Callum Sinclair returns from injury today to face Jarrod Witts, who on paper is a clearly superior ruckman but has been treading water a bit lately. Is age catching up with Witts, carrying the ruck practically on his own for years in a row? Is this game an opportunity for Sinclair to have one of those days where he looks like an A-grader, which happens about two or three times per season? He looms as an interesting play in daily fantasy formats, underpriced for a reason due to a history of mediocrity but with a ceiling that could win you the big prizes.
Callum Sinclair returns from injury today to face Jarrod Witts, who on paper is a clearly superior ruckman but has been treading water a bit lately. Is age catching up with Witts, carrying the ruck practically on his own for years in a row? Is this game an opportunity for Sinclair to have one of those days where he looks like an A-grader, which happens about two or three times per season? He looms as an interesting play in daily fantasy formats, underpriced for a reason due to a history of mediocrity but with a ceiling that could win you the big prizes.
Sinker Swan keeps swimming
Former Eagle Callum Sinclair's average dropped 16 points from his career-best 2018, collecting three fewer possessions and hit outs. However, when disregarding two injury-affected matches - a left leg concern in round 4 and a season-ending shoulder dislocation in round 15 - his output of 85 points per game looks more respectable. He has produced just one uninterrupted season over his career. Sinclair is still on the road to recovery following shoulder surgery, so keep an eye on his progress through February and March. An eager Sam Naismith means that, when fit, Sinclair may spend more time forward in a tandem situation which would lower his scoring floor. If he's the best available ruckman when your selection comes around you could do worse, but make sure to have appropriate cover, possibly Naismith as a handcuff.
Callum Sinclair put in a stellar 2018 campaign to seemingly shake off a reputation for variability in performance and lift himself into calculations as a starting ruckman in draft leagues, albeit not anywhere near the top echelon of Grundy and Gawn. This year has seen a reversion to previous form, however, and his owners might even have been tempted to cut bait by the byes. He delivered a ton last game despite a concussion, and if you drafted him you probably would have used such a high pick that you have to ride him all the way home.
Sinclair gets chocolates
A pre-season ACL injury to Sam Naismith paved the way for the ex-Eagle to cement his claim to Sydney’s number one ruck position. Callum Sinclair made the most of this opportunity, playing every game and lifting his average by almost 20 points. Most pleasingly, he added some much-needed consistency to a game that had previously suffered highs and lows from week to week. Looking toward 2019, Sinclair will start with the main ruck responsibilities. Should he put a foot wrong, coaches should be worried. A fit Naismith and the developing Darcy Cameron will be eager to knock Sinclair off his perch. He would be a serviceable mid-draft selection, but if going down that route it would be wise to draft one of the other Swan ruckmen as bench support to cover all bases.
Callum Sinclair has assumed the number one ruck mantle at Sydney due to injury and retirements, and he has finally managed to string a series of excellent games together after developing a bit of a reputation as a blue moon specialist in previous seasons. He has benefited like most lead rucks from the rule banning third men up, and though he is no danger of being regarded in the very top echelon of fantasy rucks he has been a solid pick in fantasy draft leagues this season.
Too rare by Sinclair
When Callum Sinclair is on form and his troublesome knee comes good, he is a worthy fantasy starter. A five-goal haul against the Saints in round 18 showed he could serve, in addition to his ruck duties, as a dangerous presence up forward. Those days were few and far between last year despite greater opportunity afforded by injury to Kurt Tippett. When fit and firing, the combination of Sinclair and Tippett is Sydney’s ideal. However Sam Naismith is no stranger to AFL level either, and should Sinclair take a form slump, don’t be surprised if Naismith is brought up from the NEAFL as he was in 2017 when Tippett was out. Sinclair shouldn’t be your starting fantasy ruckman, but is a reasonable back up for any squad.
