A NEW coach and a solo captain could be the start of positive things for Adelaide in 2020.

After averaging 108 the year before, Rory Laird (DEF, $719,000) struggled to replicate his career-best Fantasy season, dropping his average by 11 points. This makes him a prime target this year as Fantasy coaches and Adelaide fans hope he can recapture his best form.

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Young ruck Reilly O’Brien (RUC, $709,000) was one of the standout Fantasy stories of last year. After waiting in the wings behind Sam Jacobs, O'Brien took over the No.1 ruck mantle in round three and never looked back on his way to an impressive average of 97. He really hit his straps between rounds 12 and 20 averaging 115, which will make him a highly sought after option once again.

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Lock them in

Under-priced players are Fantasy gold and Bryce Gibbs (MID, $600,000) could be exactly this if he gets back to his best under Adelaide's new coach Matthew Nicks. Gibbs' role and position in the team last year were more confusing than the criteria of Roy's 'Rolling 22' as he managed just 12 games at an average of 81. Prior to the disastrous 2019, Gibbs was coming of seasons of 104, 112 and 105. He's rumoured to be playing off the half-back this year which means things are already looking much brighter.

Track their pre-season

In his debut season, Tom Doedee (DEF, $403,000) was a Fantasy favourite of many coaches. He averaged 73 that year but sadly he tore his ACL in round one in 2019.  This means that he comes at a discounted price, which positions him at an average of just 54. Doedee is ticking all the boxes at training and aiming to play games in the Marsh Community Series.

Dual-position tempter

Before injuring his shoulder in round five, Wayne Milera (DEF/MID, $570,000) was on track for a breakout season. He averaged 91 across the first four rounds and was one of the best Fantasy defenders in the game. Due to the interrupted season, he is now under-priced and much better than the average of 77 he sits at.

Draft sleeper

In deep Drafts, Patrick Wilson (MID, $328,000) is a name to remember and one to move up your rankings. Wilson struggled to fit into the Crows' best 22 last year despite scoring 'pig-like' numbers in the SANFL. He averaged 114 for the season which was highlighted by some huge scores of 165, 159 and 153. Under a new coach and off the back of some players leaving the club, many are predicting big things from this 25-year-old SANFL Pig.

Bargain basement

After being eased into pre-season training, Ned McHenry (MID, $170,000) is back working with the main group and even finished second in the Crows' 2km time trail. McHenry averaged 82 from his 10 games in the SANFL last year and with so many players leaving Adelaide in 2019, McHenry will be right in the mix for a game for round one.

Forgotten warrior

Who would have thought that out of the six Adelaide players who played all 22 games last year, that Brad Crouch (MID, $801,000) and Rory Sloane (MID, 739,000) would have been two of them? Not only that, but for Crouch to be the highest-scoring player at the club as well. Crouch will be overlooked by many coaches because unlike in 2019, you are now paying top-dollar for the eighth best midfielder in the game. But you get what you pay for and he is a solid choice.

Buyer beware

Fantasy Fact: Key forwards find it very hard to score in AFL Fantasy. However, back in 2017 Taylor Walker (FWD, $468,000) averaged a very respectable 80 for a player in his position. Since then, he has only averaged 62 and 63. Although his price might tempt a few, the recommendation is to approach with caution. 

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