In the constantly shifting landscape of AFL Fantasy, Centre Bounce Attendances (CBAs) emerge as a pivotal metric for assessing a player’s midfield involvement and, consequently, their impact on fantasy leagues. This past weekend’s action revealed significant shifts in CBAs, highlighting players experiencing notable increases or decreases in their involvement. Such fluctuations are crucial for AFL Fantasy coaches and football enthusiasts, signalling potential changes in roles, fitness levels, or team strategies, and providing essential insights for upcoming rounds.
Risers
Toby Bedford
Toby Bedford saw a massive uptick in CBAs, rising by 89%, going from 0 to 16 CBAs. He was used as a tagger to shut Zak Butters out of the game, successfully limiting his impact. Bedford’s role could continue to evolve giving him better access to scoring AFL Fantasy points, making him a player to watch in the coming rounds.
Max Michalanney
Max Michalanney had a notable increase in CBAs, with a 67% rise, going from 0 to 18 CBAs. This shift highlights his versatility and potential to contribute significantly to Adelaide’s midfield efforts as the Crows try to find a winning combination. Keep an eye on Michalanney as his role continues to develop.
Beau McCreery
Beau McCreery experienced a 34% rise in CBAs, going from 1 last week to 15 CBAs this week. With Collingwood facing numerous midfield injuries and struggling against the bottom-placed North Melbourne Kangaroos, McCreery was called upon for his inside work and tackling.
Will Phillips
Will Phillips substantially increased CBAs by 29%, from 13 in his last game to 30 CBAs this week. He was tasked with tagging Nick Daicos and was effective until he was subbed out, a decision by Alastair Clarkson that allowed Daicos to have more impact on the game. Phillips has shown potential, and if he can get more consistent midfield time, his fantasy scoring could improve.
Steele Sidebottom
Steele Sidebottom saw a significant increase in his CBA percentage, rising by 28%, from 1 to 13 CBAs. With Collingwood’s injury issues in the midfield, Sidebottom’s experience was crucial in helping them secure a narrow win. His increased midfield involvement is promising for his fantasy prospects but don’t expect it to last long.
Fallers
Jack Steele
Jack Steele was effectively tagged out of the game by Jared Berry, leading to a drop in his CBA numbers. His CBA percentage fell by 55%. To counter Berry’s influence, Steele was moved out of the midfield, which impacted his fantasy scoring. This tactical shift is something fantasy owners should monitor closely.
Rory Laird
Rory Laird saw a significant drop in his CBA numbers as Adelaide mixed things up in their midfield, trying to find a winning combination and unearth future talent. His CBA percentage dropped by 55%, going from 20 to 6 CBAs. Laird has reverted to his traditional role across the half-back line, which could be beneficial for fantasy owners if he gains defender status in the future. This change also allowed Max Michalanney to spend more time in the midfield.
Finn Macrae
Finn Macrae was a surprising faller, as he was subbed out of the game despite Collingwood’s lack of midfield depth. Given his inconsistent opportunities and performances, it’s becoming challenging to see Macrae as a viable fantasy scorer moving forward.
Surprises
Jacob Koschitzke
Jacob Koschitzke saw a surprising increase in CBAs, with a 21% rise. He was used as a backup ruck, which could add extra hit-out points to his scoring. This additional role might enhance his fantasy value moving forward.
Liam Henry
Liam Henry saw a significant increase in CBAs, with a 23% rise, going from 2 to 13 CBAs. He was the spark St Kilda needed in the second half to get back into the game. After being used more up forward recently, Henry’s midfield involvement could continue to grow, enhancing his fantasy potential.
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% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reilly O’Brien | AD | R | 82 | -15 | 87.5 | 87 | -5.5 | -0.5 |
| Lloyd Meek | HW | R | 95 | +16 | 86.5 | 88 | +8.5 | +1.5 |
| Jack Steele | SK | C | 85 | +46 | 85.7 | 73 | -0.7 | -12.7 |
| Tristan Xerri | NM | R | 92 | +8 | 85.6 | 89 | +6.4 | +3.4 |
| Jarrod Witts | GC | R | 90 | +5 | 85.6 | 86 | +4.4 | +0.4 |
| Max Gawn | ME | R | 88 | +4 | 85.4 | 89 | +2.6 | +3.6 |
| Toby Nankervis | RI | R | 94 | +15 | 84.2 | 87 | +9.8 | +2.8 |
| Tim English | WB | R | 92 | +7 | 83.7 | 88 | +8.3 | +4.3 |
| Lachie Neale | BL | C | 85 | +9 | 83.6 | 81 | +1.4 | -2.6 |
| Noah Anderson | GC | C | 74 | -3 | 82.6 | 84 | -8.6 | +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
