The AFL mid-season draft has thrown up some exciting prospects for fantasy coaches to consider. Let’s dive into the five best fantasy scorers from the draft and examine what makes them standout players.
1. Ned Long (Collingwood)
Ned Long, selected by Collingwood, has been a revelation in the VFL. Averaging an impressive 106.7 fantasy points, Long is a big-bodied midfielder who thrives on winning the ball and tackling hard. Over six games, he has averaged 10.2 kicks and 13.5 handballs per game, demonstrating his ability to find the footy consistently. His high tackle count of 9.3 per game shows he’s not afraid to do the dirty work. Long’s blend of ball-winning ability and defensive pressure makes him a versatile asset for the Pies and a potential fantasy gem.
2. Geordie Payne (North Melbourne)
Geordie Payne has been a standout in the Coates Talent League, and his fantasy numbers reflect his dominant performances. Payne’s average of 106.4 points is built on his well-rounded game, featuring 11.6 kicks and 10.4 handballs per match. His goal-scoring prowess, with an average of 2.4 goals per game, adds another layer to his fantasy value. Payne’s ability to rack up disposals and hit the scoreboard makes him an exciting prospect for North Melbourne fans and fantasy coaches alike.
3. Brynn Teakle (North Melbourne)
Brynn Teakle, drafted by North Melbourne from the WAFL, brings a unique skill set to the table. As a ruckman, Teakle’s average of 34.9 hit-outs per game is a fantasy coach’s dream, providing a solid foundation for his scoring. Additionally, Teakle averages 10.4 kicks and 6.0 handballs per game, showing his capability to contribute around the ground. Interestingly, Teakle was previously on Port Adelaide’s list as a mid-season draftee a couple of years ago, adding to his experience and readiness for AFL action. It will be difficult to get a game behind Tristan Xerri, but Teakle’s physical presence and consistent ruck work make him a valuable addition to the Kangaroos and a potential fantasy player.
4. Thomas Hanily (Sydney Swans)
Thomas Hanily has been a force in the Coates Talent League, and his selection by the Sydney Swans is a testament to his potential. Hanily averages 14.0 kicks and 10.5 handballs per game, underlining his ability to accumulate disposals at a high rate. His marking ability, with six marks per game, and his knack for finding the goals (1.5 goals per game) add significant value to his fantasy profile. He’s more of a long-term play as Sydney’s team will be tough to break into but Hanily’s all-around game and high disposal count make him a player to watch for fantasy enthusiasts.
5. Saad El-Hawli (Essendon)
Saad El-Hawli, now with Essendon, has been lighting up the VFL with his dynamic play. Averaging 100.6 fantasy points, El-Hawli’s game is built on his ability to find the ball and use it effectively. With averages of 15.0 kicks and 10.8 handballs per game, he consistently racks up high disposal counts. His marking ability (6.5 marks per game) and defensive efforts (3.4 tackles per game) further boost his fantasy credentials. El-Hawli’s well-rounded game makes him an intriguing prospect for Bombers fans and fantasy coaches.
See all of the AFL Fantasy averages of the mid-season draftees in the table below:
| Pick | Club | Player | League | GP | K | H | M | T | HO | FF | FA | G | B | AF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NM | Geordie Payne | Talent League | 5 | 11.6 | 10.4 | 4.6 | 5.8 | 0 | 2.4 | 1.6 | 2.4 | 1.8 | 106.4 |
| 2 | RI | Jacob Blight | WAFL League | 7 | 11.7 | 6.7 | 8.7 | 1.1 | 0 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0 | 0 | 78.7 |
| 3 | WC | Jack Hutchinson | VFL | 7 | 5.7 | 3.7 | 3.4 | 3.3 | 0 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 52.6 |
| 4 | SK | Max Hall | VFL | 7 | 12.4 | 11.1 | 6.1 | 4.3 | 0 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 99.6 |
| 5 | HW | Jasper Scaife | WAFL League | 7 | 7.7 | 2.3 | 4.9 | 2.3 | 2.7 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 1.6 | 0.9 | 63.1 |
| 6 | BL | Will McLachlan | Talent League | 6 | 9.7 | 2.3 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0.8 | 4.3 | 1.8 | 79 |
| 7 | AD | Toby Murray | SANFL League | 5 | 8 | 2.4 | 4.8 | 0.8 | 4.8 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 57.4 |
| 8 | WB | Kelsey Rypstra | SANFL League | 5 | 8.6 | 2 | 3.2 | 3.4 | 0 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 57.8 |
| 9 | CA | Cooper Lord | VFL | 7 | 9.3 | 7.9 | 3.6 | 5.1 | 0 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0 | 0.3 | 75.1 |
| 10 | CW | Iliro Smit | Talent League | 7 | 4 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 1.7 | 17.6 | 0.4 | 1.4 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 47.3 |
| 11 | ME | Luker Kentfield | WAFL Colts | 5 | 7.2 | 3.4 | 4.6 | 2.8 | 3.8 | 1.2 | 1 | 2.2 | 0.2 | 68.8 |
| 12 | PA | Logan Evans | SANFL League | 4 | 11 | 4.2 | 4.5 | 2.2 | 0 | 0.2 | 1.5 | 0 | 0 | 59.8 |
| 13 | ES | Saad El-Hawli | VFL | 8 | 15 | 10.8 | 6.5 | 3.4 | 0 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 100.6 |
| 14 | SY | Thomas Hanily | Talent League | 4 | 14 | 10.5 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1.5 | 1.2 | 101.2 |
| 15 | NM | Brynn Teakle | WAFL League | 7 | 10.4 | 6 | 3.6 | 3.3 | 34.9 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 105 |
| 16 | RI | Campbell Gray | VFL | 8 | 6.5 | 2.8 | 4 | 2.5 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 52.6 |
| 17 | BL | Luke Beecken | SANFL League | 7 | 14.7 | 8 | 5.4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 88.4 |
| 19 | CW | Ned Long | VFL | 6 | 10.2 | 13.5 | 4.7 | 9.3 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 2.3 | 0.3 | 1.8 | 106.7 |
| 21 | BL | Darcy Craven | WAFL League | 3 | 6.7 | 5.3 | 4 | 2.3 | 0 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 2 | 1 | 64.7 |
