Discussion 2025 Fantasy Pre-Season Planning Discussion

[Barrybran]

Thoughts on only going 2 rookies in the midfield? It's been noted that there are heaps of good value options in the midfield and not many in defence, so instead of having a 3rd rookie in the mids and spending the money in defence, you could spend that money on a mid instead. The argument would be, say, W. Ashcroft and Travaglia versus McKercher and Draper.

I've looked at this myself with Peatling at M6 but there are so many mid rookies that my choice is between value mids + four DEF rookies versus up to seven mid rookies and shoring up my defense. Definitely a play though.

 

[WaynesWorld19]

I've looked at this myself with Peatling at M6 but there are so many mid rookies that my choice is between value mids + four DEF rookies versus up to seven mid rookies and shoring up my defense. Definitely a play though.

Can we assume, Peatling will get MID/FWD status ....and Cumming MID/DEF status in R7 ?

 

[JDWCE]

Can we assume, Peatling will get MID/FWD status ....and Cumming MID/DEF status in R7 ?

What’s crows midfield looking like? I definitely see it with Cumming but unsure / doubtful on Peatling

 

[WaynesWorld19]

What’s crows midfield looking like? I definitely see it with Cumming but unsure / doubtful on Peatling

The hope is Cumming at HB (not Wing) .....Peatling I can see rotating FWD/MID with Rankine

 

[Tex Danger]

Can we assume, Peatling will get MID/FWD status ....and Cumming MID/DEF status in R7 ?

Don’t think you can assume that re Peatling

Interesting thought as someone planning on starting him. I think he’ll be predominately mid making him best chance to score well.

If he gets fwd status it means he won’t have had as much mid time, reducing scoring potential and likely success. Except as a fwd he could score closer to the keepers as long as he only just scrapes in for fwd status

 

[stallon]

Thoughts on only going 2 rookies in the midfield? It's been noted that there are heaps of good value options in the midfield and not many in defence, so instead of having a 3rd rookie in the mids and spending the money in defence, you could spend that money on a mid instead. The argument would be, say, W. Ashcroft and Travaglia versus McKercher and Draper.

I think its perfectly fine, if you look at most of those rookie mids I dont think any are going to have a midfield role of any significance this year.
I think we may see a return to most of them scoring 50-60 avg at best.

Ashcroft won't get a good role, Draper won't, Jagga unlikely, Lalor won't, Langford probably plays mostly forward, etc.

You can start 5 of them still with 2 on field, 2 bench and 1 in utility spot anyway

 

[WaynesWorld19]

I think its perfectly fine, if you look at most of those rookie mids I dont think any are going to have a midfield role of any significance this year.
I think we may see a return to most of them scoring 50-60 avg at best.

Ashcroft won't get a good role, Draper won't, Jagga unlikely, Lalor won't, Langford probably plays mostly forward, etc.

You can start 5 of them still with 2 on field, 2 bench and 1 in utility spot anyway

And this is right on point .....the Rookies role

Suddenly the team doesn't revolve around these rookies at U18 level .....they're not looked for as much by teammates, not fed the ball as they do at U18 level

Most of us have the $300K+ Rookies currently ....because we on't yet know who the bargain rookies will be coming thru

I'll name a few possibles .....Hardeman (Nth), Cooper Simpson (Freo), James Leak (GWS), Brown (Melb), De Mattia (Coll)

 

[Barrybran]

And this is right on point .....the Rookies role

Suddenly the team doesn't revolve around these rookies at U18 level .....they're not looked for as much by teammates, not fed the ball as they do at U18 level

Most of us have the $300K+ Rookies currently ....because we on't yet know who the bargain rookies will be coming thru

I'll name a few possibles .....Hardeman (Nth), Cooper Simpson (Freo), James Leak (GWS), Brown (Melb), De Mattia (Coll)

Of the GWS boys, I'm more interested in Fahey ($242k DEF). Surely he's due with spots opening up in the best 23.

Edit: Scratch that. I didn't know he got delisted and picked up again.

 

[Barrybran]

If you're happy with your team and need something to do...

 

[tigs2010]

Of the GWS boys, I'm more interested in Fahey ($242k DEF). Surely he's due with spots opening up in the best 23.

Edit: Scratch that. I didn't know he got delisted and picked up again.

Also suspended for a month

 

[DenieD]

Also suspended for a month

Funny you mention that. A lot of GWS players have suspensions at the start of season 2025:



Surely that means we'll get one or two GWS rookies to start round 1 (but then get dropped and never come back into the team)

 

[Thelethal97]

Speaking of GWS, very surprised Conor Stone is not higher owned

230k basement fwd (mature ager)

He is almost certainly going to be playing as a HB. GWS moved him in the second half of the VFL season to play HB as they knew that at least one of Perry/Cumming would be leaving (obviously both did). Scored 78, 76, 83, 120, 140, 80, 81 in that roll

Furthermore, ESS tried to lure him over in the trade period but GWS were very firm on holding him and Conor himself said that he stayed due to the opportunity that has been created for him due to the departures

Not a GWS supporter, but it looks very likely that he'll be in the team come R0, and could be an excellent fwd rook that picks up def DPP

 

[Zevon]

If you're happy with your team and need something to do...

I kept getting offered Dan Houston. But I held firm and steadfastly refused to accept a deal, and now I’m the proud new owner of Elliot Yeo

 

[wahooo]

Unsure if the conversation has already been had (if it has please feel free to direct me to it) but if you had to pick say three mids to get their average back above 110 this year, who would you grab?

I feel like Andy Brayshaw seems an early favourite among the community.

I've currently got Walsh, Bray and Taranto in my starting midfield. I can see a pathway to 110 for all of them. I also like Tom Green but less keen given he's got that first bye.

 

[matty lloyd the champ]

Unsure if the conversation has already been had (if it has please feel free to direct me to it) but if you had to pick say three mids to get their average back above 110 this year, who would you grab?

I feel like Andy Brayshaw seems an early favourite among the community.

I've currently got Walsh, Bray and Taranto in my starting midfield. I can see a pathway to 110 for all of them. I also like Tom Green but less keen given he's got that first

For Taranto to hit 110, I think he needs to average 30 touches, 5 marks and 5.

Marks wise, Taranto just doesn't spread enough to get those marks nor do Richmond want the ball in his hands.

Disposals will also be an issue when Richmond are thumped more often than not. I struggle to see him averaging the 30 touches per game.

Brayshaw I think might be a chance provided they don't mess around with his role by giving him minutes on the wing.

Walsh I am still not sold on. He has periods where he fill up all the stat lines than he has patches where he scores purely from disposals. There was a period of 4 games last year where he had 4 marks in total which is utterly bizare.

I also think he is a tag target despite having Cripps there. Alot of teams see Cripps as much harder to shut down due to his size and feel Walsh is a better match up for their tagger. Bedford and Jordon both went to Walsh last year instead of Cripps.

 

[tigs2010]

Unsure if the conversation has already been had (if it has please feel free to direct me to it) but if you had to pick say three mids to get their average back above 110 this year, who would you grab?

I feel like Andy Brayshaw seems an early favourite among the community.

I've currently got Walsh, Bray and Taranto in my starting midfield. I can see a pathway to 110 for all of them. I also like Tom Green but less keen given he's got that first bye.

My current version has same 3.

Hoping Brayshaw doesn't cop that wing garbage from start. Serong & Young the clear priorities to tag for mine.

Walsh I'm still a little concerned teams will tag him instead of Cripps. But yeah fully fit he has some big ceiling games.

Taranto won't get tagged, will have huge share of the ball and be relied on to do basically everything. The downside will be if we just get belted each week and doing everything is more 100 than 110.

 

[stallon]

For Taranto to hit 110, I think he needs to average 30 touches, 5 marks and 5.

Marks wise, Taranto just doesn't spread enough to get those marks nor do Richmond want the ball in his hands.

Disposals will also be an issue when Richmond are thumped more often than not. I struggle to see him averaging the 30 touches per game.

Taranto went 112 in 2023, with an avg of close to 120 for the first half of the year.
Hes now the only one in there, Hopper and Prestia are too often injured.

I see no reason at all why Taranto won't be 105+ avg this year. There is nobody to take points off him.
Take out that injured 40 and he's got an average of 99 in a down year, priced at 95.

Hes a bit more inside than Steele or Miller were when they went their 120s in very weak sides but he's not that far off it.

 

[wahooo]

For Taranto to hit 110, I think he needs to average 30 touches, 5 marks and 5.

Marks wise, Taranto just doesn't spread enough to get those marks nor do Richmond want the ball in his hands.

Disposals will also be an issue when Richmond are thumped more often than not. I struggle to see him averaging the 30 touches per game.

Brayshaw I think might be a chance provided they don't mess around with his role by giving him minutes on the wing.

Walsh I am still not sold on. He has periods where he fill up all the stat lines than he has patches where he scores purely from disposals. There was a period of 4 games last year where he had 4 marks in total which is utterly bizare.

I also think he is a tag target despite having Cripps there. Alot of teams see Cripps as much harder to shut down due to his size and feel Walsh is a better match up for their tagger. Bedford and Jordon both went to Walsh last year instead of Cripps.

Yeah great points and I agree with them all.

Also agree with the sort of counter arguments that Tigs has raised in favour of those three.

Only thing I would add is that I personally think Andy's role is secure and we saw that in the second half of last year. Sharp, NOD and Johnson can cover the wings well. Bolton's arrival doesn't concern me either. I think when Bolton plays mid it will be Young that goes forward, he offers the most there out of Freo's mids.

Another thing that's great about the Walsh, Bray and Taranto combo is that they work really nicely for the byes.

 

[DenieD]

One thing that is turning me away from Taranto (or any Richmond players at this stage) is their very tough start to the season. Carlton in round 1 then Port away in round 2. Two of the toughest teams to score against (fantasy wise) in recent memory.

It's also one of the reasons why I am very worried about putting any Richmond rookies on field for those first two weeks. I think it will be very difficult for any of their players to get their hands on the ball enough to score.

 

[stallon]

One thing that is turning me away from Taranto (or any Richmond players at this stage) is their very tough start to the season. Carlton in round 1 then Port away in round 2. Two of the toughest teams to score against (fantasy wise) in recent memory.

It's also one of the reasons why I am very worried about putting any Richmond rookies on field for those first two weeks. I think it will be very difficult for any of their players to get their hands on the ball enough to score.

I'm not worried, the popular Richmond guys in Taranto and Short should have no problems with the harder teams. Neither will get a tag or anything.
Someone has to score points for Richmond, they'll be the ones.

Smillie is the only Richmond rookie worth starting anyway, easy to bench him for 2 weeks.

 

[DenieD]

I'm not worried, the popular Richmond guys in Taranto and Short should have no problems with the harder teams. Neither will get a tag or anything.
Someone has to score points for Richmond, they'll be the ones.

Smillie is the only Richmond rookie worth starting anyway, easy to bench him for 2 weeks.

Sure, Taranto technically won't get 'tagged', but I can see him lining up against Hewett in R1 and Drew in R2 and the entire opposition midfield will look to mitigate him because he is the only one capable of doing anything for Richmond.

This is arguably the first time that Taranto is in a midfield group where he is by far the #1 guy in there and all the other team needs to do is stop him and you stop Richmonds midfield. Not going anywhere near Taranto at this stage because of that factor.

Short should do ok, because I bet the majority of their games will be over by half time, so the entire second half will be junk time and Short should rack up.

 

[stallon]

Sure, Taranto technically won't get 'tagged', but I can see him lining up against Hewett in R1 and Drew in R2 and the entire opposition midfield will look to mitigate him because he is the only one capable of doing anything for Richmond.

This is arguably the first time that Taranto is in a midfield group where he is by far the #1 guy in there and all the other team needs to do is stop him and you stop Richmonds midfield. Not going anywhere near Taranto at this stage because of that factor.

Short should do ok, because I bet the majority of their games will be over by half time, so the entire second half will be junk time and Short should rack up.

Why would any club even bother putting someone on him?
Taranto doesn't do much damage with the ball, he just be hack kicking it forward to an incredibly weak forward line.
If Hewett or Drew stand near him it'll still be next to no attention.
Look at North, west coast, and Richmond last year, the only mids to get any attention at all were Yeo and LDU who are both far more damaging than Taranto and still scored well.
Taranto has been the #1 mid since he arrived at Richmond.

 

[Phar Ace]

Sure, Taranto technically won't get 'tagged', but I can see him lining up against Hewett in R1 and Drew in R2 and the entire opposition midfield will look to mitigate him because he is the only one capable of doing anything for Richmond.

This is arguably the first time that Taranto is in a midfield group where he is by far the #1 guy in there and all the other team needs to do is stop him and you stop Richmonds midfield. Not going anywhere near Taranto at this stage because of that factor.

Short should do ok, because I bet the majority of their games will be over by half time, so the entire second half will be junk time and Short should rack up.

And now Balta out for 4 games, only makes Short more important down back - I know they are different types, but Short is so far ahead the leader down back with Vlossy.

 

[Phar Ace]

Why would any club even bother putting someone on him?
Taranto doesn't do much damage with the ball, he just be hack kicking it forward to an incredibly weak forward line.
If Hewett or Drew stand near him it'll still be next to no attention.
Look at North, west coast, and Richmond last year, the only mids to get any attention at all were Yeo and LDU who are both far more damaging than Taranto and still scored well.
Taranto has been the #1 mid since he arrived at Richmond.

Any idea if the heat maps suggest TT gets back enough? I don't recall him being defensive enough for where the ball is going to live a lot..

 

[DenieD]

Why would any club even bother putting someone on him?
Taranto doesn't do much damage with the ball, he just be hack kicking it forward to an incredibly weak forward line.
If Hewett or Drew stand near him it'll still be next to no attention.
Look at North, west coast, and Richmond last year, the only mids to get any attention at all were Yeo and LDU who are both far more damaging than Taranto and still scored well.
Taranto has been the #1 mid since he arrived at Richmond.

#1 in terms of cbas yes. #1 in terms of most damaging... no. But he is now. Even if he's a hack kicker, he is now Richmonds only damaging player in the middle. Martins gone, Hopper and Prestia are always injured or very low ToG. Taranto will be the only player doing anything for them in a team full of rookies. Yeo and LDU during their clubs worst seasons couldn't even crack 100+. They mostly stayed around the 95-100 range which I feel is where Taranto is now.