for some more data to confirm the defensive role for Angus Brayshaw. However, the role change is clear, and the DPP allocation was essential. With an average of 93 and his ADP of 221 combined, this new DPP has enhanced that Gus is one draft day steals for coaches.
Brandon Ellis | ADD BACK
Brandon Ellis is probably the third biggest name to pick up an additional position by name and scoring legacy. The wingman has drifted deeper into the backline and is filling the void left by Jack Bowes. A mid 70’s average isn’t list changing, but a mid 70’s back is always ten times better than a centre only.
A seasonal average of 82 and multiple scores of 90+ have seen Errol Gulden become a highly valuable forward and currently inside the top 15 eligible forwards based on total points. Gulden is still spending some time inside forward 50, but his current role has seen him play heavily higher up the ground on the Sydney wings. Therefore, the addition of centre status is a fair and reasonable one.
Darcy Tucker | ADD CENTRE
Like every centre gain, it’s not a relevance bump but a versatility increase. With this extra position, Darcy Tucker is now more flexible in squads for his owners.
For the vast majority of his career, Brad Hill has roamed the wings for his teams. Despite having a game earlier in the year playing across half-forward, he’s been spending a lot of his game time between the arcs. Like any centre gain, it’s not a scoring relevance bump, just one that adds squad flexibility.
Nic Martin| ADD CENTRE
Don’t just look at the CBA data for projecting DPPs; that’s not the whole story. Especially in the case of Nic Martin. His midfield time isn’t at centre bounces but rather on the wing. His relevance in drafts won’t increase, but his value to his owners through flexibility will.
Mason Wood | ADD CENTRE
It’s been interesting to watch the Saints use Mason Wood more as a versatile tall up the ground than as the third-string tall inside forward 50. Of course, an average in the mid-’50s isn’t a huge help either as a forward or centre, but in deeper leagues, it might just save you copping a donut at one stage in the season.
Tanner Bruhn | ADD CENTRE
Over the past four weeks, Tanner Bruhn has averaged about 40% centre bounces plus spending some time playing on the wings. The increase in midfield minutes hasn’t seen his scoring explode yet. But if it does, expect his ownership to jump from the current 59% of leagues that own him.
Historically speaking, the addition of forward status for Shane Edwards would be significant. However, with just one score over 50 from his six games this year, I can’t see many coaches scampering to own him. So it might be worth grabbing out of the player pool if you think he can recapture some of his best form again.
Three scores of 60+ in his last four games isn’t amazing, but it;’s not horrific. Currently, we have 50 forwards averaging 70 or more, so depending on the league’s depth, Will Hoskin-Elliott might be someone worth grabbing as a forward bench option.
Jack Ziebell | ADD FORWARD
Another straightforward add for UltimateFooty. Over the past month, the Kangaroos have deployed Jack Ziebell as forward, and it’s no surprise that the DPP has followed suit.
Alex Davies | ADD FORWARD
This gain might be more helpful for a deeper keeper or dynasty leagues. In a seasonal league of any size, you shouldn’t be looking at players who currently average under 40.
Matt Guelfi | ADD FORWARD
In Matt Guelfi’s last three weeks, he’s scored 66, 73 & 65. It’s not pretty, but given the depth of our forward this year, it’s something to consider. Players that can score 60+ with frequency might end up on our benches. It’s scary, but that’s what 2022 is delivering so far!
Darcy Fort | ADD FORWARD
The former Cat is plugging along ok with a couple of scores of 70+ and a reasonable RUC/FWD split at Brisbane. His scoring isn’t amazing, but many struggles to get decent depth in our forward lines. With Darcy Fort, they could be soon getting some versatility and the potential of looping the odd good score. A potentially more helpful DPP gain than we realise.
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