Memph's Team

[Memphistopheles]

Well today's the first time I've taken a look at dream team over the off season and I've put together what I think is a very decent first team.

Hoping to help the FF Packhunters league improve on their fourth-placed finish from last year and score my first top 500 finish (last year I slipped off the pace a bit but 2011 I came very close).

Defenders: Goddard, Gibbs, Waters, Broughton, Pedersen, Stevenson, Terlich, Docherty.

Midfielders: Swan, Ablett, Boyd, Cotchin, Ball, Lonergan, Crouch, O'Meara, Towers, Viney.

Rucks: Goldstein, Leuenberger, McBean, Moller.

Forwards: Cox, Johnson, Rockliff, Martin, Staker, Macaffer, Lee, Jaksch.

Remaining $$$: Bugger all ($12,000)

The defence is fairly straight forward. Three premiums, Broughton who should become a set and forget premium this season at GC, one smokey and IMO the three best cheap rookie picks. I really can't see much else in the cheap range in defence so trying to minimise the amount of rookies I have.

The midfield is basically set and forget and watch the points roll in. Four super premiums and another former jet who should gun it up. Only decision will be which rookies to start each week. Towers and Lonergan are my rookie smokies.

Starting rucks are very similar to most. Difference here is I haven't chosen a backup ruck or a rookie who might play rather gone for the Fwd/Ruc link with McBean and Cox (picked as a forward). No point having a fourth ruck so gone for the cheapest option - I don't see there being any good cash cows in the rucks this season like the last two with Smith and Giles. Some are talking up the Collingwood rookie rucks in Witts and Grundy but with the Pies having recruited Lynch and Hudson and still being in their premiership window I just don't see them playing much at all.

Forwards were the hardest to pick because there were so many options. This season is like a smorgasboard for forward options. Always was my plan to get Cox for the Dpp link, anyone who doesn't have Rockliff is an idiot, I have decide to go Johnson over Chappy and Bartel and Martin will break out this year after I successfully avoided him last year.

PODs are obviously Morton and Macaffer. Both are way, way underpriced and will play plenty of games and score points much more consistently than rookies. Morton will be locked in the Swans team now after the finals series he had last year IMO and I'm not too worried about Macaffer's injury with the new trading system. Two forwards rookies who I think will play consistently even if they might not be the highest rookie scorers.

Anyway thoughts/comments/criticism is appreciated. I'll rate your team back if you would like although it may not be immediate.

Updated: Have updated my team (changes are in bold) so ignore some of the stuff above.

[Jukes]

Likes
Good structure
Mitch Morton
Boyd and Thommo could be good unique premiums
You have picked the best three back premos imo, rate Docherty = Colq though

Dislikes
I rate Stevie J like 8 points ahead of Cox and Bartel.
If you can, upgrade Macaffer to Menzel/Daniher, they'll play 5-10 games more than him and will score higher.
SwAblett sheep ;)

Suggestions
Bartel -> Stevie J
Other stuff doesn't really matter that much

Ratings
Backs: 8.5/10
Mids: 9/10
Rucks: 8/10
Forwards: 7.75/10
Overall: 8.2/10

Take a look at mine
http://www.fanfooty.com.au/forum/index.php/topic,71014.0.html

[Memphistopheles]

Thanks Jukes.

Have rated back already...sorry i wasn't so nice :P

I'll definitely consider Docherty, probably for Terlich though as I rate Colquhoun higher than him. Rookie selection will depend somewhat on NAB Cup and starting team selections of course.

I'd rather start Macaffer who has already shown he can post some good scores over Menzel and Daniher but I'd have no qualms trading to one of the rookies early on/before their price rise if it looks like I was wrong.

I am fairly confident the team that wins the cruiser will start with Swan and Ablett this season so I'm happy to be a sheep - there is no reason at all why they won't be the two best midfielders in the comp again.

Ablett is getting better every season and this year will have a bit more help from team-mates (Moloney, Broughton, Swallow, Bennell) and Swan is apparently in his best shape ever and is going to retire soon so will want to do that at the top.

I'll also take the Johnson suggestion on board. If there was space for two Geelong forwards I'd have him and Bartel but it looks like i'll have to choose between them. Cox I have because he's a gun and also for the dpp link in case Lewy or Goldy goes down or misses a match.

[thefuzz]

Morton is not a lock for Sydneys best 22. I'd imagine McGlynn would slot straight in at the expensive of Morton. When Tippet is right that will just make it harder for Mitch to break the best 22.

[Memphistopheles]

Made a couple of slight rookie/cheapie changes to my team now.

Docherty in for Colquhoun in defence, Staker in for Morton in the forwards and Currie in for Moller in the rucks.

Also swapped Bartel for Stevie J.

Think that makes my team a bit stronger.

[Windigo]

Bartel been in a moon boot, giving him the boot was wise.  8)

[Memphistopheles]

Bartel been in a moon boot, giving him the boot was wise.  8)

Nice one Windy.

Loving my team right now going to stay away from dream team for a while so I don't make any stupid changes then re-evaluate after/during NAB Cup I think.

[Barra17]

Only thing I would change is dropping Ball down to Embley (will average bout the same for less) then using the cash to upgrade Thompson to anyone you want in the midfield (Beams?). Thompson can be inconsistent at times.

[Jukes]

Thanks Jukes.

Have rated back already...sorry i wasn't so nice :P

I'll definitely consider Docherty, probably for Terlich though as I rate Colquhoun higher than him. Rookie selection will depend somewhat on NAB Cup and starting team selections of course.

I'd rather start Macaffer who has already shown he can post some good scores over Menzel and Daniher but I'd have no qualms trading to one of the rookies early on/before their price rise if it looks like I was wrong.

I am fairly confident the team that wins the cruiser will start with Swan and Ablett this season so I'm happy to be a sheep - there is no reason at all why they won't be the two best midfielders in the comp again.

Ablett is getting better every season and this year will have a bit more help from team-mates (Moloney, Broughton, Swallow, Bennell) and Swan is apparently in his best shape ever and is going to retire soon so will want to do that at the top.

I'll also take the Johnson suggestion on board. If there was space for two Geelong forwards I'd have him and Bartel but it looks like i'll have to choose between them. Cox I have because he's a gun and also for the dpp link in case Lewy or Goldy goes down or misses a match.

I don't care how nice or not somebody is who rates your team, so long as they provide useful feedback. I'd be content with a 1/10 as long as I get some constructive criticism. To quote Edward Rooney from Ferris Bueller's Day Off (obscure I know), "If I was given a choice between grief and nothing, I'd choose grief". I'd rather have a shower dt than no team at all.

Fark and I both agree that Ablett will not make 115+. In this GC team it's a wonder how he even got 120 last season...won't do it again this season. Won't having more teammates to share the similar position take his score away? GC will hope to wean their dependance on Ablett out in the coming season or two so it's not too hard when he departs.

I don't like Cox for 2013. Other than his finger injury which doctors have seen as him getting back by NAB 3 as the best case scenario, meaning less preparation from say a player will a full NAB cup. The dpp link imo is not worth it, picking a player who won't play so that you can swap 1 player with 1, when with a mid/fwd dpp link you could swap 1-2 players with 3-5. Cox won't average 100, more like 95-97, and for that reason he's not in my side.

[Memphistopheles]

Barra the reason I'm not picking Embley is as a West Coast fan I have a strange/gut feeling that we may see some vest action involving him this season.

I don't envision him starting with the vest too often but I do see him being subbed off and being managed by Woosha in order to keep him in mint condition for the finals as his experience will be key for us in trying to reach the prelim/grand final.

Reason is that he's getting on a bit now and Gaff has shown he can play the Embley role equally as good and we have plenty of midfield depth now. Personally I would do the same if I was Woosha and I think it will be good for the Eagles if it happens however it will impact his dream team output.

Ball has no chance of vesting IMO unless he gets injured again in which case I trade him out.

Could possibly upgrade Thompson. Don't think Beams will repeat last season with Ball back. Probably will wait on the whole Essendon drug scandal and then look at Watson or Stanton for that spot. Or possibly Cotchin.

Jukes I really don't agree with your logic regarding Ablett. I think he should do just as well if not better because the team around him is improving. I don't think they will wean their dependence on him as I believe he'll still be there when they start to challenge for finals/top 4. Plus Ablett is just a freakish player - once in a generation, like his dad before him. He won't stop getting the ball. But each to their own.

As for Cox - with the doubt over Nic Nat he'll play and fire from the start of the season despite a little finger niggle. Everyone was saying he would drop off last season but I locked and loaded him and he delivered once again. Turns out he and Maric were the only really consistent super premium rucks, tonning up week after week.

Also can you name 6 forwards who will average more than him? I can't - therefore he's in my team. Plus Goldy and Lewy are too tempting as cheapish rucks. Also I just see having a third and fourth ruck as a waste with the new rules. If anything I could downgrade Lewy once he's made cash, dpp in Cox to the rucks and get a forward premium.

PS - I hope you got some constructive criticism out of my post :D

[thefuzz]

Barra the reason I'm not picking Embley is as a West Coast fan I have a strange/gut feeling that we may see some vest action involving him this season.

I don't envision him starting with the vest too often but I do see him being subbed off and being managed by Woosha in order to keep him in mint condition for the finals as his experience will be key for us in trying to reach the prelim/grand final.

Reason is that he's getting on a bit now and Gaff has shown he can play the Embley role equally as good and we have plenty of midfield depth now. Personally I would do the same if I was Woosha and I think it will be good for the Eagles if it happens however it will impact his dream team output.

Ball has no chance of vesting IMO unless he gets injured again in which case I trade him out.

Could possibly upgrade Thompson. Don't think Beams will repeat last season with Ball back. Probably will wait on the whole Essendon drug scandal and then look at Watson or Stanton for that spot. Or possibly Cotchin.

Jukes I really don't agree with your logic regarding Ablett. I think he should do just as well if not better because the team around him is improving. I don't think they will wean their dependence on him as I believe he'll still be there when they start to challenge for finals/top 4. Plus Ablett is just a freakish player - once in a generation, like his dad before him. He won't stop getting the ball. But each to their own.

As for Cox - with the doubt over Nic Nat he'll play and fire from the start of the season despite a little finger niggle. Everyone was saying he would drop off last season but I locked and loaded him and he delivered once again. Turns out he and Maric were the only really consistent super premium rucks, tonning up week after week.

Also can you name 6 forwards who will average more than him? I can't - therefore he's in my team. Plus Goldy and Lewy are too tempting as cheapish rucks. Also I just see having a third and fourth ruck as a waste with the new rules. If anything I could downgrade Lewy once he's made cash, dpp in Cox to the rucks and get a forward premium.

PS - I hope you got some constructive criticism out of my post :D

I live in Perth and I also think Embley is a vest candidate, hence my staying away from him.
Agree with you about Ball
Ball and Beams played a few games together before and Beams scored just fine, but there are plenty of other who think Beams will drop off this year, I however do not agree.
Cotchin> Watson and Stanton even without the drugs scandal.
Jukes has sounds logic regarding Ablett but I have no doubt he will still average 110+, just perhaps not 120+.
Agree Nic Nats injury will help Cox's scores and I can't see his finger holding him back much.
Goldy is fools gold in my opinion though.

[Memphistopheles]

Barra the reason I'm not picking Embley is as a West Coast fan I have a strange/gut feeling that we may see some vest action involving him this season.

I don't envision him starting with the vest too often but I do see him being subbed off and being managed by Woosha in order to keep him in mint condition for the finals as his experience will be key for us in trying to reach the prelim/grand final.

Reason is that he's getting on a bit now and Gaff has shown he can play the Embley role equally as good and we have plenty of midfield depth now. Personally I would do the same if I was Woosha and I think it will be good for the Eagles if it happens however it will impact his dream team output.

Ball has no chance of vesting IMO unless he gets injured again in which case I trade him out.

Could possibly upgrade Thompson. Don't think Beams will repeat last season with Ball back. Probably will wait on the whole Essendon drug scandal and then look at Watson or Stanton for that spot. Or possibly Cotchin.

Jukes I really don't agree with your logic regarding Ablett. I think he should do just as well if not better because the team around him is improving. I don't think they will wean their dependence on him as I believe he'll still be there when they start to challenge for finals/top 4. Plus Ablett is just a freakish player - once in a generation, like his dad before him. He won't stop getting the ball. But each to their own.

As for Cox - with the doubt over Nic Nat he'll play and fire from the start of the season despite a little finger niggle. Everyone was saying he would drop off last season but I locked and loaded him and he delivered once again. Turns out he and Maric were the only really consistent super premium rucks, tonning up week after week.

Also can you name 6 forwards who will average more than him? I can't - therefore he's in my team. Plus Goldy and Lewy are too tempting as cheapish rucks. Also I just see having a third and fourth ruck as a waste with the new rules. If anything I could downgrade Lewy once he's made cash, dpp in Cox to the rucks and get a forward premium.

PS - I hope you got some constructive criticism out of my post :D

I live in Perth and I also think Embley is a vest candidate, hence my staying away from him.
Agree with you about Ball
Ball and Beams played a few games together before and Beams scored just fine, but there are plenty of other who think Beams will drop off this year, I however do not agree.
Cotchin> Watson and Stanton even without the drugs scandal.
Jukes has sounds logic regarding Ablett but I have no doubt he will still average 110+, just perhaps not 120+.
Agree Nic Nats injury will help Cox's scores and I can't see his finger holding him back much.
Goldy is fools gold in my opinion though.

Thanks - very helpful post.

I like Watson - he was so consistent with his scores last season. Only reason I didn't bring him in was I was still a bit cautious about his dodgy hamstrings.

Thinking I will trade out Thompson for someone else now - Cotchin is tempting but means I have to re-jig a bit as he's expensive. Actually though if I stick with the I don't need my ruck as I have the dpp cover I can go Currie--->Moller/cheapie and Thompson to Cotchin without changing anything else. *SOLD

Goldstein absolutely smashed it when McIntosh didn't play in 2011 and with no real competition I can see him doing it again this season. At the very least he is well underpriced and will rise to a price where I can straight swap him for another premo ruck.

He scored a 72 and a 73 in 2011 and every other score was 80+ including 7 tons and a 144 and a 136. Avg 113 = lock at his price.

I'm actually more concerned about Berger. Latest reports I'm hearing is that he might not play NAB Cup which means he'll be underdone for the start of the season. Still should make some good gains though.

[Jukes]

As for Cox - with the doubt over Nic Nat he'll play and fire from the start of the season despite a little finger niggle. Everyone was saying he would drop off last season but I locked and loaded him and he delivered once again. Turns out he and Maric were the only really consistent super premium rucks, tonning up week after week.

Also can you name 6 forwards who will average more than him? I can't - therefore he's in my team. Plus Goldy and Lewy are too tempting as cheapish rucks. Also I just see having a third and fourth ruck as a waste with the new rules. If anything I could downgrade Lewy once he's made cash, dpp in Cox to the rucks and get a forward premium.

PS - I hope you got some constructive criticism out of my post :D

"Everyone was saying he would drop off last season but I locked and loaded him and he delivered once again."
But he did drop off though lol. 107.5 average down to 99.6.

6+ forwards who will average the same if not more
Rockliff
Cloke (maybe)
Franklin
Chapman
Stevie J
Zorko
Thomas (when fit)
Robinson (maybe)
Pavlich
Bartel (maybe)
Walker (maybe)
Wright (maybe)
Sylvia (maybe)

There's 7 who will certainly average more if not the same for less money, plus 6 who have a decent chance.

[thefuzz]

Yeah I'm a little hoping berger isn't right for round 1, it will cause literally 50%+ teams to have a major reshuffle of there team while others will be able to find an alternative by swaping just a few players. Curious to see what people would do if Leuenberger wasn't an option.

[Jukes]

Yeah I'm a little hoping berger isn't right for round 1, it will cause literally 50%+ teams to have a major reshuffle of there team while others will be able to find an alternative by swaping just a few players. Curious to see what people would do if Leuenberger wasn't an option.

I'd just straight swap to Vardy if he's having a good NAB cup, or if not downgrade Sylvia too Byrnes then upgrade Leuey to Goldy. Easy.