We've got some of the runners up from the last few years to join a rountable discussion about their journey and a look towards AFL Fantasy 2023. James English almost ran down the overall winner in 2022, Kyle Holmes almost took the chocolates in 2021, Jon Harmey led for a significant amount of time in 2019 before being pipped at the post while a single stat held Statesman from taking glory in 2018.

Follow the runners-up on Twitter.

James English - @ShuckasFantasy
Kyle Holmes - @Holmesyheroes
Jon Harmey - @jonharmey
Statesman - @Statesman33

Play now at http://fantasy.afl.com.au.

Episode guide

1:00 - James discusses how he almost ran down last year's winner.

3:30 - Jon recalls how 2019's eventual winner traded in Jeremy Cameron, relegating him to second.

5:00 - Statesman was two points away from winning the major prize.

7:05 - Keys to rankings highly.

10:20 - Getting bye structure right helps Statesman increase his ranking each year.

11:30 - Trust your eye, says Kyle.

13:00 - Rookies dictate your structure, so don't get too set on your team right now.

15:15 - Pre-season games are about watching for roles.

18:20 - Josh Dunkley hasn't left James' team this pre-season.

20:40 - Jon is keen on Darcy Cameron as a member of his squad.

22:45 - "I think he can do 105-plus" - Jy Simpkin is a player with low ownership who could be a competition winning pick.

26:15 - Statesman has Tom Green as the player who may make way for James Worpel who he's getting more keen on.

28:00 - If we see the role changes continue, there are a lot of forwards who offer value as under-priced premiums.

31:00 - Rowan Marshall is in everyone's side, but the other ruck varies.

34:30 - Recency bias may tell us that multiple mid-priced players may be the way to go.

36:20 - Do the extra trades suggest we can be more aggressive in 2023?

40:00 - Can you roll with a non-playing bench player this year?

42:20 - Kyle says you can justify starting with Sam Docherty if you think he is 10-15 points better than the next defender.

45:45 - What is the best structure for your backline?

50:00 - Who will be the better pick of Connor Rozee and Zak Butters?

53:00 - Final tips for coaches this pre-season.

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