Gary Ablett: Deck of Dream Team 2011

Name: Gary Ablett
Club: Gold Coast
Position: Midfielder
Bye Rounds: 1 & 9
2010 Average: 119
2010 Games Played: 21
Predicted Average: 115

Why should I pick him? He is arguably the most talented player in the AFL and his last few seasons he has continued to prove he is a gun in the actual game of AFL as well as Dream Team. He averages 98 in 2007 and then went on to improve that to 111, 118 and then last year averaged 119 in his final year at the Cats. Now at the Suns, he will be their #1 midfielder and captain of the engine room. We’ve seen he shakes a tag easily and no doubt that he is a jet and will still be a premium player in 2011.

Why shouldn’t I pick him? Maybe I rephrase that. Why shouldn’t I pick him initially. The Suns have a first round bye… which sucks… but then back up in Round 9 with their 2nd and final bye. This is when I’d be getting on Gazza. In my eyes, there is too much uncertainty about Gazza and his ‘role’/scoring output. Gold Coast won’t be as good as the Cats and Gazza won’t have the experience around him like he has previously. Give him until Round 10 to find his feet, maybe drop slightly in value and then be ready to play out the last 15 games for you!

Deck of DT Rating. ACE – Ablett is one of the best players we will ever see and his Dream Team output shouldn’t suffer too much at his new club. Initially he may drop slightly in value, which will make him perfect to jump on after his second bye. Planning ahead like this can be fraught with danger, however this will be a safe bet especially when we find someone to cash in for him for next to nothing! I think you’d be very gutsy to start with him, but silly not to be aiming to pick him up in Round 10. Get ready to get on board the Gazza Train mid-season!