AFL Fantasy Football: First Year Players
For another Friday Fantasy Football Feature, here is a look at what to expect with the new players in AFL. First year players are often the cheapest to add to your AFL fantasy teams, and if you have a couple of them on your bench at the start of the season you can benefit from that. You get more money to spend on other players, the value of your first year players will nearly always increase, and many of them will have games during the year with solid fantasy statistics.
Like many of the fantasy players, an injury or two on their AFL team can change the role and playing time of a first year player. If Richardson gets hurt then Riewoldt could be a star, if Ottens misses some games then Hawkins could have the forward line all to himself, and if injuries again hit the Saints onballers then Armitage could go from a fantasy bench player to a big star.
Good fantasy players don't have to be good AFL players, and sometimes the worse their team is the better the young player will perform in fantasy. When choosing a young player to sign for fantasy, you want a player on a team that needs to play their youth, a rebuilding team like Carlton or Brisbane has to play most of their draft picks to develop them while a contending team, the Eagles or Swans for example, will be going with their veterans for most of the season, unless injuries hit.
Good first year fantasy players are also more likely to be playing in an overlooked role. A half back flanker is often a great position for fantasy numbers. Even a midfield player who doesn't play all game could be better for fantasy than a key position player who has more playing time. While ruckmen can often change the result of a game, in fantasy leagues their contribution doesn't get measured as well by stats, and this is even more evident with young ruckmen.
You can follow the AFL Insider fantasy team when the season starts, and you can expect to see Gibbs picked for the midfield, someone like Urquhart picked as a defender and maybe Riewoldt, Thorp or Hansen on the fantasy bench as well.
Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
Gibbs could be on most fantasy teams next season. If the fantasy leagues follow their usual procedure and put a low price on all the new players then Gibbs will be a steal. He should play every game for Carlton next season.
Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
Essendon have plenty of veteran talls that they will play ahead of him. But if Lucas is out then Gumbleton might be worth a spot on your fantasy team.
Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
When filling out your AFL fantasy team you want one or two of the cheapest players on your bench at each position. Hansen could be a good investment as he is capable of getting a lot of marks and possessions, and the Kangaroos will play him a lot.
Brisbane: Matthew Leuenberger
Unlikely to help fantasy teams next season.
Port Adelaide: Travis Boak
They drafted him very early so you would expect the Power to play him next season.
Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
Will be a star fantasy player, but maybe not next season. Could be a player who in fantasy is rated as a forward but he might have the stats of a midfielder.
Geelong: Joel Selwood
Selwood would be a good player to have on your fantasy bench.
Collingwood: Ben Reid
Not this year. But should be a fantasy superstar in the future.
St Kilda: David Armitage
It is usually a good move to sign a midfielder for your fantasy team if they were a first round pick. But the Saints will get back Hayes, and also added Birss to their midfield for next season. Armitage is still worth signing, but Gibbs is a much better option if their price is the same.
Collingwood: Nathan Brown
An injury to Rocca or Clement and Brown will get a chance.
Western Bulldogs: Andrejs Everitt
Forget about Everitt for fantasy leagues for at least a couple of years.
Melbourne: James Frawley
Maybe in a year or two.
Richmond: Jack Riewoldt
Could be a solid player for them, and cheap in fantasy AFL leagues.
Adelaide: James Sellar
The Crows will play him next season, but unless he is playing a lot of minutes on the field there is no need to put him in your fantasy team.
Sydney: Daniel O'Keefe
Has the makings of a good fantasy player, gets plenty of statistics, but might not have a lot of opportunities next season for Sydney.
West Coast: Mitchell Brown
If Lynch is out then maybe Brown will get a chance.
Carlton: Sean Hampson
Ruckman don't usually help fantasy teams, and Hampson will need a few years development time anyway.
Essendon: Leroy Jetta
Not sure if he will be playing in the early rounds, they might wait a bit as some of their other picks are more ready to play. But for fantasy he could have some value when he does play.
Carlton: Shaun Grigg
If he is position eligible as a forward, but Carlton play him a lot in the midfield then he could be a really good fantasy player. Carlton finished last, delisted a lot of players who played senior football last season, there should be a spot for Grigg on their team.
Essendon: Tom Hislop
There is no reason why he can't play every game for Essendon next season, if he does then fantasy teams that added him early in the season will benefit.
Kangaroos: Gavin Urquhart
Makepeace provided useful fantasy numbers last season, his role could be taken by Urquhart next season. Urquhart could be a good defender on your fantasy bench next season.
Brisbane: Albert Proud
Definitely worth adding to your bench. Could play most, if not all, of the games next season.
Port Adelaide: Paul Stewart
Won't do a lot in 2007.
Hawthorn: Brent Renouf
A player for the future, as Renouf could be eligible as a ruckmen in fantasy but be played as a defender with better stats on the field. Petrie was an example of that in fantasy last season, he could be played as a ruckman in your team but then the Kangaroos played him loose across half back and he had a lot of the ball.
Geelong: Nathan Djerrkura
If Djerrkura gets a chance early in 2007 he might hold his spot in the Geelong team all year. He could be a defender for his fantasy position, but he could get the stats of a midfielder.
Richmond: Shane Edwards
Is a chance to play next season and fantasy managers should be aware if he is promoted to the Richmond AFL side. Richmond have had a few first year players who have been good for fantasy teams.
St Kilda: Brad Howard
The Saints have plenty of other midfielders to play before him.
Collingwood: Chris Dawes
Is out injured for 2007.
West Coast: Eric MacKenzie
He is a pick for the future and won't be seeing much action in 2007.
Melbourne: Ricky Petterd
Nathan Jones had some solid fantasy numbers last season, if Petterd does get a chance to play next season his stats could be similar.
Fremantle: Clayton Collard
Might have played more on another team, but Collard won't have enough playing time with the Dockers for fantasy stats next season.
Adelaide: Kurt Tippett
Bigs usually take longer to develop. But maybe Adelaide need him in the goalsquare so if they do play him, and he kicks goals, then he will help fantasy teams.
Hawthorn: Jarryd Morton
Won't do a lot next season.
Brisbane: Chris Schmidt
Could be a surprise player next season and for fantasy leagues his value could rapidly go up if he gets some early games.
Carlton: Mark Austin
Can't see a role for him there unless injuries hit.
Essendon: Alwyn Davey
Aaron was a very productive fantasy player last season, Alwyn could be a good player to sign for a low price next season.
Kangaroos: Todd Goldstein
Is behind several other ruckmen there so he won't play many games, if any next season.
Brisbane: James Hawksley
Might depend on the health of players like Lappin and Roe, but Hawksley might play a bit.
Port Adelaide: Nathan Krakouer
Is a player for the future there, and in fantasy his impact is also a few years away.
Hawthorn: Josh Kennedy
Birchall was a good fantasy player when the Hawks introduced him to their team last season, Kennedy should be even better.
Geelong: Tom Hawkins
Will be worth signing for fantasy AFL. If he is among the low-priced first year players then he will be a great asset on your bench. While usually the first year key forwards don't contribute to fantasy teams, Hawkins should be an exception to that.
Essendon: Bachar Houli
Is physically ready so the Bombers might play him sometimes, but not a good option for fantasy teams.
West Coast: Tim Houlihan
Not this season.
Collingwood: Brad Dick
Won't play a lot.
Western Bulldogs: Brennan Stack
Was picked for the future.
Melbourne: Colin Garland
Is a few years away.
Essendon: Kyle Reimers
Essendon have better options this season.
Adelaide: David MacKay
Maybe in season 2008.
Sydney: Daniel Currie
Won't play next season.
West Coast: Will Schofield
Unless Glass, Graham, MacKenzie and Brown are all out injured there won't be a spot for Schofield in their AFL side.
Carlton: Clint Benjamin
Definitely worth a look for your fantasy team.
Fremantle: Brock O'Brien
The Dockers have too much depth for O'Brien to play enough for fantasy consideration.
Kangaroos: Lindsay Thomas
They need his style of play so he should get some games, and he has the potential for plenty of possessions too.
Brisbane: Matt Tyler
The Lions are rebuilding and will play most of their list, but Tyler won't be useful for fantasy teams.
Port Adelaide: Robert Gray
Might play if Ebert is out.
Hawthorn: Garry Moss
If Mitchell is out then Moss could get time in the middle.
Geelong: Simon Hogan
Geelong have other options ahead of him for the midfield.
Richmond: Daniel Connors
An injury or two and Connors could be a big part of the Tigers midfield.
St Kilda Jarryd Allen
Drafted late but could be a surprise next season. But won't get a lot of stats.
Richmond Carl Peterson
Might not play AFL next season.
Western Bulldogs: Josh Hill
Won't make an impact next season.
Melbourne: Isack Weetra
A pick for the future, nothing expected next season.
Collingwood: Tyson Goldsack
Won't do a lot next year.
Adelaide: Nick Gill
An older player and the Crows will use him next season. Could be useful as a cheap fantasy forward.
Sydney: Peter Faulks
Won't play.
Western Bulldogs: Malcolm Lynch
Several years away.
Carlton: Joe Anderson
Could be given a run as Carlton need help in the backline.
Kangaroos: Ben Warren
Won't see much action next season.
Brisbane: Sam Sheldon
A year or two away.
Port Adelaide: Justin Westhoff
Power have other young forwards to play instead of him.
Richmond: Andrew Collins
Won't play a lot.
St Kilda: Matthew Ferguson
He had 0 fantasy points last season, won't do much more this time.
Western Bulldogs: Paul O'Shea
Very young player, won't play.
Fremantle: Calib Mourish
Not for a year or two.
Adelaide: Bryce Campbell
An older player so if injuries hit the Crows' smalls then Campbell might play.
Sydney: Jesse White
Might play but won't get big fantasy numbers.
West Coast: James Thomson
West Coast are loaded with talent and Thomson won't get a chance this season.
Kangaroos: Aaron Edwards
The Kangaroos might use him to replace Rocca's stats, but in fantasy leagues Edwards could be half the price that Saverio was. Edwards will be a player to watch and might be useful in fantasy AFL. If Thompson misses games then Edwards could really produce in fantasy.
Port Adelaide: Ryan Williams
Unlikely to play.
Port Adelaide: David Rodan
He is ready if needed, but they have a lot of small forwards on their list.
Like many of the fantasy players, an injury or two on their AFL team can change the role and playing time of a first year player. If Richardson gets hurt then Riewoldt could be a star, if Ottens misses some games then Hawkins could have the forward line all to himself, and if injuries again hit the Saints onballers then Armitage could go from a fantasy bench player to a big star.
Good fantasy players don't have to be good AFL players, and sometimes the worse their team is the better the young player will perform in fantasy. When choosing a young player to sign for fantasy, you want a player on a team that needs to play their youth, a rebuilding team like Carlton or Brisbane has to play most of their draft picks to develop them while a contending team, the Eagles or Swans for example, will be going with their veterans for most of the season, unless injuries hit.
Good first year fantasy players are also more likely to be playing in an overlooked role. A half back flanker is often a great position for fantasy numbers. Even a midfield player who doesn't play all game could be better for fantasy than a key position player who has more playing time. While ruckmen can often change the result of a game, in fantasy leagues their contribution doesn't get measured as well by stats, and this is even more evident with young ruckmen.
You can follow the AFL Insider fantasy team when the season starts, and you can expect to see Gibbs picked for the midfield, someone like Urquhart picked as a defender and maybe Riewoldt, Thorp or Hansen on the fantasy bench as well.
Carlton: Bryce Gibbs
Gibbs could be on most fantasy teams next season. If the fantasy leagues follow their usual procedure and put a low price on all the new players then Gibbs will be a steal. He should play every game for Carlton next season.
Essendon: Scott Gumbleton
Essendon have plenty of veteran talls that they will play ahead of him. But if Lucas is out then Gumbleton might be worth a spot on your fantasy team.
Kangaroos: Lachlan Hansen
When filling out your AFL fantasy team you want one or two of the cheapest players on your bench at each position. Hansen could be a good investment as he is capable of getting a lot of marks and possessions, and the Kangaroos will play him a lot.
Brisbane: Matthew Leuenberger
Unlikely to help fantasy teams next season.
Port Adelaide: Travis Boak
They drafted him very early so you would expect the Power to play him next season.
Hawthorn: Mitchell Thorp
Will be a star fantasy player, but maybe not next season. Could be a player who in fantasy is rated as a forward but he might have the stats of a midfielder.
Geelong: Joel Selwood
Selwood would be a good player to have on your fantasy bench.
Collingwood: Ben Reid
Not this year. But should be a fantasy superstar in the future.
St Kilda: David Armitage
It is usually a good move to sign a midfielder for your fantasy team if they were a first round pick. But the Saints will get back Hayes, and also added Birss to their midfield for next season. Armitage is still worth signing, but Gibbs is a much better option if their price is the same.
Collingwood: Nathan Brown
An injury to Rocca or Clement and Brown will get a chance.
Western Bulldogs: Andrejs Everitt
Forget about Everitt for fantasy leagues for at least a couple of years.
Melbourne: James Frawley
Maybe in a year or two.
Richmond: Jack Riewoldt
Could be a solid player for them, and cheap in fantasy AFL leagues.
Adelaide: James Sellar
The Crows will play him next season, but unless he is playing a lot of minutes on the field there is no need to put him in your fantasy team.
Sydney: Daniel O'Keefe
Has the makings of a good fantasy player, gets plenty of statistics, but might not have a lot of opportunities next season for Sydney.
West Coast: Mitchell Brown
If Lynch is out then maybe Brown will get a chance.
Carlton: Sean Hampson
Ruckman don't usually help fantasy teams, and Hampson will need a few years development time anyway.
Essendon: Leroy Jetta
Not sure if he will be playing in the early rounds, they might wait a bit as some of their other picks are more ready to play. But for fantasy he could have some value when he does play.
Carlton: Shaun Grigg
If he is position eligible as a forward, but Carlton play him a lot in the midfield then he could be a really good fantasy player. Carlton finished last, delisted a lot of players who played senior football last season, there should be a spot for Grigg on their team.
Essendon: Tom Hislop
There is no reason why he can't play every game for Essendon next season, if he does then fantasy teams that added him early in the season will benefit.
Kangaroos: Gavin Urquhart
Makepeace provided useful fantasy numbers last season, his role could be taken by Urquhart next season. Urquhart could be a good defender on your fantasy bench next season.
Brisbane: Albert Proud
Definitely worth adding to your bench. Could play most, if not all, of the games next season.
Port Adelaide: Paul Stewart
Won't do a lot in 2007.
Hawthorn: Brent Renouf
A player for the future, as Renouf could be eligible as a ruckmen in fantasy but be played as a defender with better stats on the field. Petrie was an example of that in fantasy last season, he could be played as a ruckman in your team but then the Kangaroos played him loose across half back and he had a lot of the ball.
Geelong: Nathan Djerrkura
If Djerrkura gets a chance early in 2007 he might hold his spot in the Geelong team all year. He could be a defender for his fantasy position, but he could get the stats of a midfielder.
Richmond: Shane Edwards
Is a chance to play next season and fantasy managers should be aware if he is promoted to the Richmond AFL side. Richmond have had a few first year players who have been good for fantasy teams.
St Kilda: Brad Howard
The Saints have plenty of other midfielders to play before him.
Collingwood: Chris Dawes
Is out injured for 2007.
West Coast: Eric MacKenzie
He is a pick for the future and won't be seeing much action in 2007.
Melbourne: Ricky Petterd
Nathan Jones had some solid fantasy numbers last season, if Petterd does get a chance to play next season his stats could be similar.
Fremantle: Clayton Collard
Might have played more on another team, but Collard won't have enough playing time with the Dockers for fantasy stats next season.
Adelaide: Kurt Tippett
Bigs usually take longer to develop. But maybe Adelaide need him in the goalsquare so if they do play him, and he kicks goals, then he will help fantasy teams.
Hawthorn: Jarryd Morton
Won't do a lot next season.
Brisbane: Chris Schmidt
Could be a surprise player next season and for fantasy leagues his value could rapidly go up if he gets some early games.
Carlton: Mark Austin
Can't see a role for him there unless injuries hit.
Essendon: Alwyn Davey
Aaron was a very productive fantasy player last season, Alwyn could be a good player to sign for a low price next season.
Kangaroos: Todd Goldstein
Is behind several other ruckmen there so he won't play many games, if any next season.
Brisbane: James Hawksley
Might depend on the health of players like Lappin and Roe, but Hawksley might play a bit.
Port Adelaide: Nathan Krakouer
Is a player for the future there, and in fantasy his impact is also a few years away.
Hawthorn: Josh Kennedy
Birchall was a good fantasy player when the Hawks introduced him to their team last season, Kennedy should be even better.
Geelong: Tom Hawkins
Will be worth signing for fantasy AFL. If he is among the low-priced first year players then he will be a great asset on your bench. While usually the first year key forwards don't contribute to fantasy teams, Hawkins should be an exception to that.
Essendon: Bachar Houli
Is physically ready so the Bombers might play him sometimes, but not a good option for fantasy teams.
West Coast: Tim Houlihan
Not this season.
Collingwood: Brad Dick
Won't play a lot.
Western Bulldogs: Brennan Stack
Was picked for the future.
Melbourne: Colin Garland
Is a few years away.
Essendon: Kyle Reimers
Essendon have better options this season.
Adelaide: David MacKay
Maybe in season 2008.
Sydney: Daniel Currie
Won't play next season.
West Coast: Will Schofield
Unless Glass, Graham, MacKenzie and Brown are all out injured there won't be a spot for Schofield in their AFL side.
Carlton: Clint Benjamin
Definitely worth a look for your fantasy team.
Fremantle: Brock O'Brien
The Dockers have too much depth for O'Brien to play enough for fantasy consideration.
Kangaroos: Lindsay Thomas
They need his style of play so he should get some games, and he has the potential for plenty of possessions too.
Brisbane: Matt Tyler
The Lions are rebuilding and will play most of their list, but Tyler won't be useful for fantasy teams.
Port Adelaide: Robert Gray
Might play if Ebert is out.
Hawthorn: Garry Moss
If Mitchell is out then Moss could get time in the middle.
Geelong: Simon Hogan
Geelong have other options ahead of him for the midfield.
Richmond: Daniel Connors
An injury or two and Connors could be a big part of the Tigers midfield.
St Kilda Jarryd Allen
Drafted late but could be a surprise next season. But won't get a lot of stats.
Richmond Carl Peterson
Might not play AFL next season.
Western Bulldogs: Josh Hill
Won't make an impact next season.
Melbourne: Isack Weetra
A pick for the future, nothing expected next season.
Collingwood: Tyson Goldsack
Won't do a lot next year.
Adelaide: Nick Gill
An older player and the Crows will use him next season. Could be useful as a cheap fantasy forward.
Sydney: Peter Faulks
Won't play.
Western Bulldogs: Malcolm Lynch
Several years away.
Carlton: Joe Anderson
Could be given a run as Carlton need help in the backline.
Kangaroos: Ben Warren
Won't see much action next season.
Brisbane: Sam Sheldon
A year or two away.
Port Adelaide: Justin Westhoff
Power have other young forwards to play instead of him.
Richmond: Andrew Collins
Won't play a lot.
St Kilda: Matthew Ferguson
He had 0 fantasy points last season, won't do much more this time.
Western Bulldogs: Paul O'Shea
Very young player, won't play.
Fremantle: Calib Mourish
Not for a year or two.
Adelaide: Bryce Campbell
An older player so if injuries hit the Crows' smalls then Campbell might play.
Sydney: Jesse White
Might play but won't get big fantasy numbers.
West Coast: James Thomson
West Coast are loaded with talent and Thomson won't get a chance this season.
Kangaroos: Aaron Edwards
The Kangaroos might use him to replace Rocca's stats, but in fantasy leagues Edwards could be half the price that Saverio was. Edwards will be a player to watch and might be useful in fantasy AFL. If Thompson misses games then Edwards could really produce in fantasy.
Port Adelaide: Ryan Williams
Unlikely to play.
Port Adelaide: David Rodan
He is ready if needed, but they have a lot of small forwards on their list.
