Fremantle’s Matt De Boer – Unplugged

I was lucky enough to have a chat with Fremantle’s Matt De Boer. As a massive fantasy fan, Matt has provided us the inside word at the Dockers for the last few years and today he gives us some last minute tips before lockout tomorrow.

In 2012, Clancee Pearce (DEF, $280,000) averaged 85. He managed just 9 games last year and averaged 51.

Is he in Fremantle’s best 22? If so, what role will he have in 2015? He scored an impressive 93 in a NAB Challenge match against Melbourne and 72 in his last game, so what do you think he is capable of averaging this year? Is he is your team?

MATT: Clancee has performed well in the pre-season games and has done everything right so is right in the mix for round 1. We love the ball in his hands and he’s contested ball work is solid so he’ll be capable of getting good scores. At the moment I couldn’t find room in my team but that’s only because I don’t have too many midpricers in conjunction with my strategy.

Garrick Ibbotson (DEF, $336,000) missed a lot of footy last year. He’s priced at an average of only 59 this year and did average 92 in 2013. How is he travelling and what do you predict he can average this year? If you had to choose between Clancee and Ibbo, who would you pick?

MATT: I have Ibbo in my team but both are legitimate options! Ibbo was in All-Australian form before his injuries and he has done everything so far in pre-season to get himself back to that playing level we all know he is capable of.

How is Aaron Sandilands (RUC, $490,000) going? He has averaged 98 in the past and actually played the most games he has in a season last year since 2008. He averaged 87… do you think he is capable of returning to be a premium ruckman of the competition?

MATT: Big Spide has been managed through the pre-season as the more experienced guys are but he was the first pick in our fantasy draft due to the importance placed on ruckmen (and loyalty) and is definitely capable of being a premium fantasy scoring ruckman.

Who are you starting with? Rockliff or Gaz or both?

MATT: Actually neither. They are two superstars of the competition and will be reliable options for whoever has them but I preferred slightly cheaper premiums to begin with this year. Gaz and Rocky will be in my team as soon as possible though!

Who are the Dockers you currently have in your team?

MATT: Garrick Ibbotson, Aaron Sandilands, Michael Barlow

Any smokies?

MATT: Taberner, Sheridan and Blakely have all had solid pre-seasons and could really emerge

Who are some smokies you are jumping on the year from other teams?

MATT: Brett Goodes is a great option for the Bulldogs with his skill and experience. Defender Jamie Macmillan is a name that also deserves a mention. Not 100% sure whether he’ll make my final team but rated internally and voted into the leadership group is always a good sign.

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS

1. First player picked? Michael Barlow

2. Best rookie? Patrick Cripps

3. Player predicted to ‘break-out’? Kade Kolodjashnij

4. Your sneakiest pick? Using a non-playing bench ruckmen spot to utilise the vice-captain loophole

5. Who checks their scores first out of your team mates after a game? Tom Sheridan

6. Who are you starting in your rucks? Aaron Sandilands and Todd Goldstein

7. Will you be picking yourself? There’s plenty of quality forwards this year and I haven’t finalised my team but I’m in the mix

On behalf of DT Talk and the Fantasy comminuty, we’d like to thank Matt for giving up his time to share his thoughts and some insight into the Dockers for 2015. Give the man some love on Twitter @mattdeboer9. Legend! Thanks again Matt.