SELECTION a Hawthorn player in your AFL Fantasy team and is always an exciting but nervous decision. They have many premium options, like Sam Mitchell(MID, $574,000) who had his best Fantasy season in his 14-year career to average 104 in 2015.
However, on the other hand there is always that element of risk of ‘who will they rest next?’
Only two players, Jack Gunston (FWD, $510,000) and Shaun Burgoyne (DEF, $413,000) played all the home and away games last year, and Gunston then missed two finals with injury.
At the end of the day, Hawthorn players are just too good to ignore, with their team averaging 100 points a game more than any other side last year.
So, with the Fantasy season just around the corner, who are we picking?
Click here for every Hawk's starting Fantasy price and position
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Jordan Lewis (MID, $613,000): Lewis has averaged 111 and 110 over the last two seasons and is destined to be a top-eight midfielder once again. He averaged 135 in his first five games of the season and is worth the hefty price tag.
Luke Hodge (MID, $615,000): What role will Luke Hodge play in 2016? Last year you could have selected him as a defender and after losing his dual position status the question is, will he get it back? New positions are upgraded and released in rounds six, 12 and 18, and if Hodge is floating across half-back during the pre-season, he might be granted a new position next to his name sooner rather than later.
Brendan Whitecross (DEF/FWD, $232,000): Whitecross is one of only three Hawks that carry dual-position status. Due to injuries and his inability to crack the Hawks' best 22, he is yet to taste premiership glory. Whitecross has averaged 88 in the past and recently signed on for another year despite interest from rival clubs.
Jack Fitzpatrick (DEF/FWD, $188,000): The former Demon finds himself in the gold and brown as a replacement for retired ruckman-forward David Hale. Fitzpatrick can play a variety of roles. He won’t set the Fantasy scoreboard on fire but at this price, he’s worth the risk if he’s named in round one.
Kieran Lovell (MID, $163,000): He’s drawn comparisons to Sam Mitchell as this kid is a ball-winning maniac. Lovell averaged 33 touches (125 points) over the TAC Cup but will find the path into this Hawks team very tough. Hawthorn is renowned for not playing rookies, but when he gets his chance he’ll be a Fantasy star.
Billy Hartung (MID, $333,000): In his 18 games last year, Hartung was the green vest specialist and with the substitute rule out the window, he is now very relevant in the Fantasy arena. In the 10 games he didn’t wear the vest, he posted scores of 100, 95, 93 and 91 and finished with an average of 81.
Jonathon O’Rourke (MID, $255,000): After leaving the Giants, O’Rourke found it hard to make the Hawks' best 22. Over the NAB Challenge, you’ll see O’Rourke playing games and scoring. Don’t be fooled by this. His price is tempting but don’t fall into the trap like many Fantasy coaches did last year when Jed Anderson did the same thing.
More Fantasy prices:
> Carlton: Will Brendon play the kids?
> Brisbane Lions: Fantasy Pig and friends
> Gold Coast: Sunshine and Fantasy points aplenty
> Essendon: Don't you know about the Bird?
> St Kilda: Big four won't come cheap
> Melbourne: The devil is strong in these youngsters
> Collingwood: Midfield delight but thin front and back
> GWS: Can Stevie J wind back the clock?
> Geelong: Danger in making Paddy a lock
> Port Adelaide: More than one shade of Gray
> Western Bulldogs: Young pups to score freely
> Richmond: Roll the dice on Dusty?
> Adelaide: Crouch-ing mids pounce on Fantasy points
> Sydney Swans: Buddy and the mids
> North Melbourne: Build your team around Goldy
> Fremantle: Hop on board the Harley
> West Coast: Durable Gaff not finished rising
