After this round of games, AFL Fantasy and SuperCoach will see its second dual position player (DPP) updates, whereby single-position players who’ve occupied certain positions for 35% will graduate in status.
This is quite the norm in AFL Fantasy but a new addition in SuperCoach, so will be foreign for those coaches.
It can be extremely handy, particularly in allowing more flexibility and movement of players between positions in your side, and with targeting new players who’ve gained DPP status.
So Honeyball has looked at a few relevant players on the cusp of gaining DPP, along with those who may miss out.
Will gain DPP
Marcus Bontempelli (AF $812k SC $587k MID)
The Dogs skipper’s ownership is set to surge with the all-but-certain addition of forward status. Bont is owned currently by 13% in AFL Fantasy and 9% in SuperCoach. Despite spending time forward this season, he has been quite consistent with a scoring range of 73-119 (AF) and 88-136 (SC) and would likely be a top-six forward in both formats. In SuperCoach, Bont has a three-game average of 123.3 and has scored 100+ in all bar one game. Plus he’s a bit under-priced in both formats due to some low scores prior to being rested in Round 8.
Bailey Smith (AF $903k SC $552k MID)
The energizer bunny midfielder is very likely to receive forward status, having spent almost 40% time forward part of the Dogs midfield rotations. Smith, who missed a game in Round 2, is the best averaging player (118) in any position in AFL Fantasy. He’s 21st for averages in SuperCoach at 112.2, which would place him as third overall among forwards behind teammates Tim English and Josh Dunkley. He did start the season very strong before a minor dip but has produced two excellent scores over the past two weeks.
Robbie McComb (AF $368k SC $227k MID)
Maintaining the Bulldogs’ theme, McComb will certainly get forward status, provided he plays in Round 11 to get the mandatory six games to earn a second position. McComb is well owned in both formats, with his probable DPP status to be very handy for flexibility, even if on bench.
Ben Hobbs (AF $433k SC $266k MID)
Similar to McComb, Hobbs has been a rookie some coaches have been running on the bench with a view to cash generation. He’s spent around 70% time forward, so will definitely get forward status, having clocked over six games. After a slow start, his scores have improved lately so could be handy.
Darcy Cameron (AF $649k SC $449k FWD)
The Pies big man has shot out of nowhere through opportunity, taking over the number one ruck mantle since Brodie Grundy’s injury, meaning he’ll get ruck status. Since that move into the centre, Cameron has averaged 106/110.7 (AF/SC) across the four games.
Others: Connor Rozee, Mark Blicavs
Close Calls
Jayden Short (AF $857k SC $556k DEF)
Short is the best averaging defender in AFL Fantasy at 106, while he’s sixth in SuperCoach at 109.2 with a decent ownership in both formats. The Tiger got switched into the midfield in Round 7 for 23 CBAs with Trent Cotchin, Thomson Dow and Dustin Martin out of the side. He’s stayed there but the CBAs have gradually dropped off, meaning he’s more unlikely than likely to get midfield status.
Rowan Marshall (AF $671k SC $458k RUCK)
There was a school of thought in pre-season to grab Marshall and anticipate he’d get forward status added upon the first round of DPP additions in Round 6. That didn’t transpire but he’s right on the cusp with Paddy Ryder playing regularly lately. This will be a tight one, needing around 53% forward time this weekend.
Will miss out
Max Gawn (AF $870k SC $580k RUCK)
With Luke Jackson spending more time in the ruck, Gawn has subsequently rested more down forward. But it won’t quite be enough to earn handy forward status, which could’ve afforded coaches some interesting scenarios with their ruck divisions.
Tom Mitchell (AF $795k SC $498k MID)
The 2018 Brownlow medalist has dropped off in 2022 averaging 95/95.7 (AF/SC), partly due to a changed role, averaging around 50% CBAs and spending time forward, however the split is around 75-25 which won’t be enough. He’s relevant too, having re-discovered some form last round with 120/129.
Others: Jason Horne-Francis, Sam Walsh, Travis Boak, Isaac Heeney, Buku Khamis (not enough games)
