NEW forwards headline the first rollout of dual-position players (DPPs) with Gary Ablett, Dustin Martin and Brad Ebert all putting their hand up as must-haves in the forward line.

Every six rounds the team at Champion Data crunch the numbers and adjust players’ initial position allocation to reflect their actual roles in 2019.

FANTASY FORM WATCH Round five

It is important to note only players with a single position can be awarded DPP status in the three rollouts and players cannot lose an allocated position. Champion Data use starting positions at stoppages and assess the percentage of time spent in their roles to make changes.

The next group of DPP additions will be ahead of round 12, just in time for the three multi-bye rounds.

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Add DEFENDER

One of Luke Beveridge’s big moves this year has been shifting Caleb Daniel to defence. Over the first five rounds, the 167cm forward-come-defender has managed three scores over 95 and ranks in the top 10 of all available defenders with his 92 average.

Harry Cunningham scored 128 and 120 in the past fortnight and his newly acquired DEF status will please some Fantasy Draft coaches. Some may have noticed his defensive role and stashed him on the bench and he now becomes a certain starter for his owners. If he is available as a restricted free agent this week, put your RFA request in and hope you can snag him.

Although he has only played three game, Sydney Stack’s role for Richmond has been clearly defined. The first-year player picked up in the supplemental selection period has lined up as a defender 96 per cent of his time on ground. The 24 per cent of coaches who have enjoyed his score of 75 on the weekend will be keen to switch him to the backline and possibly play him on field.

Add MIDFIELDER

Players to add midfield status are often seen as irrelevant to game play. While they are unlikely to be played as one of the eight midfielders week-to-week, their DPP adds flexibility to your team, especially for the upcoming byes and when injury strikes.

Travis Boak is currently the No.1 forward and this has been because of his midfield time. He has lined up through the middle 69 per cent of the time.

The resurgent Saints can thank, in part, Jack Billings’ effort as a wingman this year to their impressive start to the season. He is one of four forwards to be averaging more than 100 after four rounds.

Add RUCK

Rowan Marshall came into the St Kilda side in round two scoring 103, 122 and 88 in his first three games. While his 53 against Max Gawn was a little disappointing, those that have ruck issues in Fantasy Draft should be looking for the big man with the handy RUC/FWD status to help you get out of trouble.

Add FORWARD

A record 15 players add FWD status which will see quite a few become Fantasy Draft starters and some potentially knock on the door as top 10 for the position.

Brownlow medallists Dustin Martin and Gary Ablett are spending more time forward. The duo haven’t quite reached their lofty heights of years past, however, Martin knocked out 110 on Saturday night against the Swans and could be ready to hit his best.

With eight goals to his name and 75 per cent time in the forward line Brad Ebert’s positional move to hasn’t affected his Fantasy scoring significantly, averaging 101 thanks to four scores of 95 or greater. The 29-year-old is every chance to finish the year as a top-six FWD.

Ed Curnow had an average draft pick (ADP) of 55 in the pre-season and with just one ton and 46 and 53 to his name, the addition of forward will lesson the blow of taking the Carlton midfielder in the fourth-to-fifth round on draft day.

Fantasy Classic coaches with Michael Gibbons, Tom Atkins, Corey Wagner or Zak Butters in their midfield can now get strategic with their trades.

Not only do they have the flexibility of DPP and where you can field them each week, but they may let you trade out underperforming cash cows in the forward line. A popular move may see moving Atkins or Gibbons forward while trading out Noah Balta or Chris Burgess who don’t look like making the same cash as the pair mentioned.

Gibbons is coming off his best score of the season of 93 and if he can score in that range, he can play on the field and be a member of your forward six.

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