2020 AFL Dream Team: Who is the best utility in the AFL?
They’re arguably the most vital players on AFL lists, those who can play all over the ground and fill holes for their team — they’re the utilities. A Hawk has been the best for a long time but is he still the No.1? Have your say.
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They are arguably the most vital players on AFL lists, those who can be thrown to any hot spot on the ground.
Defence, midfield and attack are all the same, with Hawthorn’s Shaun Burgoyne the poster boy over the past two decades.
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 against yours on March 18.
Today is your chance to pick the best utility in the game.
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THE BEST UTILITIES
SHAUN BURGOYNE (Hawthorn)
The daddy of the competition, a player who in basketball parlance would be known as a “swingman” such is his versatility.
SuperCoach price: $417,2002019 SC average: 77
Champion Data says: Burgoyne spent 64% of game time in defence, 18% in the midfield and 18% up forward last season. He averages 83 Champion Dataranking points in defence, 98 ranking points as a midfielder and 68 rankingpoints as a forward – all per 100 minutes in each position.
SHANE EDWARDS (Richmond)
Like Burgoyne, he can comfortably play in any line where his speed and game sense is so vital.
SuperCoach price: $458,000 2019 SC average: 87
Champion Data says: Edwards spent 45% of game time in defence, 44% in the midfield and 11% up forward last season. He averages 20.8 disposals per 100 minutes in defence while 25.4 disposals per 100 minutes as a midfielder.
ZAC WILLIAMS (GWS)
Poetry in motion when he gets his skates on, allowing Lachie Whitfield’s dash to be employed elsewhere.
SuperCoach price: $551,7002019 SC average: 102
Champion Data says: Williams spent 67% of game time in defence, 23% in the midfield and 10% up forward last season. He was one of just six players to average at least 24 disposals, 475 metres gained and three inside 50s last season.
DAN HOUSTON (Port Adelaide)
One of those players who has quietly crept up the charts via his possession and the clean quality of it
SuperCoach price: $484,800 SC average: 89
Champion Data says: Houston spent 59% of game time in defence, 38% in the midfield and 3% up forward last season. He averages 102 Champion Data ranking points and 24.9 disposals per 100 minutes as a midfielder compared to 76 ranking points and 18.1 disposals per 100 minutes as a midfielder.
BRODIE SMITH (Adelaide)
Like the others on this list, can push successfully to other areas despite his legend being built in defence.
SuperCoach price: $481,3002019 SC average: 89
Champion Data says: Smith spent 66% of game time in defence, 20% in the midfield and 14% up forward last season. From Round 16 onwards he played as a mid-forward/wingman, ranked in the top-five at the club for disposals, uncontested possessions and metres gained.
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