The 2022 AFL H&A season is set to begin and that means it is AFL Fantasy season, @aflratingsPete lists the Top 10 Defenders with projections for the season.
The order takes into account historical performance, opportunity and scoring output in their actual team role plus subjective and balanced input based on a full healthy 2022 H&A season.
This list will assist in identifying players to target ahead of Round 1.Â
Good luck for the year.Â
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TOP 10 AFL FANTASY DEFENDERS
1.Lachie Whitfield
After an injury interrupted 2021 season Whitfield has completed a very strong pre-season, he’ll be used at a high rate out of defence and coming up onto a wing in general play. His scoring output should be high.
Projected Average: 110-115
2. Aaron Hall
An injury late in the pre-season has hampered Hall, once he returns to full health he’ll be used at a high rate across half-back for the Kangaroos again in 2022.
Projected Average: 110-115
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3. Jordan Dawson
Dawson has switched over from Sydney to Adelaide in the off-season, a projected midfield role should see him post a very solid average in 2022.Â
Projected Average: 100-105
4. Jack Crisp
The role for Crisp will be a mixture of midfield and half-back, his scoring output should be very strong across the season in either role.Â
Projected Average: 100-105
2022 AFL Fantasy: Top 10 Forwards
5. Jake Lloyd
The ceiling games weren’t available for Lloyd in 2021 but that doesn’t rule him out for this season, his durability makes him an extremely valuable defender to roster.
Projected Average: 95-100
6. Jayden Short
Short will be highly utilised for the Tigers this season in defence, he has the ability to accumulate disposals at a high rate which includes kick-ins.Â
Projected Average: 95-100
7. Tom Stewart
Stewart is an elite intercept defender, he will be highly used in transition out of defence and across half-back, despite an injury setback late last year he’s ready to go at Round 1.Â
Projected Average: 95-100
8. Daniel Rich
Daniel Rich controls plenty of ball out of defence for the Lions which includes kick-ins, he’ll be ranked highly again this year given a clear run. Ownership will likely be light for most of the year.
Projected Average: 95-100
9. Christian Salem
The numbers at the back end of 2021 started to really stand out for Salem, if Melbourne perform strongly in 2022 there could be plenty of late opportunities in ball control situations.Â
Projected Average: 95-100
10. Caleb Daniel
Daniel should settle into his defensive role again this season which should provide ample fantasy scoring opportunities, he has a very good ceiling in optimal conditions.Â
Projected Average: 95-100
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Image: Gold Coast
2022 FANTASY RESOURCES
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