Position 2025 Fantasy Midfielders

[JDWCE]

These Carlton guys are hard to read.

I’ve got doc and cerra at the moment but feel docs place in my side/structure is flaky. I’m just not convinced with the time off footy, age, role.

He was a lot more up/down in 2023 in that role and feel like the ceiling scores he hit will be less coming/high- in that season half his games were between 74 and 95. Those 9 games averaged 88, the other 11 averaged 119.

88-95 feels like his predicted range to me.

The Richmond opener gives some extra credit though to these guys as if they don’t pop in that early fixture they become the fix up trade to guy who does, if they do then their money making accelerates and say 1st 5-6 week ave will stay inflated

Carlton’s first lot of fixtures are pretty solid. It’s what’s keeping Doch in my side

 

[Exambolor]

These Carlton guys are hard to read.

I’ve got doc and cerra at the moment but feel docs place in my side/structure is flaky. I’m just not convinced with the time off footy, age, role.

He was a lot more up/down in 2023 in that role and feel like the ceiling scores he hit will be less coming/high- in that season half his games were between 74 and 95. Those 9 games averaged 88, the other 11 averaged 119.

88-95 feels like his predicted range to me.

The Richmond opener gives some extra credit though to these guys as if they don’t pop in that early fixture they become the fix up trade to guy who does, if they do then their money making accelerates and say 1st 5-6 week ave will stay inflated

I can't bring myself to pick Cerra, have done in the past and his injury history with hammy's is alarming.

 

[Tex Danger]

I can't bring myself to pick Cerra, have done in the past and his injury history with hammy's is alarming.

Ceiling, role (seemingly) and early draw attracting me at the price

 

[bettingonbetts]

Carlton’s first lot of fixtures are pretty solid. It’s what’s keeping Doch in my side

Definitely and no easy bye as well.
I’m either going with Doch or Hollands at this stage. I’ll watch PS closely and see who has more upside and what role etc
Doch had been there since fantasy opened but currently have Hollands sitting there

 

[Exambolor]

Definitely and no easy bye as well.
I’m either going with Doch or Hollands at this stage. I’ll watch PS closely and see who has more upside and what role etc
Doch had been there since fantasy opened but currently have Hollands sitting there

I've got Hollands as well, he's looking pretty set in that HB role from what i've read, could be the 2025 Nic Martin

 

[Thelethal97]

Ceiling, role (seemingly) and early draw attracting me at the price

This

There are only two players in that 60-80 priced at that have a ceiling of 130+
Clarry... and Cerra

Very very keen on Cerra, actually one of five mids that are basically locked in my team and haven't moved (Rozee, TT, Clarry, Cerra, Jagga)

 

[tigs2010]

I'm big on Cerra if he's playing a lot of mid. I'm not big on keeping him long past that early run.

 

[Tex Danger]

I'm big on Cerra if he's playing a lot of mid. I'm not big on keeping him long past that early run.

6-8 week play

 

[Phar Ace]

Just back from the Bulldogs Sim game in Maroochydore - Hot and windy conditions. Two teams, blue and green.

It was a bit underwhelming tbh.

Bont, Richards, Sanders and Matt Kennedy all rotated through the midfield for green. While Libba, Garcia, Scott, Harmes and Brew, were the midfield rotations for blue. All very distinctive players with their own style.

Bont was a machine. Played mostly mid, did go fwd for small spells. The standard he sets is self-evident. Others have to get there. Richards was probably the dominant mid on the field, who with Sanders controlled the takeaways from the 2nd qtr onwards. Sanders seemed to have free license, and pinged at anything and everything. Matt Kennedy only played mid, save for 2 mins fwd in the 3rd. He looked likely to have the role.

Blue dominated the mid takeaways in the 1st qtr, though it was one handball and kick, whereas green had multiple handballs and worked to space. Libba was good, looked to have a constant minor limp to his gait.

Rucks were lousy, but so where the ball ups. The Southport lad Brayden Crossley rucked for Green, while Gardiner and Lachy Smith waxed a fair bit. Darcy went in occasionally but mostly stayed forward and dominated.

Wings where Bailey Williams and Sam Davidson for blue, both dominated with their run, because the ball kept going through the wings with the wind across the ground. Davidson in particular had a great 2nd qtr, but faded in the 3rd and 4th. Could well debut later in the year.

DEFENDERS
Dale for blue was easily the best defender, taking all the kick ins, though Oscar Baker was dominant with his body use and no beg your pardons. Just ask Dom Brew (former Werribee Capt in the frame for Carlton SSP as well), who should get a spot on the Doggies list if only today's efforts were the factor. Jed Busslinger was good, and will get some games this year you'd thing with his strong marking and being good across the ground for a big man.

FORWARDS
Darcy easily the best, Vandermeer is sporting the peroxide crewie, but it didn't help him getting the ball more. Young Croft looked alright, but very lean and unless he burst at VFL, we won't see him this year. Weightman was spasmodic for the blues, had a stint or two at centre bounces. Nothing of note. Thought Naughton was average, but will probably still kick a bag against the Tiges.

Rehab was English, who trained pre-sim doing everything at half pace - did no contact work, and Treloar, with Treloar just walking.

Fantasy relevent. Bont looks as good as ever. He works so hard. Sanders is screaming to be picked as a mid, and should get there based on today. Matt Kennedy is a safe pick. Richards looked the one at $882k, Sanders a steal still, and if Brew gets back on the list, could get some mid time maybe as a $230k cheapie while Treloar is out.

 

[BennyFC]

6-8 week play

Don't think you can do it as a 6-8 week play - would mean you're planning on trading him out right in the middle of upgrade season, puts you one premium behind the pack. Personally I think at that price you have to be getting him with the hope to be able to hold him with a 90+ avg through to the byes, a la Matty Crouch last year

 

[tigs2010]

Just back from the Bulldogs Sim game in Maroochydore - Hot and windy conditions. Two teams, blue and green.

It was a bit underwhelming tbh.

Bont, Richards, Sanders and Matt Kennedy all rotated through the midfield for green. While Libba, Garcia, Scott, Harmes and Brew, were the midfield rotations for blue. All very distinctive players with their own style.

Bont was a machine. Played mostly mid, did go fwd for small spells. The standard he sets is self-evident. Others have to get there. Richards was probably the dominant mid on the field, who with Sanders controlled the takeaways from the 2nd qtr onwards. Sanders seemed to have free license, and pinged at anything and everything. Matt Kennedy only played mid, save for 2 mins fwd in the 3rd. He looked likely to have the role.

Blue dominated the mid takeaways in the 1st qtr, though it was one handball and kick, whereas green had multiple handballs and worked to space. Libba was good, looked to have a constant minor limp to his gait.

Rucks were lousy, but so where the ball ups. The Southport lad Brayden Crossley rucked for Green, while Gardiner and Lachy Smith waxed a fair bit. Darcy went in occasionally but mostly stayed forward and dominated.

Wings where Bailey Williams and Sam Davidson for blue, both dominated with their run, because the ball kept going to through the wings with the wind across the ground. Davidson in particular had a great 2nd qtr, but faded in the 3rd and 4th. Could well debut later in the year.

DEFENDERS
Dale for blue was easily the best defender, taking all the kick ins, though Oscar Baker was dominant with his body use and no beg your pardons. Just ask Dom Brew (former Werribee Capt in the frame for Carlton SSP as well), who should get a spot on the Doggies list if only today's efforts were the factor. Jed Busslinger was good, and will get some games this year you'd thing with his strong marking and being good across the ground for a big man.

FORWARDS
Darcy easily the best, Vandermeer is sporting the peroxide crewie, but it didn't help him getting the ball more. Young Croft looked alright, but very lean and unless he burst at VFL, we won't see him this year. Weightman was spasmodic for the blues, had a stint or two at centre bounces. Nothing of note. Though Naughton was average, but will probably still kick a bag against the Tiges.

Rehab was English, who trained pre-sim doing everything at half pace - did no contact work, and Treloar, with Treloar just walking.

Fantasy relevent. Bont looks as good as ever. Sanders is screaming to be picked as a mid, and should get there based on today. Matt Kennedy is a safe pick. Richards looked the one at $882k, Sanders a steal still, and if Brew gets back on the list, could get some mid time maybe as a $230k cheapie while Treloar is out.

That blue midfield looks like the twos (except Libba). Do you think Libba may be phased out based on those 2 midfield?

Or am I doing a little of this?

 

[WaynesWorld19]

Just back from the Bulldogs Sim game in Maroochydore - Hot and windy conditions. Two teams, blue and green.

It was a bit underwhelming tbh.

Bont, Richards, Sanders and Matt Kennedy all rotated through the midfield for green. While Libba, Garcia, Scott, Harmes and Brew, were the midfield rotations for blue. All very distinctive players with their own style.

Bont was a machine. Played mostly mid, did go fwd for small spells. The standard he sets is self-evident. Others have to get there. Richards was probably the dominant mid on the field, who with Sanders controlled the takeaways from the 2nd qtr onwards. Sanders seemed to have free license, and pinged at anything and everything. Matt Kennedy only played mid, save for 2 mins fwd in the 3rd. He looked likely to have the role.

Blue dominated the mid takeaways in the 1st qtr, though it was one handball and kick, whereas green had multiple handballs and worked to space. Libba was good, looked to have a constant minor limp to his gait.

Rucks were lousy, but so where the ball ups. The Southport lad Brayden Crossley rucked for Green, while Gardiner and Lachy Smith waxed a fair bit. Darcy went in occasionally but mostly stayed forward and dominated.

Wings where Bailey Williams and Sam Davidson for blue, both dominated with their run, because the ball kept going through the wings with the wind across the ground. Davidson in particular had a great 2nd qtr, but faded in the 3rd and 4th. Could well debut later in the year.

DEFENDERS
Dale for blue was easily the best defender, taking all the kick ins, though Oscar Baker was dominant with his body use and no beg your pardons. Just ask Dom Brew (former Werribee Capt in the frame for Carlton SSP as well), who should get a spot on the Doggies list if only today's efforts were the factor. Jed Busslinger was good, and will get some games this year you'd thing with his strong marking and being good across the ground for a big man.

FORWARDS
Darcy easily the best, Vandermeer is sporting the peroxide crewie, but it didn't help him getting the ball more. Young Croft looked alright, but very lean and unless he burst at VFL, we won't see him this year. Weightman was spasmodic for the blues, had a stint or two at centre bounces. Nothing of note. Though Naughton was average, but will probably still kick a bag against the Tiges.

Rehab was English, who trained pre-sim doing everything at half pace - did no contact work, and Treloar, with Treloar just walking.

Fantasy relevent. Bont looks as good as ever. He works so hard. Sanders is screaming to be picked as a mid, and should get there based on today. Matt Kennedy is a safe pick. Richards looked the one at $882k, Sanders a steal still, and if Brew gets back on the list, could get some mid time maybe as a $230k cheapie while Treloar is out.

 

[Phar Ace]

That blue midfield looks like the twos (except Libba). Do you think Libba may be phased out based on those 2 midfield?

Or am I doing a little of this?

You might be hyperventilating a bit, Libba and Brew dominated early, but once the green crew worked out the taps from big Crossley, who looks like he was roped in from the local Superules training squad, it was hard to get the ball for blue. It looked like blue was the stand out early though, and Libba was very good then.

 

[Shaunn]

Just back from the Bulldogs Sim game in Maroochydore - Hot and windy conditions. Two teams, blue and green.

It was a bit underwhelming tbh.

Bont, Richards, Sanders and Matt Kennedy all rotated through the midfield for green. While Libba, Garcia, Scott, Harmes and Brew, were the midfield rotations for blue. All very distinctive players with their own style.

Bont was a machine. Played mostly mid, did go fwd for small spells. The standard he sets is self-evident. Others have to get there. Richards was probably the dominant mid on the field, who with Sanders controlled the takeaways from the 2nd qtr onwards. Sanders seemed to have free license, and pinged at anything and everything. Matt Kennedy only played mid, save for 2 mins fwd in the 3rd. He looked likely to have the role.

Blue dominated the mid takeaways in the 1st qtr, though it was one handball and kick, whereas green had multiple handballs and worked to space. Libba was good, looked to have a constant minor limp to his gait.

Rucks were lousy, but so where the ball ups. The Southport lad Brayden Crossley rucked for Green, while Gardiner and Lachy Smith waxed a fair bit. Darcy went in occasionally but mostly stayed forward and dominated.

Wings where Bailey Williams and Sam Davidson for blue, both dominated with their run, because the ball kept going through the wings with the wind across the ground. Davidson in particular had a great 2nd qtr, but faded in the 3rd and 4th. Could well debut later in the year.

DEFENDERS
Dale for blue was easily the best defender, taking all the kick ins, though Oscar Baker was dominant with his body use and no beg your pardons. Just ask Dom Brew (former Werribee Capt in the frame for Carlton SSP as well), who should get a spot on the Doggies list if only today's efforts were the factor. Jed Busslinger was good, and will get some games this year you'd thing with his strong marking and being good across the ground for a big man.

FORWARDS
Darcy easily the best, Vandermeer is sporting the peroxide crewie, but it didn't help him getting the ball more. Young Croft looked alright, but very lean and unless he burst at VFL, we won't see him this year. Weightman was spasmodic for the blues, had a stint or two at centre bounces. Nothing of note. Thought Naughton was average, but will probably still kick a bag against the Tiges.

Rehab was English, who trained pre-sim doing everything at half pace - did no contact work, and Treloar, with Treloar just walking.

Fantasy relevent. Bont looks as good as ever. He works so hard. Sanders is screaming to be picked as a mid, and should get there based on today. Matt Kennedy is a safe pick. Richards looked the one at $882k, Sanders a steal still, and if Brew gets back on the list, could get some mid time maybe as a $230k cheapie while Treloar is out.

How do you see Sanders and Kennedys mid time? Can they even fit them both in with Bont, Libba, Richards?
Does help with no Treloar but if theyre both going at 20-40% CBA's is there much upside?

 

[Tex Danger]

Don't think you can do it as a 6-8 week play - would mean you're planning on trading him out right in the middle of upgrade season, puts you one premium behind the pack. Personally I think at that price you have to be getting him with the hope to be able to hold him with a 90+ avg through to the byes, a la Matty Crouch last year

I’m not choosing him as a premium priced in 70s

Upgrading him to a genuine premium hopefully for low outlay as part of upgrade season is fine by me

 

[Phar Ace]

How do you see Sanders and Kennedys mid time? Can they even fit them both in with Bont, Libba, Richards?
Does help with no Treloar but if theyre both going at 20-40% CBA's is there much upside?

The key is what they do with Sanders - this is Bevo we are trying to second guess. Today was easy, they needed 8 mids as two teams with one rotation and that's how it rolled pretty much all sim. Sanders, Libba and Richards were 100% mid all day. Kennedy and Bont did go forward.

Libba has no other role, he's looked to by the group. It's there or the bench. The Dogs look fragile to me, so bank on Richards going back at times perhaps. Make no mistake, his chemistry with Bont was very good, so they have to use that. However, all of that isn't going to mean much when/if English isn't there.

I think we will see more of Bevo moves. Games where Bont is used forward 50%. Kennedy is best 22 easily, but Bevo will use him fwd. A good defence will release Richards, but it looks fragile to me. As I said, Sanders is the wildcard in Bevo's hand atm. He should be 100% mid!

 

[Tex Danger]

Just back from the Bulldogs Sim game in Maroochydore - Hot and windy conditions. Two teams, blue and green.

It was a bit underwhelming tbh.

Bont, Richards, Sanders and Matt Kennedy all rotated through the midfield for green. While Libba, Garcia, Scott, Harmes and Brew, were the midfield rotations for blue. All very distinctive players with their own style.

Bont was a machine. Played mostly mid, did go fwd for small spells. The standard he sets is self-evident. Others have to get there. Richards was probably the dominant mid on the field, who with Sanders controlled the takeaways from the 2nd qtr onwards. Sanders seemed to have free license, and pinged at anything and everything. Matt Kennedy only played mid, save for 2 mins fwd in the 3rd. He looked likely to have the role.

Blue dominated the mid takeaways in the 1st qtr, though it was one handball and kick, whereas green had multiple handballs and worked to space. Libba was good, looked to have a constant minor limp to his gait.

Rucks were lousy, but so where the ball ups. The Southport lad Brayden Crossley rucked for Green, while Gardiner and Lachy Smith waxed a fair bit. Darcy went in occasionally but mostly stayed forward and dominated.

Wings where Bailey Williams and Sam Davidson for blue, both dominated with their run, because the ball kept going through the wings with the wind across the ground. Davidson in particular had a great 2nd qtr, but faded in the 3rd and 4th. Could well debut later in the year.

DEFENDERS
Dale for blue was easily the best defender, taking all the kick ins, though Oscar Baker was dominant with his body use and no beg your pardons. Just ask Dom Brew (former Werribee Capt in the frame for Carlton SSP as well), who should get a spot on the Doggies list if only today's efforts were the factor. Jed Busslinger was good, and will get some games this year you'd thing with his strong marking and being good across the ground for a big man.

FORWARDS
Darcy easily the best, Vandermeer is sporting the peroxide crewie, but it didn't help him getting the ball more. Young Croft looked alright, but very lean and unless he burst at VFL, we won't see him this year. Weightman was spasmodic for the blues, had a stint or two at centre bounces. Nothing of note. Thought Naughton was average, but will probably still kick a bag against the Tiges.

Rehab was English, who trained pre-sim doing everything at half pace - did no contact work, and Treloar, with Treloar just walking.

Fantasy relevent. Bont looks as good as ever. He works so hard. Sanders is screaming to be picked as a mid, and should get there based on today. Matt Kennedy is a safe pick. Richards looked the one at $882k, Sanders a steal still, and if Brew gets back on the list, could get some mid time maybe as a $230k cheapie while Treloar is out.

Any extra info on Davidson. Sounds like he’s expected to be best 22 from the start, what sort of scoring woukd you see in the role played today?

 

[Exambolor]

The key is what they do with Sanders - this is Bevo we are trying to second guess. Today was easy, they needed 8 mids as two teams with one rotation and that's how it rolled pretty much all sim. Sanders, Libba and Richards were 100% mid all day. Kennedy and Bont did go forward.

Libba has no other role, he's looked to by the group. It's there or the bench. The Dogs look fragile to me, so bank on Richards going back at times perhaps. Make no mistake, his chemistry with Bont was very good, so they have to use that. However, all of that isn't going to mean much when/if English isn't there.

I think we will see more of Bevo moves. Games where Bont is used forward 50%. Kennedy is best 22 easily, but Bevo will use him fwd. A good defence with release Richards, but it looks fragile to me. As I said, Sanders is the wildcard in Bevo's hand atm. He should be 100% mid!

Red is in my team at the moment, he was a lot of fun to watch for the two weeks I owned him last year before he was concussed in that Sydney game. I reckon he’s the first in line for that spot and will get the most mid time ahead of Sanders and Kennedy IMO, and he’s great value at 882k

From what I saw of his mid play too, he added a spark that the Dogs sorely needed in the middle

 

[Shaunn]

The key is what they do with Sanders - this is Bevo we are trying to second guess. Today was easy, they needed 8 mids as two teams with one rotation and that's how it rolled pretty much all sim. Sanders, Libba and Richards were 100% mid all day. Kennedy and Bont did go forward.

Libba has no other role, he's looked to by the group. It's there or the bench. The Dogs look fragile to me, so bank on Richards going back at times perhaps. Make no mistake, his chemistry with Bont was very good, so they have to use that. However, all of that isn't going to mean much when/if English isn't there.

I think we will see more of Bevo moves. Games where Bont is used forward 50%. Kennedy is best 22 easily, but Bevo will use him fwd. A good defence will release Richards, but it looks fragile to me. As I said, Sanders is the wildcard in Bevo's hand atm. He should be 100% mid!

Yeah makes sense, even though we have 4 spots locked up those last 2 spots seem very hard at the moment.

I know we'll get more info in the preseason games, but if there isn't anything definitive after them then ill just play safe and go up to JHF.

 

[Phar Ace]

Any extra info on Davidson. Sounds like he’s expected to be best 22 from the start, what sort of scoring woukd you see in the role played today?

They played him Wing, most of the game, went fwd in the 3rd and didn't get it, then out to the opposite wing of Williams but on side the wind was blowing from, so he didn't see much in the second half. But his first half was, "wow, who is that" on the windy side. Don't think he has the tank for that role yet, but was interesting they tried him there.

 

[Shaunn]

Red is in my team at the moment, he was a lot of fun to watch for the two weeks I owned him last year before he was concussed in that Sydney game. I reckon he’s the first in line for that spot and will get the most mid time ahead of Sanders and Kennedy IMO, and he’s great value at 882k

From what I saw of his mid play too, he added a spark that the Dogs sorely needed in the middle

Do you see him going 15+ points on his price though? He's mid only and i feel we have much better value players in there over him.

 

[Phar Ace]

Red is in my team at the moment, he was a lot of fun to watch for the two weeks I owned him last year before he was concussed in that Sydney game. I reckon he’s the first in line for that spot and will get the most mid time ahead of Sanders and Kennedy IMO, and he’s great value at 882k

From what I saw of his mid play too, he added a spark that the Dogs sorely needed in the middle

Agree with that, and his chemistry with Bont was undeniable today. Even Bevo has to recognise that. Sanders was compelling though. Think a Weightman type but for the midfield. He just wanted to be a part of everything. It's what he does in Bevo's mind that forms that midfield in the early part of the season with Treloar out.

 

[Tex Danger]

They played him Wing, most of the game, went fwd in the 3rd and didn't get it, then out to the opposite wing of Williams but on side the wind was blowing from, so he didn't see much in the second half. But his first half was, "wow, who is that" on the windy side. Don't think he has the tank for that role yet, but was interesting they tried him there.

Reading the dogs board it’s been all talk of wing for him so don’t think it’s a surprise despite it not being where he was drafted from

I’ve got him on my bench wondering if he can be a Dempsey type (not expecting 70s but outperforming fwd rookie roles at basement price)

Your 1st half impression a good sign
Interesting to watch re the tank though (as wouldn’t want him relegated to pure forward or being a blow up and sub out type)

 

[Exambolor]

Do you see him going 15+ points on his price though? He's mid only and i feel we have much better value players in there over him.

If he’s playing mostly mid I reckon he’s capable. When he was moved into the middle last year, he went from being in the 70s consistently to cracking the 90-100 mark on a regular basis, only missing it five times after that.

You could make a similar argument for Ashcroft, we’re all banking on him being that third mid ahead of Clug.

Anyway, still a while to go and they’ll very much be more changes

 

[Phar Ace]

Do you see him going 15+ points on his price though? He's mid only and i feel we have much better value players in there over him.

Yeah I do. He's a give and get player, breaks forward with the ball and kicks as well, rarely sideways. He tackles. Probably doesn't mark a lot (I could be wrong), but his run is compelling. He's a +5 player for a lot of his involvements