When choosing break-out contenders, you need a little bit luck, so here are seven (the lucky number?) options across three positions who could be unique and cheap scoring machines. Watch their remaining NAB Cup form, lock them in and then pray!
Defenders:
Cameron Guthrie, Geelong, $184,300
With the retirement of Darren Milburn freeing up a spot in the Cats' defence, versatile Guthrie could be given that opportunity. He played the first two games last year, including a 13 possession game against the Saints in round 1. He averaged four tackles a match last year in the VFL, and impressed with a solid effort against
Gold Coast's Josh Caddy
the Swans in this year's NAB Cup. Might be a handy seventh defender option.
Christian Howard, Western Bulldogs, $239,400
Howard was a first-round draft pick in 2009 and played his first six matches in 2011. He was very impressive in those matches, and because he was used as the sub twice his average disposals per match was effected, it finished at the not-too-shabby 13. Now 21 years of age, he will play a sweeping role across half-back for the Dogs and showed his ability in the NAB Cup triangular format against the Magpies, picking up 12 disposals and 9 marks in half and hour of footy.
Reece Conca, Richmond, $298,800
If he gets more midfield time this season, then Reece Conca will be a bargain. The number six draft pick played 17 matches last season and played a little bit as a tagger as well; expect him to get freed up a bit more this year.
He was solid in the NAB cup fixtures without setting the world on fire, but his match was overshadowed by his report for striking. He's right to play round 1 however. He has the potential to score highly.
Midfielders:
Josh Caddy, Gold Coast, $218,200
Last year's number seven draft pick was unlucky to play only two matches because injuries struck him down and restricted his progress. He has had a full pre-season behind him, and would not have been crazily chased by Essendon if he couldn't play. It's only a matter of time before we see the best of Josh Caddy.
Jared Polec, Brisbane, $274,700
Polec was another high draft pick, in fact he was taken two before Caddy, at number five in 2010. Although big things were expected, he managed only three games last year before he was dropped, and subsequently Rockliff and Redden took the headlines from the talented youngster. He average 123 SC points at the Under18 Championships in 2010, and has started this year with an eight possession NAB Cup match against the Suns. Things are looking up for this youngster.
Kane Lucas, Carlton, $223,900
Lucas' debut 2010 was cruelled by hamstring injuries, and he managed only eight games. Injuries and poor form hurt him in 2011, playing twice for Carlton and 17 times in reserves. A good ball-reader who can certainly play, if he can cement his spot in the midfield then a break-out certainly looms. He racked up 18 touches in less than an hour of footy against the two Adelaide teams during the NAB cup as well.
Forwards:
Leigh Adams, North Melbourne, $487,400
Adams played all but one match last year, and his SC average benefited too, he averaged 90 points per match. Spending almost all his time in the midfield, it is a bonus that Adams can be selected as a forward as well - because from 23 years of age he can only improve. He isn't cheap, but for what he could average, he might be a bargain.
Hayden Ballantyne, Fremantle, $390,000
This final option is a little more left-field but Ballantyne is a genuine contender regardless. Coach Ross Lyon hinted he may be more of a midfielder this year, and he showed potential with an 11 disposal match against the Bombers in the heavily reduced NAB cup clashes. If the move does eventuate, his goal sense will only add to his value; maybe the next Cyril?
Christian Howard, Western Bulldogs, $239,400
Howard was a first-round draft pick in 2009 and played his first six matches in 2011. He was very impressive in those matches, and because he was used as the sub twice his average disposals per match was effected, it finished at the not-too-shabby 13. Now 21 years of age, he will play a sweeping role across half-back for the Dogs and showed his ability in the NAB Cup triangular format against the Magpies, picking up 12 disposals and 9 marks in half and hour of footy.
Reece Conca, Richmond, $298,800
If he gets more midfield time this season, then Reece Conca will be a bargain. The number six draft pick played 17 matches last season and played a little bit as a tagger as well; expect him to get freed up a bit more this year.
He was solid in the NAB cup fixtures without setting the world on fire, but his match was overshadowed by his report for striking. He's right to play round 1 however. He has the potential to score highly.
Midfielders:
Josh Caddy, Gold Coast, $218,200
Last year's number seven draft pick was unlucky to play only two matches because injuries struck him down and restricted his progress. He has had a full pre-season behind him, and would not have been crazily chased by Essendon if he couldn't play. It's only a matter of time before we see the best of Josh Caddy.
Jared Polec, Brisbane, $274,700
Polec was another high draft pick, in fact he was taken two before Caddy, at number five in 2010. Although big things were expected, he managed only three games last year before he was dropped, and subsequently Rockliff and Redden took the headlines from the talented youngster. He average 123 SC points at the Under18 Championships in 2010, and has started this year with an eight possession NAB Cup match against the Suns. Things are looking up for this youngster.
Kane Lucas, Carlton, $223,900
Lucas' debut 2010 was cruelled by hamstring injuries, and he managed only eight games. Injuries and poor form hurt him in 2011, playing twice for Carlton and 17 times in reserves. A good ball-reader who can certainly play, if he can cement his spot in the midfield then a break-out certainly looms. He racked up 18 touches in less than an hour of footy against the two Adelaide teams during the NAB cup as well.
Forwards:
Leigh Adams, North Melbourne, $487,400
Adams played all but one match last year, and his SC average benefited too, he averaged 90 points per match. Spending almost all his time in the midfield, it is a bonus that Adams can be selected as a forward as well - because from 23 years of age he can only improve. He isn't cheap, but for what he could average, he might be a bargain.
Hayden Ballantyne, Fremantle, $390,000
This final option is a little more left-field but Ballantyne is a genuine contender regardless. Coach Ross Lyon hinted he may be more of a midfielder this year, and he showed potential with an 11 disposal match against the Bombers in the heavily reduced NAB cup clashes. If the move does eventuate, his goal sense will only add to his value; maybe the next Cyril?