DPP Is Coming – Who Should You Look Out For?

The first of three DPP additions is coming very shortly, and there are several players who are lining up to gain a second position. Just some reminders for those who have forgotten:

1. A player must play a minimum three games to qualify for the first DPP additions.
2. If a player already has DPP status, they cannot qualify for a third position.
3. A player must play 35% in a different position to what they are listed as to receive DPP.

There are several players lining up, and these are the 10 guys that should be at the top of your watchlist! In no particular order, let the list begin:

1. Colby McKercher – DEF/MID

This is giving me serious Nick Daicos vibes. The second pick in the 2023 draft, McKercher is listed as a midfielder as of right now. He is pretty much set to receive defender status along with many other players that will be mentioned later on. Although a poor game in North Melbourne’s Gather Round game seemed concerning, only scoring 50, that can be blamed by him having 54% CBAs!

2. Nic Martin – DEF/MID

Another player that will receive defender/midfielder status. Martin was one of the most hyped players all pre-season and for great reasons. He had a terrific first two seasons in the big leagues playing wing. Was set to play half-back this year, one of the most fantasy-friendly roles, and played great in the Essendon’s two practice matches.

There were some concerns on Martin’s role as he scored an underwhelming 93 in the Bombers’ Round 1 clash against Hawthorn. Martin has since had scores of 103, 145, and 114 between rounds 2-4 whilst averaging 36.7 disposals per game in that span.

3. Ryley Sanders – MID/FWD

The second rookie to be featured on this list. Averaging 78.8 as of right now, including a game where he got subbed on 68, he should be set to receive forward status, but with a huge asterisk.

Sanders is the only player on this list that has the possibility of not receive DPP. Played a lot more midfield time than up forward in the Dogs’ recent match against the Cats. Will require an average of 31% forward time in the following two rounds to secure forward status.

4. Hayden Young – DEF/MID

Young went into the season being one of the breakout candidates, and over the past two weeks, he has shown that! He is set to receive midfielder status. His 101.8 season average ranks fourth out of all defenders and nineteenth out of all midfielders. Young has been one of the best players for the Dockers averaging 25.5 disposals and 7.5 tackles, both career highs.

The seventh pick in the 2019 draft is third is Fremantle’s CBAs being in 71% of them. Unlike Sanders, Young is guaranteed to receive midfield DPP.

5. Tom Powell – MID/FWD

Powell was a heavily under the radar pick going into the season, but came out with a bang in round 2 scoring 113 with 28 disposals and 2 goals. The 22 year old recorded a season high 15 tackles in Round 4, but only 14 disposals in a very scrappy game.

Although he burnt many owners at the start of last year, including me, but he won’t be burning the 24% of owners that own him right now once he gains midfield status.

6. Matt Roberts – DEF/MID

Roberts was set to play down back this season after being a wingman previously, just like Nic Martin. Roberts has been great playing half-back, even being able to get touches along the wing.

Although he didn’t play great in the Swans’ second pre-season game, only scoring 65, but played terrifically in the opening round match against the Demons scoring 91 points. Roberts is currently averaging 81.4 and could make another 100k, on top of the 310k he has already made!

7. Oliver Dempsey – MID/FWD

Did anybody expect Dempsey would be one of the biggest cash makers? I certainly didn’t. Dempsey has been one the Cats’ most impactful players this season collecting most of his disposals along the wing.

Set to receive midfielder status, like Tom Powell, Dempsey can be swung into the midfield for guys like Sanders and Wilson.

8. Isaac Heeney – MID/FWD

Wow! Heeney has been dominant so far leading the league in total points and fifth in average points whilst having 28 disposals and 1.6 goals per game. Although the Swans’ star is on the bye this week, he is priced at 943K with midfield DPP set to come!

In my final team, I don’t see myself having Heeney in the midfield, but him having midfield eligibility should be useful when trading!

9. Riley Bonner – DEF/MID

Last but certainly not the least, Riley Bonner. He was picked up by the Saints after being delisted by the Power after a relatively good stint. Bonner was listed as midfield only, but has stayed far from there.

Currently second in the Saints in kick-ins, Bonner recorded 15 kick-ins including 8 in his debut game with St Kilda. As a Bonner owner, I speak for all when I say that Bonner gaining defender status will be very beneficial.

Finally before I sign off, a very quick honorable mention to Harvey Gallagher who will receive MID/FWD. Gallagher started the season with two 56s and popped off for a 90, against the Eagles and owned by 18% of the competition.

Goodbye, and good luck for the rest of the season!

Alex Nguyen