Katrina Gill (Content Producer)
The absolute guns and boom draftees almost pick themselves but selecting the right mid-range players, who are on the verge of a breakout season, can be a nightmare for Dream Team coaches. Recycled players are always a fertile recruiting ground, and Brisbane recruit Brent Moloney ($309,800) appears to be at the top of this year’s class. Injured players on the comeback can also make you quick cash … but there’s risk involved. Geelong’s Travis Varcoe ($234,400 FWD/MID), West Coast pair Mark LeCras ($355,400 FWD) and Josh Kennedy ($272,300 FWD), and Lion Matthew Leuenberger ($233,600 RUC) are tempting selections. Another mid-priced player to consider is Blues midfielder Kane Lucas ($251,200 MID). In his fourth season at the Club, Lucas excelled during the NAB Cup and looks ready to take the next step. Closer to home, Matthew Wright is an astute dual-position pick. At $438,700, Wright isn’t cheap, but he will score like a midfielder and can still be selected as a forward (or midfielder).
Joc O’Connell (Media Liaison Manager)
Finding good defenders is often the toughest element of AFL Dream Team. Bryce Gibbs ($473,300) certainly isn’t a new name for seasoned DT coaches, but new Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has signalled that Gibbs will play as a genuine midfielder which should see the talented Croweater post some big DT numbers! Richmond draftee Nick Vlastuin ($147,700) and Western Bulldogs rookie Brett Goodes ($121,300) are two cheap dual position players who showed plenty of promise throughout the NAB Cup competition. Despite being just 18 years old, Vlastuin has a mature strong body and finds possessions with ease. Brett Goodes is the brother of Sydney legend Adam Goodes and joins the Bulldogs as a mature age recruit; he has been upgraded to the Dogs’ senior list and should play round one.
David Burtenshaw (Digital Media Manager)
Brisbane’s Pat Karnezis ($238,500, forward) is ready to go. He’s been in the AFL system for a a couple of years, has had a strong pre-season and in recent weeks has been playing as a midfielder, where he has found plenty of the ball. Could be this year’s Tom Rockliff. I’ve also got my eye on his new team-mate Brent Maloney ($309,800) if I need a mid-priced midfielder. As for Adelaide, most Crows fans (and many other clubs’ supporters will have Brad Crouch ($108,500, midfield) and be disappointed he missed out for round one. Might be worth keeping, though! Luke Brown ($147,700, defender) is also worth considering.
Jack Molloy (Video coordinator)
Richmond’s Brandon Ellis ($300,300, DEF) is set to step up another gear in 2013 following his debut season. Averaging 58.3 in 2012, the young gun will spend plenty of time in the midfield this year with his mature body assisting him in his ambition of taking the next step in his AFL career. Listed as a defender, Ellis could be one of the players to climb into the top bracket of elite Dream Team defenders. On a cash-cow front, Port’s Jake Neade (MID/FWD $108,500) is almost certain to play in the early rounds and is a prime candidate for a rookie dual position player.
