ALTHOUGH there weren’t as many big names traded in this year’s Telstra AFL Trade Period as previous seasons, AFL Fantasy coaches have plenty to think about for 2020.

Players such as North Melbourne’s Aiden Bonar and Dockers recruit Blake Acres are likely to increase their numbers if the 'more midfield time' catch-cry we have heard is to be believed. Jack Steven will be keen to put 2019 behind him at the Cats and may carry FWD status along with new Sun Hugh Greenwood.

But it’s not always about the players who were traded. The flow-on effect is something that could see other players benefit or suffer due to the transactions over the Trade Period.

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NEW-LOOK EAGLES MIDFIELD

Tim Kelly made his way west to slot into West Coast’s midfield. He’ll join Andrew Gaff, Luke Shuey, Elliot Yeo, Jack Redden and Dom Sheed in a star-studded engine room.

Going into his third season, Kelly will be looking to push his Fantasy average to triple figures after playing every game since joining the Cats for averages of 87 and 97.

Kelly’s recruitment will leave question marks over the Fantasy output of Gaff, Yeo and Shuey who all averaged more than 100 this season.

Tim Kelly joins a star-studded Eagles midfield.

MELBOURNE ADD WINGERS

With the Demons adding Ed Langdon and Adam Tomlinson, who are set to line up on the wings, Angus Brayshaw could bounce back in a big way next season.

Brayshaw was a popular selection this year after an outstanding JLT Community Series and averaging 115 in the back-half of 2018. With a disappointing return this season that saw him drop his average by more than 15 points, Brayshaw may now find himself inside the centre square more often and get back to the Fantasy form that saw him finish third in last year’s Brownlow.

Tomlinson has some upside as long as he increased his disposal numbers. Langdon is a consistent performer and should be considered as a late-round Draft selection as bench cover.

How will Adam Tomlinson fare as a Giant?

SICILY OFF THE NEVER AGAIN LIST

Hawthorn brought in Jonathon Patton and Sam Frost during the Trade Period. The key position players at either end of the ground should benefit James Sicily.

Fantasy coaches will be hoping the 24-year-old is not only freed up from playing key defensive roles with Frost’s inclusion. He was used at times in the forward line to the detriment of his Fantasy numbers. Now that Patton will be part of the Hawks’ front six, Sicily should be left to rack up the uncontested marks in the back half and be one of the top defenders.

'General' Patton will boost the Hawks' forward line.

DISCOUNTED GUNS

Jonathon Patton’s move to Hawthorn comes off the back of more than 12 months out of the game due to an ACL injury. The General will go into 2020 with a 30 per cent discount on his price which could see him as a low-end mid-priced FWD option with 20-plus points upside.

After a year to forget for Jack Steven, a fresh start at the Cats could see him as a popular Fantasy option in the new year. Playing the majority of his games this season in St Kilda’s forward line, he may have MID/FWD status that will add some extra value to his already discounted price.

In 2015, Steven was the highest-averaging Fantasy player with 111.5 and following that he posted returns of 104, 94 and 97. If he can go anywhere near that, the new Cat would be one of the best forwards available.

Meet Cat Steven.

MORE MIDFIELD TIME

Track watching over the pre-season will help determine whether or not some of the big calls about possible roles by recruiters will pay off.

Aiden Bonar moves to the Roos for the opportunity to add to his six career games. He’ll be priced slightly more than the top line draftees. While Bonar’s role has mostly been as a forward for the Giants, it has been reported that he’ll be looking for midfield minutes and could make plenty of cash if in North Melbourne’s best 22.

The Suns will be hoping that Hugh Greenwood will add some extra size to their midfield to support the young group. The former Crow added FWD status this season. If he retains that in 2020 and can increase his average from 78 to 90-plus, he’ll be a valuable Fantasy selection in both Classic and Draft.

After averaging more than 80 last year, Blake Acres went at 67.5 this season making him under-priced. He looks set to play further up the ground at Fremantle and as a MID/FWD, he will be a low-risk mid-priced player.

RUCK STARS

Pushed out of the No.1 ruck position at the Crows, Sam Jacobs has found himself at the Giants. If he is the solo ruckman, coaches can expect the 31-year-old to produce the mid-80s-to-90s that he has for most of his career. Jacobs averaged 80.4 from his five games this year and will have a discount applied to his price. In his time in the SANFL, he managed to average 108.

Darcy Cameron has moved the Magpies to be the understudy of Brodie Grundy. While he locks himself in as a basement ruck bench option, the added bonus is that if Grundy misses a game, he’ll most likely be the bench cover for that week.

Of interest will be South Australian rucks. Jacobs’ move from the Crows will see Reilly O’Brien shoulder the load for the season with some possible support from new recruit Billy Frampton who may be a cash cow in 2020.

Port Adelaide traded Paddy Ryder meaning Scott Lycett will have the opportunity to increase on his 83 average from this year. When he was rucking solo, he posted 130, 130 and 104 between rounds 14-16.

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