Brady Rawlings: Deck of Dream Team 2011

Name: Brady Rawlings
Club: North Melbourne
Position: Defender
Bye Rounds: 3 & 21
2010 Average: 92.5
2010 Games Played: 22
Predicted Average: 96

Why should I pick him? I can’t believe I am writing this, but the numbers don’t lie. Brady Rawlings must be considered for DT this year for a couple of reason. Firstly he is named a backman, and anybody back there capable of averaging 100 is golden, last year over the last six weeks he averaged 105. Secondly, although he is a no thrills type player, his durability more than makes up for it. In the last five years Brady has missed only two games, increasing his value dramatically. Last year, particularly in the second half of the year, Rawlings was given freedom as a creative player, something he hasn’t been used to, as traditionally he has been recognised as one of the games best stoppers. This role change has had a huge positive influence of his DT output and respect from the footy community. Actually it also tells me he has been a wasted talent at the club for 10 years, but that’s another matter.

Why shouldn’t I pick him? It’s Brady Rawlings lady (assuming we still have 1 female fan) and gentlemen. You know, that tagger from North Melbourne who before last year had a personal best DT average of 78. Traditionally the good DT players have a breakout year in their third year, but Brady has mixed it up with an 11th year breakout. Surely this has risk written all over it, a one off fluke at best. He is not available to select in the teams that follow the “over 30 rule” as he turns 30 this year. A huge concern is that he was freed up to find the ball in the place of the injured Liam Anthony. When they played together at the start of the year, a handful of Brad’ys scores were 85, 83, 71 and 65. Not awful, but concerning for a player that will come at a price of a 93 average.

Deck of DT Rating. KING – I never thought Brady would be labeled a King, but if you select him, it is to keep him, and with high scoring expectations. If the end of last year showed an indication of things to come, he could actually have his best average 12 years into his career. This would be considered a very risky selection, especially considering he could return to his tagging role at any time. I do however love the thought of pissing off all my mates by winning the head to head match up due to a Sunday afternoon 100 point performance by Brady Rawlings. The reactions would be priceless.