If you saw the earlier version, you will notice one big name is missing - Zac Williams. I still like the new Blue, and he s still very much in the mix if the more-prominent midfield role eventuates, but is he going to outscore former teammate Lachie Whitfield? It s unlikely. And the star Giant is underpriced, given the injury-affected eight-point score which counted towards last year s average of 104. Take that Round 3 performance out and Whitfield s average was 110 - far closer to his career-best mark of 111 from 2019. I m not going without Jake Lloyd again and Rory Laird the midfielder, who posted scores of 120, 102, 122, 136 and 108 in the final five games of last season, playing his new role, is a lock.
The players your AFL club can reinvent in 2021
AFL by Staff writers
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Subscriber only With the new AFL season fast approaching, clubs will be looking at every way possible to improve on last year - including moving the magnets. Whether it s Jeremy Howe going from a high-marking forward to intercept defender, or Josh Dunkley transforming from inside midfielder to undersized ruckman, there s sure to be plenty more surprises on the horizon as Round 1 nears. We take a look at the players who could reinvent themselves in 2021. Â Â Rory Laird s move to full-time midfielder resulted in the Crows turning things around and Brad Crouch s departure opens up another spot in the engine-room.
AFL by Al Paton
Premium Content Forget Sleepy Hollow. Welcome to millionaire s row. Picking players from the team your barrack for in your KFC SuperCoach side is a fun part of the game, but Geelong supporters might need to take out a second mortgage to afford all the Cats superstars in 2021. Geelong has the highest collective value of any side, with the full squad coming in at almost $14.5 million - well above the $10 million KFC SuperCoach salary cap. The Cats have overtaken the Western Bulldogs, who held top spot in 2020, despite the arrival at Whitten Oval of another top-priced midfield star in Adam Treloar.
Mick McGuane rates every AFL team’s midfield from 1-18
AFL by Mick McGuane
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Subscriber only Geelong s ability to win the ball and use it effectively from inside the contest to outside the contest has the Cats boasting the premier midfield of the competition, according to former Collingwood and Carlton player Mick McGuane. The Pies premiership player and dual All-Australian ranks the Cats engine room at No.1 in the league. McGuane based his assessment on strength at stoppages and a balance between contested and uncontested possessions, and he looked for effective ball-users and good decision-makers. Also, importantly, the need to be good transition runners.