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
At the forefront is Marcus Windhager, who experienced a +66% uptick in CBAs from the previous week. This significant increase is largely due to Brad Crouch stepping back to gain match fitness in the reserves. In Crouch’s absence, Windhager stepped up and dominated the midfield, showcasing his potential for a more prominent role in future games. With the news that Brad Crouch injured his knee in the VFL, expect Windhager to continue in this role.
Tom Sparrow of the Melbourne Demons observed a 64% rise in his centre bounce attendances. This increase was facilitated as Christian Salem moved back into defence. Sparrow’s move to a more central role during critical moments of the game underscores his versatility and growing importance to Melbourne’s team dynamics.
Willem Drew also noted a substantial rise in CBAs, with a 46% increase. This change was partly due to Jason Horne-Francis’s absence. Drew’s enhanced role in the midfield was commendable, though the expectation is that adjustments may occur once Horne-Francis returns to the team. This situation highlights the dynamic nature of team strategies and player roles within the AFL, which are continuously evolving in response to the team’s current needs.
Fallers
A notable mention in this category is Jack Sinclair, who, upon his return from injury, did not attend a single centre bounce. This was a stark contrast to his participation in 62% of the centre bounces in his last match. Such a significant shift suggests that his match fitness might be a contributing factor. We can reasonably expect Sinclair to reprise his role in the midfield once he’s back to full fitness.
Todd Goldstein saw a significant reduction in CBAs, attending 43% fewer bounces this week. This change was anticipated with Sam Draper’s introduction into the side as the main ruckman. Draper’s performance over the weekend was notable, and it appears likely that Goldstein’s decreased presence at centre bounces will persist. This adjustment underscores a strategic shift in the team’s approach to the ruck position, with Draper’s role likely solidifying due to his effectiveness.
Another player who experienced a downturn in midfield involvement is Charlie Lazzaro. Attending only 14% of the centre bounces for North Melbourne, this decrease is a concern for AFL Fantasy Classic coaches who have positioned him in their forward lines, expecting a higher rate of midfield participation. Lazzaro’s diminished role could significantly impact his fantasy scoring potential, making him a player to watch closely in the coming rounds.
New Roles
Jack Ross‘s move into the midfield, moving from his usual wing position, is particularly noteworthy. With Dion Prestia and Jacob Hopper out of the side this week, Ross’s increased midfield presence is a development to watch, especially considering Richmond’s current injury situation. His performance in this new role could influence his fantasy viability moving forward.
Liam Baker, also of Richmond, didn’t experience as significant a rise in CBAs as some might have expected given the team’s injury woes. However, a 15% increase in centre bounce attendances this week and scoring 105 AFL Fantasy points indicates a positive shift in his role that could have fantasy implications.
Mark Blicavs saw a notable shift in his role, moving into the midfield more frequently and possibly hinting at an increased share of ruck duties in the future. This change could enhance his fantasy relevance and on-field impact, offering a new dimension to Geelong’s midfield and ruck strategy.
Surprises
Liam Duggan‘s move out of the midfield was unexpected, as he didn’t attend a single centre bounce. This adjustment appears to have been made to accommodate Reuben Ginbey’s entry into the midfield in a more accountable role. Interestingly, this shift in position didn’t hamper Duggan’s fantasy output, as he still managed to rack up 105 AFL Fantasy points. This performance suggests that Duggan can maintain his fantasy relevance regardless of his on-field role, a versatility that fantasy coaches will appreciate.
The most surprising development of the round, however, involved Christian Salem. After being highlighted last week as transitioning into a midfield role, Salem did not attend a single centre bounce this week. This shift was particularly unexpected and led to speculation that the change might have been influenced by Steven May’s rib injury. However, with May going down only at halftime and Salem not attending a centre bounce before then, it signals that Salem’s absence from the midfield might not be as temporary as initially thought. The reintroduction of Tom Sparrow to the midfield further complicates Salem’s role. This scenario suggests that Salem might not be in the midfield as much as we had anticipated.
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 | 86 | -7 | 89.7 | 88 | -3.7 | -1.7 |
| Reilly O’Brien | AD | R | 84 | -4 | 89 | 86 | -5 | -3 |
| Rowan Marshall | SK | R | 76 | -20 | 87.7 | 87 | -11.7 | -0.7 |
| Lloyd Meek | HW | R | 90 | +11 | 86.2 | 87 | +3.8 | +0.8 |
| Tom Green | GWS | C | 80 | -5 | 86.2 | 85 | -6.2 | -1.2 |
| Max Gawn | ME | R | 92 | +6 | 86 | 88 | +6 | +2 |
| Luke Davies-Uniacke | NM | C | 80 | -5 | 85.5 | 84 | -5.5 | -1.5 |
| Jarrod Witts | GC | R | 93 | +11 | 84.6 | 87 | +8.4 | +2.4 |
| Ned Reeves | HW | R | 82 | -5 | 84.5 | 79 | -2.5 | -5.5 |
| Toby Nankervis | RI | R | 83 | -7 | 83.8 | 84 | -0.8 | +0.2 |
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
