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.
12 players have gained an additional position. Five players have gained back status, 4 gaining centre, 0 new rucks and 3 have picked up forward status. Let’s look at who they are and the relevance to your draft sides and leagues.
Embed from Getty ImagesDyson Heppell | ADD BACK
Dyson Heppell missed getting DPP post round three because he missed the qualification of playing three games. Since then, the Essendon skipper has solidified this defensive role. His addition should be a huge boost for his owners, especially if they are running shallow in the backline and deep in the centre. Arguably this is one of the biggest DPP gains we get.
Miles Bergman | ADD BACK
The young forward has been redeveloped as a defender in the offseason and has shown he can get it done in defence at the elite level in his handful of games. He probably has more value to his owners as a forward, but the flexibility is helpful.
George Hewett | ADD BACK
An injury affected 10 last week doesn’t make his average (47) very pretty. But even before that, this midfielder turned defender has only had one good score all year. That was an 83 all the way back in round 1. If he can regain some midfield time, he might be worth a stash in deeper leagues. But not someone worth using a waiver selection one.
Shaun Burgoyne | ADD BACK
The 786 year old is still getting it done for the Hawks, but he seems to be well past his used by date for UF coaches. A top score of 59 and a seasonal average of 47 means that he shouldn’t be considered even with this new position.
Bailey Dale | ADD BACK
Bailey Dale has forged a role for himself as part of the Bulldogs defensive seven. He’s started to take some of the kick in duties from Caleb Daniel and is showing plenty of XFactor and class. It looks like Bevo has turned another mid/fwd into a centrepiece of the backline.
Embed from Getty ImagesLiam Duggan | ADD CENTRE
With Luke Shuey and Elliot Yeo missing plenty of games, the Eagles have given others greater midfield opportunities. Liam Duggan is one of a few Eagles that have taken the opportunity and as a result he picks up a new position.
Mark O’Connor | ADD CENTRE
The Cats have continued to use Mark O’Connor in a defensive midfield role over the past month. Despite picking up an injury last week, he did enough to earn centre status.
Zac Williams | ADD CENTRE
Nothing special, but the new blue Zac Williams is now a D/C. Like all ‘centre’ adds, it’s rarely going to benefit your on field scoring, rather just allow for greater squad versatility.
Chad Warner | ADD CENTRE
Chad Warner has already proven to be one of the best value for money picks of the season. He’s found himself at home as part of the Swans midfield group and was a walk up DPP addition for UF.
Embed from Getty ImagesMarc Murphy | ADD FORWARD
By name, this probably feels like a big inclusion, but on current points scoring, it’s not as exciting as one may hope. In his last 5, he’s averaging 72, and for the season, his top score is last weeks 84. All this to say, with many draft sides looking weak in the forward line, it’s nice to get a unrosterable centre now able to get back on the park. He’s still available in 28% of leagues.
Devon Smith | ADD FORWARD
His average of 73 as a centre is almost someone not worth rostering in most leagues, so he needs this new DPP to stay relevant. He now moves inside the top 50 forwards available in the game and can hopefully recapture some value for his owners.
His current role (heavy forward hence the DPP gain) isn’t seeing him score with ease. From 6 games, he’s had 4 scores under 69 and just the one ton. Helpful for his owners, but unless he can get back into the midfield, it might not be season defining.
Lachlan McNiel | ADD FORWARD
He’s averaging 39… Don’t got there! Just don’t! He’s in 8% of leagues, and that’s 8% too many!
Almost There
Jack Billings and Lachie Hunter were close to gaining additional positions, with them right in contention for forward status. At the same time, Brandon Ellis isn’t far off being back eligible. All three, amongst others, are in the mix for the round 9 additions.
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