2011 Countdown: Dustin Fletcher

[ossie85]

Dustin Fletcher

2010 Stats
Games: 16
Total Score: 1545 (Ranked 135th overall, 36th amongst defenders)
Average Score: 96.56 (Ranked 48th overall, 9th amongst defenders)
High: 122 (Round 18 )
Low: 65 (Round 2)
Standard Deviation: 14.47
Centuries: 6 out of 16
Starting Price: $489,600
High Price: $494,500 (round 8 )
Low Price: $453,300 (round 17)


Summary:

Dustin Fletcher will be the competition's oldest player for the second year running. This champion of the game made his debut in the AFL before some of the young kids were even BORN. Think about that for a while!

Another solid season for Fletch, averaging in the high 90s, and was remarkably consistent. A standard deviation of only 14.47 is insane, and scored under 81 only once this season (65 in round 2). Got his usual All-Australian nomination (though didn't make the final squad), and probably lead the revolt against Matthew Knights.

However, Fletcher has NEVER played a full season of games. He has a very poor suspension record and gets quite a few injuries now-a-days. In fact, you'd have to go back to 1996 to find the last time Fletcher played 20 games in the year.

The Crystal Ball:

Based on last year's magic number
Price: $512,800

Based on m0nty's fanplanner
Price: $488,300

Position: DEF

This will surely, SURELY be Dustin's last season. He will be 36 next season, and I have a feeling 2011 will be 'one season too many' and fade away with injury or form. Though you never know, he could pull a Hird and win a best and fairest in his last year. It is James Hird's first year as coach, and maybe he will be inspired.

Decision:

First off, I will 100% not be starting him at the start of the year, and won't be getting him in during any other round before finals, he is way too pricey for the risk. BUT I'm going to select him as an 'Upgrade target' because I have a feeling if he is playing in round 24, with Essendon likely to not be in finals contention, some inspiration could occur for his last ever match. Unlikely, but you never know.

[DazBurg]

unlikely for me as a bombers supporter i love him but as a fantasy coach he risk is too much for my liking

[Cruiseon]

Quite simply too old therefore too risky.

Still a good player though.

[Fletch74]

He is my favourite player, but I can't pick him unfortunately, not even as an upgrade  :'(

Rd 24 may not be his last match, you never know what Hirdy and Bomber might bring to the table ;)

[BoredSaint]

Highly respect him as a player but his age is just too risky to pick him

[benjy251090]

agree with all above from everyone

[Maca24]

yep love him to death. but just to risky

[8-6 Suited]

I don't think that he is all that injury prone at all. The thing that scares me away from Fletcher is his tribunal history and issues getting reported too match.

Missing weeks due to tripping, striking, all that shower. He has a poor record and carry ovr demerit points so will be out every time.

[Alex7089]

I don't see the risk. Sorry, but remember to look a bit closer. Not that injury prone. He only had 1 score under 80 last season, with 6 tons, so he is unbelievably consistent. His lowest ever SC average is 84 and has averaged over 100 3 times. I don't see his role changing much this season either, nor do I see him ending up playing a role he doesn't want to play, under Hird.
I am taking a punt on him.

[ossie85]

Good stuff Alex, a worthy unique

[Alex7089]

Hopefully. I just hope inspector gadget doesn't trip anyone this season :p

[Cruiseon]

Wise man once said, "never pick the oldest player in the league".

I agree with the wise man.

[Luigi197]

unfortunately his age lets him down. hes cool  8) but not good enough to get selected in SC.

[MTTY]

In my years as a fantasy coach i have yet to select him mostly due to him being old every year i think he will stop scoring high and every year he proves me wrong but i am still not going to take the risk again this year