G’day readers!

For those of you who aren’t aware my name is James, and recently I was given the opportunity to join the team at Footy Tragic. Like the other guys here I’ve always followed my footy religiously, and can’t get enough of the fantasy side either.

Over the next month or so I’ll be writing about the players I’ve ear-marked for a breakout year and I hope I can help you guys pick out a few hidden gems!

The 2011 season saw the introduction of the ‘substitute rule’. As fantasy coaches we had to be mindful of the strategies employed by coaches to gain best use of their substitute, and how this would affect a player’s output and their fantasy value.

A common theme around the league was to introduce younger players at senior level in the role of the substitute.  While there were definitely those that particularly excelled in the role, it wasn’t ideal in fantasy land, with the restricted time on ground severely limiting a player’s scoring potential.

The player I’m going to write about fits this description to a tee.  He was able to have such an impact last year that by mid season he was a regular starter in the best 22. However with a lesser role to start the season, combined with six of his 16 games used as the sub, it’s fair to suggest his 2011 averages are not a true reflection of his value. The player I’ll be writing about is none other than 2011 premiership medallist, Allen Christensen.
THE PLAYER:

Entering his second season in 2009, Christensen always loomed a likely candidate for the substitute role. A star player at junior level, Christensen was once considered a top ten draft selection before sliding down the order with concerns over his endurance levels and work rate.

Since being drafted Christensen has put any doubt to rest, thriving in a professional environment improving his fitness levels dramatically.  After an impressive pre season he was able to earn senior selection early in the year, making his debut in round two. A natural impact player, Christensen was an excellent candidate to provide a spark late in games making him an obvious choice for the sub role.

Up until round nine, Christensen was in and out of the side, and wore the substitute vest in four of the six games played during this period, averaging a very modest 40.6 Dream Team points per game.

Christensen made an impressive return to the side in round 14 and never looked back playing out the rest of the season in the seniors averaging 85.2 Dream Team points per game. During this stretch Christensen was the sub twice, recording scores of 76 and 30 in those games.

To break it down for you I have separated his year into the following categories with averages including:

Rounds 2-9: 10.8 Disposals, 1.83 Tackles, 0.3 goals per game  @ 40.6 DT average.
Rounds 14-24: 18.2 Disposals, 5.1 Tackles, 0.8 Goals per game @ 85.2 DT average.
Full Games Rounds (not substitute) 14-24: 20 Disposals, 5.2 tackles, 0.87 Goals per game @ 93.25 DT average.
Full Games Whole Season (not substitute): 19 Disposals, 4.6 tackles, 1.3 Goals per game @  84.6 DT average.

Christensen topped the one hundred mark four times with a high score of 120 coming in round 17 against the Lions, highlighting his potential to be an elite scorer.

While he has that uncanny knack for kicking a miraculous goal, don’t be fooled into pigeon holing him as just another goal sneak.  His best work is done in the middle of the ground with his ability to win the ball in the contested situation, and tackle the opposition like a man possessed.

Priced at a 68 average, Christensen is terrific value as a forward option at $338,000. With another pre- season under his belt Christensen will be entering his 3rd season, so it’s not unreasonable to expect further improvement again in 2012. He is one that I’ll definitely be watching and one that I’m tipping to be a real bargain. Get on board early!