Keidean Coleman – Deck of DT 2025

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Why should I pick him?

Sometimes, footy can be cruel. Last summer, I wrote about Keidean Coleman in the Deck of DT and tried to convince the rest of the fantasy community that he was crucial to success in 2024. As you all probably know, Coleman tore his ACL in Opening Round and as a result, his fantasy season came to an abrupt end before it even started.

There is a silver lining though. Due to missing the entire 2024 season, Coleman’s starting price has been dramatically reduced and as a result, he shapes up as a genuine bargain this year. A breakeven of just 51 is a large reason why you can currently find Brisbane’s smooth-moving halfback in over 50% of fantasy teams and in his last two healthy seasons, Kiddy averaged 75.7 points (finals included) from 41 games. That average was dragged down by the presence of Daniel Rich who demanded his fair share of the footy in defence until his retirement.

It’s no coincidence to learn that once Rich was out of the picture, Coleman’s numbers soared. He went on to average 19.4 disposals per game and 88.7 fantasy points in the final 12 matches of the 2023 campaign. During that time, Coleman displayed traits of future fantasy stardom, registering a team-high 106 points in their preliminary-final win over Carlton and putting forth another impressive showing against the Magpies on Grand Final day. 13 touches for 63 points in the first quarter alone helped Keidean finish runner-up in North Smith Medal voting – ending the day with 26 touches (23 kicks), 8 marks, 6 tackles and a score of 127.

Of course, Coleman didn’t get a chance to build on his promising end to the 2023 season, but he has shown enough throughout his first 65 career games to suggest he deserves a place in our starting team. Providing he doesn’t experience any more setbacks this preseason the budding Lion should produce an 80-85 point average and cement himself as Brisbane’s main ball-user out of defence. If he can do that and score at a clip roughly 30 points better than what he’s priced at, there’s no world where you should leave Coleman out of your fantasy side to commence 2025.

Why shouldn’t I pick him?

There are a few genuine red flags associated with Keidean Coleman that may make coaches pause before investing. Last season wasn’t the only time Coleman has dealt with a serious injury after the dashing defender suffered a hamstring injury in the 2022 preseason. Eerily that injury came EXACTLY two years before his ACL tear and it forced him to start the season on the sidelines before returning to Brisbane’s lineup in Round 6. There are plenty of players who have rebounded from injuries before, but a multi-month hamstring tear and an ACL issue both in the space of a few seasons is worth noting.

The main reason coaches will steer clear of Coleman is due to the Lions’ Round 3 bye. Three other teams will take that week off following the Opening Round fixture and there are a ton of popular options who share that same bye round. In defence, Callum Mills is shaping up as another strong value play with Max Holmes, Matt Roberts and Dan Houston also attracting attention. Bailey Smith is the most owned player in the game now, so coaches won’t be missing out on him with Coleman’s teammates, Will and Levi Ashcroft, also amongst the favoured starters.

If you want to have Bazlenka, the Ashcroft’s AND Callum Mills in your starting team, is there really room for Keidean Coleman as well? Sure, he’s cheap and the value is obvious but if he’s dealt another injury blow it’s going to be hard to vault up to a recognised name from Coleman’s price. I wouldn’t be shocked if a low score in OR vs. Geelong saw some coaches abandon ship and ditch him from their starting teams – especially if there are other players you prefer with the same early bye.

Deck of DT Rating.

QUEEN

For the second consecutive season, Kiddy Coleman was one of my first-picked players and I’ll be starting him unless injury strikes again this preseason. The value is too juicy to pass up on, but with that said he’s not expected to challenge for top-5 defender status. There’s a world where Coleman pieces it together and becomes a 90-95+ guy, although he is returning from a major injury and Brisbane’s focus will remain on defending their premiership. An average in the 80’s seems more attainable and given his ≈$500K price tag, Keidean should score well out of the gate and become a handy stepping stone to a top-line defender at some point in 2025.

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Fry

An Australian coffee/burrito enthusiast who is the frustrated owner of 16 fantasy teams. Writer for SportsbyFry and DT Talk ?