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So just hours ago, AFLFantasy surprised the fantasy world by launching in full for the 2021season. Meaning, you can start to build your side and start commencing league challenges. We asked MJ to give us a sneak peek into his initial first side, and this is what he gave us.
DEFENDER
Leading off the backline is Lachie Whitfield and Rory Laird both priced under what they can deliver. An injury discount on Wayne Milera makes him a value selection at D3, while Oleg Markov is a flyer, but could be a nice option at his new home at the Gold Coast should the stars align.
I’m not bullish on Will Hamill, but I like what I saw from him last year. At under $300k he’s still value. Surely 2021 is the year we see the Swans unleash Will Gould should he be named round one then he’s a chance to be the highest owned player in the game.The other boys are frankly just place holders until a basement cow pops.
MIDFIELD
Going against the grain potentially and not picking any of the ‘big boy’ midfielders in this version of the team. Rather I’m taking some value picks who all have massive upside if things go to plan. I’m banking on a return to the old scoring habits of Tom Mitchell and late last year I saw enough signs to suggest that could be the case.
Matt Crouch was a fiend towards the end of last year and with his brother gone the mantle of the top-scoring midfielder at the Crows is ripe for the plucking.
Twelve months ago Tim Taranto was widely viewed as a top tier midfielder, and after battling injury last year, I think he can get back there.
Rounding out the bigger names is a pair of club captains in Rory Sloane and Dyson Heppell. Both have averaged over 100 in seasons past, and both present both value for money but more importantly a point to prove at their club.
I don’t think Will Phillips can replicate the season of Sam Walsh, but he’s darn well-gonna try. The best midfielder from the AFL draft makes my team. While Brodie Kemp, Riley Collier-Dawkins and Cooper Stephens should all get games after spending some time on an AFL list.
RUCKS
Going for value options right out of the gate. Rowan Marshall will eventually flip forward but has shown he’s capable of scoring very well. Braydon Preuss is an absolute monty, given his price and his guarantee of being the #1 ruck. Riley Thilthorpe is there for some DPP flexibility should I need it.
FORWARD
Anchoring my forward line is Patrick Dangerfield. It. could easily have been Steele Sidebottom, but given his price point and lack of clarity on rookies, I have confidence in I’ll pass on him for now.
Both Isaac Heeney and Josh Dunkley have huge potential upside, and Jye Caldwell will be doing everything in his power to break out as Andrew Brayshaw did in 2020.
Filling out the ground is the injury-prone Lance Franklin and Nakia Cockatoo. Both insane value if you can jag 4-6 weeks out of them. Archie Perkins probably won’t make the final squad, but James Rowe as a mature-age recruit is a chance. The Crows will be without small forward Tyson Stengle, so there’s a spot for him if he wants it.
Utility
I had to give it to someone, so Luke Valente it’s you! What’s your side look like at first take? Comment below and let us know.
