Gold Coast Suns AFL Fantasy Preview

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 2013 season.

MCRATH’S FIVE FROM THE SUNS

1. Gary Ablett Jnr. (MID), $642,500.

It may be predictable, but it doesn’t make it any less correct – The Little Master is an absolute gun! Second to only Dane Swan in 2012, Gary went on to play 20 games including 10 games in which he scored above 125! This guy is a genuine captain option each week and will rarely let you down. Lock him in and throw away the key as he’ll sit pretty in your M1 or M2 spot all year, giving you at least one reason to sleep soundly at night during an otherwise hectic Dream Team season. [Click here for Deck of Dream Team Article]

2. Greg Broughton (DEF/FWD), $408,000.

Broughts wrote himself off many dream team coaches’ radars last year when he changed positions so many times we never knew where he would be playing. Now, that can largely be attributed to his now former-coach Ross Lyon’s frustrating plans and non-dream team friendly coaching style. Fast-forward to February 2013 and G.B. has made the switch over to the Sunshine State to link up with the Gold Coast Suns. Considered a certainty to make a spot at half back his own this year, we should see a more consistent, less-frustrating Greg Broughton in 2013 – thus he will be a popular option for Fantasy Coaches.

3. Jaeger O’Meara (MID), $108,500.

Jaeger has all of the tools to be an AFL and Dream Team star. He has a proven record at junior and U18 level of being a ball magnet (Average of 109DT in U18 Champs in 2011). He has had an extra year in the AFL system and club environment than anybody his age (apart from Brad Crouch) and he is priced at only $108,500. O’Meara, the one they call the ‘JaegerBomb’ (working title) is set to slot right into the Suns 22 and will play a lot of senior footy in 2013. One of the few rookie locks of 2013 – don’t think, just pick him.

4. Danny Stanley (DEF), $476,400.

I love the way this guy plays. One of the few dependable players on the young Suns list, the ‘Bull’ is someone that the young kids look to whenever they are in trouble. His consistency is the staple of his game, with his increased output over the past 12 months proving that he will be around for a long time. Now available as a defender in AFL Fantasy, Stanley could be a great point of difference in your backline in 2013. [Click here for Versus Article]

5. Harley Bennell (MID), $438,200.

The now-bearded, messy looking Harley Bennell has been a hit this preseason at Gold Coast HQ. He’s had a strong few months on the track; and has been solid in each preseason game so far. After being a clear B.O.G in the AFL Indigenous All-Stars v Richmond game, he backed up with a solid 40 and 21 in the two NAB Cup mini-games last weekend. Already having improved dramatically in his second year, Bennell is primed for yet another breakout season in 2013 and could be well worth a look in your extended midfield. He should go close to (if not exceed) the 100 point average in 2013 – giving you both a solid, value for money pick in your Dream Team as well as a future AFL Star. [Click here for Deck of Dream Team Article]

OTHERS ON THE WATCHLIST: The Suns have an abundance of fantasy-relevant options in 2013, with a bevy of under-priced premiums and young rookies putting their hands up for selection in the most important team of all – your Dream Team. Michael Rischitelli (MID – $322,000) is a chance to return to his 2011 heights, where he averaged 96 points over 21 games in his first year at the Suns. Daniel Gorringe (RUC – $129,800) should stand up this year and make a spot in the Suns’ 22 his own after the departure of Tom Hickey to St Kilda and the retirement of Josh Fraser. At $129k, he’s a solid pick for your ruck bench. Other rookie-priced players to look at involve DT Talk’s own Tassie-Boy Jesse Longergan (MID – $129,800) and mature-aged, rookie-listed defender Leigh Osborne (DEF – $125,300). Also keep an eye on the Nathan Bock (DEF/FWD – $282,800) when he returns from injury as he represents great value in 2013; as well as Jarrod Harbrow (DEF – $321,400), who has intentions of making a spot on the wing his own this season.

At this point I’ve got two of these guys in my squad, but can make a solid case for almost all of them. A lot of value in 2013 at the Suns – so jump on board and watch the points and cash follow.

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