As the Adelaide Crows gear up for the 2025 AFL season, several players emerge as potential undervalued assets, breakout candidates, and strategic stash options for fantasy enthusiasts. From seasoned players to promising rookies, here’s a comprehensive look at the players to watch for your keeper league teams.
Undervalued Players
Alex Neal-Bullen
Alex Neal-Bullen averaged just under 80 points last season with Melbourne before being traded to Adelaide in the offseason. He usually plays up forward but, as we found out last season, he can be utilized as a defensive midfielder, a role that contributed to some strong fantasy performances last year. The Crows can leverage his forward experience and midfield abilities to add a unique dimension to their lineup. Additionally, his forward status makes him more desirable in the AFL fantasy format. I think he’ll put up similar numbers as last season in 2025.
Jake Soligo
Jake Soligo might not be as undervalued as initially perceived as he had somewhat of a breakout season last year. However, he still only averaged 77 points last season. With Adelaide’s midfield potentially integrating Sid Draper, James Peatling, and Alex Neal-Bullen, there might be some doubt he can get to the next level. Players like Rory Laird may shift out of the midfield, and Matt Crouch could be on the outer, potentially balancing things up. Despite the uncertainties, Soligo showed potential as a good scorer last season, making him a player you can probably draft with confidence.
Wayne Milera
Wayne Milera has long been recognized for his potential as a fantasy player but has never been able to get his body right. In 2023, he finally got through a full season, averaging above 71 points per game. Expectations were high for him to elevate his game in 2024, but injuries again hampered his progress. Milera is a proficient user of the ball coming off the halfback line, and the Crows value him for his ball distribution. If he can maintain his fitness, Milera could solidify his status as a reliable fantasy asset, although he would be hard to trust at this stage.
Isaac Cumming
Isaac Cumming had a challenging year in 2024, plagued by injuries and falling out of favour at GWS. In the six games he played, he primarily played on the wing, averaging 61 points. However, Cumming has demonstrated his fantasy potential in previous seasons (2021 and 2022) when deployed in a half-back position. With a move to Adelaide, he could regain his form and benefit from the “new club bump,” often seen in a player’s first season at a different team. He has suffered a hamstring injury during the preseason, but an uptick in his scoring this season is plausible if he plays the right role at Adelaide.
Breakout Candidates
Billy Dowling
Billy Dowling made his AFL debut in 2024 and showcased the fantasy potential he displayed in the SANFL and during his junior days. At AFL level, his role has been somewhat varied, including positions on the half-forward line, wing, and half-back line. However the half-forward and wing positions aren’t typically the most fantasy-friendly, and it looks like Dowling will probably occupy one of these positions. Regardless, Dowling does have the capability to contribute solidly in AFL Fantasy, it just might not reach the heights you’d expect if he played in a different role.
Max Michalanney
Entering his third year of AFL football, Max Michalanney is coming into his ‘breakout season’. Despite getting some time in the midfield last year, Michalanney’s role at the Crows has been very defensive, which will limit his fantasy-scoring potential. However, his defensive traits like intercept marking and ball use, and perhaps increasing his tackle count and overall involvement in the game, might see him become a handy player. While he may not become a top-tier fantasy scorer, Michalanney could serve as a decent bench cover option or as a D5 in weaker teams.
James Peatling
James Peatling is a player to watch this season. Last year, he displaced Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio from the GWS midfield. Despite not having the strongest kicking ability, Peatling excels as an elite tackler with a high work rate who can also push forward to score goals. With his move to Adelaide, he is expected to receive ample opportunities in the midfield, potentially pushing his average to over 80 points this season. Peatling’s versatility and high-impact play make him a strong candidate for a breakout year.
Stash Options
Hugh Bond
Hugh Bond debuted in 2023 and has been used primarily as a lockdown defender, a role that typically doesn’t yield high fantasy points. However, Bond showed promise at the underage level as a scorer, and with more experience and trust with the ball from the coaching staff, his fantasy potential could increase. If Bond can transition into a more versatile role while maintaining his defensive strengths, he might become a valuable stash option for fantasy teams looking to bolster their defensive line.
Daniel Curtin
Daniel Curtin is expected to remain a key position player at the AFL level. Despite his limited role, Curtin impressed during the U18 Carnival with a strong average as a midfielder in his draft year. While he may not deliver high fantasy points immediately, Curtin is worth considering in keeper league drafts as a long-term investment. However, fantasy coaches should temper their expectations and recognise Curtin might not develop into the fantasy option people made him out to be. But he’s still worth a stash just in case he does.
Rookies
Sid Draper
Sid Draper is the most likely rookie to break into Adelaide’s side this season. Draper’s potential has caught the attention of fantasy coaches, and he could secure a regular spot in the side with consistent performances. For more detailed insights on Draper, and all the other draftees, check out our draftee fantasy analysis or listen to the podcast episode we recorded after the 2024 AFL Draft.
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