CBAs Analysis: Round 16, 2024 – AFL Fantasy

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

Tom Stewart
Tom Stewart was used exclusively in the midfield this week, a significant shift from his usual defensive role. This change proved beneficial, as Stewart managed to score 105 points, a positive sign for his owners given his recent struggles in defence. Stewart saw an 83% rise in his CBA percentage, indicating Geelong’s trust in his versatility and ability to impact the game from the midfield. If this role continues, we could see a turnaround in form for Stewart, making him a more valuable asset in draft and keeper leagues.

Sam Flanders
Sam Flanders transitioned from the halfback line to the midfield, with Alex Sexton, Will Powell and Joel Jeffrey picking up the slack in defence. His CBA involvement jumped by 64%, indicating a future role in the middle. However, this change also makes him more susceptible to tagging. His 87% CBA involvement and 104 points suggest he could continue to play a significant role, provided he can navigate the increased attention from opponents.

Jy Simpkin
Jy Simpkin saw an uptick in CBAs with George Wardlaw out, rising by 52% to 92%. Despite this increased involvement, Simpkin only managed to score 64 points. This performance suggests that Simpkin might be more effective closer to the goal, where he can contribute to the scoreboard. If Wardlaw misses another game, Simpkin could have a chance to redeem himself, but the current situation isn’t ideal for fantasy coaches.

Rory Laird
Rory Laird returned to a prominent midfield role, with his CBAs increasing by 49% to 71%. Regardless of where Laird plays, he continues to score well, evidenced by his 92 points this round. While some coaches might have hoped for him to regain defender status, his consistent midfield role likely means that won’t happen. Nevertheless, Laird remains a reliable fantasy scorer.

Sam Berry
It was encouraging to see Sam Berry take on a more prominent midfield role, with his CBAs rising by 35% to 57%. Berry offers a different dynamic compared to other Crows midfielders. While his role may not lead to massive scores, it could result in consistent points, making him a solid option for one of your last-picked midfielders.

Bailey Williams
Bailey Williams benefited from Matt Flynn being subbed out due to injury, seeing an uptick in his CBAs to 73%. This increased responsibility could be good news for his owners, as he is likely to take on more ruck duties in the coming weeks with Flynn out.

Fallers

Max Michalanney
Max Michalanney was the largest faller this week, as he returned to his role in defense, resulting in a 67% decrease in CBAs. His midfield role appears to have been experimental, allowing him to perform defensive jobs there. With the Crows securing a win without needing to closely mark any Giants midfielders, Michalanney’s return to defense will probably continue.

Max Holmes
Max Holmes also saw a decrease in CBAs, a result of Tom Stewart moving into the midfield. Holmes is effective in his halfback role, and it’s preferable for him to play there rather than in the midfield anyway. This shift shouldn’t be a major concern, as Holmes continues to rack up points from his defensive position.

Liam Duggan
Liam Duggan experienced a significant drop in CBAs, largely due to the return of Tim Kelly and Harley Reid to the side. With these players back, there was no need for Duggan to play in the midfield. The preference is clearly the halfback line, where he scored an impressive 132 points this weekend, demonstrating his scoring ability in that role.

Sam Draper
Sam Draper’s CBAs dropped with the return of Goldstein, as expected. The promise of Draper being a good forward option was short-lived, with his ruck duties diminished. This change means his fantasy value is lower unless he can regain significant ruck time.

Surprises

Jacob Hopper
One of the biggest surprises this week was Jacob Hopper returning to the Richmond side and getting CBAs. While his involvement in the midfield wasn’t shocking, the fact that he didn’t get injured was. If Hopper can maintain his midfield role and stay healthy, he could be a valuable asset for his owners.

Kane McAuliffe
It was also surprising to see Kane McAuliffe used so extensively in the midfield for Richmond, with his CBAs rising to 53%. This promising development suggests that Richmond views him as a midfielder of the future. McAuliffe is worth stashing away in keeper leagues, as his increased involvement hints at a bright future.

Lachie Fogarty
Carlton’s increased use of Lachie Fogarty in the midfield was another surprise, with his CBAs rising to 21%. Although this change didn’t significantly impact his scoring this week (58 points), it’s a role worth monitoring. If Fogarty continues to get midfield time, it could lead to improved scoring opportunities.

Preview of Advanced CBA Stats:

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.

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