With the 2021 H&A season beginning on March 18 @aflratingsPete provides a fantasy outlook for Carlton.
Each team will be previewed over the pre-season, stay tuned on @aflratings_FS for all fantasy news & updates for the 2021 season.
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Coaching Tendencies/Game Style
In his first full season as senior coach David Teague made some significant game style adjustments in 2020, the Blues became more aggressive moving the ball inside forward 50 by design.
Carlton averaged 281.2 Disposals in the 2020 H&A season (Rank 18), they were ranked 3rd averaging 6.5 Disposals per Inside 50.
Teams that rank highly in Disposals per Inside 50 are generally teams to shy away from when fantasy points are required over an entire season. Brisbane were ranked 1st, Richmond were ranked 2nd for Disposals per Inside 50 last season.
The Carlton coaching panel has set the team down a path that doesn’t appear to be friendly from a fantasy perspective, several key statements last year of wanting to become a front/forward half pressure team likely diminishes multiple fantasy options in 2020.
It might be worth considering setting a limit on the amount of Carlton players that come with a high salary to begin the season, as the year unfolds adjustments can be made based on the level of fantasy output
Article by @aflratingsPete
Fantasy: 2021 Fremantle Targets
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2021 Targets
Zac Williams DEF
The landing spot for Williams at Carlton is quite favourable for fantasy, with Patrick Cripps attracting most of the opposition attention at stoppages it may lead to increased opportunities for Williams through his midfield role.
Williams spent most of his time at GWS playing across half-back, he averaged a career season high 92.5pts in 2019.
The Blues have stated that Williams will be used initially through the midfield in 2021, like many other midfielders flexibility in a secondary position is also required. The upside for Williams is that both his midfield role & if required half-back role are premium scoring fantasy positions.
Ownership will be strong for Williams to begin the 2021 season, he’ll likely gain DPP status early which adds further value in selecting him at Round 1.
Fantasy: The role for Zac Williams in 2021
Fantasy podcast: @PlusSixPodcast
Sam Docherty DEF
Docherty will largely be overlooked by many after the disappointing end to his 2020 season from a fantasy perspective, he’s a proven fantasy scorer & can hit ceiling games multiple times per season given the right circumstances.
Blues senior coach David Teague altered ball movement after the first few rounds last season, he wanted the team to move the ball more efficiently which eliminated several scoring opportunities for Docherty per game & as a result his fantasy output declined at an alarming rate.
Docherty is certainly in a bounce back spot based on his historical fantasy production, tracking his usage over the pre-season could be an indicator for his 2021 output.
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Patrick Cripps MID
Cripps has regularly been a tier below premium scoring midfielders in fantasy, his seasonal averages have been quite consistent but his in-season game by game scoring remains volatile.
Cripps scored 80pts or more in 47.1% of games in 2020, he failed to score 100pts or more in any game.
The addition of Zac Williams into the Carlton midfield may deliver some much needed support at stoppage clearances, if Williams can have a positive impact then Cripps may also be able to accumulate an extra couple of clearances per game.
Based on the starting price for Cripps at Round 1 he is value but keep in mind his scoring volatility, ownership is unlikely to be strong to begin the season.
Russell added "We tried to make him a little bit lighter last year & get his run up, we've gone back to making him strong"
— Pete (@aflratingsPete) January 13, 2021
Very noteworthy 🚀 https://t.co/ux5ciTn3ys
Fantasy: The role for Brodie Kemp in 2021
*2020 AFL season: 16 Min Qtrs
One Big Question
Can Sam Walsh take his game to another level in 2021?
Photo credit: Carlton
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Fantasy: 2021 Fremantle Targets
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