Five Players is a weekly article to help you make informed decisions for season long AFL Fantasy.
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Josh Kelly
Kelly is set to see strong midfield usage this season which includes centre bounces. With the departure of Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto the reliance on experienced mids should increase which is a positive change compared to a battle for time in the midfield recently at GWS. New senior coach Adam Kingsley is likely to implement a speed/pressure game style which probably eliminates a high return of team disposals which needs to be taken into consideration.Â
There is a clear opportunity for Kelly this season.Â
Ben Long
Long is set for a half-back role at Gold Coast and will likely be a Round 1 starter with the delayed start to the season for Wil Powell (hamstring) and the uncertainty surrounding the return of Lachie Weller from an ACL injury. Gold Coast should continue with a faster transition type game style which will limit the amount of defensive ball switching opportunities across the season. The game style at Gold Coast suits the type of player Long is but it may not provide consistent fantasy scores. Having said that there is possible upside scoring potential available based on his starting salary.
Watch out for scoring rate in pre-season games.
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Andrew McGrath
McGrath has settled back into a half-back role for the Bombers over pre-season. With Dyson Heppell set to move up the ground and away from D50 it opens up all sorts of possibilities for McGrath to take over ball control out of defence. Recently Kyle Langford said the game style for Essendon this season will be quick but if the Bombers start to struggle on the scoreboard the ball movement may slow down which could see an increase in fantasy scoring opportunities for defenders.Â
Watch out for scoring rate in pre-season games.
Xavier Duursma
Having been impacted by injuries over the last couple of years Duursma is set for a wing role this season at Port Adelaide. The game style under Ken Hinkley this season is set to be fast and frantic which could result in volatile scoring for Duursma but it is difficult to ignore the numbers posted by Karl Amon (wing) last season. The starting salary for Duursma does represent value and his spot in the Port Adelaide team should be secure.Â
One to consider.
Darcy Parish
Parish should see strong midfield usage this season which also includes centre bounces, he will also be a feature around stoppages and certainly be used in ball transition. His fantasy scoring rate is likely to remain strong and there is arguably some value in his Round 1 starting salary.Â
A strong season average is likely.Â
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Article by @aflratingsPete
Image: GWS Giants
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