Every summer we get drip fed information from the AFL presumably to keep footy in the papers and on the minds of punters who may jump to the dreaded A-league. Although we hear the same rhetoric year in and year out about it being ‘the toughest pre-season ever at the club’ there can be some nuggets of gold around for the DT’er.  Sometimes player x who is flying actually turns out to be a good Smokey! I snooped around a little online to see what I could find……..

Western Bulldogs

Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross and Daniel Giansiracusa were the usual suspects leading the time trials, with Nathan Djerrkura and Liam Picken in the next group behind. Upgraded rookie with the dreads Luke Dahlhaus was flying and reaping the benefits from his first full pre-season. Draftee Clay Smith was the early standout of the kids with his elite running and competitive nature, he has seamlessly fit into the group as far as his physicality was concerned. He could be a show for early games.

WCE

Koby Stevens first two pre-seasons at West Coast were destroyed by injury but he is finally relishing a clean bill of health this summer. The powerful midfielder is leaner, running just behind pacesetter Luke Shuey and is a big chance for early games this year. Draftee Murray Newman has been quick to impress with his speed and agility – two attributes that could see him earn games early in his career as a small forward. He could be vying with Brad Dick for a possible spot.

Sydney

Alex Johnson is one that continues to impress on the track, After 20 games in his rookie season, including two finals;he is primed for this year following some standout performances in the Swans’ time trials. Another who has caught the eye is defender Nick Smith. He has already taken his running and fitness to a new level. Of the new draftees Father son pick Mitchell would be considered the most AFL-ready. A tough midfielder who uses the ball well and boasts a terrific work ethic, Mitchell should slot in well to the swans ethos.

St Kilda

New coach Watters has been particularly impressed with Adam Schneider, Stephen Milne and Justin Koschitzke. Koschitzke hasn’t had a pre-season for a few years,although you’d still have rocks in your head to pick him!  Of the November draftees,Ex Eagle Beau Wilkes shapes as the most likely to play senior football early in 2012. He has been training with the backline group and is an option to fill the boots of Zac Dawson. He is locked for my bench!

Richmond

Non Fantasy relevant midfielder Shane Edwards has emerged as the star performer in the early weeks of Richmond’s pre-season. The 23-year-old, who has played 89 games in five seasons and has impressed gaining strength and fitness. New draftee Ellis, a strong midfielder who was taken with pick 15, has been particularly impressive at training to date, club insiders say he should play senior games in 2012. Backman Morris has also been touted early by coach Hardwick.

Port Adelaide

Key forward Jay Schulz has been showing plenty of fire and passion at training, but all that means is he got in a punch on with a teammate. Nothing else DT related to mention here really! The club’s first pick in the Draft, Chad Wingard, has already shown toughness. Wingard fell off a mountain bike during the training camp in New Zealand, but insisted on finishing the arduous ride. The 18-year-old then shook off his injuries to front up for the white water rafting session a day later. Maybe if port spent more time training with footballs and less time being adrenaline junkies they may gain better football skills!

North Melbourne

Nathan Grima has been flying pre-season and could be a serious DT candidate. Now well and truly over the back injury that wrecked his 2011, Grima is consistently at the front of the running groups and his sure ball-handling and pin-point disposal are just as eye-catching. Of the younger brigade, Shaun Atley is impressing his teammates with his feats in the gym. The next Chris Judd? Still a way to go it seems but bulking up is a start.

Melbourne

Rookie Daniel Nicholson has sparkled in virtually every session as he pushes hard to impress. Could be one to watch as a cash cow milker. Nathan Jones as always has been one of the best performers, running hard and encouraging others, while 194cm key defensive prospect Tom McDonald has raised eyebrows by keeping up with most of the club’s midfielders during running sessions. Not much DT related here really.

Hawthorn

Luke Breusthas been a standout of the pre-season so far, the young small forward has elevated himself to another level. Watchlist ahoy! Liam Shiels has also impressed with his hard running and work ethic, while backman Ryan Schoenmakers has made big gains in strength. Mature-age rookies Broc McCauley and Adam Pattison should be ready to step straight in and offer support in the big man department if needed, although most peoples rucks benches will already be sorted one would think.

GWS

Lots to see at the GWS, needs to be our DT gold mine! Young forward Jeremy Cameron has added bulk to his frame and Steve Clifton has impressed with his fitness and running ability. Tom Scully has been told to pull back on his training; such has been his intent (feeling guilty?). In terms of which Giants kids are AFL-ready, there’s little doubt many will be thrown in early. Get your note books ready….Stephen Coniglio, Dom Tyson, Matthew Buntine, Dylan Shiel, Jeremy Cameron and Adam Treloar have all shown signs they are ready for football at AFL level.

Gold Coast

Gary Ablett is tearing up the training track and is miles in front of the same time last year (lock); second-year players Luke Russell, Dion Prestia and Josh Caddy have also been hugely impressive to date. Prestia has kicked on in leaps and bounds, Caddy has been an animal on the track after an injury-plagued 2011, He could be a DT sleeper although price is a bit annoying.

Geelong

Billie Smedts, Geelong’s first pick in the 2010 Draft has been a standout on the track so far. Smedts didn’t play at all last season after needing surgery to fix a hip problem, word is he could play early. Much of the focus has been on mature-age ruck bench DT lock Orren Stephenson. The 29-year-old ruckman has been impressing his new teammates with his fitness and skill.

Fremantle

Zac Clarke is seen by new coach Ross Lyon as “a young tall forward with elite athleticism”. Running in the lead pack early in the summer, the 21-year-old has also impressed with his strong marking ability and accurate kick when playing forward in drills. Could finally be in for a run of games alongside Sandi? Draftee Lachie Neale appears the most likely to play senior football in his debut season. The midfielder is strongly built and boasts an accurate kick that has impressed his coaches through the pre-season. Played senior football with SANFL club Glenelg but Lyon has a history of not playing kids.

Essendon

Essendon players have spent a lot of time in the Gym bulking up; Angus Monfries, Jake Melksham and Dyson Heppell are all looking considerably larger. New DrafteeElliott Kavanagh, a midfielder could be the most likely to emerge early in the season. He has been sticking to Heppell all pre-season trying to emulate him. Coaching staff are confident that the three mature-age rookies – Corey Dell’Olio, Mark Baguley and Brendan Lee – are all capable of stepping up to AFL level straight away if called upon.

Collingwood

Scott Pendlebury and veteran Ben Johnson have impressed in pre-season leading most trials. Marty Clarke came back with a stronger physique than he had when he was last a Magpie and showed his endurance hasn’t suffered despite two seasons out of the game. Draftees Jamie Elliot and Peter Yagmoor impressed early on with their sharpness and speed, but would seem unlikely to play early doors.

Adelaide

Adelaide has also been bulking up. Breakout candidate Rory Sloane is leading the charge with a 3.5kg increase; Brodie Smith (2.5kg), Rick Henderson (2.4kg) and David McKay (2.3kg) aren’t far behind him. Rookie Ian Callinanalso put on two to three kilos and could be a sneaky mature pick. Josh Jenkins has impressed since arriving and could back Jacobs up in the ruck. Draftee Sam Kerridge impressed considerably on his first day at the club when he ran further than any other player and Luke Brown has emerged as one of the best in the boxing ring. If DT ever extends into boxing or running, get on these 2 then, for footy… Who knows?

Brisbane

Elevated rookie Mitch Golby has killed it in the weights room and is noticeably bigger, Irishman Pearce Hanley has come back fitter than ever, and Captain Jonathan Brown is as fit as he’s ever been after starting his first pre-season in more than a decade. Could be a nice differential this year! Of the draftees the most ready-made is Docherty even though he has had an injury hiccup he is expected to be back well in time for the season’s start. Zorko would seem to be a safer pick for a walk up start into the lion’s team.

Carlton

Matthew Kreuzerhas shed several kilograms from his huge frame and looks fit, lean and mobile. Can he finally live up to DT potential? Kane Lucas, Paul Bower and Jordan Russell returned to training in excellent shape and have set a high standard. Bower in particular could be DT relevant if getting games. Of the draftees it wouldn’t surprise to see former Sydney rookie Sam Rowe featuring in Carlton’s senior side early in 2012. The 24-year-old spent the last four seasons at SANFL club Norwood and has played out of the goal square during match practice.. Big watch here for a bargain mature player.

I guess if you are a DT junkie you probably already know all this info and being 2^nd or 3^rd hand knowledge it can probably be taken with a grain of salt… but until the NAB it’s all we have!

Adzman.

Hawthorn

Paul Puopolo

I made my way down to Aurora Stadium this morning to check out the Hawks in their game. They played as the young-uns vs the oldies. Word is that they’ll be taking the young team to Perth next week for the NAB Cup opening game. We didn’t see Cyril Rioli or Shaun Burgoyne (indigenous camp), Luke Hodge, Brad Sewell and David Hale were also bigger names that were missing. The good news was that Max Bailey got through his first game in a long time… and probably won the ruck duel with Renouf. Our eyes were on Isaac Smith who didn’t do a lot, but what he did do was very flashy – fast and skillful. He kicked an awesome goal that made Stephen Gilham look silly. Cameron Bruce excited me off the half-back with some stints in the midfield. Now that he is named as a defender, he is certainly on my radar. The big one was Paul Puopolo. We didn’t realise who he was until about half way through the game after making plenty of committed efforts all over the ground. His pace and attack on the ball (and player) was great. Won’t be a high DT scorer, but worth a bench spot if he can get a game. Buddy Franklin was very dominant and the Hawks would be happy there isn’t another Buddy for another club, because no opponent had a chance against him.

Collingwood

The message out of the Magpies game was that Andrew Krakouer dominated. Lots of clearances and four goals. Hopefully a sign that he is ready to go in round one. I have been a bit cautious in putting him in my team thus far, but he is doing all he can for selection. Keep an eye out on Alex Fasolo who might get some games this season. Could be a good one for your watchlist as a downgrade option.

Adelaide

Tassie boy Ian Callinan (as Chook mentioned in the latest DT TALK video) impressed kicking 2 goals. Draftee Brodie Smith was talked up as well as DEF/FWD Daniel Talia. The bad news from the day was that two of the biggest bargains of 2011 pulled up with minor injuries. Andy Otten strained his ankle and Chris Knights has a corked thigh.

Are you heading to any intra-club games? We’d love a report! Email them to warnie@dreamteamtalk.com

"Where's your club at?" A must read article.

Make sure you check out articles like this one, and take mental notes (or even write stuff down if you’re as tragic as me) on who is looking good and who isn’t. Take note of who are having limited pre-seasons as usually that means players may not be up to scratch early on in the season.

The latest “Where’s your club at?” article from the official AFL website is a ripper. Here are some DT relevant notes I took from it:

• ADELAIDE:
  Richard Tambling won’t be into full training until the new year. He could be a bargain pick of 2011.
• BRISBANE:
  Big man Jonathan Brown and big knob Brendan Fevola are still a long way off joining the main group. JB usually has limited pre-seasons and is to be expected. Fev will be bloody cheap, as his average dropped over 30 points last year.
• CARLTON:
  Matthew Kruezer is returning from a knee injury and isn’t training. Quite a few would have him penned in as an improving ruck. Could be struggling for round one.
• ESSENDON:
  DT dick tease, Brent Prismall is working hard… if he is in Hird’s good books, then he could be someone to reach premium status in 2011.
• FREMANTLE:
  Look out for Tendai Mzungu as one of the most popular bench players in 2011. He is likely to be listed as a defender and is mature age… ticking a lot of boxes.
• GOLD COAST:
  Names will continue to float around for these guys. We’ll be having a crack at picking best 22s closer to the start of the season.
• HAWTHORN:
  Cameron Bruce will get picked up in the pre-season draft. Will play, but is maybe a bit too old.. and expensive.
• MELBOURNE:
  Look out for Addam Maric who will be close to rookie priced. A great bench option for those who are going for the league win. Colin Sylvia could be a great fwd/mid pick up again. Ricky Petterd is recovering from a shoulder reco… but will be under-priced and well worth a look at.
• NORTH MELBOURNE:
  I have Drew Petrie penciled in as my 2nd ruck, but he won’t join training until the new year. Cameron Richardson is a rookie priced player to monitor.
• PORT ADELAIDE:
  Marlon Motlop wants Nathan Krakouer’s half back position. Hasn’t set the DT world on fire, but will come very cheap and is training well. Robbie Gray will hopefully trick heaps of people… but then I suppose if I don’t pick him, he’ll have is break out year we all thought he could have had in 2010.
• RICHMOND:
  Under priced midfielder, Nathan Foley, is pretty much only running at the moment.
• WEST COAST:
  Number 4 draft pick, Andrew Gaff has been talked up… so hopefully he’ll be a chance to join the Eagles midfield.
• WESTERN BULLDOGS:
  Dream Team slut, Brian Lake, won’t be running until mid-January after multiple operations. He should be one of the first considered as his DT numbers are that of a premium defender these days, but the limited pre-season could hurt. Monitor his progress.

Do you have any other things to add from other articles you’ve read recently?