For the second consecutive season, Rory Laird will start the year as Adelaide’s most valuable AFL Fantasy defender.

Coming off the back of a stellar year that earned him a nod in the 40-man All Australian squad, Laird has swelled by more than $95,000 in value compared to his 2016 price.

The 23-year-old continues to improve his Fantasy output each year and took his game to another level in 2016. With an average of 96.7, Laird has become one of the top six defenders in AFL Fantasy and cracked the 100-point barrier on eight occasions.

Laird also showed great improvement in his ball-winning abilities last season, recording 30-plus possessions on six occasions and never dipping below 20 disposals.

Despite losing his dual-position status, Brodie Smith has jumped in value by a cool $75,000 over his 2016 base price to be Adelaide’s second most expensive defender for 2017.

Fantasy preview: forwards

Capable of producing huge Fantasy scores, Smith had a season-high total of 127 against Brisbane in Round 20, however consistency has been an issue, with the dashing defender yet to recapture the kind of form that saw him average over 90 back in 2014.

Once again there has been talk surrounding the 25-year-old spending more time in the midfield, which could improve his Fantasy returns even further.

After an injury-interrupted first season at West Lakes, Curtly Hampton provides a tempting proposition for savvy coaches.

Despite boasting over 50 games of AFL experience, the former Giant is priced cheaper than many rookies and coaches should keep a keen eye on the 23-year-old during the JLT Community Series, especially if he is rewarded with midfield minutes.

Tom Doedee is another young Crow defender to watch closely. The 20-year-old impressed in his first season at the Club, averaging 16 disposals and five marks per game playing in the SANFL.

Priced at a basement $150,000, expect Doedee’s stocks to rise rapidly should he get an opportunity at AFL level.