THE BLUES were almost irrelevant last year, not only on game day, but more importantly from an AFL Fantasy perspective.
The reason I say ‘almost' irrelevant is because we saw the emergence of young star Patrick Cripps (MID, $477,000) who improved his average by 50 points to an impressive 86 per game.
Unfortunately, many of the Blues' proven Fantasy performers were well below their best, with the likes of Bryce Gibbs (MID, $449,000) having a sub-par year by his standards, averaging just 81 and Dale Thomas (FWD/MID, $354,000) was once again cruelled by injury to record a career-worst average of 57.
Yet there's still an air of excitement around Ikon Park and a fresh bill of health and new coach could be just what these blokes and a handful of their teammates need to reach their Fantasy potential.
Interestingly, the Blues top-three draft picks aren't priced in the order they were selected.
Charlie Curnow (FWD, $244,000) is the most expensive, followed by No.1 pick Jacob Weitering (DEF, $232,000) and Harry McKay (FWD/RUC, $196,000) the cheapest.
Click here for every Carlton player's starting Fantasy price and position
Patrick Cripps (MID, $477,000): 'Crippsy' pumped out three 100s this year including 128 and a whopping 137, so the sky is the limit in his third year ‘break-out’ season. Love this guy!
Bryce Gibbs (MID, $449,000): Gibbs has twice averaged 107 in AFL Fantasy, so depending on where Brendon Bolton wants him to play, he could be a huge bargain.
Dale Thomas (FWD/MID, $354,000): Although injury prone, it would be ridiculous to push the little Daisy aside at this price, especially given he has averaged 103 in the past, while at the Magpies.
Jed Lamb (FWD, $189,000): Roasted his NEAFL competition last year including a game against the Swans where he recorded 24 possessions, 10 marks and eight goals. A walk-up pick for the Blues and Fantasy coaches alike.
Ciaran Byrne (DEF, $125,000): The Blues' young tall recruits are a bit pricey, so I am backing in the young Irishman for a big year. He played one quarter for 25 points last year and looked good doing it. Will be a massive cash cow.
Matthew Wright (FWD/MID, $309,000):This bloke can play! He has averaged over 80 twice in his five-year career as a Crow and will embrace the added responsibility at the Blues.
Liam Jones (FWD, $228,000): Might look a bargain on the surface … dig a little. He has never averaged over 55 points for a season and will struggle to get a senior game following the Blues strategic drafting of tall youngsters.
WEDNESDAY: The Traders are back to the reveal the Brisbane Lions' Fantasy prices and positions
