Guest contributor Brendan Lucas takes a look at some of the best-valued first year draftees and mature age recruits you must consider in your Dream Team this year.
IT has been a long time between drinks, but finally the real football season is almost upon us. It is time to stop fantasising and knuckle down with selection.
With the NAB Cup done and dusted for another year, fantasy football die-hards have had a great opportunity to scope the talent. But have you missed something?
Well have no fear – the best-valued first year draftees and mature age players are here:
Sam Dwyer (MID/FWD) – $89, 300
26-year-old mature-age recruit from Port Melbourne who can seriously play. Will be difficult to get a spot in Pies midfield, but if injuries hit a small forward berth beckons.
Jack Viney (MID) – $102,700
Rough, rugged and hard as nails. Viney is your classic points magnet – an inside midfielder. Already had VFL experience and will play round one. Dirt-cheap but will not be for long.
Daniel Currie (RUCK) – $102,700
A mature-age two-metre goliath. Impressive NAB Cup leading the way as a ruckman. Could push ahead of Goldstein and Daw. A great DT bench warmer.
Jaeger O’Meara (MID) – $108,500
Selected in the 2011 mini-draft. Been battle-hardened for more than a year. Wins the ball, strong on both sides of his body and a solid overhead mark. Criminally cheap and a must-have.
Tom Lee (FWD) – $108,500
One of the few forward rookies to like this season. Kicked 60 goals in the WAFL last season. Looking to make a mark with Kozi under pressure and the recruiting of Tom Hickey. Great bench option but could play this season.
Brad Crouch (MID) – $108,500
Another bull. Adelaide’s pick-up in the 2011 mini-draft. Good against Carlton in NAB Cup. Will get game time this year. Cheap and has a ball radar.
Kane Mitchell (MID) – $119,300
A mature-age recruit and a steal for the Power. Claremont B & F winner and a Sandover Medallist in 2012. A wealth of experience. A great bargain and a worthy midfield asset. Will play.
Oliver Wines (MID) – $156,700
Grew up around Viney and is a carbon copy. No Usain Bolt but a damaging user of the ball. A definite round one starter. Hefty price tag but certainly worth a look.
Don’t forget you can follow me on Twitter @bplucas8 or feel free to leave a comment below.