Trent Rivers is designated as a defender in fantasy competitions but has moved to playing full-time midfield with 100% job security, a combination of factors that would normally excite great interest and ownership among fantasy coaches. He is capable of putting up very startable scores, but he is also prone to putting in some shockers, not helped by the rest of the team doing the same. His extremely low scoring floor is what holds him back; if it looks like he is going to lift that, you can still get him cheap when he discovers a better rhythm.
Trent Rivers is designated as a defender in fantasy competitions but has moved to playing full-time midfield with 100% job security, a combination of factors that would normally excite great interest and ownership among fantasy coaches. He is capable of putting up very startable scores, but he is also prone to putting in some shockers, not helped by the rest of the team doing the same. His extremely low scoring floor is what holds him back; if it looks like he is going to lift that, you can still get him cheap when he discovers a better rhythm.
Trent Rivers answered his coach's call to help out in midfield three matches ago, and delivered two fantasy tons in his first two outings, albeit against the severely undermanned Magpies and the sub-standard Kangaroos. Last week he was part of the A rotation for Melbourne against Brisbane, and got torched along with the rest of the Demon engine room. Many fantasy coaches have bought in to his story, similar to that of Ed Richards who also moved from defence to the pivot in 2024. Where will his average statistical output settle? His owners watch expectantly.
Trent Rivers is one of a decent number of homegrown talents at the high-flying Demons who started life as a high draft pick and toodled along for bit, not looking particularly like he was going to graduate into a star. As with the rest of the team he has gone to another level this year, becoming to Melbourne what Brad Sheppard was to the flag-winning Eagles. You can't say he has a particularly flashy one wood in his bag like pace or strength in the contest, but he accomplishes everything at a high level without a significant weakness. With such pieces are premiership teams made.
Rivers is rising fast
Renowned for his balance and smarts in traffic, West Australian native Trent Rivers played alongside recent arrival Luke Jackson at East Fremantle, averaging 27 disposals and five marks in the Colts. Rivers will need to improve his endurance running to make the grade at AFL level. A dominant ball winner throughout his junior career, keep him firmly on the watchlist. Debutantes rarely present as viable candidates in their initial year.
