Deck of Dream Team 2012: Joel Selwood

Name: Joel Selwood
Club: Geelong
Position: Midfield
Assistant Coach 2012 Price: $540,600
Bye Rounds: R12
2011 Average: 109.2
2011 Games Played: 17
Predicted Average: 117

Why should I pick him?

If Jimmy Bartel was the forgotten man of DT 2011, Joel Selwood would have to inherit that title going into DT 2012. Jelwood’s name just doesn’t seem to pop up in fantasy footy chatter as often as GAJ, Swan, Rocky and Barlow, who seem to be the popular early locks for M1-M4 possies. Not surprising though as there is a real depth of quality in midfield stocks with uniques like Murphy, Thommo, Gibbs and Redden also in the mix.

Consider this though… Selwood’s DT averages have been on a steady rise since debuting in 2007 :

2007	2008	2009	2010	2011
85	91	103	106	109

When he is on, he pumps out big scores…How about seven games of over 120 points? How about a measly five games of sub-100 points, of which only three were sub-80 (including 26 in R1)? If we take out that injury-affected score of 26 when he was subbed of in the first quarter after his big clash with Farren Ray, his average over 16 games is an elite 114!! To take that into account, if you want to get really creative with the dollars then Selwood is marginally under-priced at his $540k starting cost – a price tag of $565k would be about right for a 114 average.

While he isn’t the flashiest in-and-under player going around, he is a workhorse and is among the most consistent-scoring midfielders available, even when wearing a tight tag. At the ripe young age of 23, there is still improvement to come from the hard ball nut and 2012 should see him establish himself as an elite premo (110+ average) in his drive to win another flag. Expect his intensity to rise as he leads by example as the captain of the Geelong Cats for 2012, which should also boost his DT production this season.

Why shouldn’t I pick him?

He missed a few games due to suspension in 2011, but that was an abberration as he has played just about every game since his debut in 2007, missing just six in seasons 2007-2010. Other than that, it’s hard to put a line through his name as there are no glaring weakness in his game that would constitute a detriment to his fantasy footy appeal.

Deck of DT Rating:

ACE – Jelwood is the quintessential quiet achiever, sneaking under the radar and maintaining a relatively low profile compared to other high-flying premium midfielders. It is pretty much guaranteed that he will produce for DT coaches every week as he is always in the contest, churning out regular centuries. His consistency, high ceiling and durability make him a must-have by the end of the season. Joel Selwood is an absolute gun who is deserving of a spot in your 2012 squad!

On the tweetvine: @TeeTeeDT