Tag: Liam Baker

UltimateFooty | Additional Positions for 2022 Revealed

Every year, UltimateFooty reveals an additional group of Dual Position players, which extends the changes handed down by champion data. Let’s take a look through the seventeen additional players and their relevance to your UltimateFooty Drafts.

Embed from Getty Images

ADD BACK

Luke McDonald

In 2021 Luke McDonald lost the monopoly share as the distributor out of the Kangaroos defence. Injuries disrupted his season to play just eleven matches and have his role float between the wing and the backline. With an average draft position of 76 last year, it was a disaster of a return from games played and an average of 68.

Many were hopeful of returning to the final eight games of the 2020 season in UltimateFooty. In the quarterback role, Luke was sensational. He averaged 88.2, including 123, 121, 118 and three 80+ scores. Remembering in 2020 ’80s were the new 100′ That’s a more than good performance.

Did Aaron Hall get the quarterback role by design? I’d propose it might not have been the original plan from North, but he indeed forced them into it with his success. Does an entire offseason of training see McDonald get back his share of the ball? If so, this could be a big watchlist moment for coaches. The addition of BACK status makes him relevant again on draft day and lowers the scoring bar to make him a rosterable play in 2022.

Nathan Murphy

One that might have more dynasty or keeper league coaches is the DPP addition to Nathan Murphy. He’s shown some promise in his limited games, but as the Magpies have committed to a full rebuild, he should be right in contention for a regular role. Unfortunately, right now, the UltimateFooty scoring hasn’t shown itself. An average of 45.9 and a personal best score of 70 doesn’t exactly set the world alight.

Josh Battle

He’s forward; then he’s back. He’s forward again and now back… again. St Kilda had thrown Josh Battle positionally around multiple times of the year. I think he looks more at home inside defensive 50. His average of 61. 6 isn’t great, but he does have some scoring capacity. Last season he had two scores of 90+ and an extra two games of 80+. Depending on the depth of squads or the number of coaches, his back/forward status might be a useful bench option.

Billy Frampton

Based on his seasonal average of 47, Billy Frampton won’t be someone that anyone will be looking for to draft in many leagues. The Crows tried to reinvent him as an intercepting defender, and his best scoring game in that role was a 77 against Essendon. At best, it’s a waiver-wire option; don’t use a pick on him. The only impact of getting back status is that he’ll be ineligible to gain ruck status. He’s third in line ruck behind Reilly O’Brien and Kieran Strauchan, so it’ll take some injuries for that to eventuate anyway.

Embed from Getty Images

ADD CENTRE

Liam Baker

This is a prime example of when gaining centre status is justified but irrelevant for UltimateFooty players. His average of 72.8 will make him someone’s D3 or D4 on draft day, but he’ll rarely be needed to play in your centre line. Of course, if the Tigers suffer another poor year of injury luck, he might get some additional midfield time, but if that eventuates, it’ll only benefit the coach that’s already playing him down back.

Trent Bianco

I rate Trent Bianco as a great talent to pursue in keeper or dynasty leagues. Despite averaging just 61 last season, it was the way he went about building his scoring that’s got coaches excited. He’s relevant in drafts as a late-round forward flyer. There’s been some discussion that Bianco is flagged as a potential option to run through the Magpies backline. If that eventuates, Bianco won’t be illegible for gaining that status.

Zak Butters

The addition of centre status is warranted to Zak Butters. It also feels like it’s the gain we knew we’d get during the season if it wasn’t allocated. He was a regular option in the midfield attending 30% of the power centre bounces in his games. His greatest value is a forward, where many forecast him to become an F1 option. However, this DPP is a valuable flexibility moment in your squad.

Jaidyn Stephenson

I could almost copy and paste the sentiments above for Butters for Jaidyen Stephenson. The classy and crafty player centre/forward split his season across the Kangaroo wings and inside 50. I love his scoring ceiling, and while he won’t be selected at last seasons average draft position of 138, he should still be a solid forward. The position gain will be a handy squad versatility move.

ADD RUCK

Mark Blicavs

I like the addition of Mark Blicavs into this line. His RUC/BACK status DPP will give coaches some flexibility through the ruck division and be another viable late option for those looming to ‘punt’ late on rucks in the draft. Furthermore, if you play in a category league or some other custom scoring elements, he could be a blinder selection given his ability to win intercept marks, spoils and hitouts.

Tristan Xerri

I have no desire to own Tristan Xerri in any draft league. He’s the fourth ruck in line at North behind Todd Goldstein, recruit Callum Coleman-Jones and midseason draftee Jacob Edwards. Things will be going bad at Arden Street if he’s the #1 ruck, and they’ll be going worse for your draft team if he’s someone you ever need to bring on your roster, let alone play.

Joel Amartey

In his first four games, Joel Amartey scores included a 70, 74 & 92. He certainly has scoring potential, but it’ll take some injuries to the Swans talls stocks for him to get games. Even more so with Peter Ladhams into the ruck/forward stocks. A waiver wire option if the Swans get some poor injury luck.

Embed from Getty Images

ADD FORWARD

Mabior Chol

Mabior Chol does have an insane highlight reel, but he’s not the most prominent scoring option that’s been awarded a new position. The new DPP adds greater value for the coach that does draft Jarrod Witts as their ruckmen. As a handcuff selection, Chol was always the prime target late on drafts day, but now as an R/F, he can also provide on-field cover as a forward if you require it. Last year he averaged 60, and I think at best he can add another five to eight points per game of scoring upside.

Jack Billings

One of arguably the two prominent inclusions from UltimateFooty in this preseason position updated. Jack Billings has long been a high half-forward who has also pushed up across St Kilda’s wings. Based on his average of 83.2, he cracks into the top dozen forwards based on 2021 averages. The addition of forward status makes him relevant as he moves from being an M7 to bench option in most leagues to a legitimate possibility of being an F1.

In 2021Billings started last year with a 100, 122, 80 & 97. Getting scoring trends like that in a weak forward division is a huge gain. Additionally, he has multiple years over his career where he’s a proven 85-95 average range performer. This is a significant inclusion from UltimateFooty! And I’m a big fan of it.

Brandan Parfitt

Brandan Parfitt isn’t one of the most recognizable ins as a new centre/forward based on name value. But based on his scoring power and the relatively low top end of forwards, he is a significant inclusion to the game. His seasonal average last year of 76.6 puts him ranked inside the top 25 forwards. Last season he scored three tons, plus four additional games of 90+.

Parfitt is the only Geelong midfielder not holding a pensions card, so his youthfulness and defensive workrate will be vital for the club’s hopes at another deep final push. This positional allocation moves him from a likely super late draft day pick to a viable F3. Indeed, one that’s cause for adjusting your forward rankings. It won’t shock me to see him head off draft boards as early as the second round.

Rowan Marshall

This is the big one from UltimateFooty! Adjust your draft rankings, ladies and gentlemen. The DPP of RUC/FWD is arguably one of the most valuable in the game. Rowan Marshall‘s average of 89.6 instantly makes him the #4 ranked forwards based on 2021 averages. He slides in just after the big three of Mitch Duncan, Josh Dunkley and Tim Taranto, who are possible top 20 selections on draft day. That in isolation is a solid number, but in the six games he played without Paddy Ryder, he averaged an increase to go at 103.7.

If by design or by necessity he gets more than a level share of the time in the ruck, Marshall could be one of the best decisions you make on draft day. Not just as a topline forward, but also with the flexibility of coverage in your ruck line. The ultimate WIN/WIN for any coach who owns him this year. It won’t shock me to see him head off draft boards as early as the second round. Monster positional gain added from UltimateFooty.

Deven Robertson

In keeper or dynasty leagues, coaches should have still been looking to hold onto Deven Robertson, but in single-season leagues as a centre only, he was a late pick up arguably at best. An average of 61 wasn’t exciting for many, but it’s layered with a few nice scores, including a career-high 93. it was injuries in 2021 that got him the opportunity in the best 22, and it’ll likely be injuries again that give him significant midfield minutes.

Still, he’s worth a later round selection as a forward, and an increase of 10-15 points per game would make him a viable F5.

Callum Ah Chee

Callum Ah Chee is an immensely talented player, but that hasn’t translated to UltimateFooty scoring. After a failed trial across halfback, the club moved him forward late in the year. However, with the return of Cam Rayner, he might struggle to get games. Regardless, a seasonal average of 41 and just one score over 60 means now position gain would add to his relevance.

I WANT MORE DPP’s

For 2021 yet again league commissioners will choose to allow (or not) for future DPP’s to be added into your league. After rounds 3, 6, 9, 12 & 15 we’ll bring to you exclusively the new DPP’s added to the game by UltimateFooty.

2022 LAUNCH DATE

No official launch date has been announced from UltimateFooty. Historically, the format has opened during the first week of February. After that, commissioners have an additional few days to get leagues set up and finalised before drafting can commence.

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.

Embed from Getty Images

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.

Become a Patron! Embed from Getty Images

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.

Embed from Getty Images

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.

UltimateFooty | Round 9 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.

14 players have gained an additional position. Five players have gained back status, three gaining centre, one new ruck and five have picked up forward status. Let’s look at who they are and the relevance to your draft sides and leagues.

Embed from Getty Images

Aaron Hall | ADD BACK

Not even Nostradamus saw the scoring volume coming from Aaron Hall in 2021! He, alongside skipper Jack Ziebell, is mopping up everything inside the Kangaroos defensive half. While based on his history, he feels like an injury risk for his coach every single week, the scoring he’s offering is sublime. His true relevance is scoring big as a forward eligible option, but the DPP addition does add some versatility for his owner. An easy addition for UF to make.

James Stewart | ADD BACK

He’s playing a role for the Bombers, but the role isn’t translating into scoring for UltimateFooty. Playing as a key position option in the bombers defense his top score of 43 is nowehere near worth considering as a pickup.

Jy Farrar | ADD BACK

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. Last week 9.8% of coaches dropped him back to the player pool, and I suspect another sub 50 score, even with a new DPP, will see a similar number of squad delistings. Pass!

Atu Bosenavulagi | ADD BACK

The former magpie forward has found a home inside a new loop Kangaroos backline. A simple addition for the team at UF, but not a highly relevant one. Before these DPP gains hit the system, we have 63 backs that are averaging 70 or more, while it’s just 54 in the forwards. Meaning, that right now, it’s harder to get a forward who could go 70 than a defender. If you weren’t one of the 9% of leagues that already own him, this DPP gain shouldn’t have changed your assessment of him.

Jack Sinclair | ADD BACK

Jack Sinclair getting back status is possibly less exciting than what it looked like in the preseason after scoring 112 in the AAMI Community Series. But with the saints trying to squeeze everyone into that midfield, Sinclair has been one of the players moved to the backline. A score of 102 plus two additional scores over 70 in his last five is solid enough to be picked up and added to your roster.

Embed from Getty Images

Dan Houston | 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 Dan Houston, the timing is additionally helpful for coaches who play through the bye rounds and might in some rounds be scampering for every available on field option.

Jack Crisp | ADD CENTRE

See comments above from Dan Houston!

Liam Baker | ADD CENTRE

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 was played heavily through the midfield last week and spent some weeks prior also higher up the ground. It looks like this was enough to give the premiership tiger a new DPP.

Embed from Getty Images

Caleb Graham | ADD RUCK

Here are a list of reasons for why you should consider picking up Caleb Graham

  1. You are Caleb Graham, and you’d like to own yourself!
  2. As coach, you are intentionally tanking your league results to benefit your own future draft position or annoy other league coaches.
  3. It’s a customised league that means you play with 2 rucks on the field plus bench cover. Meaning anyone playing with ruck status helps, and his weekly 40 points are the difference between having bench cover and no cover at all.

Other than these three reasons you should be steering clear.

Embed from Getty Images

Lachie Hunter | ADD FORWARD

By name value, this is probably the biggest addition to DPP stocks for this batch. Historically, Lachie Hunter has been a safe 90-100 performer over the years. But in 2021, he’s been squeezed out of the wing role instead of playing as a high end half-forward. He had an ADP of 39, so this is some respite for coaches who spent an early pick on him and have been getting a low return on investment. He moves now into the F1 or F2 spot for most coaches.

Callum Ah Chee | ADD FORWARD

From his 8 games in 2021, he’s scored over 50 in just 2 of these games. You don’t want that as a back or a forward. Pass!

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 consider for seasonal leagues, but in keepers, he might be worth a pick up depending on how many you can hold on your list.

Shaun Higgins | ADD FORWARD

Earlier in this article, I highlighted the lack of forwards who weekly are safe 70+ scoring options. With Shaun Higgins now added to the list, existing owners now have something to smile about. Shaun has filled the void left by the Goat Gary Ablett in the Cats forward line. With scores of 78 & 85 since returning from injury, he moves from a probable bench option as a centre to an on-field forward. He’s still available in 20% of leagues, and I expect this DPP gain, ownership, and value to owners to increase.

Chris Burgess | ADD FORWARD

One score over 60. Pass

UltimateFooty | Free Agency Pick Ups | Round 7

Each week I’ll bring you some names to consider for your Ultimate Footy side that will hopefully give you the edge you need. To be eligible, a player needs to be available as a free agent in at least 30% of Ultimate Footy leagues.

A short one this week as coaches seem to be getting better at finding these diamonds in the rough pushing their ownership up! A DPP at a top club who is yet to play this year gets a mention and so does a slimmed down Bomber whose centre bounce numbers will surprise you.

Embed from Getty Images

Defenders

Liam Baker – Richmond
% owned – 68%
2021 average – 67.7

If you forget about the round 1 performance against the Blues (a 25 from 78% game time), Baker has been quietly putting together a reasonable season at Tiger land. Just shy of 50 games, Baker has well and truly locked down a spot in this strong Richmond side having only missed one game last year and playing every game so far in 2021. He stood up in a tough loss on the weekend recording a career best 27 disposals and an impressive 7 marks in the wet. Averaging 93 in his last two, Baker should only get better from here.

Become a Patron! Embed from Getty Images

Midfield

Marc Murphy – Carlton
% owned – 69%
2021 average – 69

This is a stretch but the absence of any other solid midfield options means I have had to get creative. Now in his football twilight years, Carlton’s former captain is down on his career averages across the board playing in an unfamiliar role forward of the centre. He hasn’t quite taken to the role just yet but at least in recent weeks has started hitting the scoreboard to help boost his fantasy scoring.

A couple of 80’s in the last few weeks isn’t much to get excited about as a midfield option but, there is a chance he will receive forward status in the upcoming DPP changes. The other bit of upside is the fact that Carlton are struggling in the win/loss column, and the masses are getting restless. The Blues may not persist with this forward line experiment for the whole season which would see Murphy back into a midfield/wing role which would almost certainly help his scoring.

Embed from Getty Images

Forward

Sam Powell-Pepper
% owned – 66%
2021 average – yet to play

This is year 5 for Port Adelaide’s young midfield bull and after 4 seasons of averages in the 70’s, many have been wondering if this is the year Powell-Pepper will add 10-15 points to his scoring average. A broken hand and some time away from the club has meant SPP is yet to feature in the senior side this season and we aren’t any closer to knowing if this will be a breakout year. He has been back at the club for a few weeks now and dominated in the SANFL on the weekend with a 34 disposal, 8 tackle performance. If he gets named this week, his dual position status as a MID/FWD makes him worth a punt.

Jake Stringer – Essendon
% owned – 64%
2021 average – 67.5

Despite having an injury interrupted pre-season that saw him miss the first two rounds, Stringer has been reasonably consistent this season. Apart from a stinker in wet conditions in a big loss to Brisbane, he has scored 70s in every other game.

The former Bulldog slimmed down in the off season to allow him to play more midfield minutes and this has come into fruition as he has attended 72 out of a possible 95 centre bounces this season (minus the Brisbane game). In fact, he attended more centre bounces than any other Bomber on Anzac Day and this, combined with his known prowess in front of goals, makes him a very interesting watch.

Marsh Community Series Review | Magpies Vs Tigers

It was a warm 32 degree day with gusty winds at the infamous Norm Minns Oval in Wangaratta. The Tigers were without Dusty, Cotchin, Houli, Tommy Lynch, Riewoldt and Edwards. Whilst the Pies had Grundy, Pendles, Sidebottom, Moore and Howe missing. Was a good hit-out for both teams, low tackling affair where the Pies had it pretty much on their terms before running out 40 point winners.

Adam Treloar:

The biggest and the most unfortunate story was Adam going down late with what appeared to be a mid-low grade hammy which puts him in serious doubt for Round 1 action. With scans on the way it may be best to find a replacement. And if he misses Round 1, he’ll be super unique going into Round 2.

Read our full preseason take on him from the 50 Most Relevant Series here.

Darcy Cameron:

Rookie Fwd/Ruc Did everything possible to put his name in contention for Round 1. A ratio of 11:1 from 12 disposals with 10 contested, 2 goals and 4 tackles is what really sets apart the men from the boys. Finished the day on a game high 127 SC points.

Jack Crisp:

The reliable and durable defender got amongst it early with 28 disposals and 12 marks, went at a high 1.6 AF points per minute before resting late.

Read our full preseason take on him from the 50 Most Relevant Series here.

John Noble:

Rookie defender racked them up at will sweeping across half back with 23 possessions, all but 3 uncontested. One to watch again in M2.

Mark Keane:

Rookie Irish defender who had 14 with 10 intercepts, May not make Round 1 but one that could get some games in season.

Jay Rantall:

Rookie mid with basketball background, was injected into the game in the last quarter. Racked up 9 disposals and looked a lively type.

Chris Mayne:

One for the draft or keeper league enthusiast, does a lot right and knows how to score in fantasy, 31 disposals with 10 marks./

Liam Baker:

Started his career as a forward but is fast turning into a slippery fast defender, had 30 with 12 contested.

Marlion Pickett:

Rookie mid who will be in all good fantasy teams this year, only had the 14 but looked really good, took the 1st clearance of the day, and gave De Goey a big bump early. He’ll be a whole lot better with the big guns back on board too.

Read our full preseason take on him from the 50 Most Relevant Series here.

Riley Collier Dawkins:

Rookie mid who started slow and couldn’t quite get into the tempo of the game. With spots limited it’s fair to say he may have given up ground to other contenders for Round 1. Will need a huge M2 game.

Callum Coleman Jones:

Rookie ruc/fwd, didn’t get a lot of it but what he did get was quality, soon enough he’ll be pushing for one of those ruck spots, can play.

Sydney Stack:

The type who loves to get involved, a very decent late draft pickup as a defender Just be aware it is M1, and plenty of quality was out in this game, you can never read much into Marsh Round 1