AFL Trade Period 2023 and Fantasy

The 2023 AFL Trade Period is underway and Warnie takes a look at every move from free agents to team-to-team trades with his AFL Fantasy glasses on. Discuss your thoughts in the comments!

Projected prices are based on last season’s formulas. At this stage we are calculating the figures based on the 2023 salary cap of $15,500,000 and the magic number of 8850 with the same discounting applied as per previous seasons. These prices are approximate. Wherever a previous average has been applied, the multiplier used for the average has been adjusted. At this stage we don’t know what the 2024 salary cap is for the season proper and therefore the Fantasy Classic salary cap.

LATEST UPDATE: 10:05pm AEDT, Wednesday 18 October

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MASSIMO D’AMBROSIO TO HAWTHORN

TRADE – Wednesday October 18

2023 AVERAGE: 41.8 (8 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $400,000

Copped five vests this year (no-vest games scores of 65, 97, 41) so there’s an argument that he is cheap? Hawks were pretty keen to get him in on their busy last day of the Trade Period. A half-back role, rather than the random stuff he had to do as a sub (ie. play some foward) is what he is best suited to for Fantasy purposes. During his last few games in VFL he produced scores of 106, 84, 73, 91 and 107.

FANTASY VERDICT: Consider watching as the price is handy if he has DEF status to fill D5 or D6 in Classic. If that ‘priced at’ 45 could turn into 70, that would be a huge win. WATCHLIST.

XAVIER DUURSMA TO ESSENDON

TRADE – Wednesday October 18

2023 AVERAGE: 66.3 (14 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $587,000

I’ve said it before, but the Bombers’ midfield is stacked and realistically that means Duursma will be coming into the team to play more outside (despite his Fantasy game needing him to have more inside time). We expect him to just have MID status and play on the wing. While he has shown that he’s better than the 66 he’s priced at – 78 average in his first season – he’s missed multiple games each year. Duursma only had four scores over 80 this year and unless he somehow gained FWD status (possible with the midfield squeeze?), he’s not going to Fantasy relevant for us.

FANTASY VERDICT: Not going to score enough to be relevant as a MID only. Some upside, but not enough IMO. PASS.

BRANDON ZERK-THATCHER TO PORT ADELAIDE

TRADE – Wednesday October 18

2023 AVERAGE: 52.2 (22 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $462,000

Good for the Power, but not really going to be Fantasy relevant. Stop reading, too many other trades for me to write about.

FANTASY VERDICT: Yeah, nah – we don’t want a key defender. NOPE.

MABIOR CHOL TO HAWTHORN

TRADE – Wednesday October 18

2023 AVERAGE: 49 (8 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $446,000

Had two VFL tons this year when he scored 5 and 6 goals, but we haven’t seen a triple-figure score at AFL level in his 60+ games.

FANTASY VERDICT: Can’t see it happening. PASS.

JACK GUNSTON TO HAWTHORN

TRADE – Wednesday October 18

2023 AVERAGE: 54.8 (17 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $485,000

Don’t think the Hawks even wanted him… probably plays, but he’s seen better days. For a bloke who averaged 80+ for five seasons straight, there isn’t to be a Richo on the wing swansong for the 32yo.

FANTASY VERDICT: The bloke dropped himself (with old mate Daniel Rich) during the season. No. PASS.

BRANDON RYAN TO BRISBANE

TRADE – Wednesday October 18

2023 AVERAGE: 38.7 (3 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $271,000

Here we go – basically rookie priced (priced at 30.6). The mid-season draftee scored 55 from 8d, 5m, 1g and 59 from 9d, 5m, 3g in his first two games before scoring just 2 points and subbed out in third quarter in his third. VFL numbers are nothing to write home about. So, will Ryan find himself in the Lions’ 22? I don’t think so.

FANTASY VERDICT: If we’re needing a bench option as a FWD, we could possibly go there, but it would only be if we’re desperate – you’re taking a complete basement dude over the 25-year-old Ryan (honestly would be battling to get a game – project player). ONLY IF THERE’S A ROOKIE CRISIS.

JACK BIILLINGS TO MELBOURNE

TRADE – Wednesday October 18

2023 AVERAGE: 60.7 (3 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $526,000

I’m always swayed by someone who has been good in thte past, no matter how long ago it was. Billings gets priced at just under 60 (21% discount is off his 2022 return of 75.3. This makes him much cheaper than his 83.4 career average and the multiple 80+ season averages he’s returned including a career-high 98.5 when he played every game in 2019. Things are different has he’s missed bulk footy since then with just 11 games in the last two seasons. VFL numbers were solid this year with an average of 91 from his eight games. Now at the Dees, Billings has the opportunity to fill a bit of a hole left by Jordon/Harmes if his body is right.

FANTASY VERDICT: As cheap as he’s ever been, so a consideration – especially if he has FWD status (some chance judging by his games this year). WATCHLIST.

JACOB KOSCHITZKE TO RICHMOND

TRADE – Wednesday October 18

2023 AVERAGE: 48.8 (12 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $432,000

A replacement for Riewoldt? After playing as a defender when he was drafted to the Hawks, he’s now a key forward. Still played some VFL this year and numbers, as you can imagine as a 198cm dude, aren’t big or consistent.

FANTASY VERDICT: Maybe some upside, but not enough. PASS.

ELIJAH HOLLANDS TO CARLTON

TRADE – Wednesday October 18

2023 AVERAGE: 51 (9 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $628,000

One more game would’ve made Hollands interesting, but really … any value in him off the back of his poor 2023 campaign is eaten up due to having his 3% discount applied to his 73.2 average from last year. He had some ok games in the VFL, but his averaged was still just 79.3 from his 15 games there. Hollands couldn’t get the midfield opportunity at the Suns and goes to an even busier midfield, especially for the inside time that he would be wanting. Some chance to have FWD status, but could be unlikely.

FANTASY VERDICT: We were excited about Hollands coming through the system, but didn’t debut until round 19 last year which was annoying as we didn’t really get a chance to enjoy him being a cash cow. Remains down depth chart for the midfield time we need. If only he played one more game to be a bargain. LOW ON WATCHLIST.

ESAVA RATUGOLEA TO PORT ADELAIDE

TRADE – Wednesday October 18

2023 AVERAGE: 40.5 (16 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $358,000

Too many other players to write about to concentrate on a KPP who hasn’t averaged more than 50.

FANTASY VERDICT: Next. PASS.

JORDON SWEET TO PORT ADELAIDE

TRADE – Wednesday October 18

2023 AVERAGE: DNP
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $380,000

What could’ve been. If it wasn’t for Soldo making the move to the Power we had a live cheap R2 option … or an expensive bench cash cow. Neither are really there if Soldo is in the picture. Didn’t get a game behind English (who surprisingly played every game) so was relegated to the VFL for 19 games and a 104.3 average. In his 11 games at AFL level, he averaged just over 60 with top scores of 85 and 84. Scores without English were solid, scores with him were putrid.

FANTASY VERDICT: Possible R2 chance if Soldo is nowhere to be seen. TOUGH TO MAKE A CASE FOR HIM NOW.

JACK GINNIVAN TO HAWTHORN

TRADE – Wednesday October 18

2023 AVERAGE: 45.7 (11 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $404,000

Small forwards are not very Fantasy relevant and I’m not sure Ginnivan will be someone to break that mould.

FANTASY VERDICT: Oh boy – this trade period isn’t great for Fantasy. Have I wasted my time?! PASS.

IVAN SOLDO TO PORT ADELAIDE

TRADE – Wednesday October 18

2023 AVERAGE: 78.6 (8 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $654,000

This is not what we wanted. We wanted Sweet to be the main man from the get go, now it appears the 27-year-old will have first crack as he has shown he can bemore than competent in the No.1 ruck role … but worse still, will most likely be with support (it might be a mess!). Obviously numbers without Nank are decent – 107, 103 and 85 when the skipper was suspended, but can we lock him in as Port’s solo ruck? Will it be a shared role? Will it be a merry-go-round? Price isn’t overly attractive but there’s some meat on the bone.

FANTASY VERDICT: Shoulda stayed at Richmond to help us … although, possibly makes Nank a top 5 ruck for Draft purposes. He had an epic year. UNLIKELY TO BE AN OPTION UNTIL WE LEARN MORE.

PADDY DOW TO ST KILDA

TRADE – Tuesday October 17

2023 AVERAGE: 56.7 (10 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $502,000

While the 56.7 average appears low, that has been his greatest return in his six-year AFL career. Dow played all but five games in his first two years in the system but has struggled to cement his place in the Blues’ line up. He made his way back in the team at round 18 with a vest (which is waht he wore for his three earlier games) shed it for a 75, donned it again and then scored 79, 87, 95 and 65 to finishe the home-and-away season. Of course he was dropped for the finals. The win about his average, and therefore price, is that half of his games were vest affected. Non-vest average was 80.2. Not quite as good as his 2023 VFL average of 110.5 from 10 games. Obviously he was down the pecking order at the Blues, but does he break right into that St Kilda midfield? He’s still have a battle! We’ll be monitoring how he fits in over the pre-season. Could the 24-year-old be worth a shot for your Keeper League?

FANTASY VERDICT: Price says he’s value, but you’d want him to be getting a game each week. WATCH.

NICK COFFIELD TO WESTERN BULLDOGS

TRADE – Tuesday October 17

2023 AVERAGE: DNP
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $351,000

A whopping 35% discount puts Coffield at a bargain price. As he hasn’t played for two seasons, he grabs the big discount which comes off his 2021 average of 61 (just shy of 62 average the year prior). This prices him under 40 and even getting back up to that 60 figure would show there’s some value there for a D5 or D6 in Classic. Issue is his body. 50 games since 2018 isn’t epic but there is a Fantasy game in there for him. Scores 69, 93 65 and 107 in his four gamesa t the end of the season for Sandringham in the VFL, which were his first since round 23 of the 2021 AFL season where he racked up 99 Fantasy points. As a half-back, where does Bevo play him? Forwad pocket?! They’re a team stacked with half-backs. Also – body has let him down, making him a risky pick. That price though, you’d have to do it if he’s in best 22.

FANTASY VERDICT: If he’s playing, we have to consider starting with Coffield. There’s the 20 point upside at a minimum plus he’s shown he can be better than that. Just where does he fit…? PRE-SEASON WATCH.

SHANE MCADAM TO MELBOURNE

TRADE – Tuesday October 17

2023 AVERAGE: 59.7 (7 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $485,000

Recieves a 9% discount off his 2022 average of 60.2 which prices him at 54.8. Not huge value, his 4th and 5th seasons averaged about 60, so there’s some value. Haha. Obviously a small forward isn’t going to smash out big enough scores for us to want to get him (last three games of 2023 were scores of 72, 73 and 77 coming from a total of eight goals across those three games).

FANTASY VERDICT: Fun for footy having both McAdam and Kosi Pickett in the Dees’ forward line but we’re not going to see relevant Fantasy number from McAdam (might be good for Kosi though?). PASS.

LIAM HENRY TO ST KILDA

TRADE – Monday October 16

2023 AVERAGE: 76.8 (16 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $680,000

Any value we thought we may have had with Henry has gone now as that wing role was basically there all season. With FWD status in 2023, some coaches (myself included) looked at him with the mooted ‘midfield’ time. Obviously this was to play on the wing, but the key was that he was further up the ground. Never averaging more than 38 in his season prior, this year was definitely a breakout season. After being dropped early on, he came back to average 82.3. Issue is this is basically what we can expect. While there were 3 scores of 107 or more in those final 12 games, a winger averaging about 80 isn’t going to get us excited in Classic … or most Draft leagues.

FANTASY VERDICT: If he had FWD status, there might be some relevance, but Henry should just be a MID-only due to his wing time this year. LATE IN A DRAFT LEAGUE?.

LACHIE SCHULTZ TO COLLINGWOOD

TRADE – Monday October 16

2023 AVERAGE: 78.5 (23 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $695,000

Schultz is a player I would’ve loved at the Dons (exactly what we need)… but the Pies have a ripper. Coming off his best Fantasy season – playing all games and improving his average by nearly 14 points from season 4-to-5 and over 20 from 3-to-5, the meat on the bone isn’t really there now. Good player, but really not going to hit Fantasy numbers as a forward who will spend most of his time inside-50.

FANTASY VERDICT: While he’s potentially draftable, Schultz is a no-go for Classic and even in Draft, I don’t know if I could even grab him at that “80-average” mark with any confidence. PASS.

BIGOA NYUON TO NORTH MELBOURNE

TRADE – Monday October 16

2023 AVERAGE: DNP
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $200,000

With just one game to his name (score of 23 from 94% TOG in 2022), the main data to look at his is VFL numbers. Last season he avearged 60.1 from his 17 games. Numbers were better in the early part of the season when he was in the ruck role. In the games where he had double-figure hitouts, he scores 57, 89, 81, 61, 87 and 99. The 197cm ruck/defender was on the Tigers’ list since being drafted in 2019. The Roos see him more as an athletic key defender and if he gets an opportunity, could be worth a look at basement price.

FANTASY VERDICT: Watch over the pre-season. We have to keep tabs on everyone who is basement priced with a chance to play (straight swap for Ben McKay?! Haha). BENCH IF PLAYING.

TYLER BROCKMAN TO WEST COAST

TRADE – Saturday October 14

2023 AVERAGE: 51.4 (15 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $455,000

Small forwards don’t usually put their hands up for our Fantasy teams and I don’t think Brockman will be any different. Averages of 43 (11 games) and 51 (15 games) from his first two seasons, it’s hard to tell a story that there’s much improvement, even in his third season; Brockman has only had seven games where he’s scored over 60.

FANTASY VERDICT: Third year breakout? Nah. PASS.

TOM FULLARTON TO MELBOURNE

TRADE – Friday October 13

2023 AVERAGE: DNP
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $200,000

Demons need some depth with their bigs … that’s about all we’ve got here with Fullarton. Scores are nothing to write home about – even from the VFL. Mostly played as a forward this season in the magoos but can go into the ruck.

FANTASY VERDICT: May have the handy RUC/FWD status and will be basement priced. Unlikely to be in best 23, but may be needed at some stage of the season. BENCH AT BEST.

JADE GRESHAM TO ESSENDON

FREE AGENT – Friday October 13

2023 AVERAGE: 73.6 (22 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $651,000

The Fresh Gresh joins the Bombers via free agency on way too much money, but should fill a much needed role as a half-forward. This doesn’t bode that well for Fantasy, but he’s going to have some relevance in 2024 as the MID/FWD status should still be there … plus he’s going to be priced at his career average, meaning there’s a bit of meat on the bone if he get get to the mid-80s like he has done a couple of times in his career (plus the lack of FWD options at the top end we are likely to have in Draft). Funilly enough, his Fantasy numbers were better when attending less than 20% of CBAs this year (81 average from 9 games) compared to when he attended 40%+ (65.3 average from 6 games). Scores can be up and down though.

FANTASY VERDICT: Could we see a 10 point increase to be back to his best? I’m not sure … and it may not be enough to make Gresh a pick that we need. In saying that, he’s not going backwards IMO, so should be someone we see on draft day. WATCHLIST.

ZAC FISHER TO NORTH MELBOURNE

TRADE – Wednesday October 11

2023 AVERAGE: 69.0 (12 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $611,000

In and out of the side during the season, Fisher played the last four home-and-away games off half-back for scores of 108, 63, 103 and 70. While he has shown that he can post solid scores, the 25-year-old hasn’t really given coaches in Fantasy Classic or even Draft anything to get excited about for prolonged periods of time due to his versitility. A 70 average from all 22 games in 2022 from a mostly forward role with some stints in the midfield wasn’t too bad, but we’d been to see a definite role behind the ball for there to be the upside we would need. What position Champion Data gives him will be interesting as his game time across the season has been split between FWD-MID-DEF.

FANTASY VERDICT: If he has FWD or DEF status, there’s a chance he could be worth a shot at in Draft leagues … but we’ll need to track closely what role Clarkson is likely to want him playing – and the flow on effect for others off the back of it. UNLIKELY TO BE VERY RELEVANT.

TAYLOR ADAMS TO SYDNEY

TRADE – Wednesday October 11

2023 AVERAGE: 76.5 (22 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $677,000

Adams picked up forward status this year and should maintain it going into 2024. This is what makes him a relevant Fantasy prospect for next season as a Swan. The biggest issue is his body and at 30, there’s danger signs considering the soft tissue injuries he’s had across his career (only twice has he played every game of the season). Pushed out of the midfield this year with just 39% CBAs (down from 76%, 77%, 65% in previous three seasons), could we see a bit of an uptick under Horse? We’ve seen some big seasons, four times averaging more than 100 in his 12 years in the system including 114.6 when he played every game of 2017. This was a long time ago… but you know, it is worth remembering!

FANTASY VERDICT: With plenty of our guns losing FWD status, Adams could be in the mix as a top 6 if he retains DPP … even if he doesn’t hit the heights of the past. Taking that 76.5 aveage to 85 again would have him right in the mix and a value option in both Classic and Draft. Just know the risk that comes with it, and that he’s on the wrong side of 30. HIGH CONSIDERATION.

OTHER THOUGHTS: Plenty of people have made the comment that Finlay Macrae will get his chance as a MID/FWD in the absence of Adams. He will be approximately $304k based on this year’s figures … aka priced at around 34. If he’s there in round one, he’ll be a must-have next year.

BRODIE GRUNDY TO SYDNEY

TRADE – Wednesday October 11

2023 AVERAGE: 75.0 (17 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $664,000

Grundy was snouted as a Ruck Pig in 2019 after his back-to-back 120+ seasons. Can he get back there? Probably not, but being priced at 75 after having a year from hell at the Demons (see what I did there?) having to play second fiddle to Max … and eventually end up in the VFL, we have to consider the big man who will walk in as the Swans’ N0.1 ruck with very little competition/support. Hickey has retired and Ladhams probably won’t be given a thought now – nor will McLean need to chop out as much as he did this season.

FANTASY VERDICT: We’re going to have a few players to consider in the ruck line this year meaning the set-and-forget may not be as popular as the past (plus the two big boys are priced at 115+ each). We’re getting some cut-price bacon here that should have 20 points upside at worst. R2 OPTION.

OTHER THOUGHTS: Obviously Max Gawn is an option off the back of this. He is priced at 93.5 but averaged 111.6 from his eight games at the back end of the season when Grundy was in the VFL.

CHRIS BURGESS TO ADELAIDE

TRADE – Wednesday October 11

2023 AVERAGE: 22 (1 game)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $200,000

Discount brings his price, based on 2022’s 28.5 average down to a basement price tag. Best season was 2021 where he played 19 games for the Suns averaging 55.6. Surely coming in as depth as he can play at both ends of the ground (this year he was mostly used as a forward in the VFL with some decent numbers averaging 87.6 and kicking 61 goals from his 20 games).

FANTASY VERDICT: I don’t think he plays… but he will be rookie priced. IF WE’RE DESPERATE.

DYLAN STEPHENS TO NORTH MELBOURNE

TRADE – Wednesday October 11

2023 AVERAGE: 54.9 (13 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $486,000

Things were looking good in round one for Stephens when he racked up 27 disposals, four marks, four tackles and a goal for 104 against the Suns. This was his best score for the year and didn’t go over 61 until he managed 69 and 85 in the final two rounds of the season. Three vests – including a 17 and 27 – bring his average down but it is only 11 points lower than his PB in year three (2022’s average of 66 from 12 games). Being a former pick No. 5, Stephens has to be considered. His VFL number from his 10 games were impressive, averaging 111.

FANTASY VERDICT: Where is the midfield clock coming from and at whose expense? Definitely one to watch, but what does he take the 55 average to as a winger? If they want him inside, what does it mean for the likes of LDU, Simpkin and those who get thrown inside and out for the Roos? WATCHLIST.

JAMES HARMES TO WESTERN BULLDOGS

TRADE – Tuesday October 10

2023 AVERAGE: 46.7 (9 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $558,000

One bloody game … old mate Harmesy was one game short of being priced at <50 which would’ve made him a steam (his 2023 return was the lowest since debuting in 2015). Instead, he’s at around 63 which is still below his career average of 71 and well down on his three best seasons where he averaged 83, 94 and 82. The issue is where does he fit in at the Dogs? Is he coming in as a wing or half-forward or do we see more of an inside midfield role? The Dogs played a pretty tight 3-4 in the rotation with Bont, Libba, Treloar the players with the larger CBA% with some sprinklings from Macrae, Bazlenka and even Caleb Daniel. Will they want him being more of a defensive midfielder? Maybe Bevo adds him to the mix due to their loss of Dunkley last year. If we weren’t worried about the Dogs’ midfield already, this acquisition only makes things even more confusing.

FANTASY VERDICT: Some value if he’s getting some midfield love and retains the MID/FWD status. If he was priced under 50, then he’d be a big name to monitor. UNLIKELY… YOU KNOW, BEVO.

BEN MCKAY TO ESSENDON

FREE AGENT – Tuesday October 10

2023 AVERAGE: 52.6 (19 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $466,000

A key defender isn’t going to give us any Fantasy love. McKay fills a need for the Bombers as a proper stopper which should allow Ridley to do his best work as an interceptor and attacking play (which IS good for Fantasy). Mason Redman is the other interesting name here … but we have to factor in the loss of BZT in the roles for the back six. Roos will have a fair bit of change for their backline which will be something to monitor.

FANTASY VERDICT: You’re nto picking McKay in Fantasy. But does it help the Bombers’ backline and therefore Fantasy stocks of existing defenders, you betchya. PASS.

TODD GOLDSTEIN TO ESSENDON

FREE AGENT – Monday October 9

2023 AVERAGE: 73.3 (20 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $649,000

Cal’s ruck of the decade (ahhh… Covid podcasts) has made the move to the Dons which would be off the back of Draper’s groin surgery and likely need for someone to fill the No.1 role at least for the start of the season. What does it mean when Draper is in? Are they rucking in combo like they did with Phillips? Where does Bryan sit? I’m unlikely to consider him, not even for handcuffing in Draft, of the Bombers rucks. Too many variables which would just see headaches. The real winner out of this is Tristan Xerri who will be priced at around 65 and will be the No.1 ruck for the Roos. I’m sure X-Erri will be mentioned a heap in the pre-season.

FANTASY VERDICT: Maybe late in draft for your bench? I’m just worried that things can change once Draper is fit – whether that is sharing the role or being rested/dropped when they work out their best mix. It’s a risk. FAIRLY PRICED WITH SOME UPSIDE BUT MIGHT JUST BE A START OF SEASON WONDER.

TOM DOEDEE TO BRISBANE

FREE AGENT – Monday October 9

2023 AVERAGE: 55.5 (11 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $491,000

One of our AFL Fantasy ambassadors now has some intel for us from another club – win! But as for his own Fantasy game, we’re not going there. He’s recovering from an ACL injury which happened early in the game against the Suns in Darwin. Won’t feature in the team until mid-way through the season.

FANTASY VERDICT: Ripping bloke, loves his Fantasy … but nah. PASS.

JOEL HAMLING TO SYDNEY

FREE AGENT – Sunday October 8

2023 AVERAGE: 43.8 (4 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $317,000

After playing 40 of possible 44 games for the Dockers in the first two years after making the switch from the Dogs in 2017, he managed just six games in the four seasons that followed. Even though he’ll be priced at 36, even if playing we are unlikely to be considering him.

FANTASY VERDICT: A fringe full back? PASS.

MATTHEW FLYNN TO WEST COAST

FREE AGENT – Friday October 6

2023 AVERAGE: 73.7 (9 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $633,000

Looking for opportunity, Flynn joined the Eagles off the back of NicNat retiring (not that he was playing much in recent times!!). The question will be whether Williams continues as the key man in the middle or can Flynn go ahead of him? Possibly they share? Regardless, the West Coast rucks won’t be a place that most coaches will want to dabble with. As for GWS, Briggsy and Preuss will be an interesting watch this pre-season which might dictate some draft rankings work.

FANTASY VERDICT: If he goes past Williams, he’ll be moved up Draft rankings but there isn’t enough upside to consider in Classic. BETTER OPTIONS OUT THERE.

JAMES JORDON TO SYDNEY

FREE AGENT – Friday October 6

2023 AVERAGE: 50.2 (17 games)
2024 PROJECTED PRICE: $444,000

Former Michael Barlow Medal winner (2021) averaged 70 and 72 in his first two seasons, playing all but one game. 2023 saw him play 17 and with quite a few vests which saw his average drop 20 points on what he did in the first couple of years. The premiership player found it hard to get any clock inside at the Dees. The Swans have a gun, yet developing, midfield which may see some opportunity due to having quite a mix of players running through there. Mills will miss some time, Parker, Warner and Rowbottom were the constants but we also saw Errol and Papley get some clock towards the end of the year.

FANTASY VERDICT: As a MID only, we would really need to see him be an inside midfielder throughout the pre-season for us to consider. This would still make it a tricky call in Classic, but maybe one to look at for your deeper Draft league or Keeper. LOW ON WATCHLIST.

Key dates for the 2023 AFL Trade & Draft periods

Friday, October 6

• AFL Restricted Free Agency Offer and Unrestricted Free Agency Period Commences (9am)

Monday, October 9

• Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period Commences – Players & Selections (9am)

Friday, October 13

• Close of AFL Restricted Free Agency Offer and Unrestricted Free Agency Period (5pm).

Monday, October 16

• AFL Restricted Free Agency Matching Offer 3 Day Period Ends (5pm)

Wednesday, October 18

• Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period Closes – Players & Selections (7.30pm)

Monday, October 23

• Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period Opens – Selections Only (9am)

Wednesday, November 1

• AFL Delisted Player Free Agency Period (1) Commences (9am)

Wednesday November 8

• AFL Delisted Player Free Agency Period (1) Closes (5pm)

Friday, November 10

• AFL Delisted Player Free Agency Period (2) Commences (9am)
• AFL Delisted Player Free Agency Period (2) Closes (5pm)
• Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period Closes –Selections Only (5pm)

Monday, November 20

• AFL National Draft – Round 1 (time and venue TBA)

Tuesday, November 21

• Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period – Selections Only (5.45pm – 6.30pm)
• AFL National Draft – Round 2 until completion (7pm)
• Rookie Promotion to Primary List (post completion of National Draft)
• AFL Delisted Player Free Agency Period (3) (post completion of National Draft)

Wednesday, November 22

• AFL Pre-Season Draft (3pm)
• AFL Rookie Draft (3.20pm)

 

Discuss the trades and any Fantasy value you find in players at their new club in the comments.

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