AFTER a long layoff, even the thought of dual position is enough to get me over-excited before AFL Fantasy begins.
As it's well know that I have an unhealthy obsession with players labelled DPP, I have been given the task of ranking the top five from the initial list, keeping in mind that worthy players will also gain this status if their role demands it throughout the season.
For any rookie coaches out there, the advantage of a DPP is that the player can be swung between two positions via a like-for-like sub within your team, which is handy for maximising weekly points or avoiding a doughnut.
And at the trade table, owning multiple DPPs adds undeniable flexibility to your trade options, often allowing you to grab a cash cow or upgrade target in the position you wish.
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Given the decimation of our forward options from last year with Dustin Martin and Zach Merrett stripped of their forward eligibility, my search for a reliable replacement starts up front.
That's why my number one pick is Jack Macrae (FWD/MID, $596,000), who is a much-needed gift as a forward, and he could well go on to be the highest scorer in that position at the end of the season. He is coming off an average of 99, down from the two previous years where he was in the elite category as a midfielder with an average of 104. What I really like about Macrae is his form in the semi final and Grand Final where he collected 39 and 33 disposals, for scores of 126 and 107 respectively.
Taylor Adams (DEF/MID, $622,000) is a gun, and on his day has displayed a few pig tendencies, rare among any players other than pure midfielders. He is fresh off the back of averaging triple figures for two straight years and demonstrated his worth in 2016 by scoring a ton in nine out of 14 games, with a nice ceiling of 140 and a healthy low of 74. The only catch with Adams is his durability, never reaching more than 18 games in a season over his five-year career.
Luke Dahlhaus (FWD/MID, $577,000) is an often forgotten star who will no doubt prove to be a stroke of genius to anybody who pays up. After dropping in average by five points in 2016 to 92, Dahl presents some value, as he is capable of pushing that total to triple figures. He did this in six of his 17 games including scores of 121, 132 and 132 last year. I love his finals form, with scores of 132 and 100 in the elimination final and Grand Final.
James Kelly (DEF/MID $597,000) enjoyed an outstanding season as a top-up Bomber in 2016 and will again be one of the top defenders in 2017. Playing a loose man down back, Kelly averaged a career-high 25 possessions from 20 games to post a highly respectable average Fantasy score of 99. The returning Bombers could hinder his scoring potential next year, but with Michael Hibberd departing, he should hold his spot on the half-back flank. He is a safe option for a premium defender.
Hugh McCluggage (FWD/MID, $246,000) was always going to be worth considering as a midfielder when he was selected by the Lions, but given he has been handed forward eligibility on the back of his ability to hit the scoreboard, he now should be penned into all coaches' extended squads. The Morrish Medallist is widely expected to not only walk into the Lion's best 22, but also have an instant impact.
Tom Boyd (FWD/RUC, $347,000) will be priced at an average of 57. Until the finals series, I would not have bothered to mention the big fella, but his scores of 80,79 and 96 demand attention given the difference between his asking price and the price at which his most recent output would suggest he is valued. He showed in the GF he is almost unstoppable in the air when he is on, so it will be interesting to see if the confidence gained by that performance fast track him to Fantasy stardom.
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