James Jordon – Deck of DT 2024

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Why should I pick him?

A trade to the Sydney Swans presents a significant opportunity for James Jordon in 2024, and with an enticing price tag of just 454K in AFL Fantasy, he stands out as a value pick brimming with potential. This midfield dynamo, who previously won the Michael Barlow Medal, has demonstrated his ability to score well in the past and is well-positioned to bolster fantasy teams and generate some cash in AFL Fantasy if he can lock down the right role.

While he managed to play 17 games last season, his AFL Fantasy average was well down. After averaging 72 points per game in 2022, this dropped to a measly 50 in 2023, but this was due to a lack of midfield opportunities behind the gun midfield trio of Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca, and Jack Viney. He also had Tom Sparrow and Trent Rivers to compete with at different stages last season, and it was obvious he wasn’t the preferred candidate.

To score well consistently, Jordon needs to be playing an inside midfield role, and there’s a good chance he’ll see this at Sydney. If we look at games where he received over 10 centre bounces per game throughout his career, you’ll find that Jordon averaged approximately 75 points per game, as opposed to the 59 points he averages in games where he had fewer than 10 CBAs. So if he can get 10 or more CBAs per game at Sydney, which is possible, we should see an immediate uptick of 10 points per game or more, making him a decent value pick for cash generation.

A positive sign for Jordon was his VFL numbers last year. His impressive average of 126 points in the VFL not only confirmed his capability to score when given the right role but also signaled that he’s a cut above the VFL competition, showing that he’s a class above the state league level and should be playing senior footy.

Additionally, there have been some pretty awesome clips coming out of the Sydney social media team throughout the offseason, showing some of Jordon’s impressive stoppage work and looking like an absolute clearance beast in some of their match simulations.

But the thing that makes James Jordon most valuable is the fact that he’s got forward status. It’s the silver lining of him being neglected from the centre bounces at Melbourne, is that he started over 35% of the time in the forward 50 last season. Given the fact that forwards are so scarce in 2024, this is going to make him a very valuable prospect as an underpriced option.

Why shouldn’t I pick him?

While James Jordon presents a compelling case for inclusion in AFL Fantasy teams, there are valid concerns to consider before picking him.

The Sydney Swans boast a deep midfield that now includes the likes of Taylor Adams, who was traded to Sydney and has been tipped for a significant midfield role. The midfield also features senior players Luke Parker, Chad Warner, James Rowbottom, and Errol Gulden, alongside emerging talents like Angus Sheldrick and Matt Roberts. That’s also considering Callum Mills’ injury at the moment, and his return will add to the already competitive mix.

Furthermore, the Swans’ trade of Dylan Stephens leaves a role open on the wing, a position that Jordon has played at Melbourne. If Sydney opts to utilize Jordon on the wing, we could see the same fantasy-scoring limitations Jordon experienced at Melbourne. In such a scenario, Jordon’s AFL Fantasy output may not live up to the expectations we might have if he were to get more time as an inside midfielder.

As a result, fantasy managers should weigh these factors carefully before deciding on picking him for the 2024 season.

Deck of DT Rating.

Jack

In weighing up all the pros and cons of selecting James Jordon for your AFL Fantasy team, it’s evident that his potential for increased midfield time at Sydney could significantly enhance his scoring ability, tipping the scales in his favor as a money-generating asset.

Despite concerns over Sydney’s crowded midfield and the possibility of Jordon being assigned a wing role, the outlook is optimistic that he will secure the inside midfield position we anticipate.

Given his previous performances, promising VFL scores, the likelihood of an expanded role, along with him being listed as a forward, Jordon emerges as a good investment for AFL Fantasy coaches and should provide an uptick in scoring and some good cash generation in the 2024 season.

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