With the 2022 AFL H&A season set to begin on March 16, @aflratingsPete provides a fantasy outlook for Hawthorn.
Coach/Game Style
Sam Mitchell takes over as senior coach at Hawthorn for his first full season, change is coming at the Hawks which could present several opportunities from a fantasy perspective.
The Hawks also have several key players returning from injury which does provide stability and experience, Jack Gunston returns from a significant back injury while James Sicily returns from an ACL injured that occurred back in 2020.
With an expected change in game style that opens up the possibility that the transition may not be smooth at times, the back end of the 2022 season could also present further opportunities for Mitchell to further develop players in preferred positions with a long term view.
Tom Mitchell (34.3) and Jaeger O’Meara (26.3) were the only two mids to average 25 or more disposals in 2021.
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Premium
Tom Mitchell ($969K MID) was outstanding again in 2021 averaging 115.6pts from a full season, he scored 100pts or more in an elite 86.4% of games.
He scored 120pts or more in 45.5% of games.
A full healthy 2022 season from Mitchell will likely provide another excellent scoring output, the Hawks are overloaded at the midfield position but it is still expected he will be used at a high rate through the middle of the ground.
Ownership may only be moderate to begin the year, he’s an elite scoring midfielder.
Value
James Sicily ($510K DEF) returns from an ACL injury in 2022, the injury occurred back in 2020 which resulted in him missing the entire 2021 season.
A lengthy training block has him fully ready to go this year, he will likely be used predominantly as an intercepting marking type defender. He will likely be used at a decent rate also for kick-ins.
There is upside scoring potential based on his starting salary, ownership could be moderate to strong to start the season.
Ruck
Ned Reeves ($492K RUCK) has likely locked up the No.1 ruck position for the Hawks to start the year, he will be supported by Ben McEvoy ($671 RUCK/FWD) who will play a forward/ruck role.
The scoring output for Reeves could be solid if he can see high usage as the No.1 ruck, but it is acknowledged that this is a dual ruck setup for the Hawks to begin the year.
The are other options available for optimal scoring output across the season.
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2021 AFL Draft
7. Josh Ward (Hawthorn) Fantasy
23. Sam Butler (Hawthorn) Fantasy
26. Connor MacDonald (Hawthorn) Fantasy
53. Jai Serong (Hawthorn) Fantasy
Don’t Forget About
Despite a stacked quality midfield at Hawthorn James Worpel ($661K MID) is right in the mix to be used through the middle of the ground at a high rate this season, allocating substantial time for him as an inside mid will be difficult for senior coach Sam Mitchell.
At the age of 23 Worpel is just entering his prime as a midfielder, if he can sustain high usage through the midfield his scoring output could be strong.
It’s unlikely to be an elite scoring year, but there is upside scoring potential available.
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Article by: @aflratingsPete
Player Salaries: AFL Fantasy
2022 FANTASY RESOURCES
