North Defenders

[Swallow12]

DEFENDERS! DPP will be next :)

Cameron Delaney
Position: Defence
Price: $104,200

2011 Average: N/A
Career Average: N/A

Verdict: While he is yet to make his debut, the coaching staff have been impressed by the versatile Delaney’s efforts at North Ballarat. Heading into his second year at the club and with a strong pre-season under his belt, some good form in the VFL may present an opportunity later in the year.

Luke Delaney
Position: Defence
Price: $199,100

2011 Average: 40.25 from 8 games
2010 Average: N/A
Career Average: 40.25 from 8 games

Verdict: Delaney impressed in his debut last year, keeping Jonathan Brown in check in difficult conditions. While he showed he does have the ability to contain the gorilla forwards of the AFL, at the moment, he doesn't amass enough possessions to be a permanent fixture in your line-up.

Michael Firrito
Position: Defence
Price: $297,000

2011 Average: 60.05 from 21 games
2010 Average: 68.14 from 22 games
Career Average: 57.5 from 165 games

Verdict: Now the veteran of the defensive unit, Firrito will hope for another consistent season. The 28 year-old rarely turns in a poor performance which means if you're looking for a mid-price pickup, he’s a safe selection.

Nathan Grima
Position: Defence
Price: $279,900

2011 Average: 56.58 from 12 games
2010 Average: 70 from 17 games
Career Average: 65.1 from 42 games

Verdict: An efficient user of the ball, Grima is a player whose value in the Dream Team world doesn't accurately reflect his standing at the club. However, he has had periods of high scoring - three straight matches at the tail end of 2010 yielding between 96 and 103 points shows he’s capable of racking up good numbers. Has been flying in pre-season training.

Brad Mangan
Position: Defence
Price: $85,800

2011 Average: N/A
Career Average: N/A

Verdict: The rookie Mangan arrives at the club with a high pedigree having kept Brendan Fevola goalless in the VFL last season. Being able to play both back and forward makes him a versatile back-up.

Scott McMahon
Position: Defence
Price: $335,400

2011 Average: 67.81 from 21 games
2010 Average: 62.82 from 17 games
Career Average: 64.3 from 85 games

Verdict: While 2011 was McMahon's most consistent season yet, his statistics don't translate to Dream Team.

His average fell in the awkward 60-70 point range without a huge gain on past results.

However his finish to 2011 was terrific (averaged 93 in last four games) and if he can replicate that, he looks like a bargain selection.

Cameron Pedersen
Position: Defence
Price: $353,000

2011 Average: 71.36 from 14 games
2010 Average: N/A
Career Average: 71.36 from 14 games

Verdict: Pedersen was a popular pick among Dream Team coaches last season as one of the most profitable cash cows in the competition. With his price now more settled among the pack, he’s become North’s most expensive defender. It was in attack that he excelled points-wise in 2011, so keep an eye on where he lines up in the NAB Cup.

Will Sierakowski
Position: Defence
Price: $104,200

2011 Average: N/A
Career Average: N/A

Verdict: The former Hawk has impressed in pre-season on the track and his deadly left foot may well see him demanding selection early on. Sierakowski looks the part as a handy ball-winner off half-back if given the chance, but faces plenty of competition from similar types at Aegis Park.

Robbie Tarrant
Position: Defence
Price: $233,200

2011 Average: 47.14 from 7 games
2010 Average: 29.5 from 2 games
Career Average: 43.2 from 9 games

Verdict: After multiple injury plagued seasons, Tarrant was finally able to break the shackles in 2011 and play seven senior games.

Generally not a huge accumulator, Tarrant’s likely role in a key position could make him a risk early, but the number 25 is impressing on the track and could be in for his best season yet.

Scott D. Thompson
Position: Defence
Price: $335,500

2011 Average: 67.82 from 22 games
2010 Average: 73 from 22 games
Career Average: 63.2 from 72 games

Verdict: Coming into the 2012 season having played 66 consecutive games, Thompson is certainly a durable option. However at his price, he needs to increase his average to be a valuable selection. If Grima can re-emerge as a genuine key-position option, it may release Thompson to move up the field and find more of the ball.

Gavin Urquhart
Position: Defence
Price: $145,800

2011 Average: 7 from 1 game
2010 Average: 59.13 from 8 games
Career Average: 60.3 from 40 games

Verdict: With a second chance on the North Melbourne list, Urquhart is desperate to turn his career around. In his most successful Dream Team year (2009), Urquhart showed that he was capable of breaking the ton regularly, but with six rookies alongside him vying for a promotion things get tougher now.

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