To predict which goalies are worthy of a spot in your line-up, first let’s go back to the numbers from last season:
2012/13 Top Keepers
1. Ante Čović - WSW - 141
2. Eugene Galekovic - ADL - 109
3. Michael Theo - BRI - 105
4. Mat Ryan - CCM - 95
5. Nathan Coe - MVC - 89
6. Danny Vukovic - PER - 80
7. Mark Birighitti - NEW - 63
8. Mark Paston - WEL - 58
9. Vedran Janjetović - SYD - 52
10. Andrew Redmayne - MHT - 42
2012/13 Top Keepers
1. Ante Čović - WSW - 141
2. Eugene Galekovic - ADL - 109
3. Michael Theo - BRI - 105
4. Mat Ryan - CCM - 95
5. Nathan Coe - MVC - 89
6. Danny Vukovic - PER - 80
7. Mark Birighitti - NEW - 63
8. Mark Paston - WEL - 58
9. Vedran Janjetović - SYD - 52
10. Andrew Redmayne - MHT - 42
Interesting notes
- Mark Paston retired
- Mat Ryan signed for Brugge (Belgium)
- Tendo Velaphi to Heart to compete with Redmayne
- Liam Reddy to CCM to complete with Pasfield
- Glen Moss to become WEL #1 - will be cheap.
The Guns
Ante Čović, Eugene Galekovic & Michael Theo were the top scoring goalkeepers in last year's Fantasy A-League, and look set to be right up the top again this year.
One thing each of them have is an excellent defence to back them up. The easiest way to bank points as a 'keeper is record clean sheets, and it's bloody hard to do that with an incompetent defensive group.
Another thing each have at their respective clubs is good job security. It is a rule of thumb across all fantasy sports - don't pick an expensive player if their spot in the side isn't guaranteed each week. For these stars of Australian football, this is never a problem.
One thing each of them have is an excellent defence to back them up. The easiest way to bank points as a 'keeper is record clean sheets, and it's bloody hard to do that with an incompetent defensive group.
Another thing each have at their respective clubs is good job security. It is a rule of thumb across all fantasy sports - don't pick an expensive player if their spot in the side isn't guaranteed each week. For these stars of Australian football, this is never a problem.
The Maybes
Central Coast's defence was miserly last season, conceding only 22 goals in 27 matches. But with Ryan off to Belgium, who becomes their number one? It could fall to either Pastfield or the experienced Reddy - I personally think the former Roar & Sydney stopper Reddy could get the nod.
Both Melbourne sides had leaky defences last year and paid the price for over-attacking football. While Nathan Coe has his spot sown up, there's a real battle at the Heart with the arrival of former Glory 'keeper Velaphi. While that's great for the Heart, it's terrible for your fantasy team.
Talking of the Glory, their current goalkeeper Danny Vukovic is terrific at what he does and had a reasonable last campaign. With the introduction of Ljubo Milicevic to bolster the defence, he's one certainly worth the gamble.
Sydney conceded the most goals over the last A-League season, but two acquisitions strengthen that area of their squad - former Mariner Pedj Bojic and former Brisbane backman Matt Jurman. Will Vedran Janjetović improve on his disappointing 2012/13? If he can stave off the competition from Ivan Necevski then possibly, yes.
Both Melbourne sides had leaky defences last year and paid the price for over-attacking football. While Nathan Coe has his spot sown up, there's a real battle at the Heart with the arrival of former Glory 'keeper Velaphi. While that's great for the Heart, it's terrible for your fantasy team.
Talking of the Glory, their current goalkeeper Danny Vukovic is terrific at what he does and had a reasonable last campaign. With the introduction of Ljubo Milicevic to bolster the defence, he's one certainly worth the gamble.
Sydney conceded the most goals over the last A-League season, but two acquisitions strengthen that area of their squad - former Mariner Pedj Bojic and former Brisbane backman Matt Jurman. Will Vedran Janjetović improve on his disappointing 2012/13? If he can stave off the competition from Ivan Necevski then possibly, yes.
The Sure Thing
As mentioned, Phoenix veteran Mark Paston called it quits over winter, and this allows Glen Moss to take the number 1 position. Will he be a superstar scorer? Probably not, but he should be at a very cheap* price and should slot into your number two keeping spot and play every week, providing excellent coverage.
So who are you thinking of giving the number one to? Let us know in the comments.
*I hope you're reading this FoxSports.
So who are you thinking of giving the number one to? Let us know in the comments.
*I hope you're reading this FoxSports.