Round one of the AFL season is upon us and while the 16 senior coaches are busy putting the finishing touches on their teams for round one, hundreds of thousands of footy fans are embarking on the equally important task of picking the side that will lead them to virtual glory in the 2008 Dream Team competition.
Midfielder Travis Boak was one of the Power’s success stories in 2007, both on field and online.
Boak started at a modest price of under $100,000, but found his feet at AFL level in the latter half of the year and jumped $150,000 in value.
Now the talented ball winner is keen to try his luck inside the coaches’ box.
Boak and a group of his Port Adelaide teammates have formed a Dream Team League for the 2008 season.
“I think a few of the boys at the club had a league going last year, but this year more guys, mainly the younger ones, are going to join,” he said.
“We’ll be putting in a little bit of money too, so it will get a bit more serious with some extra incentive for the winner.”
Rookie-listed forward Ryan Willits is the man to beat at Alberton.
Its understood Willits held the mantle of number one dream teamer in South Australia for a short period during 2007 and even got as high as sixth in the country.
Boak, who admits he had an indifferent Dream Team year in 2008, is looking forward to a more committed performance this season.
“There were weeks where I completely forgot about it last year and there were players who were out injured or reported and I hadn’t changed my team, so I struggled,” he said with a laugh.
“It wasn’t too serious last year, but I think it will be on this year with the introduction of the buy-in fee.”
As any good Dream Teamer knows, the key to building a successful fantasy footy team is finding the right mix of pricey high-possession/high scoring players and inexpensive emerging talent, while keeping under the salary cap.
Boak tells portadelaidefc.com.au where he’ll be spending his Dream Team money this season.
“You usually try and get your big guns first like your Cornes’, Jimmy Bartels and those sorts of players. Then you fill up the rest of your side with young guys, who you think might get a game.
“You put those players in as ‘roughies’ because the more they play, the more they increase in value and then you can trade them for better players.
“For my team I picked Shaun Burgoyne, Chad Cornes and Kane Cornes- they were the first three.
“You usually try and pick your guns from each line, so I had Chad Cornes back line, Kane Cornes midfield and then in your forward line you have someone like Warren Tredrea or Jonathan Brown.
“Maybe a few of the boys at the club might pick themselves too just to see what they score, but I suppose it depends on how much you’re worth.”
Boaky’s best buys…
“Paul Stewart would be a big tip. He’s under $100,000 ($83,500), so he’d be a good buy. He had a shoulder injury last year so didn’t play, but he’s been in good form over the pre-season and if he plays he’ll go up a fair bit.”
“Nick Lower ($83,500) is another one under $100,000 who would be worth a try. Alipate Carlile ($139,500) will also get more game time this year. I think he’s up around $200,000, so he’s gone up a bit on last year, but he’d still be a good buy.
“I don’t know what Nathan Krakouer ($191,500) or Marlon Motlop ($83,500) are worth, but they would be two more players to have a look at.
“Warren Tredrea is the other one to watch. He’s fitter than last season, so should score better and is worth a punt $250,000.”
Steer clear of…
“Justin Westhoff. I had him in my team last year and he was great, but I don’t think Westy ($282,300) will pick himself this year. He’s gone up a lot so he’s one to stay away from.”
