NEWS
Freshly drafted players continued to be rolled out to the media today, major fantasy platforms are only 8 or so weeks away from opening up so every piece of information can be critical in forming a solid watch-list.
Here are a few select comments from today:
I’m looking to play a role in the backline.. I might be a bit ahead of the other draftees as I’m a bit older, so hopefully I can have a big pre-season & push for Round 1 – Marty Hore, Melbourne.
I haven’t had much continuity in my footy in recent times, but I’m surrounded by some great medical staff now, so I should be back in full training in a couple of weeks – Joel Crocker, Nth Melbourne.
Western Bulldogs: I’m similar to my dad as a hard footballer who likes to get in & under – Rhylee West.
MELBOURNE
Christian Petracca has improved his Disposal average each season since 2016, after rupturing his ACL in first pre-season back in 2014 and subsequently missing the entire 2015 season he has seen a slight increase in midfield usage predominantly playing in a hit up Forward/Midfield role.
Petracca averaged 17.3 Disposals in his debut season of 2016 & 20.3 Disposals in 2018 (Incl. Finals), he averaged 79.4pts in AFL Fantasy & 81.5pts in SuperCoach in 2018.
Petracca has missed only 1 game since his debut in 2016.
The Melbourne midfield has plenty of depth, Petracca will likely not be in a position to climb the depth chart at the Demons in front of the likes of Oliver, Brayshaw, Viney, Jones and the emerging Harmes. The departure of Jesse Hogan may also hinder his chances of increased midfield usage, he may be required to maintain his hit up Forward/Midfield role in 2019.
Melbourne averaged 391.0 Disposals in the 2018 H&A season (Rank 2), the Demons recorded 400 Disposals or more in 9 of their final 16 H&A games (Ave Disposals: 400.4).
Catch Up – Fantasy News Today: 27 November, 2018
Sam Gray (Ankle Surgery) is expected to return to full training in January, Gray averaged 67.1pts in AFL Fantasy & 70.1pts in SuperCoach in 2018.
Trent McKenzie (Shoulder Surgery) is expected to be out for an extended period, he played 1 game for Port Adelaide last season.
Orazio Fantasia (Finger) will be on a limited program for the short term.
“At training Orazio got his little finger stuck in a jumper.. so you’ll see (him) in a splint over the next couple of weeks” Justin Crow.
Joe Daniher (Returning from OP) will likely return to full training in January.
“We’ll be training him accordingly & taking our time to make sure we get him right for the season” Justin Crow.
Tom Bellchambers (Shoulder) is expected to be in full training in January.
“He’s back doing full volumes with the group.. normal training for him as a Ruckman.. We have to be careful of his contact & he’ll be progressing his contact up until Christmas” Justin Crow.
AFL FANTASY ANALYSIS
Devon Smith was able to complete a full H&A season in his first year at Essendon, he was the highest averaging fantasy player at the Bombers. Smith averaged 92.0pts from his first 5 games of the 2018 H&A season, he averaged 110.9pts from his final 17 games including 120.9pts from his final 8 games.
Smith scored 100pts or more in 54.5% of games & 120pts or more from 27.3% of games in 2018, this was a significant improvement compared to 2017.
Smith averaged a career season high 22.0 Disposals in 2018, he also averaged a career season high 8.5 Tackles (AFL Rank 1).
Essendon relied heavily on Smith in the midfield last season, he provided support to Dyson Heppell, Zach Merrett & David Zaharakis to mention a few. The Bombers acquired Dylan Shiel during the 2018 Trade Period to add midfield depth, it is expected the midfield usage for Smith will remain high despite the Shiel trade.
AFL Fantasy Analysis: Zach Merrett
Essendon averaged 381.6 Disposals in the 2018 H&A season (Rank 7), the Bombers averaged 398.0 Disposals in the 2017 H&A season (Rank 3).
Smith will come with a high price tag to start the 2019 H&A season, based on his closing out of the 2018 season there may be some value left in his starting salary.
Essendon are a definite watch during the JLT Series to see how the new midfield group works together, if the Bombers are quite competitive in 2019 then there will likely be a few fantasy relevant options including Smith.
