The mid-season draft is over for another year, so it’s time to take a look at the AFL Fantasy relevance of the players selected earlier tonight.
Just two years ago, Ryan Maric was a 107kg country football player, lending his skills as a forward for Drouin in the Gippsland League. Today, following a remarkable transformation, Maric’s AFL dream has been realized as he’s been picked up by West Coast in the AFL mid-season draft. The talented 193cm goalkicker, who has already made a mark this season in the VFL with Box Hill, has been likened to Hawthorn’s skipper James Sicily during his early career as a forward. In his two VFL games this season, Maric has shown his potential, averaging 8 kicks, 6 marks, and 2 goals per game, amassing an AFL Fantasy average of 67 points per game. His strong overhead marking skills and precise goal-kicking have been key factors in his selection by West Coast, but given his role as a key forward, he may not necessarily emerge as a top-tier AFL Fantasy prospect.
Taken at pick 2 by North Melbourne is Robert Hansen Jr. He is a speedy small forward known for his agility and goal-scoring ability. He has shown potential as a dynamic player who can create scoring opportunities and make an impact inside the forward line. Hansen Jr’s speed and agility allow him to evade defenders and apply pressure, making him a valuable asset in creating turnovers. That said, given he’s a small forward he doesn’t have the best role for AFL Fantasy, only averaging 44 AFL Fantasy points in the WAFL.
The best AFL Fantasy player taken in the mid-season draft was Mitch Hardie at pick 7 who heads to Geelong. The experienced SANFL midfielder brings versatility and maturity to Geelong’s midfield. With an average of 25.7 disposals and a goal per game this season, he has impressed with his skills and was chosen to represent the SANFL state side. Hardie is averaging 109.3 AFL Fantasy points this season, going at 15 kicks, 11 handballs, 4 marks and 7 tackles per game.
Former AFL-listed players Caleb Poulter and Quinton Narkle were selected by Western Bulldogs and Port Adelaide respectively. Both players have shown AFL Fantasy potential in the past and will hopefully become more consistent scorers as their AFL careers continue.
Check out all of the AFL Fantasy averages for players selected in the mid-season draft below:
Mid-Season Draftee Fantasy Averages 2023
