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
Lachlan Keeffe (GWS)
Lachlan Keeffe saw a massive uptick in his involvement at the centre bounces, jumping to 23 attendances this week. However, this rise was largely circumstantial due to Kieran Briggs being sidelined with an injury. Expect Keeffe to be omitted once Briggs is back in the lineup.
Luke Jackson (Fremantle)
With Sean Darcy out, Luke Jackson stepped up in the ruck like usual, with a +70% increase in his CBA percentage, underscoring his elevated role. If Darcy’s absence is prolonged, Jackson could continue to thrive in this capacity, which is especially good for owners given his forward status.
Zak Jones (St Kilda)
Zak Jones benefitted from the absence of Mattaes Phillipou, with his CBA numbers rising from 21 to 37, a +63% increase in his CBA percentage. While this is a notable boost for Jones, it’s likely a short-term gain, as his CBA numbers will dwindle once Phillipou returns to the side.
Cam Mackenzie (Hawthorn)
It was promising to see Cam Mackenzie back in Hawthorn’s lineup, participating in 9 centre bounces compared to zero in his previous game. Mackenzie’s potential in the midfield is clear, and as a young player listed as a forward, he could offer significant value if he can secure a consistent role. However, it’s worth noting that his increased involvement coincided with Will Day being subbed out, which might have inflated his numbers.
Paddy Dow (St Kilda)
Paddy Dow also saw an uptick in centre bounce attendances. This increase, similar to Zak Jones, was due to Mattaes Phillipou’s absence. When Phillipou returns, Dow’s numbers are expected to taper off and could be dropped back to the twos.
Fallers
Sam Flanders (Gold Coast)
Sam Flanders had the most significant drop in CBA participation this week, with his involvement plummeting from 23 last week to none at all. Despite not attending any centre bounces, Flanders still operated in the midfield coming in after the centre bounce, though his overall scoring took a hit. This decline is particularly concerning for fantasy owners who rely on his midfield minutes for consistent output.
Jake Soligo (Adelaide)
Jake Soligo saw a notable drop in his CBA numbers, falling from 22 to just 3, resulting in a shift in his role to a more outside position. This change in role has coincided with Matt Crouch returning with Daniel Curtin being given more opportunities in the midfield, which likely impacted Soligo’s scoring potential.
Luke Parker (Sydney)
Luke Parker’s centre bounce attendances dipped from 22 to 13, a decrease of 9 CBAs, indicating a reduction in his midfield role. However, Parker still made an impact up forward, kicking a couple of goals. His flexibility and potential to gain forward status in AFL Fantasy next season could make him a valuable asset if this forward role continues.
Max Holmes (Geelong)
Max Holmes saw a significant reduction in his centre bounce attendances, dropping from 18 to just 2 this round. Despite the drop, this move back to the half-back line is usually positive for his scoring, as Holmes generally performs better in this role.
Jack Sinclair (St Kilda)
Jack Sinclair’s CBA count fell from 11 to zero, as St Kilda opted to use Paddy Dow and Zak Jones in the midfield more extensively this round. However, Sinclair’s scoring remains consistent regardless of where he plays—whether it’s in the middle or at half-back, his versatility ensures he continues to produce solid fantasy numbers.
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
