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Carlton Blues: AFL Dream Team Picks

McRath gives us his 5 Blues that he has on his watchlist. There are plenty of premium options at Carlton. Murphy, Gibbs and Scotland will feature in plenty of teams you’d think. Which Carlton Blues are currently on your AFL Dream Team watchlist?

This series of ‘club preview’ posts are written by DT TALK regular contributors choosing their 5 players they have on their watchlist from the respective club. These aren’t who we think will be the top 5 highest scoring players… and are not necessarily in order. They are just our opinions of the 5 players who we have on our watchlist heading into the 2012 season.

McRath’s top five Blues

1. Marc Murphy (MID), $551,300.

The most expensive Blue of the lot (and rightly so), Murph will be looking to build on his outstanding 2011 season where he broke out into the elite midfielder status. It seems he is preparing to take over the # 1 midfielder tag at Carlton, but don’t let this deter you – he is a class act. Durable and capable of some high scores, expect Marc to improve again this year to push his average above 115.

2. Bryce Gibbs (MID), $529,000.

My boy Bryce had his best  year yet in 2011, despite being subjected to a number of negative roles by Brett Ratten. Tipped for a permanent midfield role this year – I’m backing Gibbsy to go one better in 2012 and become a ‘super premium’. Priced at a reasonable 107 average, he’s cheaper than many other young guns like Redden, Rockliff, Selwood and his buddy Murphy. He may not fit into some coaches’ structures however I can’t find any negatives worth noting against the young superstar.

3. Heath Scotland (DEF/MID), $493,500.

One of the most reliable and consistent defenders of the past 5 years, Scotto is the rock in an improving Blues team. Whilst he does not come cheap, he is one of a dying breed of gun DPP defenders in the 90+ range. He appears to be getting better with age as opposed to most 30+ y.o. players who’s output seemingly dies off after they hit that mark. On consistency and his outstanding preseason form alone, he deserves to at least be considered.

4. Mitch Robinson (MID/FWD), $456,200.

Refer to my Versus Article I wrote in January about this guy. As crazy as he is, he knows how to find the ball and has a hunger for footy that few can match. With his DPP link to the forward line, he is a great option next to Buddy and Cloke in your front 6. Whilst not enjoying the best preseason, he should ripe by R1 and ready to churn out points all over the field. He may not be pretty but he will play his heart out and leave nothing in the tank.

5. Andrew Carazzo (DEF/MID), $454,800.

Similar to Gibbs, Carrotts’ DT scoring has been held back by tagging and run-with roles over the past few years. An efficient user of the ball, Carazzo often flies under the radar and can easily come out and top score in a crunch game. Punching out an average of 92 from 16 games last season, expect him to increase his output from last year in what should be a high performing Carlton side in 2012.

Keep An Eye On

Despite a sub par preseason, former Norwood mature ager Sam Rowe will be under the watchful eye of many coaches in the final weeks of the preseason given his low starting price and DPP status. Also, it wouldn’t be fair to write a Blues article without mentioning the legendary Chris Judd – whilst having a slow start to the year courtesy off injury; he will be keen to help his young brigade push for top 4 honours yet again in 2012. Finally, having been mentioned several times in preseason circles, former # 1 draft pick Matthew Kruezer will be a popular mid price ruck option, with many predicting a breakout season.
FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: @McRathDT

Blues DT TALK League: 614751

Who loves a number? McRath loves a number! Not only does he crunch the numbers for his own team, he is an integral member of the DT Talk team across the season providing heaps of great content! Follow him on Twitter: @McRathDT.




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