Here the best bargain defenders have been profiled so you know who to look out for over the pre-season.
Nathan Bock
Price: $260k
2012 Games: 4
2012 Average: 61
2011 Games: 21
2011 Average: 93
The Gold Coast star suffered a broken leg, injuring it in Rd6 this year, but we know Bock will bounce back and is a proven supercoach gun averaging 99, 93, 90 and 83 in previous years! Bock will be able to be selected as a forward or a defender, which makes him very appealing. The only problem with Bock is that it is hard to capture your best form coming back from a broken leg (just look at Nathan Brown) and he will be 29 next year. But with a strong pre season Bock will definitely be on my supercoach radar, if named round in round one.
2013 Supercoach point average prediction: 80-85
Price: $235k
2012 Games: 7
2012 Average: 49
2011 Games: 16
2011 Average: 72
Russell left to join Collingwood in the free agency period, because he wasn’t been given much opportunity, playing only seven games for a 49 Supercoach point average this year at Carlton. Russell does have talent and a change of clubs could bring out the best in him as he has averaged 72 and 86 in 2011 and 10. He was drafted as a number nine pick and has been Carlton's whipping boy since, but with a move to the Magpies, I think he's a contender for a break-out season. At around $235k Russell looks cheap and could be worth the risk.
2013 Supercoach point average prediction: 75-80
Cameron Pedersen
Price: $190k
2012 Games: 2
2012 Average: 52
2011 Games: 14
2011 Average: 84
After a great debut season by Pedersen averaging 84 last year, things have now changed and in 2012 he only playedtwo games for a 52 point average. With his limited opportunities this season, don't be surprised to see flourish at his new club Melbourne and now he looks like a good option. Pedersen can playf orward, ruck and in defence and with his new move to the Dees then he is someone to consider at only $190k and a DEF/RUCK DPP.
2013 Supercoach point average prediction: 75-80
Jasper Pittard
Price: $120-170k
2012 Games: 1
2012 Average: 12
2011 Games: 13
2011 Average: 61
Pittard, coming off a 61 point average in 2011, struggled with injury in 2012. He only played one game for a 12 point return which means he will be super cheap in 2013. Coming into his 4th AFL season Pittard could be ready to have a break-out year and with another pre-season under his belt he should be fitter and stronger and ready to play AFL football. If he is selected in Port's team for round one, at his price he will definitely be someone to watch.
2013 Supercoach point average prediction: 70-75
Brent Staker
Price: $120-150k
2012 Games: 0
2012 Average: 0
2011 Games: 7
2011 Average: 67
If Staker is as cheap as a rookie (and with Def/Fwd dual position availablity) he will be a very popular pick in 2013! Before his injury riddled seasons in 2012 and 2011, Staker averaged 87 and played every game for the Lions in '10. If he can have a injury free pre-season, then he will be a great cash cow. He can play anywhere on the ground and if he can break his way into the Lions best 22, he is someone to consider as a cheap bench option who will make heaps of cash!
2013 Supercoach point average prediction: 70-75
Dale Morris
Price: $200k
2012 Games: 0
2012 Average: 0
2011 Games: 18
2011 Average: 74
Morris has not played since Rd21 last year due to his broken leg. He was coming off his best Supercoach season last year averaging a respectable 74 points per match. Morris has been known to be durable before this injury only missing 12 games since 2005. If Morris can have a strong pre season and get over his broken leg he may be someone to keep an eye on even though he will be 30 next year.
2013 Supercoach point average prediction: 70-75
Sam Docherty
Price: $110k
2012 Games: 0
2012 Average: 0
The Lions number 12 draft pick didn't play a game in season 2012 so he will be very cheap in 2013. He is in a similar position to Billie Smedts was this year, as he was a high draft pick and he didn't play a game in his first season. Docherty is a classy defender who reads the play well and is a great kick, so you can expect him to slot straight into the Lions line up in 2013 and he will be a very popular bench option. He should make a lot of cash for your team and he is definitely on my Supercoach radar as his Def/Mid DPP will be very handy.
2013 Supercoach point average prediction: 65-70
Who'd I miss? Who's on your radar