THEY HAVE been one of the highest scoring AFL Fantasy teams of recent years, but in 2017 no Swan averaged more than 100 points.
In 2016, the big three midfielders – Luke Parker (MID, $693,000), Dan Hannebery (MID, $665,000) and Josh Kennedy (MID, $690,000) – were must-have players all averaging more than 108 points. Last year the trio registered averages of 98.4, 94.4 and 98 respectively.
Lance Franklin (FWD, $677,000) once again proved to be a safe bet playing all 22 games for the second consecutive year and returning an average of 96.
A Fantasy favourite from last year was Nic Newman (MID, $610,000). As the most profitable cash cow, he was a keeper for many coaches.
Looking ahead, the role of Zak Jones (MID, $556,000) and Callum Mills (DEF, $488,000) will be important to watch in the lead up to round one.
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Carlton defender and No.1 Fantasy defender Sam Docherty will miss this season after rupturing his ACL in November. So who will be the top player to own down back?
Consider Jake Lloyd (DEF, $649,000) as one of the front runners to take that title. He averaged 92.2 from 21 games, but in one of those he finished on zero points after being concussed early in the match. Take out that donut and his average bumps up to 96.8.
In eight of his first 14 games, Lloyd scored more than 100 points.
Of the underperforming midfielders, Dan Hannebery (MID, $665,000) is the one to watch.
The outside midfielder has generally been a durable player and looked to be a true premium of the game when he averaged 110.8 and 108.1 in 2015 and 2016. Let’s call 2017 a blip on the radar and an opportunity to get Hannebery as a bargain this season.
An interrupted pre-season saw Isaac Heeney (MID/FWD, $649,000) miss the opening four rounds of 2017. Prior to being diagnosed with glandular fever he was expected to add extra midfield minutes to his game.
The 21-year-old spent his time between half-forward and running through the midfield in a role that is likely to continue this year. Heeney’s average of 92.2 can be improved on if he is able to add to the seven Fantasy tons he scored in 2017.
Before injuring his shoulder mid-season, Darcy Cameron (RUC, $170,000) was on the verge on making his AFL debut last year. His NEAFL numbers were sound, averaging 13 disposals, 24 hit-outs and 87 Fantasy points. Lock the mature-aged ruckman on your bench as a basement-priced player who is one of the better chances to make their debut this season.
It has been some time since we have had to scroll this far down the list to find Kieren Jack (MID/FWD, $526,000). The 30-year-old has averaged more than 90 since 2012 but an indifferent season saw his average dip to less than 75 in 2017. Don’t select the dual position player in Classic but keep an eye on him in Draft as he is still capable of knocking out a score when needed.
Also, it would be remiss of me not to mention Alex Johnson (DEF, $170,000) as a forgotten warrior. His last senior game was the 2012 Grand Final and multiple knee operation later, returned via the club’s NEAFL team to resurrect his career. As a basement-priced player, Johnson could be a bench option.
Ignore the Swans rucks.
There’s no doubt there could be some value in a ruckman from the Harbour City, but who knows what structure they’ll go into 2018 with. Kurt Tippett (RUC/FWD, $578,000), Callum Sinclair (RUC, $525,000) and Sam Naismith (RUC, $414,000) have all shared the job in the last couple of seasons and it is unlikely to nail someone from this group to play all 22 games and score well enough to be relevant.
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