Following on from last week’s article where I looked at structuring Gold Coast players into your side, I thought I’d have a look at their fantasy relevant players to start 2011. The four numbers next to their names are their DT scores (sorry, don’t have SC numbers) in their four pre-season games so far. Bear in mind that the first two scores were from those half games…and maybe take the second score (against GWS) with a grain of salt.

Defenders

Michael Coad (38, 25, 50, 47) – hasn’t impressed as much in the pre-season as I thought he would. Coming from years of experience in the SANFL it seemed like he’d be a decent option this year. He’s very tentatively holding onto his spot in my team at the moment, but I’m not as sold on him as I once was. He always had the game to get lateral to the contest and pick up some marks, but he’s looking just a little bit lost out there at the moment.

Karmichael Hunt (31, 21, 34, DNP) – probably played his way into my thoughts in that first hit out against Sydney. He’s obviously an extremely talented athlete and even if he never becomes a star, he’s shown some signs that he might cut it at AFL. I’d say he’s in line for more games than I first thought. I never thought I’d say I’m considering him, but I am, however I’m not banking on him getting too many high scores.

Alik Magin (6, 32, 72, 55) – another one who has surprised me this pre-season. I never rated him too much, but he’s really performed so far. He adds a bit of pace and excitement and could be a forward pocket, or maybe a winger for them. It’s been hard to find out if the Suns have different rules in regards to rookie upgrades, but the best guess is with no veterans on their list they can nominate two rookies at the start of the season and I can’t see how Magin wouldn’t be the first one promoted.

Danny Stanley (18, 72, 57, 52) – the former inside midfielder for Collingwood (five games) adds a hard body to the young Suns list. He’s been playing pretty well as a defensive forward for GC and looks set to play a lot of senior footy this year. He’s probably the first Suns defender I’ll be picking. As an inside mid he can be a ball magnet, but I can see him scoring well across half forward too.

Seb Tape (24, 27, 53, DNP) – the highly rated youngster from Glenelg went at Pick 13 in the 2010 National Draft. For a young key position player he’s looked quite comfortable so far, and in my opinion has leap frogged Jack Hutchins for a spot in the side. If Guy McKenna sees it the same way he could be a good option, especially for SC.

Josh Toy (37, 17, DNP, 37) – made for SC and wouldn’t be too shabby in DT either. I love watching this guy kick a footy. He hits them long, low and hard, often on the chest of his opponent. He doesn’t get near as much press as his skill deserves considering he was pre-listed and if he was in the draft pool I have no doubt he would’ve been a top three pick – just our luck, because it keeps his price tag much lower this way.

Midfielders

Gary Ablett (DNP x 4) - a lot of money to spend on someone with two byes in the first nine rounds, but that money could actually be worth it in SC. He’s an upgrade target for DT, but I’m strongly considering naming him in my SC team from the start, because his best is that far ahead of the pack. The hardest thing is that he’ll be going into the season without having played a practice match. Does he start slow? Probably not. He’s Gary Freaking Ablett.

Harley Bennell (34, 42, 34, DNP) – I wouldn’t be going near him for DT. I won’t be for SC either, but that’s more of a job security issue. I think Bennell might need to spend a bit of time cutting his teeth at state league level. Even if he is named in their Round 2 side, I don’t think he’ll stay there for long. He’s an immense talent, but I don’t expect him to be a big ball winner. His silky skills will bring good SC scores though.

Daniel Harris (45, 42, DNP, 60) – it’d be unique NOT to have him. He was averaging about 75-81 in DT and 84-93 in SC across three years before Dean Laidley seemed to not like him anymore. At only a shade over $100K in both competitions, with his experience and likelihood of playing 22 games (injury permitting), along with the increased responsibility he’d have as a leader in a young midfield, then for me he’s the first “rookie” picked this year.

Sam Iles (DNP, DNP, DNP, 49) – a bit like Coad, he’s one I was hot on before a ball was even bounced, but after missing the first two weeks of the NAB Cup he made his first appearance of the pre-season in the NAB Challenge last weekend, but hasn’t been named this week. There’s very little info coming out of GC, but at the time of writing I have no idea why (it must be injury – he won their B&F in the VFL last year). If there’s an assurance that he’ll get named Round 2 I’ll still consider him because I think he’ll be a good scorer, but it makes it tough off the back of one NAB Challenge game.

Marc Lock (4, 28, 45, 57) – for someone just a little bit different, I think Lock is worth a mention, not just because of his fantasy relevant name. Lock was the Suns first captain in the VFL and will likely play as a tagger. He’s not the bells and whistles pick, but I reckon he’s a safe bet for 22 games with consistent (but not huge) scoring. Not someone you’d pick to be a cash cow, but could be decent as a safe bench option.


Trent McKenzie (DNP, DNP, 57, 43) – a 57 in the NAB Cup game against West Coast and a 43 in the Challenge against Sydney (in dreadful conditions) weren’t bad signs, but the talented youngster with exquisite foot skills hasn’t been named for their final NAB Challenge match against Brisbane. He would be a good, albeit risky SC option (job security).

David Swallow (39, 25, 57, DNP) – the #1 pick from the 2010 National Draft has got plenty of press and for good reason. He’s fantastically talented, a great reader of the play, all with terrific disposal. You can have confidence that he’ll score well enough in both DT and SC to justify the extra coin you’d be spending on him. I must admit, when I need a bit of cash I downgrade him to a cheaper rookie, but I really, really want him!

Maverick Weller (4, 7, DNP, DNP) – I wasn’t going to mention him, due to his uninspiring pre-season, but I’d be curious to see how he goes this weekend. Played minimal time for minimal impact in the Suns first round of the NAB Cup and hadn’t been named since, but will play this weekend.

Rucks

Josh Fraser (29, 19, DNP, 82) – if his body stays right (classic fantasy coach speak) he is a much better player than his price point indicates. He could be a fantastic cheap option for your second ruck position, but you’ll need a plan to cover him for Round 1 with a rookie (considering Petrie DP link is now void due to suspension). The move to Gold Coast will be good for him and their developing young talls.

Zac Smith (DNP x 4) – only took up footy a few years ago, but was dominant in the VFL last year being named in the VFL Team of the Year. He’s still lightly framed, but is a giant at 206cm. Guy McKenna has given every indication they want to play this kid. “We’re not going to develop Zac as quick in the NEAFL so we’ll be playing two rucks. Josh can push forward after the ruck and then Zac can come on and ruck so we can develop him through the season.” Another thing he said, which I found to be a positive, is that if his body is sore after six or seven games they’ll rest him – with byes in Rounds 1 and 9 it means he only has to play seven straight. Of course, as I’m sure we all know, he hasn’t played a game this pre-season due to bruising of the bone on his heel and he isn’t named again for their last NAB Challenge match. It can’t all be easy and his lack of match practice is the only (though major) complication.

Forwards

Charlie Dixon (21, 25, DNP, 29) – I don’t think he’ll be a massive scorer, but I reckon the Suns will give Dixon plenty of chances. He’s a very good contested mark and is one of the most promising key forward prospects they have. He’ll be up against it playing on the big bodies of AFL defenders and might need a break now and then, but he’s a chance for quite a few games. I suspect his contested marking will make him a better SC option.

Brandon Matera (43, 25, 72, DNP) – even though he’s only very skinny, he looks ready to go. He’s very elusive and has that great Matera game sense (a bit more like Peter and Phil, rather than his Dad, Wally). He looks the most composed of their young small forward types. I like his scoring potential, particularly in SC, but because of his slight frame might need a rest now and then, but should make enough money early.

Liam Patrick (DNP, DNP, 43, 37) – cousin of Liam Jurrah and perhaps more of a skeptical SC selection if he can get games. I would really love to know if Bluey plans on playing him in Round 2 because I’d probably have a dip in SC, but with too much uncertainty I might play it on the safe. Dare ya though.

Dion Prestia (25, 24, 71, 62) – the only GC kid with a DP link (MID/FWD). I always liked him, but thought he’d need a bit of time to be AFL ready, but his pre-season so far has shown he is very ready! He’s only short, but he’s a little terrier in the midfield and is a long kick. I find his kicking to be a bit of an overrated trait – he’s a long kick, but I have doubts over his ability to hit long targets consistently. However, that’s a bit of a harsh knock on someone who has played his way right into contention for a lot of early games and from a fantasy perspective, GC seem thinnest in the forwards.