Hey Doc, I have only one trade left and I want to upgrade Trent Cotchin for Gazza Ablett. Problem is that leaves me with nearly 30 grand unspent. What do you reckon? – Tom
Rules are rules, Tommy, and they're meant to be broken. Dream Team is pretty much a minefield in this respect. So-called experts will tell you some rules should never be broken, and in some respects they're right: The rule about never choosing Will Thursfield, Darren Glass, Daniel Merrett or Mal Michael, for instance, is there for a very good reason.
But when it comes to spending all your money just for the sake of it, I don't toe the line. I don't spend 100 per cent when building my squad in the pre-season and in this case, with one trade remaining, Ablett is your man.
Let's be honest Tom, the only reason you're questioning this is the price, and Ablett is ridiculously cheap right now. The last time he was anywhere near this was in 2007. His price is certain to go up this week and he showed last Friday with a polished 104 that he's back in town.
The only other player who'd challenge Ablett is Jimmy Bartel, who is in massive ball-winning form. But either of those two are terrific options, and are great captain choices despite playing Sydney this week. In summary, choose Ablett. Sit back and enjoy the score-fest.
Doc, I'm going to get an elite-scoring back and I'm wondering who's a good pick? – Troy (Two trades left, $49k in bank)
Okay Troy, I assume you've got a pretty high budget. If so, then Andrew Mackie ($392k) is my favourite Defender this year. He just keeps on racking up high scores – like his midfield team-mates – and seems to never get manned up. That may change in years to come, but for now opponents have bigger problems than stopping the avalanche of stats he picks up across half-back.
Other good picks are Paul Wheatley ($359k) and Nathan Bock ($310k). Both players also win plenty of ball across half-back. They're tall and they take plenty of marks, which is important.
The other one who's been turning heads lately is Essendon's Andrew Welsh ($326k). He's scored hundreds in the last four games he's played (excluding a first-quarter injury) and is in red-hot tackling form.
All of these players are good choices.
Dr Dream Team, I've been saving for a few weeks to bring Richo in but now I'm not sure he's worth it! What do you think? Anyone better? – Chrissie (one trade left, $58k in bank)
Good on you for asking Chrissie. This one is riskier than a bet on Cadel Evans.
Richo has scored 70 and 50 in his last two weeks and I'm not convinced he's fully fit. The marks have dried up and after such a massive year of hard running, his legs might be buggered. He'll never give up completely, but I think we won't see the brilliant scores that resulted earlier this year.
Rather than Richo, I'd try for Steve Johnson (cheap at $350k) or Brad Johnson, who is hitting some good form and is good value at $359k.
Paul Medhurst looks cheap at $325k with Didak out, but he didn't score well last week and I would rather go either of the Johnson boys.
If you don't have Pavlich or Franklin, make them your highest priority but I assume that you, like most other Dream Teamers, have adopted those big-scoring notch-on-the-belt types into your forward line.
Good captain picks this week:
Lance Franklin has a good history against the Tigers – his first big haul was against them a few years ago, and he got plenty of opportunities against them earlier this year. Mind you, he didn't take them – kicking 1.7 – but nevertheless, worth a shot this week.
Sam Mitchell also has a good history against the Tigers, averaging 113 in his last three matches.
Kane Cornes has a fantastic history against the Pies, averaging 31 disposals in his last four games against them.
Adam Goodes' eight goals last week make things very interesting, but I don't reckon the Geelong defence will give him an inch this week. However, Gazza Ablett and Jimmy Bartel both scored big 100s when these two teams met earlier this year, so they're both decent picks.
Dean Cox has not been in best-ever form, but Melbourne's Jeff White is out with injury so Cox will have an easier run this week. Meanwhile Brad Green is a good unusual pick if you're after something a bit different. He's in good form and is a proven ball-magnet with McLean out injured.
Scott Thompson loves playing the Bombers. Average is 104 across his last four games… Nice.
Jonathan Brown is in woeful form and is carrying an injury. Don't go there. Simon Black had his first ton in ages last week, but it'll take few more of those before I recommend him for captain. But Brad Johnson, Matthew Boyd and Adam Cooney are your good Bulldog bets – Jason Akermanis is a no-no in his current form.
Nick Riewoldt usually carves up Freo, but has to be doubted this week due to that nasty hand injury. He's selected at centre half-forward but despite his massive 122-point average in his last four matches against Fremantle, I would think twice. Meanwhile Matthew Pavlich is also looking pretty good with 14 goals in four recent St Kilda matches.
