To help you prepare for a successful season of fantasy footy, Lions defender Daniel Merrett is offering a helping hand.
He tells the AFL Players Association his best nominations for your 2016 Fantasy team.
Which established player is in for a huge season?
After an injury interrupted 2015 season in which he missed six games, Captain Tom Rockliff’s Fantasy price is set to rise. The midfielder is worth $579, 000 ahead of round one. He averaged 104.7 in 2015 and 134.8 in 2014.
Merrett says: “Our skipper Tom Rockliff is a lock. He’s your fantasy grabber and in for a big year.”
Tom Rockliff:
AFL Fantasy: ($579,000 Mid)
Ruckmen will clearly be worth their weight in gold in 2016. Stefan Martin's resurgence as one of the game’s elite ruckman has had his Fantasy price sky-rocket to $631, 000. He averaged 114.0 in 2015.
“Stefan Martin really came along last year and won’t be dropping off anytime soon.”
Stefan Martin:
AFL Fantasy: ($631,000 Ruck)
Who do you expect to have a breakout year?
Young gun Lewis Taylor has been a preseason stand-out and he is determined to make 2016 something special.
The 20-year-old has not missed a game since making his AFL debut in Round 1, 2014.
Merrett says: “Not so much of a breakout year, but young Lewis Taylor has had a great pre-season which has set him up to continue improving. He’s been our best and most consistent trainer all pre-season.”
Lewis Taylor:
AFL Fantasy: ($414,000 Fwd, Mid)
Which young gun will have a big impact in 2016?
19-year-old Rhys Mathieson took the first step in his AFL journey when he lined up for the Lions in their opening NAB Challenge clash with the Gold Coast Suns at Burpengary.
Impressing over the pre-season with his competitiveness, Mathieson was fearless around the contest on Sunday.
Merrett says: “From the weekend’s game, Mathieson looks like he could play some senior footy this year. He had 13 touches on the weekend – six of them from free kicks.”
Rhys Mathieson:
AFL Fantasy: ($158,000 Mid)
Join the Brisbane Lions Fantasy League
Compete against other Brisbane Lions fans in our very own league! You can join the 'Brisbane FC Verified League' by using the special code: C9FL7VEA.
