Essendone… Well, that was a disaster! If it’s any consolation, they beat the Pies for total Fantasy points by a solid 400. Might well be 400 years since they last won a final, however😜

In these reviews, we will take a closer look at each club’s Fantasy snapshot for season 2022, whilst I nominate players for MVP, best rookie and biggest flop. I will also provide my two cents on what to look out for in 2023!

Most Valuable Player (MVP)

After a slow start to season 2022 hampered by a syndesmosis injury in round 2, Zach Merrett eventually rediscovered his best, particularly following the bye en route to a 107 average! Merrett had a six round patch where he averaged an absurd 133, just reminding the Fantasy world why he was touted as a ‘future pig’ back in the day from the DT Talk boys. Unfortunately, there was many a coach relying on Merrett to step up in semi and prelim-finals… He proceeded to turn into “Marett”, scoring 55 and 86 in rounds 21 and 22! He would have been close to many coaches ‘never again list’ after those showings! Despite this, did enough to claim Fantasy MVP with his season highlight being a bonkers 135 points second half vs Norf in R20 on his way to a huuuuuge 172!

Best Rookie

“There’s a new Martin in town” is what Huddo and I ran with after his 130 on debut and fair to say our man Nic ‘Alpha’ Martin well and truly lived up to the label! 21 games (only missed a game due to Rona), average of 80, one score below 60 and three big tons to his name in a season where it was hard to find winners down at Windy Hill. If it hadn’t been for a bloke named N.Daicos, probably takes home Fantasy rookie of the season! You imagine he’ll poll top 5 in Essendon’s B&F in recognition of an incredibly consistent season. Also quick shoutout to Benny Hobbs who showed he was at the level on his way to a 61 point average from 16 games playing primarily as a high forward!

Biggest Flop

With let-downs on every line, you could just about raffle this one! So why not just put it to a poll? You could mount a case for any one of these guys being Essendon’s biggest Fantasy Flop in season 2022…

2023 Watchlist

After an abysmal season, Essendone fans far and wide will be hoping for some kind of response! As we know, a new coach will be at the helm for 2023 (since been announced as Brad Scott) which will make for interesting viewing over the pre-season regarding their line-up and specific roles. Clearly in a rebuilding stage, I anticipate they will look to youth to start taking on greater responsibility. Guys like Hobbs and Perkins should see more midfield minutes, but I doubt will be selected by many coaches until they can prove their ability to Fantasy! Speaking of the midfield, we all know what Darcy Parish is capable of on his day and he could be under-priced. Elsewhere, with Heppell’s future up in the air, I think Massimo D’Ambrosio gets plenty of games next season running off a half-back flank. Either way, if they can string together a few more W’s, we should see better Fantasy output from the Dons in 2023! As long as they don’t win a final! 😜

So there you have it folks, the fifth of the Fantasy Fanatic’s 2022 Reviews! Stay tuned for more new content, Freo Dokers are up next. Heave ho, way to go!

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Feedback, comments and banter welcome.

Cheers legends,

Fantasy Fanatic #70