Whitfield role change, Milera hype, Zorko update, Michalanney & Davey debuts?

Lachie Whitfield (AF $804k SC $473k MID) has been the cause of frustration for many AFL Fantasy and SuperCoach owners over the years, but he’s going to tempt a few with confirmation he’ll be reverting to his preferred half-back role in 2023.

Whitfield told afl.com.au: “‘Kingers’ (new GWS coach Adam Kingsley) basically just said to me as soon as he got the gig that I’d be playing half-back. It eased my mind, in terms of being thrown around a bit. He’s given me a bit of stability.

“Mentally, I’m feeling fresh in terms of playing half-back. It’s the position I enjoy playing the most and I think it’s my best position. I’ve been playing on the wing a bit, just to fill gaps, over the last few years. I’m looking forward to it.”

Adelaide assistant coach Nathan van Berlo talked up the prospects of cheap forward pick Wayne Milera (AF $441k SC $321k FWD) on SEN WA on Wednesday. When asked about 2023 breakouts, Van Berlo said: “He’s had a really rough run with injury. He’s playing in defence this pre-season for us to help shore up our defence and help with some ball movement out of our back half. As a senior member, I’ve loved what I’ve seen from him.”

Van Berlo also said he expected new recruit Izak Rankine (AF $523k SC $386k FWD) to spend plenty of time in midfield. He said: “He definitely will be in and around the ball more than he was at Gold Coast. He’s spent the whole summer training with the midfield group. He’s spent time forward as well. His polish makes him a weapon we want around the footy.”

The Crows assistant also flagged 2022 Draft pick 17 Max Michalanney (AF $268k SC $135k DEF) for senior footy this year. He said: “We’ve been really pleased with Max’s development. He played some senior footy in the SANFL last year for Norwood. I dare say throughout the year, whether early or late, he’ll provide some spark for us in the backline.”

Brisbane veteran Dayne Zorko (AF $731k SC $435k FWD) offered an update on his hamstring injury. He told SEN Queensland: “It’s going really good. I had a scan earlier today actually, I just got out, so hopefully the tear is all healed up and if that’s the case then I should return to full training next week and hopefully all systems go from there.

“It certainly feels really good. The rest of the body is holding up sensationally, so fingers crossed this tear is healed and I can proceed.”

Most Fantasy and SuperCoaches, or even Draft coaches, will be putting a line through Jake Stringer (AF $557k SC $378k FWD), if they hadn’t already, with news of hamstring tightness. Essendon’s update said: “Stringer felt tightness at the end of Essendon’s main training session and will have an MRI today.

“Stringer will be on a modified program over the next few days, with the expectation is he is still in contention for round one against Hawthorn on Sunday, March 19.”

Essendon coach Brad Scott flagged rookie Alwyn Davey Jr (AF $212k SC $117k M/F) could be in the mix for games this year. When discussing small forwards, Scott said: “‘Walla’ comes back, Guelfi’s had a really good year, Jye Menzie’s coming through, we’ll see Alwyn Davey at some point this year and the following year we’ll see Jayden Davey.”