2023 AFL Fantasy: James Van Es

AFL Fantasy Analysis: James Van Es was selected at pick 31 in the 2022 AFL Draft by St Kilda, he was recruited from GWV Rebels.

He plays as a key defender and is currently 197cm and 99kg.

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2022 Season
Games: 13
Disposals: 11.9
Marks: 4.1
Tackles: 1.8
Goals: 1

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Van Es is a strong marking key defender.

Former St Kilda Head of List Management Jams Gallagher provided a brief update after Van Es was selected.

“James is a big and powerful key defender who will complement our backline stocks. He’s a great athlete and we’re looking forward to seeing what he can do.” Gallagher said.

Van Es also averaged 11.3 disposals, 4.0 marks and 0.8 tackles from 4 games in the 2022 U18 National Championships.

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Fantasy Impact: James Van Es will add depth to the St Kilda defence.

He reads the play well and is strong in marking contests, he can also initiate defensive transition well by foot.

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The short term fantasy prospects are likely moderate, his scoring output could be low and inconsistent in a key defensive role.

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His long term prospects could also be moderate, he has the size to turn into an elite key defender which may not be suitable for quality fantasy scoring.

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Season long fantasy: Van Es is an option only if there are limited players available at his salary range, he’ll need some time to develop into a quality key defender. He is not without a chance to see game time at AFL level in 2023.

Single season draft leagues: He’s a pass in single season draft leagues.

DFS: He’ll only be an option at a low entry level salary but the scores could be quite dusty.

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Article by @aflratingsPete

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