There’s plenty of buzz from the boys about Dream Team around the changerooms, with names being thrown around left, right and centre. I’ve kept my team to myself, trying to fly under the radar. But now with the likes of Boak, Chaplin and Surjan talking their teams up around the traps, I’ve decided to reveal my team.
I’ve got a fair bit of Dream Team experience and my team is built not just for Round 1, but for the remainder of the year and I’m looking forward to the challenge of taking you - the Power fans - on this year.
I’m also excited by the prospect of Boaky cooking me dinner each Monday night. We’ve got a bet going that whoever scores fewer Dream Team points on the weekend has to cook dinner on Monday night in the Boak/Gray household.
I’ve also just been told that I can announce the weekly prizes for the Official Pizza Hut Power Dream Team Group. The highest point scorer each week will receive a weeks worth of pizza valued at over $100 thanks to Pizza Hut - not bad for just joining up to our Official Dream Team Group.
Alright, time to reveal my team. You can also check out Boaky’s team here. I might still make one or two changes before lockout…
Gray’s Greats - Starting 22
Defenders
Sam Gilbert ($391,500) - Had a breakout season last year and I’m expecting that good form to continue in 2010. Takes plenty of marks which should help his scores.
Nathan Bock ($386,400) - Rebounds well from defence and I think he’s over the worst of his injuries. Has been a solid contributor over the past few years
Andrew Mackie ($365,100) - He’s a kick first player and Geelong love to go to him to set up their forays forward from defeence.
Nathan Krakouer ($298,300) - Krak’s definitely underpriced and he should get plenty of the ball.
Paul Stewart ($208,400) - Stewie has had a massive pre-season, can play a variety of positions and should go up in price.
Tadgh Kennelly ($204,700) - He’s cheap, coming back from Ireland and should be fresh for a big year.
Beau Waters ($152,800) - Another bargain. If he can get back to his best he’ll be a great pick-up.
Midfielders
Gary Ablett ($522,000) - Captain - He’s a lock in my team each year, almost untaggable at times. He’ll be my captain most weeks this year.
Travis Boak ($396,900) - Boaky reckons he should score a few points this year, so I’m happy to have him in my midfield - may even look to kick to him a bit more!
Steven Salopek ($373,200) - Sal is back in the midfield and he should get plenty of the ball. He’s looking really fit, should be a big year.
Luke Ball ($366,500) - At a new club, which should give him a new lease on life. He’s a great Dream Teamer because he’s a tackling machine.
Chris Masten ($293,900) - I reckon he’ll get plenty of time in the Eagles midfield and I’ve heard plenty of wraps on him coming out of the west. Should go up in value.
Dustin Martin ($149,500) - Showed some great NAB Cup form and Hardwick should give him plenty of time on the ball.
Rucks
Daren Jolly ($381,500) - Gets plenty of hitouts and doesn’t mind sneaking forward for a goal or two.
Kurt Tippett ($319,400) - He’s a mobile ruckman who is improving each year. Could be this year’s Mitch Clark.
Forwards
Nick Riewoldt ($468,100) - The Saints captain is an absolute gun and the best forward in Dream Team this year
Leon Davis ($434,500) - Neon likes to push up the ground into the Pies’ midfield, which should see him average around 100 points per game again this year.
Matthew Pavlich ($404,900) - Another who can push up the ground and loves to get forward for a goal.
Robbie Gray ($321,200) - Part of the deal Boaky and I made was to have each other and ourselves in our team.
Jack Ziebell ($285,600) - Had a great first year and he knows how to find the footy.
Barry Hall($281,200) - A must have Dream Teamer at this price. Looked sharp against us and should kick a bucketload of goals this year.
Cameron Hitchcock ($97,800) - A bargain up forward after his NAB Cup form.
Bench
Mitch Farmer ($115,000) - A good mate who should get plenty of chances at the Tigers under young coach Damien Hardwick.
Alex Silvagni ($77,800) - A cheap option who should get some games this year.
Michael Barlow ($105,800) - Was a machine the NAB Cup. I’m expecting more than 80 each game from him, may even get moved into the starting 22.
Luke Shuey ($94,500) - I’ve heard some big wraps on him from the west and I think he’ll play plenty of games.
Jordan Roughead ($94,500) - Will hopefully be given a chance at some point this year.
Matthew Lobbe ($94,500) - Matty should get his chance in 2010 and I think he’ll take it.
Tom Rockliff ($101,100) - Had a stellar NAB Cup/Challenge and when he plays he’ll score well.
Daniel Stewart ($89,500) - Stewie has looked good during the pre-season. He should get a few games throughout the year.
