I FEEL like I know how Bomber Thompson has felt these past few months.

Every morning I’ve woken since the end of last Dream Team season - that unforgettable year that was - I’ve been reminded of the ups and downs, the highs and lows, the emotions … oh, what a year it was.

At the end of my bed, as the reigning premier of our office Toyota AFL Dream Team competition, I’m entitled to carry the victor’s trophy - a toy Yoda (yes, we’re into clever, albeit corny puns).

Now one might be mistaken for thinking my 2009 triumph was the culmination of months of hard work, of hours spent slaving over a computer each week, studying players’ form.

But as coach? Well, I’m pleased to say that after picking my squad of 30 at the start of last season, it only took five minutes a week to manage my team.

It was simply a matter of man management. After assessing the squads on a Thursday evening, I had a pretty fair idea as to who was likely to be in and out and made the necessary adjustments to my squad, including selecting emergencies.

The hard work for a coach is done during the pre-season.

Assessing pre-season form and deciding which young, bargain-basement buys to take a punt on is crucial. That is, which first- or second-year players you’re hoping will not only see their fair share of senior action, but also earn you some points along the way, too. That’s the hard part.

With just 20 trades allowed per season (and let’s face it, we all love to trade), the real crunch comes in those final days before round one, when you have to make the tough calls.

My strategy, you may ask, as a reigning Dream Team premier?

Well, last season and for most before that, I like to load up through the middle and up forward.

I find the biggest-scoring players tend to be midfielders and forwards, so why not spend the most on players capable of winning you games?

Lock your team in before round one, and then it’s as easy as five minutes a week.

Those coaches who are really into it might opt to give their team a pre-match rev-up each week. I was never sure if my players could hear me through the computer screen on a Friday afternoon, but it sure got me pumped up as well as perhaps psyching out my workmates.

I’m already working on my pre-match address to the guys before round one of the 2010 season.

Although my toy Yoda, which comes complete with pearls of wisdom when his belly is squeezed, came up with this pearl the other day.

“Do … or do not … there is no try.”

Good luck!

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

2010 Toyota AFL Dream Team is now open. Click here to start playing.