(Note : For the purpose of this article the player must be older than twenty and have never played a senior AFL game before)
Orren STEPHENSON (Geelong. Ruck. $106,600)
At a bargain-basement price, 29 year old STEPHENSON should be a lock in almost every team. Recruited from Nth Ballarat and take
n by the Cats specifically to assist young tall’s Trent WEST and Nathan VARDY, the word from G-town is that he definitely will play, especially now VARDY is injured. Simply a must have.
Jonathan GILES (GWS. Ruck. $126,700)
The other position on your ruck bench should undoubtedly be taken by the 201cm GILES. With assistance from Dean BROGAN, GILES should see plenty of game time for the new team, hopefully in a similar vein to GC’s Zac SMITH in 2011. Previously on Port Adelaide’s list, the 24 y.o GILES is primed to make you lots of cash.
Sam ROWE (Carlton. Ruck/Fwd. $106,600)
Another at a tasty price, the 24 y.o ROWE has the additional attraction of being a dual-position player. Recruited by the Blues after 4 years at Norwood, the 198cm giant spent two years on the Swans rookie list before being delisted in 2007. He has plenty of competition in the big man department at Carlton, but could surprise.
Steve CLIFTON (GWS. Mid. $130,700)
Three-time VFL Premiership player with Nth Ballarat, CLIFTON was taken by GWS with their first pick in the 2010 Rookie draft and has been upgraded to the senior list. A hard-nosed, tough midfielder, the 24 y.o CLIFTON could be just what the Giants need around the stoppages with such a young list. Well worth the small investment as he should see plenty of game time.
Ahmed SAAD (St Kilda. Fwd. $124,700)
With pace a question mark at the Saints, SAAD has clearly been recruited mainly for his blistering speed. Ranked first in the 20m sprint and repeat 30m sprints at the Draft Combine, the 22 year-old excitement machine is known for his fierce tackling and relentless forward pressure. Sitting at the feet of Nick Riewoldt and working in tandem with Stephen MILNE, SAAD could be a perfect fit for your team.
Tommy WALSH (Sydney. Fwd. $113,200)
Yet another Irishman looking to crack into the AFL, WALSH had been touted as a power forward while at the Saints, but never got the chance to show his style. Recruited by the Swans in the draft, the 23 year-old now has that opportunity, at a club renowned for getting the best out of players. The recent Ireland/Australia series gave us just a glimpse of his ability – could really impact in 2012.
Steven MORRIS (Richmond. Def. $113,200)
The son of former Tigers player Kevin MORRIS, 23 year old Steven was traded by GWS to Richmond after 4 solid years with SANFL club West Adelaide. An attacking, rebounding defender, MORRIS looks to slot into the Richmond defence – a position that could be vacated by Brett DELEDIO’s possible move into the midfield. One to watch, definitely.
Sam GIBSON (Nth Melb. Mid. $94,700)
Now on the Kangas rookie list after being a Hawk rookie in 2007, 25 year-old GIBSON is ready-made for AFL, and has been impressive on the pre-season training track. Averaging 28 possessions per game in the VFL last year, GIBSON could quite easily step-up into the young North midfield and cement a spot quickly and effectively. At that price, he is certainly one to watch in the NAB Cup.
Cheap as chips these guys are, but will they have an impact? How many of these blokes will get a run in your SC team this year? Are they worth the punt or not? Only time will tell, but I would be very surprised if at least 3 or 4 of the above players don’t appear in most teams this season.