Cameron Bruce: Deck of Dream Team 2011

Name: Cameron Bruce
Club: Hawthorn
Position: Midfielder/ Defender?
Bye Rounds: 6 & 17
2010 Average: 90.3
2010 Games Played: 21
Predicted Average: 100

Why should I pick him?Cameron Bruce has been a DT legend for the last 5 years, following a 2006 breakout year where he averaged 101. What impresses me the most about Brucey is that last year he was given a reduced role in the midfield, including many stints as a tagger (yuck) but still managed to average 90. The difference between the Hawks and Demons is the Hawks want to win the flag this year, as opposed to Melbourne who are developing a group of young guns for a future run at the title. I think Bruce will be given an attacking/ creative green light (probably across half back) which translates to big DT scores. Even with his unfavourable role last year, he finished the season with scores of 108, 92, 125, 120 and 94. Oh no, I think I have just talked myself into picking a 31 year old!

Why shouldn’t I pick him?You cant pick up Brucey, it breaks every age rule in the book, he is 31 and past it according to Melbourne. No one knows the role he will have at the Hawks, so there is the concern they liked him as a “run with type”.

Deck of DT Rating.QUEEN: To pick a 31 year old priced at an average 90 is risky at the best of times, especially when you are doing it with an expectation they will improve on last year. But if you were ever going to do it, Brucey would be your man. He is very durable and has not played less than 19 games a season in the last three years. If he is in the guts along with Hodge, Mitchell, Burgoyne and Sewell, I think he will flourish.