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. At the conclusion of the round 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.
Embed from Getty ImagesJackson Hately | Add Back
He could be one of the significant gains should UltimateFooty allow this to happen. Jackson Hately has struggled for games at the Giants but over the past month has found himself more regularly inside the GWS side. While not playing exclusively across half-back, his time in a defensive role has drastically increased and his average of 56 moves from being irrelevant as a forward to a potential starter/bench option for backs.
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 his average 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.
Jay Lockhart | Add Back
Playing as a lockdown defender and only once score over 40. The DPP allocation is there, but his scoring isn’t. pass
Sam Mayes | Add Back
The former Lion has forced his way into the power side and in the past three weeks has looked at home across half back and up across the wings. An average of 66 including a season high score of 92 puts him right in the mix to sneak on field in most teams backlines. A handy DPP pick up if this is awarded.
Embed from Getty ImagesShai Bolton | Add Centre
The premiership Tiger has been increasing his midfield time every year. Now Shai Bolton has been forced to increase his time in the guts with injuries to Trent Cotchin, Josh Caddy and Shane Edwards choosing to stay home from the hubs. His value in keeper leagues has certainly increased because of it and is a more than handy forward in single-season leagues.
Cam Rayner | Add Centre
Another that for keeper leagues has drastically increased his relevance and value. The former #1 pick has developed his tank more this year to be able to push up more consistently up the ground and play significant time on the wing. Like Bolton, and any other player gaining centre it doesn’t add scoring to coaches sides, but rather flexibility.
Michael Gibbons | Add Centre
Last year the fantasy football community was hoping that the VFL midfielder star would get his chances in an undermanned Carlton midfield. It didn’t eventuate in 2019, but in 2020 ‘Gibbo’ has forced his way into the Carlton midfield and playing a significant support role to Patrick Cripps.
Matt Kennedy | Add Centre
Like his teammate above, Matt Kennedy is getting plenty of time through the Carlton midfield. He’s been a handy pick up off the waiver wire for astute coaches.
Embed from Getty ImagesOscar 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 career-high hitouts a game and providing viable support to NicNat.
Embed from Getty ImagesDayne Zorko | Add Forward
A few small niggling injuries might have been the thing that cost the Brisbane captain from picking up a position this previously. Regardless, Dayne Zorko has had a drastic role change in 2020, spending plenty of time-based inside forward 50. 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. While Zorko is still spending time in the midfield, it’s, without doubt, he’s inside the Lions forward 50 a lot. His season average of 66 isn’t astonishing, but scores of 72, 78 & 88 over the three weeks heading into round 9 is a definite scoring increase.
Rory Lobb | Add Forward
The Fremantle big man has spent the majority of the season playing a split role with Sean Darcy. What might not bode well is early in the season Rory Lobb was forced to ruck solo when Darcy went down injured. However, over the past month, it’s been much closer to a 50\50 split especially without Jesse Hogan playing up forward. Whether this split of time is enough in UltimateFooty’s eyes is enough will ultimately determine if he’s awarded DPP.
Rowan Marshall | Add Forward
The arrival of Paddy Ryder has seen his time in the ruck diminish from last season where he carried the load solo. Much like Lobb above, the percentage threshold is the only thing that might stop him getting forward status. He’s playing that role at times, but is it enough? If it is, it’ll be a massive addition as he’ll become atop ten averaging forward given his average of 74.
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.
