The Oracle’s 2023 Predictions

Back by “popular demand” it’s my annual article where I look into my crystal ball and come up with a few predictions/hot takes on a player from each club for the next season.

I got a couple right and a couple not so right last year, so hopefully I can build on last year’s article and can steer you into a few smart selections for the 2023 season.

Let me know if you think I’m on the money or not!

Adelaide 

Expecting a 2023 debut for the talented Zac Taylor. He hit some great form in the SANFL late last season where he averaged 17 touches and 71 Fantasy Points. Has a good Fantasy pedigree, averaging 100 in the NAB League.  

Brisbane

Age and injury are going to catch up with Jarryd Lyons. After his massive 2021, he dropped back to being a 90 average midfielder and with Zac Bailey spending more time in the midfield and the arrival of Josh Dunkley, Lyons may find himself out of the CBA rotation and averaging under 90.  

Carlton

He’s been a fine servant for many years but Nic Newman’s days as a Fantasy player could be over. The arrival of Blake Acres and a fully fit Zac Williams mean that Newman will be squeezed out of a Fantasy friendly role and possibly even a spot in the Blues B22. At full strength, the Blues side is mighty strong and Newman’s days of being a safe keeper in your side are limited.

Collingwood

After a disappointing 2022, I’m tipping Dan McStay to provide a bit of late value in the forward ranks this season. A decent scorer on his day, I think the Pies game plan will suit his natural game to a tee and he’ll be able to get up the ground for plenty of +6’s. He showed he’s capable as a pinch hitting ruck and Darcy Cameron will need a few chop outs. Reckon he goes 70+  

Essendon

Don’t sleep on Sam Weideman as a cheap pickup for your forward line. The former Number 9 pick never got a proper crack at it at the Dees and the Dons are crying out for a tall forward with his athletic attributes. He averaged 82 at VFL level and had a huge finals series notching up two tonnes playing in the ruck. His versatility will be invaluable for the Dons and he can easily put up a 70 average.   

Fremantle 

The wing vacated by Blake Acres now belongs to Neil Erasmus. Erasmus oozes class and came into 2022 a little underdone in terms of competitive footy. He had a four game taste of AFL footy last year and really shone in the WAFL. At state league level he averaged 96 in 15 games and put up monster scores of 144, 140 & 143. He’s absolutely dominating this pre-season and the wing looks the perfect place for Erasmus to make his mark in the Dockers side. 

Geelong

After a year in the footy wilderness, Jack Bowes will prove to be the recruit of the year. Like his former teammate Will Brodie, Bowes well and truly got “Dew’d” in 2022 but he will hit back next season at the Cats. To me, he’s the perfect replacement for the recently retired Joel Selwood and will fit in perfectly in the experienced Geelong side. He can definitely return to Fantasy relevance, either playing through the midfield or across half back and get close to an 85 average.  

Gold Coast

Some coaches will expect big things from new Sun Ben Long however, I’m not sold on the running defender. His 138 in Round 23 was a genuine outlier thanks to 17 marks and to me he hasn’t shown the hunger needed for a consistent and strong Fantasy game. With Will Powell back from injury and Weller and Budarick not too far away, Long may not even be Best 22 midway through the year.   

GWS 

The much maligned Lachie Ash could be one of the diamonds in the rough next season. Coming off a 65 average season where he was thrown all around the place, a midfield spot could finally be his after the departure of Taranto and Hopper. He has already caught the eye of new coach Adam Kingsley which bodes well for a delayed breakout year. 

Hawthorn

I’m not a big believer in second year breakouts but if there is one kid who is going to do it, it’s Josh Ward. Ward could not have been more impressive in his first season of footy and his last six weeks in particular were exceptional with scores of 97, 107 and 133. With no Mitchell or O’Meara, the stage is set for this young star to shine and I honestly believe he can nudge a 90 average next year. 

Melbourne

A surprise DPP addition for James Harmes means he’ll end up a Top 20 Forward at the end of 2023. Harmes had a licorice all sorts 2022 but showed his value to the team with two good finals appearances scoring 85 & 90. A big pre-season and a return to his 2021 average of 82 will firmly have him as one of the better and more consistent forwards in 2023.    

North Melbourne

My breakout tip for 2023 is easily Josh Goater. His debut game in Round 23 was exceptional, collecting 82 points off the Half Back Flank, creating plenty of run and drive. Was given his debut game straight after Clarkson was named Roos coach which has me thinking that the new coach is a fan of the GOAT. Kids got skills and plenty of hunger for the footy.

Port Adelaide 

Supercoach Ken unveiled a masterstroke by playing Kane Farrell off the Half Back Flank late last season. He has an absolute weapon of a left leg and the Power are going to want the ball in his hands each time coming out of D50. I expect him to pick up back status early in the season and average around 80

Richmond

The arrival of Hopper and Taranto leaves Jayden Short in no-man’s land. The Tigers tried Short as a midfielder at times last year without much success, especially Fantasy wise. While most people are expecting a return to the defence,I think the Tigers backline has moved on from the Short glory days. Riloi has clearly taken over as the main distributor off Half Back and Short’s numbers are damning, only registering a kick-out in one of his last 17 games. What’s even worse is he couldn’t even tonne up in his last 8 games. Like Liam Baker, I think Short will be forced to play a stop-gap utility role and his average will drop under 90; as a midfielder only.    

St Kilda

Without a doubt, Marcus Windhager is my ‘free swing’ of 2023. His C,F status for next season means he’s a must hold for Fantasy coaches next season. He’s every chance of building on his exceptional debut season where he played 17 games and with the forward status means he may even be fieldable. By all reports he’s having a massive preseason and his finish to last season was fantastic for a rookie notching up scores of 84, 78 and 84.   

Sydney

Jake Lloyd’s days as a premium defender are done. Lloyd had his worst Fantasy season since 2016 and fell outside the Top 10 defenders. He’s no longer the prime ball mover from the Swans defence and Nick Blakey is taking most of the kick-ins. He’s been a great servant but their team defence structure has taken over and Lloyd’s numbers will continue to take a big hit.  

West Coast

After a year on the sidelines, Oscar Allen is fully fit and ready to make an impact in 2023. Allen was just starting to hit his straps as a key tall in 2021 but foot issues sidelined him this year. While he’s never had a huge fantasy game, he’s a genuine talent and with the retirement of Josh Kennedy, he’s going to be a key factor for the Eagles. He’ll be way down on most draft boards and is one who can easily average 70+ which puts him in the Top 50 forwards next year.

Western Bulldogs

I’m tipping the resurrection of Toby McLean in 2023. Once an up and coming Fantasy stud, McLean averaged 94 back in 2018. Injuries and Luke Beveridge have since gotten in the way but he showed what he’s capable of in the Elimination Final with 100 points, 21 touches and 9 tackles after missing all season on the comeback from an ACL injury. With C,F Dpp, he’s a must have in 2023.