Tag: James Harmes

Possible 2022 Fantasy Footy Position Changes

With the AFL draft completed the fantasy, community starts to turn it’s attention to the coming season. For AFLFantasy, SuperCoach & DreamTeam players, it’s the final step before the 2022 positions get revealed from Champion Data. Before the official announcement drops in the next few days, I thought I’d share some possible 2022 Fantasy Footy position changes.

Already champion data via Fantasy Freako have confirmed 127 DPP’s will be in the games next year.

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DEFENDER

Jack Ziebell

In 2021 Jack Ziebell was one of the breakout midprice forwards who became one of the season’s best buys. This addition of the Kangaroo skipper into our backlines should come as no surprise. He, along with his teammate listed below, dominated the defensive 50 possessions for North Melbourne. So the only question fantasy coaches will be pondering is will he be worth investing in at peak price in 2022?

Aaron Hall

Like his teammate above, Aaron Hall became one of those core ingredients to success in 2021. If you didn’t have Hall in your forward stocks, chances are you didn’t have a strong season. With his football revival coming as a running half-back, giving hall defensive status will be one of the easiest decisions Champion Data will ever make. But, more importantly, is can he follow the season up? Regardless, Hall looks like a fascinating player to discuss during the preseason.

Nick Hind

The trend of 2021 forward listed players getting defensive status continues with Nick Hind. Numerous superlatives were used last season to the Bombers list management team for identifying him as a bargain price replacement for Adam Saad. Equally, coaches who jumped on Hind early had strong starts to the season. The ‘run and carry’ defender

Jarman Impey

In all honesty, it could’ve been CNTRL-C, CNTRL V from above when it comes to the reason why Jarman Impey will pick up defensive status. Like the names above, he had a clearly defined role change last year. With the absence of James Sicily, he became the primary ball user of the Hawks D50 before his season ending injury. He’s not salary cap format relevant next year, but for drafts, he’ll be someone worth keeping an eye on in the middle of the draft.

Braeden Campbell

Heading into his second season, it’s rare a player becomes fantasy relevant. Where talking about players like Nat Fyfe, Jackson Macrae and Clayton Oliver that became genuine premiums in year #2, for Braeden Campbell, he’ll move from his MID/FWD status of 2021 to a likely pure defender. Last year, he played as a small-medium rebounding defender and should easily allocate status for Champion Data.

Bailey Dale

Luke Beveridge has done it again. Two seasons ago, he reinvented Caleb Daniel as the ‘quarterback defender for the Dogs. Now, Bailey Dale has transitioned from a dynamic forward that struggled to make the best 22 to becoming a dominant rebounding defender. Daniel & Dale’s skills complete each other perfectly and continue to cause headaches for opposition forward coaches. Bailey’s a genuine top 10 defender candidate moving into next season.

Chayce Jones

Of all the players referenced so far, Chayce Jones probably has minor fantasy relevance. However, the positional allocation to defensive status is a warranted one. The former first-round pick has reinvented himself as a hard-nosed pressure defender. In addition to his high endurance capacity and team-first mindset, Jones is also a solid user of the ball by foot. If he can jag some kick in responsibilities off Wayne Milera or Brodie Smith, he might pop a little as a late-round draft pick up.

Others who should gain: James Stewart, Jy Farrar, Miles Bergman, Tom Atkins, Jayden Hunt & Jayden Laverde

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MIDFIELD

Callum Mills

The breakout was complete for Callum Mills. He transitioned beautifully into a dyanmic cenntre bounce midfielder. No chance he retain his defensive status.

Rory Laird

Played pure midfield, lock it up. Nothing more to say! Sadly we lose this long term defensive staple to the midfield.

James Harmes

The Melbourne Demon midfield stopper. James Harmes enjoyed his season of fantasy relevance in the sun. But as a midfielder only, it’s back to drafts and daily fantasy.

Jack Crisp

I’m still 50/50 on this, but I think there is sufficient data that Jack Crisp needs to be a midfielder only in 2022. He attended a high volume of centre bounces, and despite increasing his rebound 50 counts, it was coming from a defensive 50 function. Instead, it was him using his endurance weapon to push into the backline become the rebounder. This was seen often when Brayden Maynard was forced to play a highly lockdown focussed d50 role.

Kyle Langford

Last season Essendon’s midfield stocks were smashed with injuries. As a result, Kyle Langford thrived (amongst others) with the additional midfield responsibility. As a result, he should be a MID only option. Sadly, it means beyond draft and daily fantasy formats, he’s not a viable option.

Harry Schoenberg

Maybe a controversial one, and I know for my keeper leagues, I hope I’m wrong. But Harry Schoenberg was electric for the Crows as a midfielder last year. A quick scroll back through the centre bounce attendances over the season shows that ‘Shonnie’ became a core member of the Adelaide midfield. When he wasn’t playing at centre bounce, he was playing as a wingman. So again, I hope I’m wrong, but I think he’s a pure midfielder in 2022.

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FORWARD

Nat Fyfe

By name alone, the probable MID/FWD status of Nat Fyfe next season would make many coaches super keen on selecting him in 2022. And depending on the format, you play he could well be one of the more relevant additions for the year. The Dockers skipper spent an ever increasing amount of time forward as his young teammates started to take over the responsibility of the midfield. While not the most damaging set shot at goal, Fyfe is an imposing forward presence and is as challenging to match up against inside forward 50 as at centre stoppage. The departure of Adam Cerra to Cartlon might even see him move back more into the midfield. However, the biggest obstacle to selecting him is getting him back to full fitness after another injury setback in the offseason. We’ll discuss that more in the preseason.

Jack Billings

Over the past few seasons, Jack Billings has gone from draft relevant forward to top 10 forward across formats to an irrelevant midfield only wingman. Despite it not being Jack’s best season, he did start to get back towards showing off his damaging highlights. Billings is an excellent field kick, and when playing across half-forward, the combination of solid footy IQ and skill makes him a very good player. As a potential MID/FWD next year, he might not regain top 10 status among forwards, but he’ll undoubtedly skyrocket up draft format selection boards if he does.

Lachie Hunter

Selecting Bulldogs players always feels like a risk. Luke Beveridge is long known for his ability to chop and change a player’s role weekly and potentially every quarter. In 2021 it was Lachie Hunter’s turn to experience the positional roundabout. For the better part of the year, he played at centre bounces off the half-forward flank and then pushed up onto his preferred wing role. If the proposed MID/FWD status lands and the Bulldogs settle him back onto the wing, he looms as a locked 90+ forward across the formats.

Tim Taranto

Ask any Tim Taranto owner over the final six games. Where did he play to end the season? Freaking forward! And didn’t his scoring show it. Undoubtedly, the percentage of field position time to him gaining or missing will be razor-thin. I think due to such a heavy forward role late, plus some in-season game management, he’s done just enough. But it’ll be tight.

Sam Berry

The rebuilding Crows got plenty of games into Sam Berry in 2021. A staple of his game was his defensive workrate and solid defensive pressure on the opposition ball carrier. As a junior, Berry was a strongly contested midfielder, but with the Crows, he’s developing his game with minimal midfield time and substantial forward presence. It will result in him being a forward in this coming season.

Tim English

For the Western Bulldogs, they changed up the ruck and forward structures this year. Instead of Tim English leading the ruck division, he became the second fiddle to Stefan Marti, Jordan Sweet and former teammate Lewis Young. English should still retain ruck status but also get forward status to go with it.

Ben McEvoy

Don’t forget, this article isn’t about the ‘most relevant positional changes.’ We’ll get to that once the positions get announced. Instead, this is about forecasting changes. For example, Ben McEvoy moved into the #2 ruck position behind Jon Ceglar, and his height and marking presence was maximised inside the Hawks forward 50. As a result, he should retain DPP but will move from DEF/RUC last year into an RUC/FWD.

Josh Daicos

Two seasons ago, Josh Daicos was looming as one of the breakout forward candidates in fantasy footy. However, due to multiple injuries and frequent positional changes, Josh has found himself off plenty of fantasy footy radars. In the games he did play last year, he put his mercurial surname into good use inside forward 50. Regaining forward status should bring him back into view for coaches.

Stephen Coniglio

We might not have enough data on this for champion data to do it. But Stephen Coniglio spent alot of time inside forward 50 option at centre bounces. Historically, champion data that the starting position at centre bounce ‘is a consideration in the allocations. Should he gain forward status, a combination of this and a low starting price due to injury might make ‘Cogs’ one of the most highly owned players in the game.

Tom Powell

Last season he was a strong early season cash cow. For those who play AFLFantasy, you’ll know that he was awarded MID/FWD DPP midseason after spending a large portion of the year playing off the half-forward line. As a result, I believe he’s a prime candidate to commence the 2022 fantasy year with the same MID/FWD status. I do suspect Tom Powell will increase his midfield minutes next year. But with Jason Horne-Francis landing at the club in the draft, I expect him to increase the competition for midfield rotations at North Melbourne.

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Hold Position

Josh Dunkley

During last preseason many in the fantasy community were unsure of whether to jump on due to his role volatility in the Dogs side. Pre-injury, Josh Dunkley was the form player, post-injury he was barely playable. Given his heavy Forward time after the return from surgery, I believe Josh Dunkley will retain MID/FWD DPP. As a result, this coming season will be once again filled with the Dunkley dilemma discussions.

Rowan Marshall

With Paddy Ryder missing multiple games last year that Rowan Marshall played, it wouldn’t shock me if he lost DPP. But I think in the totality of the season, Marshall spent enough time starting and then playing inside forward 50 to retain his R/F DPP. So if Ryder misses large chunks of this coming season, too, it could be Marshall that pushes towards that #1 ranking forward by seasons end. His upside is enormous.

Patrick Dangerfield

Pretty simple this one. Patrick Dangerfield played as a centre bounce midfielder and played as a damaging isolated forward. You know what to do champion data. When it comes to allocating positions, you can leave his status unchanged.

Lachie Whitfield

When Lachie Whitfield is on the ground, he’s a damaging top tier outside player in the game. For the Giants, they allowed him to stay deployed across the half-back and push up the wings. He averaged four rebound 50’s a game and should maintain his defensive status. There might even be a chance he’s allocated a MID/DEF and provide us coaches with some early squad versatility.

Dustin Martin

You’ll be hearing alot about Dusty this preseason. The triple Norm Smith medalist plans to be back with a vengeance in 2022. This could make him a bargain buy among the fantasy footy formats, given I believe he’s a lock to retain MID/FWD DPP.

UltimateFooty | Round 12 Positional Changes

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 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.

Nine players have gained an additional position. Two players have gained back status, six gaining centre, no new rucks and one player have picked up forward status. Let’s look at who they are and their relevance to your draft sides and leagues.

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Chayce Jones | ADD BACK

It’s not a high relevant gain, given his top score is 54 for the year. However, it looks as though Chayce might have just found his home at the AFL level. The former first round pick has struggled at times to get his hands on the ball at the top level in the past 18 months.

Jones has since shown glimpses of his elite running, creative ball use and defensive endeavour across half back in the previous month. He might be worth a pick up in a deep keeper league at best.

Zach Tuohy | ADD BACK

Over the previous 12 months, we’ve seen the Irishman get used higher up the ground. However, over the past 6 weeks, Zac Tuohy has moved back to his more historic role across half-back, including taking a share of kick ins. In his last four matches, he’s scored 85, 96, 85 & 109. He should become back eligible. It’s a huge gain for the 84% of coaches that own him and clearly the most relevant gaining of this batch of DPP’s.

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Matt Guelfi | ADD CENTRE

In 2021 he’s averaging 51. That’s not an option to roster as a back let alone as a centre. Look elsewhere!

Harry Schoenberg | ADD CENTRE

The Crows will be happy with the development of Harry, as his time through the midfield is gradually increasing across the season as . Like all players who gain centre, it’s rarely helpful in boosting on-field scoring. However, it could be helpful in your league if you play through the bye rounds.

James Harmes | ADD CENTRE

Normally the addition of centre status is the least helpful for coaches. It rarely adds to any increase of on-field scoring but rather adds some squad versatility. While this is true for James Harmes, the timing is also helpful for coaches who play through the coming bye rounds. This DPP might help you with field scores if scampering for every available options this week.

Kayne Turner | ADD CENTRE

The addition of centre status is a valid call from UF, with the Kangaroos asking Kayne Turner to play a tagging role. However, with only one score over 40 in the past four, he’s not someone you should consider.

David Zaharakis | ADD CENTRE

The addition of DPP does nothing for the relevance of David Zaharakis. Further to that, last weekend, he injured his hamstring and will miss the next few weeks. Pass!

Will Hoskin-Elliott | ADD CENTRE

I feel like a broken record, but as helpful as the hyphen has been in our forward line lately, he’ll give you nothing more than some squad flexibility. In the last month, he’s done well with three scores above 85, including a 113. At best, he’ll give you another body to play on the field this week if you play through the bye.

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Jason Johannisen | ADD FORWARD

As part of Luke Beveridge’s annual ‘wheel of positions’, the 2016 Norm Smith Medalist Jason Johannisen has been deployed inside the bulldogs forward 50. Beyond a game a few weeks back against the Saints in round 10, he’s shown little to suggest that this role change is scoring friendly.

Johannisen has just two scores above 60 all season, you really should be looking elsewhere. With an average draft position of 136, it’s been one of the most disappointing draft day returns for owners.

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UltimateFooty | Possible DPP Additions | Round 12

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 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.

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Zac Tuohy | ADD BACK

Over the previous 12 months, we’ve seen the Irishman get used higher up the ground. However, over the past 6 weeks, Zac Tuohy has moved back to his more historic role across half-back, including taking a share of kick ins. In his last four matches, he’s scored 85, 96, 85 & 109. He should become back eligible. It’ll be a huge gain for the 84% of coaches that own him.

Chayce Jones | ADD BACK

It’s not a high fantasy relevant gain, given his top score is 54 for the year. However, it looks as though Chayce might have just found his home at the AFL level. The former first round pick has struggled at times to get his hands on the ball at the top level in the past 18 months.

Jones has since shown glimpses of his elite running, creative ball use and defensive endeavour across half back in the previous month. He might be worth a pick up in a deep keeper league at best.

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James Harmes | ADD CENTRE

Normally the addition of centre status is the least helpful for coaches. It rarely adds to any increase of on-field scoring but rather adds some squad versatility. While this is true for James Harmes, the timing is also helpful for coaches who play through the coming bye rounds. This DPP might help you with field scores if your scampering for every available option.

Harry Schoenberg | ADD CENTRE

The Crows will be happy with the development of Harry, as his time through the midfield is gradually increasing across the season. Like all players who gain centre, it’s rarely helpful in boosting on-field scoring. However, it could be helpful in your league if you play through the bye rounds.

Jack Lukosious | ADD CENTRE

The Suns love his use of the ball by foot and have looked to transform him again into a damaging wingman. When he gets on the end of it, his sublime foot skills are often exploited to help set up deep inside forward 50 attacks from Gold Coast. He’s picking up centre status will add squad flexibility and not gain you more points on the field.

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Jason Johannisen | ADD FORWARD

As part of Luke Beveridge’s annual ‘wheel of positions’, the 2016 Norm Smith Medalist has been deployed inside the bulldogs forward 50. The club loves his run and carry, and given they have an abundance of half backs to fit them all in, they’ve needed to develop some new roles. Beyond a game a few weeks back against the Saints, he’s shown little to suggest that this role change is fantasy friendly. That said, some leagues are looking for anyone that has a pulse with forward status to get picked up

Xavier O’Halloran | ADD FORWARD

This one is probably only relevant for deep dynasty and keeper leagues, but the Giants Xavier O’Halloran youngster has started to show some signs in a pure football sense. From a UltimateFooty perspective, he’s had 3 scores over 60 in his last five which is reasonable playing predominantly inside forward 50. Depending on the league you’re in and the youthful expression on your list, it might be worth a sneaky pickup.

AFLFantasy | Possible DPP Additions | Round 12

Before round 6, 12 and 18, the gang at AFLFantasy team up with Champion Data to add some new DPP into the game. After round 5, the first list of names and positions will be released. Historically, AFLFantasy has said that players need a minimum of 35% to be considered for a new allocation in a new position. So let’s see which players are locks, close or no chance of getting DPP.

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Jy Farrar | ADD DEFENDER

With scores of 86 & 74 in the opening 2 weeks, it looks as though the Suns had unearthed another player. However, since round 7, he’s had only 1 score over 50. Jy spent his time previously as a forward in the SANFL, but the Suns have developed him into a defender, and to be fair, he’s playing his role. Chances are you’ve traded him out already, but for those who haven’t, it just makes trading him out even easier.

Chayce Jones | ADD DEFENDER

It’s not a high fantasy relevant gain, given his top score is 56 for the year. However, it looks as though Chayce might have just found his home at the AFL level. The former first round pick has struggled at times to get his hands on the ball at the top level. Jones has shown glimpses of his elite running, creative ball use and defensive endeavour across half back in the previous fortnight. If he plays this role against the Tigers this week, he should have done enough to be a DPP addition.

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Liam Baker | ADD MIDFIELD

Over the past few weeks, the Tigers have been destroyed by injuries through the midfield. It’s meant their coaching staff has had to get creative with who plays through the midfield. Liam Baker has played heavily through the midfield last few weeks. It looks like this was enough to give the premiership tiger a new DPP. Handy again for owners trying to maximise on field players during the bye rounds.

James Harmes | ADD MIDFIELD

Normally the addition of midfield status is the least helpful for coaches. It rarely adds to any increase of on-field scoring but rather adds some squad versatility. While this is true for James Harmes, the timing is also helpful for coaches who play through the bye rounds or care about rankings. This DPP might help you with field scores if your scampering for every available option.

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Tom Green | ADD FORWARD

The ‘bull in a China shop’ midfielder has evolved his game over the past 4 weeks. It’s no coincidence that since the Giants have gotten that midfield balance right, they’ve started to win plenty of footy games. GWS had a very talented but one dimensional midfield with Tom Green, Callan Ward, and Tim Taranto leading the clubs centre bounces earlier. However, over the last month, Green has spent a growing amount of time playing (not just resting) forward and creating some real headaches for the opposition.

In his first 5 games of the season, he kicked just two goals in total. In the past month he’s kicked 2.1, 0.0, 1.0 & 2.2. Clearly, he’s spending more time forward and impacting the scoreboard. It’s translating to an increase in AFLFantasy scores. Over his first 5 games of the season, he averaged 58 with a top score of 77.

In the last four weeks, he’s averaging 95 with a top score of 114. If he gains DPP, he’s a legit cheap option as he’ll still be priced under $600k. With matches against North Melbourne, Carlton & Hawthorn after the bye, it looks like a genuinely good pick.

Sam Berry | ADD FORWARD

I really like Sam Berry as a player. He adds something to an Adelaide Crows side that, for a few years, they’ve lacked. That being a hard at it defensive mindset and a player that loves to tackle. He averages 5.3 tackles per game, and in time, the other elements of his game will develop. As that happens, the Crows are letting him build along nicely as an occasional midfielder, but more so as a pressure forward. His average of 50 isn’t anything to flash, but it’s his DPP and round 14 bye that’ll help coaches over the next month.

Shaun Higgins | ADD FORWARD

Shaun has filled the void left by the Goat Gary Ablett in the Cats forward line. With scores of 78,85 & 120 since returning from injury, he moves from a probable bench option as a centre to an on-field forward. He’s a handy draft leagues pick up. At $569,000 isn’t the worst post-bye round purchase if you think he has a few more tons left in him.

Jason Johannisen | ADD FORWARD

As part of Luke Beveridge’s annual ‘wheel of positions’, the 2016 Norm Smith Medalist has been deployed inside the bulldogs forward 50. The club loves his run and carry, and given they have an abundance of half backs to fit them all in; they’ve needed to develop some in new roles. Beyond last weeks game against the Saints, he’s shown little to suggest that this role change is fantasy friendly.

AAMI Community Series Review | Bulldogs Vs Demons

If you believe in changing your team mid AAMI community series, then this clash would’ve given your fantasy footy apps a workout. With premiums delivering big numbers, we got alot to take away from the Bulldogs and Demons game.

Bontempelli

He’s not bad at football hey? Just remember he did the exact same thing in last year during the preseason.

Macrae

He also goes ok at this game, for those who hadn’t noticed yet.

Dunkley

Ok let me elaborate on this one because there have been questions raised – by his own coach no less – about Dunkley’s current footballing ability. So nevermind the score and the fact he played mids, the key thing here is that he played mids with a clearly defined run-with role and he thrived on it. Playing accountable means he plays, and he plays near a man to cuddle. Double figure tackle numbers in preseason is an excellent display which makes me (and hopefully Bevo) very happy.

Daniel

Rocketed out of the gates but slowed down as he copped a little more attention. Expect him to cop a lot this year. Depending on whether you were keen on him or not, confirmation bias is easily found in one of the two halves of today’s match.

Martin & English

Double-teamed Gawn and nullified influence. Martin looks like he has a new lease on life while English did a pretty good impression of a key forward at times. The two will give a lot of teams a lot of grief in the ruck this year, meaning the Dogs aren’t necessarily giving up bulk points in that department like they have in recent history. Given English played a lot forward, keep in mind that forwards might score well against Melbourne but perhaps less so against other teams. Handy if he does gain DPP in the formats which allow that.

Hunter & Smith

On the eye test both were pushed out of the midfield a lot tonight; Hunter to the half-forward line and Smith to the wing. Both did a lot of damage in their respective roles. Does this allow Treloar to slot straight into the mid rotations?

Scott

Not often we get a bottom priced 25 year old rookie in the mix for rd 1. This is exactly what we got. Scott didn’t do his chances any harm at all in this game. He kicked a couple of goals, rotated through the flanks. He obviously was rookied (from the dogs VFL squad) for a role.

McNeil

Played the pressure small fwd role through the game. Wasn’t prolific but did snag himself a goal. This game he didn’t bang the door down but will stay in contention for early games.

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May

Mopped up everything that went into the forward line that didn’t go through the big sticks. Unfortunately went off very sore after a marking contest and missed the last part of the game, so monitor news in the coming days.

Gawn

Dominated the ruck but had little of his trademark influence around the ground. As noted above, the Martin and English combo will annoy a lot of big men this year.

Harmes

Not the best player, but maybe the most enthusiastic. Spent a lot of time dancing without finding a partner or a possession and there must be questions about a midfield role once Brayshaw Viney & Oliver return. Does he go back to tagging, or back to the backline, or back to the VFL?

Petracca

Barely got out of first gear but got well acquainted with Dunkley for awhile. No reason not to pick him if you were already keen.

Langdon

Ok yes I know, but hear me out. If this week is anything to go by (and that does remain to be seen, it is a small sample size after all), it does appear as though this is the sort of year where running half backs who can create space and overlap and nail the 45 kick are getting a lot of easy marks and possessions. And that’s what Langdon did. Make of that what you will.

AAMI Community Series Player Watchlist

Footy is back! Tonight the AAMI Community Series gets underway. It’s our final chance to see players in a semi-competitive hitout before the round one lockout in a fortnight. So we asked members of the panel to list some players that are on their watchlist.

LEWY

Jy Simpkin

Ready to take the next step going into his 5th year. I will be watching closely how often kangaroos use him. Obviously, he’ll attend every centre bounce.

Tom Green

It’s no secret that he is a gun midfielder in the making, but he may not reach his full potential in a stacked giants midfield brigade. I’ll be watching for how he fits in that midfield rotation.

James Harmes

We know what he’s been able to score playing a midfield role. He moved down last year back, but a projected move back to the midfield could see him underpriced to begin the year.

Jimmy

Will Brodie

What’s his role, and just as importantly, what’s his endurance like now, and can he run out four quarters in the mids?

Marc Murphy

Will slide in just about every draft but by all accounts is playing forward this year. Keen to see if that role change is apparent and how well he moves across the ground given recent struggles.

Rookie Watch

The cupboard is looking awfully sparse atm. Can any of these kids put their hand up for round one?

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Tim

Dyson Heppell

How does he look this week with a game under his belt.

Paddy Dow

Role and performance in a more meaningful matchup.

Darcy Cameron

Does he play a full game and split duties with Grundy as he did in the finals last year? Or will Grundy go back to being a sole ruck like normal to start 2021?

Rids

Jimmy Webster

What is his role? Is he best 22? Is he the Paton replacement?

Jack Higgins

Will he remain Fox’s 2021 boy?

Patrick Dangerfield

Full game? Pure mid? Hmmm?

North Melbourne

Watch the rookies. Do they look like they have a role? Is that role q replacement for someone missing?

Riley Collier-Dawkins

How quickly will he pass the former tiger as Fox’s boy?

Fox

Jack Higgins

Saints made a bid play for the effervescent Higgins, will we see the spark ignite into a flame, the kids been a Saints supporter since he was in nappies and think this could be a match made in heaven.

Alex Witherden

We all know he’s going to end up a great fantasy cog in the West Coast back half but is he going to be eased in or thrown into that role

Rylie Collier Dawkins

Over the past 2 years he’s been touted as a mixture of Dangerfield, Fyfe and Veszpremi, we’re finally going to see what he brings to the table, unfortunately was nursed last week under concussion protocol And Will Martyn do enough to get the Houli spot in Round 1.

Paddy Dow

Not even sure he’s the best Dow playing AFL footy atm. Wanting to see how he goes with an opponent or in a contested situation, not sold on the hype train but willing to watch another game

Every AFL clubs best UltimateFooty sliders

Success in your draft league isn’t normally found in the opening handful of rounds. Rather it’s where coaches discover diamonds in the rough towards the end of the draft. As draft day approaches for coaches, I decided to share who I think are every AFL clubs best UltimateFooty sliders

FYI: The average draft position (ADP)’s are taken from our friends, The Draft Doctors, and their current UltimateFooty mock draft simulator.

Lachlan Sholl | ADP 224

One of the biggest positive things that came from the 2020 season for Adelaide was Lachie Sholl’s emergence. He offers two key quality traits that the Adelaide midfield has been crying out for. That being outside speed and classy ball use by foot.

His round 17 performance against Carlton last season was a nice sampler of his potential. He had 24 possessions, 2 goals and scored an 89 ( 111 adjusted) in UltimateFooty.

In the preseason, he has won the Crows time trial and the coaching staff has been desperate to get him playing across the wing. As a defensive eligible option, hoping for an average of 75+ isn’t out of the equation.

Joe Daniher | ADP 204

It’s a theme that you’ll see across these sliders. Forwards suck, so I’m seeing if can we get some late potential value rather than burning an early pick. Joe Daniher has had a faultless preseason and is seemingly finally getting the best out of his body. His 2017 season averaging 84.7 is a long time ago now, but it does highlight his scoring potential.

Normally picks beyond 200 are just purely speculative picks with an upside that often end up back in the player pool. So given his proven performance, it’s well worth a late pick.

I wrote about Joe Daniher earlier in the preseason. Read his article from the 50 Most Relevant here.

Will Setterfield | ADP 182

How a player ends a season can be a great indicator of how the coming season will track. And for those who draft Will Setterfield this season, they’ll be hoping that this is true. Last year his season average of 67 (83 adjusted) was fine, but it’s his final 7 games that would have coaches interested.

Between round 11 til seasons end he scored 77 (96), 70 (87), 92 (115), 91(113), 54 (67), 86 (107) and 93 (116). That’s a seven game average of 80 (100 adjusted.) You’ll take scoring like that in the middle of the draft, let alone this late.

Isaac Quaynor | ADP 179

Despite only playing 11 games of AFL footy, Isaac Quaynor has started to show promising signs. Both as a rebounding defender and as a fantasy footballer.

In round 14 against Carlton, he had 20 possessions, 5 marks, 5 tackles, and 84 (105 adjusted) in UltimateFooty. A fortnight later, against the Suns, delivered a 76 (95 adjusted).

It’s a small sample size, but the upside is there. Plus, Collingwood have always been a highly relevant and high scoring fantasy side.

Dyson Heppell | ADP 195

Don’t expect a return to the 100+ averages from Dyson Heppell. 2018 was the last time he delivered numbers that high, and while it’s not that long ago, alot has happened in those 2 seasons. Both on the injury front, and the players added to the Bombers midfield unit

Rather, the big potential value in Dyson is around an impending DPP allocation. In the offseason, Heppell has been training with the defenders, and the club wants the ball in his hands rebounding out of the defensive 50. If he picks up this allocation, he moves from being just ‘bench cover’ as a 75-85 midfielder to being an on-field D3/D4.

I wrote about Dyson Heppell earlier in the preseason. Read his article from the 50 Most Relevant here.

Hayden Young | ADP 242

5 games of AFL is a super small sample size, but in round 4 & 5 last year, Hayden Young owners would’ve spotted something special. His booming left boot returned scored 77 (96 adjusted) and 58 (72).

The dockers loved getting the ball in his hands and allowing him to set up the play with pinpoint precision. I think he’ll take another step towards fulfilling his fantasy potential, which will ultimately culminate in him being a long term premium for us in time.

Shaun Higgins | ADP 145

If your draft league has positional changes on, then Shaun Higgins is a must consider. His move to Geelong has him earmarked for the forward role previously held down by Gary Ablett.

At best, he gains a MID/FWD DPP and averages in the ’80s, making him a strong F2. At worst, he maintains a heavy midfield role, and he averages 90+. You really can’t lose.

Noah Anderson | ADP 197

It’s a rare talent that can bust out of the second year Blues. But it wouldn’t shock me at all to see Noah Anderson join the club and do it. In his final 4 games of the year, he averaged 71.5 (89 adjusted). Noah possesses both a damaging inside and outside game which makes him a perfect fantasy performer. He might not pop in 2021, but he’s as good a chance as anyone at a second year breakout.

Isaac Cumming | ADP 207

You could probably put Lachie Ash in this spot too. If you get the chance to handcuff them together, it should increase the pick delivery chances.

The GWS Giants defensive unit has undergone an offseason overhaul, with Heath Shaw, Aiden Corr and Zac Williams departing the club. This opens up plenty of opportunities for the talented youngster. Isaac uses the ball well by hand and foot & has a high footy IQ. Certainly someone with upside late in a draft.

Liam Shiels | ADP 205

I’m all for looking for ‘upside’ late in drafts, but sometimes in the hunt for the one in a thousand breakouts (aka Luke McDonald), we ignore other solid options. Liam Shiels has been a consistent performer over numerous seasons and has also shown that he can punch out some tasty tons in the right match.

Last seasons 67.7 average (84 adjusted) isn’t horrid. While the three seasons prior, he averaged 91, 97 & 95. Getting potential numbers like that in the 20th round of a draft is a steal. He’s certainly worth the pick as some bench depth, if nothing else.

James Harmes | ADP 160

As each day passes, the earlier it seems James Harmes is going in drafts. Why? Because the experiment of him playing in the backline is over. And the club has confirmed that he’ll return to the midfield. Just 12 months ago, he was coming off a 2019 season wherein the midfield her averaged 94. If he delivers numbers like that, he’s a genuine D1 and getting picked up in drafts at a position of a D5.

Luke Davies-Uniacke | ADP 193

As a junior, Luke Davies-Uniacke drew comparisons to Carlton and West Coast champion Chris Judd. Sadly, injuries haven’t been kind over the past few seasons to the former first round pick.

Now fit, he’s finally firing and ready to establish himself in the North midfield. LDU is an explosive midfielder and has elite stoppage traits. If it all clicks for him, he can push an average of 85-95.

Xavier Duursma | ADP 253

All the preseason hype is head towards both Zak Butters and Connor Rozee. And understandably so. However, I think coaches forget about the scoring potential of Xavier Duursma. In his second AFL game, he scored 102, and across the remainder of his debut season, he scored another ton plus an additional four scores between 90-99.

The third year breakout rule is in effect for the archer, and given his ADP, the potential upside is insane. He goes from being possible last selected players, to being an on field midfielder.

Toby Nankervis | ADP 169

The knee injury to Ivan Soldo means the Tigers will likely leave Toby Nankervis as a sole ruck for the season, with various talls playing a supporting role. In 2017 & 2018, when the Tigers adopted this strategy, Toby averaged 86 & 89 in AFLFantasy/DreamTeam and 88 & 98 in SuperCoach.

If you choose or are unable to get one of Brodie Grundy, Reilly O’Brien or Max Gawn in your draft, then getting Nank as a late pickup is a handy target.

Sebastian Ross | ADP 221

All it takes is for a couple of injuries in the St Kilda side, and the relevance of Seb Ross will bolt. While you’d never wish injuries on anyone, the Saints have their fair share of ‘injury prone’ midfielders. Recruit Brad Crouch and Dan Hannebery have missed plenty of footy over the last 3 seasons. Should either miss big chunks of this season, then Seb could well get pushed back into a core midfield role.

Between 2016-2019 he averaged 98, 102, 107 & 94. At this point of the draft, where he’s basically last picked in your team, there is now risk. And he doesn’t just have ‘potential’; he’s a proven performer. When looking for upside, the ‘proven’ is a better pick than the ‘potential’ scorer.

Lance Franklin | ADP 214

Are you a forward? And do you have the potential to score over 80? If so, coaches will consider you on draft day! The scoring history of Lance Franklin even at 1,000 years old isn’t the concern. Rather it’s on his durability. But at this point of the draft, it’s all upside.

I wrote about Lance Franklin earlier in the preseason. Read his article from the 50 Most Relevant here.

Luke Shuey | ADP 122

It isn’t a ‘flashy’ pick, nor is ita drastically ‘late’ pick. But given what Luke Shuey can do, it’d be a great get to get him even at his ADP on draft day. Before 2020, Luke was an incredibly durable player, and his scoring consistency was incredibly reliable.

Between 2015-2019 he missed just 6 games and averaged 93, 94, 99, 98, 87 & 101. You can put down his poor scoring of last year due to a few injury niggles and nothing more. A fit Shuey will become one of the best picks on the draft day given his return at this point in a draft.

Mitch Wallis | ADP 221

Thin pickings here, most dogs you want OK, draft coaches, you know it, but the forward stocks in 2021 suck. So it’s players with job security and scoring potential that can pop that we’re looking at later in the draft. The Bulldogs new Vice-Captain Mitch Wallis won’t get any midfield time, but he’s safely inside the Dogs best. However, because so much of his scoring is based on tackles and goals, if the Doggies can dominate the inside 50 game, he should turn in several 70-90+ scoring games.

UltimateFooty | Possible DPP Changes | Round 6

After rounds 3, 6 and 9 the drafting format of Ultimate Footy awards additional player positions to players that have had a role change in season. On Wednesday evening 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.

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Callum Ah Chee | Add Back

The former Gold Coast Sun Callum Ah Chee was brought into the Lions outfit to add some speed and class off half-back. Since breaking into the Brisbane side, he’s certainly delivered that. While an average of 49 doesn’t sound exciting, it still would place him as a potential depth player in your league.

James Harmes | Add Back

Was in contention in the last batch of DPP’s three weeks ago and has continued his role as part of the Melbourne defensive group. A top score of 64 and an average of 55 isn’t something you can field through your midfield, however, as a back could be enough to make it on your ground if not certainly be some defensive insurance.

James Aish | Add Centre

The move to Fremantle has seen the former Magpie become a crucial part of replacing Ed Langdon and Brad Hill. Playing predominantly as a winger James Aish is having a personal best season in terms of his relevance for draft coaches Currently as a back eligible player he’s ranked inside the top 20 for total points scored.

Christian Petracca | Add Centre

The breakout year of Christian Petracca is well and truly on! He’s currently ranked as the top-scoring forward this year for total points. One of the primary reasons behind the scoring boost has been a significant increase in his midfield role at Melbourne. Because of this, it’s a formality in my eyes that he’s awarded this new position.

Ben Keays | Add Centre

Since breaking into the Crows side, Ben Keays has found a role for himself playing as a tagger in the Adelaide midfield. His actual value is the fact that he’s forward eligible and has scored a 68, 72 and 59 in three of his last four outings. In most leagues that enough to consider placing on the field this year. Like anyone who gains a centre positional allocation it only ever enhances squad versatility, not player relevance.

Darcy Fort | Add Ruck

A pretty simple inclusion for the boffins at Ultimate Footy HQ. While it might be a but a very relevant one depending on the ruck stocks in your league. In the Geelong Cats ruck roulette, he’s the current flavour of the month. As such, he should be given the status given that when he has played in 2020 (four games), he’s been the ruckmen. A three-round average of 53 isn’t incredible, but as a bench cover, it’s not the worst.

Oscar Allen | Add Ruck

With Nic Naitanui taking the lead ruck role the Eagles have often used another tall as the relief ruck. West Coast turned to Oscar Allen to help bring some support. This year he’s averaging a career-high six hitouts a game and providing viable support to NicNat.

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Aaron Hall | Add Forward

The emergence of Jy Simpkin into the Roos midfield has limited the opportunities of some including Aaron Hall. He’s found himself while getting some midfield moments being used predominantly as a high half-forward option. As a centre, he’s not scoring amazing, but as a forward, it’s a different story. Four scores over 50 in the last five rounds including an 86 and a 79. If we were to add his current season averages and rank him against the existing forwards, he’d be sitting just the top 50 players. It would see him ahead of Luke Dahlhaus, Darcy Parish and Jack Steven who all would’ve been drafted miles ahead of him.

Dayne Zorko | Add Forward

Injury that saw him miss round three might be the thing that costs the Brisbane captain from picking up a position this last time around. Regardless, Dayne Zorko has had a drastic role change in 2020, spending the majority of time-based inside forward 50. In round one he attended 12 of a possible 26 centre bounces, while in round two it was 12 of 24. The Lions midfield is heavily centred around Lachie Neale, Jarryd Lyons and then a floating cast of thousands which includes Zorko, McCluggage, Berry and Rayner amongst others. Since coming back from injury he’s spent plenty of time inside forward 50 and will be a huge addition for his owners.

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