Mid-priced Masters

Much maligned and constantly overlooked, the mid-priced player has become somewhat of an outcast within the mainstream dream team “market” over the last couple of years. Due largely to an increase in mature aged recruits and the current adoption of the youth policy (think Richmond, West Coast, Melbourne etc), mid priced recruits have, before now, been seen as a waste of money and too high risk for those coaches whom fancy themselves a Dream Team contender. Of course, there is always the exception (ala Bradshaw 2009 and Malceski/ Waters/ Hall 2010), with some long term injuries and form drops leading to players that just cant be overlooked. Unfortunatly these players are often few and far between and, for every Nick Malceski and Beau Waters, there is a Robbie Gray and Mark Seaby waiting to strike.

However, as the great songwriter Bob Dylan and even greater movie Anchorman once quoted: “The times they are a changing”. With the addition of the Gold Coast “Guns”, and subsequent bye that comes with them, team diversity and MPP are essential, with the years of stocking up on St Kilda and Geelong players all but a distant and wonderful memory. This year it is all about team structure, with every pick/ trade important and job security a key requirement. For this reason 2011 may see the resurgence of the mid priced players, with many injured stars and up and coming guns prime for the picking. So, with this in mind, If your are willing to take a bit of a risk here are a few names from each club that might be the unique picks you’ve been looking for to rise your team to dream team glory (or sink to a new dream team low haha).

Remember, No risk no reward!!!!!!!

Gold Coast

Josh Fraser ($228,400) – Number One ruck job, increased job security and greater game time IS destined to lead to significant increase in value and “keeper” status. With Petrie now reported Fraser is the logical choice for those looking at a cheap keeper.

Nathan Krakour ($208,800) – Also a good option and one that i think has been missed by many coaches, with job security as good as you will get and that free roaming backline role set to bring in some hefty scores throughout the year. Currently locked in as my 7th backman and hopefully can establish himself as a keeper by the end of the year.

Others of Note: Campbell Brown ($268,600), Jarred Brennan ($361,300)

Adelaide

Andy Otten ($142,400) – Get on and watch the value soar. Missed all last year and is ridiculously undervalued. Didn’t come second in Nab Rising Star for no reason and will become the Malceski of 2011. Just make sure you don’t miss the boat.

Chris Knights ($221,900) – So much potential but injuries have ruined his career to date. At this price it is hard to resist, although i have the feeling he is a player that can either make or break a team. If your willing to take a risk then Knights is your man, ruling out injury he is destined for an average of over 80!!!!!!!

Others of Note – Kurt Tippet ($260,500), Sam Jacobs ($289,300), Richard Tambling ($237,300), Jason Porplysia ($284,100) Patrick Dangerfield ($276,900)

Bulldogs

Patrick Vezpremi ($206,400) – Traded from Sydney after limited opportunity, Vezpremi fits right into the Bulldogs fast/skillful game style and has a very good chance of establishing himself as a bulldogs regular. Definitely one to watch in pre-season as he is a bit unique and has potential to increase price significantly.

Justin Sherman ($277,700) – After falling out of favour with Brisbane a change to the bulldogs may be just what the doctor ordered. A proven dream teamer with a good goal sense, Sherman will slot straight in to the bulldogs best 22 and could become a handy asset for teams looking for a unique edge.

Others of Note – Nathan Djekura ($166,100), Callan Ward ($228,000)

Richmond

Nathan Foley ($235,900) – After 2 injury riddled years, both dream team and Richmond fans alike are hoping Foley can recapture the form that saw him become a star of the competition in 2008. At his best Foley WILL average over 85, the question is just whether he can stay injury free and reach his former heights. One that may be overlooked and could be a gem if he gets the body right.

Bachar Houli ($255,100) – Overlooked at Essendon for who nows what reason, Houli will find games easier to come by in Richmond and has the potential to become a very good dream team player. One whose role and form in the Nab cup should be monitored carefully.

Trent Cotchin ($307,800) – The great white hope of Richmond, Cotchin has all the potential in the world and will take the competition by storm when he gets it all together. Whether that will be this year is up for debate but be warned it will happen =p

Others of Note – Dustin Martin ($296,800), Shaun Grigg ($346,700), Mitch Morton ($315,300), David Astbury ($197,400)

Port Adelaide

Domenic Cassisi ($371,100) – Proven high scorer who would be a unique pick that could pay dividens. Much better options around although is definitely not off the radar completely.

Robbie Gray ($282,400) – Pick if you dare!!!!! could be anything and has the potential to score well, will this be Robbie’s year??? It will take a brave man to pick him but could pay off.

Other of Note – Danyle Pearce ($320,700), Hamish Hartlett ($262,400), Mitch Banner ($258,700)

St Kilda

David Armitage ($294,800) – Another who has been talked about for a couple of years now and is yet to fire. May be his year, although I sincerely doubt it!!!!

Ryan Gamble ($157,800) – Found it hard to fit into a Geelong team full of stars, Gamble will benefit from a change of scenery and could well establish himself within St Kilda’s best 22 early. Watch to see if he can continue his NAB Cup form as he may well be a GAMBLE that pays off (couldn’t resist).

Others of Note – Brett Peake ($303,400), Dean Polo ($185,200)

West Coast

Daniel Kerr ($196,800) – Has the potential but is injury prone, cant handle a tag and has shown poor form at the tribunal. If he can get on the field he will be the bargain of 2011, however Kerr is no longer the man he was with Judd and Cousins around and is extremely risky. Feel free to pick him but don’t complain and whinge when he goes out early with an injury or finds himself on the wrong end of the tribunals wrath. You’ve been warned!!!!!!

Others of Note – Luke Shuey ($280,300), Ashton Hams ($254,100), Tom Swift ($268,600), Scott Sellwood ($291,100)

Kangaroos

Drew Petrie ($209,700) – The talk of the pre-season, Petrie is majorly underpriced and will be a popular choice throughout the dream team world. Has been injury prone of late, although in the past has been fairly reliable and shown he can score well. His suspension is a bit of a blow but will be a worthy choice it if you are willing to wait till rd 3 for results.

Others of Note – Gavin Urquhart ($245,500) Jack Ziebell ($276,600), Ryan Bastinac ($272,000)

Essendon

David Zaharakas ($295,500) – Has put on a fair bit of muscle over the preseason and is looking to play more of a role through the midfield. Fits into the third year rule and looks set for a big year. If you can overlook his awkward price he could become a keeper.

Michael Hurley ($264,900) – Another that fits in the third year rule, has been progressing well and could be set for a breakout year. Watch Nab Cup carefully.

others of Note – Scott Gumbleton ($231,600), Travis Colyer ($294,800), Jake Melksham ($246,800), Mark Williams ($162,000)

Carlton

Brock McLean ($264,900) – Another who has been talked about regularly, the former Melbourne star had a year to forget last year and will be looking to reconfirm himself within the AFL’S elite. Word is he has been killing it over the preseason and is set for a big year. Awkward price but looks likely to be a popular choice that may pay dividend for those willing to take the punt.

Others of Note – Andy Collins ($274,900), Andrew Walker ($322,800), Andrew Carazzo ($339,000)

Collingwood

Steele Sidebottom ($332,200) – After two standout performances in last years Grand Finals, Steele is set for a massive year. Expectations are high and should establish himself as a star of the competition by years end. Another one at that awkward price, however he does fit into the third year rule and has potential to burn.

Dayne Beams ($361,500) – Much like Sidebottom, Beams is in his third year and looks set for a big one. Probably didn’t have the finals series he would have dreamed of but will be looking to show that he is up there with the games best. Probably better options for his price but could well be a smokey.

Others of Note – Chris Tarrant ($185,300), Brad Dick ($196,200), Leon Davis ($266,700)

Brisbane

Jed Adcock ($262,500) – Proven Dream teamer who looks likely for a big year. At his price he should be considered by everyone as the comparisons between him and Malceski/Waters is too obvious to ignore!!!

Todd Banfield ($241,400) – Excitement machine who can be inconsistent at times. If he can get a bit more consistency to his game then should be considered.

others of Note – Josh Drummond ($273,900), Jack Redden ($329,600), Daniel Rich ($312,800)

Sydney

There are a heap of mid pricers at Sydney who could be in for a big year. Take your pick out of:

Mark Seaby ($218,600), Rhyce Shaw ($288,100), Andrejis Everitt ($281,700), Ben McGlynn ($356,200) Josh Kennedy ($306,200), Daniel Hanaberry ($334,200), Trent Dennis Lane ($228,000), Kieren Jack ($376,000), Lewis Jetta ($225,200)

Geelong, Fremantle, Melbourne and Hawthorn

Only a few from both these teams and running out of time so ill just chuck some ones to watch:

David Hale ($184,000), Rhys Palmer ($309,500), Tom Scully ($328,500), Marcus Drum ($123,700), Mathew Stokes ($319,200), Jack Watts ($224,500), Jack Trengrove ($316,100), Brendan Whitecross ($241,400), Mitch Duncan ($278,200)

Thanks for reading and please feel free to add some more names to the list if I’ve missed any!!!!!

By Daniel Ramage.