Fremantle is a team on the rise, which means there are many players who could increase their AFL Fantasy scoring as a result.
Read on to learn about some undervalued players, some breakout candidates, and some players to stash away for the future.
Take a listen to our latest podcast: Pre-season 2023: Fremantle Dockers featuring Kyle Holmes from The Point of Difference Podcast
The Undervalued
If Nat Fyfe can remain fit this season, he’ll be a good value pick-up. He’s had a bad run with injuries lately but returned throughout the year which was positive for the two-time Brownlow medalist. Whilst his days of being a superstar on-baller are probably over, he’ll still be handy to have up forward. I think he plays most of his footy inside 50 this year, with some spells on the ball, which should equate to some good scores from time to time.
I have a good feeling about Jaeger O’Meara this season. His CBAs dipped by 11% last year and also missed some of the season through injury. When he did play, he often spent some time up forward which impacted his scoring. However, he still managed to average 82 last season regardless. I think he was recruited to fill a need in Fremantle’s midfield and would not be surprised if he boosts his scoring as a result. I’m expecting an average of 90+ if he stays fit.
James Aish is always a good value option. He often finds himself in a fantasy-friendly role either on the half-back flank or a wing. Last year he was also sent into an accountable midfield role which also helped his scoring, but I’m not sure if that will happen again with Jaeger O’Meara coming into the side along with some youngsters trying to squeeze in. He’s not going to be a superstar performer but he’ll often perform better than his draft position suggests. However, being a mid-only this season probably makes him less valuable.
The Breakout Contenders
Since Blake Acres has departed Fremantle for Carlton, Nathan O’Driscoll should see a significant rise in 2023. He already showed a lot of promise last season, but injuries somewhat disrupted his season last year. He now is Fremantle’s main outside runner and should see more possessions as the year goes on. He has a good outside game and will need to add to his inside game to be an elite scorer, but I think he’ll average over 80 with ease this season.
Heath Chapman plays the right sort of game for fantasy across the half-back line. My only concern is that there are a number of options in Fremantle’s defence, such as Luke Ryan and Hayden Young, who can also score which might stifle some potential scoring for Champman. Regardless, I think he hits that 80+ average this season to properly secure a breakout.
This one is more of a long shot, but I love the way Brandon Walker plays. He’s probably more suited to a lockdown role which will hamper him in terms of AFL Fantasy, but he can break lines from defence and can also lay a tackle or two which will help his scoring. Again, this one is a long shot but there’s something about him. Pick him up late if you can.
Jordan Clark is another player who should improve with natural progression this season. Expect an average of over 80 this season.
The Stash Options
Neil Erasmus enters his second season on an AFL list and has shown a lot of promise so far. He averaged 96 in the WAFL last year and put up some monster scores. My only concern is he’s still a little behind in the midfield depth chart, particularly with Jaeger O’Meara coming into the side.
There was a lot of excitement surrounding Matt Johnson when he was drafted last year, given that he’d already played senior footy coming into the AFL system and had put up some reasonable scores. Many were expecting a debut last season but it didn’t eventuate. I find it hard to see how he fits into the current Fremantle midfield, so for that reason, I’d suggest picking him up late in drafts this year and holding for next season.
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