Not because the weekly number-crunching has taken its toll over 10 arduous weeks; rather they want their struggling star performers to rejuvenate themselves with a weekend off.
And no Dream Team stars need the week off more than Port Adelaide’s Chad Cornes.
A no-brainer for thousands of DT mentors over the years, the Chad has hit a gigantic form slump in the past month.
Since a 129-point game against the Crows in round six, Cornes’ output has been on a steady downward spiral, culminating in a 48-point effort against Collingwood on Sunday evening.
While his value has only dropped by $32,100, the versatile Port swingman isn’t justifying his current price tag of $347,400.
It’s a similar story over at Tigerland where veteran defender Joel Bowden has delighted many a DT coach through the years with his high-possession role in the Richmond defence.
He racked up five scores in excess of 100 points in six weeks at one stage, but Bowden has averaged a tick over 61 points a game in the past three rounds.
After commanding an initial outlay of $436,600, his value has slumped by more than $75,400.
Far be it from the DT market analysts to tell you what to do, but trading one or both of Bowden and Cornes must certainly be an option.
However, rewards can be found if you’re willing to keep the faith and Melbourne ruckman Paul Johnson is a prime example.
PJ was firmly ensconced on Struggle Street after five rounds with his value falling by more than $56,000.
But a solid past month of footy, including two century efforts in the past three weeks, has given a $25,000 return on their initial investment to those DT coaches who kept the faith.
Perhaps the biggest good news story of the week is the continued renaissance of Freo forward-turned-defender Chris Tarrant, who is no longer leading the list of this year’s top 10 biggest Dream Team losers.
Taz produced a 102-point game against Richmond on Saturday night, lifting his value by almost $24,000 and handing the top spot to fellow form drop king, Hawk Lance Franklin.
One might suggest that it’s a bit tough that Franklin, who leads the Coleman Medal race with 34 goals for the season, is leading the players who have failed to live up to their ranking.
But it’s just an indication of how stellar Buddy’s 2008 really was.
On to this week’s bargain prospects and the two best bets are to be found alongside Franklin at Waverley Park.
Xavier Ellis has just played his third game of the season and his price has dropped by $17,000. However, that period includes a 20-point effort round three game against North Melbourne when he was injured.
A 99-point game against Adelaide on Sunday is a better indication of where Ellis is at and with the Hawks continually improving, he’s set to deliver on a more regular basis.
Finally, if you don’t have Beau Muston in your team this week, get him. Two games, two century-plus performances and a price of just $86,600 is compelling evidence for any self-respecting coach.
The Dream Team market boffins assure me there’s never been an easier way to boost your bank balance.
Top 10 movers
1. Brendan Whitecross (Haw) $288,100 (+$201,500)
2. Andrew Collins (Rich) $256,600 (+$170,000)
3. Garry Moss (Haw) $237,600 (+$162,300)
4. Daniel Rich (BL) $286,000 (+$159,400)
5. Robin Nahas (Rich) $240,100 (+$156,800)
6. Jack Ziebell (NM) $273,300 (+$154,700)
7. Angus Graham (Rich) $241,200 (+$154,600)
8. Andy Otten (Adel) $280,300 (+$153,800)
9. David Zaharakis (Ess) $232,000 (+$145,400)
10. Zac Dawson (StK) $216,800 (+$137,500)
Top 10 losers
1. Lance Franklin (Haw) $306,600 (-$121,400)
2. Troy Simmonds (Rich) $264,800 (-$106,100)
3. Brett Jones (WC) $206,800 (-$104,700)
4. Michael Rischitelli (BL) $242,300 (-$102,900)
5. Chris Tarrant (Freo) $210,600 (-$101,400)
6. Luke Hodge (Haw) $330,000 (-$98,800)
7. Campbell Brown (Haw) $204,700 (-$97,400)
8. Daniel Kerr (WC) $243,100 (-$96,100)
9. Brendon Lade (PA) $234,900 (-$91,600)
10. Tom Logan (PA) $234,300 (-$90,300)
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
