EACH week, Dr Dream Team answers your questions and queries about the Toyota AFL Dream Team competition. Sore forward? Backman with a fever? Drop him a line at dreamteam@afl.com.au and don't forget to include bank and trade details.

Doc, my forward line is struggling! I have Pavlich, Skipworth, Fevola, Franklin, Rioli, Morton, and Jack Riewoldt and they aren't giving me many Dream Team points! Should I get rid of the Richmond guys, or stick with them? – Phil

It seems forward lines are a weak link across the board this year, Phil, with so many big names down on their output. We've got every right to expect big things from Pav (scores of 78, 81, 78), Buddy (107, 72, 74) and Fevola (67, 91, 104) but they're not delivering consistently.

If you've got Paul Chapman you've probably stopped reading, but we'll continue.

If you decide to trade one or both of the Richmond guys, Alwyn Davey ($243,500) is averaging more than 75 DT points, while Nathan Krakouer ($221,800) notched 97 in round three.

Morton for Krakouer is an acceptable swap, but I'd hold onto Riewoldt – you don't want to make too many of these sideways trades. And don't worry, your gun trio will lift eventually.

I have a few players on my bench not earning their keep, Doc – Andrew Raines, Jordan McMahon, Tom Swift and Nic Naitanui. Happy to keep Naitanui and Raines for the long term, so is it better to trade McMahon for someone who is more affordable now like Luke Hodge or Joel Bowden or is better pick someone in form like Lindsay Gilbee or Brendan Goddard? Thanks. – Damien

I admire your loyalty to Naitanui, Damien, and you've definitely made the right call on Raines.

But at the hefty price of $373,900, you just cannot keep McMahon in your team when he is getting dropped. After being recalled this week he may well turn in a blinder against Melbourne – but it's a risk long term.

No such risk with Gilbee though. He has had a superb start to the year averaging a touch more than 100 DT points. The Bulldogs have shown they will be patient and precise when moving the ball out of defence this year, meaning Gilbee is likely to score well week in, week out.

Go with the form player on this one. But taking a risk on someone like Andrew Mackie (down $33,400) is always worth a thought.

Hi Doc, I have Mitch Robinson in my team and I thought he was a good pick-up, but last round he only scored 44 DT points. Should I stick with him and see how he goes or trade him for a player that scored well last round, like Whitecross, Dangerfield or Hill? Help is greatly needed! –Alex

How hard we are to please, Alex! Did the young Blue not just deposit $54,500 in your DT account? Well, he may have been a tad underwhelming last week, but let's see if we can give you an appreciation of the fine work he has done this season.

As the second biggest improver of the round, Robinson has given you a chance to make some serious cash. You mentioned three fine young players, but they've all gone up in price, alongside Robinson, after playing three games.

Two players you should look at trading in for Robinson are Dayne Beams (scores of 94 and 84) and David Zaharakis (107 and 58). They both look like holding their spots for the foreseeable future and will make you a handy profit after they play their third games this week.

Good luck with your choice.

Dear Doc, I'm considering trading Brent Harvey. He is only scoring 60s and 70s, unlike last year when I could count on him getting high 90s and 100s. Should I trade him or hold on it? – Tom

It's a sorry sight for DT coaches, Tom – watching your star midfielder get tagged out of the game on a weekly basis. It's been happening out west to Daniel Kerr and, unfortunately, Mr Harvey is also a marked man.

Your investment is looking a little shaky at this point, but Harvey is the captain of the North Melbourne footy club. He has to bounce back.

Boomer has averaged more than 104 DT points across his last four clashes with the Bombers, so let's hope he turns things around this week. And remember, one good game in DT world makes you reconsider these types of trades pretty quickly.

Hi Doc, I don't know who to pick as my captain. I started the season with Gary Ablett then changed to Joel Bowden last week when Ablett scored 134. Now I'm considering Daniel Cross, but I'm not sure he can keep up his big scores. Who should I choose? – Harry

Glad you asked, Harry. We've been having a bit of trouble in the captaincy department ourselves. The lesson: it's time to stop being overly reactive and look at some long-term trends.

You jumped off after Ablett's 81 against Richmond, but the little master averaged more than 100 DT points across his last three meetings with the Pies. Against this week's opponent the Crows, however, he averages a humble 84.

Jimmy Bartel averages more than 140 DT points against Adelaide and his current form makes him a lock for the captaincy if you have him.

Joel Corey is looking good too, with an average of 125 against the Crows.

Daniel Cross should be safe to crack 100, winning plenty of footy against the Eagles, but if you want to live a little, look forward this week.

Brett Deledio is well placed to kick his season up a notch against Melbourne, while Paul Chapman is coming off a hefty 152. That one could be a little reactive though.

This week's top three:
Jimmy Bartel (106 last week)
Brett Deledio (84)
Kane Cornes (121)

Best of luck to you all, Dream Teamers.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.