All Australian defender Brodie Smith is one of 18 players to awarded dual-position status in AFL Fantasy on the eve of Round Six.

Smith, who can now be selected as a DEF/MID, is the only Crow to benefit from the first batch of dual-position upgrades for Season 2015.

Smith has averaged 83 points per game so far this year, including a score of 111 against Collingwood at Etihad Stadium in Round Two.

It’s a good time to consider the 23-year-old. He averages a whopping 110 points against Gold Coast and 107 at Metricon Stadium.

Patrick Dangerfield, who has previously been a MID/FWD, and Eddie Betts, who has embraced greater responsibility in the midfield this season, can be considered unlucky not to be promoted to DPP status.

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Players gained a position based on their roles they have been playing over the opening five rounds. Heat maps, time on ground figures and other relevant statistics from Champion Data were used to compile the first list DPP additions.

All changes have been rolled out in Fantasy Classic, Elite and Match Day. No player will ever lose a position, and more additions will be introduced in Round 12.

Other big names to benefit from the upgrades include Western Bulldogs veteran Matthew Boyd and Fremantle ball-winner David Mundy. Like Smith, both men are now available in defence as well as in the midfield.

Returning Lions midfielder Daniel Rich has also been doing a lot of work in the backline so far this season and is now a dual-position player.

A number of rookies have also been upgraded.

Melbourne’s Aaron vandenBerg has been a find over the last three weeks and now has the flexibility of being a FWD/MID. Swans rising star Isaac Heeney has also gained forward status. Richmond cash cow Kamdyn McIntosh and former Cat Taylor Hunt have both received MID status.

Already a popular Fantasy selection, Geelong forward Mitch Clark has been awarded ruck status.

Players awarded dual-position status