There are a few AFL Fantasy-related matters we need to discuss when it comes to Melbourne.
With a couple of new faces, some players returning from injury, and a few spots up for grabs, it’s unclear how the Demons will line up this season and what players are going to be impacted in terms of fantasy scoring.
Keep reading below to find out the players we’re keen to look at for Melbourne this year.
Take a listen to our latest podcast: Pre-season 2023: Melbourne Demons feat. Pugs
The Undervalued
Christian Salem spent a lot of 2022 on the sidelines through injury. When he was fit he was unable to reach the heights he did in previous years and only managed a 73.8 last season. By all reports, he’s got his body right for 2023 and should be able to get his best this season. I’d be expecting a 90+ average at the very least from Christian Salem.
Lachie Hunter is undervalued but he also comes with risk. He only averaged 76.2 last season (his lowest since 2014) but he was in and out of the side at Western Bulldogs which ultimately lead to him getting traded. The issue is whether or not he has a wing role sewn up at Melbourne. Ed Langdon has one wing locked down only leaving one available option on the other side. James Jordon seemed to have this last season and it would seem to counterproductive to stifle his development by moving him away just to be replaced by Hunter. With Christian Salem returning from injury, it might push Angus Brayshaw out of defence up to the wing at some stage as he’s done in years prior to 2022. This could also hurt Hunter. He’s also been used up forward at the Dogs too, and although I’m not sure if this is going to happen at Melbourne, the possibility is there. If he can lock down a role on the wing, he’s a much better prospect than his 2022 average suggests, so keep an eye on him over the pre-season.
James Harmes is another player that isn’t your first picked on the team sheet, but he offers value as he’s listed as a forward in 2023. He is often used in a variety of roles for Melbourne and has played in the midfield and forward line in the past. When he’s had a midfield role, he’s averaged as much as 94 AFL Fantasy points in the past and has had another two seasons averaging over 80. He’s unlikely to lock down a midfield role next season but there will be times when he rotates through the middle and puts up good scores. He’s worth owning as a forward for when these games occur.
The Breakout Contenders
James Jordon would have been a great breakout option if Lachie Hunter didn’t arrive. Regardless he fits the mould given his age and number of years in the system. Last year he had the wing locked down and managed to post three scores over 100. He also had a few others in the 90s. With natural progression, he should only get better and I’m hoping that he overtakes Hunter in the depth chart and continues developing in 2023. I’d take the punt and back him to hold his spot, so try to get him as one of your last-picked midfielders.
The Stash Options
Jake Bowey is a breakout contender, but I’m not sure of the likelihood of that happening. He’s been likened to Lachie Whitfield in the past but struggled with the pressure of AFL football last season and ultimately found himself in the reserves. He had a good patch between rounds 2 and 6 where he put up a score of 125, another score of 92 and two scores in the 70s. With Salem back in the side, I think he’ll find it even harder to score in the back line, especially if Angus Brayshaw retains his role back there. But if things go his way, he could be a breakout option but my gut feeling is we’ll be waiting a while. Stash him away for now.
Tom Sparrow would be a great midfield option if he was at any other club. Unfortunately, he’s in a side that already has a raft of great midfield options which sees him pushed forward for large portions of the game. He’ll need to wait until Jack Viney steps aside in the midfield but that won’t happen for a while. I would stash him for now, especially given he has forward status, and wait until he gets a midfield role – either at Melbourne or another club.
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