Kieren Jack: Deck of Dream Team 2011

Name: Kieren Jack
Club: Sydney
Position: Midfielder
Bye Rounds: 5 & 19 (both multi bye rounds)
2010 Average: 90
2010 Games Played: 22
Predicted Average: 102

Why should I pick him? Firstly I have a soft spot for KJ because he won me heaps of money in the last 5 weeks of the season doing DT bets on sportingbet.com.au (he was never the favourite and kept winning). When looking for premium players, and being priced at a 90 average is premium, it is important the player finished the previous year strongly, bumping the average up, as opposed to starting strong and dwindling away. The improvement is exactly what KJ managed to do, averaging 107 through rounds 16 to 22, giving us an indication of what he is capable of in 2011. In the first month of last season, KJ’s role lacked the freedom he has since received and his DT scores reflected that when he didn’t manage to score higher than 81. I see this as a positive because it assisted with keeping his price down, and that tagging type role he began the year with, is hopefully a thing of the past.

Why shouldn’t I pick him? Unfortunately for KJ, when he was asked to do a tagging role, he was good at it. So, there is always the worry that he will be called upon to to stop a dominant opponent. While on the topic of tagging, due to Jack’s individual dominance in the second half of the year, he was often receiving the number 1 tag in the middle. It will remain to be seen if he misses the in and under work of Brett Kirk to give him outside possessions.

Deck of DT Rating. KING- A reassuring point of selecting KJ as a premium is his durability. In the last 3 years he has only missed 1 game. This kid is a superstar in the making and has made significant improvements each year and his end to 2010 suggested he is destined for bigger and better things. I think if he fits into your team structure and you are a fan of the kid, it would be a fun unique pick and you will not be disappointed. It is always scary selecting premiums from Sydney, however he is definitely one exception to the rule.