WELL, fellow Dream Teamers, the time of year that employers dread because their workers are glued to AFL.com.au is finally here - it’s the time of year when much anticipated 2011 Dream Team competitions opens.
Fans jump at the opportunity to get online to plot their 2011 campaign with the aim of claiming bragging rights over their mates with a league win, and winning the car with the best team in the land, or both!
For many, this is an opportunity to atone for last year’s mistakes; or build on the triumphs.
It can also be a confusing time for those scratching their head over which players to include in their side as they delicately scour through the Dream Team Bible - the AFL Prospectus, along with Fantasy Football websites and forums looking for gems to add to their side.
With the introduction of the Gold Coast in 2011, and new rules, things are set to become interesting in Dream Team land, with more trades, bye rounds, players changing positions from the previous year and the substitution rule all proving likely to influence your strategy when picking your side.
Each week on melbournefc.com.au, we will be going over the rules of Fantasy Footy, reviewing the week in Dream Team, and helping you to select your team with the inside word on Demons players, as well as keeping you up to date with all the banter from the Demons Dream Team competition, including some of your favorite Demons stars, and covering all the juicy gossip that you need to know.
With the NAB Cup set to kick off on Friday night, we look at five Demons players to keep an eye on during the pre-season to add value to your Dream Team side.
Fans jump at the opportunity to get online to plot their 2011 campaign with the aim of claiming bragging rights over their mates with a league win, and winning the car with the best team in the land, or both!
For many, this is an opportunity to atone for last year’s mistakes; or build on the triumphs.
It can also be a confusing time for those scratching their head over which players to include in their side as they delicately scour through the Dream Team Bible - the AFL Prospectus, along with Fantasy Football websites and forums looking for gems to add to their side.
With the introduction of the Gold Coast in 2011, and new rules, things are set to become interesting in Dream Team land, with more trades, bye rounds, players changing positions from the previous year and the substitution rule all proving likely to influence your strategy when picking your side.
Each week on melbournefc.com.au, we will be going over the rules of Fantasy Footy, reviewing the week in Dream Team, and helping you to select your team with the inside word on Demons players, as well as keeping you up to date with all the banter from the Demons Dream Team competition, including some of your favorite Demons stars, and covering all the juicy gossip that you need to know.
With the NAB Cup set to kick off on Friday night, we look at five Demons players to keep an eye on during the pre-season to add value to your Dream Team side.
Jamie Bennell
“JB” showed last season just how much talent he has, particularly in round nine against Port Adelaide, kicking four goals and scoring 88 dream team points. He also managed a season best of 105 against Adelaide in round three. He has been one of the pre-season standouts and has been amongst the hardest workers at the club. Bennell has been burning up the track with his pace and spending plenty of time in the gym improving his strength. Expect him to build on his 2010 points average of 50.7 considerably in 2011. Listed as a Forward and Midfielder, Bennell is a good multi-position option for your side and at tempting price of $210,000, he should seriously be considered if his NAB Cup form warrants. Should spend plenty of time up the ground and will push forward, so keep an eye on him and get ready to pounce! His third year looms as a breakout.
Brad Green
This one is a no-brainer. Generally I would say stay away from the guys aged 30 or over, but this guy is like vintage wine, he continues to get better with age. Greeny has a heart like Phar Lap and bleeds red and blue - and he has been rewarded with the Demons’ captaincy. He has proven over the past few seasons to be one of the elite Dream Teamers. Averaging 98.5 in 2010, he was the best of any Demon. Green has the potential to produce mammoth scores, as proven in Rounds 14 and 15 last year (128 points vs. St.Kilda and 141 vs. Essendon), aswell as Round 22 (135 vs. Kangaroos). Aside from 2009, Green doesn’t miss too many games through injury, so he is a safe option for your side.
Tom Scully
The number one pick in the 2009 National Draft lived up to expectations in his first year. With most AFL Dream Team coaches jumping on board the Scully train in 2010, he didn’t disappoint, slotting straight into the lineup from Round One and averaging an impressive 79 points. Amongst the best players in the Club’s intra club match last Thursday, Scully has had a flawless pre-season, and the scary prospect for opposition sides is that he is only going to get better, along with his Dream Team scores. 2011 has the potential to deliver a average of 90+ from Tom.
Daniel Nicholson
“JB” showed last season just how much talent he has, particularly in round nine against Port Adelaide, kicking four goals and scoring 88 dream team points. He also managed a season best of 105 against Adelaide in round three. He has been one of the pre-season standouts and has been amongst the hardest workers at the club. Bennell has been burning up the track with his pace and spending plenty of time in the gym improving his strength. Expect him to build on his 2010 points average of 50.7 considerably in 2011. Listed as a Forward and Midfielder, Bennell is a good multi-position option for your side and at tempting price of $210,000, he should seriously be considered if his NAB Cup form warrants. Should spend plenty of time up the ground and will push forward, so keep an eye on him and get ready to pounce! His third year looms as a breakout.
Brad Green
This one is a no-brainer. Generally I would say stay away from the guys aged 30 or over, but this guy is like vintage wine, he continues to get better with age. Greeny has a heart like Phar Lap and bleeds red and blue - and he has been rewarded with the Demons’ captaincy. He has proven over the past few seasons to be one of the elite Dream Teamers. Averaging 98.5 in 2010, he was the best of any Demon. Green has the potential to produce mammoth scores, as proven in Rounds 14 and 15 last year (128 points vs. St.Kilda and 141 vs. Essendon), aswell as Round 22 (135 vs. Kangaroos). Aside from 2009, Green doesn’t miss too many games through injury, so he is a safe option for your side.
Tom Scully
The number one pick in the 2009 National Draft lived up to expectations in his first year. With most AFL Dream Team coaches jumping on board the Scully train in 2010, he didn’t disappoint, slotting straight into the lineup from Round One and averaging an impressive 79 points. Amongst the best players in the Club’s intra club match last Thursday, Scully has had a flawless pre-season, and the scary prospect for opposition sides is that he is only going to get better, along with his Dream Team scores. 2011 has the potential to deliver a average of 90+ from Tom.
Daniel Nicholson
If you are after a smokey for your side, at 183cm, this kid sure has plenty of talent and could be it! From the University Blues, he has impressed everyone at the Club with his fantastic work ethic at training, and his blistering pace. A talented player in defence, he has the potential to taste AFL football early in 2011. With a spot on the primary list up for grabs, if elevated Nicholson is a great cash cow option for your backline, and he will not let you down! Keep your eye on him.
Jack Watts
Jack Watts could be an interesting option for your forward line this season. He looked good during Friday’s intra club game, pushing up the ground and collecting plenty of possessions aswell as snagging two goals, in what could be a good sign of “Watts” ahead. He looks ready to take his game to the next level, and if he pushes up the ground regularly like he did last season in Round Eight against the Lions at the GABBA (27 disposals), he has the potential to rack up some juicy scores.
Jack Watts
Jack Watts could be an interesting option for your forward line this season. He looked good during Friday’s intra club game, pushing up the ground and collecting plenty of possessions aswell as snagging two goals, in what could be a good sign of “Watts” ahead. He looks ready to take his game to the next level, and if he pushes up the ground regularly like he did last season in Round Eight against the Lions at the GABBA (27 disposals), he has the potential to rack up some juicy scores.
