Tom Atkins is set for a role change in 2021, having been mostly used as a small forward with time also spent in the midfield he’ll switch to defence this season.
Atkins has recently been training with the defensive group at Geelong, he was unable to force his way back into the team after being omitted for the semi-final against Collingwood.
“I’m obviously pretty raw as a defender,”
“We’ve only had 2-3 weeks of me training as a backman, but I’m enjoying it so far.” Tom Atkins via Geelong Media.
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With very limited experience in defence Atkins may take a while learning a new role, his pressure skills will be an asset.
“I’ll play wherever, to be honest; I don’t really mind. I enjoyed my time as a forward, and if there’s a spot as a forward, then I’ll go for that. But, if there’s room in the defence, then I’ll play there,” Atkins added.
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Atkins averaged 39.5pts from 12 games in 2020, he scored a season high 78pts against Richmond in Round 17.
Atkins was used at 8.7% of team centre bounces last season, any midfield time likely diminishes with the recruitment of Shaun Higgins & Issac Smith in the off-season.
The squeeze for spots is on at Geelong, Atkins won’t be the only player to be under pressure for a spot in the best 22.
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The role for Atkins in defence will be interesting, if it’s a lock down small defender type then his fantasy value is poor however if he becomes an outlet player from defensive 50 then there may be some type of value.
At this stage he’s fighting for a position in the team in a new role, there may be some time until we have full clarity on role & likely fantasy output.
Atkins is a pass in AFL Fantasy classic & 10 team standard draft leagues.
*2020: 16 Min Qtrs
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Photo credit: Geelong
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