Fantasy: 2021 Western Bulldogs Targets

With the 2021 H&A season beginning on March 18 @aflratingsPete provides a fantasy outlook for the Western Bulldogs.

Each team will be previewed over the pre-season, stay tuned on @aflratings_FS for all fantasy news & updates for the 2021 season.

Fantasy podcast: @PlusSixPodcast

Coaching Tendencies/Game Style

The Bulldogs remained a high disposal team in 2020, after being ranked 3rd in 2019 the Bulldogs averaged 310.7 Disposals last season (AFL Rank 4). 

The midfield group at the Bulldogs upgraded to a very high level in the off-season, Adam Treloar joins the team which now puts them in an elite category for ball winners. 

Unfortunately from a fantasy perspective feeding so many mouths in that Bulldogs midfield may result in a distribution of centre bounce usage for certain players, without Treloar last season Josh Dunkley was unable to regain his centre bounce usage compared to early season numbers upon returning from an ankle injury (Tom Liberatore played his first game at Round 4, this was the first game missed by Dunkley due to injury).

Bulldogs senior coach Luke Beveridge ran a narrow group in at centre bounces for most of last season, most of the usage was taken up by just 4 players & when Dunkley returned that negatively impacted Bailey Smith the most.

The Bulldogs added another important player from a fantasy perspective during the off-season, Stef Martin moves in to assist Tim English at the Ruck position. This likely reduces the fantasy output for English in 2021. 

Watching the Bulldogs evolve over the pre-season will be an integral part of fantasy research this year, Beveridge has a history of introducing something new over his coaching career so expect the unexpected again in 2021.

Article by @aflratingsPete 

Fantasy: 2021 Melbourne Targets

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2021 Targets

The 3 targets listed below are close to or near full price, with the depth in the Bulldogs midfield planning around targeting them in-season may provide an opportunity or two based midfield usage & a potential drop in salary. 

All 3 have a fantasy game & a very good ceiling, waiting for further information on likely scoring output may turn out to be the optimal strategy this season.  

Jack Macrae MID

Macrae averaged 89.4pts in 2020, he scored 80pts or more in 77.8% of games & 100pts or more in 33.3% of games.

Despite the recruitment of Treloar in the off-season Macrae is likely to retain a very good average in 2021, his centre bounce usage may however decline from a rate of 74.4% from last season.

Ownership will likely be very low to begin the season for Macrae, he’s definitely one to keep an eye on for midfield usage over the pre-season & if passing at Round 1 certainly the early rounds of the H&A season.

It might be just a matter of timing a Macrae trade during the season to provide the greatest benefit to your team.

Fantasy podcast: @PlusSixPodcast

Adam Treloar MID

The eventual trade of Treloar to the Bulldogs in the off-season places him in a very deep midfield, the landing spot is still quite good with the Bulldogs ranked 4th last season averaging 310.7 Team Disposals.

There is the possibility Treloar may be used more as an outside type midfielder at the Bulldogs in 2021, his elite endurance won’t have any issues finding open space & accumulating disposals.

The ownership for Treloar will likely be low at Round 1, pairing him with Macrae at Round 1 would certainly create a unique team.

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Josh Dunkley MID/FWD

Dunkley is likely to attract a fair bit of ownership over the pre-season, many will find his DPP status appealing & valuable. 

Based on his previous midfield scoring history Dunkley is value at Round 1, however weighing up how much centre bounce usage he will have will be critical when making a final decision closer to the start of the season. 

Increased premium midfield opportunity compared to last season would improve the value for Dunkley, following his role & updates over the pre-season should be a priority. 

A completely diluted centre bounce usage for Dunkley this season would mean he is likely well over-priced at Round 1.   

*2020 AFL season: 16 Min Qtrs

One Big Question

What does Luke Beveridge have up his sleeve for the 2021 season?

Photo credit: Western Bulldogs

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