The Lions always find a way to be Fantasy relevant and this year is no different. Not only are they a team on the rise, they have options across the board ranging from under-priced stars like Dayne Zorko (MID, $701,000) and the intrigue surrounding the instant impact ball-magnet Lachie Neale (MID, $727,000) can have, to projected top-six defender Alex Witherden (DEF, $639,000).
Alex Witherden (DEF, $639,000) is set for a huge season in what is traditionally considered a third and projected ‘breakout’ year. It’s an exciting prospect considering 'Witho' is already working from an impressive base after averaging 88 in his first two seasons. The new kick-in rules will certainly work to his advantage and his high ceiling confirms he has the tools to push a triple-figure average.
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Dayne Zorko (MID, $701,000) is coming off his worst season for three years after struggling to break his tag on a number of occasions, which resulted in a number of low scores including three under 60. On the flipside, his best is undeniably elite with high scores of 154 and 176. He is priced 18 points lower than his 2017 average and if you think he can get back to his best, lock him in.
Mitch Robinson (FWD/MID, $640,000) is one to watch in your Draft as the underrated DPP never receives enough credit for his consistency. He is coming off an average of 88 and has averaged over 80 for seven of the last eight seasons and is more than capable of a match-winning ton, with three scores over 110 last year. If he slides, jump on.
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Lachie Neale (MID, $727,000) excites me as he is one of the few players out there who has proven to be capable of the elite 110+ average for a full season. The Den is the perfect environment for the prolific ball-winner to flourish and I believe he is 10 points under-priced.
Ely Smith (MID, $230,000) is a big-bodied midfielder who was drafted from the Murray Bushrangers and is capable of making an instant impact. He was outstanding throughout the TAC Cup averaging 26 touches, two marks and five tackles for 91 points. He is an athletically gifted stoppage specialist that could see early games if he has a good pre-season.
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While many coaches are already nutting out strategies to gain an advantage in the ruck department, the often-forgotten safe play is the ever-reliable Stef Martin (RUC, $735,000). Capable of averaging as high as 114, the big fella is coming off his fourth triple-figure average in five seasons and is once again a safe, set and forget play after not missing a game over the last two seasons.
Archie Smith (RUC, $217,000) looks a great price for the bench considering he was capable of averaging 72 over a period of three games during 2016. Unfortunately, he didn’t manage a game last year and we need to be convinced otherwise before Archie is considered a legitimate option.
Player | Position | 2018 Average | 2018 Games | 2019 Price |
Martin, Stefan | RUC | 101.32 | 22 | $735,000 |
Neale, Lachie | MID | 100.23 | 22 | $727,000 |
Zorko, Dayne | MID | 96.55 | 22 | $701,000 |
Lyons, Jarryd | MID | 94.95 | 19 | $689,000 |
Robinson, Mitch | MID/FWD | 88.21 | 19 | $640,000 |
Witherden, Alex | DEF | 88 | 21 | $639,000 |
Cutler, Tom | MID | 84.67 | 18 | $614,000 |
McCluggage, Hugh | MID | 77.64 | 22 | $563,000 |
Hodge, Luke | DEF | 77.53 | 19 | $563,000 |
Berry, Jarrod | MID | 77.05 | 21 | $559,000 |
Christensen, Allen | FWD | 73 | 22 | $530,000 |
Taylor, Lewis | FWD | 72.23 | 22 | $524,000 |
Rich, Daniel | DEF | 71.5 | 18 | $519,000 |
Andrews, Harris | DEF | 67.17 | 18 | $487,000 |
Robertson, Nick | DEF | 65.48 | 21 | $475,000 |
Cameron, Charlie | FWD | 65.09 | 11 | $472,000 |
Adams, Marcus | DEF | 61.67 | 6 | $466,000 |
Walker, Josh | DEF | 63.57 | 14 | $461,000 |
Lester, Ryan | DEF | 63.53 | 15 | $461,000 |
Mathieson, Rhys | MID/FWD | 61.54 | 13 | $447,000 |
Gardiner, Darcy | DEF | 59.85 | 20 | $434,000 |
Bastinac, Ryan | MID | 58 | 2 | $432,000 |
Rayner, Cameron | FWD | 58.64 | 22 | $426,000 |
Hipwood, Eric | FWD | 56.18 | 22 | $408,000 |
Allison, Jacob | DEF | 48 | 3 | $401,000 |
McInerney, Oscar | FWD | 53.38 | 16 | $387,000 |
McStay, Daniel | FWD | 52.37 | 19 | $380,000 |
Bailey, Zac | MID/FWD | 51.75 | 12 | $376,000 |
Keays, Ben | MID | 60 | 2 | $350,000 |
McCarthy, Lincoln | FWD | 49 | 2 | $305,000 |
Cox, Cedric | DEF | 37.75 | 4 | $289,000 |
Skinner, Sam | DEF | 0 | 0 | $244,000 |
Smith, Ely | MID | 0 | 0 | $230,000 |
Smith, Archie | RUC | 0 | 0 | $217,000 |
Starcevich, Brandon | MID/FWD | 34 | 4 | $202,000 |
Berry, Thomas | MID | 0 | 0 | $200,000 |
Joyce, Tom | MID | 0 | 0 | $192,000 |
McFadyen, Connor | MID/FWD | 0 | 0 | $188,000 |
Eagles, Matt | DEF | 27.5 | 4 | $170,000 |
Payne, Jack | DEF | 0 | 0 | $170,000 |
Hinge, Mitchell | DEF | 0 | 0 | $170,000 |
Answerth, Noah | DEF/MID | 0 | 0 | $170,000 |
Ballenden, Connor | FWD | 0 | 0 | $170,000 |
Wooller, Toby | FWD | 0 | 0 | $170,000 |
Madden, James | MID | 0 | 0 | $170,000 |
Lyons, Corey | MID | 0 | 0 | $170,000 |
Fullarton, Thomas | RUC | 0 | 0 | $170,000 |
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