Consistent Performers
Nathan van Berlo ($462, 700) Mid: You know what you’re going to get from this determined midfielder. Van berlo is durable, finds the football and can push forward to kick a goal. ‘VB’ averaged 93.55 points last season and if pre-season form is anything to go by, looks set to spend more time in the midfield and improve on that average in 2012.
Graham Johncock ($346, 000) Def: The rebounding defender has proven himself as a consistent ball winner over the years. His DT point average of 69.95 in 2011 was down on previous seasons, but you can be assured Johncock will regularly rack up good numbers as a defender in your Dream Team.
Superstar
Scott Thompson ($538, 500) Mid: a popular midfield selection in AFL Dream Teams around the country, this ball-magnet will not let you down. Has a high price tag but will be worth every penny. Lock him in.
Dark Horses
Josh Jenkins ($104, 200) Ruc: a victim of Essendon’s strong ruck stocks, the 197cm tall joined the Crows after a solid year playing for Bendigo in the VFL. Jenkins is a great athlete and could play a role either as a back-up ruckman or possibly a key forward.
Lewis Johnston ($158, 300) Fwd: a new addition to the Crows in 2012, 192cm Johnston has returned to his native state of South Australia after spending three years at the Sydney Swans. Johnston is inexperienced having played just two games, but has the ability to play at either end of the ground and could be worth picking up if he can establish himself as a regular in the team in the early part of the season.
Tom Lynch ($243, 400) Fwd: after receiving limited opportunities at St Kilda, the former first round draft pick moved to West Lakes at the end of 2011 in search of a fresh start. The versatile tall can play at both ends of the ground and has outstanding endurance for his size. Lynch has spent the majority of pre-season training as a defender and priced at just $243,400, could be a real bloomer in 2012. A potential cash cow.
The Toyota AFL Dream Team competition will officially launch on Wednesday February 1.
