That’s not to say that my side is perfect, but I’m slowly starting to get the hang of things. In fact, I know that I’ll probably still be tinkering with my line-up right up until that first lockout next Thursday night.
One thing that I found quite difficult this year was finding those bargain basement players that you just know will make you a ton of money by mid-season.
There are some there, but it doesn’t seem like there are as many as I can recall from previous years.
Maybe it’s because the top dozen or so draftees are now over $200K, which makes you think twice about selecting them.
Regardless, I’ve managed to put together a pretty strong squad of 22 players and still have around $20K left over.
As usual, I’ve gone pretty heavy in picking up Lions players with seven in total – four of which are part of my midfield.
They’re all deserving of spots, as I’ll explain later, and were selected on their merits. At different times I’ve actually had more, but figured I should scale it down a touch.
Claye Beams was part of that group until a few days ago when we all heard the news that he’ll be out for a couple of months with that foot injury. Poor guy can’t seem to get a break at the moment, but he’ll be straight into my team once he’s back on deck, that’s for sure.
Apologies also to Ryan Lester, Mitch Golby, Sam Mayes and Lewis Taylor who were all part of my ‘Polka Specials’ at one time or another throughout the selection process.
Below is my final squad (for now) who I hope can take me further up the AFL Fantasy ladder in 2014.
If I end up winning the entire thing, I wonder whether I’m able to accept the $25,000 prize courtesy of NAB? Surely. I really should read those terms and conditions…
DEFENDERS
Jarrad McVeigh (SYD) - $529,900
Will get plenty of the ball in the middle so it’s a luxury to slot him into defence
Luke Hodge (HAW) - $491,900
Hawks skipper who will control things across half-back. I must admit that I was really keen to put Sam Mitchell here instead, but didn’t have enough cash
Pearce Hanley (LIONS) - $463,700
The Irishman just keeps getting better which is a scary thought for the competition
Jack Grimes (MEL) - $416,200
When he’s fit, he can rack up big numbers either down back or on the wing
Jake Carlisle (ESS) - $360,000
Looks likely to play more forward this year, and has the ability to kick some big bags of goals
Luke McDonald (NM) - $243,900
Looks a real player and has a mature body type that is ready for senior football
Lewis Roberts-Thompson (SYD) - $146,700
I really rate LRT, and even though he doesn’t have a great history of scoring, he’ll play most weeks and do his job
Clay Cameron (GCS) - $115,200
Really impressed from what I saw of this bloke in Townsville. Probably won’t get big scores, but could see some senior action
MIDFIELDERS
Gary Ablett (GCS) - $621,200
The best player in the comp. No more explanation needed.
Scott Pendlebury (COLL) - $611,200
All class and is very consistent with his scores. Very rarely does he score below 80
Tom Rockliff (LIONS) - $558,800
Rocky would probably kill me if I didn’t pick him, so best I keep him happy
Jack Redden (LIONS) - $514,200
Reddo is a regular in the Polka Specials as he gets plenty of the ball and is a tackling machine
Dale Thomas (CARL) - $346,400
Well priced coming off an injury and could explode at a new club
James Aish (LIONS) - $246,600
Jimmy should play a fair bit of senior football in 2014 and has all the qualities to prove good value
Dom Tyson (MEL) - $218,400
Has been in the system for three years and will really help drive the Dees’ midfield
Viv Michie (MEL) - $193,900
Melbourne picked him up for a reason and should slot straight into their midfield
Nick Robertson (LIONS) - $173,400
Even if Robbo doesn’t play senior footy straight away, it won’t be long before he does
Jared Polec (PA) - $135,500
My old teammate seems to be enjoying his new surrounds and is excellent value
RUCKS
Matthew Leuenberger (LIONS) - $461,500
Best ruck in the comp for mine and is just about to enter the peak of his career
Tom Hickey (STK) - $282,700
Will probably assume the number one ruck mantle at St Kilda and is good value
Aaron Sandilands (FRE) - $244,500
Like Beamy, Sandilands is the bargain of the bunch. I would’ve thought about him even if he was $400K+, but at $244K he’s a lock
Tom Derickx (SYD) - $135,500
I admit I don’t know a lot about Tom Derickx, other than the fact that he is a mature-age ruckman who could find a place in the Swans’ side (plus he fits into my salary cap)
FORWARDS
Patrick Dangerfield (ADEL) - $534,700
Will play the majority of the season in the midfield, so hard to go past him as a forward
Dustin Martin (RICH) - $526,000
Dusty is a quality player and will find plenty of the ball regardless of where he ends up playing
Dayne Zorko (LIONS) - $400,100
Has had a huge pre-season and should set the Gabba alight again in 2014
Jack Darling (WCE) - $374,500
Josh Kennedy might be West Coast’s main goal-kicker, but Darling’s ability to take marks and tackle gives him the nod for me
Jonathan Patton (GWS) - $204,100
Might have a Jeremy Cameron-esque season, although coming off a knee reconstruction is a bit of a concern
Robin Nahas (NM) - $178,100
Thought he was good at the Tigers and there’s no reason why he can’t snag a few goals for the Roos
Gary Rohan (SYD) - $138,400
Very good value for a guy that could be anything. Seems over his broken leg as well
Shane Kersten (GEEL) - $115,200
With Podsiadly gone and Vardy out injured, maybe Kersten will get a run. I’m not certain, but I’ll be keeping my eye on him
