400-470k defenders.

[Hoggyz_a_legend]

They can't all improve at Richmond. Martin, Conca, Vlastuin, Ellis still on the way up.

We don't need much improvement from Houli. His consistent 80-120 scores for 22 games is the reason I have him. He's avgd 89, 83, 91, 83 over the past 4 years and only missed 2 games in that time- perfect for the troubles we're having in creating a decent defensive lineup in our teams.

[Gigantor]

I think aiming for 6 of the top 10 defenders is a bit much
I will be aiming for 3 of the top 5 then 3 from 6-15
I don't think there will be a huge difference in average from 6-15 this year.

[RaisyDaisy]

I think aiming for 6 of the top 10 defenders is a bit much
I will be aiming for 3 of the top 5 then 3 from 6-15
I don't think there will be a huge difference in average from 6-15 this year.

I like that

I'm sure there will be 2-4 that are the clear stand outs, and who we want to make sure we get. As long as the other 2-3 can average very high 80's to low 90's that's fine

[Gigantor]

Yeah last year there was Eski, McVeigh,swallow, Hanley and then daylight to Simmo and the rest. I don't see that happening again this year

[Bully]

Houli looks in the best shape I've ever seen him, played a terrific game last week complete with some fine aerial work. Can see him nudging 90 this year. He's also super durable, rarely misses matches whereas Hurn routinely gets hurt (usually at the beginning of matches).

I've seen you mention Houli a few times Bully, he's definitely caught my attention.

Do you reckon he could improve on his average? Dropped off slightly last year, but is there any room for him to improve to around 95?

He has registered 90 twice in 4 years (or near enough) so it's safe to assume he could achieve that again. A 95 average would require Richmond to be near the top of the table, a big ask but they have an outstanding draw this year and I expect them to bolt out of the blocks. With rebounding defenders one literally needs an AA quality season to push the high 90's and beyond, I think Houli has the talent so it becomes a question of consistency & eliminating the really poor games. It wouldn't surprise me to see him right alongside Hibberd, Birchall & Brodie Smith in 2015.

[DaveElNacho]

In reality though, we could throw a blanket over all the 400k+ defenders. No idea who's going to step up at be Top6-10 this year

This has actually been a real sticking point for me, as I think I'm picking guys I believe can score above their price point, but may not necessarily fall into the top defenders for the year... Damn there being no decent rookies!

I mean, let's say you pick 2 or 3 guys like Lumumba, Newnes, Hurn, and they all average ~90, but the top 10 defenders are averaging 95 or better. 5 ppg isn't much but when it's x3 players, 10-15 points less every round in defense alone is worth worrying about if you're having a serious tilt at overall I would've thought...

Really dont think the top 10 will average 95+. I'd say ~90 will be pushing top 10.

[shaker]

Just so many players in this price bracket it should make for very different backlines this year , I cant give advice because having trouble picking my own players  :-\

[swans15]

In reality though, we could throw a blanket over all the 400k+ defenders. No idea who's going to step up at be Top6-10 this year

This has actually been a real sticking point for me, as I think I'm picking guys I believe can score above their price point, but may not necessarily fall into the top defenders for the year... Damn there being no decent rookies!

I mean, let's say you pick 2 or 3 guys like Lumumba, Newnes, Hurn, and they all average ~90, but the top 10 defenders are averaging 95 or better. 5 ppg isn't much but when it's x3 players, 10-15 points less every round in defense alone is worth worrying about if you're having a serious tilt at overall I would've thought...

Really dont think the top 10 will average 95+. I'd say ~90 will be pushing top 10.

yeh could only see 5 averaging 95+...90+ will be good enough for  a D3-6