The 23 year-old Lions midfielder believes his hand-selected side will be capable of matching it against the best teams when the Club’s own private fantasy football competition kicks off at the end of March.
Sherman is one of three Lions players participating in the competition and his team - ‘Worm’s Weasels’ - includes some the biggest names in the AFL.
While still in the process of fine-tuning his Dream Team line-up, Sherman gave lions.com.au an insight into his own side and the players he believes present great value at the Club.
Which Lions players should Dream Team coaches keep an eye on in 2010?
It’s no secret that Jack Redden looks set to take another step up in the midfield this year after putting on a fair bit of size over summer.
But one player who might slip under most people’s radar is young Tom Rockliff. He has been up and flying over the pre-season playing mostly in the midfield and is an absolute wizard around goals.
Which Lions draftees have impressed you the most so far this pre-season?
To be honest, I’ve been really impressed with all our draftees this year. They have trained well and have had no problems slotting into the Club.
One of the standouts for me so far has been Jesse O’Brien. He played in our first two pre-season practice matches and has shown that he has great foot skills on both sides of his body.
The other one is Ryan Harwood. He is a fellow Tasmanian and could definitely play senior footy this year.
He has a ready-made body for a midfielder and already weighs around 86kg. He plays that hard, tough, in-and-under style of game which Vossy really encourages.
What Lions players do you currently have in your side?
Matt Maguire (Defender) - He’s had a horrid run with injury over the past couple of years but has gotten himself really fit and is really looking forward to a fresh start with the Lions. He has already proven during his time with St Kilda what sort of asset he can be in defence.
Andrew Raines (Defender) - He should provide us with great run and dash from half-back and the wing. He is also an accumulator and could get plenty of possessions.
Simon Black (Midfielder) - I chose Blacky purely because he is good at everything. You can’t fault his ball-winning ability and he performs consistently week-in, week-out. He is also a good tackler which should generate plenty of points.
Brendan Fevola (Forward) - I’m confident that Fev can kick plenty of goals this year playing alongside Browny and you want that sort of consistency out of your goal-kicking forwards.
Amon Buchanan (Forward) - I’ve picked him as a small forward. He is a former premiership player with the Swans and has already proven to be a valuable player with us so far this pre-season. He tackles well, gets plenty of the ball, kicks goals and is very well priced.
Tom Rockliff (Forward) - For the reasons I stated above, I think he could be our smoky this season.
With around 800 people already registered for the Lions’ Dream Team competition, where do you expect to finish?
If I can finish mid-table - around 400th - then I’ll be happy.
This is my first time competing in the AFL Dream Team competition so it might take some time getting used to - particularly at the start of the season.
I’m sure there are plenty of Lions members and supporters in our Club League who see a lot more footy than us players do, so they will definitely be tough to beat.
Who at the Club do you most want to beat at seasons end?
I really want to finish ahead of our Performance Analysis Manager Jarrod Harkness (coach of ‘The Stat Rats’).
He has access to all the official Champion Data stats and seems to spend all day on modifying his fantasy football teams.
The AFL Dream Team is just one of many fantasy football competitions he is involved with. We have also developed a healthy rivalry in the English Premier League competition.
I would love to stitch him up the most.
Almost 800 participants have already registered for the Lions’ Dream Team competition including actual players Jed Adcock, Justin Sherman and Ash McGrath.
Registration for the 2010 AFL Dream Team competition is FREE and open until 5pm on Thursday 25 March 2010.
Simply click here and follow the prompts to enter the 2010 AFL Dream Team competition and hand-select your team of 30 players.
