AFL FANTASY ANALYSIS
Justin Westhoff became more than fantasy relevant last season as he set a career high average of 101.9pts, his role was fantasy friendly in a goal kicking Utility/Ruck type role. Westhoff averaged 101.1pts from his opening 9 games last season, he closed out the season averaging 102.5pts from his final 13 games.
Westhoff scored 100pts or more in 50.0% of games & 120pts or more from 13.6% of games in 2018, this was a significant improvement compared to 2017.
The injuries to Paddy Ryder last year were a contributor to the increased Ruck role for Westhoff, due to his lack of mobility Ryder did spend a fair bit of time forward last season allowing Westhoff to thrive.
When Paddy Ryder kicked 1 or more Goals last season Westhoff averaged 114.7pts, when Ryder failed to kick a Goal Westhoff averaged 95.9pts.
The off-season move by Port Adelaide to acquire Ruckman Scott Lycett likely negatively impacts Westhoff next season, the Power are likely to run a dual Ruck set-up which would reduce the Hit Outs for Westhoff (2018 Ave Hit Outs: 8.3).
Westhoff averaged over 100.0pts for the first time in his career last season, the team playing structure will change next season which is a warning sign for fantasy coaches.
Westhoff has been extremely durable over his career, he hasn’t missed a game since Round 16, 2013. Not expecting a repeat on his 2018 fantasy numbers.
