With the 2022 AFL H&A season set to begin on March 16, @aflratingsPete provides a fantasy outlook for St Kilda.
Coach/Game Style
Brett Ratten is entering his 3rd full year as senior coach at the Saints, a solid season in 2020 was backed up by a disjointed 2021 performance.
However at the back end of last year the Saints started to put together consistent performances, there were enough promising signs to provide a decent level of optimism for the 2022 season.Â
The Saints acquired 4 players through the 2021 AFL Draft, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera looks an elite talent for the future.
St Kilda averaged 369.4 disposals per game in the 2021 H&A season (Rank 7), post-bye they averaged 379.6 disposals.
Jack Steele (29.1), Brad Crouch (26.4) and Luke Dunstan (25.3) averaged 25 or disposals in 2021.
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Premium
Jack Steele ($1.02MIL MID) was outstanding last year averaging 121.5pts from 22 games, this included an average of 132.5pts from his final 12 games of the season.Â
He scored 100pts in 86.4% of games, he scored 120pts or more in 50.0% of games.Â
The centre bounce usage is expected to be high again for Steele in 2022, his ability to win a stack of ball is at a very high level.Â
The salary for Steele is significant, it will have an impact on roster construction.
Ownership could be moderate to begin the year.Â
Value
Jade Gresham ($509K MID/FWD) could be in a position to benefit from an increase in midfield usage early in the season, he’s set for a forward/midfield role but the Saints do have injury and availability issues to midfielders early in the year.Â
Gresham can win plenty of ball in optimal conditions when used through the middle of the ground, he will likely see a moderate level of centre bounce usage across the season.Â
Ownership will likely be low, his salary represents decent savings from higher scoring options but it may provide enough salary relief to complete a satisfactory roster.Â
Ruck
Rowan Marshall ($752K RUCK) will enter the 2022 season facing a dual ruck setup again, senior coach Brett Ratten has not given the green light for a solo situation across the entire season.Â
Paddy Ryder when he lines up will be used at a decent rate at the ruck position, this will likely hinder the scoring output for Marshall.Â
It may be wise to wait on Marshall for now.Â
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2021 AFL Draft
11. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (St Kilda) Fantasy
33. Mitch Owens (St Kilda) Fantasy
47. Marcus Windhager (St Kilda) Fantasy
51. Oscar Adams (St Kilda) Fantasy
Don’t Forget About
Hunter Clark ($609K MID) will start the year on the injury list, he injured his shoulder in the AAMI Community Series.
He should be able to maintain a decent level of fitness before returning, if midfield opportunities are available over a long period of time then his current salary is value.
Monitor his recovery and highlight as a potential trade target when he is set to return, also investigate what level of opportunities are available in the Saints midfield over a long period.Â
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Article by: @aflratingsPete
Player Salaries: AFL Fantasy
2022 FANTASY RESOURCES
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