The Cramming Guide (Crows and Lions): by the Bushranger

The Bushranger was never someone who enjoyed lengthy periods of study when he was at school, instead he would partake in the ancient art of ‘cramming’ when there was about a week left before an exam. He’s guessing that quite a lot of you have probably done the same when it comes to Supercoach.

So sit back and enjoy the read as The Bushranger puts together a ‘cramming session’ for each team in the AFL for you.

For each team he will cover the following areas:

The Premiums: Who are the best players for each team and are they worth high price tag but are they worth what you are going to pay for them?

The Middle Ground: Who are the mid-priced players that you should really think about taking on board for each team?

The Rookies: Which rookies are going to make an impact with each club this year, in other words which players are going to get games and score enough to make you some cash.

The NAB Stars: Who has been shining the brightest for each club in the NAB.

The Untouchables: Which players should be given a wide berth at each club?

The Outsider: The Outsider is a player that has the potential to make you smile and laugh and he surprised everyone, or he could make you cry as he never reaches anywhere near the potential he should. The Bushranger will nominate who you should take a gamble with at each club.

The Wash-Up: In the wash-up The Bushranger will decide who from each club is a must have in your team.

The Adelaide Crows

The Premiums: When it comes to Crows premiums you can’t go past Patrick Dangerfield (MID - $636,000) and Scott Thompson (MID - $591,000). Either player will easily score you 110+ points each week and both of shown great form in the NAB Cup. Either is a good slot into your midfield.

The Middle Ground: While he isn’t exactly someone that you would consider a certainty you may want to watch the early form of Andy Otten (DEF - $276,500). While he was pushed out of The Crows’ best 22 last year he showed late in the year that he was ready to take that mantle back, especially with his effort against Hawthorn. He could be a cheap pick up if he gets back to his best.

The Rookies: The Crows have two good rookies that are well worth a look at the moment. Brad Crouch (MID - $115,900) has almost done enough to consider him a lock in your team. He starred in the SANFL last year and Brenton Sanderson has recently likened him to Patrick Dangerfield. Sam Kerridge (FWD/MID - $115,900) and also watch and see if Adelaide happen to promote Rory Laird (DEF - $115,900) onto the Seniors list after how impressive he has been in the NAB Cup.

The NAB Stars: As previously mentioned Brad Crouch (MID - $115,900) and Patrick Dangerfield (MID - $636,000) have had great NAB Cups, and so has Richard Douglas (MID - $430,400) who looks like he may have what it takes to become a premium this year.

The Untouchables: Yes he won the NAB AFL Rising Star Award last year but under no circumstances select Daniel Talia (DEF - $273,400) because his backline role will mean he will never average more than the 51 points a game he did last year.

The Outsider: Last year he probably would have been considered as a candidate to be The Untouchable but after his great work at Sturt last year Richard Tambling (DEF - $219,900) could well be one of the big cash cows this year if he can get an early run on in the Seniors. Then again it could end in a tear, that’s the power of The Outsider.

The Wash-Up: Brad Crouch (MID - $115,900) should be a lock in your side, while you could flip a coin up to make a decision about whether to include Patrick Dangerfield (MID - $636,000) or Scott Thompson (MID - $591,000) in your team, but remember last year Thompson always scored well at AAMI Stadium where the Crows play seven of their first eleven matches this year. 

The Brisbane Lions

The Premiums: Brisbane are a little light on for premiums with their closest to that title being Jack Redden (MID - $550,100), and despite the fact he plays every week you may want to look elsewhere with your cash. Next up is Tom Rockliff (FWD/MID - $520,500) and Dayne Zorko (FWD/MID - $535,500) who have shown all the indications of being absolute stars this year. The fact that they can be switched between the forward line and the midfield mean that should be guaranteed starters in your side.

The Middle Ground: The Lions certainly have two mid-priced players that need to be considered while putting together your team. Patrick Karnezis (FWD - $262,200) and Aaron Cornelius (FWD - $256,200) have both had strong pre-seasons and Michael Voss’s new plans for them seem to mean that they will be high scorers each week.

The Rookies: While The Lions don’t have any young guns who seem to be about to take the step-up you may want to take a look at Brent Staker (DEF/FWD - $128,000) who after missing a whole season is back at rookie price. He won’t score through the roof but could be a good cash cow.

The NAB Stars: Daniel Rich (MID - $485,800) has played two sensational games in the NAB Cup and looks set to average above the 100 points a game this year. As we have already mentioned Tom Rockliff (FWD/MID - $520,500) and Patrick Karnezis (FWD - $262,200) have also been standouts.

The Untouchables: Despite his past success this is one year that you should steer clear of Simon Black (MID - $497,300), the fact that he will miss some time through injury means he will be under done by the time he does finally gets to pull the boots on. The fact that some of the young midfielders at the club are stepping up may mean Black could find himself wearing the red vest at times as well.

The Outsider: He wasn’t much to write home about last year at Melbourne, but the big smokey at Brisbane this year has to be Brent Moloney (MID - $362,400). He’s either going to become a consistent midfielder or all the praise coming out of Brisbane for him is going to result in a massive let down. The same could also be said for Stefan Martin (RUC - $377,700).

The Wash-Up: Tom Rockliff (FWD/MID - $520,500), Dayne Zorko (FWD/MID - $535,500) and Patrick Karnezis (FWD - $262,200) should be locks in your team immediately. Also give some thought to Stefan Martin (RUC - $377,700) if you’re looking for some potential in the ruck department.