CAN DALE Thomas re-capture his best form under Mick Malthouse?
That will be the question facing NAB AFL Fantasy coaches as they contemplate whether to select Carlton's big-name recruit in their 2014 starting line-ups.
Dogged by ankle injuries, Thomas had a poor 2013 season for Collingwood, averaging just 63.9 points in his five senior games.
As such, his starting price for next season has been set at only $346,400 – making the 26-year-old a potential bargain if he can stay healthy and return to his best.
In each of the three seasons from 2010 until 2012, Thomas averaged over 90 points per game, including a career-high 102.9 in 2011, Malthouse's final year in charge of the Magpies.
2014 Fantasy price watch: Essendon
If the talented midfielder can return to those numbers in navy blue, his value will quickly skyrocket.
However, coaches will also have to factor in a position change, with Thomas now eligible for selection as a midfielder only, rather than a dual position midfielder/forward.
Carlton's top scorer from 2013, Bryce Gibbs, has also lost his dual position status.
Gibbs has been categorised as a midfielder next year, after being a popular selection as a defender/midfielder last season.
Having averaged 88.8 – the most of any Blue in a dismal Fantasy year for the club – the former No.1 draft pick will open at $481,500.
Those searching for a replacement for Gibbs in defence may only need look as far as Kade Simpson.
The Carlton 2013 best and fairest winner has been re-classified from midfielder to defender, and will start at the tempting price of $461,900.
Another player worth watching during the pre-season will be former skipper Chris Judd.
The dual Brownlow medallist's average dropped to 81.9 this year, the first time he had dipped under 90 since 2008.
A proven champion who averaged more than 102 in both 2010 and 2011, Judd's role is changing as he gets older.
If he can bounce back to his high-scoring best, his starting price of $443,800 looks tempting.
However, he may be just as likely to dip further as he spends less time in the centre and more in the forward line.
Click back each day to AFL.com.au to see what the AFL Fantasy guns will cost you in 2014 and where the bargains are to be found. Tomorrow: Port Adelaide
