Who is the best goalkicking midfielder in the competition?
Every AFL team needs an explosive midfielder who can win his own ball, break from the contest and ice a goal. Who deserves that spot in our best of the best team for 2020?
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They are the cream, the midfielders who can spread from the stoppage and set sail for goal.
It’s an area Patrick Dangerfield has made his own over the past decade, but now his rivals are coming to try and steal his crown, headed by a young man known as The Bont.
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Over the next 18 days in the countdown to the AFL season opener between Carlton and Richmond on March 19 at the MCG, the Herald Sun will nominate 18 players by position as the best of the best in the competition, with our best team to be matched up againstyours on March 18. Today is your chace to pick the best goalkicking midfielder in the game.
GOAL KICKING MIDFIELDERS
TIM KELLY (West Coast Eagles)
Kelly was the best story in the game before Marlion Pickett emerged, the slick midfielder was overlooked in five successive drafts before Geelong gave him a chance.
SuperCoach Price: $561,800
2019 SC average: 104
Champion Data says: Since 2018, Kelly has been one of three midfielders to average at least 24 disposals, six score involvements, five clearances and one goal per game. He was one of two midfielders to rate elite for goals but average for disposals last season.
DAYNE ZORKO (Brisbane)
Doesn’t only kick goals but also applies massive pressure around the sticks. Suspect he doesn’t get the kudos he deserves given he’s based up north.
SuperCoach Price: $579,100
2019 SC Average: 107
Champion Data says: Zorko was the only midfielder to rate elite for score assists, goals and tackles last season. He also rated elite for metres gained and inside 50s.
STEPHEN CONIGLIO (GWS)
A natural midfielder but his goal nous is such that Coniglio will be used inside the forward 50m regularly in 2020 where his smarts will be an opposition nightmare
SuperCoach Price: $549,500
2019 SC Average: 101
Champion Data says: Coniglio was just one of three midfielders to rate elite for both score assists and goals last season. He also rated above average for disposals, uncontested possessions and score involvements.
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PATRICK DANGERFIELD (Geelong)
Will be 30 next month yet there is no evidence to suggest he has lost any of his rare athletic talents. Will be used forward again where his explosion beats most.
SuperCoach Price: $625,500
2019 SC Average: 115
Champion Data says: Dangerfield was the only midfielder to rate elite for score involvements, score assists and goals last season. He also rated above average for disposals and clearances.
MARCUS BONTEMPELLI (Western Bulldogs)
He could play anywhere on the ground but it’s up forward that he provides the serious match-up issues. Just got to improve his conversion to translate 15 goals into 30.
SuperCoach Price: $623,000
2019 SC Average: 113
Champion Data says: Since 2018, Bontempelli has been one of two players to average at least 25 disposals, 10 contested possessions, seven score involvements and five clearances per game. He also rated above average for goals last season.
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Originally published as Who is the best goalkicking midfielder in the competition?