Joel Amartey is best known for booting a huge bag of nine goals in a massive win over Adelaide in 2024. Last season his star waned, however: a low-grade hamstring pull, a three match suspension then a high-grade hamstring meant he played only three games after round 5. Sydney has built its franchise since it move from South Melbourne on marquee forwards, and they recruited Charlie Curnow in the off season to try to fix what had been a sub-standard front six, leaving Amartey as a bit-part player unless he can find the sort of form he found against the Crows.
Joel Amartey is best known for booting a huge bag of nine goals in a massive win over Adelaide in 2024. Last season his star waned, however: a low-grade hamstring pull, a three match suspension then a high-grade hamstring meant he played only three games after round 5. Sydney has built its franchise since it move from South Melbourne on marquee forwards, and they recruited Charlie Curnow in the off season to try to fix what had been a sub-standard front six, leaving Amartey as a bit-part player unless he can find the sort of form he found against the Crows.
Amartey the utility
Renowned as athletic ruck/forward option, Joel Amartey added defender to his resume during his second NEAFL calendar. His ability to ruck was proven by a high of 42 hit outs, while almost a goal per game showed he can provide a spark in attack as well. Amartey's versatility is his biggest asset, one which will help him push for a senior debut in 2020. Still young and developing after coming from a basketball background, he won't be a mainstay, so don't go anywhere near him in the draft.
Don't shop at Amartey
Coming from a basketball background, Joel Amartey will head into his second year on the Sydney list. The tall, athletic Sandringham Dragons recruit provides ruck depth to John Longmire’s squad, but it yet to try his hand at senior level. At the end of the day, Amartey is still on the rookie list and therefore miles down the pecking order. He is still very young, so will spend this year developing in the NEAFL. Therefore, don’t go anywhere near him in the draft.
Smarties wait on Amartey
Over his last junior year, Joel Amartey improved from support to lead ruck with his scores lifting from 50s in April to 90s in September, regularly topping 20 hit outs with five tackles and goal every other game. As it often is with key position players, Amartey will take time to develop and mould into his position. Despite a huge vertical leap and strong marking ability, don’t expect him to play in the first team much this year.
