The 2009 season provided Dream Team coaches with plenty of sleepers with the best being Greg Broughton, Paul Duffield and Nathan Krakouer. Sleepers are near impossible to predict, however, pre-season competitions do provide some indicators in predicting a sleeper with Krakouer the classic example of 2009.
1. Mark Seaby
Seaby finally has an opportunity to assume the No.1 ruck position this season. After being the understudy to Dean Cox at West Coast, the premiership ruckman will take over the role from the departing Darren Jolly at the Sydney Swans. Despite managing just five games last season, barring any injuries or suspension, he should play all 22 games this year, as Jolly did in his first year at the Swans. He has failed to average more than 59 Dream Team points in any season to date, but he should eclipse this in 2010 with an increase in game time and greater responsibility. He is mobile for a big man and he can also go forward and have an impact on the scoreboard, booting 19 in 2007 - the second-most of any ruckman that year.
2. Jay Nash
Opportunities were limited for Nash at Essendon last season, managing just two games for the year. In 2008 he was one of the Bombers’ best, winning the third-most disposals of any player at the club, playing in a creative role across half-back. He demonstrated his ball winning ability by racking up 33 disposals against Adelaide in round 20, on his way to 96 Dream Team points. Mark Williams has had great success with recycled players in recent years, with David Rodan and Tom Logan both making names for themselves at their second AFL clubs. The retirement of Peter Burgoyne may see him assume a quarterback type role in defence, which should allow Steven Salopek to make a return to the midfield where he is best suited.
3. Phil Davis
Davis was the only player from the 2008 NAB AFL Draft not to play a senior game last season. He is certain to come into contention this year as Andy Otten injured his knee during the pre-season and will miss the entire 201 season. He will be fighting for a place in the Adelaide defence along with Shaun McKernan and Tony Armstrong, but he’s likely to get the nod ahead of them, given that he’s rated so highly. Like Otten last season, he has the potential to hold his place in the Adelaide side for the entire year, making him a priority for any coach based on his bargain basement price. He can be selected both as a defender and a forward providing you with some flexibility.
4. Jarrod Atkinson
Atkinson has had to work hard for his place on the Essendon list after spending the 2008 season on the club’s rookie list. He was used sparingly last season, but he managed to force his way into the side late in the year to play the final four home and away games. He performed extremely well in defence, averaging 17 disposals and four marks per match, while playing with great attacking flair. Although his initial starting price may be a little high, he has the potential to reward you handsomely if he can establish himself in the side. Matthew Knights has built his game plan around quick ball movement and leg speed, something that Atkinson has plenty of. The departure of Andrew Lovett opens the door for him and gives him a great opportunity to become a regular in the Bombers' line-up in 2010.
5. Tom Gillies
Youngsters have found it extremely difficult to break into the strong Geelong line-up in recent years. The retirement of captain Tom Harley has left a gaping hole in the Cats defence, with Gillies one of several candidates that will be staking their claims for the role over the pre-season. He has the height and size that is required to play in defence, with his main opposition coming from former Docker Marcus Drum who is also looking at kick-starting his AFL career. He wasn’t a huge ball winner in his six games last season, failing to win more than 13 disposals in any game, but watch his form closely over the pre-season and if he is getting a game he could be a good money maker early in the year.
6. Jarryd Morton
Morton demonstrated last season that he could become a handy Dream Team player in years to come, averaging 73 points per match. He has no problems finding the ball, with the only query at the moment being the amount of opportunities he will be given. His game against Melbourne in round 9 last season demonstrated how good he could be, collecting 25 disposals and 12 marks in what was an impressive display. The arrival of Shaun Burgoyne won't help his cause, but with question marks still remaining over the fitness of both Rick Ladson and Clinton Young, he has the potential to be an early season bolter. On the flip side, with both Josh Kennedy and Ben McGlynn traded to the Sydney Swans, a spot in the midfield is his for the taking.
7. Leigh Adams
The arrival of a new coach could be just the tonic that Adams is looking for as he looks to find a niche for himself in the North Melbourne line-up. After missing the entire 2008 season through injury, he was lively in his six games last year, averaging 17 disposals and four marks per match. One of his greatest strengths was his ability to go forward and have an impact, highlighted by his three goals from 20 disposals against West Coast in round 20. Brad Scott has already signalled his intentions by declaring that youth with be the only way forward for the Kangaroos, with Adams one of several players he will looking for to step up this year. There is a lot to like about him and he definitely should be one to consider.
8. Jay Neagle
Neagle has been earmarked to take over from the out-going Matthew Lloyd at full forward. As with most key forwards, it usually takes them longer to develop and entering his fifth season at AFL level, he is the perfect candidate for a breakout year. Although he doesn’t find a lot of the ball, he knows where the goals are and given a greater supply from the Essendon midfield, he should improve his scoring this year. His performance against West Coast in round 18 last season was hopefully a sign of things to come, as he finished with 13 disposals, eight marks and three goals. Matthew Knights will be looking for he and Scott Gumbleton to form the backbone of the new attack.
9. Rory Sloane
A tackling machine is the best way to describe Sloane. He laid seven in his only game last year, making him an attractive proposition. He failed to register a kick in that game, recording six handballs from very limited game time. Don’t let this deter you in any way, if he can tackle like that, he will do more than earn his stripes. He was a hard nut as a junior and the early indications are that he’ll be just that at AFL level, with the word out of Adelaide being that he’s ready to take on a greater role in 2010, making him a useful pick up as your sixth midfielder in your starting squad.
10. Simon Buckley
Entering his fifth season at AFL level, Buckley has just 21 games under his belt. Collingwood has given him a chance to reignite his AFL career, where he should add some depth to an already strong midfield group. Mick Malthouse may use him in a different role though as a running defender, which increases his chances of getting a game considerably. With Marty Clarke and Shannon Cox both retiring prematurely, the Magpies have lost plenty of drive off half-back and could use someone of his ilk in defence. He has the ability to win plenty of the ball, highlighted by his average of 21 disposals per match in 2008, which is his most productive season to date. He finished that year off strongly, averaging 27 disposals in the final three games of the season.
Mark Seaby is a $226,700 ruckman in this year’s Dream Team.
Jay Nash is a $202,100 defender.
Phil Davis is a $95,500 forward/defender.
Jarrod Atkinson is a $240,800 defender.
Tom Gillies is a $141,300 defender.
Jarryd Morton is a $290,900 forward/midfielder.
Leigh Adams is a $271,300 midfielder.
Jay Neagle is a $202,100 forward.
Rory Sloane is a $175,800 midfielder.
Simon Buckley is a $193,300 defender/midfielder.
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