Black Knight Syndrome.

[Presto]

I remember the scene of the Black Knight in the Movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (If you have not seen it, get the DVD. It is worth it.
In it there is a Black Knight guarding a short plank of wood (the bridge) over a small stream. (Why? I don’t know). Although he is supremely skilled in battle, he suffers from unchecked overconfidence and a staunch refusal to ever give up.

Anyway this is my list of the footy black knights. Those heroics footballers that no matter their injuries they staunchly refuse to give up.

Adelaide
Porplyzia, Jason (FWD) $229,600SC $202,500 Ave 2007/2010 72 59 76 75 A must have if he can play like before his injury. But still a risk with injuries, lost all 2011 and 17 games over previous 4 years, put still a possible cash cow. (keep an eye during NAB)
Brisbane
Brown, Jonathan (FWD) $397,000 $331,400 Ave 73 Ave 2007/2010 107 100 99 98
I doubt that will average 100 again, but he will get close. Worth to have him both as a keeper or a cash cow. The only concern is his BKS (black knight syndrome â€" the belief that nothing can hurt you
Carlton
McLean, Brock (MID) $280,800 $264,100 Ave 65 He managed only 10 games in the last 2 years (missing game sometime due to injury and other times due to poor form. I think there is little room for him in the Carlton midfield. No thanks
Collingwood
Brown, Nathan (DEF) $200,700 $120,200 Ave 2010 62 I think of him as Collingwood best defender in 2010, but not an SC scorer, but at his price, he his worth a thought. But too many injuries over the last 3 years.
Essendon
Gumbleton, Scott (FWD) $172,700 $165,200 Ave 2010 53 He was pick no 2 in the 2006 draft, played 5 games in 2007 and then 17 in 2010. Far too much risk even at souch cheap price.
Winderlich, Jason (MID/FWD) $302,200 $246,100 Ave 56 Ave 2007-2010 75 81 97 87.
The best bargain of them all. At these prices he probably will be in both my DT and SC teams.
Fremantle
Morabito, Anthony (MID) $168,500 $168,00 Ave 2010 52 Expected to be fit this year, but even if he improves on 2010, I prefer a good rookie like Saad, Zorko, Smedts or Ah Chee
Barlow, Michael (MID) $453,600 $424,800 Ave 84 (2011) Ave 2010 116 Underpriced elite. I predict he will be the most chosen player. You are mad if you don’t pick him.
Geelong
Hunt, Taylor (DEF) $287,300 $270,100 Ave 53 For two years I have had him from rnd 1 and both times he got injured. Promising again this year, but no thanks.
Gold Coast
Caddy, Josh (MID) $218,200 $249,300 Ave 58 but played only 2 games, one as a sub. He is a future premium player, One of many Mid options I am thinking about.
Coad, Michael (DEF) $311,200 $244,100 Ave 82 (2 games only). Could be a smoky, but 3 hamstrings injury in 2 years are a big concern
Taylor, Jeremy (DEF)$324,400 $228,500 Ave 86 Another great option, but I need to see him more before deciding
Hawthorn
Gilham, Stephen (DEF) $267,200 $215,500 Ave 49 Ave 2007-2010 69 64 73 70 Good defender from the team point, but not an SC or DT scorer
Stratton, Ben (DEF) $276,500 $237,400 Ave 64 Again as a hawthorn supporter I am happy he is back, but he is not SC or DT material.
Roughead, Jarryd (FWD/RUC) $550,000 $414,600 Ave 101 I don’t think we will see him before May, and his Main attraction was to use his ruck DPP during the bies
Melbourne
Grimes, Jack (DEF) $380,600 $329,400 Ave 78 Ave 2009-2010 94 88. I had him last year. This year take him only if you think he can recapture previous year form. Too expensive risk.
North Melbourne
McIntosh, Hamish (RUC) $364,300 $273,500 Ave 96 (1 game) Ave 2007-2010 77 62 92 81
Many will have him, but his chances of playing are minimal. As Fantasy Freako said “Unless Goldy gets hit by a bus, I can see him in the side” 
Port Adelaide
Butcher, John (FWD) $285.100 $243,400 Ave 66 I believe he will play almost every rounds.
Worth keeping a eye on him
Renouf, Brent (RUC) $248,400 $265,000 Ave 57 With Lobbe’s injury he will be their no1 ruckman
Richmond
Moore, Kelvin (DEF) $230,300 $176,200 Ave 71(2010) Did not play last year. If he can recapture 2010 form, he is value for money
St Kilda
Hayes, Lenny (MID) $422,000 $382,800 Ave 87 Ave 2007 2011 104 101 119 103 He is part of my “Quatros Amigos” Set (The others are J. Brown M. Barlow and B. Lake). I plan to have all of them. Yes, I know, there were only three amigos, but this is my bigger and improved version.
Sydney
Rohan, Gary (FWD) $293,500 $226,800 Ave 54 Every time he starts to show how valuable he is, he gets injured
Spangher, Matthew $338,300  $247,300 Ave 78 Payed only 32 games out of a possible 94. good price for his ave of 78 (achieved after his return) but will he last?
West Coast
Dalziell, Bradd (MID) $205,500 $198,200 Ave 16 (but he played only a quarter, and then was sent to Coventry). His averages in the previous years were 92, 73, 76. If he played this year he could be a very good cash cow, almost better than any rookie. But I do not understand while he did not play last year, since playing for East Fremantle he average almost 85. Can someone enlighten me.
Western Buldogs
Lake, Brian (DEF) $286,900 $255,200 Ave 59 One of the best options. Forget about last year and think of the previous years with averages like 101,92,95,105. If he returns to those averages will be amongst the top 3 to 5 defenders. If he only achieves 80/85 he will still make at least $200k. If he does not, if is still a good story. The fourth of my “Quatros Amigos”

The views in this post are those of the mad author and not necessarily those of FanFooty or its members

[Phasir]

Nice work mate.
Oh, and as to Dalziell, I'm pretty sure it was because he's an outside player, which WCE already have Embley & Rosa for that, and they were also getting game time into The Gaff

[bowyanger]

Got 1/3 of the way through...started laughing

Im going to cut my toenails

[Murph03]

It is but a scratch. Lol great analogy.

Great write up, there is some real quality Black Knights this year!

[AndrewY]

My knights who say "Ni" challenge your 4 amigos.

[jimmytigs]

porps renouf lake-YES
winderlich barlow grimes(at price)rohan-KEEP CLOSE EYE ON
caddy dalziell taylor-PRE SEASON
stratton gilham butcher-TOO MANY OTHERS BEFORE THEM,NOT EVEN CLOSE TO CONSIDERING
roughead-TOO EXPENSIVE EVEN AS A DPP
j.brown mclean mcintosh hayes(with regret)-NOPE YESTERDAYS HEROES
coad butcher moore sphanger-NO-MORE ATTRACTIVE AT THEIR PRICE & CHEAPER
n.brown morabito hunt-FANTASY SPUDS
gumbleton-LOL

[Colliwobblers]

great write up mate +1 for anotehr great effort. IMO while a lot of black knights in there, there are also a few injury prone due to soft tissue rather than reckless courage ala brown and brown, maybe higgins is one of those gurly sorts, not to be putting down the gurlys of course....

Nice article, im for a few of those wont say who but i wont be alone..