Over the next 30 days, they'll hand pick 30 fit-for-purpose players for your starting NAB AFL Fantasy squad.
We begin with the best backline options and finish with the cream of the midfield crop. Today, it's a former No. 1 draft pick who is set for a break-out season after gaining dual-position status for 2014.
No one can dispute the talent of David Swallow, but in AFL Fantasy level it has been somewhat of a different story.Swallow is a former No. 1 draft pick and averaged 76 points in his debut season. That year he scored over 100 points on four occasions including 114 points against Richmond in round 16.
Unfortunately… that score of 114 still remains as his best ever Fantasy game at AFL level.
Fantasy lock-ins: defenders
- Jeremy Laidler (Sydney Swans)- Matthew Fuller (Western Bulldogs)
- Kade Kolodjashnij (Gold Coast)
- Matt Suckling (Hawthorn)
The following year he managed to score over 100 twice but only managed to play 12 games due to injury.
So when 2013 came around, many Fantasy coaches were expecting big things from the talented youngster in his third season. Sadly it was not to be.
From his 18 games, Swallow’s best scores were 103 and 90, with both occurring against the 17th placed Demons.
So why do we have him sitting in our Fantasy team for 2014?
For the first time ever, Swallow can now be selected as a defender after being named as a DEF/MID.
Although he spent the majority of his time last year in the defensive half for the Suns, he is a natural midfielder.
As a junior, Swallow dominated. He was the joint winner of the Larke Medal (best player) at the 2009 NAB AFL Under-18 Championships by consistently racking up high numbers in clearances and possessions.
Other former No. 1 draft picks have also taken their time to ‘break-out’ and deliver great Fantasy numbers.
Brett Deledio took four years to improve his average by 20+ points while Carlton duo Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs took three years before their average improved by the same amount.
David’s brother Andrew also took his time to produce solid Fantasy scores. He’s currently a model of consistency and has averaged 95-100 points over the last four years.
David enters his fourth AFL season and it was this season for Andrew when he stood up and improved his average from 51 to 90.
Hopefully David can follow in his brother's footsteps and shine in 2014.
LOCKABILITY: 3.5/5
Swallow will improve on his 2013 average of 70 but it’s just a question of by how much. I’ve checked my crystal ball and all the signs are that 2014 will be his break-out season.
Carlton fans get ready because tomorrow, Warnie announces our third last defender. He’s a ripper! Check out #AFL Fantasy on Twitter or follow @CalvinDT and the official account @AFLFantasy.
The pre-season AFL Record is the complete guide to the new-look NAB AFL Fantasy football competition. AFL Fantasy experts Warnie, Roy and Calvin (aka The Traders) detail everything you need to know about Fantasy football. There are Fantasy prices and profiles of every player. The 124-page pre-season Record will be on sale at newsagents nationally from February 7 for $9.95.
