Heath Scotland – Deck of Dream Team 2013

Name: Heath Scotland
Club: Carlton
Position: Def/Mid
Assistant Coach 2013 Price: $493,400
Bye Round: 13
2012 Average: 95.8
2012 Games Played: 21
Predicted Average: 90

 

Why should I pick him?

The designated sweeper at Carlton is no stranger to having the pill in his hands. Last season, Scotland averaged 26.3 disposals and was 10^th in the league for uncontested possessions. With Judd and Murphy commanding most of the attention from the opposition, Scotland usually does as he pleases. In all honesty, how many times do you see Scotland with and opponent? Very rarely!

As a defender, Scotland was second to Deledio for total DT points in 2012. He also had the third highest average for a defender last season. This proven defender premo also holds his DPP status giving coaches some flexibility if needed.

As a DT coach, one of the most important aspects in picking any player is consistency. Defenders like Grimes, Suckling and Hanley can cause a coach unnecessary stress with their topsy-turvy scoring patterns. No such problems exist with Scotland. From 21 games last season, he scored less than 80 on only 3 occasions and on 4 occasions from 24 games in 2011. In Scotland, we trust!

Hold no fear, a change in coach won’t do Scotland’s scoring ability any harm. Malthouse’s coaching style will still see Scotland play a similar running half back role like he has done in the past few seasons. When you look at guys like Leon Davis and Harry O, Mick allowed them to play to their strengths. The same will apply at Carlton, with Scotland to run off his opponent and continually hit up targets through the midfield and in the forward 50. Additionally, I’ll be very interested to see how Malthouse uses Chris Yarran in the pre season.

Personally, I think Scotland is a competitor who hates to lose and a player that does what he has to do to help the team win. With Carlton desperate to go deep into September, look for Scotland to hit top form in the second half of the season.

Why shouldn’t I pick him?

Like many AFL players in recent times, Scotland has been on the wrong side of the law. In January last year, he found himself in the middle of a pub brawl to which he has pleaded guilty for an associated assault. Scotland has yet received a penalty from Carlton for this misdemeanor but it is probable that his punishment will involve a 2 or 3 game suspension at the start of the home and away season (source).

Scotland turns 33 this year and will probably retire at season’s end. Picking older players comes with the common risks…higher probability for soft tissue injuries, scheduled rest periods etc. Even though Scotland has been pretty durable over his career, his age must be perceived as a risk.

Deck of DT Rating.

Queen – Scotland is a reliable type who will continue to average around the 90 mark in 2013. His likely suspension to start the season means he is out of my initial side, however I’ve penciled him in for a post bye trade up because defenders that constantly accumulate possessions are few and far between!

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