The biggest lock for the Eagles is... Scott Selwood [MID, $587,500]. If you are after a unique midfielder that is one of the genuine Fantasy stars of the competition, look no further than Selwood.
Statistically, he has been amazing the last five years, improving his average by at least ten points per year over each of those seasons.
Last year he averaged 108 after a sensational end to the season where he scored eight 100-point games in his last nine matches with a lowest score of 98.
In that time he laid 11 tackles on three occasions and reached double figures for tackles seven times during the season.
Is it possible that he could increase his average by another ten to 118?
Scores through 2013 of 142, 127, 136, 119, 135, 124, 119 and 129 suggest he is good enough.
A bargain on the radar is...former Hawk Xavier Ellis [MID, $135,500]. Ellis has had a horrible run of injuries the last few years, playing just 13 games in three seasons.
The warmer weather in Perth seems to be working wonders for Ellis, staying injury free during the pre-season and returning to some of his best footy.
He is highly regarded by coach Adam Simpson and in his pre-season games he has scored 72 from 48 per cent game time and 75 from 67 per cent game time, seemingly cementing his spot in the best 22.
Ellis is a walk-up at this price and arguably worthy of a starting spot on the ground for your team.
A player of difference is...Dean Cox [MID, $526,000]. It sounds silly to talk about Cox as a player of difference, especially when he has been the number one ruck in our Fantasy teams for so many years, but judging by pre-season hype, people are starting to look elsewhere.
There are a couple of things going against Coxy this year. One is the fact his old sparring partner Aaron Sandliands is the bargain of the competition. The other is a hefty price tag for a player his age.
Realistically, he is still worth every cent. Last year he had a slight drop to average 97 points per game but despite the usual rumours about Cox being rested or injured, he played his fourth straight year without missing a game.
What I liked most about Cox was the way he finished the year with five 100 point games in his last six, with a lowest score of 98. During that time he pumped out two scores equal to midfield premiums with 141 in round 19 and 133 in his final game of the season.
The pre-season has taught us... Mark Hutchings [MID, $480,200] looks like taking his game to the next level. After playing nine games last year for an impressive average of 91, Hutchings has made a huge statement during the NAB Challenge.
In the first game he was the second best scorer for the Eagles with 106 from just 62 per cent game time and backed that up by leading the team's scoring with 124 from 72 per cent game time in the second match which included an impressive 11 tackles.
Twitter talk
@rumballz asks "@RoyDT: is Jack Darling a legit pick this year?"
That’s a great question! Over his first three years, Darling has been very consistent, averaging 67, 71 and 69 Fantasy points while missing only three games.
If Darling is selected, it is in anticipation of a breakout year where coaches would want an improvement of around 20 points per game. Can he do that?
Looking at his role in the pre-season, he has spent more time in the midfield than previous years which is a good sign. In his first NAB Challenge game he collected 17 possessions and scored an impressive 94 from 74 per cent game time. In game two he scored a solid 60 from 52 per cent game time.
He certainly looks under-priced and could be a good unique option.
Coach Roy currently has his eye on.... Based on sheer value, Xavier Ellis is locked in my midfield group with the only question being whether he can force his way onto the ground. Although I continually find myself trying to save money in the ruck department, at the end of the day it is hard to look past the set and forget strategy with the ever reliable Dean Cox.
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