Miracle Men

Every year there are a few surprise packets who come from nowhere to become DT superstars in the space of a single season. On the back of my unique article from last month, I thought I’d have a look at these players in that awkward $200k – $300k bracket that could surprise us in 2012. It must be noted that the risk in picking up players such as these to begin with almost always outweighs the reward of them becoming a ‘Miracle Man’. However if it comes off… you look like an absolute genius. To clarify what constitutes ‘Miracle’ status, I’m going to put it out there based on the following.

Priced between $200k-$300k; players must increase their average by 25+ and have a massive breakout year to finish as below:

For a Defender, Ruck or Forward – 85 + average over 20 games or more
For a Midfielder – 100 + average over 20 games or more

To set up the article, take Liam Sheils, Matt Suckling and Nat Fyfe as examples:

Liam Shiels started 2011 with a price of $221,500 after playing 6 games in 2010 at an average of 53.3. He went onto play 22 games in a high possession Hawks outfit and average 103 and his price rose by almost 60% by the end of the year.

Matt Suckling began the year priced at $212,600 with only 6 games to his name in his career. His average went from 51.2 to an amazing 90.75 playing in the Hawks defence over 20 games. He went from a nobody to one of the few reliable backline options in an otherwise paltry year for DT defenders.

Finally, after playing 16 games in his debut year of 2010 at a reasonable average of 68, Nat Fyfe came out firing to become one of the must have forwards in 2011. His priced started at $282k and was well above the $350k mark by seasons end after playing 21 games for an average of 98.4 in an impressive 2^nd year which also saw him earn runner up honours in Fremantle’s Best & Fairest.

Whilst the chances of all of these players having great seasons is akin to GWS winning the flag in 2012; if at least one of them proves me correct – I’ll be stoked.

Todd Banfield

Club: Brisbane
Position: FWD
2012 starting price: $297,700
Age: 21
Career avg to date: 58.7 (41 games)

Earmarked for midfield time in 2012, the flame haired dynamo could be a surprise this season with the departure of Luke Power and with Voss wanting to continue to build his midfield around these young, exciting players. After beefing up and enjoying a fantastic preseason, look for Banfield to increase his output considerably in 2012.

Daniel Connors

Club: Richmond
Position: DEF
2012 starting price: $224,200
Age: 23
Career avg to date: 72.4 (27 games)

This guy is a deadset loose cannon. He could be on this list based on this fact alone: if he can spend a whole season off the drink it should be described as nothing short of a miracle. His record doesn’t make for good reading except for 2010 – where he played 14 games and averaged a premium 92.3 as a rebounding defender. If he can force his way back into the Tigers’ best 22; and stay away from alcohol; we could see him in a lot more teams throughout the year. Now back from his club-enforced ban and working through his ‘personal issues’, watch for him to make an impact should he be called into action for the yellow and black.

Travis Colyer

Club: Essendon
Position: MID
2012 starting price: $232,500
Age: 20
Career avg to date: 59.1 (20 games)

Expect to see a lot more of the Bombers youngster in 2012 as he looks to spend more time in the midfield. Still only 174cm, he may be used in several roles as he looks to establish himself in the best 22. Said to have shone over the summer, watch for him to press his claims in the NAB cup for R1. If he gets enough opportunities, he is a prime candidate for a breakout year.

Colin Garland

Club: Melbourne
Position: DEF
2012 starting price: $288,000
Age: 23
Career avg to date: 54.7 (58 games)

A quiet achiever, Garland has recently been elevated to Melbourne’s young leadership group. After two full seasons relatively injury free, Garland will look to step up in 2012 and become an important cog in the Demon’s defence. Able to play on talls and smalls, he is also capable of racking up possessions (29d & 8 m for 124 points in R23 v GCS). As a side note, if Grimes goes down once again look for Garland to step up and coordinate the backline in his absence.

Nathan Grima

Club: North Melbourne
Position: DEF
2012 starting price: $279,900
Age: 26
Career avg to date: 65.1 (42 games)

Whilst considered more suited to SC than DT, Grima easily sits inside North’s best 22 at Half Back. Unable to put together a full season to date, he hasn’t had an opportunity to establish much consistency in his first few years in the AFL. With Brady Rawlings now gone, the Roos may look to Grima a bit more to bring the ball out of defence. Watch him in the NAB cup to see what role he will play in 2012. If he stays fit and can get some consistency going, he could be well worth his price tag.

Chris Masten

Club: West Coast
Position: MID
2012 starting price: $278,800
Age: 22
Career avg to date: 62.5 (51 games)

Plagued by injury; lack of opportunity; and constant subbage in 2011 – it appears that Masten is finally set to set the AFL alight in 2012 as he prepares for his breakout year. He is smashing it on the track and will look to use his skills and speed to his full advantage in the upcoming season. When he was given a chance last year, he dominated in the midfield (as shown by scoring 140 and 115 v the Lions and Crows in R23 + R24). With Brad Ebert now gone, a spot in the best 22 is Masten’s for the taking. He may however face competition from young guns Koby Stevens and Andrew Gaff.

Also on Masten, refer to tBetta’s DoDT article for more info about this guy. Whilst he appears to be a shit bloke, his DT potential is hard to ignore.

Dan Nicholson

Club: Melbourne
Position: DEF/MID
2012 starting price: $266,600
Age: 21
Career avg to date: 53.8 (9 games)

Nicholson was drafted in 2010 as a mature running defender/outside midfielder. And at the age of 21, he is better equipped to handle his 2^nd year better than others. Impressing everyone at the club with his elite running in the preseason, he is doing everything right at this stage of the year. Rumoured to be training with the midfield group; along with the departure of Scully; Brad Green returning to the forward line; and Colin Sylvia just hanging around, expect Dan to get more senior opportunities in 2012. Throw in his DPP eligibility; and Nicholson is an interesting proposition. A sub in 3 of his 9 games last year, he should be given more time on the field in 2012 to prove himself.

Sam Reid

Club: Sydney
Position: FWD
2012 starting price: $278,200
Age: 20
Career avg to date: 56.5 (20 games)

Played 19 games last year and held down a spot at CHF for the majority of the year. Established himself as an impressive youngster with great hands, he will play every game in 2012 barring injury. Seems to have bulked up in the offseason and is looking fit; Reid will look to increase his kicking, consistency and overall output this season and could prove to be the next power forward of his generation ala Jonno Brown or Nick Riewoldt.

Gary Rohan

Club: Sydney
Position: FWD
2012 starting price: $226,800
Age: 20
Career avg to date: 49.5 (16 games)

Coming into his 3^rd year, the lightning quick Swans red head is tearing up the preseason and is ready to take the AFL by storm. After injuries cruelled most of his 2011 campaign, he is injury free and primed for a big year. With sources indicating he will play in the forward line, along with time on a wing – Rohan looks set to significantly improve on his career average in the upcoming season.

Nick Suban

Club: Fremantle
Position: DEF
2012 starting price: $272,100
Age: 21
Career avg to date: 56.4 (46 games)

Was a popular mid-price option last year however broke his leg after 4 games. Returned later in the year but had no real impact. Looks to play along the half back line for the Dockers in 2012 and may spend some time pushing forward onto a wing. If he can stay fit and adjust to Ross Lyon’s game plan, he could prove a great option in defence.

Mitch Wallis

Club: Western Bulldogs
Position: MID
2012 starting price: $244,800
Age: 19
Career avg to date: 55 (6 games)

The youngest of our miracle men, Wallis should get plenty more opportunities in 2012 after debuting last year. Impressing in the midfield at times, he showed he has potential with 3 games of 70 + from his 6 games. With the defection of Callan Ward, Wallis should play a lot more this season. If given the chance, he should improve his output dramatically.

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There are also other popular breakout prospects such as Tony Armstrong and Josh Caddy; as well as mid-price bargains Brian Lake, Hamish McIntosh and Jason Winderlich. However I’ve restricted this list to the more unique and largely untried players for interest’s sake.

How about you – did you pick Shiels, Suckling or Fyfe to start with in 2011? Do you have the mettle to pick one of these guys in your side? Feel free to put forward your feedback or thoughts on possible 2012 Miracle Men.

Cheers for reading,

McRath