Salary Cap Strategy Archives - Page 4 of 8

#17 Most Relevant | Patrick Dangerfield

Read Time:6 Minute, 0 Second

The loss of DPP will mean he’s in substantially fewer teams this year than last. However, the departure of Tim Kelly could be the reason he needs to be in your team.

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Patrick Dangerfield
Age: 29
Club: Geelong Cats
Position: Midfield

2019 Highest Score:
162 Vs Richmond (AFLFantasy)
163 Vs St Kilda (SuperCoach)

2019 Average:
107.4 (AFLFantasy)
115.1 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $625,500
AFLFantasy Price: $798,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $777,000

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

When the gang at Champion Data reveal the positions to the fantasy footy public, it’s generally a day of celebration. While we did gain some new forwards in Lachie Whitfield and Dustin Martin, it was a sad day when we had to farewell Patrick Dangerfield from our forward lines.

For the fifth consecutive season, he’s been awarded All Australian honours, while it was also his third time in four seasons winning Geelong’s Best & Fairest. The almost two time Brownlow Medalist ranked second in the league for a total inside ’50s, second for score involvements, fourth for total contested possessions as well as thirteenth for total disposals.

For AFLFantasy/DreamTeam last year he averaged 107, an increase from his 2018 average. It featured fourteen scores over 100, six of those he converted into 120+ score including a final round 150 Vs Carlton. Based off the 2019 data, he’s ranked tenth by averages amongst all midfielders, but finished last year inside the top 13 for total points scored.

In SuperCoach his averaged dipped 6 points per game on previous years but still averaged 115. From 21 games he scored 13 times over 100, 8 of those were insanely huge as he went over 140. For available midfielders, he was ranked sixth for total points and eighth for averages.

One of those games he was ravaged with an injury. He was suffering from both his ankle (1st quarter) and knee (2nd quarter) against the Dons in round seven. Pretty much he was plonked forward from quarter time and did nothing for most of the game.

Often Patrick is criticised for being ‘too dramatic’ when it comes to in-game niggles. While for some (cough Kane Cornes cough) it dints his reputation. One thing that is true though, even though he has a crash and bang style of football, he’s been incredibly durable over his career. In just the past five seasons he’s missed only four games.

With some of the premiums in our midfield, we see a drastic scoring deviation between how they score in wins versus losses. For Dangerfield in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam, last years numbers would indicate that’s got some truth to it. He averaged 112.6 in victories as opposed to 94.7 in losses — a dip of nearly 18 points per game. However, in SuperCoach, it doesn’t exist. Last year when the Cats won, he averaged 117.1, and in losses, it was 110.3. A marginal dip of 6.8 points per game.

Patrick Dangerfield is the complete fantasy football package, boasting durability, steady frequency of hundreds, how scoring floor and he has the rare ability to score 180-200+. Just a few seasons ago again North Melbourne he posted career-high scores with a 187 in AFLFantasy and 229 in SuperCoach. Yes, 2016 is some time ago, but even in 2019, he was able to crack over 160 in all scoring formats.

Let’s call it for what he is, Dangerfield is an elite fantasy footballer and is more than deserving of consideration in 2020.

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MY TAKE

I have one big question mark when it comes to Geelong this preseason? How will they cover the departure of Tim Kelly? The answer to this could well decide if Danger is a starting squad or potential upgrade target.

Geelong has two clear options. Firstly, is give the next generation cats a chance while the current stars are still around. Charlie Constable, Quinton Narle, Nakia Cockatoo and Brandan Parfitt will need substantial midfield minutes for Geelong to future proof the side. Each of shown the potential through the middle, and while different types of players to Tim Kelly, would add a fresh dynamic to the midfield core.

The other, and for the record is what I believe they’ll do. Go all-in with the elder statesman for the season. As long as Geelong still have future legends in Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield let alone Tom Hawkins upfront they owe it to themselves to see if they can go on step further in 2020 and make a Grand Final.

With this approach, it seems Selwood and Danger play predominantly midfield, as the club have ‘one last crack’ with the old blokes still being near their peak. Should this variable happen, we could see a return to the scoring of Paddy from his first two seasons at Geelong.

In 2016 and 2017 in his first two years at the Cattery it was full beast mode from Danger. Over those two seasons, he missed just two matches and had some insane numbers. From his 42 games, he had 35 AFLFantasy/DreamTeam tons and averaged 117 and 120 across both years. That a 100 in 83% of games. In SuperCoach he scored 36 tons (85%) and averaged 130 and 136. If he gets anywhere near those numbers, then Danger at this price could be the bargain of the season.

DRAFT DECISION

He’s an M1 every day in the SuperCoach formats of drafts. Twelve months ago he would’ve cost you a likely first selection of the while draft. However, I’m seeing a trend of Max Gawn, Brodie Grundy and Lachie Whitfield all going inside the top five overall picks. On current draft boards, he’s ranked as the 8th best midfielder by averages. Therefore, it’s not inconceivable that you could get Danger as a late first-round if not available on the turn early in the second.

In AFLFantasy scoring drafts, he probably will go a further 15-20 positions later than SuperCoach formats. Therefore, he’s a third-round selection and probably an M2. I wouldn’t be disapproving of the strategy of having him as M1 on the provision your first two rounds selections guaranteed you a top tier forward, defender or ruck.

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AFLFantasy Preseason Watchlist | Geelong Cats

Read Time:4 Minute, 15 Second

Lewy & Checkers from Lane Kicking are back with their take on the Geelong Cats. Take a look to see who is on their AFLFantasy watchlist.

BREAKOUT: Charlie Constable – $563,000 (MID)

There is a little bit of James Worpel about this, Constable playing just the 7 games in his debut season at an average of 83, Worpel played the 9 for an average of 68 back in 2018. Constable will be looked at to hopefully fill the midfield role left behind by Tim Kelly. The 191cm midfielder finished his 2019 season with a massive 41 disposals, 14 clearances and 2 goals in the VFL and we only hope he can bring that form into 2020. We reckon his price point is just slightly awkward to start him in your midfield, but big risks can bring big rewards.

TRACK: Sam Menegola – $710,000 (MID)

Starts the year almost as a premium mid so it will take a lot of heart to pick from the start in classic, but Checkers reckons there is something special about this one. We aren’t sure if anyone else has ever matched this stat (maybe Michael Barlow) but in his first 50 games of AFL, Menegola posted a fantasy average of 99.

Struck down by injury last year, Chris Scott will be hoping he can have a big preseason and fill one of the vacant spots in the new-look cats midfield. Will be a big one to track in draft leagues, where he might slip down draft lists and you could grab a bargain a few rounds in due to only averaging 77 in 2019. We honestly wouldn’t rule out a 100+ average if he starts the season fit.

ROOKIE: Cooper Stephens – $240,000 (MID)

Young Cooper spent most of his draft year recovering from a broken leg and didn’t play a whole lot of footy, but it might have also helped Geelong snag a draft bargain similar to Joel Selwood back in 2006 who had doubters after finishing his draft year with a knee injury. There is a lot to like about this young cat, for someone who missed a large chunk of football, he is one of the most athletically prepared blokes to come out of the draft and is in contentions already for a Round 1 debut.

Rocking one of the tidiest rigs in the senior group in only his first year, Stephens is a hard at it inside midfielder, with pace and endurance (finished top in the Draft Combine Beep Test) and could very much be given the chance to fill the void left by Tim Kelly in 2020. In the three games he managed before the leg break, he averaged 19 touches and 4 tackles a game, and after a year in the sidelines he could come out of the blocks hungry.

While most fantasy coaches will be hot on Rowell and Anderson for their 200k+ rookies, Stephens could quite possibly slide under the radar of a few and be an almost unique rookie selection

UNDERDOG: Jack Steven – $653,000 (MID/FWD)

We were a little dubious on the early interest in Jack Steven, but as pre-season gets into swing we are starting to warm to him. He will start the season as the 10th most expensive forward, priced at an average of 88, and while he might be a 30 year old mid who only managed 7 games in 2019, he does come with a decorated fantasy resume including previous season averages of 112 and 104.

He could very much be a little bit of the unknown and cruise through the final few years of his AFL career and we watch his fantasy numbers dwindle, but an optimistic fantasy coach would see some strong upside if everything falls into place.

In probably the worst fitness of his career, coming off no pre-season he still managed to bang out a 105, 93 and 90 in his 7 games last year. From all reports he has slotted straight into the Geelong structure and program and is putting in the work on the track early in the pre-season. The Geelong program that has gained a strong reputation in previous years, especially in recycling the careers Gary Rohan, Luke Dahlhaus and Sam Menegola.

There is also the strong possibility of some midfield spots up for grabs, with the departure of Tim Kelly, the ageing Joel Selwood likely to move to half back, and the early injury concerns surrounding Mitch Duncan. If Geelong choose to use youngsters Cooper Stephens and Charlie Constable in the midfield, they might want to pair it with the experience of a 4x Best and Fairest winner in Steven.

It’s very hard to call it this early in the pre-season but we do see Stuv as such an unknown, he could really go anywhere from a 40 avg playing as a deep forward, all the way to a 100 averaging midfield bull. We will be watching his preseason with interest as he is the sort of player who could make or break a few draft leagues.

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#18 Most Relevant | Isaac Heeney

Read Time:4 Minute, 59 Second

He’s been one of the most consistent forwards over the past few seasons. With limited options available, is he in your plans?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Isaac Heeney
Age: 23
Club: Sydney Swans
Position: Midfield/Forward

2019 Highest Score:
121 Vs Carlton (AFLFantasy)
137 Vs Carlton (SuperCoach)

2019 Average:
89.7 (AFLFantasy)
94 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $510,700
AFLFantasy Price: $666,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $649,000

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

We all have our personal favourites when it comes to fantasy football — players we love to own as they bring you great joy. One of mine is Isaac Heeney. He is the complete footballing package and arguably a picture of the modern-day footballer. He’s damaging around the ball. Has the grunt to win it on the inside and the polish to finish on the outside. Additionally, when required to go forward, he’s an elite overhead mark and is a difficult matchup for even the most experienced defender.

Since 2017 he’s been a staple of the forward lines for many coaches. in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam during that time he’s averaged 92, 90 & 89, while in SuperCpach he’s averaged 97, 97 & 94. Already across the preseason coaches, have lamented at the loss of many of last years top-end forward scores. However, with Heeney retaining, we have the relatively consistent and durable scoring option to consider.

During the 2019 season, Isaac Heeney started slow and many coaches after the opening two rounds I know many who chose to move him on. In spite of that, he ended up averaging 89 last year consisting of nine AFLFantasy/DreamTeam hundreds, one of those he converted into a 20+ score and dipped below 70 in only five matches. For SuperCoach he averaged 94, reaching triple figures in nine games, three of them were above 130, and in only four games he failed to score over 70.

While many remember the slow start from him were he managed only three tons in the opening eleven matches his back half of the year is a more closely aligned to what he has done over his career. In the opening 11 games, he averaged 84 in AFLFantasy and 90 in SuperCoach, while in the later 11 games he averaged 94 in AFLFantasy and 97 in SuperCoach.

Currently, based on 2019 data of forewards still available to us, Heeney is ranked second for forwards on total points and fifth in terms of averages. Many would consider Lachie Whitfield and Dustin Martin as safe top-end forwards should they stay fit and healthy. Beyond that many struggles to have confidence in who will fill the remaining top positions. I believe Michael Walters will be one, and while someone will always fly up and dominate, I can see a world where Heeney is comfortably a top 10 forward.

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MY TAKE

Issac Heeney over the past few seasons has been one of the most consistent forward premiums available. And while he is consistent, he doesn’t often convert his scores into damaging hundreds. Consistency and ceiling are both equally essential variables in building a strong scoring side. However, with him, does he hurt you if you go against starting him and ‘take him on’?

For the past three to four seasons the football community has been awaiting a release of him into becoming a full-time midfielder. Will he ever get the bulk midfield time at Sydney? The Swans certainly need and want him in the midfield unit. However, they also need him inside the forward line.

How much midfield time he acquires is linked in part to the health of their marking talls. Sam Reid, Lance Franklin and Callum Sinclair of late don’t have the exceptional durability.

Heeney is an elite mark and is an incredibly difficult matchup for opposition defenders who will lose out to him either because of an aerial ability mismatch, or they cannot go with him at ground level.

Every person says they want to see Sydney release him into the midfield fully, and perhaps that will happen. However, he doesn’t require that to be a genuine premium and average in the mid to high 90’s.

Just in the past few days, the Isaac Heeney preseason injury curse occurred. This time he’s broken his thumb. He’s a certainty to miss the preseason matches and depending on his recovery he might miss the opening game of the season.

Whether you choose to start or upgrade to him, given the state of current premium forwards Isaac looms to be one of the safe forward premiums we can count on in 2020.

DRAFT DECISION

Regardless of the format you use to draft, given his high ranking, he should first forward selected for a coach. Once Dustin Martin and Lachie Whitfield go (likely inside the top 15 selections) it’ll be intriguing when coaches take the next bunch of forwards.

For me, I believe after you’ve locked away two selections, whether that be both midfielders or one mid and another line the third round is the place to target Heeney.

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#19 Most Relevant | Caleb Daniel

Read Time:4 Minute, 4 Second

In 2019 he was a revelation and was among one of the top averaging forwards. Now as a defender is he even more relevant?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Caleb Daniel
Age: 23
Club: Western Bulldogs
Position: Defender

2019 Highest Score:
135 Vs Collingwood (AFLFantasy)
124 Vs West Coast (SuperCoach)

2019 Average:
93.7 (AFLFantasy)
99 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $537,900
AFLFantasy Price: $696,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $677,900

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

One of the biggest surprise packets of the 2019 season was the emergence to premium scoring from Caleb Daniel. Previously he’d filled a role for the Doggies as a forward / midfielder and outside of his debut as a cash cow he was only really draft relevant.

It was late in the 2018 season and then across the 2019 preseason that the Bulldogs coaching staff trialled him to play across half-back. The side loved his elite ball use by foot and clinical decision making. He was moved permanently to become the Dogs primary distributor who has made him a star in the fantasy community.

Last year he averaged 27 disposals going at 80% efficiency. He was ranked 8th in the league for kicks, 9th for effective disposal and 10th for rebound ’50s per game.

SuperCoach was the format that he excelled the most last year. From his 17 matches, he averaged 99, had ten scores of 100 or more and dipped below 80 in just four games.

AFLFantasy/DreamTeam he averaged 93, had six scores over 100 including two over 120. He had just four scores below 80 throughout the season.

Across all formats of the game, he’s ranked as a top 6 defender based on his 2019 averages. As you look across the ownership percentage and it’s well down on many of the other elite defenders. Nobody should be selected just ‘because you need a point of difference.’ However, if Caleb was already close to getting selected for you, it could be enough of a reason to tip you over the line.

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MY TAKE

The Western Bulldogs are notorious for changing the roles of players. We’ve seen it impact both positively and negatively the scoring of players like Toby McLean, Josh Dunkley and to a lesser extent Marcus Bontempelli. Can we enter into the upcoming season with confidence that his role will retain in 2020?

Honestly, nothing is ever for sure, but I see no reason for the Bulldogs to change up what is a damaging weapon rebounding out of defensive 50. The addition of Alex Keath should help strengthen up the backline even further. One slight caution I have is wondering despite being very different players, how much (if any) he impacts his intercept possessions? This will be answered in the preseason matches.

As healthy as 2019, there was the commencement of a worrying trend. Sadly he suffered a hamstring injury against Port Adelaide round 15. Then again a fortnight later he experienced some additional tightness and wasn’t seen yet for the remainder of the year. Hopefully, these are just isolated incidents to last year and isn’t a pattern

It’s fascinating to me that Caleb Daniel has barely been sighted this preseason. For a player that averaged in mid to high 90’s, and is one of the most consistent scorers he’s getting 0 love this preseason. As a community, we see to be chasing this year more than previous years the ceiling of a player over the consistency. Players like James Sicily, Zac Williams and Dan Houston are getting lots of love this preseason.

I’m genuinely considering him as my D2 in SuperCoach to start, and he’s right on my upgrade target list in the season for all other formats. He’s a jet!

DRAFT DECISION

Going off his 2019 numbers, he’s currently ranked as a top-six defender, and unless someone selects two defenders with their opening selections, he should be someones D1. Anywhere from the third round is the right place to pick him.

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MJ’s AFLFantasy Team Reveal

Read Time:2 Minute, 51 Second

Wondering what MJ’s AFLFantasy side looks like? As a Patreon supporter, you’ll be able to check it out.

DEFENDERS

We are plenty with a plethora of value back here. Rory Laird will anchor the line early on. He narrowly beat out James Sicily for the role. Rory has a high ceiling and secure scoring basement. A perfect candidate to build around. Wayne Milera was one of the hyped breakout defenders of last year, and before the injury was averaging 90. With him being in less than 3% of teams he’s a unique option that should he average around that again he’ll provide great early value.

Sam Docherty is a defensive and safe addition. Every man and his dog is Selecting him. Dylan Roberton is in a similar vein of ‘Doc’, being that if he’s fit and firing his ownership numbers will be insane.

The team is rounded out with Cash Cows. All selections here are subject to performance on the Marsh preseason

MIDFIELD

A pure Guns and rookies approach through the midfield. I believe Jackson Macrae and Josh Dunkley will continue to dominate for the Bulldogs and should both average close to (if not over) 120 this season. Adam Treloar and Zach Merrett are among two of the most consistent scorers in this format. The clincher for both is that they can be used as Vice Captaincy options in the opening few rounds of the year in multiple matches.

Stephen Coniglio presents value at his price and will turn into Tom Mitchell should he get himself fit and firing for round one. I round the line out with cash cows. I’m currently starting Matt Rowell, but if another cheaper rookie presents himself, I’ll make the downgrade.

RUCKS

Brodie Grundy – Pick him! Do I need to explain why? OK Fine. How about this. He’s Durable, consistent, high scoring ceiling, great frequency of tons, high scoring floor and is a captaincy option every week. Sam Jacobs is the best stepping stone ruck in 2020. He has strong scoring potential and the most favourable ruck draw over the opening eight weeks of the season.

FORWARDS

I am anchoring my forwards with the clear top option in Lachie Whitfield. Even should some scoring regression occur, I still see him as being well clear of any other player. No Dustin Martin might be a surprise, but in the past few seasons, he’s shown he’s a slower starter, and as such, I think I will go and take him on. Michael Walters isn’t as unique as I’d first thought but offers a ceiling that is appealing to me. Darcy Parish again might be a surprise, but I like what I’ve seen from him. Honestly, he does lack ceiling, so he’s every chance to turn into an Andy Brayshaw, Blake Acres or any other breakout candidate type. Chayce Jones is supreme value should he get bulk midfield minutes at the Crows while Nakia Cockatoo’s failing body is the only thing stopping him.

Ely Smith Is the only other player work discussing. I think the best way to use the utility position (especially as the season goes on) is to open up the cover on multiple lines with a DPP selection.

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#20 Most Relevant | Mitch Hibberd

Read Time:3 Minute, 51 Second

Mitch Hibberd has already spent time in the AFL system. In a new club and a midfield role available could he be one of the best cash cows of the season?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Mitch Hibberd
Age: 23
Club: Essendon
Position: Midfield

SuperCoach Price: $114,400
AFLFantasy Price: $197,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $148,800

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

It’s the second chance he was hoping for. After playing four games for North Melbourne in 2017, the 23-year-old midfielder has made his way to the Essendon Football club via the rookie draft.

Hibberd booted ten goals and averaged 24.3 disposals and 6.9 tackles across his 20 games in the VFL. His season was topped off when he was awarded a spot on the wing in the VFL Team of the Year. From a fantasy perspective, he averaged 128 #SuperCoach and 99 #AFLFantasy points in the VFL.

During his season at Williamstown in the VFL, he provided valuable run as well as being a reliable first touch player who would regularly win the contested ball. Ever since the retirement of Jobe Watson, the bombers have been crying out for a contested ball winner inside the contest. Zach Merrett and Dylan Shiel are excellent, well-rounded midfielders. However, for the Bombers to be a genuine finals threat, they need some more inside support. Hibberd fits that bill perfectly!

Adrian Dodoro, the list and recruiting manager, had this to say on why he was brought into the club.

“Throughout this whole period we were looking for a ready-made inside midfielder, and we believe we have found one in Mitch. We believe Mitch’s impact on the side will be immediate.“

Hibberd played 4 AFL games for North back in 2017, two of those matches he played as a lockdown defender, another he was injured early in the game. However, in one game, we saw some positive signs. It may only be one game of data to observe, but it’s still better than what we get for most players under $200,000. In that game against Fremantle, he won 22 possessions, had seven marks and scored 74 in SuperCoach and 84 in AFLFantasy.

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MY TAKE

Given the list profile of the Essendon, you don’t recruit a player like Hibberd unless you expect him to play. The Dons list position is such where they feel they are contending for finals. With minimal access to top-end talent in the draft lately (thanks to the Shiel trade) they have decided to attack the state league for who they believe is the next best ready to fill a position in the list

Everything seemed to be aligning nicely for Mitch Hibberd until it all went pear-shaped at a recent training session. He suffered an injury at training which forced him to undergo knee surgery to repair the damage he sustained to his meniscus. Hibberd is expected to resume full training in six weeks. This will place him right on the edge of being ready in round one.

Even if he doesn’t start the year, he’ll be given a good crack at it during the season and will be one of the most popular rookie upgrades. At some point in the season Hibberd will be among the most popular owned rookies and if his VFL is anything to go by he should be a fantastic cash cow for fantasy coaches in all formats.

DRAFT DECISION

I wouldn’t be opposed to the using one of the last few rounds selection in either a keeper or single-season draft. Especially if he gets the midfield role the possibilities are sky high, and the risk at that position in the draft is not existent.

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#21 Most Relevant | Jack Steven

Read Time:5 Minute, 16 Second

2019 was a rough season personally for Jack Steven. Can a new home and potentially a new role refresh this former St Kilda star?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Jack Steven
Age: 29
Club: Geelong Cats
Position: Midfield/Forward

2019 Highest Score:
105 Vs Fremantle (AFLFantasy)
95 Vs Fremantle (SuperCoach)

2019 Average:
76 (AFLFantasy)
74 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $361,700
AFLFantasy Price: $653,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $494,500

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

2019 was a difficult season for Jack Steven. After failing to secure a rumoured trade during the previous offseason he never really got his season going. He played four of the opening six matches of the year, but in May he took an extended break from football to deal with mental health issues.

During those opening four matches he posted two scores over 90 in all formats, one against the Suns, the other the Crows.

It wasn’t until August when the four-time St Kilda best and fairest players was seen again playing at the elite level. Upon his return, Jack himself admitted he wasn’t at peak physical fitness but mentally was in a much stronger place. Because of this, he spent his final three matches of the season plonked firmly inside the Saints forward fifty.

For fantasy footy coaches, this is how he became forward eligible for us in 2020. Thankfully in one of these matches, we did see flashes of the Steven of old. Against Fremantle, he won 22 possessions, kicked three goals and scored 105 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 96 in SuperCoach.

In his most recent full season at AFL level, he played 22 games and averaged 96.6 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam which featured 10 tons. In SuperCoach, he averaged 94.5 and scored over 100 in 10 matches. P

Throughout playing fantasy footy for numerous years, you get accustomed to hearing specific phrases. These include, but aren’t limited too ‘training the house down’ and ‘more midfield time.’ Recently on Melbourne radio station, SEN Patrick Dangerfield spoke highly about the potential impact Jack Steven will have at Geelong. Here are just some of the things Danger had to say on the clubs newest recruit.

“Obviously with the loss of Tim (Kelly), he’s going to be an important player for us and we think he’s that line breaker and goal kicker that we have seen him do across his career.

“He’s got pace, he’s got break-neck speed, he’s a four-time best and fairest winner, and if he can approach that, I know they’ve lost Tim Kelly, what an injection (Steven) is into that side.

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MY TAKE

The big question this preseason is around what role does he play at Geelong? The departure of Tim Kelly has created an opening inside the midfield for the Cats. The skill sets of he and Tim aren’t identical, but his ability to run and carry and burst from stoppage is an impressive skill for the Cats.

Geelong is firmly pushing hard for another chance at a premiership this season, make no mistake about that. It’s why allowing Jack to play mainly through the midfield makes sense. However, the club will need to keep half an eye to the future with Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood and even Patrick Dangerfield heading towards the twilight of their careers. Young Cats like Charlie Constable, Quinton Narle, Nakia Cockatoo and Brandan Parfitt will need substantial midfield minutes for Geelong to future proof the side.

One thing to factor in through this is that Steven isn’t a natural forward in the sense that he didn’t play last year in that role by choice. Instead, it was born out of necessity as he lacked the fitness base to play through the midfield. Geelong is also stacked in this line with Gryan Miers, Luke Dahlhaus and Gary Rohan all adding some flair and pressure inside forward 50.

Can you pick him and Devon Smith in your side? In short, the answer is yes, especially if it helps push another forward cash cow off the ground. The key variable will be around how many other stepping stone selections you have in the additional 28 spots. Although both present the potential to be season-long ‘keepers’ you need to also plan for them not to be.

Everything seemed to be going to script for Steven until just days ago he tweaked his calf at training. Thankfully, it appears to be nothing too serious, and the club anticipates he’ll re-join the main group in coming days. If that eventuates, we should see him playing his first game as a Cat in the Marsh Community Series against Gold Coast on February 22.

If he plays through the midfield predominantly in the preseason matches at his price point, it’d be tough to pass upon him. If Steven is playing through the midfield mainly, I struggle to see a world that he doesn’t average 90 in all formats.

DRAFT DECISION

The range of where he goes in drafts will vary in part depending on when your draft is hosted. If it’s after the preseason matches and he’s playing through the midfield, I do see a world where people would use a pick to select him as their F2.
Right now, I wouldn’t be reaching any higher than a prospective F3 choice on him.

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#22 Most Relevant | Zach Merrett

Read Time:4 Minute, 51 Second

Over the past four seasons, Zach Merrett has been among one of the most beloved and popular premiums. Will this trend continue into 2020?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Zach Merrett
Age: 24
Club: Essendon Bombers
Position: Midfield

2019 Highest Score:
143 Vs North Melbourne (AFLFantasy)
155 Vs Brisbane (SuperCoach)

2019 Average:
108.2 (AFLFantasy)
105.6 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $573,600
AFLFantasy Price: $803,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $782,400

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WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

Over the past few seasons, Zach Merrett has been one of the favourites of many fantasy coaches. He first rose to prominence in the Essendon drug scandal affected season of 2016. That season he was one of the best selections finished the season averaging 117 in AFLFantasy and 111 in SuperCoach.

More recently in 2019, he was unlucky not to find himself inside the 40 man All Australian squad. Across the league, he was ranked in the top 15 for Inside ’50s, disposals, tackles, handballs, uncontested possessions. He averaged 28 disposals a game, four marks, five tackles and almost five inside 50’s a game.

In AFLFantasy/DreamTeam last year he posted fifteen scores of 100 or more, with seven of those tons being over 120 and finished the season averaging 108\ From rounds 4-15 he had an11 game stretch where his lowest score was 99. Only two scores below 92 all year, both in the 50’s. One of them he spent a quarter off the ground with a concussion test again the Swans, the other was the dreaded Matt de Boer tag.

In SuperCoach he finished the year with a seasonal average of 106. The season consisted of fourteen scores of 100 or more, seven of them were over 120, and only twice last season his scoring dipped below 80.

Zach’s far from a one-hit-wonder. His season in 2018 Merrett in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam scored 14 tons, 6 of those were over 120 while in SuperCoach he posted 15 tons and just the four over 120. In fact, over four years, he has posted remarkable numbers

Between 2016 – 2019 in SuperCoach he has scored 52 tons, reaches that mark in 64% of matches and has an average of 106 during that time. The statistics are even stronger in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam. He’s posted 62 tons, hitting the triple figures in 71% of matches over those four seasons and average 111.

To top it off, he’s only missed the one match over the past four seasons and hasn’t missed a game in the previous two. When it comes to relevant premiums across the formats, Zach Merrett ticks every box we need.

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MY TAKE

Over the past few seasons, many in the SuperCoach community have chosen to look past him and viewed more as an AFLFantasy selection. While it is true, he has a higher frequency of hundreds and a higher scoring floor he doesn’t lack for the ceiling. This year against Brisbane he posted his biggest SuperCoach score of 155.

Last season Zach Merrett showed that he was starting to work through the tag. When previously tough customers Jack Steele and George Hewett were sent to him they didn’t impact his scoring drastically. In reality, it was only Matt de Boer that got ahold of him and affected his output.

Merrett is a good captaincy option in AFLFantasy, but this year he comes with an added benefit. In these formats, we don’t have a regular rolling lockout, as such, getting multiple chances at selecting a captain are limited to the Thursday night games. Thankfully, Essendon has the most of all teams in league with a total of four. In round three and five, he could be a perfect Vice-Captain option early in the year, while post-bye round he presents an opportunity for us also in round thirteen and sixteen.

I love him in AFLFantasy and DreamTeam option to start, or as an upgrade target. At the time of writing in AFLFantasy, he’s currently in 6% of sides and given his scoring potential that low ownership is exciting for those who are now on him. If you can time the run in SuperCoach, then he could be a great unique on the run home.

DRAFT DECISION

Zach Merrett is relevant in all forms of the game, but historically it’s AFLFantasy scoring formats that he’s been at his best. Currently based on averages, he ranked 8th for midfielders in AFLFantasy and 17th in SuperCoach.

I struggle to see a world in AFLFantasy scoring formats that Zach isn’t taken within the first 20 selections. In some drafts, he’s a chance even to be a first-round selection. I’d target him in the second.

SuperCoach formats given he’s ranked as the 17th best midfielder he won’t go as early. The third round is probably a stretch, but I can see some keen to jump here to own him. Rather the fourth round and having him as an M2 or M3.

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AFLFantasy Preseason Watchlist | Fremantle Dockers

Read Time:2 Minute, 21 Second

Lewy & Checkers from Lane Kicking are back with their take on some Fremantle Dockers on their AFLFantasy watchlist.

BREAKOUT: Andrew Brayshaw – $516,000 (MID/FWD)

Third year for the former Pick 2, we are hoping he can show a similar break out to his brother Angus who went from a 77 average to 105 back in 2018. Averaged 25 touches at U/18 level, has posted averages of 67 and 70 in his first two seasons and we are hoping some more midfield will allow a player of his talent reach his true potential. Having FWD DPP puts him very high on our potential break out list and could be a dangerous one to snare in draft leagues

TRACK: Connor Blakely – $555,000 (DEF)

Was set to be one of the most selected defenders last year after posting back to back averages of 91 in 2017 and 2018, but a high grade hamstring tear early in the pre-season kept him on the sidelines until Round 9. We are hoping with a full pre-season under his belt, Blakely can resume his position on the half back flank and get his average back up into the 90s and be a very handy under-priced premium. Just keep an eye on his position during the pre-season as he was rotated in the midfield in 2019 which did see a drop in his scoring, but the natural development of young mids Brayshaw, Cerra and Banfield will hopefully see him back in defence.

ROOKIE: Caleb Serong – $256,000 (MID)

While we expect all three of the Dockers first round draftees to have some impact this year, Serong holds the most fantasy value in his game. His ability to play on the ball, as well as rotate forward and impact the scoreboard should see him get some early game time. He averaged 24 touches and 100 fantasy points at U/18 level last year so he could be a handy little money maker

UNDERDOG: Brett Bewley – $367,000 (FWD)

Normally if anything we see a drop off in numbers from the mature aged draftees in their second year, but keep a close eye on Bewley. Priced at an average of just 54, he played most of his first year on the half forward flank, but looks primed to move up the ground and hopefully take up the vacant wing position left by Ed Langdon. Was racking up very tidy numbers in the WAFL, is known around the club as one of the hardest workers on the track and has taken out both 2km time trials this pre-season. We think if given time on the wing he could get his average up and above the 80s which would make him a very handy cash cow for your F5 or F6

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#23 Most Relevant | Michael Walters

Read Time:6 Minute, 19 Second

With the departure of many popular forwards, is Michael Walters now primed to be one of of our best premiums this year?

PLAYER PROFILE

Name: Michael Walters
Age: 29
Club: Fremantle Dockers
Position: Midfield/Forward

2019 Highest Score:
143 Vs Port Adeliade (AFLFantasy)
158 Vs Port Adelaide (SuperCoach)

2019 Average:
93.4 (AFLFantasy)
100.7 (SuperCoach)

SuperCoach Price: $547,200
AFLFantasy Price: $694,000
AFLDreamTeam Price: $675,600

Embed from Getty Images

WHY IS HE RELEVANT?

Our forward lines have taken a beating this year. The majority of last seasons top ten forwards are no longer available. Travis Boak, Patrick Dangerfield, Jack Billings, Rowan Marshall, James Worpel, Josh Dunkley and Tim Kelly are all gone! While many top options have departed, one of them has stayed.

Last year Michael Walters was 11th in the AFL for goals (40), 20th for score involvements, 16th for tackles inside forward 50. He averaged 22 possessions, seven score involvements, four marks, four tackles, four clearances, four inside 50’sG:

In AFLFantasy/DreamTeam he’s currently ranked fourth by averages. Only Lachie Whitfield, Toby Greene and Dusty Martin had better seasonal averages. However, with all those players missing multiple games last year, Walters is the highest total points scoring forward available.

Last year he averaged 93, had six scores of 100 or more, four over 110 including a 143 against Port Adelaide. In addition to these tons, he had seven scores between 90-99. Across 22 games last year he also showed his high scoring floor with only two scores sub 70 previous years.

SuperCoach was an even better result. He’s currently ranked as the second-best forward by averages with Lachie Whitfield the only ahead of him. He’s also one of only three forwards who have an average over 100. Topping it off he’s ranked as the Top scoring forward for total points and is a clear 150 clear of Issac Heeney who is second.

Across 2019 in SuperCoach he hit the ton in twelve of his 22 matches. Six of his tons were over 120 including a six-goal game and 158 scores against Port Adelaide. In addition to his twelve tons, he had three additional matches between 90-99. Like in AFLFantasy, he barely gave owners a poor score with his two scores dipping below 70 all year.

If you believe the Dockers are heading up the ladder and will improve the number of wins then based on last years data that should air in the scores of Sonny. In wins last for AFLFantasy/DreamTeam, he averaged 103.9 as opposed to 86.2 in losses. A differential of 17.7. The trend is even more noticeable in SuperCoach with an average of 120.7 in victories as opposed to 86.9 in losses. A differential of 33.7.

Fremantle does have a relatively good opening few months of football. The possibility of them winning four games in the eight weeks is possible. Over the first eight weeks, they play – Bombers (A), hawks (H), Demons(A), Suns (H), Roos (A), Cats (H)Eagles (H) Crows (A). A handful of victories here could kick start scoring season of Sonny and your fantasy footy side.

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MY TAKE

One of the most intriguing narratives of this year will be the different strategies coaches employ for the forward line. With the vast majority of last seasons best departing, we find ourselves left with a significant dilemma in our forward lines. Beyond new inclusions Lachie Whitfield and Dustin Martin it appears we have no clear third in line, let alone a top five. The variance and potential outcomes inside our forwards look one of the most open in years. On first glance that could be daunting and concerning, however, I see it the complete opposite.

With less ‘must picks’ through this line it should make coaches look more left of centre at some players and hopefully add some uniqueness to the game. With so many questions in our forward line, I am confident about one thing. Michael Walters will not play as a full-time midfielder this year. Not because he can’t, but rather it’s because he is an elite small forward. If the Dockers are any chance of winning ten games or more this year, it won’t be because ‘Sonny’ never played forward.

All that to be said, I do believe while he won’t play exclusive midfield, he will play through that line predominantly. The Fremantle football club has lost Ed Langdon and Brad Hill through last years Trade Period. Both bring speed, experience and class to a midfield that now looks very slim. Thankfully for the club, Michael Walters has those qualities in spades and at 29 will add some experience to support Nat Fyfe.

With the outgoings of some experience they’ve topped up nicely in the draft, but none of them is the immediate fix. However, they could hold the key for releasing Sonny up the ground more regulalrly. Liam Henry is creative classy on both sides, has terrific goal sense and is the closest replacement you’ll ever get to Michael Walters. Fellow top 10 selection Caleb Serong is a competitive animal that’s damaging inside forward 50 as well as being a polished midfielder who’s clean hands and composure will add a new element to the dockers.

The addition of these two I believe will allow Sonny to play up to 80% of game time through the midfield, and as such we should see his scoring in all formats of the game place him right in contention as a top-five scoring option.

In the limited trade formats of SuperCoach & DreamTeam if I were starting three premium forwards, then I’d seriously factor in Michael Walters as a starting squad option. Or perhaps if you believe Dusty might slow like previous seasons, then he could be the F2 you need to get ahead.

I believe Michael Walters will be a top-five scoring forward for us across all lines, and as such needs to be firmly on our preseason watchlist.

DRAFT DECISION

In every draft, I see Lachie Whitfield and Dustin Martin as the first two forwards off the draft board. Both of these stars will go inside the top 15 picks in all drafts. What forwards go next, and where will vary in many drafts. For me, Michael Walters looks to be one of the safest 90+ averaging forwards we’ll get this year, as such I can see him getting picked as early as a late third-round pick as coaches will be desperate to lock away a strong F1.

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