AFL FANTASY 2018 - Keepers, Bargains and Cash Cows Part 2

Hi all,

Welcome to my part 2 where I will preview some good Fantasy buys for Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong and Gold Coast.

This is the 2nd of 4 parts that will cover off all 18 sides.

If I get the readers, once the season kicks off I will do a weekly blog offering tips as we go.

To Recap my categories are:

Must have - contains keepers you should strongly consider building your team around or just absolute price bargains

Keepers – ones I would consider taking and if drafted would be with a view to keeping all season

Keeper Cows - No man’s land price types, neither cash cow nor elite keeper. Potential to earn some profit or even turn into elite keeper.

Cash Cows – Cheap speculative types that can make you money

Avoid like the Plague- injured, too risky types or overpriced players

• Any players not listed at all are ones I would not recommend at this stage. Some new faces will no doubt bob up through the pre season competition

Will the real Jake Stringer be back this year?

DEFENDERS
A MCGRATH $496k Defender - Keeper Cow
2016 number 1 draft pick showed exactly why with an outstanding 1st year in the Bombers backline culminating in the Rising Star award.
Played 20 matches for a solid 71 point average and looked very comfortable at the level. Will no doubt only improve that output in his 2nd year and will be a popular choice in a lot of Fantasy backlines. $496k is a great price for someone who will likely keep his spot in your defence all year.

M GLEESON $456k Defender - Keeper Cow
Will be entering his 5th season now and entering his prime. Played 18 games last year and looks to of cemented a spot in the Bombers backline now. Only a 65 point average but what caught my eye is his last month in particular. Looks like the penny has dropped and now confident at the level. Last month scores of 77, 83, 95 and 93 with intercept marking a feature of his. Well worth the punt at $456k.

MIDFIELDERS
B GODDARD $716k Midfielder - Keeper
A lot of money to pay for a 33 year old and not even a dual position for extra value this year. Could just as easily had him in the avoid column but his form has never dropped off, so given no reason to think he can't replicate his 102 point average of last season.
To be honest I won't be risking him this year but he is far too good a player to leave off. His monster scores of the past are probably behind him but will reward his owners with consistency and probably a dual position later on.

D ZAHARAKIS $702k Midfielder - Keeper
Had his most consistent year of his career last year with a solid 100 point average. Still had his 4 games in the 60s but a whopping 14 games over 100 mean he warrants serious consideration. Pretty cheap by elite midfielder standards and will tempt a few at that price especially Bombers fans.

RUCKS
S DRAPER $170k Ruck - Cash Cow
Had a great season in the VFL for the bombers last year.
In his 2nd year now and with 105kg to go with his 203cm height he is physically ready to play AFL.
He is bottom price and 4th in line behind Bellchambers 28, Leunberger 29 & Mckernan 28 but all those guys are nearing the end of their carees. All are injury prone and also prone to losing form.
Not a whole lot to beat at Essendon for the Ruck spot so expect Draper to get a look in at some stage.
Keep any eye out for him in the JLT series.

FORWARDS
D SMITH $575k Forward - Keeper
New recuit Devon Smith is a classy small forward who can pinch hit on the ball. Averaged a tidy 81 per week last year but I think he has more in his locker than that. Had a little bit of an injury interrupted year and looked to be carrying an injury at times.
Will be fresh in a new club and with a full pre season under his belt I expect to see Smith back to his very best this year. Will give you a very high output and $575k cheap by Keeper standards. Is a good buy at that price.

J BEGLEY $308k Forward - Cash Cow
Just played the 3 games late in the season for the Bombers which included their elimination final. Had a high of 72 and looks a player in the making. Will benefit from another full pre season and will be pushing for a permanent spot in the best 22. A strong JLT series and he could be nice cheap money making option for your forward line.

J STRINGER $403k Forward - Keeper Cow
Gee whiz, former All Australian and Premiership Forward entering the prime of his career yet just 403k?
That's because he had the year from hell with the Dogs in which he unbelievably found himself dropped from the team for a period and his average per game dropped to 57!!
So you will need to take on faith that the real Jake Stringer will be back this year. He will benefit from a fresh start at a new club and is tipped to see more midfield time at the Bombers. Watch for him to create some buzz in the JLT series. Definitely a worthwhile gamble at that price

DUAL POSITION
A FRANCIS $259k Defender/Forward - Cash Cow
Was taken pick 6 overall in the 2015 draft. Was a beast in the under the 18s and most had him pegged as a guaranteed star for the Bombers. 2 years and 5 underwhelming games later he requested a trade home to Adelaide. The Crows and Port both had their hands full chasing other targets so were not interested.
Francis to his credit has put his head down and apparently put in a ripping pre season. Given he is now entering his 3rd year and has immense talent he could be worth a gamble at a cheap price.
He is also a dual Defender/Forward so brings flexibility to the table as well. If he puts a couple of decent pre season games together he could be in the team Round 1 and turn into a very profitable cash cow.

D PARISH $551k Midfielder/Forward - Keeper
Is an out and out midfielder but the Bombers are building a lot of depth in that part of the ground so he could well be pushed Forward. Given AFL Fantasy have given him Forward status this year he is almost a must have.
Was taken with pick 5 in the 2015 Draft and unlike his mate Francis, Parish has repaid the Bombers faith in spades.
A classy on baller who is very consistent given how young he is and only dropped under 70 four times last year.
His average is a modest 78 but I expect that average will be pushing 90 this year and would be a great pick for anyones forward line.

MUST HAVE
M HURLEY $663k Defender - Must Have Keeper
All Australian Centre Half Back who had a huge year averaging 94 per round and cracked the ton 9 times with a high score of 122 which he did twice.
Also had a further 5 matches in the 90s. I would not of been surprised to see a mid 700 thousand price range so I think 663k is a steal. There are not too many Defenders I would pick ahead of him.

Z MERRETT $825k Midfielder - Must Have Keeper
Hard to believe he is only 22 years old given the level he has risen to already. One of the star Midfielders of the comp and is only going to be better this year which is a scary thought.
15 tons last year with a high of 150 and 7 over 130. He is just a brutal scorer and you do not want to be coming up against him in your league matches. $825k is a steep price I know but you just have to pay it and get him in.

Became Fantasy Royalty last year and will be in a lot of Dream Team Midfields this year

D HEPPELL $707k Midfielder - Must Have Keeper
Was actually down a little bit on his own very high standards and I put that down to maybe a bit of a hangover from spending the 2016 season on the sidelines. Good news for us as we get him for a discounted price of $707k which is ridiculously cheap for this guy.
To put it into context, Heppell's down year last year still contained a 99 point average and 12 games over 100. Had a high of 156 and another at 138 to show what he can do on his day. Expect a lot more of those scores.
Very hard to leave him and his buddy Merrett out this year

J DANIHER $597k Forward - Must Have Keeper
Superstar. Could we see the return of the 100 goal full forward? Maybe not but nothing would surprise me with this guy and he is going to have a strong Bombers midfield delivering the ball to him this year. Had a strong 85 point average last season with 7 games over 100 and a high of 127. Only had 4 games below 70 so consistency has improved. Will put up bigger numbers again this year no doubt. Put him in your forward line, you won't regret it.

Avoid Like the Plague

BELLCHAMBERS $592k & LEUNBERGER $527k Rucks
I have packaged both the bombers rucks here as they both bring injuries and poor form to the table at any given moment. Bellchambers 91 point average may suck a few in but look closer. Only played 14 and 5 were sub 70 scores. You can find way better for $592k.
As for Leunberger, god how many chances has this guy had in his injury plagued career? Turns 30 this year and its like we are all still waiting for him to develop into the player we thought he would be early in his career. Maybe he is a very late bloomer? More upside than Bellchambers and a cheaper price but only managed 7 games last year. Just not worth it

DEFENDERS
L RYAN $530k Defender - Keeper
What a revelation in Defence this guy was for the Dockers in the 2nd half of last season. Mature age recruit who made a case for all late developers with the level he played at from the moment he stepped on the field. Average of 75 which will no doubt increase in his 2nd season but the most exciting thing is his ceiling. 3 tons including a 138 score to his name! Has well and truly cemented a spot in the back 22 now with his elite marking.
$530k is a little steep for an 11 gamer but also very cheap for an elite defender so depends how you view him. I view him as a guaranteed starter in my back 6.

N WILSON $499k Defender - Keeper Cow
A very nice pick up in trade week by the Dockers getting the speedy and creative Wilson off GWS. Had a couple of tons last year but then a couple of woeful games to so thus the average of only 71. Still the bar isn't as high for Defenders and I think he is still improving. I expect he will be a lot more comfortable at the Dockers and consistency should follow. Worth consideration at a touch under 500k.

MIDFIELDERS
A BRAYSHAW $268k Midfielder - Cash Cow
Was in a tug of war with Rayner for the number 1 pick in the draft last year. A ready made classy Midfielder who will have no problems slotting straight into a Fremantle on ball division that doesn't bat all that deep. Probably one of the safest Cash Cows you can grab this year.

Ready made star Brayshaw has already extended his contract for 2 more years with the Dockers

A CERRA $262k Midfielder - Cash Cow
Fremantle really did draft themselves an insta-midfield getting 2 star kids in Brayshaw and Cerra. Cerra himself was in the conversation for the number 1 pick a lot of last year. Another ready to go at AFL level ball magnet who will have no problems finding a spot in the Dockers midfield rotation. Another safe Cash Cow selection.

B HILL $660k Midfielder - Keeper
Thrived at the Dockers last year after moving across from Hawthorn. The expanses of Subiaco were made for him but will the new Perth Stadium be the same? Had an average of 94 last year which included 8 tons and a high of 159. The price of $660k is about right for him as I rate him a peg under the elite midfielders but worth considering none the less.
Could also jag a dual position upgrade to Forward later on.

C BLAKELY $646k Midfielder - Keeper
The Dockers have been screaming out for more genuine on ballers and Blakely was one who put his hand up last year in his 3rd season.
Played 17 games last year to cement a spot in the Dockers side and cracked the ton 7 times with a high of 130. A healthy average of 92 which doesn't do him justice given he left 2 games injured for a 17 and a 8. A beast of a Midfielder in the making and could be a great point of difference player for you as he is bound to fly under a few peoples radars. Will further improve in 2018 and won't be flying under my radar that's for sure.

RUCKS
S DARCY $554k Ruck - Keeper
I was very suprised when Sandilands chose to go on another season given Darcy is easily the better option for the number 1 Ruck spot at the Dockers now.
Darcy finally got his shot for the last 8 games of the season when Sandilands went down injured and proved he should of been there all along. 84 point average, never dipped under 70 and a high of 114. Would be a must have at that price if Sandilands was to get injured.
Unfortunately Ross Lyon only plays 1 Ruck and is stubborn as hell with his favourite players so Darcy won't get a look in whilst Sandilands is fit.

FORWARDS
C McCARTHY $408k Forward - Keeper Cow
Was better than I thought he'd be last year after missing the 2016 season. Is entering his 4th season of AFL footy now and will be further strengthened by another full pre season. Will have a much stronger Freo on ball division delivering him the ball this year so a lot of room for improvement on that 58 point average. Did have a 102 and 96 to his name last year so he is capable and almost a Cash Cow at that price.

H BENNELL $249k Forward - Cash Cow
Prodigious talent who has just had 2 years of calf troubles and off field woes. Is fully fit now but also on his last chance after a drunken altercation with a bouncer a couple of weeks back. So if you are willing to risk the injuries and the closet drinking (or worse) problem then you will be getting probably the most talented dream team scorer to ever have a $249k price tag.
Is a forward and if you cast your mind back to the 2015 season at Gold Coast he had an average of 92 which included 6 tons. Had scores of 130 (twice) and 124 to his name that year. Would be a gamble but would also be one hell of a pay day if he gets his shit together.

M APENESS $170k Forward - Cash Cow
Has only managed 7 games in 3 years and injuries have just killed him. Is however a highly rated tall forward who can also Ruck. Freo are screaming out for a good tall forward in the post Pavlich era and Apeness will get opportunities now he is fully fit again. Keep an eye on him in the JLT as could be a good pick up at bargain basement price.

DUAL POSITION
R NYHUIS $310k Defender/Forward - Cash Cow
Burst on the scene last season with 4 goals on debut. Only averaged 54 though and probably a bit over priced if anything at 310k. However he obviously has ability and very handy dual position.
Only worth considering if lights up the JLT series but as we know, unknown players always put their hands up at this time of year and he could be one of them.

M WALTERS $560k Midfield/Forward - Keeper
Almost a must have now he is a genuine midfielder as well as a Forward but I still just don't fully trust him. Had 6 tons last season including scores of 145 and 137 to show how high his ceiling is but also 5 games in the 30s. Might be a bit of a rollercoaster ride for owners but has to be under consideration given only a $560k price tag for a bloke so talented

D MUNDY $593k Midfielder/Forward
Another ex Fantasy star who father time has caught up with. Average per game dropped from 100 to 84 last year and just the 5 tons.
As a forward though an average of 84 is still useful and only dropped under 70 five times so reliable. Still has a high ceiling and will have a few flashback weeks here and there where he will put up big numbers. Still worth considering given under 600k.

MUST HAVE
L NEALE $706k Midfielder - Must Have Keeper
A star on baller with a solid 100 point average. 11 tons and that is despite some pretty heavy tags at times. He will also benefit from a fully fit Fyfe back in that Midfield occupying opposing teams taggers attention.

N FYFE $686k Midfielder - Must Have Keeper
Hell hath no fury like an angry Nat Fyfe who is now fully fit and ready to take back his mantle as number 1 player in the comp. We saw the power of 1 player last year when Dusty carried the Tigers to a flag and Fyfe could almost do the same thing for Freo this year.
I normally don't draft Fyfe in classic dream team as he is normally too expensive and not as prolific a Fantasy scorer as the Tom Rockliffe, Paddy Dangerfields of the world but I think this year is going to be different.
In the last 2 months of the 2017 season Fyfe finally looked to be back to full fitness after that terrible leg injury. Had 5 tons in that last 8 games and a lowest score of 88.
He is available at reduced price of $686k and I think will explode this year. Will be lining up in my team that's for sure

Another Brownlow in 2018?

Avoid Like the Plague:

M JOHNSON $464k Defender
Was once a great option for Fantasy Defences but is now looking in danger of going 1 year too long. It was great to see him shake off the injuries and play a full 22 match season but he was not the same player. Can still do a job defensively for the Dockers but can no longer do a job for dream team owners. Avoid

A SANDILANDS $539k Ruck
Bound to attract some interest at that price but past his use by date now surely. Injury plagued and has a very talented young ruckman in Darcy sniffing around the number 1 Ruck spot.
Whilst $539k is cheap for Sandilands it is not the same Sandilands and too risky for mine.

DEFENDERS
Z TUOHY $603k Defender - Keeper Cow
His move from the Blues was a great success as Tuohy enjoyed arguably his best ever season. Plays the defensive sweeper role well and had a solid 86 point average last year which included 5 tons and a high of 131. Very consistent and very safe pick albeit a tad pricey.

T STEWART $424k Defender - Keeper Cow
Mature age recruit who was a revelation in the Cats backline last year. Just got better and better as the season wore on and his Fantasy scores did as well.
60 point average but his 2nd half of the season was higher than that. Given the natural improvement expected in his 2nd season and relatively low price tag, he has to be considered.

MIDFIELDERS
L FOGARTY $228k Midfielder - Cash Cow
Taken pick 22 in the draft this 1st year player will find it tough to get a game in the Cats best 22 given their depth, but he was a massive ball winner in the under 18s.
Small courageous in and under type who Chris Scott will love. Scott has shown he is not afraid to play the kids if they
show him something so Fogarty is one to keep an eye on in the JLT series.

RUCKS
Z SMITH $596k Ruck - Keeper
Has been a fantastic pick up for Geelong and now 2 seasons in, he is their number 1 Ruck.
If you are looking for a slightly cheaper Ruck he could be your man.
Has a solid average of 85 and got the ton 5 times last year with a high of 148 in his locker. Could still have some improvement left in him as well.

FORWARDS
T HAWKINS $552k Forward - Keeper
Hefty price tag but does boast a 78 point average which is solid for a Forward. Has a high of 158 and will be licking his lips at the prospect of Ablett (if he can get on the park), Danger and Selwood delivering him the ball. Probably too expensive for what he brings to the table but worth a thought.

S CRAMERI $324k Forward - Cash Cow
Missed last year with injury and was delisted by the Dogs before the Cats threw him a lifeline in the Rookie draft. Crameri has always had ability and the Cats have been crying out for support for Hawkins so there is a role waiting for him. A good JLT series should see him get a spot in the round 1 side and at $324k could be a good earner for you.

MUST HAVE
S MENEGOLA $719k Midfield/Forward - Must Have Keeper
And the number 1 AFL Fantasy forward everyone wants this year is...this guy.
The Cats just keep finding them don't they? In his 2nd season at the Cats he became a star playing 19 games with an average of 102. 12 of them over 100 and 4 of them in the 130's. Will be even better with another pre season under his belt. Get him in

P DANGERFIELD $849k Midfielder - Must Have Keeper
Is in a 2 horse race with Dusty for the label of number 1 player in the comp with Fyfe expected to join back in the conversation soon.
Some have gone one step further and say "Danger" just might be the greatest of all time especially when you consider the bags of goals he can kick as a full forward when resting up there. Think Leigh Matthews on steroids.
Average of 121, 5 games of 140 or more, 20 games of 100+ just a ridiculous scorer and worth every cent of the $849k price tag given you can safely Captain him each week

An unstoppable force

M DUNCAN $793k Midfielder - Must Have Keeper
Remarkable season by Duncan who had 17 tons (including finals) and a 113 point average. Never dropped under 90 once and a top score of 160. Worth every cent of that $793k given Danger, Selwood and Ablett will occupy taggers attention. A serious must have.

J SELWOOD $670k Midfielder - Must Have Keeper
This is the cheapest price Joel Selwood has been in a very long time. His 95 average is hugely deceptive given he went off injured with a 2 in one game and played injured late in the season.
He still cracked the ton 10 times last season (including a final) with a high of 175. Is a super star you can get on sale at $670k so take advantage.

Avoid Like the Plague:

G ABLETT JNR $837k Midfielder
Once Ablett made it clear he wanted to go home to Geelong the Cats had no choice but to make it happen. Their fans would of rioted in the streets if they did not bring "son of God" and future hall of fame legend Ablett Junior home.
This guy once boasted a dream team average of 140 a game but those days are sadly gone. Has managed 6, 14 and 14 games in his last 3 seasons as his body has been plagued with shoulder and soft tissue injuries.
The Cats will spin positive news and say he is having a great pre season, is fit etc but don't buy in especially when he has an $873k price tag. He just wont get on the park enough this year

Son of God has returned - To a forward pocket at least - and only every 3rd weekend - and not on long road trips

S SELWOOD $704k Midfielder
This guy is a tackling machine and beast scorer when he gets on the park but he is just way too injury prone. His last 4 seasons have seen him play just 12, 12, 3 and 11 games. We already have a news headline of ankle surgery having him in doubt for Round 1. I just can't spend $700k on a bloke this accident prone.

DEFENDER
K KOLODJASHNIJ (KK) $604k Defender - Keeper
KK is high on my radar this year and what looks like a hefty price tag is actually a discounted price after an injury interrupted year. Make no mistake this guy is a premium defender who is now entering the prime of his career.
Scores of 125, 113 and 108 last year gave a glimpse of what to expect this year now he has had a full pre season.
I actually think he is good enough to be in the All Australian discussions later this year. Strongly consider taking him

S MAY $545k Defender - Keeper
I was actually onto May at the start of last year in both classic and elite formats. He really paid me off and is a now a consistently strong scoring full back who is a value pick at $545k.
Played 18 games for an average of 77 last season with a high of 118 and 6 more in the 90's. Went off injured for a 10 in one game which hurt his average and I think he will improve on that this season.
At that price expect to pick yourself up a solid 80's scoring Defender who wont drop much below that and give you some big weeks.

J BOWES $351k Defender - Cash Cow
Supremely gifted elite Midfielder taken in the 1st round of 2016 draft and came out of the Gold Coast Academy.
Is entering his 2nd season although when it comes to Academy kids they basically get a season at the club before they are drafted and can play up to 8 NEAFL games.
This gives them a head start in development on their peers in that draft year so you can say Bowes is now entering his 3rd year in the system and should be ready to cement his spot in the Suns Midfield.
Not exactly sure why AFL Fantasy has him listed as a Defender but given it is a harder part of the ground to find cheap talent that is a huge plus.
Played 11 games in a struggling Suns team last season to get a taste for the level and did some nice things despite not setting the world on fire.
I will keenly watch his JLT series as he will get a lot of game time this year and could be a great Cash Cow opportunity.

J SCRIMSHAW $231k Defender - Cash Cow
Another elite Midfielder in the under 18's that AFL Fantasy has given Defender status to which is a huge plus.
Scrimshaw was taken at pick 7 in the 2016 Draft and will be entering his 2nd season.
Unlike Bowes he did at least play a lot off the half back flank in under 18s and was a super rebound defender. At 193cm with an elite left foot kick and exceptional pair of hands there is no doubt the Suns will use him Defence this year.
He played 4 games last season to get a taste and I expect he will become a regular this season so will be a valuable Cash Cow for Fantasy players who are onto him.

MIDFIELDER
A Hall $690k Midfielder - Keeper
Hugely talented elite scoring Midfielder on his day that can put up ridiculous scores.
Scored over 100 in 9 of his 19 games last season with an average of 92. Had 156, 152 and 134 games so has no problem tearing it up when he is in the mood but is worryingly inconsistent as his lows of 44, 54 and four more in the 70's shows.
At 690k it is a slight discount for an elite midfielder but there certainly is the horror weeks catch.

D SWALLOW $605k Midfielder - Keeper
Due to his injury history he is always a dangerous selection but $605k is a cheap price to pay for a premium Midfielder who can score big.
Swallow is a former number 1 pick in the draft who played 18 games last season and looked to finally be back to full fitness. Had a modest average of 84 but note he did ton up in 4 of his last 8 games. I expect with another pre season under his belt and a fit body he should improve on that average. Could be a rewarding selection if you are brave enough.

T MILLER $549k Midfielder - Keeper
He really improved last year and showed he can play at a really high level. Entering his 4th season now he could be ready to have a real break out year. A modest 78 average but did crack the 100 a few times. A little pricier then I'd like at 549k given you are drafting more on potential but worth keeping an eye on in the JLT series.

L WELLER $521k Midfielder - Keeper
Had his break out year last season at Freo on the wing/midfield and looks a future A grader for sure but gee whiz Gold Coast certainly did sell the farm so to speak to get him by giving up pick 2 for him.
Andy Brayshaw who went at that pick looks a future super star of the comp so will be interesting watching him and Weller's progress over next few years to see who wins on that trade.
Gold Coast will be the short term winners at least as Weller is now entering his 4th season and will step straight into the Suns midfield. He and team mate Lyons will be charged with helping fill the void left by Gary Ablett's departure.
Weller does only boast at 74 per game average so thus the cheap price but if you take him you are taking on potential.
I expect that average to shoot up this year.

Sure he's a gun but worth pick 2? hmmm

M RISCHITELLI $428k Midfielder - Keeper Cow
Bit of the forgotten man after an ACL wiped out nearly half of his 2016 and most of his 2017 season.
At 32 years of age you would be brave to take him but I wouldn't count him out either. Had a 95 average in the 2015 season for Gold Coast which include 7 tons and only went under 80 3 times. This consistency is largely helped by his tackling prowess which is a handy attribute in AFL Fantasy given they are 4 points each. He is capable of double figures in the tackle count on his day.
So a pretty good package for $428k and definitely worth watching how he goes in the JLT series.

W BRODIE $356k Midfielder - Cash Cow
Another in a long list of Gold Coast youngsters to keep an eye on over the pre season.
He was a contested ball beast with a big frame in under 18s which culminated in him being a top 10 pick in the 2016 draft. Played just the 3 games in his first season but already has an 89 point game on his resume. With another pre season of muscle added to that 189cm frame he will be another one to keep an eye on in the JLT series.

H WIGG $170k Midfielder - Cash Cow
I was actually keeping an eye on Wigg last year as a nice cheap option as he was dominating in the SANFL but could not crack a red hot Crows senior team. He was traded to the Suns in the off season and should get much more of a look in now. Sadly he suffered a nasty ankle injury at training in December which required surgery so don't expect to see him in the JLT series. I am not sure how long he will be out for but at 170k bottom price he is still one to look out for this season once he is back on the track.

DUAL POSITION
P HANLEY $509k Defender/Midfielder - Keeper Cow
Was an A grade talent and elite fantasy scoring midfielder in his time at Lions. I still remember his 182 against the Gold Coast in 2014 season for Lions. Missed half the 2015 season with injury and then was below his best in a struggling Lions team in 2016. That form decline was completely understandable given the stress he was playing under given his brother was terminally ill back in Ireland.
That he kept it together to play 22 games with an average of 84 was a testament to his strong character. Was then traded to Gold Coast at the end of the 2016 season. After 1 game in 2017 for Gold Coast Hanley rushed home to be with his dying brother Tommy and understandably missed games after that.
He returned to the Gold Coast team in Round 10 and courageously honoured his commitment to them to play out the season although nowhere near at his best levels.
He has had a full pre season entering into the 2018 season and despite being 29 still has some good years left in him. New coach at the Suns, Stuart Dew has also helped freshen the place up and got some positivity back in the group.
At $509k and a dual position Defender/Midfielder Hanley is well worth the punt this year and no reason he can't replicate his 99 game average from 2014.

C BALLARD $188k Forward/Midfielder - Cash Cow
Second round pick in last years draft for the Suns, I am a big fan of this SA youngster who starred for the SA team in the under 18's Carnival.
Is 196cm yet more of a wing man than a key position and could develop into a monster on baller. Is athletically gifted and I think he will prove to be a genius pick up over time for the Suns. Given the Suns have such a young team I wouldn't rule him out cracking the senior team early so keep an eye out for him in the JLT series. Could be a sneaky Cash Cow option

RUCK
T NICHOLLS $381k Ruck - Cash Cow
What a bargain price for a very talented Ruck. Injuries ruined his 2017 season and he could not get on the park thus losing his number 1 ruck spot to Witts as a result.
Is athletically gifted and back in full training but we are yet to know if Dew will elect to play with 2 Rucks each week.
If he is lining up Round 1 he will be in my team for sure.

FORWARD
J MARTIN $585k Forward - Keeper
Lived up to the huge hype on him in his 4th season last year. Had an 83 point average which I expect he will improve on again this season and six 100+ games with a high of 118. As he gets older should improve on the little bit of inconsistency that can still plague him. At 585k you could really land yourself and elite scorer for a discounted price.

T LYNCH $566k Forward - Keeper
Almost a must have given he is a superstar of the comp and one of the best tall Forwards in the game who is entering the prime of his career. The only reason he is not in my must have column is I worry what all the talk about his contract will do to him. It will be a huge talking point all year with rumours he has one foot in Collingwood already.
As for his 2017 season, when a team struggles like Gold Coast did no one feels it more than the Full Forward as supply drops off. Despite this Lynch still managed to kick 44 goals and have an 80 point average.
With a fit David Swallow and a lot stronger Suns midfield delivering him the ball expect that average to swell.
Provided he is not distracted with all the contract talk he should be an absolute bargain at $566k

Where will this man be in 2019?

P WRIGHT $490k Forward - Keeper Cow
Two metre Peter is a bit more overpriced than I would like but still worth a mention here. Entering his 4th season and with 42 games now under his belt we should start to see the best of this gifted Forward. Kicked 31 goals himself last season and had a 70 point average. Like Lynch he will benefit from a better Suns Midfield this year and with his natural improvement we will see his average greatly increase

S DAY $289k Forward - Cash Cow
Much maligned given he was such a high draft pick initially yet has failed to really make his mark on the game in his 6 years at the club. Late 2016 I got a sense the tide was starting to turn for Day and then in the JLT Series last year he was starring before a nasty hip injury ended his year before it could begin. Is back now having a full preseason and I expect to see him line up at Centre Half Back in the JLT series. At $289k he is a nice Cash Cow option

MUST HAVE
J LYONS $665k Midfielder - Keeper
A bit more of a speculative must have but is now entering his prime and I was just so impressed with his first season at the Suns. Along with Swallow I expect he will be a Midfield general and go over 100 most weeks so at 665k, is a bargain.
Played 18 games last year for a solid average of 94 which included 7 tons and a high of 133. I expect to see a lot more of that this year.

Avoid Like the Plague:
M Barlow $667k Midfielder
Looks to be going on one season to many. Will be only 31 this season but his lack of leg speed is the worry.
He used to be over 100 9 out of every 10 weeks and was a beast in his prime. Last season his average dropped to a still
respectable 95 but only managed the 4 tons and could only get on the park 12 times. Will only deteriorate further this year and I think he will struggle to get a game as the Suns young guns push past him. For $667k you would be crazy to consider him

Part 3 will be up soon

-Dahmsy