https://aflratings.com.au/2021/12/03/2022-fantasy-isaac-heeney-role/
Isaac Heeney is set for a change in role next season, he will spend more time playing a midfield role in 2022 according to Sydney senior coach John Longmire.
With the Swans losing both George Hewett & Jordan Dawson in the off-season there are opportunities in the midfield available, Longmire outlined his plan for Heeney in an interview on Sportsday earlier this week.
When Longmire was specifically asked if Heeney could see a 50/50, 60/40 or a 70/30 midfield/forward split in 2022 he replied:
“I think that he’s probably getting up towards that.. a bit more in the midfield now.””
“He got through this season quite well,”
“At the back end of the year he was training really well & able to play games out really well.”
“He naturally keeps himself in fantastic shape, so we’ll be playing him a bit more in the midfield this year.”
“We think he can still play in the midfield & push forward, probably be about 70/30 type split.” Longmire said.
The Swans recently began their pre-season campaign, Longmire was also cautious at the length of time prior to the start of the 2022 H&A season.
“Once again it’s only the pre-season & we’ll use him where we need him, but we’d like to play him more in the midfield.” Longmire added.
Heeney averaged 15.9 Disposals, 5.7 Marks, 2.0 Tackles & 1.7 Goals from 21 games for Sydney in 2021.
Fantasy Impact: A move into more of a midfield role for Isaac Heeney would certainly provide an opportunity to increase his fantasy scoring output, he averaged 77.2pts from 21 games in 2021.
The available opportunities in the midfield & the positive outlook from John Longmire do align for Heeney, he was used at minimal centre bounces in 2021 so his 2022 role could be a mix of outside/inside midfield.
His role would be a critical watch during pre-season games, his fantasy scoring potential could easily exceed his 2021 output.
Heeney would be a strong consideration at Round 1 in season long fantasy, there will be more information available throughout his pre-season on his exact midfield role & potential centre bounce usage.
The annual conundrum about picking Heeney has started early this year
Do we believe Horse or not.... history says no we can't but Heeney is such an elite talent he has to be considered at 454K
With Hewett & Dawson gone along with Kennedy on his last legs, you can see the opportunity for more midfield minutes is certainly there for him & it must be appealing for the swans to have another classy player joining Mills in the engine room.
Thoughts
@wogitalia?