Round 3 is pivotal for Toyota AFL Dream Team Coaches - price changes loom and bragging rights are at stake with the first round of league match ups - so this week westernbulldogs.com.au takes a look at worthy players going forward.
Whether you are after in-form veterans who consistently produce the goods or a young gun set to boost your teams’ worth, the Bulldogs have a number of players eager for the call up.
Skipper Matthew Boyd ($573,800) is sitting seventh in the league two games in after ranking 3rd at the end of Season 2011 and will always be a valuable addition to any Dream Team line-up.
While his price may not vary too drastically throughout the season his consistent output makes him a good pickup - he averaged 116 DT Points last year and is looking to continue that trend with scores of 116 and 125 in the first two rounds - as well as a high score of 145 in the NAB Cup.
Other consistent contributors in the Bulldogs stocks include Ryan Griffen (DNP, 103) and Daniel Cross (87, 102).
Once your top tiered spots are fully stocked you need to start looking at more affordable options to finalise your squad.
If you are looking to build your team’s value over time without the risks involved in a debutant then Liam Picken ($319,500), Tom Liberatore ($345,000), Luke Dahlhaus ($315,200) and Ryan Hargrave ($232,700) should be on your radar.
While Liam Picken’s courageous and unselfish acts have seen him playing a predominantly tagging role in the past, this season has seen him win more of his own ball which will boost his Dream Team average.
Last year Picken averaged 64.6 points, yet that figure looks sure to rise after scoring 62 and 103 points in the first two rounds on the back of scoring 124, 95 and 71 during the NAB Cup.
Solidifying his spot in the midfield, Tom Liberatore had a breakout debut season in 2011 and now looks to finding consistency.
Averaging 78.5 Dream Team points across NAB Cup and the first two rounds and with a high score of 107 he is one to watch in Season 2012.
An injury ravaged 2011 Season lead Ryan Hargrave’s Dream Team price to drop dramatically - but with scores of 105, 79 and 93 so far this year it looks like Hargrave is back and finding form fast.
The All-Australian nominee in 2009 is a proven performer and is firming as a worthy Dream Team inclusion - especially if you snatch him up as his current bargain basement price.
Fan-favourite Luke Dahlhaus is continuing to provide some spark in the Bulldogs forward line scoring 92 and 72 Dream Team points so far in season proper.
If he can continue to build on last season then the pacey forward will force Dream Team coaches to pay attention.
New kids on the block that are worth a look - particularly before the Round 3 lockout where prices are poised to rise - include debutant Clay Smith and dual position player Ayce Cordy
Hard-nut Clay Smith ($107,700) burst onto the scene in his well-publicised debut game with 4 goals and a 79 Dream Team point effort.
Backing it up for a second week with 53 dream team points Smith’s value is set to rise.
Ayce Cordy ($178,100) has been given his first senior call up this week after breathing down the necks of his teammates and making a case for himself in the VFL.
Injury has sidelined the versatile ruckman and key forward in previous years but a solid pre-season has put him in good stead to play the season out and he is not complacent spending it in the reserve grade.
