COLLINGWOOD
Collingwood is a Fantasy powerhouse, with its strong midfield providing four of the top 11 points-per-game scorers in the AFL in 2012. Driven by their boundary-hugging game style and clutch of elite ball-winners, the Magpies averaged more kicks per game than any other team last season, and ranked fifth overall in disposals per game. Coach Nathan Buckley also showed a willingness to try new players in his first season at the helm, with six youngsters making their AFL debut. If that trend continues, the Magpies could be a valuable source of bargain-priced 'cash-cows' in 2013. - Mark Macgugan
THE TOP SCORERS
Dayne Beams
2012 AFL Fantasy average score: 116
2013 AFL Fantasy Dream Team price: $599,400
2013 AFL Fantasy position: Mid
Mr Fantasy says: Took on the inside midfielder role with relish after Luke Ball’s injury and scored a whopping 2443 points in 2012. Among the elite.
AFL Fantasy hub: gain the winning edge
Dane Swan
2012 average score: 134
2013 price: $688,100
2013 position: Mid
Mr Fantasy says: Posted an amazing average of more than 133 last season. Always near the action and also kicks goals.
Steele Sidebottom
2012 average score: 105
2013 price: $539,200
2013 position: Mid
Mr Fantasy says: Another who took a step forward in 2012, when he scored more than 100 points in 11 matches. Expensive but is a class act.
Scott Pendlebury
2012 average score: 110
2013 price: $568,700
2013 position: Mid
Mr Fantasy says: Brilliant, but just as importantly, also consistent, scoring more than 80 in 17 of 18 games last season. One of the premium picks.
Travis Cloke
2012 average score: 74
2013 price: $383,600
2013 position: Fwd
Mr Fantasy says: Still managed to be Collingwood’s fifth highest Dream Team scorer in 2012 despite a season he’d sooner forget. Not consistent enough.
Jarryd Blair
2012 average score: 79
2013 price: $409,300
2013 position: Mid
Mr Fantasy says: Finished with a handy average of almost 80 last season but still a little up and down for me. I’d pass.
Dale Thomas
2012 average score: 93
2013 price: $480,000
2013 position: Mid/Fwd
Mr Fantasy says: Failed to play at his absolute best last season but still scored more than 90 most weeks. You need to seriously consider him.
Alex Fasolo
2012 average score: 73
2013 price: $373,900
2013 position: Fwd
Mr Fantasy says: Emerging player who might be on the cusp of great things. Scored well last season and you can expect an average close to 80 in 2013.
Heath Shaw
2012 average score: 82
2013 price: $422,800
2013 position: Def
Mr Fantasy says: Was once a Dream Team lock in the back half but inconsistency has crept into his game. Be wary – there seems to be better options at a fairer price.
Darren Jolly
2012 average score: 83
2013 price: $427,600
2013 position: Ruc
Mr Fantasy says: Highly talented ruckman who has become more of a Dream Team risk with age and as injuries mount. Look elsewhere.
