There have been some changes at St Kilda!
Ross Lyon has recently returned to the St Kilda Football Club, sparking hopes among AFL fantasy coaches that he could use his old contested and fantasy-friendly style. However, there are also questions about whether Lyon will stick to the traditional approach or adopt a more modern game plan.
In this article, we’ll examine the potential impact of Lyon’s return and the fantasy prospects of St Kilda players to provide insights for coaches looking to draft them for their keeper league teams.
Take a listen to our latest podcast: Pre-season 2023: St Kilda Saints Preview feat. Checkers from Marmalade_Aus
The Undervalued
Hunter Clark looked like he was about to break out in his second AFL season with St Kilda. However, he has since been hampered by a series of annoying little injuries that have held him back. Despite the setbacks, Clark has shown glimpses of his potential and has become an important member of the Saints’ team. If he can remain fit and be given more time in the midfield, he has the potential to be a great AFL fantasy scorer. With his elite disposal skills and ability to find the ball, he could be a valuable addition to any keeper league team.
Nick Coffield had an impressive season in 2020 but regressed a little in 2021. Unfortunately, he missed the entire 2022 season due to an ACL injury. It may take some time for him to get back to his best form, but he’s still a talented player who could be a valuable asset in keeper league drafts, especially if selected late.
Callum Wilkie is a handy player to own. Although he doesn’t go big every week, he can still score well now and then. Last season, he averaged 68.3 fantasy points, playing every game which demonstrates his consistency. In round 18, Wilkie showed his ceiling when he scored 123 points against the Western Bulldogs. I had him on my bench for this game and happily loopholed him on. Wilkie is a player who should be picked up late in keeper league drafts, as he is a handy bench option for teams
Tim Membrey is a key forward who defies the general notion that these types of players are not good for AFL Fantasy. Despite this perception, Membrey has proven to be a consistent scorer over the years and last year was no exception. Last season, he averaged 72 AFL fantasy points, and had 13 scores above 70, with 9 scores above 80. Membrey also played every game last year, making him a reliable option. In a year where quality forward options are scarce Membrey is a player who fantasy coaches should target later in their drafts.
The Breakout Contenders
Mitch Owens is a player who has been compared to Jack Steele who we all know is a fantasy beast. He was given a midfield opportunity in Round 1 last season but looked out of his depth and was soon dropped to the reserves. He returned in round 11, Owens was given significant midfield time and responded with a season-high score of 95. Unfortunately, he suffered a concussion in round 13 and was not seen again until round 20. In round 23, Owens was given 63% of the centre bounce attendances, further indicating a future in the midfield for him. Owens could be a breakout player this season and will be closely watched by fantasy enthusiasts throughout the preseason.
The Stash Options
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is a silky-smooth operator. Last season, he was used primarily on the wing and seemed to be a player St Kilda were eager to get the ball in his hands. While he has shown promise, he may need some time to develop before becoming a consistent AFL Fantasy scorer. Fantasy coaches should keep an eye on Nasiah’s progress, as his potential as an AFL Fantasy player is certainly high, but patience may be required for him to reach his full potential.
Jack Hayes had a strong start to his AFL career, scoring 127 AFL Fantasy points in his first game. He continued to impress in Round 5, with a solid 105-point performance. Unfortunately, in Round 6, he suffered a season-ending ACL rupture. Sadly, he has suffered another injury setback in the preseason this year, and may take some time to recover. However, he is a player that many AFL Fantasy coaches will want to stash away, as his talent and scoring potential makes him a valuable asset for the future.
Marcus Windhager had a strong debut season, playing 18 games in his first season. Although he spent a lot of time playing up forward, he was originally recruited as a midfielder and it was in this role that he produced his best scores. Windhager’s performances improved towards the end of the year, and he particularly excelled when playing in the midfield. In his last 5 games, he had an impressive 61.4% of the centre bounce attendance, showing that he is in the midfield mix for the future. He might be a season or two away from breaking out but he is one to watch for the future.
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