Afternoon Doc, I keep hearing these whispers about Dean Cox and his lingering injury worries. Should I keep him in my team or trade him out? - Brian
Brian, with the amount of cheap ruckmen going around in the Dream Team, there’s no reason why you can’t have a bloke like Matthew Kreuzer sitting as first-drop emergency. That means you can start Dean Cox, but still have a back-up in case he doesn’t pull through.
I’m of the belief that Cox is one of a kind; he’s a ruckman-midfielder and he’s worth every cent, even if he's carrying an injury.
My advice is to keep him for now, organise your back-ups and hope that he’s back to 100 per cent in the next fortnight. Like Chad Cornes, he’s a Dream Team special who can almost never be abandoned.
Dear Doc, I listened to all these Dream Team ‘experts’ over summer about putting together a team of stars and bargains. I followed them closely and it hasn’t worked. Should I have plumped for a squad of mid-range players instead? - Jenna
I’m hurting for you, Jenna. I can see it now; Jimmy Bartel, Chris Judd, Nick Riewoldt, Jonathan Brown, Daniel Kerr and Matthew Scarlett on one hand, Max Bailey, Trent Cotchin, Rhys Palmer, Lachie Hansen and Kreuzer on the other. Some paid off, some didn’t. And now you find yourself coming out with average scores.
With the way the game is changing, I see it’s becoming less and less about the individual and more and more about the team. Think about interchange rotations for a start – they are blunting the ability of so many midfielders to find a pattern to their game. By the time they’ve had a kick or two, they’re already on the bench. It’s bridging the gap between the stars and the lesser-lights.
So should you have gone for a champion team over a team of champions? Like in real life, the answer – at least in 2008 – is probably yes.
Doc, injuries and form are costing me big time. Higgins, Davey, Raines were all cheap, and now they’re all gone. I coped OK when I lost Lucas by switching to Fevola, but I wasn’t expecting more injuries. I’ve used up all my trades and I need a big week this week. What can I do? - Carl
Quit and walk away like a sook. Well, sure, if you’re soft that’s a legitimate option. But I hope for your sake that Zac Dawson comes good and becomes a regular 100-point player. Hang in there.
Look Carl, I’ll be honest with you. You’re not alone. What is it with you 2008 Dream Teamers? You pick a player and he gets injured. It’s a curse! You’re in a sticky situation, you need an answer.
My suggestion is to try and scrap for as many points as you can using what you’ve already got. In all fairness, that probably means whipping out the fixture and seeing where you think a team can dominate. Got Matthew Pavlich in your team? Freo’s got Richmond at home – he could kick a bag and pick up 20-plus touches, so elevate him to captain. Does Fraser Gehrig sit in your forward line? Stick him in your emergencies; he could struggle against Geelong’s A-grade defence.
In your case, it all comes down to emergencies and a good choice of captain. It sounds desperate, but don’t feel lost – work it right and you can definitely salvage the week. Besides, chances are if you’re having trouble, many others are, too.
Big Doc, reckon Simon Goodwin will go back to the midfield or stay up forward? I’m not sure the Crows can play he and Brett Burton as ‘mid-sized’ forwards long-term and I think there’s better value midfielders going around - Jacob
Big Doc? I like that one. Or Chief Doc. Sir Doc? OK, I’m getting sidetracked.
Yes, well, ‘Goody’ is an interesting one, and probably one of the few midfielders who punters are hoping stays up forward instead of in the midfield. But I think you’re right about he and Burton in attack – it can’t last forever.
I also don’t like the fact that his price has jumped to $407,200 – up a whopping $28,300. That makes him difficult to take on but, for your sake Jacob, I’ll assume you’ve got him. If that’s the case, I’ll make a surprise recommendation. Watch his form until the Hall of Fame break and, if he keeps showing good form, keep him. But if he cools even slightly, seriously think about cashing in and buying a ball magnet, such as Western Bulldogs midfielder Daniel Cross ($417,700).
Remember, Goodwin turns 32 in December, so factors such as body wear and tear under Neil Craig’s physical approach might play a part, too.
Hey Doc, is it too late to get Rhys Palmer? - Jacqui
Jacqui – Jac, if I may – swallow your pride and get your hands on this kid before his value skyrockets.
He reminds me of Chris Judd, but with a slightly more awkward kicking style – which will be ironed out in time. In years to come he will be a Dream Team superstar, but in 2008 he’s already shown more than enough to suggest he can rack up the points at a dirt cheap price.
Hey, 31,362 people can’t be wrong. After all, Brownlow Medallist Jimmy Bartel has only managed to convince 26,252 he deserves a spot in their team.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
