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The Premiums

Think Tim Tams. The deluxe biscuit on the shelf. These guys are the keepers. The players you fork out big cash for at the start of the season and bank on them to pull big points in round one and contend for your own fantasy Norm Smith Medal in your round 24 grand final.

Ideally you’d love to have your entire backline come from this list but the reality is you can’t. Well, theoretically that is. I mean you could, but the way your salary cap is, the rest of your team would be pretty unbalanced.

And we all know what happens if you have too many chocolate biscuits!

In any case, you’ll need at least a couple of these guys in your squad.

Brendan Goddard (St Kilda)

Forget his price. It’s irrelevant. Goddard is a must have in any team. He’s simply the best option among the defenders and among the top few fantasy footballers across the board. Averaged over 100 points a game for the past few seasons. He’s also multi-position listed which helps in this bye infested season. That’s merely a bonus really. He should be a lock in your backline.

Bryce Gibbs (Carlton)

The only question mark over Gibbs this year is how he will be utilised by Brett Ratten. He spent a lot of 2010 playing off half-back and his scores dipped considerably. Consistency in scores was certainly lacking.

Whether that continues a year on remains to be seen. Despite that he still averaged just below 100 points a game. Now he’s listed as a defender as well, he’s a much more viable option for your squad. He’ll be in mine.

Greg Broughton (Fremantle)

All fantasy coaches should be asking themselves “how many games will this guy manage to play in 2011?” He got through just 15 in each of the past two seasons. If you’re happy to take a punt on him playing more, lock him in.

He’s a backline gun for the Dockers. His kicks to handball ratio is very good, and that means more points!

Paul Duffield (Fremantle)

If you don’t pick Broughton, pick this guy. It’s a flip of the coin really. They’re similarly priced and therefore they come up with similar points. The bonus with Duffield is his longevity. He was the only Docker to play all 24 games in 2010 and led the club for kicks. You get the drift – kicks mean fantasy points! I’d encourage you to have at least one of the Dockers boys in your squad – but probably not both.

Brett Deledio (Richmond)

Multi-position listed (midfielder as well) and a prolific ball winner. His worst day out last year still yielded a lazy 18 touches! I’d expect he’ll be one of the more popular picks by fantasy coaches in 2011. And they’ll all be hoping he spends more time in the midfield as the Tigers cover the retirement of Ben Cousins and usher through their young list.

Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs)

A fantasy football gun. Racks up the points with marks and kicks, but there’s doubt over whether he’ll be doing it in round one of the competition. He ordered the works burger in the pre-season, with hip, shoulder and knee surgery all packaged on a sesame seed bun. But he played an intra-club scratch match on the weekend, showing he’s not far from a return.

Fantasy coaches (ie. ME!) will be hoping he comes back, eases into things, registers some low scores, forcing a massive drop in price. Then I’ll be shopping for one Brian Lake! He’s one you’ll want in your side at the business end of the season.

Sam Gilbert (St Kilda)

After his cameo role in the grand final, he’s also listed as a forward this year which makes him an interesting proposition. Doubt we’ll see him up in the forward line alongside Nick Riewoldt too often though! You do the math!

That said, he started up forward in the pre-season, which nullified his fantasy scoring ability and is sure to make many coaches baulk. He was second in the AFL for marks in 2010 but that was done in defence. If you think that’s where he’ll play again, certainly consider him for your side.

Heath Scotland (Carlton)

I had this guy in my side last year and he certainly didn’t let me down. Picks up a lot of cheap possessions across half-back. In a Carlton side featuring Judd, Murphy and Gibbs, he avoids a lot of attention on game day and runs free. He’s listed as a midfielder too if that helps.

Brady Rawlings (North Melbourne)

Was switched into defence last year and even though he was given a shutdown role, still managed to be the AFL’s fourth highest possession winner. Lots of handballs among them though. And I mean lots! Still, a 90 plus average is nothing to sneeze at. At least you know what you’re getting.

Daniel Connors (Richmond)

Best known for giving Ben Cousins a black eye and copping a club-imposed eight week ban in 2010, he came back and consistently racked up plenty of touches in the Tigers backline. His stats were pretty impressive for a guy that only played 14 games. If you don’t fancy buying Brett Deledio, consider this guy instead.

Corey Enright (Geelong)

Mr Consistency. Or is he? He certainly has been in the past in a gun Geelong team. But they’re a side I have on the slide in 2011 and I wonder if that will impact on the fantasy output of Corey Enright. His scores through the pre-season certainly indicate that could be the case.

Cameron Bruce (Hawthorn)

A much more attractive selection proposition in 2011 now he’s listed as a defender. Just what his role at his new club Hawthorn will be is a little unknown. Has roamed defence, the midfield and spent time in the forward line this pre-season. That in itself may excite some fantasy coaches. He was a proven points scorer at the Demons. The downside? He’s 32. The upside? Plenty to prove at a new club that was prepared to throw him a lifeline.

The Monte Carlos

Not a bad biscuit but it’s not going to cut it every day of the week and is it the one you’d roll out after dinner for your guests given the choice? These guys will get you out of a spot of bother and on the right occasion they’ll be your go-to snack. You’ll need some of these guys in your side and you just know they’ll be doing what it takes to one day turn themselves into a Tim Tam. You know what I mean!

Sam Fisher (St Kilda)

A key part of the Saints backline and gives them plenty of run out of defence. Could be a worthy pick if you’re looking for someone unique as I’m pretty sure most coaches will be looking elsewhere. His 2010 numbers stack up very favourably.

Lindsay Gilbee (Western Bulldogs)

Dual listed (midfield as well) and that makes him worth considering again. Among some low scores in 2010 he also notched some monster hauls. I’d expect most coaches may hesitate based on that lack of scoring consistency alone.

Heath Shaw (Collingwood)

The problem here is, do you ever know which Heath Shaw you’re going to get on game day? Capable of some big, big scores. Also capable of some very, very low ones. If you’re willing to take the good with the bad you should still end up with an average of 80 or 90 points per game by year’s end. Like I said – good with the bad!

Robert Murphy (Western Bulldogs)

Very classy but he has consistently frustrated fantasy coaches with his ability to get injured at just the wrong time! He’s coming back from off-season knee surgery. Help or hindrance? Dual listed as a forward this year. That may be attractive to some.

Jack Grimes (Melbourne)

He was one of the gun rookies two seasons ago but was gone by round 14 in 2010. Injuries have not been kind to Jack Grimes. The signs have been very positive through the pre-season though and he’s been one of the shining lights for the Demons through the pre-season, especially from a fantasy point of view. He could be one of the buys of the year for fantasy coaches.

Grant Birchall (Hawthorn)

I’m convinced there will be a year where he goes from fantasy football middle-ground to absolute gun. It’s yet to happen and time is running out. Could this be the year? He plays for Hawthorn and who knows what you’re going to get from them?

Ryan Hargrave (Western Bulldogs)

Will probably miss the first couple of months with a foot injury. He was a poor fantasy selection in 2010. But he was fantastic the year before. Might be worth looking at late in the season if he comes back well from injury.

Levi Greenwood (North Melbourne)

Looks like missing the early rounds through injury but don’t rule him out completely. Showed he has more to his game than just a tagging role late last year, highlighted by a 39 possession haul against Melbourne in round 22. Part of the Kangaroos plans for a new look midfield and with his dual listing may be one of those unique picks that pays dividends when he returns from injury.

Jarrod Harbrow (Gold Coast Suns)

Pulled some big numbers for the Bulldogs last year then went off the boil somewhat. Perhaps without the speculation surrounding his future he’ll produce much more consistency for his new club in 2011.

Nathan Bock (Gold Coast Suns)

Not just a defender. He doubles as a play-maker and will lead the Suns run out of defence. And there’s every chance that will be happening a lot. Could be a handy pick-up but he’s had proven bad luck with injuries over the years.

Dustin Fletcher (Essendon)

The Bombers ageless veteran. Bear in mind he has never played a full season and 2011 is unlikely to be any different. He’s been around long enough you know what you’re getting!

Rhyce Shaw (Sydney)

Didn’t quite pull the fantasy football numbers many would have been hoping for in 2010. The pre-season injury to Nick Malceski may impact on his role at the Swans though and make him a more lucrative option.

Andrejs Everitt (Sydney)

The Swans have a habit of re-invigorating careers and Everitt looks to fit that mould. His pre-season scores have been outstanding. He may be worth a serious look as a mid-priced player.

Shannon Hurn (West Coast)

Has the biggest kick in the AFL but many fantasy coaches would tell you it doesn’t happen often enough. His elevation to the Eagles leadership group may bring out the best in him though. If he can reproduce his numbers of 2009 he would be a bargain.

Josh Hunt (Geelong)

Was one of the bargain buys of 2010. This year he’s much more expensive and doesn’t seem worth the price tag.

Michael Hurley (Essendon)

One of the real shining lights of the pre-season Cup. Listed in defence but more likely to be the Bombers key position forward and a genuine go-to-man. His dual listing makes him well worth a look.

Luke McPharlin (Fremantle)

Another dual listed player. Priced as a middle of the road player and they’re the kind of scores he consistently comes up with. Capable of the odd whopper score though.

Jared Rivers (Melbourne)

If he can stay injury free, at least you know he’ll play every week. Promoted to the club’s leadership group and maybe that’ll help his fantasy scores. But probably not.

Josh Gibson (Hawthorn)

Had a breakout year in defence from a fantasy footy perspective while playing for the Kangaroos in 2009. Then switched to the Hawks, tore a hamstring and missed 10 weeks. A year on, perhaps there’s a glimmer of hope that he can pull some big numbers again. Not the worst in this price bracket.

Jackson Trengove (Port Adelaide)

Will be looked at seriously by a lot of coaches because he is also listed in the ruck. I had him from the start last year and he helped me out big time towards the end when I needed him as a ruckman. And to be fair, his numbers weren’t too bad for a first year rookie. He’s highly thought of at the Power, having been elevated to their leadership group. Just don’t confuse him with the Melbourne midfielder with the eerily similar name!

Andy Otten (Adelaide)

Considered by many to be the best bargain buy in any position this year. Missed all of 2010 with a knee injury. That came on the back of an impressive rookie season. His pre-season has been very encouraging and he seems a likely prospect to make you plenty of cash! I’d expect he’ll be one of the most popular picks in 2011.

The Family Assorted Pack

These aren’t fancy. You wouldn’t pick them unless you had to. They’re cheap and a little random but you usually find one or two that are just perfect for the occasion. Some will be tough, others fragile. These are your rookies. You need these guys in your cupboard. It helps you afford Tim Tams every other week! It’s a lottery. You take a punt and find the diamond in the rough.

Dyson Heppell (Essendon)

Slightly more expensive than most rookies but he was one of the real eye-catching young performers of the pre-season. Slotted into senior football comfortably and his dual listing makes him well worth considering. I suspect most coaches will at least have him on their bench.

Michael Hibberd (Essendon)

Whether he’s in defence or in your midfield he should be in your side somewhere. Will play and will make you money. And on pre-season results, that price should be driven up quite quickly.

Sebastian Tape (Gold Coast)

Likely to play at some stage, probably not in the Suns season debut. In any case, his 20 touches in defence against West Coast in the pre-season have shown he knows how to win the ball. That’s a good thing in fantasy football terms!

Michael Coad (Gold Coast)

Mature-aged rookie and expected to play the Suns first game. Should score well.

Simon Buckley (Collingwood)

A Buckley back in a Magpies jumper? Highly likely. His pre-season scores were impressive and with Nick Maxwell on the sidelines the former Demon is every chance of playing. Something similar would see his price sky-rocket rapidly. He’s also dual listed as a midfielder which makes him even more viable for coaches on the prowl.

Danny Stanley (Gold Coast)

One of the real standouts of the pre-season for the Suns. The former Collingwood player is AFL ready and piled on the points in their first up win over the Swans. He’ll make you a lot of money. Lock him in.

Shaun McKernan (Adelaide)

Turned in some eye-opening performances for the Crows in the pre-season which may see him get a game. But he looks unlikely to score you big points. The big bonus with McKernan is he’s dual-listed as a forward too.

Nick Duigan (Carlton)

Will play. And that just about sums up the logic of buying Duigan now. Time on ground means price inflation. Even if you buy him and sit him on your bench, he’ll make you money to use later on!

Josh Toy (Gold Coast)

Another of the might play/ might not play group. But if he does, he looks a likely fantasy footy type. Listed as a defender. Plays more like a midfielder. There might be something in that. Hint hint.

Paul Puopolo (Hawthorn)

Mature-age recruit who the Hawks see as a bit of a Campbell Brown clone. Thing is – Brown is no fantasy football gun. Should we read anything into that? Big chance of playing though and will make you some cash in a hurry.

Nick Lower (Fremantle)

Already has 20 games under his belt with Port Adelaide. Has just been elevated off the rookie list so is eligible to be selected by the Dockers for round one. That’s a good sign!

Jake Batchelor (Richmond)

Looks likely to feature in Richmond’s round one side. And we all know how much time the Tigers spend bringing the ball out of defence! Worth a look!

Best of luck, and next blog we’ll have a look at the forwards.