EVERY AFL Fantasy participant searches for that one player who goes from relative anonymity to fantasy superstardom.

Finding that player is easier said than done, but when you do it can set you up for a very successful season.

Here are the top 10 players who had the biggest price rise in 2012, and players to keep an eye on for this season:

1. Sam Gibson (North Melbourne)
Price rise:
$354,300 (from $86,000 to $440,300)
2012 points average: 90.9
2013 prospects: Gibson has been tearing up the track this pre-season, leading all of North's time trials. His gut-busting running from contest to contest was noticeable and he ranked equal 10th in the competition in average uncontested possessions (17.4 a game). Gibson's hard toil through the midfield takes some of the load off the likes of Daniel Wells and Jack Ziebell. If he maintains his form, Gibson should be a regular in the Roos' side.
2013 equivalent: Sam Dwyer (Collingwood). Price: $89,300. Position: FWD/MID. Like Gibson last year, Dwyer will start the year on the rookie list. Given the strength of the Pies' midfield, Dwyer may be starved of opportunities early on. However, if injuries strike, the 26-year-old will be ready. Dwyer is a proven ball-winner at VFL level, and has shown an ability to kick goals from the midfield when playing at Port Melbourne.

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2. Toby Greene (Greater Western Sydney)
Price rise:
$350,100 (from $134,700 to $484,800)
2012 points average: 96.2
2013 prospects: Greene gained a huge amount of respect from the AFL fraternity in 2012. As an 18-year-old, Greene placed in the top 10 of the competition in disposals a game (28.4). He is tough and unrelenting in his attack on the footy and generally finds teammates with his disposal. Greene has also been flying in pre-season training, winning the year's opening 3km time trial. However, what might count against him this year is the fact there will be opposition scouting reports and teams trying to limit his impact in his second season.
2013 equivalent: Jack Viney (Melbourne). Price: $102,700. Position: MID. Viney, Melbourne's father-son selection (pick 26), already has the body to cope with the demands of playing in the AFL. He is your typical inside midfielder, who thrives on winning piles of contested ball. He's not afraid to put his body on the line and regularly racks up plenty of possessions. Already a near certainty to debut in round one, Viney is a chance to play every game if he stays fit this season.

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3. Adam Treloar (Greater Western Sydney)
Price rise:
$323,000 (from $104,200 to $427,400)
2012 points average: 82.1
2013 prospects: Treloar should benefit from having another pre-season under the belt, as he adds size in the gym. He has obvious talent and when the ball is in his hands he usually makes something happen. He's dangerous around goals and breaks the lines like few in the Giants' side. On his way to becoming an elite midfielder.
2013 equivalent: Jaeger O'Meara (Gold Coast). Price: $108,500. Position: MID. O'Meara is one of the most highly-rated young players in the competition. In his NAB Cup campaign last season, O'Meara displayed his talent, in particular in an influential game against Geelong. Now eligible to play senior football, he oozes talent, wins his ball on the inside of the pack, and has the pace and class to bound away from the contest.

4. Dayne Zorko (Brisbane Lions)
Price rise:
$304,200 (from $104,200 to $408,400)
2012 points average: 94.7
2013 prospects: Zorko quickly established himself in the Lions' midfield, earning his spot, and then influencing games off his own boot. Zorko often chalks up big numbers and puts large amounts of pressure on the opposition. Not just an inside threat, Zorko can also make an impact on the scoreboard for the Lions.
2013 equivalent: Mark Hutchings (West Coast). Price: $102,700. Position: MID. Hutchings was a dominant figure at WAFL level last season, so much so he finished runner-up in the Sandover Medal. The 21-year-old won at least 20 disposals in all but four of his 20 games and ranked fourth in the competition in clearances in the WAFL last season. Has already become attuned to playing senior football, so look for him to feature early in the NAB Cup.

5. Jonathan Giles (Greater Western Sydney)
Price rise:
$276,300 (from $117,800 to $394,100)
2012 points average: 82
2013 prospects: Giles made an immediate impact in his debut year for the Giants. Once part of Port Adelaide's list, Giles showed an all round value in his game in 2012. He competed in the ruck, and would often follow his work by fighting for the clearance or by pushing forward to create an option. Again, his output looms as crucial to the Giants' chances of winning games. He is the main man in the ruck, until some of his understudies gain experience.
2013 equivalent: Daniel Currie (North Melbourne). Price: $102,700. Position: RUC. Currie had a four-year stint with the Sydney Swans, and after being delisted, moved to the SANFL where he impressed for North Adelaide. He won the fourth most hit-outs in the competition last year, and as a 24-year-old his time is now. It's not clear where he fits in with the Roos' plans, but is one to watch in the NAB Cup.

6. Dylan Shiel (Greater Western Sydney)
Price rise:
$246,800 ($104,200 to $351,000)
2012 points average: 73.4
2013 prospects: Shiel was a star midfielder as a junior and gave a little glimpse of his talent last season, until he was slowed by a foot injury. He has had ongoing concerns with his feet, which the Giants have remained vigilant with. Has started running again and is on target for round one. However, there is still some doubt over his status, so tread carefully.
2013 equivalent: Jed Anderson (Hawthorn). Price: $108,500. Position: MID. Anderson is one of the best products to come out of the Northern Territory for a few years. He consistently mixed it with the best at Under-18 level, and showed an ability to influence games. He is polished with ball in hand, and possesses great pressure skills. May be a little down in the pecking order this season, but could surprise and make a name for himself down at Waverley this year.

7. Clay Smith (Western Bulldogs)
Price rise:
$245,500 (from 107,700 to $353,100)
2012 points average: 64.3
2013 prospects: As a 19-year-old, Smith is as tough as they come. Part of a rising Bulldogs midfield, Smith's ability to win the ball in close is a key strength. He puts pressure on the opposition and fights hard to win the ball back for his team. Needs to clean up his disposal, but has all the hallmarks of being a key member in Brendan McCartney's midfield for years to come.
2013 equivalent: Oliver Wines (Port Adelaide). Price: $156,700. Position: MID. Wines joins the Power with a reputation of being one of the best junior midfielders in the land. He can win the ball in close, but also step outside of the contest and use his well-refined foot skills to hit targets. The 18-year-old wins his own clearances and follows his work to contests around the ground. Can see him spending some time forward, where he is adept at using his body in one-on-one contests.

8. Taylor Adams (Greater Western Sydney)
Price rise:
$233,000 (from $125,700 to $358,700)
2012 points average: 75.3
2013 prospects: Adams acquitted himself well in his 15 games last season. He found his niche in winning clearances, averaging the second-most clearances per game of any AFL debutant last year. He is one of the Giants' "bigger bodies", so watch for him to feature prominently in centre bounces. Certain to improve in 2013.
2013 equivalent: Jesse Lonergan (Gold Coast). Price: $129,700. Position: MID. Lonergan was selected by the Suns with pick No.13 in last year's draft, ahead of some quality players. Guy McKenna and the Suns have high hopes for him. He is renowned for his inside grunt work and shone for Tasmania in last year's NAB AFL Championships. Could quite easily demand a spot in the Suns' round one side. Watch him closely during the NAB Cup.

9. Brock McLean (Carlton)
Price rise:
$226,200 (from $264,100)
2012 points average: 100
2013 prospects: McLean proved plenty of doubters wrong with a stellar 2012 season. He became a permanent fixture in the Blues' side, and his clearance work was a staple of his game. With Mick Malthouse now at the helm, it will be interesting to see what role McLean will be slated to play. If the Blues' midfield is firing, McLean's unassuming nature could be the perfect complement.
2013 equivalent: David Rodan (Melbourne). Price: $271,000. Position: MID. Rodan's career was stagnating at the Power last year, regularly playing in the SANFL. The move to the Demons could be the exact tonic for him to rejuvenate his career. His clearance work and line-breaking ability will add to the Demons' side, and he is sure to find a spot in the Demons' round one team. The 29-year-old is talented, but it remains to be seen whether he can produce his sparkling form consistently.

10. Tory Dickson
Price rise:
$205,100 (from $98,700 to $303,800)
2012 points average: 67.8
2013 prospects: Dickson played as a lead-up forward last season, and will be called on again as the Dogs search for answers in attack. He works hard to get to contests and generally finishes his work in front of goal. His pressure on the opposition was also important. It remains to be seen whether he can take his game to the next level. But it's safe to say he should demand a spot.
2013 equivalent: Tom Lee (St Kilda). Price: $108,500. Position: FWD. Lee was a standout for Claremont in the WAFL last season, after spending a year at Adelaide in 2009. He averaged four goals a game and was unstoppable for the Tigers up forward, finishing second in the best and fairest. He is strong above his head and is sound in front of goal. Likely to debut early in the year and could create some match-up headaches for opposition teams.

PositionPlayerPrice increaseFinishing priceStarting price2012 average
1Sam Gibson $354,300 $440,300 $86,000
 
 90.92
2Toby Greene $350,100 $484,800
 
 $134,700
 
 96.21
 
3Adam Treloar $323,000 $427,200 $104,200 82.11
4Dayne Zorko $304,200 $408,400 $104,200 94.69
5Jonathan Giles $276,300 $394,100 $117,800 81.95
 
6Dylan Shiel $246,800 $351,000 $104,200 73.42
7Clay Smith $245,400 $353,100 $107,700 64.25
8Taylor Adams $233,000 $358,700 $125,700 75.27
9Brock McLean $226,200 $490,300 $264,100 100.2
10Tory Dickson $205,100 $303,800 $98,700 67.82

Ben Guthrie is a reporter for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_BenGuthrie