After an impressive first year in Crows colours, talented big man Sam Jacobs is being earmarked as a quality ruck investment for AFL Dream Teams across the country in 2012.

While Jacobs boasted a serviceable average of 87.8 per game in 2011, his strong second half of the season - which featured round scores of 120, 118 and 146 points - set DT coaches’ tongues wagging.

In his 19 games last season, the ex-Carlton recruit showcased his outstanding point-scoring ability averaging 32.2 hit-outs and 12.6 disposals per game.

After finishing the year as the 7th ranked ruckman in the Dream Team competition, Jacobs’ starting price will rocket to an expensive $434,200 in 2012.

However, the 23-year-old remains cheaper than the likes of Sydney Swans ruckman Shane Mumford and St Kilda tall Ben McEvoy, who are also bound to be popular second ruck options.

A strong performer over the pre-season, Jacobs is likely to shoulder the ruck duties at Adelaide again this season and with only 36 games under his belt has plenty of upside, making him a must have for your Dream Team.

Other Dream Team news…

The AFL has released the prices of the five most expensive players in AFL Dream Team 2012.

Adelaide best and fairest winner Scott Thompson didn’t sneak into the top five, but is sure to fetch a fair price after an outstanding season in 2011, the highlight of which was a record-breaking 51 disposals and 151-point DT game against the Gold Coast Suns in round 22.

AFL DREAM TEAM: TOP FIVE PLAYER PRICES
1. Dane Swan (Collingwood, midfielder) $598,300
2. Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood, midfielder) $576,900
3. Matthew Boyd (Western Bulldogs, midfielder) $573,800
4. Gary Ablett (Gold Coast, midfielder) $554,700
5. Tom Rockliff (Brisbane Lions, midfielder) $554,200

The 2012 AFL Dream Team competition will be officially launched around February, so stay tuned to afc.com.au for the latest and be sure to submit your team.