** Thanks to port_leschenault for writing up the Defenders article. What we will do is just concentrate on the premiums, midpricers & possible breakouts and then at end of the 4 position articles we will do up one designated to the rookies. Will do that last as then we get bit more time to see them in action during the preseason! Ive also added a few things at bottom of article **

In AFL the defence is one of the most important areas in a game and perhaps the most under-rated. Forwards may win the match but the defence will save it, just ask Hawks fans about Luke Hodge about the ’08 Granny. SuperCoach it is no different, the defence may be the weakest of the lines in terms of points but that just makes it even more important to get the right players into the team. Below I’ll list some of the main defenders who will figure in most of our teams with a bit of an overview on their situation to get the ball rolling on the discussion. I’ve split the premiums into 3 groups: Elite, Premium and Sub. “Premium” is always a subjective term but hopefully this will allow a bit of flexibility.

<!--more-->

[span style="text-decoration: underline">ELITE PREMIUMS


Brendan Goddard - $584,700

2011:  2373pts @107.8avg, 22 games

PastAvg: 130,115,103,90,106


It’s hard to peg down Goddard’s 2011 season, on one hand it was shocking, he dropped 23pts on his average from 2010 but on the other hand he was still the best DEF option in SC. His ’10 season was just that good, second only to the SuperCoach freak who’s now at Metricon. So he’s a potentially an undervalued premium who can score 110+ and he’s in the backline.  The interest will be to see how he plays under a new coach but at 26 years of age, there’s absolutely no indication of him slowing down or why he shouldn’t be in every team.

[span style="text-decoration: underline">PREMIUMS


Brett Deledio- $568,700

2011: 2308pts @104.9avg, 22 games

PastAvg: 102,103,102,91

Lids was Mr. Consistent in the defence for 2011, in fact he’s been the epitome of consistency since he’s been a premium, in the last 3 season’s he’s scored less than 80 just 3 times and he’s played every game  in the last 4 seasons. Oh and he’s only 25 this year! There’s not much else that needs to be said, he’s the lockiest of locks after Goddard, Hardwick’s even said he’s going to get more midfield time. Don’t let any over-hyped injury niggle scare you off him, he should be already up and running.

Heath Scotland- $572,900

2011: 2325pts @ 105.6avg, 22 games

PastAvg:  95, 93, 98,107,110

Last year Scotland again rose to prominence as a premium in the defence.  Whilst playing every game he scored 100+ 13 times and only went lower than 80 once.  Carlton are predicted to be on the rise again from last year which should mean more points to share around but the main problem for Heath is his age. Turning 32 in June his is wildly tipped to have a decline in his output but don’t discount him being the Goodes/Harvey of the defence.

Heath Shaw - $546,700

2011: 1412pts @ 100.8avg, 14 games

PastAvg:  90,95,91,106,101

The infamous Heater, the man who single handedly made VS change the way you can trade this season. Many people were burnt by his off-field indiscretions so is he worth the gamble now? In the few games he did play he was consistent without the high scores of Goddard or Scotland, 9/14 games over 100pts and averaging 78 for the other games. The biggest advantage of Shaw is his bye; he’s one of the few top defenders not to have a R13 bye. His history shows he’s been a solid scorer throughout his career and in a successful lMagpie outfit, with a more focused pre-season you can bet he’ll be one of the top defenders again.

Sam Fisher- $537,900

2011: 2183pts @ 99.2avg, 22games

PastAvg: 91,92,101,99,96

A quiet pre-season of scrutiny compared to others, none-the-less Fisher deserves a look at this season. Playing the loose man in defence he averaged 99 for the season, playing every game and was one of the few successful SuperCoach options from St.Kilda. He tailed off towards the end of the season though, averaging just 83pts from his last 10 games. With byes to consider and Goddard already in most teams, Fisher may not be a practical option but he is perfect for those looking for a POD.

[span style="text-decoration: underline">SUB-PREMIUMS

Chris Newman- $536,000

2011: 1681pts @ 98.8avg, 17 games

PastAvg: 93,99,100,91,75

2011 ended badly for Newman after he did his knee in the game against Geelong. It was a shame for some, how traded him in after he was hitting form. Regardless, Newman is a decent prem option and is slightly under-priced. In a Richmond some that seems to be coming together as a team and a potential role in the mids (sounds kinda familiar...) means there is plenty of upside to him. Downside is a bit of a worry though as he will compete in peoples sides with Deledio and all the other players with a R13 bye.

Corey Enright- $522,600

2011: 1928pts @ 96.4avg, 20games

PastAvg: 98,98,98,101,92

Enright has been super consistent over the years as a defensive prem but will 2012 be the same? If I recall that was the same question with him last year. Even though he’s now on the wrong side of 30 Enright should still figure prominently in Geelong’s plans and as we all know, we can not discount the Cats at all. He faces little competition bye wise either, with Shaw and Broughton the only other prem options with the R12 bye. Definitely a POD to consider.


Grant Birchall- $509,600

2011: 1974pts @ 94avg, 21 games

PastAvg: 79,81,85,83,70

Birchall only came into consideration as a premium defender last year, the biggest beneficiary along with Suckling, of the Hawks’ new kicking game-plan and has a bit more to his overall game than the team-mate formerly mentioned. The round 1 draft pick has plenty of upside and in a Hawks team expected to challenge you can only expect more of the same. The R13 buy is the bane of many defenders and is no different for Birchall but he should be a safe, alternative option as the #2 prem from that group.

Nathan Bock- $508,500

2011: 1970pts @ 93.8avg, 21 games

PastAvg: 83,100,90,73,80

Despite the enormous shadow a certain egg-head cast on the Suns 2011 season, Bock was also a player who had a successful season SC-wise , never lacking from the ball being down his end of the ground he scored over the century 8 times. A year on and with GCS having another pre-season to develop Bock should be an even tastier prospect, with even a more “free-role” being touted for the upcoming season. He’s going to miss the first 3 games however, after his involvement in trying to do a Heath Shaw so only consider as an upgrade target.

Greg Broughton- $502,100

2011: 1945pts @ 92.6pts, 21 games

PastAvg: 99,99

So admit it, how many of us have a collection of their hair they’ve pulled out in a jar entitled “Greg Broughton”? Too many I think, with his potential midfield role never eventuating until the middle of the season (5 games, 127avg!!!) and then he was back in defence towards the end.  So 2012 is no different with the question and the rumours of getting more game time in the middle. He can score well regardless of where he plays but look to monitor NAB form to see if he will step up once again.

[span style="text-decoration: underline">“MID-PRICERS”


Jack Grimes - $380,600

2011: 468pts @ 78avg, 6 games

PastAvg: 88,94,35

Yep, I’m going there! Like the reaction Higgins now gets (Do Not Want!), for many Grimes has burnt them too many times. However if you have to consider, if he was a bargain last year, then this year he must be an absolute steal at his price. He’s now a captain, has had an uninterrupted pre-season (touch Duckwood) and looks set to resume his roles on the half back flank. He was averaging 91 in SuperCoach so with the Dees potentially getting their stuff together he could well indeed improve and be a very useful mid-price pick...for those with the nerve to pick him

Brian Lake $286,900

2011: 294pts @ 58.8avg, 5 games

PastAvg:  104,93,92,99,73

Pre-pre-season Lake was all the rage in many sides after his dismal 2011, coming back from 4 operations after his AA-earning 2010 season. So at his best we know he’s got the goods. With the R11 bye Lake is even more of an attractive option if he can get back to his best. Can he, is another question altogether and at 30, with dodgey knees and a sketchy pre-season people have every reason to be hesitant in picking him up. No show in the NAB as of yet will only compound the fears but if he is right for Rd1 and looks fit, he will be a popular pick.

Reece Conca - $298,800

2011:  937pts @ 55.1avg, 17 games.

All aboard the hype train! Conca’s game last weekend has earned him a mention here for more than one reason. The #6 pick in the 2010 draft played through the middle and racked up the possessions in both games and despite the competition for a spot there from others (eg Newman) he looks very appealing, especially as he’s could be slightly OOP, named solely as a defender. Of course selecting him based on one turnout will be a big gamble but that’s all we’ll get this pre-season after his over-zealous bump behind play on Leigh Adams so be warned, there could be a potential mean streak under his bonnet.

That’s all for now, please discuss in the comments all the players I have missed or all who I have completely wrong!

** StKildaThundas Thoughts **

Thought id throw in couple thoughts on some fallen premiums &amp; possible breakouts that havent been touched on yet.

Sam Gilbert - $432K - Had the season from hell in 2011 and that saw his average drop dramatically. James Gwilt also played fair part in his "form" drop as he was used as the main go to man out of defence. Word around the traps is James Gwilt wont return til at least Round 7 and Sam Gilbert should be used in that role that he made his own in 2009 &amp; 2010. If this is the case then could be a very good option.

Nick Suban - $309K - Possible breakout is on the cards. So far this preseason has been given the kick in duties and seems to be one used to kick out of defence. Last year he scored 77, 113, 104 before breaking his leg. His return didnt see his scoring fair that well, but he showed early on that he is capable of scoring in top bracket. Watch closely how he is used during NAB Cup.

Beau Wilkes - $106K - I know i said earlier that well touch the rookies later but technically he isnt a rookie, hes just rookie priced Wilkes will play games, and lot of them this year. At moment Scott Watters seems to want to use him in defence but also swing him forward if needed. Might not get you 100 points every week, but he doesnt need to at his starting price. Expect him to get you at least 60-70 each week. Lock him in and thank me later