Over 700 players to choose from, but only 33 spots to fill... so who do you choose?
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 midfielders.
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
Andrew Swallow
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2010 games: 22 2010 average DT: 98.4
2010 highest score: 160 v Essendon
Career average: 79.9
Round 1 break even: 98
The verdict: Swallow has been one of the best Dream Team performers and was a solid pick up for selectors in 2009.
After two big years though, his price puts him with the league's top 20 midfielders.
He scored above 100 eight times in 2010 and his lowest score was a respectable 56 back in round one.
Swallow was a brilliant performer in North Melbourne's NAB Challenge match against Hawthorn with over 30 possessions and with his tackling ability a highlight of his game, he's sure to register plenty of points again in 2011.
An inexperienced midfielder, Swallow will be expected to step up even further this year and looks to be a safe selection if you are planning to keep him for the long haul.
Brent Harvey
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2010 games: 22 2010 average DT: 94.6
2010 highest score: 163 v West Coast/Fremantle
Career average: 80.4
Round 1 break even: 95
The verdict: Not many players can boast a career average of over 80 throughout 15 years, but Harvey is certainly one of those unique types.
The North Melbourne captain could spend more time forward this year which could inhibit his ability to record regular scores above 90.
However, the 32 year-old hasn't lost any of his pace or ball-winning ability and doesn't need long in the middle to rack up big numbers.
Priced at almost $400,000, it might be worth waiting to see what Brad Scott has planned for the number 29 in 2011.
Liam Anthony
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2010 games: 7 2010 average DT: 95.1
2010 highest score: 132 v Port Adelaide
Career average: 95.7
Round 1 break even: 86
The verdict: Considering his ball winning ability, Anthony looks an absolute bargain at just a touch over $350,000.
Coming back from injury, it may take him time to get back into the groove but there were promising signs during the NAB Cup after he racked up 19 possessions in North's two games. He recorded a total of 64 DT points in less than three quarters of football.
In 2010, Anthony scored above 100 three times in just seven games and was on track for another century before injuring his shoulder against Collingwood.
Before his injury, Anthony was ranked no.1 in the competition for disposals per minute on the ground.
With a round 1 break even score of 86, he looks to be one of the best options to add value to your squad from the outset.
Time to shine
Daniel Wells
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2010 games: 19 2010 average DT: 82.4
2010 highest score: 116 v West Coast
Career average: 72.2
Round 1 break even: 82
The verdict: Wells had an inconsistent 2010 season in terms of Dream Team scores, but still managed an impressive average above 80.
The difference this year could be his improved fitness given he’s had a full pre-season campaign for the first time in years.
If his NAB Cup campaign is anything to go by, Wells could be in for his best season yet. He had 21 possessions throughout North's two games, and backed that up with another impressive performance against Hawthorn the following week.
At 26 and one of the Kangaroos' more experience players, Wells could thrive in your ultimate team.
Jack Ziebell
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2010 games: 14 2010 average DT: 66.6
2010 highest score: 94 v Adelaide
Career average: 66.6
Round 1 break even: 67
The verdict: Injuries in his first two seasons might turn some Dream Teamer's off the talented midfielder.
However Ziebell has returned fitter than ever and it could be the break-out year we’ve all been waiting for.
In the NAB Cup and Challenge series, Ziebell has been able to stay on the ground longer and win more of the footy along the way.
While he traditionally hasn't been a massive point scorer, 2011 could be the season to watch for a player with obvious talent.
A break even score of 67 in round one looks more than achievable for the number 7.
Expect improvement
Leigh Adams
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2010 games: 19 2010 average DT: 82.4
2010 highest score: 116 v West Coast
Career average: 72.2
Round 1 break even: 82
The verdict: Arguably one of the most underrated players in the competition, Adams’ strong 2010 was highlighted by his third place finish in the club's best and fairest.
Still very inexperienced, Adams excelled most prevalently at the end of the year with big games against Richmond and Fremantle.
Adding to his repertoire is his ability to sneak forward and kick goals. While inaccuracy cost him last season (11 goals, 15 behinds), if he can get on target it's sure to add some value to his price of $342,000.
With continued improvement, Adams looks to be a safe selection as a third or fourth midfielder in your squad.
Cruize Garlett
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2010 games: 11 2010 average DT: 62.6
2010 highest score: 97 v Fremantle
Career average: 60.5
Round 1 break even: 63
The verdict: Garlett has been one of North's pre-season stand-outs. Among the best in a Ballarat intra-club match, he backed up with two strong efforts in the NAB Cup (58 points total).
While he's averaged just above 60 during his two seasons at the highest level, improved endurance should hold Garlett in good stead to improve. How much though remains to be seen.
With Jack Ziebell and Liam Anthony back in the team, it means there is stiff competition for spots in the midfield. But if his early form is anything to go by, Garlett will have no trouble securing a regular spot.
On the rise
Ben Cunnington
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2010 games: 18 2010 average DT: 54.5
2010 highest score: 85 v Richmond
Career average: 54.5
Round 1 break even: 55
The verdict: With no pre-season form to judge him on, Cunnington could be considered a somewhat risky selection.
However, he is expected to spend more time in the midfield this year after earning his stripes mainly in defence in 2010.
The number 10 had a tendency to handball more than kick in his first season which reduced his Dream Team output, so he'll need to win plenty of the ball to have a big impact in your squad.
Nevertheless, Cunnington is extremely talented and will only continue to improve as he gets more game time.
Might be a wait and see in the early rounds.
Jamie Macmillan
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2010 games: 4 2010 average DT: 49.3
2010 highest score: 65 v Fremantle
Career average: 49.3
Round 1 break even: 49
The verdict: It’s a clear blunder to have Macmillan listed as a midfielder considering he spent all four of his senior games in defence last season.
Macmillan has had a strong pre-season and looked a mainstay in defence in the NAB series, but his main test will come when competition for spots heats up with the return of Nathan Grima.
If he does play though, there should be a rise in his output with an improved fitness base and an experienced defensive setup for support.
Ben Speight
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2010 games: 2 2010 average DT: 51.5
2010 highest score: 58 v Western Bulldogs
Career average: 51.5
Round 1 break even: 41
The verdict: Speight didn't look at all out of place when he was promoted for two games late last season.
His blistering pace and line-breaking ability gives him an x-factor, and he’s proven to be dangerous around goals at VFL level.
While he's been a regular in North Melbourne's pre-season campaign, Speight is yet to really take hold of a game, meaning it could be hit or miss for round one.
First-year favourite
Shaun Atley
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2010 games: - 2010 average DT: -
2010 highest score: -
Career average: -
Round 1 break even: 23
The verdict: North Melbourne couldn’t believe its luck when Atley slipped to pick 17 in the National Draft, and his pre-season form has warranted some hype.
Atley didn't have huge numbers in the NAB Cup, but against Hawthorn and Greater Western Sydney he was among the Kangaroos' best players.
His selection in a super-strong team to take on the Bulldogs in the final scratch match suggests Brad Scott could have plans to play him early in the season. At less than $100,000, he is almost certain to add value to your squad, at least as an emergency.
The smokeys
Matthew Scott (rookie)
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2010 games: - 2010 average DT: -
2010 highest score: -
Career average: -
Round 1 break even: 22
The verdict: It's always going to be tough for a rookie to break onto the senior list, especially when your battling against five others who've all gained experienced in the NAB series.
Scott was given an opportunity against Greater Western Sydney and spent plenty of time in the midfield alongside Gavin Urquhart and Shaun Atley, but was overlooked the following week despite some promising signs.
The Werribee reserves' best and fairest in 2010, Scott clearly has some talent, but he'll be waiting for a long-term injury spot to open up, and then it'll be a battle against the likes of Delaney, Mullett, Pedersen and Daw.
Wait and see.
Aaron Mullett (rookie)
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2010 games: - 2010 average DT: -
2010 highest score: -
Career average: -
Round 1 break even: 19
The verdict: Like Matthew Scott, Mullett will be hoping for an opportunity in the event of a long term injury.
The 19 year-old showed exactly what he's capable of with a raking left foot goal against Hawthorn in the NAB Challenge, but might have missed a chance to really press his case for promotion with a quieter game the following week.
His silky skills should hold him in a good stead to start the year in the VFL, but he could be one to watch for a possible role at half-back or on the wing should the chance arise.
Brayden Norris
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2010 games: - 2010 average DT: -
2010 highest score: -
Career average: -
Round 1 break even: 24
The verdict: Named for North's first round NAB Cup match, Norris was only given limited game time and didn't have the chance to utilize his biggest asset, endurance.
He was named as an emergency on multiple occasions in 2010 which suggests Brad Scott rates him highly.
Playing forward against Greatest Western Sydney in Lavington, Norris pulled down several marks early, but drifted out of the game.
Continued improvement should see Norris push for selection again early in the season.
Down the track
Ryan Bastinac
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2010 games: 22 2010 average DT: 65.5
2010 highest score: 96 v Sydney
Career average: 65.5
Round 1 break even: 65
The verdict: The exciting young midfielder has aimed for a round five return through the VFL after injuring his knee.
Ed Lower
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2010 games: 8 2010 average DT: 57.4
2010 highest score: 67 v Richmond/Brisbane
Career average: 47.6
Round 1 break even: 57
The verdict: Surgery on his right knee has kept Lower off the track for longer than he would have liked and a return before round one looks unlikely.
Levi Greenwood
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2010 games: 17 2010 average DT: 71.0
2010 highest score: 139 v Melbourne
Career average: 62.7
Round 1 break even: 71
The verdict: Unlikely to be ready for the start of the season, Greenwood may need time in the VFL to work back to full fitness.
Could be a bargain selection upon return considering his terrific form at the end of 2010.
Ben Ross
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2010 games: 2 2010 average DT: 49.0
2010 highest score: 66 v Port Adelaide
Career average: 60.6
Round 1 break even: 39
The verdict: Hopeful of playing football early in the season, Ross will be eased in via the VFL.
He is a proven ball winner and at full fitness, he will be hoping for increased game time in 2011.
With a price tag just above $160,000, he looks a potential winner for you upon return.
