THE TIGERS are the reigning premier, and their even contributions across the board resulted in just one player averaging triple figures for the season and that was a veteran experiencing a non-traditional, 13-year breakout in Bachar Houli (DEF, $766,000).
With that being said, Dion Prestia (MID, $738,000) also had an impressive season, averaging 99.5, which was his best in the yellow and black by 14 points.
Lock them in
Bachar Houli broke all the Fantasy rules to become a 'must have' defender by the end of the year. His role and form were everything you could want from a defender as he seemingly ran around unopposed, reading the ball to perfection and picking up possessions at will. He had 12 triple-figure scores for the year from his 19 games, including midfield like numbers of 137 and 144. Age (31) might be an issue, but you could have said that last pre-season too.
Track their pre-season
Sydney Stack (DEF, $536,000) burst onto the scene with 89 in round three and didn't look back until his season and spot in the team was cruelled by injury. He went on to average 72 in what was a very impressive debut season which included six scores of 89 or more. He has returned from the break in impressive condition and has been running really well. Expect big things to come from the exciting talent who is capable of significant improvement.
Dual-position tempter
Dustin Martin (FWD/MID, $721,000) In a year starved of star power in the forward line, Dusty's stocks are very high considering the champion is still available up front. He had another great season, averaging 97 while spending time between the midfield and forward line. Due to playing a variety of roles, there will be highs and lows as we saw last year with five scores over 128 and five scores below 70, but given he is available as a forward, the upside wins make him a great selection.
Draft sleeper
Dion Prestia is commonly a forgotten man in Draft and will likely slide well below his worth, once again. Last year he experienced his best season since averaging 100 in 2014 for the Suns. The most impressive thing about his season was he played 22 games after durability had become a big concern. He finished the year in premium fashion with nine triple-figure scores in his last 11 games including a 130. Don't hesitate to pounce.
Bargain basement
Marlion Pickett (MID, $170,000) is the easiest selection of the year. After debuting and starring on the big stage with 22 possessions, two marks and a goal for 73 points, the sky is the limit for the cult hero. The mature-age cash cow will likely be the most selected player in round one.
Thomson Dow (MID, $230,000) will struggle to force his way into the reigning premiers' side early in the season, but he has the tools to knock on the door throughout the year. He was drafted for his ability around the ball and impressive clearance work, while he is also a genuine goal threat which adds significant value.
Forgotten warrior
Trent Cotchin (MID, $525,000) is certainly in the twilight of his career, however, an injury riddled 2019 has left his season average and price well short of a true reflection of his ability. After averaging just 71 for the year, he is priced at his lowest average since 2009.
PLAYER |
POSITION |
2019 AVG |
2019 GMS |
2020 PRICE |
Bachar Houli |
DEF |
103.2 |
19 |
$766,000 |
Dion Prestia |
MID |
99.4 |
22 |
$738,000 |
Dustin Martin |
MID/FWD |
97.1 |
20 |
$721,000 |
Kane Lambert |
FWD |
86.6 |
18 |
$643,000 |
Toby Nankervis |
RUC |
78.4 |
9 |
$642,000 |
Jack Graham |
MID |
82.9 |
14 |
$615,000 |
Nick Vlastuin |
DEF |
78.9 |
21 |
$585,000 |
Shane Edwards |
DEF/MID |
74 |
21 |
$549,000 |
Ivan Soldo |
RUC |
72.5 |
11 |
$538,000 |
Sydney Stack |
DEF |
72.3 |
17 |
$536,000 |
Trent Cotchin |
MID |
70.7 |
11 |
$525,000 |
Josh Caddy |
MID/FWD |
70.5 |
15 |
$523,000 |
Jayden Short |
DEF |
70.4 |
12 |
$522,000 |
Jason Castagna |
FWD |
68.9 |
21 |
$511,000 |
Liam Baker |
DEF/FWD |
68.7 |
16 |
$510,000 |
Jack Higgins |
FWD |
67 |
13 |
$497,000 |
Shai Bolton |
FWD |
63.7 |
16 |
$473,000 |
Kamdyn McIntosh |
MID |
63.1 |
16 |
$468,000 |
Tom J. Lynch |
FWD |
62.4 |
22 |
$463,000 |
Jack Riewoldt |
FWD |
58.5 |
10 |
$434,000 |
Jack Ross |
MID |
62 |
7 |
$419,000 |
Daniel Rioli |
FWD |
56.2 |
19 |
$417,000 |
David Astbury |
DEF |
56.1 |
19 |
$416,000 |
Patrick Naish |
MID |
73.5 |
2 |
$414,000 |
Dylan Grimes |
DEF |
55.7 |
21 |
$413,000 |
Mabior Chol |
RUC/FWD |
54.3 |
9 |
$391,000 |
Nathan Broad |
DEF |
50.1 |
21 |
$372,000 |
Callum Coleman-Jones |
RUC/FWD |
66 |
1 |
$367,000 |
Noah Balta |
RUC/FWD |
47.6 |
13 |
$353,000 |
Alex Rance |
DEF |
24 |
1 |
$335,000 |
Ryan Garthwaite |
DEF |
41.6 |
7 |
$331,000 |
Derek Eggmolesse-Smith |
DEF |
58 |
2 |
$327,000 |
Oleg Markov |
MID |
55 |
2 |
$310,000 |
Thomson Dow |
MID |
0 |
0 |
$230,000 |
Noah Cumberland |
MID/FWD |
0 |
0 |
$186,000 |
Will Martyn |
MID |
0 |
0 |
$184,000 |
Hugo Ralphsmith |
MID/FWD |
0 |
0 |
$180,000 |
Ben Miller |
DEF |
0 |
0 |
$170,000 |
Marlion Pickett |
MID |
0 |
0 |
$170,000 |
Bigoa Nyuon |
DEF/RUC |
0 |
0 |
$170,000 |
Luke English |
MID/FWD |
0 |
0 |
$170,000 |
Jake Aarts |
FWD |
0 |
0 |
$170,000 |
Fraser Turner |
MID |
0 |
0 |
$170,000 |
Riley Collier-Dawkins |
MID |
0 |
0 |
$170,000 |