Best first year player: Sam Shaw – 12 matches, 875 points @ 72.9. Increased $249,200
Shaw debuted in Round 4 but it wasn’t until after his second game against Fremantle in Round 10 that the Coaches jumped on. He’s missed only two games since and has been a really handy defensive back-up.
Most improved: Patrick Dangerfield – 22 matches, 2615 points @ 118.9. Increased $211,100
People have been predicting Dangerfield’s breakout year for years, but after a solid pre-season, 2012 has destined to be his season. Although, I’m sure no one predicted that he would top Adelaide’s point scorers. Finished with 169 (his 8th score above 130). Huge year.
Best buy: Rory Sloane – 21 matches, 2228 points @ 106.1
Sloane began the year in scintillating fashion – scoring triple figures in all but one of his first eight matches. His price rose to more than $570,000 but remained as a unique player, remarkably. No reason why he couldn’t keep improving next year.
Worst buy: Graham Johncock – 16 matches, 1000 points @ 62.5. Decreased $137,000
Johncock loomed as a safe, reliable premium defender at the beginning of the year, but through bad luck, niggling injuries and a move into the forward line, Johncock never scored to his full potential.
2013 Prospects
Bernie Vince:
Vince’s year hasn’t been outstanding, but he has shown glimpses of his 2009 B&F winning year. If he has an off-field incident free pre-season, he’s a smoky I’ll be considering.
Lewis Johnston:
The first round draft pick from Sydney only managed one game in 2012, despite being lured by the Crows. With Gunston gone last year and Tippett potentially heading to Queensland, a strong pre-season could give him first crack at a vacant CHF. He’ll be 22 by the start of next year, so it will be a ‘now or never’ for the skilful youngster.
Most prolific:
1. Patrick Dangerfield (M/F) - 2615 @ 118.9
2. Scott Thompson (M) - 2430 @ 110.5
3. Rory Sloane (M) - 2228 @ 106.1
4. Sam Jacobs (R) - 2144 @102.1
5. Brent Reilly (M) - 2032 @ 92.4
8. Taylor Walker (F) - 1603 @100.2 (top forward)
12. Michael Doughty (D) – 1459 @ 69.5 (top defender)