Jye Caldwell had one of his better games for Essendon last week in a big win over the Giants. He spent much of last season starting on a half forward flank, and tends to do that a bit this year but is joining the scrum that follows the ball around the field in the modern style. As such he has fashioned himself into a defensive midfielder, a role that has become more clearly delineated in recent years as the restrictions on interchange have forced coaches to keep their players on field for longer periods to play defined roles. As such, his floor is too low for weekly fantasy use.
Jye Caldwell had one of his better games for Essendon last week in a big win over the Giants. He spent much of last season starting on a half forward flank, and tends to do that a bit this year but is joining the scrum that follows the ball around the field in the modern style. As such he has fashioned himself into a defensive midfielder, a role that has become more clearly delineated in recent years as the restrictions on interchange have forced coaches to keep their players on field for longer periods to play defined roles. As such, his floor is too low for weekly fantasy use.
Jye Caldwell has not had nearly as much press as other GWS Giants who made the trek south to join Essendon, with Dylan Shiel and James Stewart playing more senior games at a higher level. A combination of injury and form has had him out of the ones for a while now, but he comes into 2022 as part of the B rotation and with a chance to finally cement his spot, especially after injury to Kyle Langford. He's almost a new recruit at this point, similar to Will Brodie at Fremantle, and looms as an interesting POD for those looking beyond high-priced draftees.
Caldwell gets his shot
After looking on track to debut in round one, a groin injury followed by a calf strain restricted Jye Caldwell's progress to two senior games in his debut season, forced to bide his time until the star-studded midfield began to crumble. He played nine matches for the reserves, going at a strong average of 21 touches and six tackles. While the departures of Aiden Bonar and Adam Tomlinson makes selection more likely for Caldwell, the injection of ready-made midfielder Tom Green does add some question marks. He is certainly ready to take his game to the next level, so keep him on the preseason watchlist. If he secures a spot in the 22, a tail end pick could be a unique depth option.
Draft spies high on Jye
The latest first-round draft pick to become a Giant, Jye Caldwell arrives with high expectations. Injury-riddled throughout much of the prior two seasons, Caldwell featured in a mere 13 matches over that period. He was an outstanding performer at the under-16 Championships, recording 27 disposals per outing as a full-time midfielder. Jye Caldwell’s value will be determined by whether he can get continuity out on the park. Numerous young Giants are looking to take over from the Dylan Shiel-sized midfield hole and Caldwell will add his name to the list with a full preseason. With little exposed form to go by, it may be wisest to wait and watch on this youngster.
