Jimmy Bartel – Deck of Dream Team 2013

Name: Jimmy Bartel
Club: Geelong
Position: Midfield/Forward
Assistant Coach 2013 Price: $492,700
Bye Round: 12
2012 Average: 95.6
2012 Games Played: 19
Predicted Average: 94

Why should I pick him?

James ‘Jimmy’ Bartel is a loyal servant of the Geelong Football Club; and between the years of 2007 and 2010 – a reliable premium option in many Dream Team midfields. Jimmy has a great all round game and has added several strings to his bow over the past 10 years. Firstly, his durability – Bartel is one of the most reliable players in the AFL. So much so that over the past 8 years he has only missed 9 games! Whilst he’s turning 30 in 2013, he doesn’t seem to be showing any signs of slowing down.

Whilst not a ‘premium’ scorer as a pure midfielder in 2012, as a DPP forward his feats were exactly what you’d want from him. His consistency and scoring power were both evident this season with 10 x scores above 100 (including 5 at 110 or more). He also had 3 in the 90’s and an 88; leaving only 5 scores below 88 (with a not-overly-low of 69). With other options around his price low on consistency, you might want to have a guy like this in your forward line to ‘steady the ship’. Especially when you consider he has not averaged under 95 in a season since 2005.

Now, like his brilliant Norm Smith Medal-effort in the 2011 Grannie, JimBob always seems to have that ability to lift in big games. Especially against top-4 teams such as Sydney and Hawthorn, who he scored 118/107 & 110/94 (respectively) against in 2012, this bloke loves a challenge – and especially a game in the wet (his forte in recent years). So rest assured when Jimmy lines up for a big clash, he won’t let you down.

Jimmy Bartel deserves a medal for his stellar DT career (which is far from over may I add) – oh wait, he already has (several). Not only is he a good bloke and a solid option in your DT forward line, you can feel proud having a Dual-All Australian, Norm Smith and Brownlow Medallist racking up 100’s for your team in 2013.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfpIDXUfbx0

Why shouldn’t I pick him?

With the above sounding very rosy, the pessimist must simply look at his yearly averages to see his steady DT decline. From 2007 he has gone 114, 113, 109, 105, 97 and 95. This pretty much assures us that 2013 will see another reduction in Jimmy’s numbers. How much that is by appears to be the foregone question. With a reduction in midfield time (hence the DPP) due largely to Geelong’s many young up and coming midfielders (Caddy, Bundy, Duncan etc) – Bartel is being given the less glamorous jobs, which is clearly resulting in a drop in DT productivity.

There’s not much else that I can really fault about this bloke, except maybe his age (although he’ll still be on the right side of 30 until after next season finishes) so it really comes down to what you’re wanting in your team. I can say with confidence that there are several other picks around Bartel’s price that are younger and may average more, but few with his consistency and durability. So in saying this, can you find room for the Champion from Geelong?

Deck of DT Rating.

QUEEN – Whilst Bartel may not give you a return of a 100+ average in 2013, you can rest assured that he will give you 100% each and every time he lines up for your team. With his consistency, durability and ability to lift for big games – every team needs a Jimmy.

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Happy New Year DTers!