In the ever-dynamic world of AFL, Centre Bounce Attendances (CBAs) serve as a critical metric for gauging a player’s involvement in the midfield and, by extension, their potential AFL Fantasy impact. As we peel back the layers of this past weekend’s action, we spotlight the players who’ve seen notable shifts in their CBAs – be it a significant uptick or a surprising downturn. For AFL Fantasy coaches and football enthusiasts alike, these fluctuations can signal changes in role, fitness, or team strategy, offering valuable insights for the rounds ahead.
Risers
The first round of the season brought to light some interesting changes in centre bounce attendances, highlighting players poised to redefine their fantasy value this year. Nat Fyfe leads the charge with a remarkable +55% increase in CBAs, signalling a welcomed return to a midfield role. This uptick is a positive indicator of Fyfe’s gradual return to peak fitness, suggesting that his presence in the midfield may become even more pronounced as the season progresses.
Not far behind is Tom Powell, who secured a substantial 76% of North Melbourne’s CBAs. This impressive figure underscores Powell’s significant role within his team, despite being listed as a forward in AFL Fantasy.
Archie Perkins also saw a notable surge, with a +54% jump in CBAs. While the temporary absences of Darcy Parish and Ben Hobbs cast some uncertainty over his immediate future, Perkins has undoubtedly showcased his fantasy potential. His performance suggests a player ready to step up when given the opportunity.
Christian Salem‘s increase in CBAs is another development worth attention. It appears that Salem’s transition into the midfield may be permanent. This shift could represent a permanent role change, potentially yielding consistent fantasy dividends for those who invest in him.
Fallers
Conversely, this week also revealed players experiencing declines in their CBA percentages. Tom Sparrow found himself out of the midfield, with no centre bounce attendances. This shift, largely attributed to Clayton Oliver’s return and Salem’s rise, is likely to impact Sparrow’s fantasy output negatively.
Jack Petruccelle experienced a less midfield involvement than we expected, receiving only 14% of the CBAs and primarily playing forward. This adjustment sets a tempered expectation for his role moving forward.
Chad Warner saw a -29% decrease in CBAs. Despite this downturn, Warner’s increased time in the forward line could pave the way for an advantageous forward DPP in future.
Rory Laird, despite a -29% drop in CBAs, demonstrated his ability to maintain fantasy relevance, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.
New Roles
The introduction of new roles for certain players has also stirred interest. Sam Durham transitioned from a wing position to an inside midfield role, though the potential impact of Darcy Parish and Ben Hobbs’ return on his CBA rate remains to be seen.
Liam Henry took on 39% of St Kilda’s CBAs, deviating from his expected wing position, raising questions about the effect on his scoring.
Izak Rankine‘s preseason momentum carried over with a +37% increase in CBAs, marking a significant development for a player with forward status. This change enhances his value offering an edge to AFL Fantasy coaches.
Surprises
While the week was largely predictable in terms of CBA shifts, there were a few unexpected developments.
Ollie Wines did not experience the anticipated increase in CBAs, perhaps due to the game’s dynamics against the West Coast Eagles, which seemed to favour the introduction of younger talents like Jason Horne-Francis.
Additionally, Jye Caldwell‘s situation defied expectations; despite Essendon’s lack of key midfielders, his CBA percentage saw a decline.
As we move forward into the AFL season, these shifts in Centre Bounce Attendances (CBAs) will continue to offer valuable insights for fantasy coaches. Understanding these dynamics is key to navigating the complexities of AFL Fantasy, ensuring informed decision-making and strategic planning for the rounds ahead.
Analyse the CBAs from the weekend in our user-friendly tables in our premium resources section – featuring advanced analytical tools to better measure the most significant changes, seasonally and week-to-week.
Preview of Advanced CBA Stats:
| Player | Club | Pos | LG% | LG%vsPG% | Avg% | L3Avg% | LG%vsAvg% | L3G%vsAvg% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jack Steele | SK | C | 81 | -5 | 88.4 | 87 | -7.4 | -1.4 |
| Reilly O’Brien | AD | R | 80 | -4 | 87.7 | 84 | -7.7 | -3.7 |
| Rowan Marshall | SK | R | 88 | +12 | 87.7 | 87 | +0.3 | -0.7 |
| Max Gawn | ME | R | 90 | -2 | 86.6 | 89 | +3.4 | +2.4 |
| Tom Green | GWS | C | 85 | +5 | 86 | 83 | -1 | -3 |
| Luke Davies-Uniacke | NM | C | 83 | +3 | 85.1 | 83 | -2.1 | -2.1 |
| Ned Reeves | HW | R | 82 | -5 | 84.5 | 79 | -2.5 | -5.5 |
| Lloyd Meek | HW | R | 77 | -13 | 84.4 | 82 | -7.4 | -2.4 |
| Jarrod Witts | GC | R | 82 | -11 | 84.2 | 86 | -2.2 | +1.8 |
| Tristan Xerri | NM | R | 83 | +3 | 83.4 | 82 | -0.4 | -1.4 |
View more CBA Analysis numbers here.
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
