I apologise for the slight delay in the article but we’re back alive and kicking!

Next up are the mighty Blues, and it really pains me to say that I think they’re genuine premiership contenders in 2012.

With Matthew Kreuzer back, and an improved Shaun Hampson, I think their tall players are now physically developed enough to be able to take the next step this season.

Fantasy wise, you need to jump on board. They have quite a few players that will improve their averages this season as they are still quite young.

There are a list of Carlton players to consider, so I will not waste any more time!

 

BRYCE GIBBS

In my opinion, Bryce is one player you need to lock in this season. I think he’s going to explode in a big way, possibly averaged upwards of 115 in Dream Team (big call, I know).

All the talk has been about how good he is looking, and a move to the midfield permanently is just what he needs.

He averaged 122 Dream Team points in the final eight games of the year in 2011, when he was freed up and used through the midfield and as a half forward where he is really dangerous and knows how to kick a goal or two.

Gibbs isn’t backline eligible anymore, but don’t let that deter you. Get…..him…..in!

 

KANE LUCAS

One of the much talked about ‘up and comers’ of 2012, Kane Lucas is a guy that could be an absolute Dream Team stud.

I’m here to throw out the caution sign. I don’t think he’s in Carlton’s best 22, yet. It’s a big price to pay, at $226,800 to have someone who isn’t guaranteed a game week in, week out.

For me, the best case scenario is he comes out and averages 90. While that’s great, he’s not a keeper. I made this mistake last season with Rhys Palmer, Josh Kennedy, Steven Salopek…..I don’t want to go on….

Worst case scenario, which would be terrible, is if he’s a green vest specialist, like he started the 2011 season in round one against Richmond.

In my opinion, the upside isn’t worth the risk. Keep an eye on the NAB Cup though, Ratten could have him penned in to his side, but I doubt he’s a lock right now.

Pick with caution.

 

OTHER PLAYERS TO CONSIDER……..

Paul Bower had a 2011 he’d rather forget. Plagued with a foot injury early in the season, he struggled to get back in the side with great form from the likes of Nick Duigan and Jeremy Laidler. He can produce some great numbers and he is dirt cheap, but I don’t think he’s best 22 anymore and the injury risk is too big.

 

I got asked about Dylan Buckley quite a bit, so I thought I better mention him. Dylan will need a few years to develop. He is only 69kg and has never averaged more than 15 disposals and two tackles, going all the way back to U/16’s, so he isn’t really someone you’d be moving the deck chairs to get into your fantasy side.

 

Chris Judd is Chris Judd. I don’t really have to say much else other than the fact that even though he’s had an interrupted pre-season with his shoulder injury; you should get him in your Super Coach side. The man is a machine.

 

Matthew Kreuzer has signalled his intentions to play in the midfield, and I like it. I think he is wasted up forward, and I don’t think it suits him well either. I don’t see any reason why Kreuz can’t play the Naitanui role and just follow the ball, even with Warnock on the ground at the same time. He is an elite runner who is good at running forward. That is how he’ll kick his goals. Watch him in the NAB Cup, and if this is his role, then he’s a genuine option for your second ruck.

 

Marc Murphy genuinely broke out in 2011, becoming a ‘must have’ midfield player. There is no reason why this will change, he’s flying.

 

Mitch Robinson becomes a genuine option for fantasy this season with his forward eligibility. He is prone to have really quiet games and he’s always a suspension risk with the way he goes at the footy (it’s sad, I know), but he is just so good to watch. I have him pencilled in to my forward line.

 

Jordan Russell is another player to have fallen out of favour. He’s a ball magnet at his best, but he is no guarantee to get consistent games in this side now. I’d stay away.

 

Heath Scotland had a fine season as the Blues sweeper across the wings and half back. He was the best performed defender in Dream Team, so he’ll come at a hefty cost this season. He is 32 this season, so the question remains if he can maintain it, but I don’t see why he wouldn’t.

 

Sam Rowe has been much talked about as being the Blues key forward, after being taken in the National Draft as a mature ager. I’m not really that bullish to be honest. He’ll post very mediocre scores and he hasn’t really set the world on fire in the SANFL either.

 

Chris Yarran is defender only this season in fantasy and he could be a great option! He’ll most likely get tagged across half back, but he could well get a gig in the midfield which would make him an enticing prospect.

 

Tom Bell is a ready to go midfielder that is on the Blues rookie list. He is a bull at the gate and could be a great fantasy scorer, but the only problem is he’ll really struggle to get games. Could be a smoky though….

 

KRISTIAN’S BEST 22

FB: Zach Tuohy, Michael Jamison, Nick Duigan

HB: Chris Yarran, Lachie Henderson, Jeremy Laidler

C: Bryce Gibbs, Chris Judd, Matthew Kreuzer

HF: Jeff Garlett, Jarrad Waite, Bret Thornton

FF: Eddie Betts, Shaun Hampson, Andrew Walker

R: Robbie Warnock, Marc Murphy, Mitch Robinson

 

INT: Kade Simpson, Heath Scotland, Andrew Carrazzo, David Ellard

EMER: Jordan Russell, Kane Lucas, Aaron Joseph