NEW TO FOOTY TRAGIC

Dear Footy Tragics,

The “Submit Your Team” section is now broken up into two parts:

  • PART 1 – The “Submit Your Team” section as per normal;
  • PART 2 – The NEW section where I unearth a hidden gem who I expect to make an impact in 2010. These players are under priced because they have been in the AFL system for 3 years or less and are still trying to establish themselves as AFL footballers. I’m looking for the next Andy Otten, Patrick Dangerfield, Mitchell Brown or Taylor Walker.

PART 1:

View Fiora’s Hardnuts’ Team
Round 17 Score: 2,324
Current Overall Ranking: 117
Trades Left: 1
Remaining Salary Cap: $12,400

Dear Fiora’s Hardnuts,

Thank you for submitting your team.

This week, I’m analysing our Dreamteam expert Toby’s team. Toby is absolutely flying at the moment and he is currently sitting in 117th place overall, 993 points behind the leader.

It’s fair to say that behind the scenes here at footytragic.com, there is a healthy competition going on between Toby, Dan and myself. While I had the boys covered in 2008, finishing 19th overall, Toby has given Dan and I, a massive touch up this season (check our “Live Scores” tab for all our current rankings).

My article this week will take an in depth analysis at what Toby has done in 2009, which has taken him to 117th overall.

HITS:

  • Sam Gilbert – came in for Andrew Raines prior to Round 2 – I must give Toby full credit here, because he was talking up Sam Gilbert in the lead up to Round 1. While Gilbert was impressive in the pre – season, I was far from sold on him. Gilbert had shown some natural talent in his 39 games prior to this season, but at a price of $221,900 and an average of 50 points per game in 2008, he didn’t appeal to me. As a 194cm, 84 kg defender, I couldn’t see Gilbert averaging more than 70 points per game. What’s more, I wasn’t 100% convinced about his job security in a strong St. Kilda team.

Sam Gilbert has now played 16 of a possible 17 games in 2009, with an average of 92 points per game. It’s time to concede that Toby was right and I was wrong. Having said that, I’m now wondering why Toby waited until Round 2 to get Gilbert in!

    Broughton

  • Greg Broughton – came in for Nick Suban prior to Round 10 – While Broughton is not exactly unique (he is in 51,807 teams), getting him into your team prior to Round 10 was timing at its best. Round 10 was Broughton’s 3rd game and he scored 105 points. Broughton has not missed a game since and he is averaging 89 points from his 10 matches this year.
  • Dane Swan – came in for Mark Coughlan prior to Round 10 – Once again, not unique but perfect timing. Swan averaged 114 points per game in the first 9 rounds, and has averaged 134 points per game since you bought him in prior to Round 10.
  • Lenny Hayes – came in for Luke Ball prior to Round 16 – This was a gutsy move given your trade situation. To make this move with your 2nd last trade took courage and it looks like it will pay handsome dividends. Hayes has scored 134 and 99 in the 2 weeks since you bought him in, while Luke Ball looks no closer to a return to AFL action.

MISSES:

  • Andrew Raines – picked up prior to Round 1 – Plenty of teams fell for this trap this year. Raines has managed just 3 games in 2009, at an average of 50 points per game. Due to a combination of injuries and poor form, Raines has been a massive let down in 2009.

  • Sam Butler – picked up prior to Round 1 – Once again, plenty of teams fell for this trap. Butler has averaged just 54 points per game in his 11 matches this year. While you did cut your losses early by dumping Butler for Daniel Rich prior to Round 2, this trade could have been avoided had you picked up Rich from the start.

As for your final trade, best to hold until one of your premiums picks up a season ending injury.

In conclusion, while Toby’s team has been excellent this year (and much better than mine), I’m sure he would love an extra 2 trades in his kitty (refer to the misses above). While hindsight is a wonderful thing, these 2 trades could be the difference between a top 100 finish, as opposed to a top 10 finish.

Good luck!

PART 2 (NEW):

Hidden gem Week 2: Luke Shuey – West Coast – Midfield – $86,600

Luke_Shuey_Draft_246a Luke Shuey was drafted by the Eagles with pick 18 in the 2008 National Draft. Shuey was recruited from the Oakleigh Chargers as a 184cm, 86kg inside midfielder.

Shuey is noted for his bash and crash style of play, much like a Nathan Jones or Luke Ball. In addition, Shuey is also highly regarded for his ball winning ability. In the 2008 Under 18 National Championships, Shuey averaged 18 disposals, 3 marks and 3 tackles in his 4 games. To cap off his carnival, Shuey was named Vic Metro’s Best and Fairest player.

Another thing I like about Shuey is his endurance. Shuey ran a 14.4 beep test (4th overall), at the 2008 Draft Camp. What’s more, Shuey ran the 20 metre sprint in 2.92 seconds (9th overall).

To sum up, Shuey has: good pace, endurance, courage, skills, size and ball winning ability. All the attributes needed to be a successful AFL player.

While Shuey’s 2009 season has been decimated by injury (groin and leg), he will be fit and ready for the start of the Eagles 2010 pre – season campaign. At a bargain price and with two pre – seasons under his belt, Shuey could be a great buy for 2010!

Please feel free to post a comment, we welcome all feedback.

Please also advise if you’ll be considering Luke Shuey in your dreamteam in 2010.

Thanks and good luck!