Strongest case against him is that Ablett is the only player I know of who has 5 or more consecutive 120+ seasons.
After that you've got the ridiculous midfield depth that could throw his role around at times.
The other factor to consider is that Treloar and Dunkley both missed chunks of last year and the period that they did both play relatively fit was his worst period. While I'd say those two are such poor durability guys that that outcome seems more likely than not to happen, if it doesn't it could be significant.
But really, these are both pretty weak against arguments.
His for is the proven scoring, proven durability, elite captaincy option, favourable bye (really only Touk, Danger, Laird and Bont right now) and that's a heck of a lot stronger!
Hard to see him not averaging 115+ and being a premium though. I mean that wouldn't be an ideal result but that's still no trade needed.
After that you've got the ridiculous midfield depth that could throw his role around at times.
The other factor to consider is that Treloar and Dunkley both missed chunks of last year and the period that they did both play relatively fit was his worst period. While I'd say those two are such poor durability guys that that outcome seems more likely than not to happen, if it doesn't it could be significant.
But really, these are both pretty weak against arguments.
His for is the proven scoring, proven durability, elite captaincy option, favourable bye (really only Touk, Danger, Laird and Bont right now) and that's a heck of a lot stronger!
Hard to see him not averaging 115+ and being a premium though. I mean that wouldn't be an ideal result but that's still no trade needed.
For instance, i am looking to start Steele to take advantage that amazing early draw as my captain (alongside Grundy/Gawn/Neale which are all worthy VC/C options to begin with) and look to trade Macrae in mid-season.
Look you might say if Macrae stays at 700k then you are screwed and can never bring him in. But that's literally what I have Rowell for, I mean he was never going to be a keeper right? Let's just say he disappoints and only generate 100k rather than 150k+, that means he rises to mid 450k ish, and at worst Macrae is 250k away?
For me, assuming you have other worthy captaincy options, given the additional trades and a few promising midpricers, Macrae only represents downside to me.
I wouldn't call anything under 125 a pass at his starting price, and a 125 average is a very, very high benchmark.