Welcome all to the pre-season wrap-up of the Best Buys.

Over the break youll find a summary of the most fantasy-relevant players from each team (in my opinion), excepting Sydney and GWS after covering them last week.
As it is the pre-season the summaries are quite short and there are plenty of them. I have used the official SC scores from NAB rounds 2, 3 and 4 as these were the "full-match" games and provide the best estimation of current form. During the regular season Best Buys will be a lot more focussed, and contain more details on less players. The pre-season edition is designed to give you a wide array of potential players for your team and make selecting a few smokies a little easier. As always the key to the article is in the thumbs, so join me over the break for more.

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After a long off-season I have to say, Im bloody glad to be getting the NAB out of the way and moving onto the real stuff. With the partial lock-out last week we have the chance to re-assess our line-ups and patch up a couple of glaring holes that may have arisen, and should put most teams in good stead for the lock-out proper. This means the thumbs are more important than ever, and gives us a great chance to see what people think are the best ways to shore up our squads. As always if you have a selection dilemma, put it to the vote! Yes-no questions work best for the format and can provide some valuable insight into how the community of TS see your current choices. EG "Pendlebury (thumbs-up)or Ablett (thumbs-down)?" gives people a chance to let you know what they think without having to fully review your squad and is a great help to many. So for any queries about your squad, chuck em below, and see what TS reckons. Good luck all in the upcoming games, and Im looking forward to your company over what promises to be a ripper season.

DEFENCE
ROOKIES
Sam Shaw (ADE) DEF 113k
Sam Shaw is one of two rookie Sams at the Crows, and both seem to be similar prospects. Shaw got more game-time than Kerridge but scored slightly lower, with 33, 32 and 50 not amazing numbers but for a young defender you could certainly do worse. Playing in all three full NAB games should mean he is a good chance of regular games this season.
Peter Yagmoor,(COL) DEF 106k
Yagmoor has some job security issues but from the looks of the NAB could be a good rookie option, with Neon gone as well the Pies will be looking for a good defensive fill-in. Yagmoor took some of the kick-ins in the NAB games and managed to get himself a spot in all three of them, scoring 61, 50 and 30, which should be a positive sign for his job security but it will still remain an unknown.
Cameron Guthrie (GEE) DEF 184k
Cam Guthrie had a good NAB showing with scores of 109, 26 and 75, and is in contention to hold down a spot in the Cats backline. At a higher than most rookies starting price he is a bit of an increased risk for cash generation but should be more likely than Smedts to get games.
Billie Smedts (GEE) DEF/FWD 113k
Billie played twice over the NAB, scoring 44 and 35 respectively, and got a fair bit of the ball in his time on ground. His disposal and decision making was an issue, looking quite poor at stages, but the wraps on this kid down at Geelong are massive, so don’t write him off just yet.
Brandon Ellis (RIC) DEF 126k
Brandon Ellis is one of two Tiger rookies in defence that are putting their hand up for game-time early, with the other being Steven Morris. Taking the kick-out duties over the NAB and knocking up respectable scores of 63, 80 and 54 he is a lock in most teams. Great scoring potential in a team on the rise means Ellis should be considered by all.
Steven,Morris (RIC) DEF 113k
Steven Morris is a mature-aged recruit brought in to bolster the Tigers backline. With the emergence of Ellis his role is slightly more uncertain now but Richmond wouldn’t have drafted him to not play. Behind Ellis in calculations but still worth a look. Scores of 61 and 72 are a good start for the rookie.

MID-PRICERS
Jed Adcock (BRI) DEF 490k
Adcock can be a frustrating player with up and down form depending a lot on where he’s played, and to be blunt no-one knows what goes through Vossy’s head half the time. His form over the NAB has been decent enough scoring 122 and 70 in his two outings but is still a risky pick.
Pearce,Hanley (BRI) DEF 448k
Pearce Hanley is a talented defender, a player on the rise and is a decent mid-priced option. Scored 101 and 106 in his two full NAB game appearances and with a more stable position in the line-up could be a great option for those not sold on Adcock.
Brian Lake (WBD) DEF 287k
Lake, one half of the SeaWorld duo with Porps, had a shocker in 2011. A horror run with injuries belted his confidence around and he never quite got it back. His NAB form has shown that he may have turned a corner in this regard, showing glimpses of the Lake at old, and at under $300k he could be the bargain of the year. The game has sped up in his time off though, and speed was never his forte, so he is still quite a risk. Popular pick.

PREMIUMS
Heath Scotland,(CAR) DEF/MID 573k
Scotland was one of the best defenders in SC last year, providing run and carry of the backline as well as having stints through the midfield. He will more than likely be amongst the best again this year and as such is worth strongly considering. Scores of 97 and 65 were not particularly impressive but it was certainly clear to all that the Blues weren’t focussing on the win/loss ratio.
Heath Shaw (COL) DEF 547k
Heater would have been an exceptional defender in SC last year, were it not for his gambling errors. As it was he was still one of the higher scoring defenders and with Neon now not in the Pies backline he may have even more run off half-back this season, and should be strongly looked at.
Greg Broughton (FRE) DEF 502k
Broughton has frustrated many SCers with his uncertain role and amazing potential. When given time through the midfield he can really open up the Dockers back-line and the rebound and scores appropriately largely when doing it. Lyon will be an unknown quantity this season but hopefully will play Broughton more through the mids where he excels.
Brett Deledio (RIC) DEF/MID 569k
Lids has had an injury interrupted pre-season, only managing one game during the NAB. Most will lock him in and with a NAB high PP100M (points per 100 minutes) of those who played over 30 minutes, you can understand why. In just 79 minutes game time he belted out a 163 SC score to put his PP100M at over 180, but his shortened pre-season and possible injury worries should still be considered, before locking him in.
Brendon Goddard (StK) DEF/MID 585k
Goddard has been much discussed this pre-season, with concerns that his current form and starting price may not equate to the defensive lock it did once before. Prompts started without him last year in what was seen as a masterstroke, and this year could be the second season in a row where this pays off. Scoring 47 and then 125 in his two outings goes to show that this is still a very risky option.
Grant Birchall (HAW) DEF 509k
Birch is a good young defender who is steadily making his way into more and more teams. As another defensive player with the round 13 bye he may be behind Goddard, Deledio and Scotland but this will make him a valuable POD as the real stuff kicks off. Scores of 79, 90 and 68 weren’t amazing over the NAB but don’t let that dissuade you.

MIDFIELD
ROOKIES
James Magner,(MEL) MID 95k
The “Magnet” had a very impressive NAB for the Dees, scoring a 104 in his only full game before scoring a 6 then being subbed out with a finger injury. He has been elevated to the Melbourne senior list so should be a surety to get games.
Chad Wingard (PTA) MID 171k
Chadv2 looks to be a ripping young player, but may still be a year away from serious contention for SC. A high draft pick in the last draft his starting price is a bit high and he seems to be a great candidate for the vest over at Port. Scoring 32 and 77 in his two efforts shows he has talent but from the talk around TS will still be a long term prospect for Port at this early stage.
Tom Ledger (StK) MID 113k
Ledger has looked the goods in his two NAB games, scoring 41 and 92, and played both after the Wang game was called off which should be a good sign for his job security. He may get the vest a lot but with new players in Saad and Milera there are a few options for the Saints. Popular rookie pick.
Koby Stevens (WCE) MID 135k
Stevens has shown a bit in his NAB outings, scoring 92, 62 and 26 in limited game-time. The injuries to the WEagles forward line may help his chances of getting a game early as they re-shuffle their team to accommodate. Solid option but may be a good vest candidate.

MID-PRICERS
Rory Sloane (ADE) MID 479k
Sloane has shown a fair bit of promise so far this year, even if he is in the shadow of Dangerfield in both an AFL and SC perspective. Scores of 89, 105 and 70 aren’t too bad but when compared to Dangerfield’s scores in similar game-time at 40 grand cheaper mean that Sloane is probably more one to look at next year.
Brent Stanton (ESS) MID 539k
Stanton missed a large chunk of the 2011 season through injury and will be looking to bounce back this season with a solid year. Scores of 97 and 108 in his two outings show that the Bombers midfield may share the load around a bit more this year and could open up their scoring. Priced at just below premium Stanton will be a good POD.
Jared Brennan (GCS) MID 475k
Brennan impressed in his inaugural season with the Suns, providing a solid back-up to “the little master”. Scores of 139, 121 and 93 over the NAB show that with the improvement of the young Suns Brennan could be a good unique pick this season. Gazza will always cop the number one tagger so Brennan should at least maintain his form this season.
Nathan Jones (MEL) MID 483k
Jones has been a solid blue-collar midfielder in Melbournes rotations for a few years now, and may be due for a breakout. A strong body and a good contested style he has lacked real support at times recently but Melbourne will be looking to change that. Not as glamorous as a lot of other selections he will be a definite POD. Scores of 97, 64 and 123 show he should still be a consistent scorer this year, and with Melbourne’s improvement may well become a top notch midfielder.
Travis Boak (PTA) MID 490k
Boak is a great young talent often overlooked for Robbie Gray. Playing midfield only in the Port side means comparisons will usually come out with Gray on top but Boak should be locked into their midfield every week. Scores of 98 and 122 in his two NAB outings show he is worthy of consideration.
Daniel,Hanneberry (SYD) MID 456k
Dan Hanneberry has dropped off people’s radars a little after winning the Rising Star a couple of seasons back, but showed in his only NAB outing that he won the award for a reason. Scoring a massive 111 points in 66 minutes game-time Hanneberry showed that if he can stay fit and in form he could be great smokie for season 2012.

PREMIUMS
Scott Thompson (ADE) MID 599k
Scotty brought his game to a new level in SC terms last year, racking up huge numbers with his contested style of play. He’s not getting any younger but with scores of 56 and 134 in a combined 170 minutes game time he showed that he may still have enough in the tank to go again this year. The Adelaide improvement so far has been dramatic and could help his scoring, but could also hinder it. Solid POD option at the start of the year.
Tom Rockliff (BRI) MID 615k
Rockliff showed last year that he isn’t a one hit wonder, and in the next few years will probably become one of the best in the league. Scoring 109 and 119 in his two full games during the NAB the only thing putting people off him is his price. Strongly consider, the guys a star.
Marc Murphy (CAR) MID 640k
Murph is an elite player who is still improving in a team that is expecting more from everyone. Gibbs moving into the midfield may hurt Murph’s scores slightly but may also help, having an extra quality player to take some of the load around the stoppages. Scores of 56 and 87 were uninspiring but don’t let that put you off him.
Bryce Gibbs (CAR) MID 558k
Gibbs has been overlooked by many coaches after losing his dual-position eligibility this season, but is still a quality player. The big question for most will be whether he can be a top ten midfielder by seasons end, and his Nab scores of 57 and 111 didn’t really do anything to answer that. He has the talent as a player but with Judd and Murphy already scoring well a third Blues mid will find it very hard to crack the top ten.
Scott Pendlebury (COL) MID 700k
Pendles is the most expensive player in SC this season for a reason. One of the most dependable players he seems to never really have a shocker. Scores of 106, 88 and 156 in his NAB outings shows that he hasn’t lost anything over the pre-season and he will look to let the rest of the competition know the Pies still mean business.
Jobe Watson (ESS) MID 574k
Jobe’s hammies ruined most of his 2011 season after starting the year in outstanding form. He has had a good pre-season and with some more support around the stoppages this season will look to assert his dominance early again. A good POD, and if his hammies hold up, could well be in the top 10 midfielders by seasons end.
Gary Ablett Jnr,(GCS) MID 689k
Gazza is Gazza. There really isn’t much more to say. After an interrupted pre-season last year and a slow start he caught fire in the later stages of the season never looked back. NAB scores of 140 and 116 show that he is the “perma-captain” for a reason.
Jimmy Bartel (GEE) MID 549k
Jimmy, when on, is one of the most entertaining players in the game to watch. Last year’s Norm Smith medallist is a legitimate star but has the occasional quiet game. More seen as an upgrade target Jimmy may not score quite as well this year, especially if the Cats slide as tipped, but if he looks in good form then get on.
Joel Selwood (GEE) MID 604k
Ducky was concussed early last season and also missed a few games due to suspension, these issues mean that his overall average was lowered and he is starting the 2012 season underpriced. As the Cats new captain he will be looking to lead from the front this year, but will always be a risk of missing the odd game. Scores of 105 and 69 in the NAB didn’t really stand out, but we all know that Scott was easing his stars into the season.
Luke Hodge (HAW) MID 577k
Hodgey had a slightly down season in 2011 over his previous efforts, and some are saying the captaincy has taken its toll. A past proven scorer Hodge starts 2012 slightly underpriced and if he can get back to form of old the Hawks will be hard to stop. Scores of 94, 108 and 21 (sub-affected) in the NAB don’t really show much either way but Hodge is one to keep an eye on.
Andrew Swallow (NM) MID 607k
Swallow proved last year that he is the clearance specialist of the AFL. Racking up huge numbers all throughout the year in the midfield he is a talented young player and still on the rise. Copping the number one tag more often than not hasn’t slowed him down too much and he is a great POD option. Scores of 104, 21 (sub-affected) and 114 show he has what it takes to mix it with the best.
Matthew Boyd,(WBD) MID 626k
Matty Boyd is an SC champ, racking up scores of 103 and 118 in his two NAB games shows the contested ball-winner is still in great from. He’s not getting any younger but with the Dogs chip-around play style over the NAB he could well still increase his numbers this season.
Matt Priddis (WCE) MID 618k
Priddis really broke-out last year, in a West Coast resurgence that took them from last to fourth in just one season. A hard in-and-under player he also has great disposal amid the congestion. WC may not achieve quite the same success this year but Priddis will certainly be driving it if they do. Good POD option early on.

RUCK
ROOKIES
Jarrad,Redden,(PTA) RUC 113k
Redden has propelled himself into contention for the R3/4 spot in many SC team after having a great pre-season, mainly caused by the openings in the side left by Lobbe and Renouf’s injuries. His job security will be unknown until at least one of the pair are back to full fitness but with scores of 100, 117 and 58 he certainly hasn’t done his chances any harm.
Orren Stephenson (GEE) RUC 106k
The big O had a decent NAB outing, scoring 31, 21 and 55 in his matches, but mainly learning the structures in place at the Cattery. Due to the Cats ruck crisis he may not be the greatest scoring rookie but he should be almost guaranteed game-time. A slow burning cash cow you could certainly do worse than Orren.
MID-PRICERS
Matthew Kreuzer (CAR) RUC 418k
Kreuz has had a solid pre-season this year and is looking in great form coming into the season proper, scoring 89 and 96 in his two full NAB match hit-outs. As a number 1 draft pick he’s due his breakout year and has the potential to do so, it’s mainly an issue of if he can stay uninjured. If he stays on the park he could be one of the few mid-pricers to go premium.
Patrick,Ryder (ESS) RUC 492k
Paddy Ryder has been a perennial tease in SC, always throwing together a few solid games before spudding it up for the rest of the season. His scores of 105 and 111 in his two full NAB hit-outs are promising but as always come with a decent risk.
David Hale (HAW) RUC/FWD 406k
Baileys injury at Hawthorn has thrown a decent spanner in the works for Clarkson going into the opening round of 2012. Hale was set to play forward and provide back-up to Bailey in the ruck but now may well be required to shoulder most of the load. Young Broc McAuley will provide some cover for him from time to time but expect Hale to line up at most bounces. Scores of 109, 134 and 120 have rocketed him into contention and could be a great R2.
Hamish McIntosh (NM) RUC 364k
HMac had a lot of supporters over the Christmas break, with the potential for Goldy and HMac dominating oppositions ruckmen. So far it has been hard to judge the true impact but Goldsteins scores have dropped significantly over this time, and it seems clear that the two will be munching each other’s points continuously over the regular season. Scores of 128, 26 and 97 don’t hurt his case for selection but the ruck query at North will.
Will Minson (WBD) RUC 449k
Big Wilbur has had a great pre-season this year, scoring 112 and 83 in his two matches, and showing that he will be the dominant Bulldogs ruckman throughout this season. Some people are tipping a break-out year from Wilbur but he is still a risky proposition.

PREMIUMS
Matthew Leuenberger (BRI) RUC 554k
Leuey had a break-out season last year, impressing all with his consistently good form as essentially the sole Brisbane ruckman. Over the offseason the recruitment of Ben Hudson and Billy Longer will throw some doubt on the amount of time he will spend actually rucking this year but won’t start in many teams and has shown that he has talent. Scores of 13, 83 and 63 over the NAB didn’t really help his cause.
Ben McEvoy (StK) RUC 549k
McEvoy played both games after the Wang game, scoring 54 and 25 respectively. He had a ripper season last year but as has been well documented here his tap-work isn’t quite up to scratch, and seems to get most of his points from possessions around the ground and goals. If the Saints do slide this year, as a few are predicting, then this may hamper his scoring ability.
Dean Cox (WCE) RUC 662k
The Big Cox is the best ruckman in the league currently, bar none. He set all-time records last year for SC points scored in the ruck and was the dominant ruckman all year. This year has seen many jump onto the cheaper, younger options available but Cox is still all class. NAB scores of 121, 145 and a sub-affected 24 show he’s still got what it takes to be a great ruck and slot some goals while resting up forward. A fit and firing Sandi is the only real competitor for the “Best Ruck” title but we will need to see some of that this season to overthrow Coxy. Lock him in.

FORWARD
ROOKIES
Sam Kerridge (ADE) MID/FWD 106k
The young Crows forward looked fairly solid during the NAB cup, whilst he only had scores of 30, 45 and 27 he did only have a combined game-time of 133 minutes over the three games. This may throw some people off just by looking at his stats but the fact he played each game can only bode well for his job security.
Tory Dickson (WBD) FWD 106k
Dickson is first in line of the Bulldogs rookies to get game-time this year, and scores of 52, 60 and 80 over the NAB certainly didn’t hurt. A quick young forward who should get good games early is high on a lot of watch-lists.
Gerrick, Weedon (WCE) FWD 113k
Weedon impressed many with his NAB form, scoring 48, 31 and 33 points respectively in a combined 194 minutes game-time. A solidly built young forward he will be given every opportunity to excel out West, and is definitely worth a look.
Ahmed, Saad (StK) FWD 125k
Saad was one of the stand-outs at the combine last year, and in his only real outing for the Saints showed why with a 50 point SC score. Not incredible numbers but for a first-year forward player he looked dangerous whenever the ball was near. The fact he only played once isn’t a good sign for his job security but should still get a few games at the least.
Jamie Cripps (StK) FWD 162k
Cripps has been overlooked by many this season after nearly all his 2011 matches were sub-affected. Priced as a high draft pick he is still affordable and with scores of 56 and 52 showed he is a competitive young player. Playing both NAB games (after the Wangeratta game was cancelled) shows he has decent job security, and could be a great option.

MID-PRICERS
Patrick,Dangerfield (ADE) MID/FWD 435k
“Dangermouse” had a ripping pre-season this year, racking up scores of 127, 110 and 80 in the three full games. A great mid-priced risk but will be a popular one amongst the PODs. DP status helps and if he sees more midfield time this season he will surely keep improving.
Steele Sidebottom (COL) MID/FWD 452k
Sidey is part of a group of young Pies who will be expected to step up this season, and with scores of 32 (sub-affected), 104 and 109 he’s off to a good start. Dual position eligibility is a bonus and means Sidey is a good risk to take.
Luke Breust (HAW) FWD 372k
Breust is another young Hawk with a good upside, and if Clarkson is to be believed about Buddy playing more midfield time this season he could be a good option up there. Scoring 98, 89 and 59 shows that he is a fairly consistent scorer but his ceiling is an issue.
Robbie,Gray (PTA) MID/FWD 490k
Robbie had a great second half to season 2011, averaging around 104 for the run home. As a DP player he is great value in the forward line and if he can increase his midfield time this season could well be in the top ten for forwards. A popular POD for a reason, Gray is set for a massive year.
Jack Riewoldt (RIC) FWD 441k
JRoo has had a plethora of surgeries over the off-season, but looks to be in great form after. NAB scores of 65, 129 and 159 will put him back into a lot of teams but his up-down nature and shortened pre-season should make you wary. Has the potential to score well but will be a risky gambit this early on.
Jason,Porplyzia (ADE) FWD 229k
Porps is the other half of the popular SeaWorld duo, and after a one-game 2011 season due to a shoulder reconstruction his price makes you see why. Porps will struggle to make the top forwards by seasons end, even if he stays on the park, but could still be a great cash-cow option up forward where the stocks are a little thin. Scores of 51, 101 and 55 aren’t amazing but when you compare it to his price and the other scores of similar options around him, it shows he can still be a worthwhile pick.

PREMIUMS
Travis Cloke (COL) FWD 530k
Cloke is one of the only true key position forwards left in the game, and as such has all the SC positives and negatives that go with it. He has a strong contested mark and kicks a few goals but is heavily tagged and can have off games. Scores of 20 (sub-affected), 84 and 147 in the NAB show what he can do when on song.
Nathan Fyfe (FRE) MID/FWD 586k
Nat Fyfe had a breakout year last year, proving that the “second year blues” aren’t guaranteed either. As an explosive DPP forward he will be in plenty of teams this year and for good reason, scoring 90, 107 and 91 in the NAB and he has stated that he has struggled to get to full fitness. If these are his scores now just wait until he hits his stride.
Mathew Pavlich (FRE) MID/FWD 573k
The Pav is supposedly fitter than ever after having a good pre-season and setting PB’s in the Freo time-trials. With the emergence of the Dockers midfield he will probably be spending more time as a pure forward this season but the effects of this and Lyons introduction to the club will not be truly seen for a while. Scores of 131 and 70 in his two outings prove he is still a force to be reckoned with.
Paul Chapman (GEE) MID/FWD 548k
Chappy had an injury ruined 2011, and has stated this pre-season that he felt the team had to “carry him” for the majority of the season. His age and the Geelong slide may not help him but he is certainly motivated for this season and will be looking to return the favour to his teammates. Scores of 37 (sub affected) and 130 show he’s still got it when it counts.
Lance Franklin (HAW) FWD 600k
Buddy is without doubt the modern games best forward. Great hands, a booming quick and an incredible turn of pace for a man his size really set him apart from the pack. Hawthorn has a tough early run but unless injury or suspension strike Buddy should still score well. 123 and 117 in his two NAB outings prove that he is worth the hefty starting price.
Dustin Martin (RIC) MID/FWD 536k
Dusty is a hands-down favourite amongst TS users for a breakout year this year. Scoring 64, 149 and 84 in his three games he looks to be in form at this stage of the season and his dual position status certainly helps. A gun in the making he should be strongly considered by all.