Jade Gresham – Deck of DT 2024

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Why should I pick him?

There’s no doubt that the forward line is the most exciting line in this year’s Fantasy season. It could genuinely make or break your team and this means you shouldn’t be afraid to get a little funky with a few of your selections. As plenty of our tried-and-true favourites are no longer forward eligible we need to cast our nets far and wide to find that elusive POD.

Gresham doesn’t have to do much to move himself into the top echelon of forwards this year. His 73.6 average in 2023 probably isn’t a fair guide of what he’s capable of. Looking back to 2022 he produced a season with an 83.8 average which would have him as the 11th ranked forward in this year’s pool.

Despite a below par average in 2023, he actually finished the season off really well, averaging 88 in his last three games and also picked up two of his three tonnes in his last five games of the season.

What’s even more pleasing is this all came from having stuff all midfield time. Across his productive five week stretch he only averaged 5.6% of the  CBA’s and had two games without registering a solitary CBA.

Gresham has said in an interview this will be his first full pre-season in six years which can only be a positive. With Dylan Shiel likely to miss the first half of season, there are CBA’s up for grabs for a fit Gresham, as Shiel averaged 50% of CBA’s when in the side last year.

As a Dons man, I’m also getting some ‘Devon Smith lite vibes’ with Gresham who took his Fantasy game to a new level, going from an 81 average to a 106 average after moving clubs.

While I don’t see Gresham averaging the 8.5 tackles Fritz Smith did that season, I do see Gresham’s strength coming from hitting the scoreboard more in 2023. He kicked 21 goals last year and a return to a 30-35 goal a year season like he managed in 2017 & 2018 is more than possible with his likely role and would provide that juicy boost in Fantasy numbers.

Why shouldn’t I pick him?

As we’re hoping for a little extra midfield time for Gresham to boost him into Top 10 forward contention, the big concern is that there are many mouths to feed in the Essendon engine room. You’ve obviously got the A Graders in Merrett and Parish but then it’s likely they will give time to the youngsters in Hobbs, Caldwell, Perkins and Tsatas, plus there’s Setterfield and possibly even Stringer and McGrath. Where does Gresham fit into midfield? That is the million-dollar question and one that may only be answered deep into the pre-season.

The other issue is the Bombers offense. They were the sixth lowest scoring team last season and outside of Kyle Langford (51) no Bomber managed to kick more than 25 goals. While that could definitely be a quality of player issue, it’s still an issue and Gresham will need to rely on some of his skills, polish and poise to be that 30-40 goal a season player the Bombers need him to be.

Deck of DT Rating.

QUEEN

If he was still at St Kilda I think legally he’d have to be a Jack but he’s now he’s left he can be upgraded to a Queen.

I think Gresham is a safe as houses bet for a mid 70’s average and a great F2-3 in most Draft or Keeper Leagues. If he can pick up where he left off last season a mid 80’s average is well and truly in play but the risk is for the Classic players will be backing him to push into the Top 10, let alone Top 6 Forwards this season.

Catch Kaes on X @TKLKaes.

Kaes

Co-Founder of The Keeper League Pod. Love finding the next undervalued star and don't hate a hot take or two.