Steve Johnson – Deck of Dream Team 2013

Name: Steve Johnson
Club: Geelong
Position: Forward/Midfield
Assistant Coach 2013 Price: $501,700
Bye Round: 12
2012 Average: 97.4
2012 Games Played: 21
Predicted Average: 105

 

Why should I pick him?

Of last year’s top 10 scoring forwards, Stevie J was the only bloke who couldn’t be picked in the midfield. However due to the time he spent in the guts throughout the 2012 season, he has been classified as a forward/midfielder for 2013 and is one of the more enticing premium options. His time spent through the middle in 2012 saw him clock up the three highest disposal counts of his career, collecting 35, 36 & 36 touches against the Dees, Bulldogs and Pies respectively. These three matches brought DT scores of 163, 148 and 137, indicative of his massive ceiling as a Fantasy option. His average for the year of 97.4 points per game includes his round 18 DT score of 1 point against Adelaide, which was due to him being subbed off after being cleaned up by Scott Thompson in the opening seconds of the match. If we exclude this outlier, Johnson’s average for the year reads 102.2 points per game, making him somewhat of a value selection based on his 2013 price-tag.

Why shouldn’t I pick him?

A reason to exclude SJ from your initial DT line-up is if you plan to snap him up at a cheaper price later in the season. It’s hard to see Johnson falling outside the top 6 scoring forwards for the year, however his occasional quiet games often cause his price to fluctuate dramatically. In 2012, he had six scores below 80 and was a tasty upgrade option at multiple points of the season.

Deck of DT Rating

KING – Johnson’s a safe bet in that you pretty much know what you’re gonna get. Losing the three top forwards of 2012 (Beams, Dangerfield and Sidebottom) to the midfield leaves the forward line looking pretty slim for premium options in 2013, so if you’re looking to fill your DT salary cap with an elite forward then Stevie J is your man.