NEWS
New draftees hit the training track for the first time today, it also presented an opportunity for a few to share their initial thoughts joining an AFL team.
I had high hopes for the rookie draft.. but to be called out by Port at the end of the National Draft was amazing – Boyd Woodcock, Port Adelaide.
The way the trade went down, it gave me a lot of confidence that the Club had faith in me.. I want to repay that – Liam Stocker, Carlton.
I was happy with how I tested at the combine.. I pride myself on my disposal – Xavier O’Neill, West Coast.
As the pre-season moves on we will likely get a fair indication of what Rookies may be available at Round 1.
Tom Bugg found his way to the Blues in the Rookie Draft, he has a career average of 16.1 Disposals & 3.1 Marks from 96 games at GWS & Melbourne.
It’s a fresh opportunity & a fresh start.. I’m keen to play any role the team needs – Tom Bugg
Bugg has shown some fantasy ability previously, he is worth monitoring for a possible late deep draft selection.
NTH MELBOURNE
Tom Campbell looks set to join the Kangaroos via the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period via @AFLcomau (December 1-March 15).
Campbell will likely come in as a back-up Ruck for Nth Melbourne, last season Brad Scott was quite settled on Todd Goldstein as solo Ruck with Majak Daw providing support.
With the departure of Braydon Preuss to Melbourne, Nth Melbourne were always in the market for back-up support.
Campbell averaged 79.4pts in AFL Fantasy & 69.6pts in SuperCoach in 2017 at the Western Bulldogs.
Catch Up – Fantasy News Today: 23 November, 2018
Tom Lynch underwent minor knee surgery last week, he is expected to resume running within the next 2 weeks.
Lynch played 10 games for the Suns last year & kicked 20 Goals (Ave: 2.0), he averaged 67.1pts in AFL Fantasy & 78.4pts in SuperCoach last season.
AFL FANTASY ANALYSIS
Sam Docherty spent the last season on the sidelines after rupturing his ACL in the pre-season, he should complete a near full pre-season at the Blues. Docherty averaged a career season high 116.8pts in 2017, however he only averaged 99.0pts from his last 6 games on that season.
Docherty scored 100pts or more in 72.7% of games & 120pts or more from 45.5% of games in 2017, these are elite splits.
Docherty will be highly considered by fantasy coaches at the start of the 2019 season, his previous fantasy history suggests he can maintain an elite average due to his high ceiling games.
“I think expanding on that 2017 midfield role will be part of it, but most of the time will be spent down back” Sam Docherty recently on his 2019 role.
If Docherty remains predominantly in defence then he could also benefit from the change in rules next season.
Fantasy Impact: 2019 Rule Changes
Carlton averaged 347.1 Disposals in 2018 (Rank 18), the Blues will likely improve next season with the addition of several key players during the Trade Period & Draft.
Fantasy coaches should also take into consideration the more even spread of Disposals for Carlton & the potential impact on Docherty, additionally the Blues spent the majority of 2017 defending against opponent scoring which did benefit the likes of Docherty & Simpson.
An improved Carlton could also impact the output for Docherty, he is a must watch during the JLT Series. Docherty is such a large investment against the salary cap, it is worthwhile being very diligent here.
