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
Mark Blicavs (Geelong)
Geelong decided to play Mark Blicavs in the ruck over Sam De Koning this week. Sam De Koning has been an easy target for fantasy ruckmen over the past few weeks, with opposition rucks putting up huge scores against him. However, even with Mark Blicavs in the ruck, Tristan Xerri still managed to score a massive 156 points. As long as Rhys Stanley doesn’t return to the side, rucks should continue to dominate against Geelong.
Samson Ryan (Richmond)
Samson Ryan stepped in to replace Toby Nankervis, resulting in a significant bump in his Centre Bounce Attendances (CBAs). Ryan’s CBAs increased by 51%. However, this increase will be temporary with Nankervis set to return this week.
Jake Soligo (Adelaide)
Jake Soligo saw increased midfield minutes due to Jordan Dawson being out with a concussion. Soligo’s CBAs increased by 50%. Dawson is expected to return this week, which might reduce Soligo’s midfield role.
Ned Long (Collingwood)
Ned Long saw a notable increase in his CBAs with Jordan De Goey which provided Long with more opportunities in the midfield. Long’s CBAs rose by 46% but De Goey’s return to the side will likely impact Long’s midfield time, but his recent performance highlights his potential when given the chance.
Callum Mills (Sydney)
It was a positive sign for Callum Mills owners to see him return to the midfield this week. Mills’ CBAs increased by 35%. However, Mills is currently classified as a forward by Champion Data, which owners will be hoping he keeps, but he might see a change in classification if he continues to get midfield minutes.
Daniel Curtin (Adelaide)
Daniel Curtin came off the bench as a sub and went straight into the midfield, a role he’s been playing in the reserves. Curtin’s CBAs increased by 23%. If Curtin continues to get games, expect him to maintain this midfield position, which could be beneficial for his fantasy prospects.
Fallers
Sam De Koning (Geelong)
Sam De Koning was the obvious faller, given that Mark Blicavs replaced him in the ruck. De Koning’s CBAs dropped to 0%, a significant decrease in his CBA percentage. His fantasy value took a hit as he moved out of the primary ruck role, reducing his opportunities for high scores. He also got injured in this game.
Zak Butters (Port Adelaide)
Zak Butters spent significantly less time in the midfield against Carlton as Port Adelaide tried to help him break a tag. Butters’ CBAs dropped by 56%. He spent more time forward, which could be an interesting development.
Harrison Petty (Melbourne)
Harrison Petty’s drop in CBAs was due to Max Gawn’s return to the ruck for Melbourne. Petty’s CBAs decreased by 48%. Gawn’s return meant fewer midfield minutes for Petty, impacting his overall fantasy performance.
Tom Powell (North Melbourne)
Tom Powell spent time in defence for North Melbourne, filling a fantasy-friendly role left vacant by the absence of Colby McKercher and Zac Fisher. Playing on the halfback line is better for Powell’s fantasy game, offering more consistent scoring opportunities, so let’s hope it continues.
Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell (Essendon)
Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell saw reductions in their CBAs due to Darcy Parish’s return to the Essendon side. Durham’s CBAs decreased by 29%, while Caldwell’s CBAs also dropped by 19%. Given Essendon’s poor performance and heavy loss, there’s hope that they might revert to using Durham and Caldwell more inside in upcoming games to improve their competitiveness.
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
