So, who are those players sneaking under the radar – guys you might be able to slot into your team as proven performers who might just be able to give your SC side the edge over your opponents?
Let’s see if we can unearth a few gems that, whilst not exactly hidden, are sometimes overlooked by bigger name players. I’m not recommending all of these guys, but maybe one or two could give your team a unique feel that stands it apart from the standard.
Defenders.
Sam FISHER (St.Kilda) $443,500 - The general of the Saints backline, particularly when Goddard plays elsewhere. With Gilbert also playing forward, Fisher will be the link man and gets plenty of it.
Chris NEWMAN (Richmond) $450,900 - A very solid and consistent performer, Newman seems to get overlooked a lot, but his deadly left boot sees him rack up big scores with regularity.
Jarrod HARBROW (Gold Coast) $415,900 - The move north from the Doggies could see this livewire really light it up. Will be the link man in a pretty solid defensive unit with Bock and Brown.
Andrejs EVERITT (Sydney) $315,100 - A cheaper alternative, the change of club could do wonders for Everitt, who could really blossom this year. Worth considering for sure.
Midfielders
Andrew SWALLOW (North) $516,900 - A tackling machine, Swallow started popping up on the radar last season and this year his price reflects his form. A very solid performer.
Lenny HAYES (St Kilda) $503,500 - Another great tackler and all-round solid player, Hayes is the spiritual leader of the Saints and is super consistent – his pride ensures that. A legend.
Scott THOMPSON (Adelaide) $441,600 - An underrated leader of the Crows, Thompson gets plenty of the ball and also uses it well. Not a great deal of competition in the Crows midfield!
Jobe WATSON (Essendon) $520,400 - Watson has really come of age the last few years, and is a contested-ball champ. With the Bombers penciled in to improve, Jobe will be leading the way.
Michael RISCHITELLI (Gold Coast) $462,500 - After a break out year in 2010, Rischitelli still seems to have no R-E-S-P-E-C-T in the SC world. A 95 point average should say otherwise.
Kade SIMPSON (Carlton) $485,700 - A ball magnet if ever there was one, this Blue flies under the radar in a midfield dominated by the Juddernaut. Gets heaps of the pill and uses it very well.
Ruckmen
Mark JAMAR (Melbourne) $400,500 - Shoulders most of the Dees ruck duties on his massive frame, and does a great job of it. Most improved ruckman of the last few years perhaps?
Mitch CLARK (Brisbane) $354,400 - Has promised a lot, and not really delivered quite consistently yet. Will spend a bit of time forward too, in the absence of Fevola. Could this be his year?
Ben McEVOY (St Kilda) $308,700 - A bit cheaper, Big Ben could be a bargain especially if Gardiner doesn’t get up for a while. Super fit after a outstanding off-season. Break-out potential.
Patrick RYDER (Essendon) $416,800 - The most athletic of this bunch, Ryder could improve further under Hirdy’s reign. His popularity is increasing, but still a little hidden. Worth a look.
Forwards
Brad GREEN (Melbourne) $469,800 - This guy is a gun. Had a great 2010, kicking 55 goals for the year – and with the Demons expected to improve, expect that total to rise. Loves to kick, which is a bonus.
Mark LeCRAS (West Coast) $399,900 - Who could forget his 10 goals in 2010, scoring a massive 226 points? This goal sneak is capable of anything – even a move to the midfield?
Jarrad WAITE (Carlton) $427,200 - Waite had a solid year in 2010 returning from a knee injury. This year he could be even better, as he possesses all the attributes – and a temper to match!
Steve JOHNSON (Geelong) $436,900 - The mercurial forward from G-town is another who, on his day, is capable of anything. A touch inconsistent, he might play more in the midfield this year also?
Hopefully this batch has provided a little food for thought if nothing else. Yes, the great players are picked by everyone for a reason – because they are so good. But I am a firm believer in having at least 2 or 3 players in your lineup that don’t come first or second in the popularity stakes, but still score well.
After all, that’s all that matters right?