And when we say done that, we mean done everything. Premierships, Brownlow Medals, Norm Smith Medals … the lot.
The answer would seem an obvious one but, given Brisbane Lion Bradd Dalziell’s form late last year, the proposition of selecting the young midfielder over a guy by the name of Chris Judd might not seem so ludicrous to some coaches in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009.
Somewhat astonishingly, Carlton skipper Judd is ranked equally 51st in terms of price – along with Sydney Swan Jude Bolton – heading into this year’s Dream Team competition.
At what many will consider a bargain price of $378,600, he is certain to have plenty of admirers.
Consider Judd’s price tag alongside the most expensive ballwinners in Dream Team and all coaches must ask themselves a simple question: Am I really getting value for money by picking this guy?
Dalziell averages more than 25 possessions throughout his career, so one’s logic in selecting him this season would be sound.
The fact the youngster has only played seven career matches – combined with his $420,300 price – might be enough however to scare some coaches away. But during his brief time at AFL level last season he proved himself an ideal Dream Teamer.
The seven-game veteran is far pricier than the likes of teammate Simon Black and other Brownlow Medallists Adam Cooney and Sydney Swan Adam Goodes, who looms as somewhat of a steal at just $359,200.
Geelong has the top three priced midfielders in this year’s competition, with Jimmy Bartel, Gary Ablett and Joel Corey topping the list in that order.
They are the headline acts in the Cats’ on-ball show and grab most attention. As do the likes of Hawk pair Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell – their club’s most expensive midfielders.
That’s why when selecting midfielders it can pay to scan a little lower. The likes of a Joel Selwood at Geelong ($404,000) or a Jordan Lewis at Hawthorn ($368,300) aren’t viewed as the first-stringers but can provide great value.
West Coast’s Daniel Kerr is by no means the highest-priced Eagle this season after not playing as much as he’d have liked in 2008.
While the pocket-rocket no longer has Judd and Ben Cousins beside him, for a guy who not only wins plenty of the footy but also does all the hard things, Kerr looks a tasty price at $339,200.
At first glance, Dream Teamers might perceive the prices of some players odd when compared to those of others.
For example young Eagles star Chris Masten ($306,200) carries a higher price, albeit slight, than Tiger Trent Cotchin ($304,100) – who was third in last year’s NAB Rising Star Award.
Both players ooze class and should build on their initial quotes as the seasons and careers progress.
And that can be half the battle. Coaches hope to pick players who will not only contribute to a healthy team tally each week, but also ballwinners whose overall value will increase the longer the season goes.
Remember folks, there are a lot of good midfielders in the AFL – all capable of scoring big points each weekend.
It’s just a matter of finding the right ones.
Dream Team watch – Western Bulldog Shaun Higgins is rated a $211,900 midfielder/forward in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009.
