Current thoughts
Defenders
Likely...
Daicos - Hard to see a world where I don't start him. Could go 125+ and highest averaging player is well within reach. Best captain option and a no-brainer for me despite the bye and increased defensive attention
Sheezel - It's a high-price to pay for a second year player but the analysis above does him justice. They want it in his hands and North should improve. Elite operator
Young - Second half of 2023 obviosuly promising getting that run in the midfield. I don't think he's a must, but worth considering. Elite user but not sure he gets enough of it. Watch.
Shortlist...
Sicily/Stewart/Sinclair - couldn't talk anyone out of these guys but not sure there's much upside to the starting price (bar maybe Stewart). You know the first two are going to miss games...
Ridley - Maybe but always going to be a lock-down risk
Redman - He has stinkers but a huge ceiling. 91 avg probably unders and he's due a consistent 100+ season
NWH - Possible a year too early but he is tempting. Quality.
Others
Himmelberg - Can see the appeal but not for me
Kiddy - Would be a fun punt but too many times with Rich etc. out he just didn't lift like we expected. 11 touches at QT, 19 at full-time butchering everyone's Same Game Multi's with him for 20+
Forwards
Likely...
Macrae - Boring pick but you can probably bank 22/95 and in a weak forward year that's probably enough. Every chance he gets a bit more time on the ball and goes back to 105, he's still an unbelievable kick. Not dissimilar to Dane Swan's bounce back when available as a foward.
L Jackson - Probably for those who aren't running Sweet R3 just to give some cover, but again I feel like he's good for 95 with upside if Darcy goes down injured at any point.
Moore - Surely with natural improvement and a couple of forwards being recruited he pushes to 95-100+. Might be up and down but I think he's a pretty safe pick from a season-long view.
Flanders - Question mark on the coach but clearly a ball-magnet and if he goes 100+ and you're not on him you'll be very frustrated. Probably safer just to pick him.
Shortlist...
No one, this is a putrid list
Others -
Fisher - Close your eyes and throw the dart. Pre-season probably won't tell us much. He could easily go 85 with the right role, and priced at 67 must give some interest. But my gut says he's just not that good and is probably a pass.
C Macdonald - Interesting improver but at 380k it's an absolute death-zone of a price and likely too-hard basket
Daniel - Role risk, not for me.
Greene - Worth thought if ownership is basement lows.
Michito - rollercoaster but a talent.
Taylor Adams - No
Billings - hmmmm. 50k cheaper and you'd have to dabble, now it's probably a pass
Midfield
Likely...
Dawson - Will go another level and give a Brownlow sight.
Butters - Great bye and likely 115+. Just hope to god the body holds up.
LDU - Ditto re body. He can take the game apart. Has obvious Trac vibes but without the risk of being stuck at FF. He can go 125+.
Brayshaw - Went unders last year. Now a good bye and should be fitter. Fix up the DE and Kick to Handball ratio and he's in the mix
Tom Green - We all know it's coming one year, just got to pick the right one.
Walsh - Not in current set up but wow 103 avg is value.
Touk - Probably just have to bite the bullet and swallow the bye. Happy to ignore him being parked out on wing/forward for a month last year post his return. He's a top 5 athlete/runner in the comp and I can't see a reason why he isn't leading the midfield
Steele - Too hard to pass up if the body is right. I know we said that last year.
Shortlist...
Bont - Likely not for me at 725k but he's the best player in the comp and can't fault it.
Clarry - Who knows. Seems like it would be a herculean effort for him to be back to his best, better on the sidelines for me.
Trac - Solid but the 115/85 DT/SC games are a killer.
Laird - Not a bad bounceback play. Good bye. Considering.
Dunkley - Love him as a pick. If it wasn't for the horror bye I would be starting him.
Gulden - Ditto Dunkley. Round 0 has really cooked anyone's originality
Serong - Solid but think I prefer Brayshaw
Parish - Decent sight and probably under-owned
Rozee - Like him, but probably prefer Butters
Others
Warner - Doesn't seem to be a lot of interest. I guess he needs to go 110-115 at that price and he looks more like a 105 guy
Newcombe - Like him but it would be a big leap.
Cripps - Just saying...
Nic Martin - Priced at 88...... got to be a look.
Sheldrick - Not for me but could be fun.
Rucks
Gawn/Grundy - Not going to overthink this one. They're both probably 15 pts under priced (minimum). Too hard to ignore.
Shortlist...
English - Not for me at the price.
Marshall - Worth a look if he gets ignored.
Darcy - Ditto Marshall. 105 ave is pretty tasty. His ceiling is eye watering.
Xerri - He is elite. Will go 100+, just whether that's enough in this company.
