NEWS
With the sour news just over a week ago that Tom Mitchell is sidelined fantasy coaches have been dealt two further crucial injury updates on the eve of opening, the season can’t start soon enough!
Injury Update: Tom Mitchell
Zach Merrett injured his ankle last Friday at training, he is expected to be sidelined for a short term only.
“We expect a clearer picture on his return to training once swelling in the affected ankle subsides over the next week.” Essendon GM of Football Dan Richardson.
The interruption isn’t great for Merrett and clearly needs to be monitored over the pre-season, he averaged 101.5pts in AFL Fantasy & 100.4pts in SuperCoach last season.
Brodie Grundy has also been sidelined due to a bruised toe, he is not expected to miss significant training time but is worth monitoring his return date.
Grundy averaged 119.0pts in AFL Fantasy & 130.5pts in SuperCoach last season.
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It might be time to downgrade Rookie Bailey Smith at the start of 2019, he suffered a season ending Achilles injury last season.
Smith is expected to integrate into full training in the next week or so, he averaged 25 disposals in the 2018 Under 18 Championships.
Tom Boyd is still dealing with a back issue at the Bulldogs, he has been unable to join into full training at this stage.
“Tom has continued to suffer some lower back symptoms from the injury that ended his 2018 season” Bulldogs’ Medical Services Manager Chris Bell.
Boyd averaged 63.3pts in AFL Fantasy & 67.1pts in SuperCoach last season, if he is unable to go at Round 1 an opportunity for others will be available.
Darcy Gardiner suffered a PCL injury at Brisbane pre-season training in Tasmania, he is expected to miss 6-8 weeks of training.
“Darcy will be able to remain active while in recovery & we’re hopeful he will have recovered in time for the start of the season” Lions GM of Football David Noble.
Gardiner averaged 59.9pts in AFL Fantasy & 70.5pts in SuperCoach last season, an opportunity could be available if Gardiner is unavailable at Round 1.
Fantasy News Today: 17 January, 2019
Interesting comments from Shaun Higgins today on SEN, not only do the Kangaroos have an influx of senior players but it’s possible we shall see an adjustment in playing style in 2019.
“We’ll tinker with our game plan a little bit” Shaun Higgins on 2019.
Nth Melbourne averaged 367.8 Disposals in the 2018 H&A season (Rank 14).
POWER RANKINGS: January, 2019
Jesse Hogan is nearing a return to full training, he suffered a season ending foot injury in Round 21 last year.
Jesse is going good, he’s being drip fed into drills & will look to be in full training in the next few week – Nat Fyfe today on Jesse Hogan.
Hogan averaged 89.1pts in AFL Fantasy & 91.8pts in SuperCoach last season.
AFL Fantasy Analysis: Concussion
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