Welcome to all GameDay Squad coaches, AFL fantasy coaches, AFL fans or just the curious. GameDay Squad is going to be releasing a series of AFL seasonal reviews that will provide you with all the fantasy insight and recommendations your heart desires. We are just weeks away from the commencement of the 2023 AFL season and if you are late to the party and haven’t done your fantasy research, let GameDay Squad handle that for you. Enjoy this installation of fantasy breakdowns for the Port Adelaide Power.
Must start player:
As a forward-listed player in 2023, Conor Rozee is the only Port Adelaide player I am certain (excluding injuries or suspension) will make the 2023 GDS Squad of the year team. The 2022 All-Australian is dominating preseason as the power's #1 midfielder and the fact we get to play him as a forward in 2023 when he could average 115+ makes playing him a no-brainer.
Dream legend card:
Despite a tumultuous start to life in the AFL, Jason Horne-Francis is now back home and with the team where he belongs. People have quickly forgotten just how highly rated this guy was only 12 months ago, where he was not only being compared to a young pies superstar Nick Daicos but also had just finished a year in the SANFL where he averaged more fantasy points as an 18-year-old than even Conor Rozee did at that age. 10+ years of the Legend JHF card dominating for my team, YES PLEASE!
Avoid this Bust:
For the first time in my life, I am worried about the fantasy output for Travis Boak. For so long this guy has been one of the most reliable midfielders in fantasy footy but a move to the half-forward line to start 2023 means his fantasy year is already done. He's never been great when he's tone forward and now the competition for those fwd-mids at Port Adelaide might just be the hottest in the entire league. As a MID listed player, there's just no way he scores big enough in his new role to be anyway near your starting team. Avoid at all costs!
Value on the rise:
After a positive return mid-season last year from an ACL injury sustained in 2021 and an impressive off-season, Kane Farrell's long-term fantasy potential is giving fantasy fans a lot to get excited about. As the best kick at the club, the 23-year-old has been moved from the mids and now will play a huge role as the power off half back. While 2023 won't be his year because of his midfield status, a likely positional change to Defence in 2024 may set him up to become one of the GDS's most dominant defenders for years to come.
Value on the decline:
2023 is not going to be Riley Bonner's year. The port defender has seen his spot lost to Kane Farrell and the promising Jase Burgoyne and now has been moved to the wing to fight for a spot in the starting 22. While he has shown glimpses of promise in the past and will get games through to injury, I ultimately see him as ports go to substitute who in a contract year, may look for greener pastures in 2024.
2023 Hot take:
Port win the 2023 premiership!...... Ha! Just kidding, not even I believe that's possible. Josh Carr will become the Port Adelaide coach by October 1st.