The 2013 AFL Dream Team competition is open and the NAB Cup is the time to start thinking about your squad.
Here are a few Crows to consider from the first round of the pre-season competition:
Matthew Wright (FWD/MID)
$438,700
Game one: five kicks, four handballs and one tackle
DT points: 34
Game two: six kicks, three handballs and five tackles
DT points: 46
Adelaide’s best performer across the two games on Sunday, Wright picked up where he left off last season. The goalkicking midfielder averaged 85.16 points per game in 2012, and will only get better with another full pre-season under his belt. Could be a unique dual-position pick for your side.
Graham Johncock (DEF/FWD)
$312,000
Game one: four kicks, two marks, two tackles and 3.1
DT points: 45
Game two: did not play
The Crows veteran showed he’s still a dangerous player in attack, kicking all three of Adelaide’s goals against the Saints. Started as the substitute in several games late last season, so will need to re-establish his place in the first 21 but is well priced at $312,000 and has dual-position status. Keep an eye on him over the pre-season.
Jarryd Lyons (FWD/MID)
$185,500
Game one: four kicks and three handballs
DT points: 27
Game two: seven kicks, two handballs, two marks, two tackles and 1.2
DT points: 48
One of the emerging Crows midfielders tipped to receive more game time in 2013. Not dissimilar to Matthew Wright and Richard Douglas, Lyons is an inside midfielder, who can also play forward. At $185,500, the 20-year-old is only slightly more expensive than a first-round draft pick from 2012 and has the advantage of three AFL pre-seasons to his name. Played three games last season, and if he can cement a place in the team this year could be an absolute bargain.
Rory Laird (DEF) *Rookie
$108,500
Game one: five kicks, two marks and one tackle
DT points: 26
Game two: two kicks, three handballs and one mark.
DT points: 15
Laird has been one of the most improved players at West Lakes over the summer. Spent time on Stephen Milne in a small defender role on Sunday, but plays as a midfielder at West Adelaide. The 19-year-old is vying for the spot left vacant by Michael Doughty, but BEWARE as a rookie he can’t play AFL until after round 11 unless the Club places a player on the long-term injury list. Mark him down as one to keep an eye on.
Richard Tambling (DEF)
$208,100
Game one: five kicks, two handballs, three marks and 0.1
DT points: 26
Game two: seven kicks, three handballs and two tackles
DT points: 36
Another potential bargain-priced Crow. Tambling has enjoyed a rare, injury-free pre-season and is also looking to break into the Adelaide defence. Limited to only one match last season, which has caused his price to plummet. One to seriously consider especially now given the injury to Brodie Smith.
Aidan Riley (MID)
$229,800
Game one: one kick, seven handballs and two tackles
DT points: 22
Game two: five kicks, six handballs, two marks and four tackles
DT points: 50
Adelaide’s leading possession getters across the two games, Riley made the most of a full-time role in the midfield. The inside onballer also laid six tackles. Like Jarryd Lyons, was on the fringe last season but at only $229,800 could earn you a lot of money if he becomes a regular in the team.
Josh Jenkins (FWD/RUCK)
$316,100
Game one: one handball
DT points: 2
Game two: six kicks, two handballs, five marks, one tackle and 2.2
DT points: 49
Made amends for a disappointing first game with a standout display against Port Adelaide. Jenkins averaged 61.36 points in 11 games last season and is likely to receive more opportunities in 2013. Entering his third year in the system, Jenkins is still developing but as he showed on Sunday has the potential to score big.
Richard Douglas (MID)
$372,600
Game one: four kicks, two handballs and 0.1
DT points: 24
Game two: seven kicks, one handball, two marks and 1.1
DT points: 46
A veteran of 114 games, Douglas enjoyed more midfield minutes in the absence of Scott Thompson, Patrick Dangerfield, Rory Sloane and Nathan van Berlo. An awkward price at $372,600 but if he continues to hit the scoreboard could be a unique midfield pick.
David Mackay (MID)
$366,100
Game one: four kicks, three handballs and one tackle
DT points: 23
Game two: six kicks, two handballs and three tackles
DT points: 37
One of the best ball users in the Adelaide team, Mackay established himself across half-back in 2012. He also developed as one of the Club’s most prolific tacklers, ranked fourth at West Lakes (96). The speedy defender/wingman is all class and will be looking to improve on his disposal average of 17 last season.
