Welsh’s 2009 season looked a write-off after he suffered a serious ankle injury during the pre-season but he has defied all expectations in his return.
With scores of 85 and 110 points in his first two games back, Welsh’s value is set to soar from $338,800 after he plays his third match of the season against Collingwood on Friday night.
Not bad for someone who wasn’t doing a whole lot of running two months ago.
If your midfield needs a boost, the Market Watch boffins reckon you could do worse than Welsh.
Fremantle’s Greg Broughton is another whose star continues to rise during a mid-season purple patch.
Since beginning his extended run in the side in round 10, Broughton has averaged almost 94 points per game to send his value rocketing to $269,700.
He’s now rated the third-most improved player in the Dream Team league.
Other shooting stars to keep an eye on include Collingwood’s Brad Dick ($272,200) and Tiger Robin Nahas ($259,00), although Dick may have peaked after a stellar past month.
Coaches looking for a bargain buy might be better off saving their pennies instead of splashing out on the Magpie small forward.
The young goalsneaks are flying at the moment but the news isn’t as good for their taller, older attacking brethren.
Lance Franklin’s Dream Team ranking continues to fall after his 60-point game against West Coast last weekend.
Buddy is now a clear leader atop the list of players who have suffered the largest form drop this year and it’s going to take a mighty effort to dislodge him.
But with Freo’s Matthew Pavlich ruled out for a fortnight, some DT coaches could be tempted to lash out in the hope of a Buddy revival.
It’s a similar story for Essendon skipper Matthew Lloyd, whose DT ranking isn’t keeping up with his side’s formline.
Lloydy ($254,200, down $101,800) is a newcomer to the biggest loser ranks this week after averaging just 54 points a game in the past month.
He’s joined by Melbourne forward Brad Miller – whose form line is matching that of his team.
Having started the year at a healthy $316,400, his rating has plummeted by slightly less than Lloyd’s to $215,400.
At least Miller is surrounded by some familiar faces, with fellow members of the Melbourne leadership group Brad Green and James McDonald also among the top 10 biggest losers this week.
ROUND 13
Top 10 movers
1. Andrew Collins (Rich) $304,700 (+$218,100)
2. Brendan Whitecross (Haw) $292,100 (+$205,500)
3. Greg Broughton (Fre) $269,700 (+$194,400)
4. Brad Dick (Coll) $272,200 (+$185,600)
5. Daniel Rich (BL) $307,200 (+$180,600)
6. Robin Nahas (Rich) $259,000 (+$174,700)
7. Garry Moss (Haw) $237,600 (+$162,300)
8. Zac Dawson (StK) $240,100 (+$160,800)
9. Liam Picken (WB) $227,900 (+$152,600)
10. David Zaharakis (Ess) $234,600 (+$148,000)
Top 10 losers
1. Lance Franklin (Haw) $273,200 (-$154,800)
2. Luke Hodge (Haw) $303,500 (-$125,300)
3. Steven Salopek (PA) $308,700 (-$107,500)
4. Brad Green (Melb) $325,400 (-$106,500)
5. Brett Jones (WC) $206,800 (-$104,700)
6. James McDonald (Melb) $256,300 (-$103,300)
7. Matthew Lloyd (Ess) $254,200 (-$101,800)
8. Robert Murphy (WB) $293,300 (-$101,800)
9. Brad Miller (Melb) $215,400 (-$101,200)
10. Troy Simmonds (Rich) $269,700 (-$101,200)
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
