It looked at the end of 2018 that Tom Cutler had finally established himself in Brisbane's best 22, coming off an 18-game season where he nudged the midfielder baseline playing mostly off a wing, shifting up the ground from previous stints at half back. He was picked only three times last year during the Lions' finals run and eventually shunted off to Essendon. Dons hierarchy have made public statements that they see him as a wingman, which is where his fantasy value is maximised. He will be aiming at the spot previously occupied by the retired David Myers, though he is probably four back in the depth chart going into preseason. One for the JLT watchlist, where his outside talents will likely be showcased.
Cutler fishes on a wing
It looked at the end of 2018 that Tom Cutler had finally established himself in Brisbane's best 22, coming off an 18-game season where he nudged the midfielder baseline playing mostly off a wing, shifting up the ground from previous stints at half back. He was picked only three times last year during the Lions' finals run and eventually shunted off to Essendon. Dons hierarchy have made public statements that they see him as a wingman, which is where his fantasy value is maximised. He will be aiming at the spot previously occupied by the retired David Myers, though he is probably four back in the depth chart going into preseason. One for the JLT watchlist, where his outside talents will likely be showcased.
The Cutler did it, finally
Overlooked at selection for the first two rounds last season, Tom Cutler made the most of being a late in for round 3 and cemented his spot on a HFF to lift his disposal rate above 20 for the first time in his five-year senior career. In averaging 6.5 marks across 18 games, he had a total of two contested grabs for the season, though his contested possession rate rose six points to 25%. His stat line looked most similar to Ricky Henderson at Hawthorn. Unfortunately for fantasy purposes, Cutler's discovery of his best form now means he is classified strictly as a CTR, which means he is effectively replacement-level at that position. This means he should get drafted somewhere in your league, but the coach who ends up winning your league is probably not going to have found a spot for Cutler on their overperforming roster. His career has been on an upward trajectory for five years straight, but it's hard to see further upside.
Cutler ends up blunted
A decent start to the 2017 season for Tom Cutler was derailed by a hamstring pull, and when he returned his role started drifting up the ground until by round 16 he was practically playing as a third key forward, covering for injuries to teammates. His only multiple-goal day was a bag of three in the rout over Fremantle, and he was dropped after round 17 as the spoon-destined Lions played the kids. Brisbane resigned Cutler during the season for a further two years, so they must have some plans for him in the seniors. The recruitment of Luke Hodge suggests those plans may not include a regular defensive role, at least not in 2018. Cutler looks to be descending into Ryan Lester territory, which means he will hover between free agency and temporary pick-ups in your league.
