Fallen Premiums – Round 16, 2025

Apologies for not being able to get something together last week, life as it does got in the way. The last of the byes are here, still in the top 100, but with no more upgrades or sideways trades planned it’s up to VC & C’s and the POD’s to make ground. Hope you all have had a great run over the byes, I might opt for a different spin on Fallen Premiums post-bye as we all reach completed teams (does Tom McCarty count as a premo?). If anyone has suggestions for a different approach for the backend let me know!

Defenders

Callum Mills (SYD, $395.6k, (+$38.4k), 99 AVG, 5 BE) with questions regarding Mills’ role, Roberts was shifted to a wing to further accomodate the Swans skipper in his third game back from injury. Largely a soft role off halfback is exactly what you want to see if you were considering Mills who at the price is a great buy this week. Some soft fixtures to come, with the only concerns coming from both durability and the potential for any role change. The best play would almost be to grab Mills, ride the price rises and look to swap him to a Whitfield type if things go sour.

Luke Ryan (FRE, $535.5k, (-$92.8k), 98.2 AVG, 55 BE) the time for POD’s are now, and while Ryan has largely been an underwhelming pick this season, he has begun to find consistency with a five round average of 111 points. 5/9 remaining games will be played at Optus Stadium, my only issue is that he’s only gone above 120 on three occasions this season. 134 v Dogs, 120 v Pies and a monster 157 against the Dons who are an absolute dream matchup for defenders at the moment. For those focusing on leagues, I’d be more hesitant with this pick as his SuperCoach finals run is quite difficult, (Carlton, Port, Brisbane, Dog), but for those looking for a bit of spice, Ryan could be a left-field punt.

Midfielders

Nick Daicos (STK, $559.2k, (-$72.2k), 110.6 AVG, 77 BE) many Daicos owners expected a down game, but the two-time All Australian couldn’t be contained dropping a monster 157 points. Eagles this week, Richmond still to come, the tag risk is negated by 7/9 games being in Melbourne, the ceiling, and soft kill games IMO. Not even close to out of reach, non-owners look to bring him in!

Touk Miller (GCS, $525.4k, (-$27.2k), 109.7 AVG, 83 BE) Miller is at a fantastic price point, and has a season low of 85 points (and only 3 sub-tons), which for those that love having a low-volatility pick, Touk is almost perfect in that regard. An underrated element of 2022 AFLCA Player of the Year comes from playing alongside both Noah Anderson and Matt Rowell who have garnered all the attention from the opposition, leaving Miller free to do as he pleases. If I was shopping for a discount mid, I wouldn’t mind going for some spice with a largely underrated POD.

Marcus Bontempelli (WBD, $586.3k, (-$94.7k), 124.2 AVG, 102 BE) the great man reminded all the doubters why he’s still the SuperCoach king. 6/9 remaining games at Marvel stadium, Ed Richards and a strong midfield along his side who helps negate sole attention on the Bont, along with games against Dees, Dons and Eagles. I’d almost break any plans to bring him in if I didn’t own. Near must-have at the price!

Rucks

Rowan Marshall (STK, $502.6k, (-$100.9k), 98.1 AVE, 92 BE) courtesy of Will Faulkner – Fox Footy: “Rowan Marshall remains a week-to-week watch at the selection table for St Kilda, as he manages ongoing niggles.” Drew Jones further followed up by reporting that Marshall is battling a couple niggles in his leg with the Sainters having Marshall continue to push through. However a 124 point game against the Pies and Darcy Cameron was quite unexpected. The fixture is quite good, especially those last 3 weeks of SuperCoach finals. However, with questions regarding his fitness, anyway in search of a ruck or value flex selection should be cautious selecting Marshall, albeit it could definitely work.

Forwards

Sam Darcy (WBD, $459.7k, (+$32.7k), 101.8 AVG, 19 BE) I have nothing to add besides the fact this man is a freak of nature. If you need a value premium, his name should be on the top of your list. The fixture is fantastic, 6/9 games remaining will be played at Marvel, and with the injury game INCLUDED, Darcy is averaging 100+.