AFTER a self-diagnosed "putrid" 2014 campaign, Dane Swan is one of the more intriguing NAB AFL Fantasy prospects in 2015.
Swan dipped below the 30-plus disposal mark (24.9) for the first time since 2008, with a host of injuries keeping him to an average of 94 Fantasy points for the year.
That average isn't too shabby, but at $531,000 is Swan – who is available as a forward and midfielder – worth a place in your side?
That's open for debate, although a limited pre-season – spent running lap after lap in rehab, due to off-season hip surgery – doesn't exactly fill you with a whole lot of confidence.
The 2011 Brownlow medallist is due to turn 31 in February and it is arguable whether he can once again return to the level that had him as the most valuable Fantasy player in the game.
Mirroring last year's best and fairest results, Scott Pendlebury [MID, $614,000] and Steele Sidebottom [MID, $612,000] are the Magpies' most expensive players.
It's worth noting that following the loss of star on-baller Dayne Beams, his replacements – Levi Greenwood [MID, $576,000] and Jack Crisp [FWD/MID, $421,000] are also relatively pricey.
Jordan De Goey [MID, $285,000] has made a big impression in his short time at the Magpies. The No.5 pick in this year's NAB AFL Draft is a raging bull at the contest and has already shown that he will not take a backward step.
De Goey is a real chance to make his debut in round one, making him a potential cash cow as the season goes on.
Nathan Freeman [MID, $174,000] is another young Pie to lock into your team. Freeman has been smashing the pre-season running and the Magpies have high hopes for him this season.
Freeman, the No.10 pick in the 2013 draft, missed the entire 2014 season with a serious hamstring injury, but is a likely starter in the Magpies' best 22 this season.
Brodie Grundy [RUC, $344,000] lost his starting job to Jarrod Witts, but you get the feeling 2015 will be a different story.
Grundy averaged 60.7 Fantasy points last year in just 15 games, but you can expect greater output from him this season.
Former Cat Travis Varcoe [DEF, $357,000] has looked slick on the track and is a definite starter in Collingwood's first-choice team.
Varcoe, who will spend time in the midfield next year, could be a guy worth stashing and upgrading with a premium midfielder when the opportunity arises.
It's highly likely Ben Reid [FWD, $146,000] walked under a ladder while holding a black cat at some stage in the past 12 months.
That's the only explanation for the litany of soft-tissue problems the 25-year-old has experienced over the past year.
The latest, a calf strain that will keep him out for up to six weeks, is a big blow for the Magpies and Reid's chances of suiting up in round one.
If Reid gets back to playing consistent football, then you might consider him. Until then, it's safe to ignore him.
Monday: we reveal Adelaide's starting Fantasy prices and positions
