On the eve of the 2012 Toyota AFL Dream Team opening, westernbulldogs.com.au is turning the spotlight onto the future stars at the Kennel.
While they may not be household names as yet, each of these players has shown considerable talent and potential in their initial years at the Club with the expectation that they will rise in 2012.
The higher risk factor involved with these players in your Dream Team is offset by a much more affordable price alongside the prospective increase in value as the season progresses.
Luke Dahlhaus is a livewire in the forward half while Tom Liberatore looks at ease on the big stage and developing key position player Liam Jones will take on added responsibility as a target up front.
These key players are ones to look out for in the 2012 Season as they push to make a charge.
Luke Dahlhaus (FWD)
2011 Games: 11
2011 DT High Score: 80
2011 DT Average: 63.73
2012 DT Price: $315, 200
Rookie elevation Luke Dahlhaus is sure to get fans on their feet this Season after quickly accumulating a cult following in 2011. His love for running down and tackling an opponent and slotting through a sneaky goal will win him higher Dream Team scores this year as he continues to develop. After his first full preseason he is raring to go and the attention on his goal kicking in the offseason should continue to benefit those who add him to their Dream Team.
Tom Liberatore (MID)
2011 Games: 16
2011 DT High Score: 116
2011 DT Average: 69.75
2012 DT Price: $345, 000
Father / Son selection Tom Liberatore had a stand out Debut Season in 2011 with a personal best 28 disposals and 10 tackles in Round 2. His ball winning abilities and defensive pressure should ensure that he will rack up some good Dream Team scores over the season. Averaging over 18 disposals and almost 5 tackles a game in his first year at the Bulldogs, he is one to watch.
Liam Jones (FWD)
2011 Games: 20
2011 DT High Score: 91
2011 DT Average: 55.8
2012 DT Price: $276, 000
Without Barry Hall at the Bulldogs, Liam Jones will be one of the main targets in the forward line in 2012. Bulking up over the preseason will help him contend with the more mature key defenders. The Bulldogs preseason has been focused on contested situations and match simulation which will put him in good stead for the year ahead. Add the 2011 Rising Star Nominee to your team early in the Season at $276, 000 as that price is sure to rise.
Other stars rising through the Western Bulldogs ranks:
Jordan Roughead (RUC)
2012 DT Price: $283, 600
2011 DT Average: 57.33
Jason Tutt (MID)
2012 DT Price: $310, 500
2011 DT Average: 89.67
Easton Wood (DEF)
2012 DT Price: $255, 900
2011 DT Average: 51.73
Stay tuned to www.westernbulldogs.com.au tomorrow as we preview the Clubs’ Bargain Buys.
To enter the 2012 Toyota AFL Dream Team Competition click here.
Become a member of the Western Bulldogs in season 2012 by clicking here.
