Chris Knights – Deck of Dream Team 2013

Name: Chris Knights
Club: Richmond
Position: Forward
Assistant Coach 2013 Price: $254,500
Bye Round: 11
2012 Average: 49.4
2012 Games Played: 5
Predicted Average: 75

Why should I pick him?

Chris Knights left the Crows at the end of the season as the Tigers pounced to sign their first free agent under the new AFL rules.

My first real DT memory was having Knightsy in 2007 when he averaged 88 from 21 games in his third season. He was one of the dudes who made us excited about the infamous third year breakout rule after improving his average by a massive 38 points from his second season. From here he gave us averages of 83 and 85 in the next two seasons. A few of us jumped on board in 2011 after he was discounted from his injury affected 2010.

The main reason that he is an option for our forward lines in 2013 is that he is coming off a season where he only played 5 games at an average of less than 50. This was mainly due to an early season injury and then he was unable to get much of a run through the good form of his team mates at the Crows. His season read like this:

• Round 12 vs St Kilda – 16 points (started as sub)
• Round 14 vs Richmond – 80 points
• Round 15 vs Port Adelaide – 52 points
• Round 16 vs GWS Giants – 69 points (started as sub)
• Round 21 vs Brisbane – 30 points (started as sub)

With opportunity, Knights will be a great pick. The Tigers were ecstatic when they were able to pick him up for nothing as a free agent. Knights told SEN after signing that he would predominantly play as a high forward, but was happy to line up in whatever position he would be needed (source). This is all very promising.

Why shouldn’t I pick him?

It’s very early in the pre-season and we honestly don’t really know where Knightsy will sit at the Tigers. I’m sure he is definitely in the mix and should be walk up best 22, but time will tell. He has had plenty of injury woes over his 8 year career – never playing a full season – so he comes with a fair bit of risk anyway.

There is also a bit of rollercoaster around the way Knights plays his footy. Over his career, he has needed goals to boost his score. Depending how how high of a forward he is playing and whether he gets midfield time will also have a factor here.

All in all, the main reasons why you would say no now is that he’s always a chance to breakdown and we have no idea what his real role will be at the Tigers.

Deck of DT Rating.

JACK – Chris Knights comes with some risk, hence the jack tag… but if he is given the opportunity and he can stay fit, then he is a must have player in our Dream Teams in 2013. Knightsy has to be at the top of your NAB Cup watch list simply due to someone who has averaged 80+ on three occasions is a bargain at under $300K. For his price, some might argue that you should save your dollars and just get on a rookie – those extra few dollars buys you a bit more job security in my opinion. At only 26, Knightsy reeks value. Hopefully he holds up for us come round one.

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