Brisbane Lions AFL Fantasy Classic Prices 2018

Starting from a low base at the beginning last season Brisbane were a big improver in 2017, the Lions increased their overall fantasy output by 127.8pts (Rank 1) to 1554.1pts in the H&A season but that was still below the league average of 1620.7pts. Brisbane were Ranked last in 2016 recording 337.5 Disposals per game, they improved dramatically increasing their Disposal average by 26.3 (Rank 2) to 363.8 in 2017 (League average: 383.0). Year 2 under Chris Fagan should see a further improvement in overall numbers as Brisbane become more competitive, consistency will still be an issue with a team still in rebuild mode.

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2018 Potential Targets:

Dayne Beams $736K MID

Beams averaged 104.6pts in the 2017 H&A season which included a 5pt game in Round 14 against GWS, removing that game his average increased to 110.0pts. Beams played 19 games last season which was his most since joining Brisbane, he has missed 3 or more games in each of his last 5 years playing just 56.1% of games whilst at Brisbane so longevity is an area of concern. Beams scored 100pts or more at a solid 57.9% S/R (Strike Rate) & 120pts or more at an excellent 42.1% S/R, he scored a team high average 133.3pts from winning games. There is still some improvement for Beams in 2018, with Rockliff now gone he should be the clear No.1 inside Mid at Brisbane. If you plan to have bench coverage all year, then Beams should be high on your radar.

Dayne Zorko $805K MID

Zorko was outstanding in 2017 averaging a career season high 114.3pts, his high ceiling was clearly evident scoring 100pts or more at an elite 71.4% S/R & 120pts or more at an equally impressive 42.9% S/R. Zorko recorded his 3 career highest scores last season including a return of 181pts against Geelong at the GABBA in Round 16, he was excellent in all travel games recording a 119.3 average. If you want to spend up in the Midfield to begin the 2018 season then Zorko should be a strong contender to secure a roster spot, his price tag is at the high end so value is very limited. Waiting for Zorko to drop in price could also be an issue, he had an average of 127.4pts in his first 5 games of 2017. Expect Zorko to be low owned at the start of the season when fantasy coaches get through the inevitable salary crunch, so those looking for a high ceiling & consistent type player should consider Zorko as the right fit.

Alex Witherden $604K DEF

Those that jumped on Witherden last year were well rewarded with an 88.4 average and a level of consistency most craved for in a defensive position, with 78.8% of scores above 80pts the Brisbane defender was a comfortable play each week late in the season. Witherden’s price tag will deter many at the start of the 2018 season but his position in the team is all but guaranteed and his elite skills will definitely be utilised when the ball exits the Lions back line, the addition of Luke Hodge will likely further enhance his value rather than diminish. It is an obvious call that Witherden is a must watch in the pre-season, unless something significant changes in the backline for Brisbane then he should be a very strong contender for a position in your starting backline to begin 2018.

Allen Christensen $331K FWD

Christensen at a low salary will likely be a popular selection but is he worth rostering or avoiding at Round 1? The numbers suggest Christensen will be a valuable pick despite the inconsistency which could eventuate playing a small forward/wing type role, in 32 games (Injury Free) at Brisbane he has scored fewer than 60pts in 9.7% of games, fewer than 80pts in 51.6% of games and scored 100pts or more in 29.0% of games. Most will be hoping for a more wing/mid type role for Christensen but his numbers slightly oppose that theory based on his history at Brisbane, when recording 1 or more Goals he has an average of 90.5pts & when he fails to score a Goal his average drops to 71.7pts. Make room for Christensen over the pre-season, accept that his ownership levels will be high but he is highly likely well worth it. No need to be smart or tricky with this pick, just click the + and move on.

Cedric Cox $321K DEF / Oscar McInerney $170K RUCK

Cox showed glimpses of potential fantasy ability in 2017 scoring 82pts in back to back games last year, if he plays Round 1 then he may be worth the selection but as of right now there is no guarantee he is best 22.

If you are looking to round off your Ruck stocks with bottom priced player then McInerney is the man, Stefan Martin is 31 and at some stage Brisbane will transition away from him and find out what they have. McInerney is a low risk pick that could see some major upside late in the 2018 season & earlier if injury strikes.

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Player	Pos	2017 Avg	2017 Gms	2018 Price
Zorko, Dayne	MID	114.29	21	$805000
Beams, Dayne	MID	104.58	19	$736000
Martin, Stefan	RUC	99.77	22	$703000
Hodge, Luke	DEF	86.89	19	$612000
Witherden, Alex	DEF	88.44	9	$604000
Mayes, Sam	DEF	79.81	21	$562000
Bastinac, Ryan	MID	78.38	16	$552000
Taylor, Lewis	FWD	77.73	22	$547000
Robinson, Mitch	MID/FWD	82.71	7	$542000
Cutler, Tom	DEF	76.33	12	$538000
Rich, Daniel	DEF	75.64	22	$533000
Lester, Ryan	MID/FWD	72.45	22	$510000
Mathieson, Rhys	MID/FWD	71.92	13	$506000
Cameron, Charlie	FWD	67.71	21	$477000
Barrett, Jake	FWD	66.41	17	$468000
Keays, Ben	FWD	63.5	10	$447000
Smith, Archie	RUC/FWD	42.67	6	$444000
Bewick, Rohan	MID/FWD	62.5	8	$444000
Robertson, Nick	DEF	62.95	21	$443000
Walker, Josh	DEF/FWD	61.36	11	$432000
McCluggage, Hugh	MID/FWD	61.22	18	$431000
Bell, Tom	FWD	57.83	6	$428000
Paparone, Marco	DEF	68.67	6	$426000
Berry, Jarrod	MID	60.13	16	$423000
Allison, Jacob	MID	70	5	$419000
Beams, Claye	MID	58	9	$396000
Andrews, Harris	DEF	54.5	22	$384000
Gardiner, Darcy	DEF	54.58	19	$384000
McStay, Daniel	DEF	50.63	19	$357000
Christensen, Allen	FWD	0	0	$331000
Cox, Cedric	DEF	48.5	8	$321000
Hipwood, Eric	FWD	45.65	20	$321000
Rayner, Cameron	MID/FWD	0	0	$270000
Skinner, Sam	DEF/FWD	48	1	$254000
Bailey, Zac	MID	0	0	$242000
Frost, Jack	DEF	15.5	2	$242000
Starcevich, Brandon	MID/FWD	0	0	$236000
Dawson, Liam	DEF/FWD	30	1	$214000
Wooller, Toby	FWD	0	0	$190000
Ballenden, Connor	DEF/FWD	0	0	$186000
McInerney, Oscar	RUC	0	0	$170000
Hinge, Mitchell	DEF	0	0	$170000
Payne, Jack	DEF	0	0	$170000
Hanley, Cian	DEF	0	0	$170000
Lyons, Corey	MID	0	0	$170000
Eagles, Matthew	DEF	0	0	$170000

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