There is just over a month to go before the SuperCoach AFL fantasy competition is to begin. Using the statistics, estimated values and the rules of SuperCoach a preview of a possible fantasy lineup will be posted.
A possible starting forward line.
Matthew Pavlich: One of the best in the AFL and is up the top for fantasy points too. Tarrant isn't expected to be played too close, so the forward line should be open with Pavlich the focal point. Goals, contested marks, lots of possessions for a key position player, Pavlich can get stats in many different categories.
Barry Hall: Adding Everitt should not hurt his stats so Hall should continue to be an elite AFL fantasy forward. He doesn't just mark and goal, he is a very good passer of the ball and even enjoys a tackle, that all adds up to a lot of fantasy points.
Nick Riewoldt: Should continue to be one of the best fantasy players who plays a key position. All players are a risk in fantasy when it comes to injuries, so no need to avoid Riewoldt after his minor hamstring strain.
Cameron Bruce: His fantasy price goes up and down a bit so he could be one of the higher priced players or he could be a bit cheaper and more affordable. Has plenty of the ball and uses it well, he also can kick goals so he gets fantasy points in many areas.
Sean Rusling: Fantasy steals are the players who suddenly have a much bigger role with more playing time and statistics, Rusling had some good games last season and now the Magpies are without Tarrant. Rusling should be a big improver, and a player whose fantasy value will go up.
Nathan Ablett: If you are going to sign the younger Ablett then get him early as there will be no Steve Johnson for the first month or so and Hawkins may not be ready to go too. This could be the season when N Ablett really establishes himself so if you get him early your fantasy team will get the benefits.
Jack Riewoldt: This will depend on his NAB Cup form as well as how much money is left to spend under the fantasy team salary cap. If you have more money left when putting together your team you can go with a more expensive veteran option. But if there is only room for a minimum-cost player then J Riewoldt might be a good buy, Kingsley and Schulz are not having the best preseason so far and J Riewoldt might be a better player than them anyway. He has already played VFL football so the Tigers shouldn't have any problem with putting him on the field for round 1.
B D Mundy
B L Whitnall
B B Goddard
B C Cornes
B L Hodge
B A Proud
B L Hansen
C C Judd
C A Goodes
C S Thompson
C B Gibbs
R D Cox
R D Hille
R R Campbell
R D Petrie
F M Pavlich
F B Hall
F N Riewoldt
F C Bruce
F S Rusling
F N Ablett
F J Riewoldt
There is just over a month to go before the SuperCoach AFL fantasy competition is to begin. Using the statistics, estimated values and the rules of SuperCoach a preview of a possible fantasy lineup will be posted.
A possible starting ruck group.
Dean Cox: Covers the ground and gets statistics everywhere, that separates him from other fantasy ruckmen. He doesn't have a big challenge when it comes to minutes, Seaby just gives Cox a couple of minutes rest every quarter, so Cox should continue to be a great fantasy player.
David Hille: Maybe he has a changed role, as Sheedy could give Laycock or even Gumbleton some time in the ruck, but the more likely idea is Sheedy goes with his veterans and that means Hille plays as much as he wants. Hille is an above average ruckmen for fantasy AFL. Hille can also get forward and with a few goals as well as other stats his fantasy numbers add up.
Robert Campbell: Logic says he should be even better in 2007, he isn't sharing time with Everitt and now with Max Bailey out for the year there has to be a huge amount of playing time for Campbell. If he is at a similar price to last season then he is a bargain.
Drew Petrie: Will be a steal if you can play him in the ruck for fantasy but he is spending most of his time floating around half back for the Kangaroos. But if he is at full back, with Hansen at centre half back, then Petrie won't be as good. What they do with Watt and Brown could influence where Petrie is played. But when the official positions for AFL fantasy are announced then maybe Petrie is no longer a ruckman, so maybe a player like Fraser or White would be another option.
B D Mundy
B L Whitnall
B B Goddard
B C Cornes
B L Hodge
B A Proud
B L Hansen
C C Judd
C A Goodes
C S Thompson
C B Gibbs
R D Cox
R D Hille
R R Campbell
R D Petrie
There is just over a month to go before the SuperCoach AFL fantasy competition is to begin. Using the statistics, estimated values and the rules of SuperCoach a preview of a possible fantasy lineup will be posted.
A possible starting centre group:
Chris Judd: Not a difficult decision. He will be first picked for many AFL fantasy teams. Costs a lot but brings in the fantasy points. He has again had his shoulder worked on over summer, so maybe with that fixed Judd is even better than he usually is.
Adam Goodes: The perfect player for AFL fantasy, there is nothing he can't do. The only way he becomes more valuable is if he is position eligible for the ruck, but that is unlikely.
Scott Thompson: An upside pick, with Ricciuto and McLeod both possibly playing forward it could mean more responsibility and more statistics for Thompson in the middle. Could be a bargain pick who won't just get AFL fantasy points but will see a good value increase.
Bryce Gibbs: The question isn't about signing him but deciding if he is kept on a fantasy bench or played as a starter, maybe he should be starting when round 1 comes along. It will only take a quarter of Carlton's first NAB Cup game to see if Gibbs can play and the result should be a positive. For signing Gibbs and starting him, it is assuming that Gibbs does start at the lowest price, but as Murphy did last year then that should happen for Gibbs too.
B D Mundy
B L Whitnall
B B Goddard
B C Cornes
B L Hodge
B A Proud
B L Hansen
C C Judd
C A Goodes
C S Thompson
C B Gibbs
Important Outs:
P Everitt, N Ries, M Ball, B Kane, H Miller, J Barker
Important Ins:
M Thorp, J Kennedy, B Renouf, J Morton, G Moss
Injury News:
Max Bailey (knee, to miss 2007)
Fantasy Stars:
Mitchell and Hodge are the two big stars, you can't go wrong with either of them on your fantasy team, or just sign both. The ruck will be a bit different at Hawthorn this season and Robert Campbell could have a big year. Crawford doesn't have a lot left but he is still a good player for fantasy in 2007. Bateman, Lewis, Sewell and Brown are also solid fantasy players. But Grant Birchall might be an even better player to sign and could be a big fantasy player. The forward line has a lot of options and no defined system yet but Mark Williams is going to get goals, while Lance Franklin should also keep improving and become a fantasy star.
Possible Fantasy Stars:
Danny Jacobs could return to action in a loose role around centre half back, he gets plenty of fantasy points in that role.
Trent Croad can play at either end, but his fantasy value might not be very high if he gets the full back spot.
Tim Clarke can find the ball but he could lose time to some younger players.
Vandenberg will consistently get his stats.
Joel Smith and Ladson usually find a spot and are solid fantasy players, but both could be competing for playing time with some younger players.
Possible Fantasy Sleeper:
Xavier Ellis. A high draft pick but didn't play last season, should explode into the AFL this season. Could be one of the lower-cost fantasy players so he will be able to help in stats and also as an asset that will increase in value.
First Year Players For AFL Fantasy:
Thorp is worth a spot on a fantasy bench. The Hawks are not sure where he will be playing but he will be out there. Thorp could be an option at centre half forward for the Hawks. Brent Renouf moves up on their depth chart with the injury to Bailey, but he might not be too useful for fantasy leagues. Josh P Kennedy could see time at several positions this upcoming season, if he is going to make his debut for the Hawks a good strategy could be adding him to your bench. Morton is behind a lot of similarly-sized players and may not get a game while Moss is ready to play but unless Mitchell is out there really isn't a spot for him right now.
There is just over a month to go before the SuperCoach AFL fantasy competition is to begin. Using the statistics, estimated values and the rules of SuperCoach a preview of a possible fantasy lineup will be posted.
A possible starting back line:
David Mundy: They are already down a midfielder with Schammer out, the Dockers also brought back Thornton while adding Solomon, there are plenty of reasons to think that Fremantle could give extended minutes to Mundy in the midfield. But Mundy will be eligible as a defender in fantasy, so you put him there.
Lance Whitnall: Might have to play as a defender for Carlton and he gets a lot of the ball there. Directs the ball out of the back line with accuracy and is also very good at marking kicks from the opposition.
Brendan Goddard: Long accurate kicking helps with fantasy points, won't be the bargain that he was last year but still worth it. If his new coach can expand his game even more then Goddard could still improve his numbers.
Chad Cornes: Gets a lot of the ball and this should continue. The Power need to use him to clear the ball in the back line, you add his many possessions with his marking ability and it produces a lot of fantasy points.
Luke Hodge: Was eligible for a back line spot, and if he is again then he is a good player to sign. But will obviously get most of his time in the middle which means a lot of stats. His price in AFL fantasy has been very high on some occasions so even though he is one of the better players he won't be worth it if he is the most expensive of all.
Albert Proud: You can save money by adding a couple of inexpensive first year players to your starting lineup. Proud should step right into the Brisbane team as they really need him. The NAB Cup will give a better idea of how ready he is, and if players like Roe and Lappin who had injuries are going to play, but right now the indications are good that Proud will be in contention to start for round 1.
Lachlan Hansen: Contested marks will bring Hansen plenty of fantasy points. With some disposals, tackles and free kicks received his fantasy points could quickly add up. The Kangaroos didn't draft him high up in the draft to sit him so he should get a lot of playing time and if he is out there he will be throwing himself into the action.
B D Mundy
B L Whitnall
B B Goddard
B C Cornes
B L Hodge
B A Proud
B L Hansen
When the new AFL fantasy season begins, and the prices and positions are announced, then updated previews will be provided.
Important Outs:
K Kingsley, P Riccardi
Important Ins:
T Hawkins, J Selwood
Injury News:
T Hawkins (leg injury, to miss the preseason), T Lonergan (now on rookie list, long-term injury)
Fantasy Stars:
The Cats have a bunch of smaller players that get a lot of fantasy points. Chapman, Bartel, Corey, J Hunt, G Ablett, Ling and Enright are all useful for AFL fantasy teams. Milburn gets a lot of the ball as a defender, Scarlett isn't a bad option there either. Ottens is a much better option than King if you want one of their bigs, and Ottens could have better stats in the early games if Hawkins is not playing.
Possible Fantasy Stars:
Stokes might find a spot in a forward line that needs a little player with speed.
Mooney can be a dominating player, but that usually happens when King and/or Ottens are out.
Mackie could play a lot better, maybe 2007 is the year.
Varcoe was a first round pick and he now has a season of VFL experience, he could be a cheap player in fantasy to sign but he could produce.
Sam Hunt had a good season in the VFL last year, he was promoted from their rookie list and he could find a spot in their back line.
Ryan Gamble could be a cheap option for a fantasy bench and he has the potential to play a lot next season for Geelong.
Rooke has good games, and some below expectations, but see how he is going before playing him on your team.
Tenace might solidify his position on the team, or he could get pushed aside by one of their younger players.
Possible Fantasy Sleeper:
Nathan Ablett. He could have the right type of game to get a lot of fantasy statistics. Playing around half forward, he can lead up onto the wing for a lot of marks and he can also go back closer to goals and score a few. With Hawkins likely to miss a few games it could be a chance for Ablett to find a spot early in the season, and if the coach sticks with him then Ablett could have a big year.
First Year Players For AFL Fantasy:
Hawkins, when fit should be a star. Selwood will be a star as soon as the coach decides to play him, so maybe that is round 1 or much later in the season. Won't be a bad idea to have Joel Selwood on your AFL fantasy bench. Djerkurra might get a chance if injuries hit a couple of the Cats' smaller defenders. Hogan may not see action in the AFL in 2007.
Important Outs:
G Polak, J Schofield, P Medhurst
Important Ins:
C Tarrant, D Solomon, C Collard, B O'Brien
Injury News:
Byron Schammer (Expected to miss preseason, possibly some regular season games, check the link in story above)
Fantasy Stars:
Pavlich is the player you want on your fantasy team. A couple of tall defenders could also help you win in AFL fantasy, Johnson and Mundy. Both could be eligible for a defensive spot on your team but the Dockers could be giving both players some time in the middle, which means a lot more statistics. Veterans Bell, Black, Josh Carr and Hasleby are other midfield options. Some of them are getting on in years so Brett Peake might be a better option for fantasy teams. Sandilands doesn't have a lot of backup in the ruck there, so he gets plenty of playing time and although his fantasy numbers are solid they would be even better in leagues where hitouts were a statistic that was used. Jeff Farmer is like a lot of forwards in fantasy and he has huge games and others when he doesn't get as many fantasy points.
Possible Fantasy Stars:
Chris Tarrant might be played on a wing, his stats there may be better than if he was a forward.
Longmuir gets some stats but he could be a huge fantasy player if Sandilands or Pavlich were out.
Schammer may have to miss some games but when he is ready to play for Fremantle he is ready for a spot in AFL fantasy teams.
Des Headland can get the ball and kick a goal and if he does more of that his fantasy value would increase.
Possible Fantasy Sleeper:
Ryan Crowley. If Mundy or Johnson are playing in the middle then the ball will be cleared from the back a lot more by Crowley.
First Year Players For AFL Fantasy:
They didn't have a lot of draft picks but selected some useful players. Clayton Collard could play a few games next season and he should get plenty of statistics. Brock O'Brien could get a chance if injuries hit their midfield.
Important Outs:
D Solomon, D Rioli, J Reynolds
Important Ins:
M Michael, S Gumbleton, L Jetta, T Hislop, A Davey
Injury News:
No injuries reported.
Fantasy Stars:
The Bombers can produce fantasy stars at all positions. Lloyd and Hird will be valuable forwards, while Fletcher and McPhee can produce in the backline. Hille is always a solid fantasy player. Lucas was the star last season, and he should have a good season in 2007, but don't overspend to add him to your team as he goes from being the only forward option to number three if Essendon are healthy. Midfield players Watson and Stanton are guaranteed fantasy stars. Johnson and Johnson are slowing down but can still get statistics if they have a big role, maybe Jason is the better option. Welsh and Lovett-Murray find the ball too.
Possible Fantasy Stars:
Camporeale, Peverill and Heffernan could all play 22 games, or they could be in the VFL.
Ricky Dyson might have a bigger role in 2007.
Mal Michael isn't the worst full back for fantasy stats, and if Essendon play a game with a lot of possessions in the back half then Michael could be a useful AFL fantasy player.
Possible Fantasy Sleeper:
Angus Monfries. If he can increase his possessions and his goals just by a little bit he will be one of the Bombers' best fantasy players.
First Year Players For AFL Fantasy:
Hislop could have the best combination of being ready for AFL and having a spot for him in the Essendon lineup. Gumbleton is also a player who can contribute in his first year but the key positions and the ruck don't have an opening for him to get a lot of playing time. Jetta is another player to watch and he should have a few good fantasy games this season, Sheedy might start the season with veterans like Camporeale and Heffernan but Jetta should force his way into the side during 2007.
Important Outs:
C Tarrant, B Caracella, C Cloke, J Cloke, C Morrison
Important Ins:
C Bryan, B Reid, N Brown, P Medhurst
Injury News:
A Didak (expected to miss a few regular season games)
Fantasy Stars:
There will be the veterans to choose with Buckley, Burns and Licuria or you can take the younger players like Heath Shaw, Swan and Johnson. O'Bree is another midfield player to consider and from round 7 you can also select Holland. Tarrant's departure and Didak's injury will mean more statistics for other Magpies up forward. Rocca, Rusling and Thomas should have solid AFL fantasy seasons, Rusling might be the cheapest in fantasy to buy but his potential could be as good as the other Magpies forwards. Lockyer and Lonie will continue to get stats and fantasy points, and Clement is another defender to sign. Josh Fraser is one of the best fantasy ruckmen and this should continue. Didak should also be someone added to fantasy teams later in the season.
Possible Fantasy Stars:
Chris Egan might be a player that is tried up forward with Tarrant out.
Medhurst will be competing with players like Leon Davis for a small forward/midfield role, if he is going to play a lot then it will most likely be as a forward..
Rhyce Shaw isn't the most consistent player but he has been useful for fantasy teams before.
Chris Bryan will be a cheap option for your bench and his value could go up if Rocca or Fraser are out, and they do have a small concern for Fraser and his knees.
Maxwell will be a solid contributor but he might increase his stats if he is played in a bigger role.
Possible Fantasy Sleeper:
Scott Pendlebury. He is the type of player who can play anywhere on the ground so he should get plenty of playing time for Collingwood in his second season. If he is mainly in the midfield then his stats will be higher than they would be if he was played as a forward. Check the preseason games to see what role they are using him in, but wherever he is played he should do enough for fantasy as the price to add him to your team won't be very high in fantasy leagues.
First Year Players For AFL Fantasy:
Chris Dawes is already out for the season so don't sign him for AFL fantasy. First round picks Reid and Brown will probably make their debut in 2007, if you do want to sign one of them then Brown might be the player who is more ready for AFL. But injuries to the Magpies talls will affect whether Brown or Reid get a lot of playing time.
Important Outs:
B French, T Sporn, C McGrath, A Deluca, C Chambers, I Prendergast
Important Ins:
B Gibbs, S Grigg, C Ackland, C Cloke, S Hampson, C Benjamin
Injury News:
No injuries reported.
Fantasy Stars:
He might not help his AFL team win but Heath Scotland helps himself to plenty of possessions and last season he was a fantasy star. Nick Stevens plays a similar role to Scotland in the midfield and Lappin and Houlihan do the same thing in the backline. But for 2007 some of these players will be stepping aside for Gibbs, Murphy and other young players, so don't expect Scotland to be as good this season. One player who should always get fantasy stats is Whitnall, he is one of the better key position players in fantasy for disposals. Fevola should continue to kick goals. Young players who could be fantasy stars in 2007 are not only Gibbs and Murphy but also Kade Simpson, Andrew Walker and Adam Bentick.
Possible Fantasy Stars:
He is very old now so Koutoufides won't be the star he has been in the past, but he will still have some good games.
Carrazzo got plenty of the ball last season but there were times when he fell out of favour with the coach.
The ball is often in the Carlton backline so Thornton has fantasy value.
Waite and Kennedy are ready for a bigger role, but in fantasy they won't star unless Fevola is out.
Bower will get a chance to play this season, and if Whitnall is playing forward then Bower might have solid stats in the backline.
Possible Fantasy Sleeper:
Luke Blackwell. He should be playing every game for Carlton in 2007 and his possessions numbers will increase from his solid season in 2006.
First Year Players For AFL Fantasy:
Gibbs should be a star and will be on plenty of fantasy teams. Grigg should also be a player who makes an impact in his first season. There might be a spot in the backline for one of Benjamin or Anderson.
Important Outs:
J Akermanis, M Voss, M Michael, B Scott, J Leppitsch, C Keating
Important Ins:
A Proud, C Schmidt, M Leuenberger
Injury News:
J Roe (recovering from knee injury)
Fantasy Stars:
Unlike most AFL teams, the Lions have as many big fantasy stars in the forward line as they do in the middle. Brown should have a huge year, and Bradshaw will be useful in fantasy too. In the midfield you want to look at Power and Black. Sherman should be joining Black and Power as the elite in the Lions midfield. Sherman can also go forward and kick a goal which is a good bonus for a fantasy midfielder. Jamie Charman is a better than average fantasy ruckman, but now there is a concern that Wood could take playing time away from him. Rischitelli, Adcock, Stiller and Drummond can all produce fantasy numbers and some of them will have a much bigger role in 2007, Rischitelli might be the best of that bunch. There isn't a lot of run, and statistics, from their backline but if Roe and Lappin are healthy then sign them for fantasy.
Possible Fantasy Stars:
Selwood should keep improving and will be worth a fantasy spot.
Notting has versatile skills and with the Lions losing so many veterans they will look for him more.
Don't forget about Anthony Corrie, he is still on their rookie list and would produce if he was healthy and on their main list.
Possible Fantasy Sleeper:
Matthew Moody. Should be one of the young Lions who steps up and fills a new role.
First Year Players For AFL Fantasy:
Albert Proud should be great value in fantasy leagues. He brings everything that the Lions need so he should be a star there from round 1. Schmidt might find a spot in the forward line, he is also a player who has a good future in AFL fantasy games. Leuenberger is going to be great, for his AFL team and for fantasy teams, but it is a few years away. Hawksley is another youngster who may get a chance next season.
Important Outs:
M Clarke, B Hart, H Skipworth
Important Ins:
J Sellar, N Gill, B Campbell
Injury News:
R Biglands (out for 2007), T Hentschel (out for 2007), K Tippett (all of preseason)
Fantasy Stars:
Goodwin, Edwards, McLeod, Doughty, Thompson and Johncock should all continue to accumulate stats. McLeod and Johncock are usually position eligible as backmen so that is an added bonus. McLeod is getting older so take that into consideration as he may not play as many games as he used to. Scott Thompson is also a good goalkicker so that provides him with a few more fantasy stats too.
The Crows might be looking for another big possession winner in the midfield, so Shirley, Van Berlo or Reilly might be a good fantasy signing.
In the backline, Bassett is a good player for AFL fantasy. He benefits as the Crows use him to setup from the backline, for fantasy he gets plenty of kicks and as the ball is often passed to him he can also get plenty of marks. Mattner can also provide good numbers.
Ricciuto was a fantasy star for over a decade but as his time in the midfield is being cut back his stats are also going down. Ricciuto's fantasy worth will be determined by the goals he kicks, and that will also depend on how many games he plays. Burton is able to combine midfield possessions along with goals and marks in the forward line, he will be a more expensive fantasy option but should continue to put up big numbers. Perrie and Welsh could be underrated for their fantasy price, and if they are they will be good value as the ball will be directed to them a lot more with Hentschel out. Usually Welsh has better numbers than Perrie. Bode will continue to provide goals and a useful number of disposals.
Possible Fantasy Stars:
Maybe Porplyzia gets a bigger role next season. So if his price isn't too high then putting him on your bench might be a good move.
Ken McGregor could have a much better season in 2007. The potential is there for him to double his goals from last season.
Bock could also have a more prominent role, when it comes to statistics.
Possible Fantasy Sleeper:
Ben Hudson. Ruckmen don't give fantasy teams many stats but you do need to sign a few of them. Hudson should be inexpensive, as he didn't play AFL last season, and when you combine the price with all the playing time that is now available for him, he should be a useful fantasy player.
First Year Players For AFL Fantasy:
Campbell and Gill are older players who are ready to play in 2007. As both will be low-cost to add to your fantasy team then putting them on your bench to start the year might pay dividends later when they play.
All the players listed below were in the top 50 for total kicks in 2006. If your AFL fantasy team was mostly made up of players from this list then it would have been a very competitive team.
But players get older, their roles change, teammates return from injury and many other things can change a players' fantasy statistics. This is a look at how their stats could change in 2007.
Even Better In 2007:
Lindsay Gilbee. Western Bulldogs: A big part of their game is to look for Gilbee, this is great for his stats.
Brent Stanton. Essendon: Keeps improving and will be great for fantasy teams in 2007.
Luke Hodge. Hawthorn: hawks added help at both ends so Hodge should be played in the middle all the time.
Chris Judd. West Coast: Could be even better now that some of his small injuries have been fixed.
Cameron Bruce. Melbourne: Could be played more in the action.
Brendon Goddard. St Kilda: Big AFL Fantasy season in 2006 and he should be as good or better in 2007.
Kade Simpson. Carlton: Part of Carlton's young midfield who will have a bigger role.
Paul Chapman. Geelong: More time in the middle should equal more statistics in 2007.
Kayne Pettifer. Richmond: Could improve on his big kicks numbers from last season.
Same In 2007:
Luke Power. Brisbane: Can't improve on his kicks total from last season, but should get close to it in 2007.
Joel Bowden. Richmond: Won't be easy to get as many kicks next season, should still get them.
Nick Riewoldt. St Kilda: New coach, same role and plenty of stats.
Jude Bolton. Sydney: Will continue to be a great player for fantasy statistics.
Ben Johnson. Collingwood: Plenty of kicks, but unlikely to improve on his totals or accuracy.
Simon Goodwin. Adelaide: No reason why he won't continue with huge kicks totals.
Adam Goodes. Sydney: A star in AFL Fantasy.
Kane Cornes. Port Adelaide: Will continue to get plenty of the ball.
Lance Whitnall. Carlton: Still needed in the backline there, and that's where the ball is.
Samuel Fisher. St Kilda: His game provides plenty of fantasy statistics.
Travis Johnstone. Melbourne: No reason for his numbers to change for 2007.
Chad Cornes. Port Adelaide: His game is great for fantasy stats, especially for a key position player.
Sam Mitchell. Hawthorn: Plenty of fantasy stats with his kicks added to his handballs.
Graham Johncock. Adelaide: His role rebounding from the back gets plenty of fantasy stats.
Corey Enright. Geelong: Underrated fantasy player who always gets possessions.
Nick Dal Santo. St Kilda: Hayes will be back, so for AFL fantasy Dal Santo won't improve in 2007.
Ryan O'Keefe. Sydney: Sydney's forward structure didn't change much so his role should be the same.
Heath Shaw. Collingwood: A chance to improve on last season if moved into the middle, but even played back he is still good.
Dane Swan. Collingwood: Will be a big fantasy player next season.
Joel Corey. Geelong: Will keep getting the ball.
Jess Sinclair. Kangaroos: Kangaroos will give him plenty of time in the middle.
David Wirrpanda. West Coast: Will keep up his role of patrolling the backline and accumulating kicks.
Possibly Less Stats In 2007:
Alan Didak. Collingwood: Injury will take some games, but a player to sign late in the season.
James McDonald. Melbourne: Unexpected big season in 2006, may not replicate it as teams focus on him more.
Nathan Buckley. Collingwood: A possible move deep into the forward line could limit his statistics.
Robert Harvey. St Kilda: He has to slow down soon.
Heath Scotland. Carlton: Someone has to lose stats to Murphy, Gibbs, Simpson and other younger players.
Ryan Houlihan. Carlton: Could struggle to keep his place in the side if Carlton play their youth.
Scott Lucas. Essendon: Dominated in 2006, but that was with Lloyd and Hird missing a lot of games.
Nick Stevens. Carlton: Not part of the future and Gibbs, Murphy, Blackwell and others could take stats off him.
Adem Yze. Melbourne: Demons will get more from McLean, Maloney, Bate, Jones and possibly less from Yze.
Brad Johnson. Western Bulldogs: Addition of Akermanis, and the improvement of Bulldogs youngsters, will take away some stats.
Patrick Bowden. Richmond: Maybe not a one-year wonder, but teams will pay more attention to him now which could limit his stats.
Brent Harvey. Kangaroos: Older player who may see less time in the middle.
Jason Gram. St Kilda: Not all the Saints will continue to get big stats, maybe Gram is one of them.
Brad Green. Melbourne: Could see a slight decline in his stats.
Heath Black. Fremantle: Won't see a big decrease, but the Dockers do have more midfield options now.
James Clement. Collingwood: Getting older, so a stats decline is expected.
Jimmy Bartel. Geelong: Chapman in the middle, and the addition of Selwood, Bartel could lose stats due to this.
Tyson Edwards. Adelaide: If played more as a small forward his fantasy stats could decline.
Peter Bell. Fremantle: Hasleby back, and Mundy or Johnson could be in the middle too, Bell could see more time forward.
There won't be a lot of players from the preseason draft who will help your AFL fantasy teams. Some players will struggle to play a lot of games for their new teams. There are a lot of ruckmen in the preseason picks, and as that position doesn't get enough stats for fantasy you won't want those players either. The best strategy might be to not have any of the following players on your AFL fantasy team for round 1 2007.
Cain Ackland: Carlton ruckmen are usually poor for fantasy numbers, Ackland will be splitting time with McLaren so forget about him for fantasy teams.
Mal Michael: If spoils were a fantasy stat then he would be a solid player, but full backs are not the best option for a fantasy team.
Ben Ross: Could be a player that surprises next season, has the potential to score a few goals and get some possessions too. As he is a new player to AFL his initial cost will be very low in fantasy leagues.
Adam Cockshell: If Tredrea is healthy next season then forget about most of the other big forwards at the Power for fantasy teams.
Josh Thurgood: A courageous player down back but his game doesn't produce fantasy statistics.
Kent Kingsley: He will probably have a few big games, but he will probably have a lot more when it isn't good to have him playing in your fantasy team. But if Richardson is out then Kingsley could produce.
Matthew Clarke: Hitouts are not a stat in most AFL fantasy leagues, so you can't play Clarke.
Chris Bryan: If he spends a lot of time on the ground, as a forward and as a backup ruckman, then he might help. But the best plan is to not play him unless Josh Fraser is out of the Collingwood team.
Cameron Cloke: He may not get many games next season, so don't put him in your fantasy team.
When selecting a team for AFL Fantasy you always want to sign players who are just about to go to the next level. If you have some second year players on your team then some of them will have a breakout season. For fantasy leagues they will often double in value during the season as they become regular contributors for their AFL teams.
An easy way to find players is to check the drafts from a year ago. Melbourne found a couple of players in the 2005 draft who became regular players for the Demons in their first year. Nathan Jones and Clint Bartram should keep improving, and if they don't cost too much they might be worth a spot on your fantasy team.
The Magpies also have a couple of players from the 2005 draft who should have big fantasy seasons in 2007. Dale Thomas and Scott Pendlebury should both benefit from the youth movement at Collingwood.
Hawthorn had a lot of high draft picks in the 2005 AFL draft but fantasy managers would have only played Birchall last season. Birchall will be a player to sign again for 2007.
The highest-priced second year player in fantasy leagues next season is likely to be Marc Murphy. He should be worth whatever it costs and will be a big possession winner.
Richard Douglas, Andrew Swallow and Mitchell Clark also showed some fantasy potential last season. While a couple of players from the preseason draft also had a good start to their AFL and fantasy league careers, Jason Porplyzia and Matthew White. Even rookie draft players from a year ago made an impact in fantasy in 2006 and will be even better in 2007. Brisbane have plenty of playing time for Cheynee Stiller and Jason Roe, while Matthew Priddis and Tom Logan have also been elevated to the main list by their AFL teams.
Of course there are also players who didn't do a lot last season but in their second year on an AFL list they could do a lot more. Ellis and Varcoe are players to watch from the 2005 draft, they could be bargains as they are yet to play a game. Dowler, Ryder, Kennedy, Hughes, Hooper, Gamble and Stokes should also be considered for a spot on a fantasy bench.
For fantasy leagues last season, Brett Delidio, Ryan Griffen, Jordan Lewis, Matthew Bate, Angus Monfries, Dean Polo, Lance Franklin and Matthew Rosa were among the players from the 2004 AFL draft who elevated their games and provided plenty of fantasy points.
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.
Chris Judd
Often the dominance in fantasy sports isn't what also happens on the playing field, but with Judd he makes his team win in both. He will be the most expensive player to purchase next season in AFL fantasy leagues but he will also be owned by a large number of fantasy managers.
Adam Goodes
He does everything on the field and this translates into big numbers for fantasy AFL.
Jonathan Brown
When he returns next season to the AFL he will also return as the best key position player for fantasy numbers.
Barry Hall
The Swans will have a similar forward setup next season so Hall, and Ryan O'Keefe, will continue to accumulate fantasy stats. Everitt won’t take away from Hall’s stats, as Everitt will play in the middle a lot. But even with Everitt up forward it could help Hall’s numbers, Hall will be free to run up the ground more on leads and his stats could go up a bit with that.
Simon Goodwin
He will once again be up the top of the AFL for kicks and total possessions.
Matthew Pavlich
Would be even better for fantasy stats if he was played in the middle, but even if played up forward all the time he gets plenty of numbers.
Cameron Bruce
The Demons play better when he is in the action so for his fantasy owners they will be hoping he isn't played deep in the backline, which did happen a bit last season.
Luke Hodge
Should be playing in the middle all the time next season so his fantasy stats will go even higher.
Scott West
Maybe has one more year of huge stats, he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down.
Joel Bowden
You would think Richmond might tone down their possession game a bit next season, but even if they do the Bowden brothers will still get their fantasy stats.
There will be plenty of AFL fantasy previews over the next few months. Team previews will list who left and who arrived, and how this will change the statistics of the players. Plenty of draft strategies will be posted, with lists of players to avoid as well as players that are ready to have a breakout year. When AFL fantasy games start there will be updates for fantasy news and you can post your teams and ask questions here about AFL fantasy.
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