Ben Paton has become vitally important to fantasy coaches this year after years of obscurity at St Kilda, after an off-season move to Sydney where he has already made one senior appearance. His discounted price due to lack of opportunity last campaign means he is one of the stronger candidates for rookie-priced improver, especially since Harry Cunningham missed the start of the season through injury. Paton has taken Cunningham's deep role as lockdown defender, and had plenty to do against the Hawks small forwards. Being near the ball is good for fantasy.
Ben Paton has become vitally important to fantasy coaches this year after years of obscurity at St Kilda, after an off-season move to Sydney where he has already made one senior appearance. His discounted price due to lack of opportunity last campaign means he is one of the stronger candidates for rookie-priced improver, especially since Harry Cunningham missed the start of the season through injury. Paton has taken Cunningham's deep role as lockdown defender, and had plenty to do against the Hawks small forwards. Being near the ball is good for fantasy.
No pattern for Paton
Following a successful first season which culminated in debut, utility Ben Paton made further inroads in year two. Playing half back, midfield and forward roles throughout the season, the Saint increased his disposal, mark and tackle output. Paton is Saints coach Brett Ratten's Mr Fix-It, fielded in numerous roles which certainly helped his prospects at the selection table. There has been little evidence to suggest significant statistical upside, look elsewhere come draft day.
Wait on Paton
A mature-aged utility, Ben Paton didn't have a major impact in his first season at St Kilda. Despite producing strong numbers in the VFL, Paton struggled to find the ball at AFL level, deployed mostly in a forward role. It would appear as though the VFL is where Paton's ball-winning excellence ends, but if it looks like extending to AFL, he would be worth selecting as a free agent.
Paton ahead of the pack
After failing to get drafted playing as a midfielder, Ben Paton stayed in the TAC Cup past his 18th birthday and moved to half back where he was better suited by lower standards for endurance and a focus on reading the play from behind the ball. Paton is a burst athlete, which looks great on highlights when he's flying to spoil or sprinting away from congestion but may not cut it at AFL level where even deep defenders have to run all day to keep up with their opponents. He will start in the VFL and try to build his tank.
