Dale Thomas – Deck of DT 2016

Name: Dale Thomas
Club: Blues
Position:  FWD/MID
AFL Fantasy: $354,000
AFL Dream Team: $264,300
Bye Round: 13
2015 Average: 57
2015 Games Played: 5
Predicted Average: 83

Click here for DT Live profile.

Why should I pick him?

Dale Thomas should be in the prime of his career, but unfortunately injuries have held him back significantly over the past few years. From a Fantasy perspective, this is not all bad news as Thomas is priced well below his best after managing just five games at a career worst 57.

With many popular DPP options unavailable to start the season, Thomas must be considered purely on the fact he has played at a premium forward standard on a number of occasions in the past. Between 2010 and 2012, he was in full flight, playing 22, 19 and 17 games for averages of 95, 103 and 93 respectively. Although I have reservations as to whether he can get close to these numbers, the fact he has done it before and is still only 28 gets me excited.

Regardless of the fact he was Malthouse’s favorite, everyone’s Fantasy scores suffered as a result of his time at the helm and the exciting appointment of Bolton, could do wonders for him. While on the topic of Bolton, insiders told me he set an extremely high expectation of Daisy’s fitness upon return from the off-season and it sounds like he met them with flying colors.

Why shouldn’t I pick him?

Over Thomas’s ten year career, he has played only two full seasons, with the latest coming in 2010 which highlights his obvious durability concerns.

His average has decreased ever year for the last five seasons.

There is no guarantee he will play a Fantasy friendly role with a new coach.

We don’t want to start with a team full of mid priced players.

Deck of DT Rating.

Queen – I haven’t lost faith in Thomas, and I am confident he can get his average to 80 or over. Even if he has more bad luck with injury, the fact we get two trades per week in Classic and he will be a late selection in Elite make him low risk and potential high reward. From all reports he is having a great pre season and the former number two pick is certainly one to watch.

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: @RoyDT for all thing AFL Fantasy (and more). Got something to say about the deck? Use the hashtag… #DeckofDT.