With the official AFL season kicking off in a matter of weeks, it’s time to start finalising your fantasy team!
Whether you play AFL Fantasy, Supercoach or Ultimate Footy, there are a number of Blues who have made promising scores in the NAB Challenge.
Young guns including Sam Kerridge, Patrick Cripps and Jed Lamb have all been popular choices among Fantasy coaches, as well as experienced Blues like Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs and Dale Thomas.
With plenty of emerging talent, it’s going to be a hard task deciding which players to put in your team!
Below is a list of Carlton players who have featured in our NAB Challenge games, along with their stats and price (prices taken from AFL Fantasy).
2. Jack Silvagni (forward, $125,000)
Carlton fans couldn’t contain their excitement when the third-generation Silvagni donned the navy blue jumper for the first time. Jack played the second half against Essendon at Ikon Park and managed 15 Fantasy points and 19 Supercoach points.
4. Bryce Gibbs (midfield, $449,000)
After managing only 10 games last season due to injury, Gibbs is good value at $449,000, with the midfielder looking to have a big 2016. In the match against Hawthorn ‘Gibba’ racked up 8 kicks, 11 handballs and 3 tackles, earning him 58 Fantasy points and 69 Supercoach points.
6. Kade Simpson (defender, $474,000)
At 31, Carlton’s vice captain has been running PBs this pre-season. After playing in both NAB Challenge games, albeit only a half against Essendon, ‘Simmo’ is averaging 46.5 Fantasy points and 58.5 Supercoach points.
7. Dylan Buckley (defender, $315,000)
After playing 18 games last year and averaging 57 points per game, ‘Bucks’ will be looking to take the step in 2016. In his first hitout this season against Essendon, the dashing defender scored 39 Fantasy points and 32 Supercoach points. He’s good value, priced at $315,000.
Dylan Buckley looks to offer great value in fantasy circles this year. (Photo: AFL Media)
8. Matthew Kreuzer (ruckman, $460,000)
After recovering from a foot injury that saw him miss the first half of the year, the big man finished the 2015 season strongly. ‘Kreuz’ averaged just over 83 Fantasy points per game, racking up contested possessions, marks and even hitting the scoreboard, and at 26, he’s coming into his prime. Against the Hawks, Kreuzer managed 63 Fantasy points and 90 Supercoach points – a solid start to the year.
10. Harry McKay (forward/ruck, $196,000)
Unfortunately the young forward suffered an injury setback this week, which may decrease his price heading into the season. Although he only played a half against Essendon, McKay showed some promising signs – taking a strong grab and booting the goal. Once he gets back out on the park there’s no doubt McKay’s value will only go up.
11. Sam Kerridge (midfielder, $299,000)
Named in 21,314 teams across the country, Kerridge has been Carlton’s most popular fantasy player. Scoring 122 Supercoach points and 88 AFL Fantasy points in his first hitout in navy blue, there’s no wonder why so many people have selected the midfielder.
12. Blaine Boekhorst (forward/midfielder, $276,000)
Averaging nearly 50 points a game in both NAB Challenge games, Boekhorst’s ability to run through the midfield and sneak up forward adds to his versatility and point-scoring capability.
13. Jed Lamb (forward, $189,000)
The young forward played in the NAB Challenge games against Hawthorn and Essendon, and averaged around 40 Fantasy points. Lamb will want to make his mark on the competition this year, as he strives to cement his spot in the side. At $189,000 he’s an attractive option for many teams.
14. Liam Jones (forward, $228,000)
Jones has been working hard this pre-season and will be looking to run through the forward line and hit the scoreboard in 2016. He averaged just over 42 points last year and at $228,000 is value for money.
15. Sam Docherty (defender, $455,000)
The young Blue has been elevated into the leadership group this season and will no doubt play a key role in Carlton’s defence. Averaging just over 82 Fantasy points last year, the running defender has made a good start to his 2016 campaign, notching up 75 Fantasy points and 78 Supercoach points against Hawthorn.
17. Sam Rowe (defender, $273,000)
Averaging nearly 50 Fantasy points last season, the reliable defender will once again be looking to hold steady down back. Around the same price as Luke Brown from Adelaide and Will Schofield from the Eagles, Rowe is good value at $273,000.
22. Jason Tutt (midfielder, $373,000)
‘Tutty’ has played in both NAB Challenge games and has made a solid start to the year averaging 70 Fantasy points and 60 Supercoach points in those hitouts. As one of Carlton’s more experienced players, he’ll be looking to play more senior games in 2016.
23. Jacob Weitering (defender, $232,000)
After an impressive NAB Challenge debut against Essendon, Carlton’s No. 1 draft pick will no doubt feature in Fantasy leagues across the country. The 18-year-old notched up 78 Fantasy points and 99 Supercoach points in his first outing as a Blue.
Watch Weitering's highlights against Essendon
24. Mark Whiley (midfielder, $268,000)
Nestled into Carlton’s midfield, Whiley has shown positive signs in his first two NAB Challenge hitouts. He averaged just over 51 Fantasy points per game last year, and having only played two halves during the pre-season competition, he’s already averaging 43.5 Fantasy points. His value will only go up.
28. David Cuningham (midfielder, $174,000)
Although he’s only played limited game time in the navy blue, the 2015 draftee is not setting a ceiling on what he can achieve this season. The midfielder, who has a knack for escaping packs, is worth a look for $174,000.
30. Charlie Curnow (forward, $244,000)
The only 2015 draftee to play in both NAB Challenge games, Charlie looks to be a promising prospect in 2016. He scored a respectable 54 Fantasy points in his first game and 48 in his second.
31. Matthew Dick (defender, $232,000)
The young defender improves with every game he plays and this year’s NAB Challenge games are no exception. With limited game time against both the Hawks and the Bombers, Dick managed to average 25 Fantasy points and just over 30 Supercoach points. At $232,000 he’s the same price as fellow teammate Jacob Weitering and Hawthorn’s Brendan Whitecross.
32. Nick Graham (midfielder, $353,000)
If Graham’s performances during the NAB Challenge are anything to go by, he’ll be looking to cement himself in the Blues midfield and forward line. The 21-year-old topped the Blues for points in both matches, scoring 93 Fantasy points and 111 Supercoach points against Hawthorn, and 90 Fantasy and 109 Supercoach points against the Bombers.
If his NAB Challenge form is anything to go by, Nick Graham is set for a breakout year. (Photo: AFL Media)
33. Andrejs Everitt (forward, $410,000)
Carlton’s leading goalkicker in 2015 will be hoping to add to his tally this season. ‘Dre’ averaged 74 points in Fantasy last year, always providing his teammates with an option up forward. His ability to run up the ground and also hit the scoreboard makes him a valuable forward option.
34. Andrew Phillips (ruck/forward, $225,000)
After being recruited from GWS, Phillips will be hoping to play alongside Matthew Kreuzer in 2016. In his first two outings in navy blue, Phillips’ athleticism has been on show, with the big man gathering 12 hit-outs in both games and bringing the ball to ground for the midfielders and small forwards. Priced at $225,000, and with the ability to go forward and kick a goal, Phillips is good value for any team.
35. Ed Curnow (midfielder, $442,000)
Curnow was one of four Blues to play every game last year, which saw him gather momentum and average nearly 80 points per match. With his elevation into the leadership group and his exceptional running ability, the midfielder will be hoping for another consistent year. Curnow racked up 79 Fantasy points and 98 Supercoach points in the clash with Essendon, after spending 83 minutes on the ground.
37. Daniel Gorringe (ruck/forward, $191,000)
The former No.10 draft pick will want to make his mark at the Blues this season after arriving from the Gold Coast Suns at the end of last year. Gorringe has been training hard over the pre-season and has been working alongside Krezuer and Phillips. His ability to play in the ruck, as well as up forward, could make him a damaging option for those wanting flexibility in their side. Priced at $191,000, he is great value.
38. Ciaran Byrne (defender, $125,000)
The young Irishman, who suffered hamstring injuries last year, has been relishing his time on the park during the NAB Challenge. Priced at $125,000, Bryne has been a popular choice among Fantasy teams, with 18,689 coaches selecting him in their side. Bryne has also been named as a nominated rookie for the Blues this season.
39. Dale Thomas (midfielder, $354,000)
After an injury-interrupted 2015, Dale Thomas is exceptional value at $354,000. The midfielder has trained hard this pre-season and is fighting fit heading into 2016. In the NAB Challenge match against Hawthorn, ‘Daisy’ notched up 65 Fantasy points and 101 Supercoach points. He’s looking for a big year and there’s no doubt his value will only increase as the season goes on.
Dale Thomas impressed his only NAB Challenge game to date. (Photo: AFL Media)
40. Michael Jamison (defender, $217,000)
Jamison is your traditional full-back who gets the big jobs week in, week out. At $217,000 he is great value for an experienced defender who will likely take to the field each week. With interchange rotations being dropped to 90, he’ll also be spending plenty of time on the ground.
41. Levi Casboult (forward, $321,000)
After tearing up the track during pre-season, Levi has looked lively in the first two NAB Challenge hitouts. His ability to take contested marks and kick goals makes him a good option up forward. He has increased his running capacity, adding to his versatility around the ground.
42. Zach Tuohy (defender, $379,000)
Carlton’s Irishman played every game in 2016 and will no doubt be hoping to replicate his form this season. The running defender averaged 68.5 Fantasy points last year and so far during the NAB Challenge, Tuohy has averaged 54.5 Fantasy points and 85 Supercoach points. Priced at $379,000 he’s around the same value as Adelaide’s Nathan van Berlo and West Coast’s Brad Sheppard.
43. Simon White (defender, $246,000)
Last season, White averaged nearly 45 Fantasy points per game, rating close to Adelaide’s Daniel Talia (44.9) and Fremantle’s Alex Pearce (44.23). As an experienced defender, he'll be looking to line up each week for the Blues in 2016.
45. Andrew Gallucci (forward, $125,000)
Andrew Gallucci joins Ciaran Byrne as the only Blues rookie to feature in both NAB Challenge games. The boyhood Bluebagger scored only six Fantasy points from a half against Hawthorn, but racked up 48 points against Essendon after featuring in every quarter. He's a lively, pacey type who is sure to lay plenty of tackles and can be selected at a bargain basement price.
46. Matthew Wright (forward/midfielder, $309,000)
Having arrived at Ikon Park from Adelaide, the experienced small forward is known for kicking goals and locking the ball in the forward line. In his first hitout in navy blue, the versatile midfielder scored a respectable 64 Fantasy points and at $309,000 his value will only increase.
Carlton has its own verified AFL Fantasy League in 2016. To join, use the league code: AVJLK229
