Dear Footy Tragics,

As we all dissect player prices and positions for season 2010 it’s time to talk strategy. When carefully constructing our squad of 30 players, there are some common traps that many dreamteamers fall into. One of these traps is what I call, “The appeal of the cheap journeyman”.

We’ve all fallen for this one in previous seasons, the discarded reject who was going cheap and about to kick start his career at another club. As the discarded reject embarked on his 6th pre season campaign, he told reporters on a hot February night: “I feel like I’m 18 again and I’m as fit as I’ve ever been. I can’t wait for the season to start so I can prove to my old club that I belong at this level”. While a new club can be just the change a player needs to reinvigorate himself, you need to be very careful. This is particularly important where the player at his new club is “bargain priced”.

Carlton Blues Training Session The players I’m referring to this season are: Andrew Raines ($218,200 defender), Xavier Clark ($168,500 defender / midfielder) and Matt Maguire ($101,700 defender). I’ve received many questions about these three players already, with many dreamteams keen to add some experienced players into their side at a “bargain price”.

The problem I see is that Raines had six years at Richmond, while Maguire and Clarke both had eight years at St. Kilda. If you can’t prove yourself as an accomplished AFL player in six years or more, it’s time to face the fact that you’re not good enough. While all three players have had more than their fair share of injuries over the journey, they have also had ample time in the AFL system to make an impact.

You might argue that Raines and Clarke were not discarded by their previous clubs, but when exchanging players for pick 40 or higher in a thin draft, the message is clear that they were no longer required.

My advice is to look forward rather than back. We’ve all heard of the term “youth policy” and it’s my core strategy. Brad Sheppard from West Coast looks a very likely type and what’s more, he’s a defender! Need a cheap forward, then why not give Luke Tapscott from Melbourne or Tom Lynch from St. Kilda a chance? As for midfielders, you don’t need my advice because there is an abundance of quality kids to choose from.

Personally, I’d prefer to take a punt on an 18 or 19 year old kid with huge potential and upside, rather than flog a dead horse.

Good luck!