As teams around the league prepare for the AAMI Community Series to kick off this weekend, AFL Fantasy Coaches will also be keeping a keen eye on the action.

SUNS Media have highlighted some players below to keep on your watchlist.

Premium Stock:

Ben Ainsworth (FWD - $592k)

One to watch this year in AFL Fantasy is Ben Ainsworth. The 2016 fourth pick is entering his fifth year in the AFL system in 2021 and continues to be one of the strongest trainers at the club. What’s most exciting this year though is his role. Ainsworth has made his name as a small forward but each year gets more and more time through the midfield.

While he might not start at the centre bounces, Ainsworth inevitably finds himself around the contest and was one of the best afield in last weekend’s practice match against Brisbane. The 23-year-old played 16 games in 2020, averaging 77.1 but finished strongly to average 100 from the last three games. Track his performance throughout the AAMI Community Series.

Bargain Buy:

Will Brodie (MID/FWD - $503k)

If he earns a spot in the best 22, Will Brodie is one to consider in your forward line. Playing just the one game in 2020 for a score of 56, Brodie has received a 27% discount and is great value at $503k. The year prior he managed eight games at an average of 88 (high score of 142) to highlight his Fantasy scoring potential.

Despite his forward status, if Brodie plays he is likely to resume an inside midfield role with small stints in the forward line. He’s jostling for a spot in a highly contested position in the team but was selected in the best 26 in the practice match against Brisbane and performed well. If he’s named for Round 1 he will be a tempting prospect for many.

Rookie Watch:

Sam Flanders (FWD - $253k) 

Flanders played five matches in his debut season for an average of 38. While those numbers don’t set the world on fire, the positive is Flanders remains rookie-priced for the 2021 season. He received a 15% discount on that average and is therefore priced at a breakeven of 33.

Flanders played in the SUNS’ squad of 26 against the Brisbane Lions, predominately in the forward line but with stints in the midfield. If he earns a spot in the best 22 for Round 1 he’s one to consider in the forward line.