Mason Wood was talked up during parts of 2023 as one of the premier wingers in the league, a position that used to be just another on-baller but with some rule changes has reverted more to its traditional concept of keeping width and running from goalpost to goalpost. However, Ross Lyon has used him as a half forward flanker in recent weeks, a role for which his height and agility makes him a difficult matchup, but which tends to limit his ability to accumulate. It's not the first time Lyon has destroyed one of his player's fantasy scoring, and it won't be the last.
Mason Wood was talked up during parts of 2023 as one of the premier wingers in the league, a position that used to be just another on-baller but with some rule changes has reverted more to its traditional concept of keeping width and running from goalpost to goalpost. However, Ross Lyon has used him as a half forward flanker in recent weeks, a role for which his height and agility makes him a difficult matchup, but which tends to limit his ability to accumulate. It's not the first time Lyon has destroyed one of his player's fantasy scoring, and it won't be the last.
Start chopping, Wood
The good news from the Mason Wood experience last year was that he managed to suit up for 18 senior games, five better than his previous best in season six. He kicked one less goal than his peak, however, with an execrable accuracy of 50%. 17 of his 21 goals came in his last 11 games. The four games he missed came after three separate in-game knocks to soft tissue in his legs. There are no excuses for Wood, as he has two decent targets up the spine to take the pressure off him in his third tall forward role. The problem is that North has traditionally sent others up the ground to contest on the wings, keeping him deeper and tying his fantasy output to his goal tally. He has been trialed as a defender in preseason: a move of desperation.
Mason Wood is still in the early stages of what looks to be a long career in the AFL, and he is developing into an interesting kind of player. Nominally a half forward flanker in the current Kangaroo side but with the body shape that could eventually see him play midfield or even key position forward, he has a lot of impressive physical attributes and shows excellent game sense as well, in a position that is often unrewarding for younger players. In fantasy keeper leagues, he's a lottery ticket that may bust out like teammate Mason Wood but could also be the next Lance Franklin.
Things of stone aren't Wood
A player with immense talent but inconsistent output and regular injuries, Mason Wood is a difficult player to project for 2019. Wood is in his seventh year and has never played more than 13 games in a season, or strung together more than two good performances in a row. What makes him intriguing is his combination of skill, athleticism and endurance, and the fact that occasionally he plays an outstanding game. Keep an eye on Wood in the preseason. With his athletic attributes and natural ability, he is a good candidate for a flier in the final rounds.
Stone cold Wood
Soft tissue injuries bookended a disappointing fifth season for Mason Wood, starting with a hamstring and ending with a calf. He couldn't string two strong games together, going over 16 touches only once. There is obviously a lot of talent in Wood, and it's just a matter of getting a solid preseason and avoiding injuries for him to make good on his potential. A flashy JLT would vault him up draft board towards middle rounds.
