Chad Wingard

[djbics]

So was thinking about starting with Wingard as a possible POD this season up forward.  This will be his 4th season, has a pretty high ceiling, barely misses a game and is at a lower price due to some very average scores mixed in amongst his 7 tons last season (which you would hope he could eradicate with a bit more consistency).  However I hear he has gone under the knife for a clean-up on his knee, which will effectively disrupt his preparation by about a month.  With about 10 weeks until Rd 1, is he still worth a look?  What do you guys think?

[Ricochet]

Not when there are so many more proven premo scorers available man. The fwd line isn't the place to take risks this year

[djbics]

Yeah, I can see your point there Rico, wasn't feeling 100% about it before I heard the news about his knee, and the fact that he'll be behind the 8-ball in getting to full fitness before round 1 probably rules him out now.  Just thought he would be pretty unique this year, with his second year effort being so good, and last year being affected by a 10 and a 42, oh well, back to the drawing board  ::)

[quinny88]

4-6 weeks with the knee. they will be conservative so you can expect 6. that gives him 4 weeks to be firing for round 1. Expect a slow start to the season.
Port also play Sydney, Freo, North And Hawthorn in their first 4.
Also doesnt play enough midfield, goes missing more often than not if he doesnt hit the scoreboard.

Ontop of all that you have the likes of Deledio, Goddard and Swan being added to an already deep forward line and I dont see how he gets anywhere near top 10

[djbics]

4-6 weeks with the knee. they will be conservative so you can expect 6. that gives him 4 weeks to be firing for round 1. Expect a slow start to the season.
Port also play Sydney, Freo, North And Hawthorn in their first 4.
Also doesnt play enough midfield, goes missing more often than not if he doesnt hit the scoreboard.

Ontop of all that you have the likes of Deledio, Goddard and Swan being added to an already deep forward line and I dont see how he gets anywhere near top 10

Cheers Quinny for the input, all really good points.  Has there been a top 10 fwds thread posted yet?  I reckon there will be some really differing views as to who people reckon will finish in and around the top 10 fwds this season, as you said there are quite a few options out there!

*yeah, there is, just found it  ::)

[quinny88]

Definitely a hard thing to pick this year. probably 15-20 players that are worth discussion.

Thats why im starting with safety first. 7 years in a row of 100+ averages from Goddard and Lids has them locked.
Buddy underpriced and the biggest ceiling. Swan too cheap to pass up. Pretty confident they will all be top 10. Swan the only question mark but at that price ya cant pass him up. The rest ill work out as I go

[djbics]

Yeah, my only concern with running the 4 premium priced fwd strategy (or 3 + Swan if you prefer) is the affect it will have on other lines, particularly the backs.  I reckon there are far more rookie priced options + value in the fwds that I'm leaning towards a 2 premium fwd + Swan starting line-up, and using the additional cash down back.  As always though, this wont really become apparent until after the NAB competition/Round 1 teams are named.

[quinny88]

Yeah, my only concern with running the 4 premium priced fwd strategy (or 3 + Swan if you prefer) is the affect it will have on other lines, particularly the backs.  I reckon there are far more rookie priced options + value in the fwds that I'm leaning towards a 2 premium fwd + Swan starting line-up, and using the additional cash down back.  As always though, this wont really become apparent until after the NAB competition/Round 1 teams are named.

Yeah Im still weighing up which structure to go with but I think the less premium forwards you start with the safer you want to be with them.

[djbics]

Yeah, good point mate.  Has anyone considered big Lynch from Gold Coast.  Doesn't fit into the proven premium category yet, but with their continued improvement and quality of ball coming in he could be set for a real breakout year at a pretty tasty price.  Could fit into a 2 premo + Swan + Lynch structure, tossing up between him or starting a Bellchambers/Lycett type at F4

[justaverage]

Im backing Lynch for a big year, just doesnt fit my structure