Warnie’s Top 5 Dream Team Bargains for 2011

I thought it was time to start looking at some of the so-called bargain picks for next year. There are HEAPS of players that will attract a discount in 2011 because of missing all, or a fair chunk of 2010. This year, Virtual Sports gave discounts to anyone who played less than 10 games. If they go with that again, then we will find some players who are under-priced. We might find other players who are under-priced because of a stinky 2010. Keep them on your radar too.

Here’s what I have so far (shit, 3 Crows!).

Andy Otten | Defender | Adelaide

Otten missed all of 2010 after doing his ACL at training. In his first full season in 2009, he averaged 68 points from 22 games and this was looking to increase as he was potentially looking for some midfield time before his injury. He will be almost rookie priced and one of the most selected players next year. Keep an eye on his pre-season.

Drew Petrie | Forward/Ruck | North Melbourne

Petrie will probably be one of the most popular picks in 2011. Until this year, he has been a very durable player missing only 2 games in the last 7 seasons. Constant foot injuries kept him to only 2 games… and an average of 50 which will make him a mega-bargain considering his 2009 average was 86 and his 2008 average was 84. At 28 (a perfect age for ruckmen), lock him in as your 2nd ruck.

Chris Knights | Forward | Adelaide

Knights has in the past been a consistent Dream Team player, albeit not as durable as we would hope. His averages in 2007 (87 points/21 games), 2008 (83/15) and 2009 (84/18) were very solid as a forward and rate as a ‘keeper’ in my book. The great thing is that he will be priced at his 2010 average of 66 points and will get some form of a discount for only playing 5 games. Durability is a concern, but if he has a decent pre-season… then I’m on as blokes this good don’t come this cheap too often!

Tim Houlihan | Midfielder | West Coast

Houlihan has only played 15 games of AFL and missed all of 2010 which should net him a 40% discount next year. When he finally got his chance in the side at Round 16 in ’09, his scoring was decent… averaging 82 points per game (23 disposals) and played out the season. Certainly a player who can score well (possibly average about 80) and would end up being a great cheap 4th midfield option.

Bernie Vince | Midfielder | Adelaide

In his breakout year in 2009, Bernie was a premium averaging 100 points. While he won’t be getting a discount, he only averaged 85 points in 2010 which in my opinion, is heavily under-priced. In 10 of his 16 games he scored 90 or more. A great ‘mid-priced’ midfielder pick who is sure to improve in value and if he gets back to his best, will average 100+ and be a premiership player in your team.

So, that’s my top five at the moment… will change 1001 times over the next 6 months, but that is what Dream Team pre-season is all about. Who do you have on your radar as your bargain picks for next year? Let us know who and why!