To all Footy Tragics.

We’ve had a rip-roaring beginning to 2010! Thanks to everyone who has welcomed us back so warmly - we’re amazed at how popular the site is becoming. Accordingly, we’re spending a fair bit of time thinking of ways to improve the site moving ahead. We’ve got some awesome ideas being developed and can’t wait to share with them you. Rest assured, there is a major update to the site being planned! Stay tuned!

In the meantime, Footy Tragic continues to run, bringing you the most detailed DT information available on the net.

Coming Up This Week On Footy Tragic:

Tuesday: Toby’s Team Summaries (Essendon)

Wednesday: Tuney’s Tuition

Thursday: Toby’s Team Summaries (Fremantle)

Friday: Dan’s Draftees

Welcome back Footy Tragics! 

Well, have we got a lot in store for 2010 or what!? Whilst many of you may have stopped thinking about football and the all-important Dream Team since the end of September, we at Footy Tragic have hardly slept - we have been up many nights, hours on end, preparing the content which we hope to boast as being some of the best going around in 2010!

With the AFL Dream Team being launched on February 1^st, it is important to begin planning your teams, and what better place to get your DAILY pre-season info than on footytragic.com?

Don’t know how to play Dream Team? Or want to get the inside gossip on how to really play Dream Team? Then tune in weekly for the next four weeks (every Wednesday) for ‘Tuney’s Tuition’ - Tuney will act as teacher, schooling you on the tricks behind forming a successful Dream Team campaign. For the four weeks following that, he will discuss the best buys in each field position.

Want the run-down on the 15 clubs you normally wouldn’t care about if it weren’t for Dream Team? Then check out every Tuesday and Thursday on the site (for the next 8 weeks) for ‘Toby’s Team Summaries’. He will tell you the smokies, bargains and superstars from each team to keep your eyes on.

Unsure about all those new names in your squad you’ve never heard of before? Well never fear, our expert on the young talent, Dan, will dissect the playing technique and Dream Team potential of eight different draftees, every Friday for the next eight weeks!

Can’t keep track of all the pre-season games going on? Well, starting Feb 15^th, Toby will perform his famous ‘Weekly Wrap’ on the pre-season competition, analyzing each game, each week, discussing the form of many players, whilst also keeping his eye out for role changes that may just change your team from good to great!

Through the AFL Pre-season, we at Footy Tragic will aim to make your team better than your mates! That’s why we’re the site Dream Team experts DON’T want you to see!

See you tomorrow for our first article of 2010;

“Team Wrap: Adelaide Crows”

- The team at Footy Tragic

And what a week it was… This year’s trade week ended being one of the biggest in AFL history, seeing many big named stars changing jumper colours and stripes. And whether you love it like Michael Voss, or couldn’t give a toss like Neil Craig, trade week is massive for Dream Team fans. Whilst we are months away from the dream team season, we at Footy Tragic can never stop thinking about Dream Team and helping you all have the best teams possible in 2010! This wrap aims to encapsulate the week that was the AFL trade period, analysing all 23 player trades and what it means for their Dream Team. For a complete view and analysis of the year, don’t forget to check out the Yearly Wrap, posted at the conclusion of round 22.

Trade 1 - Josh Gibson (Kangaroos) -> Hawthorn

The Josh Gibson trade epitomises trade week - a player who suddenly becomes ‘elite’ according to his club, only as soon as he nominates for a trade. Gibson averaged a meagre 69 points in season 2009, playing as a key defender and with occasional stints through the middle as a tagger. With Hawthorn’s lack of key talls, it is assumed that Gibson will play a purely defensive role in 2010, putting a strike through his name for DT purposes. However, Al Clarkson has hinted he may be given a rebounding role, but that is something that cannot be confirmed until pre-season next year. Personally I see his value staying the same next year so wouldn’t bother.

Predicted 2010 Average: 70

Trade 2 - Andrew Raines (Richmond) -> Brisbane

Is it possible that 100,000 coaches could get burned on the same player, at the same price, two years in a row? In fact, I am certain they will! I am even a little bit nervous that I will. Being given a new role, acting as a rebounding defender alongside Drummond will be a bonus for Raines’s promise in 2010. However, I have a couple of worries - Jade Rawlings (the man who refused to play him at Richmond) has also moved to Brisbane - Raines will hope that his influence isn’t too strong at selection committee! Also, at Richmond, Raines was only averaging around 70 points when playing well - he is a good rebounder, but doesn’t kick or mark, therefore I have my doubts for next year being a DT career revival. The main bonus of his move is that he will likely take Jed Adcock’s position is the team, likely pushing him to the midfield and hence strengthening the latter’s scoring ability.

Predicted 2010 Average: 70

Trade 3 - Brock McLean (Melbourne) -> Carlton

Brock promises to be one of the better trade options for DT next year - he only averaged 84 points in 2009, mainly caused by several niggling injuries at the end of the year, as well as when he was played as a leading forward for the last few rounds (aka. Tanking). His move to Carlton will give him much more support in the midfield with the likes of Judd, Murphy and Gibbs all taking away any chance of a tag (something he regularly got playing for Melbourne). If he has a full pre-season, I would get on him next year - he has the ability to improve 10 - 15 points a game.

Predicted 2010 Average: 95

Trade 4 - Bradd Dalziell (Brisbane) -> West Coast

Came into the 2009 season as an amazing DT prospect, averaging over 100 points a game in 2008. Unfortunately, he was cruelled by form, injury and Vossy in 2009, forcing him to the outer later in the year. His high disposal but unaccountable game style didn’t impress Voss, hence the trade back to Perth. The size of Subiaco will certainly help his numbers, plus he should have a better chance of getting a game. If played as a midfielder and allowed to roam free by Woosha, Dalziell could be a great pick - he only averaged 84 points in 2009 (after over 100 in 2008). Again, we will know more come pre-season, but he is one to highly consider.

Predicted 2010 Average: 95

Trade 5 - Mark Seaby (West Coast) -> Sydney

With the departure of Darren Jolly, Mark Seaby looks destined to 22 games as the club’s leading ruckman - a task he has never really been gifted before. He played only 5 games in 2009 to an average of 51. This should put his price at a bit over $200,000 in 2010 - a price that looks awfully tempting for a guy destined to play 22 games. The problem with Seaby is that his history is dotted with plenty of scores in the 80s, but also plenty in the 30s. As first ruck in a team like Sydney, who is known for their high amount of stoppages and dependency on their ruckmen, Seaby should be good… but I don’t think he is what we want as a second ruck!

Predicted 2010 Average: 65

Trade 6 - Amon Buchanan (Sydney) -> Brisbane

For a small forward, Buchanan kicks very, very few goals - in fact, from his eight games in 2009, he scored himself only 2 goals! However, his is a ferocious tackler, averaging nearly 5 tackles a game - something which I’m sure Vossy is very keen on. Brisbane was really lacking a permanent small forward in season 2009, and it often showed when they went forward. Now imagine Buchanan sitting under packs formed by Brown and Fevola - a small forward’s dream! If he can snag himself a few goals, he could be an inspired pick-up.

Predicted 2010 Average: 75

Trade 7 - Brent Staker (West Coast) -> Brisbane

Staker is an interesting one - he can play defence, up forward, or even on a wing. The question mark is on where Vossy will play him next year - especially considering the Lions are not in need of any more tall forwards (arguably his best position). My guess is that he will be groomed to play in the back line, releasing the likes of Drummond and Raines from any defensive work. This would unfortunately mean a low scoring output for DT purposes, and hence I believe he is not worth looking at.

Predicted 2010 Average: 55

Trade 8 - Barry Hall (Sydney) -> Western Bulldogs

This is probably one of the most significant trades of the week, and I cannot believe it has not been given more press. This trade is seriously going to push the Dogs up to premiership standard, giving them an extremely potent forward line boasting both pace and now strength and height in Hall. In saying all this, I am still significantly worried about Hall’s ability to stay on the field -  one more suspension and he is gone. Also, he will regularly take the best defender and will be regularly double-teamed. I still feel he will perform better than in 2009, but he will not be the game-breaker of years gone. Worth noting though that he will be quite cheap (around $300,000), so could be worth following in the pre-season.

Predicted 2010 Average: 80

Trade 9 - Andrew Lovett (Essendon) -> St.Kilda

This trade was a massive win for the Saints as Lovett the type of player their list has been crying out for. His is extremely fast and possesses fantastic skills, giving him the ability to break a game wide open and take on the zones. But just because he is a great player, it does not necessarily mean this will translate to DT points - he averaged 74 in 2009, although I feel he will score better for Saints as they are a stronger team and he will also avoid the tag that he often got at the Dons. I feel that the Saints will keep him in line in 2010, but don’t expect him to average over 100 points. If you can get him as a forward, he is worth considering.

Predicted 2010 Average: 85

Trade 10 - Brett Peake (Fremantle) -> St.Kilda

Absolutely astounded that the Saints picked him up. Obviously the Saints are going for pace with Lovett and Peake, but I doubt that Peake will be a regular best 22 contributor. However, Peake has proven himself as a true downhill skier -  in 2006 when Freo made the Prelim final, Peake finished fourth in the best and fairest and had quite a good year. Therefore it is suggested that he may be able to perform similarly in a dominant Saints team. Keep your eye on pre-season, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. Watch for him to play off half-back alongside Farren Ray.

Predicted 2010 Average: 65

Trade 11 - Jay Schulz (Richmond) -> Port Adelaide

Schulz returns home to Adelaide after playing only four games for Richmond this year, averaging 57 points. He plays forward, but was terribly maligned for much of the year. Far from a star and in the latter parts of his career. Watch to see if Choco Williams can turn him around, but I can’t see too much upside in him.

Predicted 2010 Average: 55

Trade 12 - Mitch Farmer (Port Adelaide) -> Richmond

A hard-nut small defender leaves Port after only two years on the list. He was quite exciting in the few games he played in 2008, but did not make it onto the park in 2009. He surely comes recommended by Brendon Lade (who is now an assistant at Richmond) and should play a number of games for Richmond this year. As a tough nut backman, he should impress new coach Hardwick and get several games, but I wouldn’t expect him to be out there for all 22 of them - keep watching in the pre-season though.

Predicted 2010 Average: 50

Trade 13 - Darren Jolly (Sydney) -> Collingwood

Was a big surprise that he was off from Sydney, but regardless, he has found his way to the Pies who were keen to snag a big name player from the trade period. Jolly is a super ruckman, both in the centre bounces as well as around the ground. Whether the fact his score suffers from the change of scenery we will soon know - Sydney’s high stoppage game-plan helps a ruckman’s  hitout score, however, Collingwood do play a higher possession game of footy, which would seemingly help a ruckman like Jolly who is also good at gaining possessions - not just giving them to his teammates.

Predicted 2010 Average: 90

Trade 14 - Xavier Clarke (St.Kilda) -> Brisbane

Brisbane snared a bargain here, using only their fourth round draft pick to secure the player selected 5^th in the 2001 Draft. There is no doubting Xav’s talent, but his problem has consistently been staying on the park - he has had many issues with his hamstrings and in 2009 needed a knee reconstruction after rupturing his ACL whilst playing for Sandringham. He should be able to play in round 1 if required as he has already started running and should be ready in time for pre-season training. Due to missing the year, he could prove a massive bargain if he can get his body right… the only problem is that ‘if’ is a very big one!

Predicted 2010 Average: 65

Trade 15 - Shane Mumford (Geelong) -> Sydney

The first player in the history of the AFL to be traded off the rookie list - he had a break out year in 2009 and now should be able to cement himself as Sydney’s number two ruckman, or even number one if he works hard enough. He averaged 55 points a round in 2009 and I would expect him to back those numbers up in 2010 - he is very good around the clearances but average around the ground, averaging around 10 - 15 disposals a game (often handballs). Probably not what you are looking for from a DT perspective.

Predicted 2010 Average: 55

Trade 16 - Josh Kennedy (Hawthorn) -> Sydney

Had a break-out year in 2009, progressively getting better as the year went on. Plays well on a wing of on a HFF. I can see him taking the next step in 2010 - there are huge wraps on the kid, and Sydney has now committed to playing more kids, now needing to build for the future. He could become one of their key midfielders by 2012. But Sydney are still famous for the lack of game time put into their kids - if they prove this could change in 2010, he could be worth the punt.

Predicted 2010 Average: 75

Trade 17 - Ben McGlynn (Hawthorn) -> Sydney

The second half to McGlynn’s season was massive as he worked hard as an attacking tagger - whilst averaging 85 points for the season, in the last five rounds he was averaging over 100. Whether he can keep this up with Sydney’s lower-possession game-plan is the main problem - however, he does love to tackle - something which the Sydney team does pride itself on. He could be an inspired choice, but could also go backwards - keep an eye on his pre-season.

Predicted 2010 Average: 85

Trade 18 - Mark Williams (Hawthorn) -> Essendon

Had a very poor year by his standards, often hampered by injury and form - a stark contract to the Hawk’s premiership year of 2008. There is a strong chance he will step up in 2010, adding to his 2009 average by at least 10 points. Essendon is a very high scoring, attacking football club, meaning he will be given many opportunities to kick many goals - something he certainly loves doing!

Predicted 2010 Average: 70

Trade 19 - Jay Nash (Essendon) -> Port Adelaide

Should be able to fill the rebounding role vacated by Peter Burgoyne, and if he does, he could be a mega bargain in 2010 after averaging only 46 points across two games in 2009. In years prior, Nash was good at finding the ball, often playing a rebounding role, but fell out of favour in 2009. I think he could be a DT bargain next year, poised to be priced around $200,000 - watch his pre-season form closely!

Predicted 2010 Average: 75

Trade 20 - Shaun Burgoyne (Port Adelaide) -> Hawthorn

Burgoyne is a tricky of to gauge -  he is a brilliant player and suffered through much of 2009 with injuries, limiting him to nine games and an average of just 80 points -  well down on previous years. The main problem is that he is fantastic because of his work through clearances, and not so much because of his outside work (which is still good, but not as good as his inside work). This means that he only needs (and often gets) about 25 disposals a game to have an influence - something not particularly good by a DT perspective. In saying that, there is plenty of upside to his 2010 season - he will play for a team that should be pushing the top four and therefore have better midfielders around him, and he should have a full pre-season. Strongly consider.

Predicted 2010 Average: 90

Trade 21 - Marcus Drum (Fremantle) -> Geelong

Found it hard to break into the Fremantle side, so I don’t particularly like his chances at Geelong! He found the trade due to his good last few rounds of the season. In fact, his round 21 game against Essendon was very good… the only thing is, he only scored 55 points for it. It goes to show that even when playing well, he is not a DT candidate. Don’t bother.

Predicted 2010 Average: 50

Trade 22 - Brendon Fevola (Carlton) -> Brisbane

Definitely the biggest move in trade week, but the question is whether this will help or hinder Fev’s scoring potential. At Carlton he was the number one forward, meaning the whole forward 50 was his, and all inside 50s were directed at him. But now, he has Jonathan Brown as his CHF, taking up space and taking at least 50% of his inside 50s. On the flipside, Fev is less likely to be double teamed, and strangely enough, may not always get the best defender. Hopefully too, Vossy and Brown may be able to stop Fev’s mid-game sooking - imaging those two blasting you at half time! Slightly more scary than Ratten… I’d say all 15 other teams are freaking out about this forward setup as it looks like it will be very very hard to stop! This move may also do good things for Brown’s scoring potential!

Predicted 2010 Average: 95

Trade 23 - Lachie Henderson (Brisbane) -> Carlton

The player traded for Brendon Fevola - he is a very highly rated young talent and will prove an exciting replacement for the former controversial forward. Henderson was selected at pick 8 of the 2007 draft as a full forward. His strengths are his marking and his forward pressure for a man his size - he averaged nearly four tackles a game in juniors. Whilst 2010 probably won’t be his breakout season, he won’t be far off. His new role as the focal point up forward will definitely help his progression.

Predicted 2010 Average: 60

So what do you think of all the newly traded players? Who will you be picking up or at least checking out in 2010? Will Fevola go forward or backwards now that he has support in Jon Brown? Will Lachie Henderson step up in Fev’s place? Will Barry Hall have another brain snap? And will Lovett be the difference between the Saints and their premiership aspirations? Let us know below…