AS AN early Christmas present for AFL Fantasy coaches, we have decided to reveal the game's top-priced players and, in doing so, lift the curtain on a new era of Fantasy football.

Few will be surprised that Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield comes in as 2017's most-expensive player, but many will be staggered that powerhouse Hawthorn does not have a player in the top-10 mids nor top-10 defenders.

In fact, out of the 35 players we list, only two Hawks, Isaac Smith and Jack Gunston, appear as bottom-priced forwards.

Highlighting a new age in Fantasy, midfielders now rule the rich list. Last year, two ruckmen (Todd Goldstein and Stefan Martin) were the most expensive but their stocks have tumbled with 2017 becoming the year of the mid.

The top ruckman is Max Gawn at $642,000 but he is priced behind nine midfielders and the highest-priced forward, Nick Riewoldt. 

How it works

Champion Data has once again looked over the numbers for all players and awarded positions for 2017 based on their role within their team.

Prices are calculated based on a set of formulas and rules. The basic premise is that a player’s price is determined by his output last season (average points per game) multiplied by the magic number.

There are some exceptions.

If a player takes part in fewer than 10 games, a discount will apply in the form of three per cent per game. If they miss a full season, the discount can be up to 30 per cent (the base price will be calculated on the player's previous season average).

Young Cat Jackson Thurlow missed all of 2016 and will cost coaches just $282,000 while Bulldogs skipper Robert Murphy, who played just three games, received a 21 per cent discount on his 2015 average of 102.

Players who miss two or more seasons will receive a 35 per cent discount based on their last available season average. Jaeger O’Meara comes in at a discounted $364,000 based on his 2014 average of 92.7.

The returning banned Bombers have all been allocated a 10 per cent discount. This makes Dyson Heppell a bargain selection at $548,000 based on his previous form.

Draftee pricing has been simplified. The basement price is set at $150,000, with the first pick, Andrew McGrath, priced at $250,000.

Stay tuned this week as we reveal prices and positions for some of the best bargains, draftees and dual-position players. Grab your notepad and start compiling your watchlist to fit your squad in under the new $11 million salary cap.

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The top defenders

With Collingwood's Taylor Adams adding defender status, he becomes the top-priced player down back. This line is as strong as it has been in years, with some players not listed below, such as Luke Hodge and Bernie Vince, who could knock on the door as the best available in this position.

The top midfielders

As mentioned, Danger takes the mantle as the game's top-priced player. Young Bomber Zach Merrett comes in at No.2 but one wonders if he will maintain his 2016 output with the return of his star teammates.

The midfield is where the majority of Fantasy points come from, with 27 of the available mids averaging more than 100 points last season.

The top rucks

Stefan Martin and Todd Goldstein were not only the top rucks last season – they started as the two most expensive players. Will the new blood in Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy hold their place at the top, or do Stef and Goldy stake their claims again in 2017?

The top forwards

Eight of the top 15 averaging forwards lost their forward status from last season and the once high-scoring line looks a shadow of its former self. An unprecedented five key-position players feature in the top 10. Newcomer Jack Macrae, who has gained dual-position status, could potentially be the No.1 forward next season.

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