Jack Macrae – Deck of DT 2025

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Why should I pick him?

Happy New Year, and we are looking forward to a happy Jack Macrae at his new club St Kilda this year. Macrae is a superstar scorer – he’s put up more points than any other player in the era of “AFL Fantasy” (2013-). His career scoring is headlined by a four season run of 122.6 (2018), 115.5 (2019), 90.1 (2020), and 115.8 (2021) which basically represents four straight years of 115+! He’s always had the ability to score which is why he’s been fantasy relevant every single year.

Over the last few seasons, there’s been a noticeable shift in role for Macrae. His midfield time has dropped, and while his ability to score well has masked that, it was hugely noticeable in 2024. He didn’t even get MID DPP! Fantasy coaches despise Luke Beveridge when coaching should be simple – just play Bont 90% CBAs, Macrae 90% CBAs, Dunkley 90% CBAs, Treloar 90% CBAs, English 90% CBAs, Libba 90% CBAs, Smith 90% CBAs, Daniel 90% CBAs, Richards 90% CBAs, and DO NOT drop Sanders (90% CBAs would be preferred). Basic maths really.

Pushed out of the superstar midfield lineup, we’ve seen how role has affected Macrae’s stoppage scoring. Below are his centre-bounce-attendance rates compared to how many points he averaged from stoppages. This includes scoring at centre bounces, but also representative of stoppages around the ground (ball-up & throw-in):

If you could pick which of the 18 teams Macrae would benefit most at in 2025, I suspect St Kilda would be top of the list. Over the last two years, St Kilda have been the highest scoring team in Fantasy (even higher than the high-scoring Bulldogs). They have recruited Macrae from a need for midfielders and he should slot straight into the gap left by Brad Crouch & Seb Ross “retiring”. His ball use should combine well with contested Jack Steele, a defensive aspect from Marcus Windhager, and the shiny new star Mattaes Phillipou.

While it’s been a tough couple of years for Macrae, stoppage points = role so my prediction is a return to 45pts per game at stoppages. The reason for not going higher is the big gap between low-stoppage Saints & high-stoppage Bulldogs which he has definitely utilised well over his career so far.

Why shouldn’t I pick him?

Midfield time is only generates half of his points though. Macrae’s great scoring history is thanks to his ability to win the ball around the ground. In his breakout 2014 season, Macrae averaged 104.4 playing as an outside midfielder (15% CBAs) with close to 6 marks per game. His 2018 peak was built of an insane 67.4 transition points but since then, Macrae’s transition scoring has dropped off every year.

Scoring in transition is independent of midfield minutes; it means that age, work rate, and player style does the explaining. Getting back to 55 transition points per game is unlikely at 30 years old, meaning a 100+ average could be off the cards. However, don’t discount St Kilda’s friendly transition style (ranked #1 in 2023 & 2024). This means a declining Macrae should maintain 45pts in transition. Overall this comfortably suggests a 90 average which is more than acceptable!

Deck of DT Rating.

ACE

At 55% owned, Macrae is the 6th highest selected player so far in 2025. He’s a walkup starter in Classic, ticking every box of typical fantasy picks: well-known name, career scoring history, new-club, substitute-affected price, selectable as a FWD in a historically bad year for depth, expected to play significant midfield time, no early bye round, the best mid-season bye round. And with his ownership so high, there isn’t anything to gain by not starting him. In draft, my general hesitance for paying up for FWDs means I will likely pass on Macrae, but he is arguably the safest option on the FWD board.

Jaiden

Started playing Dream Team as soon as I was old enough to use a computer! Growing up in the Fantasy mindset inspired my passion for statistics, so now with a degree, I provide new metrics and unique insights into the game. Follow me on Twitter as I dive into new content for AFL Fantasy.