Changkuoth Jiath had his best game for the club last week against his old mob Hawthorn, building on his previous best game in their first meeting this year. His usual stock in trade is playing half back flank and using his prodigious sprinting ability to break lines on rebounds. The main knock on him was that he often made poor decisions at the end of those mazy runs. In those two games against the Hawks he minimised his clanger count, and stood up in contests against taller and bigger bodies. That is his best game, and might be a sign of how he plays in future for the Demons.
Changkuoth Jiath had his best game for the club last week against his old mob Hawthorn, building on his previous best game in their first meeting this year. His usual stock in trade is playing half back flank and using his prodigious sprinting ability to break lines on rebounds. The main knock on him was that he often made poor decisions at the end of those mazy runs. In those two games against the Hawks he minimised his clanger count, and stood up in contests against taller and bigger bodies. That is his best game, and might be a sign of how he plays in future for the Demons.
Do the maths on Jiath
Slowed in his debut season by a nagging groin injury, athletic defender Changkuoth Jiath burst onto the scene late for an AFL debut. Upgraded to the primary list in time for the 2020 season, he demonstrated potential with 18 touches against the Suns. Jiath displayed his potential in season one and will aim to establish himself as a regular in the senior outfit this campaign. Wait for him to become a regular before seriously considering as a fantasy option.
Do the maths on Jiath
Primarily a half forward throughout his junior career, Changkuoth Jiath settled in defence at Box Hill. He struggled to add offensive drive at half back, registering 20 disposals or more only once, but ranking third at the club for intercept possessions from round 18 onwards. The Hawks are stacked for half back options and Jiath is well behind in the pecking order. Expect another season of development as Jiath continues to learn his craft in defence.
From Malakal to Mulgrave
A former South Sudanese refugee, Changkuoth Jiath demonstrated versatility in the TAC Cup, playing roles on the wing, midfield and forward line for 16 touches and five marks per game. As a high half forward, he averaged 14 disposals at the Championships. Having begun playing just five years ago, the wiry Jiath is a development player with raw athletic features of speed and evasiveness, coupled with an ability to produce the spectacular. Expect a season in the reserves as he continues to learn the craft.
