NO POINT mucking around. Let's get straight to 2014's undisputed 'Fantasy pig', Tom Rockliff. The lion-swine averaged an unprecedented 134.78 NAB AFL Fantasy points this year.
His reward? A price tag for next year that even the Swans would baulk at paying: $763,000.
Do you pick him first up? It's the ultimate game of hold 'em or fold 'em. I think give Rocky a pass for the first few rounds. Even a couple of 120s to start the season will see his asking rate drop, and once his price tag starts with a 6, then it's time to pounce.
Click here for every Lion's starting Fantasy price and position
Rockliff's got a few new midfield mates who will also take game time in the centre off him and are worth your consideration. Dayne Beams (MID, $609,000) is the safest of picks after his move from Collingwood while Jack Redden (MID, $598,000) should also clock up the points pending a strong pre-season after ankle surgery.
Second-year guns James Aish (MID, $420,000) and Lewis Taylor ($373,000) look a touch over-priced to pick in your initial squads and Pearce Hanley's loss of a defensive position (he's now purely a MID at $558,000) robs the Irishman of value.
The traditional warnings apply at this time of year to those Fantasy coaches tempted by Lions like Dayne Zorko (FWD/MID $498,000), Claye Beams (FWD/MID, $298,000), Mitch Golby (DEF, $339,000) and yes, even Brent Staker (FWD, $245,000). None have proven genuinely reliable Fantasy scorers over the years, and in an up and down side, are all risky picks.
Ryan Lester (MID, $442,000) showed enough under Justin Leppitsch this year to be worth a look but probably still sits behind Redden in the midfield pecking order. In his third year and with dual-position status, Sam Mayes (DEF/MID, $381,000) should be under serious consideration for your backline.
But it's all about Rocky in Fantasy. You know you'll need him, you know he'll score and you know he'll be playing for your opponents. The $763,000 question is when?
Daniel Rich (MID, $268,000): An early-season knee injury shut down Rich's 2014. The blonde Lion had solid Fantasy form prior, and can likely avoid the taggers that have given him trouble in the past, with so many other midfield guns to take the heat. The signs have been good that he'll be ready for round one, and at that price, you'd be mad not to at least give him a bench spot. Rich is the man expected to launch plenty of Lions' counter-attacks from half-back in 2015.
Matthew Leuenberger (RUCK, $277,000): The key domino for your Fantasy ruck call. If 'Leuey' is fit and firing by round one, strongly consider him for your ruck stocks, even if it's on the bench. If he's not, splash the cash on the marauding Stefan Martin (RUCK, $635,000) – the former Demon set the Fantasy world alight in the second half of this year playing as the lone ruckman. Either way, put a line through Trent West (RUCK, $384,000).
Allen Christensen (FWD/MID, $440,000): The former Cat is a monty for your forward line if his back holds up through the pre-season. Even a repeat of the 82.6 point average he managed in eight games for Geelong this year would make him worthwhile, but he’s talented enough to regularly score above 90.
Mitch Robinson (FWD/MID, $469,000): The Lions might be comfortable trusting the Tasmanian loose cannon, but Fantasy coaches should be more circumspect. Mitch might get plenty of chances to throw himself into the contest at the Gabba, but his suspect ball use and tendency to appear on the MRP charge sheet make him Fantasy kryptonite.
