DHF Dream Team Picks 09 – The Defenders

To say the defenders wreaked havoc on Dream Team sides last season would be an understatement to say the least. Injuries, tight tags (yes on defenders!), total ‘mare’ performances and Heath Shaw all provided a level of nausea as players nationwide logged in each week to try and make do with the rabble that was their Dream Team backline.

So put some extra time into your backs or you might find yourself with your head in the bowl again come round 15… Here’s some advice for you to round out your back half.

Keepers:

Brendon Goddard ($398k): This man could become THE DT defender in the competition this year. Has already threatened – averaged a huge 97 in 2006, and bounced back in 2008 to average nearly 90 again. This year he is ready to break out as he reaches his prime, and if that wasn’t enough, he appears to be ready to play extended periods through the midfield. All for under $400k. If you’re not convinced by now, you never will be. Just get him.

2008 Season – 89.9 DT
2009 NAB Cup – 82.5 DT

Joel Bowden ($436k): Perennial DT god Bowden is back for another year and priced accordingly after a career best 98.3 average last season. He’s expensive, but you know the old adage – you get what you pay for. He’s durable, and capable of racking up really huge scores – and the new rolling zones will see his numbers rise if anything. When money is no object – Bowden is the man, and if you don’t mind spending the money, get aboard the sure thing for another season.

2008 Season – 98.3 DT
2009 NAB Cup – 75.7 DT

Andrew Mackie ($403k): Last season, I was so in love with Mackie that I had him penned into my side for the next 5 years to come. So why am I now scared after his below par scores in the preseason? There’s the chance Mackie will be given bigger defensive assignments so Scarlett and Harley etc can float around at will doing as they please. That could harm his production – but then again, that could be countered by the increase in rolling zones and the likelihood Mackie is the man to get the ball to for kicking through and over them. In the end, I’m going to stop second guessing myself, and lock him in.

2008 Season – 91.1 DT
2009 NAB Cup – 55.7 DT

Chad Cornes ($379k): The Chad will be one of the most popular players after his production slipped last year in an injury riddled year. Some have proposed the same will happen this year but I’m not convinced – he’s still only 29, and last year was the first time he hasn’t played at least 17 games – he played all 22 in 2007. He is a proven performer, at a bargain price. I don’t think you can go wrong picking up Angry Chad.

2008 Season – 85.5 DT
2009 NAB Cup – 78.5 DT

The quality keepers don’t stop there – here’s some more options to make up your backline – Luke Hodge ($428k), Andrew Embley ($415k), Sam Fisher ($398k), Corey Enright ($386k), Jordan McMahon ($373k), Nathan Bock ($372k) and if you’re game (and obviously if you didn’t have him last year) – Heath Shaw ($363k).

DHF Lock: Brendon Goddard

Mid-Rangers:

Tarkyn Lockyer ($360k): He might be at the expensive end of a mid-ranger, but Tarks is a potential keeper at a discount price. Had a huge 2007 where he averaged 101 – yet last season was his second biggest ever at 81.3. If he can recapture 2007 he is great value – if not, he should still average around the 80 mark at least.

2008 Season – 81.3 DT
2009 NAB Cup – 86 DT

Jed Adcock ($313k): After averaging 88 in 2007 and being a popular pick last year, Adcock had a disappointing 2008 and as such is available at a bargain price for 2009. If he burnt you last year you might not be super keen to butter up, but if you didn’t have him – you’re probably more than happy to snag him at this price.

2008 Season – 70.7 DT
2009 NAB Cup – 70.3 DT

Marty Clarke ($317k): At 317k, it’s worth taking a closer look at the young Irishman. Still having just 34 games under his belt, Clarke has taken to the game incredibly well, and with his damaging left boot you can expect the Pies to try and get the ball in his hands as often as they can. He’s durable, and looks an improver who might turn out to be a keeper for your side.

2008 Season – 71.8 DT
2009 NAB Cup – 66 DT

Nick Malceski ($298k): Malceski will be one of the most selected players down back – his miraculous recovery from a knee injury was well publicised, but it did have an effect on his output. After a terrific 2007 when he averaged 86.8 DT points, he struggled to reach the same level when he returned for the second half of 2008. All this means is Malceski is now a bargain price, and if he can rediscover his 2007 form, he’s a no brainer for your backline. The departure of Kennelly should only provide more opportunity and responsibility for Malceski – providing more DT points for your team.

2008 Season – 67.3 DT
2009 NAB Cup – 59 DT

Want some more mid-range options? How about David Mundy ($312k) who might push into the midfield more … Josh Drummond ($304k) who’s cheap but you’ll be fearing injuries all year … Mark Nicoski ($263k) at your own risk … Ryan Houlihan ($244k) looks particularly cheap … Heath ‘Reg’ Grundy ($236k) is taking a more active role … Sam Gilbert ($221k) might be one to step up down St Kilda way … Shannon Hurn ($197k) with the same disclaimer as Nicoski … Jesse Smith ($197k) from the Kangas has injury worries but at his price you may want to take the punt.

DHF Lock: Nick Malceski

Cash Cows:

Andrew Raines ($188k): Raines is another bargain price after a 2008 season cut short after only 2 games. Will be another popular pick – he’s very cheap, had a solid preseason, and looks set to position himself in the Tigers best 22. Averaged 65 and 66 in the two previous seasons, meaning you’re looking at a near-guaranteed cash increase as well as steady points output. He’s a must.

2008 Season – 65 DT
2009 NAB Cup – 58.5 DT

Stephen Hill ($142k): Being picked surprisingly high at no.3 by Fremantle means you’ll have to pay more to snag him, but Hill has showed more than enough during the preseason to suggest he’s more than worth it. 3 consistent outings, and a near guaranteed spot in the Dockers 22 means he’s great value, and more than capable of holding down a starting spot down back. With the success of Palmer and Ibbotson last season, Hill looks to be the next reason for DTers to have an absurd interest into Fremantle’s fortunes.

2008 Season – Rookie
2009 NAB Cup – 69.3 DT

Of the more ‘expensive’ cash cows – Bomber Michael Hurley did some good things in the preseason and with the injuries at Windy Hill he could be a handy pickup at $134k. Tom Collier ($159k) is one man I’m trying to sneak into my back half – has been impressive linking up off half back – DT heaven! Matty Spangher ($168k) looks primed for an improved season and will see plenty of the ball in the back half seeing it should spend a lot of time down there again at Eagleland. And the buzz on Demon Jack Grimes ($186k) has been huge – but he’s out of Round 1 so that’s something to weigh up.

There is a huge range of cheap back options for you to take a look at. Fremantle don’t only have Hill – Nick Suban ($86k) and Greg Broughton ($75k) are both pushing for a regular spot and are worth a squiz. A couple of good marking prospects can be found down back – Jackson Trengove and Jayden Post (both $86k) are possible options but might be better downgrade targets as Round 1 might be too soon for them. Another pair for $86k are Alex Rance and Jared Petrenko and they look much more likely to push for Round 1 selection. Nathan Grima ($86k) is also in the mix for Round 1, but won’t score you a ton of points – think Nathan Brown last year.

DHF Lock: Stephen Hill

So there it is – plenty of backline options, although with some absolute standouts we won’t be surprised to see a lot of similar setups. Leave us a comment with your thoughts!