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
Jack Sinclair
Jack Sinclair saw increased midfield time this week, with his CBAs rising to 78%. His role has fluctuated this season, but St Kilda needed to make adjustments in their midfield and they secured a win against the best team in the league, Sydney, as a result. Sinclair’s performance contributed to the victory, scoring 102 AFL Fantasy points. Given the success of this strategy, expect Sinclair’s midfield role to continue.
Steven Coniglio
Steven Coniglio returned to the midfield after playing in the forward line last week during his injury return game. His CBAs increased by 48% to 84%. Coniglio’s contribution was significant as the Giants secured a win, and he scored 84 AFL Fantasy points. This role adjustment is expected to continue, making Coniglio a valuable asset moving forward.
Dylan Shiel
Dylan Shiel made a strong return to Essendon’s side, with his CBAs rising by 46% to 57%. Shiel’s performance was crucial, as he scored 114 AFL Fantasy points. With Darcy Parish out, Shiel’s increased involvement in the midfield is likely to persist, making him a valuable player in fantasy leagues.
Luke Jackson
Luke Jackson saw an increase in CBAs due to Sean Darcy’s concussion, with his CBA percentage rising to 62%. Jackson capitalized on the opportunity, scoring 104 AFL Fantasy points. With Darcy in the 10-day concussion protocols, Jackson is expected to have a boosted role in the next game, enhancing his fantasy prospects.
Sam Draper
Sam Draper experienced an increase in ruck time as Todd Goldstein was managed. Draper’s CBA percentage rose by 34% to 79%, resulting in a score of 79 AFL Fantasy points. This situation should be monitored closely; if Essendon continues with Draper as the number one ruck, he will be particularly valuable as he is listed as a forward in fantasy leagues. Additionally, Peter Wright could see a bump in involvement if Goldstein stays out, as he will be used as the backup ruck.
Fallers
Zak Butters
Zak Butters saw a decrease in his CBAs by 64%, partly due to being subbed out but also as a result of Port Adelaide trying to shake off the tagger. Despite the drop, Butters managed to score 136 AFL Fantasy points, indicating his ability to still perform well even with reduced midfield time. His role and CBA involvement should be monitored closely in the coming weeks.
Archie Perkins
Archie Perkins experienced a decrease in his CBAs by 16%, a result of Dylan Shiel’s inclusion in the side. With Darcy Parish still out, this drop might be a concern. Fantasy coaches should keep an eye on Perkins’ role when Parish returns in a few weeks, as it could further impact his midfield involvement and scoring potential.
Brent Daniels
Brent Daniels saw a decrease in his CBAs, but he played forward where he typically scores better. This shift didn’t negatively impact his fantasy output, as he scored an impressive 129 AFL Fantasy points. Daniels’ ability to score well in a forward role makes him a versatile option, though his CBA involvement may fluctuate.
Surprises
Jackson Mead
Jackson Mead saw an increase in his CBAs by 28%, despite Port Adelaide being at full strength in midfield. This unexpected boost in midfield time makes Mead one to watch for the future, as he could carve out a more significant role moving forward.
Jy Simpkin
Jy Simpkin’s CBAs decreased by 23% even though George Wardlaw was out for North Melbourne. Despite this, Simpkin still scored well, highlighting his versatility. North Melbourne seems to have found the right balance for Simpkin between midfield and forward roles, which could finally make him a reliable fantasy option.
Billy Dowling
Billy Dowling finally got a run as a midfielder, which I wasn’t expecting this season. He received 16% of the CBAs, showing that Adelaide is willing to experiment with him in the midfield. This opportunity makes Dowling an intriguing prospect to keep an eye on for the future.
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.
| Player | Club | Pos | LG% | LG%vsPG% | Avg% | L3Avg% | LG%vsAvg% | L3G%vsAvg% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reilly O’Brien | AD | R | 80 | -4 | 87.1 | 85 | -7.1 | -2.1 |
| Lloyd Meek | HW | R | 89 | +21 | 85.6 | 81 | +3.4 | -4.6 |
| Lachie Neale | BL | C | 93 | +5 | 85.5 | 92 | +7.5 | +6.5 |
| Jack Steele | SK | C | 68 | -22 | 85.4 | 81 | -17.4 | -4.3 |
| Max Gawn | ME | R | 86 | 0 | 84.7 | 81 | +1.3 | -3.7 |
| Tristan Xerri | NM | R | 81 | -2 | 84.2 | 82 | -3.2 | -2.2 |
| Jarrod Witts | GC | R | 93 | +33 | 84.2 | 81 | +8.8 | -3.2 |
| Toby Nankervis | RI | R | 85 | +8 | 83.9 | 82 | +1.1 | -1.9 |
| Rowan Marshall | SK | R | 93 | +7 | 83.5 | 91 | +9.5 | +7.5 |
| Noah Anderson | GC | C | 80 | -12 | 83.3 | 85 | -3.3 | +1.7 |
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
