The Cats are traditionally a high-possession side, with their game style built on flicking the ball around to find the free player in space. In 2012, they were down across the board in this area, finishing in tenth position in disposals a game, with some of their key playmakers forced to negotiate interrupted seasons. As a result, their line-up was less than settled. Most of their senior players, including Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel and James Kelly are back in form and ready to tackle a big season. One younger player to look out for is the Cats' 2012 first-round draft pick, Jackson Thurlow, who may see early senior action after impressing down at the Cattery.
-Ben Guthrie
THE TOP SCORERS
Joel Selwood
2012 AFL Fantasy average score: 103
2013 AFL Fantasy Dream Team price: $530,900
2013 AFL Fantasy position: Mid
Mr Fantasy says: Dropped more than $100,000 in value by year's end in 2012, but still averaged better than 100. In his prime and ready for another huge year.
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Steve Johnson
2012 average score: 97
2013 price: $501,700
2013 position: Midfielder/Forward
Mr Fantasy says: Dangerous forward capable of some massive scores, highlighted by five of more than 130 in 2012. Showing no sign of stopping just yet.
Paul Chapman
2012 average score: 98
2013 price: $502,600
2013 position: Mid/Fwd
Mr Fantasy says: Although his best football appears to be behind him, he is still capable of handy scores as he does find space very well.
Jimmy Bartel
2012 average score: 96
2013 price: $492,700
2013 position: Mid
Mr Fantasy says: Played with injury in 2012 but still showed impressive consistency with 13 scores of 90 or more. Worth another go this season.
James Kelly
2012 average score: 98
2013 price: $502,300
2013 position: Midfielder
Mr Fantasy says: Often flies under the radar, but not in Dream Team circles. Doesn’t come cheap but is a viable midfield option.
Andrew Mackie
2012 average score: 79
2013 price: $405,100
2013 position: Def
Mr Fantasy says: Averaged a touch better than 78 last season, which was below his usual output. Look for improvement in 2013.
Mitch Duncan
2012 average score: 82
2013 price: $420,500
2013 position: Mid
Mr Fantasy says: Classy young player who did well to average more than 80 in 2012, considering the talent around him. Not at a bargain price will continue to improve.
Corey Enright
2012 average score: 81
2013 price: $416,100
2013 position: Def
Mr Fantasy says: Usually a ball magnet off half-back, but he had a quiet 2012 with only three scores of 100 of better. His best could be behind him.
Tom Hawkins
2012 average score: 79
2013 price: $396,000
2013 position: Fwd
Mr Fantasy says: Enjoyed a very good 2012 with some handy scores, but power forwards aren’t usually consistent scorers. I'd pass.
Harry Taylor
2012 average score: 73
2013 price: $376,800
2013 position: Mid
Mr Fantasy says: Solid defender who did score more than 100 on four occasions in 2012, but remains capable of some low returns. No.
