CBAs Analysis: Opening Round, 2025- AFL Fantasy

In AFL Fantasy, Centre Bounce Attendances (CBAs) are one of the most valuable indicators of a player’s role and scoring potential. Each week, changes in CBAs can signal role shifts, coaching adjustments, or evolving team strategies—all of which are crucial for fantasy coaches looking to stay ahead of the game. Each week, I’ll be selecting five key players whose midfield involvement is worth highlighting. For a more detailed breakdown of all the biggest movers, members can access our CBA analysis data tools here.

Finn Callaghan

Finn Callaghan saw a 62% rise in CBAs, attending 22 centre bounces in the opening round. This increase was expected with Tom Green missing, but it also aligns with my view that GWS needs another strong presence in the midfield to support Green and I believe he will retain this role throughout the season. When Green is back, I expect Josh Kelly to move out to the wing rather than Callaghan’s, as Kelly saw a significant 46% rise in CBAs this round, which may not be sustainable.

Will Day

At first glance, Will Day’s numbers suggest a big jump in CBAs, but this is misleading due to an early injury and subsequent subbing out in his last game of 2024. When comparing his most recent full matches, his CBA involvement has actually decreased, as he appears to be spending more time forward. Day seems to be rotating with Jai Newcombe between midfield and forward duties, which could be a positive for those hoping he gains dual-position status. While his CBA numbers are trending down, his fantasy output remains strong, as shown by his 129 points and three goals in the opening round.

Harry Perryman

Harry Perryman’s midfield role looked legitimate in his debut for Collingwood after moving from GWS. The Magpies used him as an inside midfielder, filling an enforcer-like role. He wasted no time making an impact, scoring 90 fantasy points, despite registering only three tackles. If he can increase his tackle numbers, his scoring should improve even further.

Edward Allan

After showing promise at the end of last season with a full game in the midfield against Melbourne in Round 24, Edward Allan was on a wing for Collingwood in the opening round. This role didn’t translate well to fantasy scoring, as he managed only 49 points. With Jordan De Goey still to return, Allan’s path to regular midfield minutes looks difficult. While he remains a talented prospect, his current role suggests he’s not on the verge of a fantasy breakout anytime soon.

Cam Mackenzie

Cam Mackenzie experienced a 33% drop in CBAs in this game compared to his last outing. However, his midfield time increased significantly in the second half against Sydney after James Worpel was subbed out with an ankle injury. Worpel is set to miss 3-4 weeks so Mackenzie is likely to absorb a large chunk of his midfield minutes, which should lead to an increase in both CBAs and fantasy scoring. He’s a player to watch closely in the coming rounds.

For a full breakdown of the biggest CBA movers this week, be sure to check out the CBA analysis tools available to members.

Preview of Advanced CBA Stats:

Advanced CBA Stats

Key:
LG% – Percentage of CBAs last game
LG%vsPG% – Percentage of CBAs last game versus percentage of CBAs previous game
Avg% – Average of CBA percentage in games played
L3Avg% – Average of CBA percentage over the past three games
LG%vsAvg% – Last game CBA percentage vs average CBA percentage
L3G%vsAvg% – Last three games CBA percentage vs average CBA percentage

Last Round vs Previous Game

Key:
AF – AFL Fantasy points scored last round
TOG% – Percentage of Time On Ground last round
LR – Last Round Centre Bounce Attendances
LR% – Last Round Centre Bounce Attendance Percentage
PGCBA – Previous Game Centre Bounce Attendances
PGCBA% – Previous Game Centre Bounce Attendance Percentage
CBADif – CBA Differential of Last Round vs Previous Round
CBA%Dif – CBA% Differential of Last Round vs Previous Round

CBA% By Round

View more CBA Analysis numbers here.