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.
Unrivalled Customization
If you can dream it, Keeper let’s you do it! Whether you use the platform for a single season, keeper or dynasty league puts the control back in your hands to run
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.
The 50 Most Relevant countdown rolls on with a spotlight on Matt Roberts, the Sydney Swans’ rising star, and his potential for the 2025 AFL Fantasy & SuperCoach season.
In this episode, MJ Want is joined by DR to break down:
Roberts’ 2024 performance and his evolving role in the Swans lineup 🦢
How Sydney’s team dynamics influence his scoring potential 📊
Key preseason strategies, including bye rounds and draft tactics💡
Exclusive updates on the Super Coach Swordplay brand and what’s coming next 🔥
Whether crafting your Classic team or planning Draft picks, this episode has the insights you need to make an informed choice.
In this episode, MJ and Jordox discuss the upcoming 2025 AFLFantasy & SuperCoach season, player position changes, key gains, and strategies for selecting players across various formats. They analyze the impact of these changes on team dynamics and offer insights into how to approach the preseason effectively. The conversation also touches on community questions and the benefits of using the Keeper platform for fantasy leagues.
In a recent conversation, MJ sat down with Ryan Power to explore Keeper, a fresh fantasy footy platform designed to elevate the drafting experience for coaches everywhere. Ryan, a long-time member of the fantasy community, shared insights into how Keeper offers extensive customization options, a user-friendly mobile app, and solutions to common drafting challenges.
Keeper stands out as a versatile platform suitable for all league types. Its features make it a game-changer for commissioners. The platform supports streamlined draft pick trading and allows triple-position players, providing a flexible and dynamic gameplay experience.
One of the key highlights discussed was Keeper’s commitment to preserving the history of leagues. The company offers a seamless onboarding process for those looking to transition their existing draft leagues over. The mobile app further enhances the user experience, making it easier to manage your league.
Community feedback has been at the heart of Keeper’s development, ensuring that the platform evolves in line with the needs of coaches. Ready to bring your draft league into the future? Transfer your league to Keeper today and discover what makes this platform a game-changer for fantasy footy enthusiasts.
Nick Daicos has made an indelible mark on the AFL landscape in just two short years, showcasing a career trajectory many veterans would envy. From clinching the Rising Star award to being adorned with an Anzac Day medal, earning his inaugural All-Australian honours, and even securing a premiership medal, Daicos’s contributions to the game have been spectacular.
His remarkable journey, however, was marred by a late-season injury, which arguably was the only thing standing between him and the prestigious 2023 Brownlow Medal.
Nick Daicos, in just his second AFL season, has rapidly become one of fantasy football’s most valuable assets, especially in AFLFantasy and SuperCoach formats. In AFLFantasy, he notched an impressive average of 108.8 points per game, with 14 games scoring over 100 points. Six of these games saw him surpass the 120-point mark, including a standout performance that earned him a career-high score of 150.
Of equal importance, he posted only two scores below 80 points throughout the season, one of which came in a challenging match where he was heavily tagged by Finn Maginness and also suffered an injury. Despite these hurdles, Daicos finished the season as the top defender by average, outperforming notable midfielders like Connor Rozee, Caleb Serong, and Christian Petracca.
In the SuperCoach, Daicos’s performance was equally stellar, with an average score of 117 points per game. He tallied 15 games with scores in the triple digits, cementing his position as the top defender by average and ranking 7th overall, above esteemed players such as Jordan Dawson, Rowan Marshall, and Tom Liberatore. Even when faced with tags and injuries, Daicos’s remarkable consistency and scoring ability underscore his immense value in fantasy leagues and his pivotal role as a defender in fantasy lineups.
Nick Daicos’s transition to spending more time in the midfield has significantly boosted the value of his fantasy football. Analyzing his performance, it’s evident that his scoring potential escalates with increased midfield attendance. Specifically, in the 12 matches where Daicos attended at least 35% of centre bounces, his AFLFantasy average soared to 107.5, while in SuperCoach, it reached 112.4. This distinction becomes even more pronounced in games where his centre bounce attendance spiked to 65% or more, showcasing averages of 116 in AFLFantasy and an impressive 121.8 in SuperCoach. Such statistics underline Daicos’s burgeoning prowess as he delves deeper into midfield roles and hints at a ceiling that has yet to be fully explored.
Daicos’s ability to elevate his game further into the midfield realm, combined with his already impressive stats in only his second season, sets the stage for what could be an extraordinary career.
Navigating the decision to start or target Nick Daicos as an upgrade hinges on several key narratives that fantasy football coaches must consider. The infamous Finn Maginness tag game in Round 4, compounded by an injury to Daicos, is a cautionary tale. While some in the fantasy community might be tempted to exclude this outlier to boost Daicos’s averages to 112 in AFLFantasy and 120 in SuperCoach, it’s a reminder of the inherent risks and the complexity of relying too heavily on selective data to fit a narrative.
Opting to wait and target Daicos as an upgrade revolves around strategic considerations, including:
The Early Bye Round: Collingwood’s absence in Round 5 offers a strategic pause, allowing coaches to assess Daicos’s early-season form and tag susceptibility.
Tagging Threats: Beyond the Finn Maginness game, the potential for Willem Drew’s tag in Round 6 looms, hinting at challenging matchups that could affect Daicos’s scoring and, by extension, his price.
Price Dynamics: The combined effect of these early challenges presents a scenario where Daicos might be acquired at a more favourable price point post-bye, aligning with a strategy to maximize value from premium selections.
Conversely, the argument for starting with Daicos underscores his unparalleled status in fantasy backlines, characterized by:
Dominance and Potential: As the preeminent defender in fantasy, Daicos’s blend of skill, role, and scoring potential sets him apart, suggesting that early investment could secure a cornerstone for fantasy defences.
Preparation and Adaptation: The Magpies’ preseason focus on mitigating the tag’s impact reflects a strategic emphasis on enhancing Daicos’s resilience and scoring consistency, even under targeted pressure.
Natural Evolution and Role Expansion: Daicos’s ongoing development and the prospect of increased midfield time provide a compelling narrative for improved scoring, underpinning his appeal as a starting option.
The equilibrium between starting Daicos and planning him as an upgrade target epitomizes the strategic intricacies of fantasy football. Coaches must weigh the immediate advantages of securing his high ceiling from the outset against a mid-season upgrade’s tactical flexibility and potential value. This decision is further complicated by Collingwood’s early fixtures against GWS, Sydney, St Kilda, and Brisbane, with Daicos’s performances in these matches poised to influence strategic directions profoundly.
Ultimately, whether to integrate Daicos from Round 1 or strategically pivot to him post-bye encapsulates the dynamic challenge of fantasy football management. Each path offers distinct advantages and risks, underscoring the necessity of adaptive strategy and keen market observation to optimize fantasy outcomes.
In AFLFantasy and SuperCoach drafts, Nick Daicos stands as the premier defender, warranting consideration as the very first pick on draft day. His exceptional output, combined with a unique blend of reliability and upside, firmly establishes him atop the defender rankings. As fantasy coaches strategize for the draft, securing Daicos could be pivotal, marking him as a cornerstone for any successful fantasy football campaign.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Do you believe he is fantasy relevant? Will you be starting with him? Have your say on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
WANT EARLY ACCESS?
Want access 24 hours early to the 50 Most Relevant podcasts? Join our Patreon and get ahead of the crowd here.
Discover how Brodie Grundy’s move to the Sydney Swans could reignite his fantasy football scoring, making him a key player to own in AFLFantasy and SuperCoach.
WHY IS HE RELEVANT?
Brodie Grundy has the pedigree of being one of the top ruckmen in the AFL! He boasts exceptional athleticism, work rate, and football intelligence. His ability to influence the game, not just in the ruck contests but across the ground, sets him apart. Grundy’s proficiency in clearances, his knack for winning contested possessions, and his capacity to act as an additional midfielder give his team a significant advantage. He’s equally adept defensively, often seen laying crucial tackles and supporting his backline.
However, the past 18 months would be something he’d love to move on fast. The trade from Collingwood to Melbourne, frankly, was a failure. The ‘two-headed ruck’ didn’t work at Melbourne, so he quickly exited.
His move to Sydney, Grundy’s impact on the field will be pivotal as he brings his high endurance, competitive edge, and leadership qualities to a new midfield dynamic, promising to enhance the Swans’ stoppage and clearance work while continuing to be a formidable presence.
2023 with Melbourne was a mixed bag of performances for Brodie. His AFLFantasy average of 75 and SuperCoach average of 86 illustrate a year where Grundy didn’t consistently hit the high marks expected from one of the league’s top ruckmen. With only a handful of tons and a majority of scores falling below the 80-point threshold, it was a year that left many of us fantasy coaches wanting more.
However, Grundy’s potential was displayed in his three games withoutMaxGawn. During these matches, Grundy’s averages jumped to 102 in AFLFantasy and an impressive 138.3 in SuperCoach, showcasing what he’s capable of when given sole responsibility in the ruck. These performances mirror his output in his last two seasons at Collingwood, where he was a dominant force and should provide us with some confidence that his ‘best scoring days’ might not be too far in the rearview.
In 2022, with an 84% centre bounce attendance and a hitout win rate of 46%, he averaged 93.3 in AFLFantasy and 103 in SuperCoach. The previous year, 2021, was even more prolific for Grundy, posting averages of 106.4 in AFLFantasy and 115 in SuperCoach, alongside an 80% CBA and a hitout win rate of 53%.
With his move to Sydney and the expectation of taking on the main ruck duties, fantasy coaches have reason to anticipate a return to form that aligns more closely with his impressive performances at Collingwood.
Anticipating Brodie Grundy to replicate his pre-2020 peak performance might seem ambitious, but aiming for his 2021 averages is more realistic for his debut season with Sydney. His early bye in Round 5 does necessitate a strategic approach to ruck structuring, significantly influencing overall team composition. This bye, shared with pivotal players from Sydney and Collingwood, could compel coaches to navigate without premium assets like Nick Daicos and Errol Gulden, alongside potential value picks such as Taylor Adams and James Jordan, not to mention Grundy himself and key rookies.
While trading around Grundy’s bye is an option, there are better strategies than this, especially early in the season when the focus is maximizing team value and cash generation. Notably, Grundy will play only 10 of the first 12 weeks due to the Round 12 bye, contrasting with competitors like Xerri and Gawn, who play 11 games, and Marshall & English, who are available for all 12.
With ownership rates soaring—51% in AFLFantasy, 62% in DreamTeam, and 66% in SuperCoach—opting against Grundy means potentially missing out on a player with a significant upside and a clear path to outperforming his current price. Considering his widespread ownership, this choice becomes even more critical; if Grundy kicks off the season strongly, non-owners could be disadvantaged.
The initial fixtures present a challenging ruck schedule for Sydney, suggesting that, despite a strong performance, Grundy’s early-season average might linger in the lower 90s. However, electing not to start with Grundy risks overlooking one of 2024’s most valuable selections, given his potential for high returns at a comparatively lower investment.
Brodie Grundy will likely be the fourth ruck selected in AFLFantasy drafts, trailing behind Rowan Marshall, Tim English, and Max Gawn. In SuperCoach formats, he might even fall to the fifth position, with Sean Darcy potentially being picked ahead of him due to his scoring potential.
With the ruck position being crucial for draft coaches, making sure coaches land a topline option will see Brodie as a popular choice in the second to third rounds of drafts.
His proven track record and potential in a new system keep him highly regarded among fantasy coaches, making him a strategic pick for those looking to solidify their ruck department early in the drafting phase.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Do you believe he is fantasy relevant? Will you be starting with him? Have your say on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
WANT EARLY ACCESS?
Want access 24 hours early to the 50 Most Relevant podcasts? Join our Patreon and get ahead of the crowd here.
Join us as we unpack the puzzle of starting with Carlton’s midfield maestro Sam Walsh, examining his potential for a rebound season amidst injury concerns and a crowded midfield dynamic alongside the chaos of the early byes.
WHY IS HE RELEVANT?
Sam Walsh is a dynamic midfielder known for his exceptional endurance, work rate, and ability to cover the ground during games. Since his debut season in 2019, he has quickly established himself as a core player for the Carlton Blues, showcasing a mix of inside and outside play. Walsh excels in accumulating possessions, often leading his team in disposals due to his tireless running and knack for being in the right place at the right time.
His clean ball use, vision, and decision-making under pressure set him apart, while his commitment to the game’s offensive and defensive aspects highlights his all-around abilities. Additionally, Walsh’s leadership qualities and resilience contribute significantly to his team, making him a key figure in Carlton’s midfield and a player with a bright future ahead.
It becomes evident that despite facing challenges, including an injury-interrupted preseason due to a back injury and a hamstring setback, Walsh’s capabilities and resilience shone through. His averages in AFLFantasy and SuperCoach reflect a player of significant impact, with moments of brilliance particularly evident in the early part of the season and during the AFL Finals, underscoring his potential and the high expectations placed upon him.
The division of his season into thirds reveals a tale of two halves, starkly contrasting his performances in the first seven games and the final eight games of the regular season. This fluctuation in form, however, converges towards a positive endpoint, as demonstrated by his outstanding performances in the AFL Finals. These finals performances, particularly his averages of 115.3 in AFLFantasy and 122 in SuperCoach showcase Walsh’s ability to rise to the occasion and deliver when it matters most.
Such a season trajectory provides a compelling case for Walsh’s fantasy football relevance. His season’s initial and concluding segments indicate his true potential as a premium fantasy midfielder. The dip in form during the mid-season, influenced by injury setbacks, is viewed as an anomaly rather than a trend. With Walsh’s proven track record in the previous seasons, averaging over 100 in both AFLFantasy and SuperCoach, fantasy coaches have every reason to believe in his ability to return to or surpass his best form.
Given the dynamics of his 2023 season and his performances when fully fit, Walsh presents as a tempting prospect for fantasy football in 2024. His resilience, undeniable talent, and the glimpses of elite scoring potential seen during the finals position him as a player capable of significant impact. Fantasy coaches will be keenly watching his preseason progress, especially concerning his recovery from the back injury, with optimism that a fully fit Sam Walsh can recapture and build upon his early 2023 form and solidify his status as a top-tier fantasy option.
Navigating the fantasy football waters with Sam Walsh presents a nuanced decision-making process for coaches. His heavily reliant disposals scoring mechanism sets him apart from midfielders who diversify their fantasy points across various statistical columns. This characteristic underscores the necessity for Walsh to maintain a high ball-winning rate to achieve significant scoring. Fortunately, his skill set is well-suited to this task, offering a glimmer of hope for substantial fantasy output.
The early bye in Round 2 complicates decisions for fantasy coaches contemplating Walsh’s inclusion in their starting squads. While the prospect of additional early price movement due to participation in the opening round may seem appealing, it shouldn’t be the primary factor influencing decisions. Instead, expectations regarding his scoring relative to his price point will likely play a more critical role. Current ownership rates across major fantasy platforms indicate a significant portion of the community is willing to navigate the challenges posed by the early bye, prioritizing Walsh’s potential contributions over the temporary roster gap.
The evolving dynamics within Carlton’s midfield pose another consideration. The Blues’ engine room has seen significant changes since Walsh’s peak seasons, with the arrival of players like George Hewett and Adam Cerra and the resurgence of Patrick Cripps. This redistribution of midfield roles suggests that expectations for Walsh to return to his zenith might be overly optimistic without considering the team’s current composition.
For Walsh to justify a starting position in fantasy lineups, he must average between 105 and 110 in AFLFantasy and 110 and 115 in SuperCoach. Given the current midfield structure at Carlton and the competitive environment, achieving these marks presents a formidable challenge. As such, adopting a wait-and-see approach, targeting Walsh as a potential ‘correctional trade’ post his Round 2 bye, emerges as a strategic move. This approach allows coaches to assess his form and role within the revamped Carlton midfield dynamic, ensuring a more informed decision based on actual performance rather than preseason speculation.
Sam Walsh emerges as a nuanced pick, solidifying as an M2 in AFLFantasy thanks to his ability to gather disposals and impact games, even amidst a crowded Carlton midfield. Despite a recent injury-marred season, this ranking reflects optimism about his fitness and scoring potential. In SuperCoach, however, he’s seen more cautiously as an M3, acknowledging the format’s scoring that may not highlight his attributes as effectively.
The early bye presents a strategic consideration, yet high community ownership signals confidence in overcoming this hurdle. Drafting Walsh involves balancing his proven capabilities against Carlton’s midfield dynamics and his fitness, positioning him as a strategic pick for coaches aiming to leverage his potential for a strong fantasy season rebound.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Do you believe he is fantasy relevant? Will you be starting with him? Have your say on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
WANT EARLY ACCESS?
Want access 24 hours early to the 50 Most Relevant podcasts? Join our Patreon and get ahead of the crowd here.
Discover why Rory Laird’s unparalleled consistency, strategic Round 15 bye advantage, and resilience amidst Adelaide’s evolution make him an indispensable top-tier midfield choice in SuperCoach & AFLFantasy for 2024.
WHY IS HE RELEVANT?
Rory Laird is a quintessential example of consistency and excellence in the AFL. Known for his tireless work rate, precise ball use, and exceptional ability to read the play, Laird has established himself as one of the competition’s premier midfielders. His prowess around stoppages and high disposal count, often at elite efficiency rates, make him a critical cog in the Adelaide Crows’ engine room.
Beyond just gathering possessions, Laird’s defensive background affords him a robust tackling game, ensuring he contributes significantly on both offence and defence. In 2023, Laird’s performance continued to shine, underpinning his reputation as a player who can consistently influence the outcome of a match through his relentless pursuit of the football and his ability to deliver it effectively to teammates.
In the 2023 season, he further cemented his status as one of the AFL’s elite midfielders, showcasing his exceptional ability to impact games across multiple statistical categories. His prowess in the midfield is underscored by his ranking in the top five for handballs and centre clearances. It tackles per game, illustrating his ball-winning capability, tenacity, and defensive effort. Additionally, Laird’s significance in Adelaide’s midfield dynamics is highlighted by his top-ten ranking in disposals, contested possessions, and effective disposals, demonstrating his efficiency and reliability in possession.
Regarding fantasy football, Laird’s performance in AFLFantasy and SuperCoach was strong. In AFLFantasy, he averaged 109.2 points per game, delivering 17 tons throughout the season, with seven scores over 120 and a peak score 142, showcasing his ability to hit high-scoring ceilings. Remarkably, apart from an anomaly in round one, where he scored a 57, Laird consistently delivered high scores, underpinning his reliability as a premium fantasy option.
His fantasy prowess was equally evident in SuperCoach, where he averaged 116.8 points per game, amassing 17 tons, including ten scores over 120 and two spectacular performances over 150. Like AFLFantasy, Laird’s scoring was remarkably consistent, with only one score under 80, further highlighting his status as a top-tier midfielder in fantasy formats. His impressive rankings in total points and average across both AFLFantasy and SuperCoach affirm his essential role in fantasy teams, making him a coveted player for fantasy coaches aiming for success.
Rory Laird’s exceptional consistency and high-scoring potential make him a compelling option for any AFLFantasy and SuperCoach starting squad. His ability to consistently score well, evidenced by his numerous tons and minimal scores under 80, highlights his reliability week in and week out. This reliability is valuable in fantasy football, where consistent high scorers can be the difference between winning and losing matchups.
Moreover, Laird’s involvement in the midfield, particularly his top rankings in handballs, centre clearances, and tackles per game, ensures he is heavily involved in the play. This involvement increases his scoring potential through disposals, contested possessions, and defensive actions like tackles, which are highly valued in both AFLFantasy and SuperCoach scoring systems.
Laird’s role in Adelaide’s midfield is consistent despite the movements of other players around him, like Matt Crouch and Jordan Dawson. Suggesting his scoring should remain robust. His scoring isn’t just about gathering possessions; his effective use of the ball and his ability to contribute significantly to Adelaide’s play makes him a valuable fantasy asset. Given his track record of elite fantasy performances and his crucial role for the Crows, Laird is the type of player who provides a solid foundation for any fantasy team.
Starting with a player of Laird’s calibre allows fantasy coaches to set and forget a premium midfielder, enabling them to focus on other areas of their team that may require more attention or carry more risk. With Laird, you’re not just investing in a player but inconsistent, high-level performance that can anchor your fantasy team throughout the season.
Examining Rory Laird’s scoring patterns over the past two seasons raises an intriguing question about the relationship between his scoring ceiling and the overall improvement of the Adelaide Crows. In SuperCoach, while Laird’s total number of tons remained relatively consistent (18 in 2022 and 17 in 2023), there’s a notable decrease in the frequency of his scores above 120, dropping from 14 occurrences in 2022 to 10 in 2023. Similarly, in AFLFantasy, Laird matched his ton tally in both years with 17, but the instances of crossing the 120-point threshold decreased from 12 in 2022 to 7 in 2023.
This trend prompts speculation about whether Laird’s slightly diminished ceiling is a byproduct of Adelaide’s collective improvement. As the team’s performance enhances, scoring opportunities become more equitable among players, potentially reducing the need for Laird to shoulder as much of the fantasy scoring burden. While his ability to consistently hit ton figures demonstrates his reliability as a fantasy asset, the slight dip in his higher-end scoring outings might suggest normalising his fantasy output as the Crows’ midfield depth and overall team capability increase.
Yet, it’s essential to consider that despite these shifts, Laird remains an elite fantasy option due to his high floor. The consistency of his scoring and his integral role in the Crows’ setup ensures he’s still among the top fantasy picks. The observed changes might not indicate a “drying up” of his scoring ceiling but rather an adjustment phase as Adelaide evolves into a more balanced team. For fantasy coaches, while Laird continues to be a cornerstone player, strategic considerations around Adelaide’s growth and its impact on Laird’s ceiling may influence decisions on leveraging him as a captaincy option or when aiming for those big, game-winning scores in tight fantasy matchups.
The question of whether Laird is a slow starter can be dissected by analysing his performance in the first six rounds compared to the rest of the season over the past three years. Looking at the numbers, a discernible pattern suggests Laird does indeed ramp up his scoring as the season progresses.
In AFLFantasy, Laird’s averages in the first six rounds of the past three seasons (2023: 100.6, 2022: 109.6, 2021: 105.1) demonstrate solid performance but are noticeably lower than his averages for the remainder of each year (2023: 112.4, 2022: 124.9, 2021: 114.1). Similarly, in SuperCoach, the trend is evident with his early season averages (2023: 111.5, 2022: 119.6, 2021: 104.6) compared to his averages for the rest of the season (2023: 118.8, 2022: 131.3, 2021: 120.5).
The case for selecting Rory Laird in your fantasy football team hinges on several key factors, including his consistent improvement as the season progresses, his role within an evolving Adelaide Crows lineup, and the strategic advantage his bye-round offers.
Laird’s fantasy output has historically increased as the season unfolds, indicating that he warms up to peak performance, making him a reliable asset for the long haul. This trend suggests that initial patience with Laird could pay dividends, particularly as he’s priced closely to his season average. The concern that Laird’s output might diminish as the Crows improve is valid but unfounded.
Laird has proven himself capable of maintaining high scores regardless of the team’s overall performance. His role as a central figure in the Crows’ midfield, especially in contests and clearances, underpins his scoring potential.
Including Matt Crouch in the Crows lineup could be seen as a threat to Laird’s scoring opportunities. However, the statistics from the last five games they played together show Laird maintaining a high scoring rate, suggesting that Crouch’s presence may not significantly detract from Laird’s fantasy output.
Laird’s Round 15 bye is another strategic advantage, as it allows fantasy coaches to utilize him during the crucial early and mid-season rounds without worrying about finding a replacement. This availability, coupled with his history of high scores, makes him an attractive captaincy option, offering consistent, high-point returns each week.
Rory Laird holds an M1 status in AFLFantasy and SuperCoach, presenting himself as a top-tier first-round draft option. Laird offers a compelling choice for coaches holding a mid to late first-round pick, bringing a blend of consistency, scoring potential, and reliability that is hard to match.
His proven track record of high fantasy scoring and his central role in Adelaide’s midfield make him an asset that can anchor any fantasy midfield from the outset. Choosing Laird in the draft is about securing a player and investing in a cornerstone to build a competitive fantasy team for the season ahead.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Do you believe he is fantasy relevant? Will you be starting with him? Have your say on our Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
WANT EARLY ACCESS?
Want access 24 hours early to the 50 Most Relevant podcasts? Join our Patreon and get ahead of the crowd here.
0
0
