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Impact on the new club:
Ever since the retirement of Leigh Montagna, the Saints midfield has looked very one-paced. The exception to the rule was club champion, Jack Steven. With his trade to Geelong, the club needed an injection of speed and outside class.
Brad Hill personifies these qualities, and it’s evident based on his 2019 statistics. Last year he rated elite for: metres gained, effective kicks, rebound 50’s, uncontested possessions, kicks and goal assists.
He, along with a fit Dan Hannebery should provide St Kilda with the outside skill and running needed. This should enable their inside midfield brigade the outside support required and forward line the opportunities to create scoreboard pressure.
Impact on the old club:
His departure along with Ed Langdon’s move to Melbourne leaves a significant gap in the Fremantle midfield. Both players were the primary outside speed, carry and polish. Their absence will create opportunities for others.
Fremantle must now look to the upcoming draft and the players existing on the list to replace the outside midfield losses. Michael Walters could move more into the midfield. His class and speed would be a welcome addition outside of stoppages. Adam Cerra is a classy user of the ball and needs to use into the midfield, a role on the wing could be a great move.
Connor Blakey and James Aish both played in the midfield as juniors and could be given chances to evolve from the backline. Depending on what the Dockers pick up at the draft will also have an impact on who gains midfield opportunities.
Fantasy Summary:
For the majority of his AFL career, Brad Hill has been irrelevant as a fantasy football option. The exception was his first season as a Docker back in 2017.
That year he was forward eligible and averaged 93.6 in AFLFantasy including eight scores over 100. For the fantasy coaches that owned him that season, especially late in drafts found themselves with great late value. Since then he’s averaged 80 & 88 in AFLFantasy and 78 & 84 in SuperCoach.
With Hill coming off a season averaging in the mid 80’s he will be selected in the majority of draft leagues. Depending on the squad depth it will be as an emergency cover selection or a final on-field spot.
