CAPTAIN SELECTION- ROUND 13

Having difficulty deciding on a captain? About ready to get out the dartboard? Then don't despair. Each week i will attempt to make your decision a little easier. While my main philosophy on picking a captain each week is to pick a 'GUN' at the start of the year and stick with them through thick and thin (obviously barring injury), some may wish to try and gamble a little on who they think may lift for the game ahead, therefore below I have provided some info on each player as listed in the AFL Dream Team 'GUNS' post from earlier.

Your captain selection should probably come from this list.


Jimmy Bartel vs Sydney @ Skilled Stadium

Overall Avg. vs SYD- 83.4
Avg. L3 vs SYD- 82.0
Avg. L3 @ SS- 124.0

Weather: A Few Showers. Min 7 Max 13
Game Info: Saturday 2:10pm


Chris Judd (out injured)


Chad Cornes vs Brisbane @ GABBA

Overall Avg. vs BRL- 64.3
Avg. L3 vs BRL- 91.7
Avg. L3 @ GABBA- 89.7

Weather: Fine. Min 10 Max 20
Game Info: Saturday 7:10pm


Tarkyn Lockyer vs Hawthorn @ Telstra Dome

Overall Avg. vs HAW- 58.5
Avg. L3 vs HAW- 57.0
Avg. L3 @ TD- 90.7

Weather: At Telstra Dome
Game Info: Sunday 5:10pm


Andrew Carrazzo vs Fremantle @ Subiaco

Overall Avg. vs FRE- 93.0
Avg. L3 vs FRE- 97.0
Avg. L3 @ Subiaco- 60.0

Weather: Showers Easing Later. Min 11 Max 19
Game Info: Saturday 2:10pm


Heath Shaw vs Hawthorn @ Telstra Dome

Overall Avg. vs HAW- 79.0
Avg. L3 vs HAW- 79.0 (Only played twice against Hawthorn)
Avg. L3 @ TD- 72.0

Weather: At Telstra Dome
Game Info: Sunday 5:10pm


Kane Cornes vs Brisbane @ GABBA

Overall Avg. vs BRL- 71.5
Avg. L3 vs BRL- 94.0
Avg. L3 @ GABBA- 87.3

Weather: Fine. Min 10 Max 20
Game Info: Saturday 7:10pm


Scott West vs Kangaroos @ MCG

Overall Avg. vs KAN- 78.6
Avg. L3 vs KAN- 78.3
Avg. L3 @ MCG- 139.0

Weather: A Few Showers. Min 7 Max 13
Game Info: Sunday 2:10pm


Dane Swan vs HAW @ Telstra Dome

Overall Avg. vs HAW- 74.8
Avg. L3 vs HAW- 84.7
Avg. L3 @ TD- 82.0

Weather: At Telstra Dome
Game Info: Sunday 5:10pm


Cameron Bruce vs Essendon @ Telstra Dome

Overall Avg. vs ESS- 73.0
Avg. L3 vs ESS- 81.3
Avg. L3 @ TD- 84.0

Weather: At Telstra Dome
Game Info: Friday 7:40pm


Heath Scotland vs Fremantle @ Subiaco

Overall Avg. vs FRE- 81.7
Avg. L3 vs FRE- 103.3
Avg. L3 @ Subiaco- 91.7

Weather: Showers Easing Later. Min 11 Max 19
Game Info: Saturday 2:10pm


Dean Cox vs Adelaide @ AAMI Stadium

Overall Avg. vs ADE- 78.8
Avg. L3 vs ADE- 120.0
Avg. L3 @ AAMI- 109.3

Weather: Showers, Chiefly Morning. Min 6 Max 15
Game Info: Sunday 12:40pm


Jeff White vs Essendon @ Telstra Dome

Overall Avg. vs ESS- 70.6
Avg. L3 vs ESS- 96.3
Avg. L3 @ TD- 108.3

Weather: At Telstra Dome
Game Info: Sunday 5:10pm


Brad Johnson vs Kangaroos @ MCG

Overall Avg. vs KAN- 84.8
Avg. L3 vs KAN- 86.3
Avg. L3 @ MCG- 99.0

Weather: A Few Showers. Min 7 Max 13
Game Info: Sunday 2:10pm


Matthew Pavlich vs Carlton @ Subiaco

Overall Avg. vs CAR- 91.6
Avg. L3 vs CAR- 98.7
Avg. L3 @ Subiaco- 89.7

Weather: Showers Easing Later. Min 11 Max 19
Game Info: Saturday 2:10pm


Paul Chapman vs Sydney @ Skilled Stadium

Overall Avg. vs SYD- 72.5
Avg. L3 vs SYD- 103.0
Avg. L3 @ SS- 103.7

Weather: A Few Showers. Min 7 Max 13
Game Info: Saturday 2:10pm


Gary Ablett Jr. vs Sydney @ Skilled Stadium

Overall Avg. vs SYD- 66.5
Avg. L3 vs SYD- 63.3
Avg. L3 @ SS- 110.7

Weather: A Few Showers. Min 7 Max 13
Game Info: Saturday 2:10pm



Obviously the default Jimmy Bartel skipper selection may be in jeopardy this week given the Cats play the Swans, and with Chris Judd ruled out for the weekend's clash, the race is wide open for many coaches when picking their captain this week.

Based on the above data I would say the better captain selections this week may come from the ruck duo in Dean Cox and Jeff White as well as the ever reliable Matthew Pavlich against the Blues.

Good luck selecting your captain and remember this is possibly the biggest influence a coach can have on a team from week to week, so choose carefully.

FORWARDS- ROUND 13

Time to take a look at the forwards up to Round 12
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price

Nathan Buckley (COL)
$390,700
Matthew Pavlich (FRE)
$385,800
Brad Johnson (WBD)
$384,800
James Hird (ESS)
$368,500
Nick Riewoldt (STK)
$359,900
______________________________________

Top 5 by Average

Brad Johnson (WBD)
104.50
Matthew Pavlich (FRE)
98.42
Gary Ablett Jr (GEE)
95.92
James Hird (ESS)
95.17
Chad Cornes (PTA)
94.75
______________________________________

Top 5 by Average for Last 3 Rounds

Matthew Pavlich (FRE)
120.67
Brad Johnson (WBD)
115.67
Gary Ablett Jr (GEE)
107.33
Steve Johnson (GEE)
95.67
Matthew Richardson (RIC)
94.33


______________________________________

Below is not based on stats, rather my opinion on who I believe might be good pick-up’s within the various price bands given their form and current value. They are listed in no particular order.
______________________________________


Top 5 by Price Range ($0 to $100k)

Leroy Jetta (ESS)
$99,800
Michael Newton (MEL)
$82,300
Malcolm Lynch (WBD)
$82,300
Clayton Collard (FRE)
$82,300
Jack Riewoldt (RIC)
$82,300
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price Range ($100k to $200k)

Warren Tredrea (PTA)
$193,900
Raphael Clarke (STK)
$160,700
Jarrod Harbrow (WBD)
$157,800
Justin Westhoff (PTA)
$132,300
Robert Gray (PTA)
$125,000
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price Range ($200k to $300k)

Lance Franklin (HAW)
$260,500
Alan Didak (COL)
$249,800
Barry Hall (SYD)
$245,000
Brendan Fevola (CAR)
$236,500
Nathan G. Brown (RIC)
$235,600
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price Range ($300k+)

Brad Johnson (WBD)
$384,800
Paul Chapman (GEE)
$344,100
Matthew Richardson (RIC)
$305,800
Ryan O’Keefe (SYD)
$305,400
Scott Lucas (ESS)
$301,700
______________________________________

Top 3 Rookies ($69.6k and $82.3k)

Malcolm Lynch (WBD)
$82,300
Michael Newton (MEL)
$82,300
Jack Riewoldt (RIC)
$82,300
______________________________________

Top 5 Players to Watch in Coming Rounds

Paul Chapman (GEE)
$344,100
Scott Lucas (ESS)
$301,700
Barry Hall (SYD)
$245,000
Nathan G. Brown (RIC)
$235,600
Warren Tredrea (PTA)
$193,900
______________________________________

DREAM TEAM 'GUNS'

There is a lot of debate about how many ‘GUN’ dream team players one needs in their team to remain competitive. The definition of a ‘GUN’ however, is unclear. To me, a ‘GUN’ dream teamer is a player that maybe, despite struggling and/or playing in a team that’s getting flogged, still has the ability to score 100+ nine times out of 10, even when playing the Sydney Swans in the wet. They may from time to time score a 70-odd, but very rarely (maybe once every year) have a sub-50 score.

Based on this definition, below I have listed who I consider to be guns so far in the 2007 season. As for the number of ‘GUNS’ you need, well this is highly subjective, but a rule of thumb would suggest you need one in each position at least, and potentially two in the centres (one for captain and the other for vice-captain).

BACKS

Chad Cornes

Tarkyn Lockyer

Andrew Carrazzo

Heath Shaw (?)

CENTRES

Jimmy Bartel

Kane Cornes

Scott West

Dane Swan

Cameron Bruce

Heath Scotland

Chris Judd

Daniel Cross

RUCKS

Dean Cox

Jeff White

FORWARDS

Brad Johnson

Matthew Pavlich

Chad Cornes

Paul Chapman

Gary Ablett Jr. (?)

(Note: While Andrew Carrazzo potentially meets the definition of a ‘GUN’ in the backline, I am reluctant to include him as a ‘GUN’ in the centres. This is one area were the definition is a little skewed.)

RUCKS- ROUND 13

Time to take a look at the rucks up to Round 12
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price

Dean Cox (WCE)
$388,700
Jeff White (MEL)
$344,700
Josh Fraser (COL)
$319,500
Troy Simmonds (RIC)
$300,300
Peter Everitt (SYD)
$293,900
______________________________________

Top 5 by Average

Dean Cox (WCE)
99.56
Jeff White (MEL)
91.58
Josh Fraser (COL)
82.67
Hamish McIntosh (KAN)
79.83
Aaron Sandilands (FRE)
78.33
______________________________________

Top 5 by Average for Last 3 Rounds

Dean Cox (WCE)
119.00
Jeff White (MEL)
95.00
Peter Everitt (SYD)
87.00
Jamie Charman (BRL)
85.00
Hamish McIntosh (KAN)
75.33

______________________________________

Below is not based on stats, rather my opinion on who I believe might be good pick-up’s within the various price bands given their form and current value. They are listed in no particular order.
______________________________________


Top 5 by Price Range ($0 to $100k)

Fabian Deluca (PTA)
$98,200
John Meesen (ADE)
$82,300
Todd Goldstein (KAN)
$82,300
Angus Graham (RIC)
$69,600
Sam Jacobs (CAR)
$69,600
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price Range ($100k to $200k)

Mark Blake (GEE)
$194,800
Robert Campbell (HAW)
$192,300

Jonathon Griffin (ADE)

$130,500
Robert Warnock (FRE)
$112,000
Chad Jones (WCE)
$104,700
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price Range ($200k to $300k)

Brendon Lade (PTA)
$290,200
Hamish McIntosh (KAN)
$281,000
Jamie Charman (BRL)
$282,000
Darren Jolly (SYD)
$236,200
Luke Darcy (WBD)
$207,200
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price Range ($300k+)

Dean Cox (WCE)
$388,700
Jeff White (MEL)
$344,700
Josh Fraser (COL)
$319,500
Troy Simmonds (RIC)
$300,300

(Only 4 players are greater than $300k in the ruck division)
______________________________________

Top 3 Rookies ($69.6k and $82.3k)

John Meesen (ADE)
$82,300
Angus Graham (RIC)
$69,600
Sam Jacobs (CAR)
$69,600

______________________________________

Top 5 Players to Watch in Coming Rounds

Jeff White (MEL)
$344,700
Troy Simmonds (RIC)
$300,300
Jamie Charman (BRL)
$282,000
Robert Warnock (FRE)
$112,000
Chad Jones (WCE)
$104,700
______________________________________

109,799

That's the number of current coaches who will be dissapointed that Justin Koschitzke will be missing in action this weekend against Richmond and depending on the severity of his strained hamstring, could miss up to 3-4 weeks. That equates to 49.58% of all AFL Dream Team coaches, so don't be too concerned as you are not in the minority.

Now the two most popular players in the AFL Dream Team competition could potentially be out for extended periods. Will certainly test the depth of some squads and highlights the importance of having a solid playing emergency in each position.

121,640

That's the number of current coaches who will be dissapointed that Chris Judd will be missing in action this weekend against Adelaide and potentially (looks highly likely) the week after with a torn abductor muscle. That equates to 54.92% of all AFL Dream Team coaches, so don't be too concerned as you are not in the minority.

CENTRES- ROUND 13

Time to take a look at the centres up to Round 12
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price

James Bartel (GEE)
$455,600
Kane Cornes (PTA)
$429,900
Matthew Priddis (WCE)
$402,100
Andrew Carrazzo (CAR)
$392,400
Nathan Buckley (COL)
$390,700
______________________________________

Top 5 by Average

James Bartel (GEE)
119.58
Kane Cornes (PTA)
108.83
Scott West (WBD)
103.42
Dane Swan (COL)
102.17
Cameron Bruce (MEL)
101.25
______________________________________

Top 5 by Average for Last 3 Rounds

James Bartel (GEE)
132.00
Andrew Carrazzo (CAR)
122.33
Matthew Priddis (WCE)
121.00
Kane Cornes (PTA)
117.00
Peter Bell (FRE)
118.67

______________________________________

Below is not based on stats, rather my opinion on who I believe might be good pick-up’s within the various price bands given their form and current value. They are listed in no particular order.
______________________________________


Top 5 by Price Range ($0 to $100k)

David Armitage (STK)
$95,600
Ross Young (CAR)
$91,900
Martin Clarke (COLL)
$69,600
Leigh Adams (KAN)
$69,600
Kieran Jack (SYD)
$69,600
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price Range ($100k to $200k)

Shaun Higgins (WBD)
$199,300
Tim Schmidt (SYD)
$184,500
Tyson Goldsack (COL)
$118,000
Travis Boak (PTA)
$103,300
Andrew Browne (FRE)
$100,500
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price Range ($200k to $300k)

Michael Braun (WCE)
$297,600
Nick Dal Santo (STK)
$297,400
Adam Goodes (SYD)
$280,700
Matthew Carr (FRE)
$230,300
Chris Hyde (RIC)
$228,400
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price Range ($300k to $350k)

Nigel Lappin (BRL)
$338,000
Brock McLean (MEL)
$328,000
Cameron Ling (GEE)
$311,700
Brent Harvey (KAN)
$304,500
Shane Crawford (HAW)
$302,000

(A lot of good value in this range. Also look for Goodwin, Hayes, Thompson, Hodge & Simpson)______________________________________

Top 3 by Price Range ($350k+)

James Bartel (GEE)
$455,600
Kane Cornes (PTA)
$429,900
Scott West (WBD)
$359,600
______________________________________

Top 3 Rookies ($69.6k and $82.3k)

Martin Clarke (COLL)
$69,600
Kieran Jack (SYD)
$69,600
Leigh Adams (KAN)
$69,600
______________________________________

Top 5 Players to Watch in Coming Rounds

Scott West (WBD)
$359,600
Nigel Lappin (BRL)
$338,000
Nick Dal Santo (STK)
$297,400
Adam Goodes (SYD)
$280,700
Martin Clarke (COLL)
$69,600
______________________________________

PLAYERS WHO MAY PLAY THEIR 3RD GAME THIS WEEKEND- ROUND 13

Looking for a quick trade to a player who's last chance to grab them before a price change may be this weekend? Then here is a list of all players who have played 2 games so far in season 2007, and should they play this weekend, will either depreciate or appreciate in value for the first time. There may from time to time be some bargains in this lot, but looking at the players below, you may have to wait for the next crop.

Player Team Average

Ryan Ferguson (MEL) 14.5
Fabian Deluca (PTA) 14.5
Brad Howard (STK) 16
Lachlan Hansen (KAN) 21
Chris Schmidt (BRL) 22.5
Barry Brooks (STK) 26
Matt Riggio (KAN) 26
Rhan Hooper (BRL) 27
Leigh Adams (KAN) 28.5
Adam Cockshell (PTA) 31.5
Jarred Moore (SYD) 32.5
Kieran Jack (SYD) 35
Andrew McDougall (WBD) 37
Justin Longmuir (FRE) 38
Danny Stanley (COL) 39.5
Matthew Warnock (MEL) 45
David Trotter (KAN) 47.5
Steven King (GEE) 50
Joel Macdonald (BRL) 50
Kepler Bradley (ESS) 53.5
Eddie Sansbury (KAN) 54.5
Tim Clarke (HAW) 58
Ed Lower (KAN) 60.5
Charlie Gardiner (GEE) 62.5
Ken McGregor (ADE) 65.5
Jay Nash (ESS) 67.5

BACKS- ROUND 13

Time to take a look at the backs up to Round 12
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price

Andrew Carrazzo (CAR)
$392,400
Tarkyn Lockyer (COL)
$378,900
Joel Bowden (RIC)
$353,000
Chad Cornes (PTA)
$352,600
Dustin Fletcher (ESS)
$351,200
______________________________________

Top 5 by Average

Tarkyn Lockyer (COL)
104.50
Josh Drummond (BRL)
100.20
Andrew Carrazzo (CAR)
98.83
Chad Cornes (PTA)
94.75
Dustin Fletcher (ESS)
92.75
______________________________________

Top 5 by Average for Last 3 Rounds

Andrew Carrazzo (CAR)
122.33
Josh Drummond (BRL)
117.00
Sam Fisher (STK)
107.67
Brian Harris (WBD)
106.00
Dustin Fletcher (ESS)
102.33

______________________________________

Below is not based on stats, rather my opinion on who I believe might be good pick-up’s within the various price bands given their form and current value. They are listed in no particular order.
______________________________________


Top 5 by Price Range ($0 to $100k)

Tom Williams (WBD)
$99,500
Simon Prestigiacomo (COLL)
$97,100
Albert Proud (BRL)
$82,300
Danny Stanley (COLL)
$82,300
Daniel Dzufer (BRL)
$69,600
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price Range ($100k to $200k)

Campbell Brown (HAW)
$195,300
Tom Harley (GEE)
$184,900
Jarryd Roughead (HAW)
$162,600
Raphael Clarke (STK)
$160,700
Xavier Ellis (HAW)
$133,900
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price Range ($200k to $300k)

Darren Milburn (GEE)
$299,300
Andrew McLeod (ADE)
$267,500
Joel Smith (HAW)
$258,000
Heath Shaw (COL)
$239,000
Jordan McMahon (WBD)
$224,300
______________________________________

Top 5 by Price Range ($300k to $350k)

Josh Drummond (BRIS)
$343,800
Sam Fisher (STK)
$341,800
Jess Sinclair (KAN)
$328,100
Adam McPhee (ESS)
$315,500
Beau Waters (WCE)
$305,800
______________________________________

Top 3 by Price Range ($350k+)

Andrew Carrazzo (CAR)
$392,400
Tarkyn Lockyer (COL)
$378,900
Chad Cornes (PTA)
$352,600
______________________________________

Top 3 Rookies ($69.6k and $82.3k)

Albert Proud (BRL)
$82,300
Danny Stanley (COLL)
$82,300
Daniel Dzufer (BRL)
$69,600
______________________________________

Top 5 Players to Watch in Coming Rounds

Darren Milburn (GEE)
$299,300
Graham Polak (RIC)
$295,600
Andrew McLeod (ADE)
$267,500
Heath Shaw (COL)
$239,000
Tom Harley (GEE)
$184,900
______________________________________

Top 20 Individual Performances- Round 12

I thought some may be interested to see some of the remarkable solo efforts from the first half of the season. Makes for interesting reading:

1. Scott West (WBD- Centre) vs Hawthorn Rd 5- 169
2. Matt Priddis (WCE- Centre) vs Kangaroos Rd 10- 166
3. Brad Green (MEL- Centre) vs Adelaide Rd 10- 162
4. Brian Harris (WBD- Back) vs Brisbane Rd 11- 161
5. Jimmy Bartel (GEE- Centre) vs Melbourne Rd 3- 151
6. Jimmy Bartel (GEE- Centre) vs St Kilda Rd 10- 150
T6. Dean Cox (WCE- Ruck) vs Kangaroos Rd 10- 150
T6. Dane Swan (COL- Centre) vs Fremantle Rd 10- 150
T6. Tarkyn Lockyer (COL- Back) vs Brisbane Rd 9- 150
T6. Luke McPharlin (FRE- Forward/Back) vs St Kilda Rd 9- 150
T6. Adem Yze (MEL- Forward/Centre) vs Fremantle Rd 4- 150
T6. Danny Jacobs (HAW- Back) vs Brisbane Rd 1- 150
T13. Luke Hodge (HAW- Centre) vs Carlton Rd 12- 149
T13. Scott West (WBD- Centre) vs Richmond Rd 4- 149
15. Leigh Fisher (STK- Back) vs Hawthorn Rd 8- 147
16. Brad Johnson (WBD- Forward) vs Geelong Rd 1- 146
17. Kane Cornes (PTA- Centre) vs Geelong Rd 9- 145
T20. Matthew Pavlich (FRE- Forward) vs Collingwood Rd 10- 144
T20. Heath Black (FRE- Centre) vs Hawthorn Rd 7- 144
T20. Daniel Harris (KAN- Centre) vs Hawthorn Rd 3- 144
T20. Brendan Fevola (CAR- Forward) vs Essendon Rd 3- 144

Some interesting stats based on the Top 20 individual performances to Round 12:

- There have been 7 scores of exactly 150
- Of the Top 20, 5 players can be selected from the Backs, 12 players from the Centres, 1 from the Ruck and 5 from the Forwards
- Jimmy Bartel and Scott West are the only players to be included on the list more than once (twice)
- Hawthorn is the team which has conceded the most of the Top 20 performances (4)
- Western Bulldogs players have appeared the most of the Top 20 performances of any team (4)
- 6 of the Top 20 occurred in Round 10

LOOKING FOR A CHEAP RUCK?

Former Kangaroo and now Weagle Chad Jones is a chance to make his debut this weekend after being elevated from the rookie list for Josh Wooden. Apparently the Eagles were reluctant to elevate someone from the rookie list unless they were going to play senior footy, soit looks like he is better than a 50% chance to play. At $104,700 he is probably your last chance to pick up a cheap 2nd emergency ruck that may well play a few games.

A rumour has also been circulated that Chris Judd will be a late withdrawal this weekend.

For the full article, click here

DEBUTANTS- ROUND 12

For those on the look out for a potential cheapie who may get a few games between now and the end of the year, following is a list of debutants from last weekend's action along with their DT score. If you want to find out more about them, then click on their name:

Martin Clarke (COL) 79
Malcolm Lynch (WBD) 59
Albert Proud (BRL) 46
Travis Boak (PTA) 25

ARE THE DONS THE BEST AT PLAYING SOMEONE INTO FORM?

In future, be wary of picking a player up on the back of one good game, especially if that game came against the Dons. While Essendon have had a better year than expected, the are one of the best teams at playing a player into form. Look at the following to demonstrate.

Rd 1 vs ADE- Scott Thompson 126
Rd 2 vs FRE- Matthew Pavlich 113
Rd 3 vs CAR- Brendan Fevola 144
Rd 4 vs STK- Lenny Hayes 116
Rd 5 vs COL- Heath Shaw 137
Rd 6 vs HAW- Lance Franklin 136
Rd 7 vs KAN- Brent Harvey 103
Rd 8 vs BRL- Troy Selwood 139
Rd 9 vs RIC- Brett Deledio 107
Rd 10 vs SYD- Brett Kirk 123
Rd 11 vs WCE- Matt Rosa 129
Rd 12 vs PTA- Domenic Cassisi 133


Alternatively, the reverse of this is, it may be a good decision to play one of your inconsistent, but potential to score big players as captain when up against them in the future.

PRICE/EARNINGS RATIO

As a quick measure for a player's real value, i like to use (not exclusively) a price/earnings ratio, similiar to the one used to pick stocks on the sharemarket. I calculate this ratio simply by dividing a player's current price by their yearly average (i.e. Mark McVeigh $306,900/84.42= 3,635). Below is a snapshot of the Top 20 players by Average:


James Bartel (GEE) $445,600
3,726
Kane Cornes (PTA) $430,300
3,954
Tarkyn Lockyer (COL) $405,600
3,775
Dane Swan (COL) $385,700
3,654
Brad Johnson (WBD) $370,800
3,548
Scott West (WBD) $357,700
3,459
Cameron Bruce (MEL) $397,600
3,850
Josh Drummond (BRL) $313,500
3,129
Heath Scotland (CAR) $361,400
3,638
Scott Thompson (ADE) $331,600
3,355
Andrew Carrazzo (CAR) $372,500
3,769
Chris Judd (WCE) $366,100
3,715
Daniel Cross (WBD) $350,300
3,556
Matthew Pavlich (FRE) $365,700
3,716
James McDonald (MEL) $376,500
3,838
Adam Simpson (KAN) $345,200
3,547
Leigh Montagna (STK) $354,400
3,642
Dean Cox (WCE) $371,800
3,838
Gary Ablett Jr. (GEE) $342,500
3,571
Matthew Priddis (WCE) $387,300
4,042


Obviously there are numerous other factors to consider, however I believe this provides a good guide as to which 'GUN' players may be cheap at present. For example from the above, I would say Scott West, Scott Thompson & Josh Drummond look cheap, and Matthew Priddis, Cameron Bruce & possibly Kane Cornes look expensive. Just something else to think about when making those vital last few trades.

AIMING FOR THE $50K?

Do you think your still a shot at the $50k first prize?

By my reckoning, on current standings, you would need to be ranked in the Top 254 in the country be of any (very slim) chance. That equates to 1,100 points behind the current leader 'Shagger', or an average of 100 points per round for the remainder of the competition. Given the likelihood of this, unless you are currently shading, or are 'ijerkoffallthetime', then maybe it's time to adjust your trading strategy for a league win.

INJURIES AND SUSPENSIONS- ROUND 12

Over the course of the year, I will try and keep track of the injuries and suspensions as they occur each round. Here they are for the first weekend of the split-round:

Injuries

Nathan Bock (ADE)- Groin Strain
May have strained a groin late in the match and could be in doubt

Scott Camporeale (ESS)- Diagnosis unknown
Late withdrawal from the last match

Kane Tenace (GEE)- Ankle Sprain
Should be available next match given the week off

Steven Salopek (PTA)- Ankle Sprain
Should be available next match given the week off

Nathan Krakouer (PTA)- Shin Injury
Will miss 1-2 weeks with some discomfort

Josh Mahoney (PTA)- Ankle Sprain
Test

Matt Tyler (BRL)- Hamstring Strain
Reinjured his hamstring in his return match from injury

Cain Ackland (CAR)- Broken Nose
In doubt and will be subject to a test

Andrew Walker (CAR)- Dislocated Shoulder
Kept going down to the rooms during the Hawks clash but played on. May need surgery at the end of the season and will probably need to rest it for at least a month

Lance Whitnall (CAR)- Dodgy knee
Has suffered from arthritis in his knee (a degenrative knee condition) and will be monitored each week. More than likely will have a rest for a couple of weeks

Lance Franklin (HAW)- Calf Strain
Late withdrawal from last week's match. Test, but you'd think he should be alright given week's break

Blake Grima (KAN)- Hamstring Strain
Will miss a week or two

Robert Murphy (WBD)- Hamstring Strain
Will miss 1-2 matches

Travis Johnstone (MEL)- Achilles Sorness
Not named this week despite the week off and will be monitored

Tadgh Kennelly (SYD)- Knee
Looks set to miss 3-6 weeks. For more info refer to this

Chad Fletcher (WCE)- Groin Strain
Not named this week. Severity not known

David Neitz (MEL)- Finger Injury
Was a late withdrawal on Friday night after minor surgery on a finger injury. Will face a fitness test later this week.

Ben Holland (MEL)- Broken Nose
Likely to be available

Adem Yze (MEL)- Groin Strain
Was a late replacment for David Neitz on Friday night and has aggrevated a groin injury. Will miss approx. 3-4 weeks

Andrew Krakouer (RIC)- Calf Strain

Unclear whether he has a calf or ankle injury. Could be available next week or miss 2-3 matches

Chris Judd (WCE)- Groin Injury

Has been restricted with a groin injury and was a late withdrawal. Doubtful for this week against Adelaide

Dean Polo (RIC)- Shoulder Injury

Will require a shoulder reconstruction and will miss the remainder of the season

Brett Peake (FRE)- Broken Collarbone

Broke his collarbone playing in the WAFL for the 2nd time this season. He missed 6 weeks the first time around and it is unclear at this stage how long he will miss

Michael O'Loughlin (SYD)- Corked Hip

Suffered a corked hip against the Pies on Saturday night and will face a fitness test

Justin Koschitzke (STK)- Hamstring Strain

Severity if the injury is yet unknown, however has already been ruled out of this week's clash against the Tigers

Suspensions

David Hille (ESS)- 1 week
Head high charge at Chad Cornes. Left Cornes with blurred vision and Hille was probably lucky to get only 1 week.

Nathan Eagleton (WBD)- 2 weeks
Jumper-punched Chris Tarrant yet forgot to grab the jumper. Tazz must have had a target on his head last weekend. Again, probably lucky to get only 2 weeks.

Anthony Rocca (COL)- 1 week

Has been charged with engaging in rough conduct against Sean Dempster, Sydney, during the third quarter of the Round Twelve match between Collingwood and Sydney, played at Telstra Stadium on Saturday June 23, 2007. In summary, he can accept a one-match sanction with an early plea. The incident was assessed as negligent conduct (one point), medium impact (two points) and high contact (two points). This is a total of five activation points, resulting in a classification of a Level Two offence, drawing 225 demerit points and a two-match sanction. He has no applicable good or bad record. An early plea reduces the penalty by 25 per cent to 168.75 points and a one-match sanction.

Chris Tarrant (FRE)- 1 week
After the much publicised Darwin nightclub incident, Taz has been slapped with a week.

ROOKIES

Finding it difficult to work out who to cash in your cash cows for? Genereally you will want to spend as little money as possible yet would still like someone who may get a game or two late in the season as a 2nd emergency in that position. Below I have listed who I believe are the Top 2 rookies from each position- 1 from the $82.3k range and 1 at $69.6k.


Backs
There are a few at $82.3k that you could look at including Tom Williams (WBD), Danny Stanley (COL), Garrick Ibbotson (FRE) & Adam Hartlett (CAR), however I would chose the following:

Albert Proud (BRL) $82,300
Played his first game on the weekend scoring a respectable 46. Earned a call-up to the big time after booting 6 goals in the Lions reserves. Read more about him here

Daniel Dzufer (BRL) $69,600
Listed as an emergency for last week’s game. Find out more about him here


Centres
Always the most competitive for positions as it contains the most players of any category. First year players are also most likely to be midfielders (at least those who get a game) as the bigger bodies take longer to develop. Others to watch out for include Garry Moss (HAW), Nathan Djerrkura (GEE), Kieran Jack (SYD) and Leigh Adams (KAN).

Tom Hislop (ESS) $82,300
Tough as nails midfielder from Tassie. Has already played with men (at the Devils) and given the ageing players in the Dons midfield expect him to play a few games in the 2nd half of the season.

Rhys Archard (ADE) $69,600
Been ripping it up in the SANFL at the Panthers by all reports with continual 30+ possession games. Read more about him here


Rucks
Not much too pick from with the rucks as the last train (Robert Warnock- FRE) has left the station. You could still get him as a back-up at $94,900 which is still a pretty good price, given he will play quite a few games in the 2nd half as Sandilands big body struggles. Other to look out for include:

Todd Goldstein (KAN) $82,300
Playing consistently good football at the Devils in the VFL and should injury interrupt Hamish McIntosh’s wonderful season, I’d expect the Kangas would remain vulberable with Hale as their number 1 ruckman. Goldstein could sneak in for a berth at some stage. Unfortunately Brad Moran looks more likely, but depends on Hales form.

Lachlan McKinnon (ESS) $69,600
While highly unlikely to get a game, the Bomber continue to struggle at the hit-outs with Laycock and Ryder supporting David Hille. Hille however has received a 1-match ban and Laycock is struggling for form. Sheedy would rather play Ryder in the backline on form, so who know what migh happen.


Forwards
Unlucky for those who wished to pick up a cheapie in the next few weeks as both Westhoff and Gray from the Power have notched up their 3rd game each and are set to rise in price. A look at the others doesn’t provide much hope, but these two might be worth looking at.

Jack Riewoldt (RIC) $82,300
Unlucky in his first game not to take a few more chances, but expect Wallet (with his so-called ‘youth policy’) to give young Riewoldt another run as the season closes in on the Tiges. A very talented player who could just take his chance if it comes around a 2nd time.

Daniel Hughes (MEL) $69,600
Hardly any chance that any of these kids will get a look in, so I have simply chosen the first listed, and given the Dees run with injuries, who knows. Would have included a St Kilda player at $69,600 if there was one.

JIMMY BARTEL- BEST EVER?

Has there ever been a greater Dream-Teamer than this man?

In a season that has 8 players averaging greater than 100 to the half-way mark, Jimmy ‘Hi-Fi’ Bartel is streets ahead of his nearest combatant in Kane Cornes. In my 6 or so years of playing DT, I cannot remember a more consistent, ‘must have as captain’ player than Bartel. His average of 119.58 with a lowest score of 89 sees him in rarified air. Only on 2 other occassions has he failed to reach the magical 100, and on both occassions he fell a handball short on 98. He also has achieved 2 x 150+ scores. He would be the only player I could imagine has ever justified a price tag of $445,600. To think that only 13.05% of the playing public have him is unthinkable. Unfortunately I make up part of the 86.95% who don’t.

In Round 12, he may well meet his kryptonite. As is general knowledge in DT circles, the Sydney Swans are the feared opponent when a good score is required. When the Cats take on the Swans at Skilled Stadium next weekend, I think there will be 200,000+ coaches watching purely to see if this man they call Bartel, can crack the ton. I personally think 200 is on the cards.

WELCOME

Hi and welcome to my new blog aimed at the growing popularity of the AFL Dream Team, which at last check, included 219,533 coaches. While I will try and maintain a consistent format to this blog as discussed below, I will also included numerous ad-hoc articles looking at some of the lighter-side of AFL Dream Team as well as any current topics or pressing issues I feel I need to address. My main aim for this blog is to try and provide you with that competitive advantage in this competition, be it that extra 10 points on average you need by say selecting Priddis over Foley so that you can roll your best mate in the league Grand Final, or that crucial decision between picking Bartel or Judd as skipper to nudge yourself inside the Top 100 in the overall rankings. Basically the run-down is this. Every week I will take a close look at the following:

Monday- Backs
Tuesday- Centres
Wednesday- Rucks
Thursday- Forwards
Friday- Captain Selection


Within each category I will provided a brief written summary, but will also include a number of Top 5 lists including:

Top 5 by Price
Top 5 by Average
Top 5 by Average for Last 3 Rounds
Top 5 by Price Range (bands between $0 and $100k, $100k and $200k, $200k and $300k, $300k-$350k)
Top 3 by Price Range ($350k+)
Top 3 Rookies (i.e. $69.6k and $82.3k), and
Top 5 Players to Watch in Coming Rounds.


Obviously I will maintain some flexibility within all this (time depending), but hopefully I will be able to cover off most areas and even address a few questions should they arise. So I’ll get started, and you should soon be able to look at my first review on the competition’s defenders.

Good Luck!