That's the problem facing 200,000 Dream Team enthusiasts with round one just around the corner.
At kangaroos.com.au we mightn't be able to shed light on your opposition picks, but we can help you with your all-important North Melbourne selections.
Over the next few weeks we will be analysing every line in the North side from defence to attack to assist you build the ultimate squad.
Of course, you could always just pick 33 Kangaroos and take the hassle out of it all!
Today we look at North Melbourne's defenders.
Tell us below who you'll be picking and why.
Remember there is still time to join the official North Melbourne Dream Team competition - click here for more information
The proven performers
Brady Rawlings
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Price: $384,300
2010 games: 22 2010 average DT: 92.5
2010 highest score: 123 v Fremantle
Career average: 65.1
The verdict: Rawlings was a Dream Team revelation in 2010. Having averaged below 70 for most of his career, he excelled following a move into defence.
He is expected to play a similar role this season, but could attract more attention from coaches looking to nullify his rebound.
Rawlings won't come cheap as the sixth most-expensive defender in the league, but is ultra-consistent and should prove a mainstay in your squad.
Michael Firrito
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Price: $282,900
2010 games: 22 2010 average DT: 68.1
2010 highest score: 100 v WCE
Career average: 57.1
The verdict: Firrito had some quieter DT games towards the end of last season and missed the opening clash of North's NAB Cup campaign, but eyed a return against the Hawks in the NAB Challenge.
While his average is not in the upper echelon, he's one of very few players around his price range to have played 22 games last year. In fact, he's played 70 games straight meaning he's one of the most reliable defenders in the league.
Expect improvement
Scott Thompson
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Price: $260,100
2010 games: 22 2010 average DT: 62.6
2010 highest score: 110 v Melbourne
Career average: 61.2
The verdict: Thompson finished the 2010 season on a high, clocking the highest score of his career in round 22.
Injury has interrupted his pre-season campaign and it could take some time for him to get back to his best.
However, with an experienced defensive unit around to support him, there's no reason Thompson can't continue his form of late last year when he worked up the ground and increased his disposals.
Gavin Urquhart
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Price: $245,500
2010 games: 8 2010 average DT: 59.1
2010 highest score: 89 v Richmond/WCE
Career average: 61.6
The verdict: While it was a forgettable season for Urquhart in 2010, he still managed a respectable average of 59.1.
A proven ball-winner, he returned from the break fitter and more determined than ever to turn his fortunes around.
Competition for spots in defence is fierce but if the NAB Cup games are anything to go by, there's a big chance Urquhart will significantly improve his scores.
Daniel Pratt
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Price: $272,500
2010 games: 13 2010 average DT: 65.4
2010 highest score: 95 v Fremantle
Career average: 62.7
The verdict: Pratt has struggled to reach the peaks of his stand-out season in 2008 when he averaged 74.5.
Nevertheless, he was able to recover from a rocky start to the 2010 season, overcoming fitness hurdles to stamp himself as one of North's most important defenders.
Injury-free and looking fitter than ever, Pratt will be aiming to play 22 games in 2011.
Scott McMahon
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Price: $260,900
2010 games: 17 2010 average DT: 63.2
2010 highest score: 78 v Adelaide
Career average: 63.2
The verdict: A broken cheekbone will have little impact on McMahon's preparation for round one. He's still training with the main group and will be back into full contact soon.
A knee injury restricted his influence in the latter part of 2010, but he was still one of North's most consistent players, highlighted by his lowest score; a respectable 42.
Now in his fifth season, McMahon's improved fitness should see him find more of the ball and the ability to move forward adds another string to his bow.
On the rise
Nathan Grima
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Price: $290,700
2010 games: 17 2010 average DT: 70
2010 highest score: 103 v Fremantle
Career average: 68.6
The verdict: It's hard to believe 2011 will only be Grima's third season of football.
Already one of North's most important players, his marking ability adds Dream Team value and by the end of last season, he was regularly producing scores above 90.
Grima is aiming for round one, but his lack of pre-season football might sway other selectors from picking him. Could be a player to sneak under the radar.
Robbie Tarrant
Price: $122,500
2010 games: 2 2010 average DT: 29.5
2010 highest score: 40
Career average: 29.5
The verdict: Considering his form in the first round of the NAB Cup, Tarrant is a must for any Dream Teamer searching for a bargain.
While he's been injury prone, Tarrant has completed a full pre-season for the first time and showed good signs during the club's intra-club match at Ballarat.
He scored 83 points during Sunday's matches in the equivalent of two and a half quarters of football and at just a touch over $120,000, he is sure to add value if he gets the chance during the home and away season.
First-year favourite
Cameron Richardson
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Price: $97,600
2010 games: - 2010 average DT: -
2010 highest score: -
Career average: -
The verdict: 101 DT points during matches against the Bulldogs and Cats has seen Richardson emerge as an early favourite amongst selectors.
Expected to play across half-back and through the midfield, he's been earmarked by coach Brad Scott to represent the royal blue and white in his first season.
Few players around his price range can boast Richardson's NAB Cup form, and at under $100,000 he looks a steal.
The smokeys
Luke Delaney
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Price: $92,500
2010 games: - 2010 average DT: -
2010 highest score: -
Career average: -
The verdict: Like Robbie Tarrant, Delaney welcomed an opportunity in the NAB Cup with open arms.
Delaney scored 32 in the first game, before backing up with another solid performance against the Bulldogs.
However, the big defender faces a major hurdle; he's still on the rookie list and will have the likes of Mullett, Pedersen, White, Daw and Scott to compete with for a spot.
Cameron Pedersen
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Price: $92,500
2010 games: - 2010 average DT: -
2010 highest score: -
Career average: -
The verdict: In a similar vein to Luke Delaney, Pedersen faces stiff competition trying to break on to the primary list.
On his side is senior experience in the VFL, and if he gets the chance he's sure to come in and make an immediate with his strong frame in defence.
Pedersen impressed during a NAB Challenge match against Hawthorn and was named among the club’s best players on the day.
Cameron Delaney
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Price: $92,500
2010 games: - 2010 average DT: -
2010 highest score: -
Career average: -
The verdict: Delaney could be the x-factor for North Melbourne’s defence in future years.
He had an injury interrupted pre-season, but played in the Ballarat intra-club match, even spending time on vice-captain Drew Petrie.
While he has the ability to play key-position, his leg speed and decision making breaks him out of the mould of the customary tall defender.
Still lightly-framed, he should be a permanent selection in coming seasons but will likely spend time in the VFL first.
Down the track
Levi Greenwood (mid)
Price: $294,500
2010 games: 17 2010 average DT: 71
2010 highest score: 139 v Melbourne
Career average: 62.7
The verdict: One of North Melbourne's most improved players in 2010, Greenwood's scores increased significantly in the latter part of the season, culminating with an exceptional 139 against Melbourne.
An ankle injury suffered in the NAB Cup will most likely restrict his influence in the opening rounds but with his ball-winning ability, Greenwood should prove a consistent scorer upon return.
Marcus White
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Price: $161,300
2010 games: 2 2010 average DT: 55.5
2010 highest score: 57 v Bulldogs
Career average: 55
The verdict: White faces 10 to 12 weeks on the sidelines with a shoulder injury before a probable return through the VFL.
