Jaidyn Stephenson may spend more game time further up the ground in 2021, he was recently traded to Nth Melbourne during the trade period after 3 years at Collingwood.
Stephenson was selected at pick 6 in the 2017 AFL Draft by the Magpies, he won the 2018 Rising Star Award.
The Kangaroos are in a transition period with their current list, at 21 Stephenson fits the youth criteria in a rebuild phase.
Stephenson will likely see opportunities further up the ground utilising his speed on a wing, new Nth Melbourne coach David Noble has his eyes open on Stephenson working more outside the forward 50.
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“He’s got speed and carry and great decision-making with the ball. He can kick it long and short, so his capacity to get the ball inside 50 with that connection is really good,”
“I’d like to have some versatility through the running areas, our half-backs, wings and half-forwards. We’ve got to continue that through the midfield, and we’ve got to find some of those guys other spots and have that versatility.” Kangaroos senior coach David Noble on Monday.
Fantasy: The role for Cooper Stephens in 2021
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AFL FANTASY TAKE
Stephenson averaged 47.2pts from 14 games in 2020 (including Finals), he averaged 9.4 Disposals, 3.4 Marks, 1.8 Tackles & 1.0 Goal over the same period.
Stephenson averaged 80.9pts* from 14 games in 2019 (Including Finals).
There is no doubt 2021 could be a bounce back spot for Stephenson in fantasy, with his speed & work rate he should be able to find enough space working up onto a wing to accumulate disposals & marks.
Stephenson averaged 90.5pts* in games when he recorded 17 Disposals or more in 2019, he averaged 8.3 Marks in those games as well as 2.2 Goals.
The salary at Round 1 next season will determine the potential upside/value for Stephenson in AFL Fantasy classic, he’s a late round sleeper in 10 team standard draft leagues.
*20 Min Qtrs
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Fantasy: The role for Cooper Stephens in 2021
