But most of these players are cheap because they are coming back from a long injury.
For instance, at first glance, Paul Hasleby at $257,000 is a steal, as is Mark Coughlan at $176,400.
Coughlan might be a big risk, having not played at AFL level since mid-way through 2006 because of a series of injury complications. He has burned quite a few Dream Team coaches over the past two years who have jumped at his cheap price.
The constant problems that have affected Coughlan are a reminder that buyers should beware that players returning from long-term injury rarely make an immediate impact.
We have taken a sample of some of last year’s big names that were returning from lengthy lay-offs and have found a mixed bag in terms of value for money.
Former North Melbourne forward Nathan Thompson was a popular buy last year after missing all of 2007 with a knee injury.
He opened with an impressive 80-point game against Essendon and apart from a few cameo performances, he ended up playing just 14 home and away games as he battled further injury problems, averaging 55.
Those taking the punt on Brisbane Lions forward Daniel Bradshaw saw the gamble pay off. After the first five rounds, Bradshaw had scored three 100+ point games. His value soared and he only missed two matches along the way, finishing with a 76.25 average.
St Kilda ruckman Michael Gardiner did not play a game for his new club in 2007 because of a foot injury. As a one-time All-Australian he was a popular choice for Dream Team coaches looking for a backup ruckman last year.
But the former Eagle ran in to some familiar injury woes and only managed nine senior performances for a 50.6 average.
Gardiner’s teammate Brendon Goddard’s return from injury was a far bigger success. After rupturing his ACL in round seven, 2007, Goddard was back playing senior football within 12 months and didn’t miss a single match after returning in round three.
The Saints defender/midfielder averaged 74.7 from his 19 home and away matches and soared in value as the season wore on.
It is a risk that can pay off in some cases but coaches should be careful not to load their sides up with players that have wonky knees. If you are going to have a punt on returning players this season Hasleby might be your best bet. He knows how to find the footy and get plenty of touches. With Peter Bell and Josh Carr gone from the Fremantle midfield, Mark Harvey will be keen to have as much experience in the middle as possible.
No one quite knows what to expect from Coughlan, who did average 95.1 Dream Team points in his best and fairest year in 2003.
But after a couple of years on the sidelines, it would be unwise to expect a massive return from him.
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The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
