AFL News & Fantasy Notes 16/3

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AFL Round 1 Team Changes

ESSENDON

Late Changes: –

Sub: Tsatas
(Sub last game: N/A)

Key players missing: Sam Draper, Darcy Parish, Jordan Ridley.

Injury List: Essendon

AFLRATINGS Fantasy Notes: Todd Goldstein will get the start as No.1 ruck at the Bombers. Nic Martin is likely to be used across half-back and wing but may also be a Hawks shutdown target. Zach Merrett could also be a Hawks shutdown target with Finn Maginness named. Sam Durham should see usage through the midfield which includes centre bounces.

HAWTHORN

Late Changes: –

Sub: Maginness
(Sub last game: N/A)

Key players missing: Changkuoth Jiath, Will Day, Chad Wingard.

Injury List: Hawthorn

AFLRATINGS Fantasy Notes: With no Henry Hustwaite named the midfield rotation has been reduced for the Hawks. Expect strong inside midfield usage for Jai Newcombe. Dylan Moore could be on limited minutes after recently returning from glandular fever.

GWS GIANTS

Late Changes: –

Sub: Haynes
(Sub last game: Toby McMullin)

Key players missing: Isaac Cumming, Callan Ward.

Injury List: GWS Giants

AFLRATINGS Fantasy Notes: Finn Callaghan returns from a shoulder injury while he also cut his foot last week, he’ll play through the midfield but could be reduced for inside usage. Lachie Whitfield will be the main distributor from D50 for the Giants. Jesse Hogan, Aaron Cadman and Jake Riccardi could be in a favourable situation if the Kangaroos concede plenty of inside 50s. Toby Greene missed training during the week due to soreness.

NTH MELBOURNE

Late Changes: –

Sub: Shiels
(Sub last game: N/A)

Key players missing: Griffin Logue, Jy Simpkin.

Injury List: Nth Melbourne

AFLRATINGS Fantasy Notes: Expect Colby McKercher and Zac Fisher to be used at a heavy rate across half-back for the Kangaroos. Harry Sheezel is expected to be used behind the ball but also could spend time as a pure midfielder. No Jy Simpkin which could benefit Charlie Lazzaro’s usage through the midfield. George Wardlaw and Luke Davies-Uniacke should be used at a strong rate as inside mids.

GEELONG

Late Changes: –

Sub: Mannagh
(Sub last game: N/A)

Key players missing: Gary Rohan, Cam Guthrie.

Injury List: Geelong

AFLRATINGS Fantasy Notes: Tanner Bruhn should be used at a decent rate through the midfield. Expect Jhye Clark to be used through the midfield at a decent rate. Max Holmes may split his role through the midfield and half-back but has the versatility to play multiple roles if required. Mitch Duncan was used across half-back and midfield when Cam Guthrie was sidelined through injury.

ST KILDA

Late Changes: –

Sub: Collard
(Sub last game: N/A)

Key players missing: Jimmy Webster, Jack Sinclair, Dougal Howard, Dan Butler.

Injury List: St Kilda

AFLRATINGS Fantasy Notes: Brad Crouch comes into the team following a lengthy rehab period throughout pre-season. Mattaes Phillipou has seen an increase as an inside mid over pre-season. Riley Bonner and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera should be used at a strong rate across half-back. No Jack Sinclair this week. Darcy Wilson should do most of his work on the outside from F50 moving up to the wing at times.

GOLD COAST

Late Changes: –

Sub: Macpherson
(Sub last game: Darcy Macpherson)

Key players missing: Jed Walter, Lachie Weller.

Injury List: Gold Coast

AFLRATINGS Fantasy Notes: Matt Rowell was impressive last week as an inside mid, expect strong usage in that role again on Saturday. Alex Sexton continues to be used across half-back after a role change throughout pre-season. Sam Flanders was used at 55.6% of team centre bounces last week.

ADELAIDE

Late Changes: –

Sub: Soligo
(Sub last game: N/A)

Key players missing: Taylor Walker, Rory Sloane. Riley Thilthorpe, Harry Schoenberg, Nick Murray.

Injury List: Adelaide

AFLRATINGS Fantasy Notes: Izak Rankine has been used early at centre bounces in pre-season games. That centre bounce rotation could be heavy for the Crows with Dawson, Crouch, Laird, Berry, Rankine, Rachele and Pedlar able to provide different looks at times. No Taylor Walker or Riley Thilthorpe for the Crows.