Arguably the big question everybody’s asking themselves is will the new recruits add something to the already intimidating Lions line up for 2010?

Fevola no more in the Navy Blue will be looking to make an impact in his new colours this year. Is that good news for Dreamteamers?

Coach Michael Voss has thrown out/brought in (possibly) so much deadwood that the team average as it stands is 986 points per player. And, even though they were on average 18 points better at home, so many players read like they were scoring better at the Gabba compared to on the road.

The average coast of the 2010 Lion is $276,006.

Have the home trackers of 2009 added something special for 2010?? Yes, I do believe they were lucky to get into the finals last season & this year’s average draw (0.499) is bordering on intimidating. But, we do have some bargains that could help the “Dreamteam” coaches.

Best Buys

Simon Black (midfield) $397,600 – The surprise of the 2009 Brownlow Medal count has hit the 30 or more disposal mark, twice in losses. Black ranked 8th in handballs, 15th in handballs per game, 16th in tackles per game, 19th in tackles & 20th in goal assists.

Not exactly Brownlow winning numbers, & at an estimated $4,000 less than his true worth, the “Dreamteam” price makers may believe he’s also a steal.

Brendan Fevola (forward) $393,300 – How do you solve a problem like Fevola? Well, Carlton shipped him off to Brisbane to now become the headache of Michael Voss.

But, with baggage & brain shortages, an $11,800 bargain is too good to pass up, considering the publicity didn’t bump the price up further.

“Fev” is ranked 1st in goals, goals per game, goals contributed & goals contributed per game whilst being ranked 18th for marks. The standout had to be the win over the Cats last season so if he can play like that .vs. the Premiers, he can surely play like that against anyone.

Justin Sherman (midfield) $378,700 – The “Sherminator” was back in 2009 & is a steal in both forms of fantasy football.

Sherman had 30 or more disposals twice in 2009 & relishes the big games on any stage. He equalled his disposal record while breaking kick & handball tallies making 2009 arguably better than his debut year.

At an estimated $3,800 cheaper, & racking up near on 1900 points last season, Sherman’s a small steal.

Jared Brennan (forward) $373,000 – After a blinder of an August in 2009, Brennan will also be used as a pinch hitting ruckman to great effect. He can also tackle & mark with the best of them mixed with the odd brain snap.

At an estimated $18,700 cheaper, this is a massive red hot bargain as he also can play well on the road, a rarity for a Lion of the Voss era.

Jed Adcock (defence) $371,400 – It all must have come crashing down for a lot of “Dreamteam” last season when Adcock went down with that supposed season ending knee injury. But, he managed to average 84.5 in 15 games for 2009.

At an estimated $7,400 cheaper, once again the price setters may have assessed that Adcock isn’t back to his best. A cheeky steal, so you might take the chance.

Ashley McGrath (defence) $308.800 – Another of the rare Lion that performed better on the road compared to home, despite his best game coming from the 2nd string Cats outfit at the Gabba.

A surprise packet in 2009, McGrath is an estimated $3,100 cheaper than expected. McGrath also played all 22 regular season games & we all know that helps scoring when you average 70.3 per game as a defender.

James Polkinghorne (forward) $234,600 – He’s only 21, but Polkinghorne played 20 games last season & is a handy cheap buy for an estimated $9,400 bargain without being a superstar just yet.

Amongst the rising stars, Polkinghorne is 3rd in marks, 4th in goal assists & goals contributed & 8th in goals & inside 50’s.

That said, he get the ball a lot. The question is whether Voss gives him the time on the ground averaging 53.4. I’d probably take the risk.

Sam Sheldon (midfield) $197,000 – This is all dependent on game time with the likes of Black, Power & Sherman running around. Played 19 games last season & averaged 44.8 & is an estimated $7,900 underpriced.

He may not be Daniel Rich, but if cash is running short, you have an option available to you with midfield superstars at high prices.

Risky Bargain Buys

Matt Austin (defence) $183,800 – Played 6 games & averaged 41.8 & had a 7-1 free kick count. It’s a strong defence to break into.

Amon Buchanan (forward) $268,400 – Former Swan who was arguably best on ground in the 2006 premiership win. Have the heady days gone by or will Buchanan find a 2nd lease after the success of Adam Schneider at St Kilda? A very handy estimated $21,500 cheaper.

James Hawksley (defence) $199,500 – Had more game time last season up from 4 to 7 games. Like Austin, the youngsters were thrown in the deep end by playing on the road & by showing Voss what he’s got in August bodes well for the coach’s memory bank. Keep handy at an estimated $16,000 cheaper.

Andrew Raines (defence) $218,200 – Tiger fans may be ruing his loss & no doubt that his legendary Dad, Geoff, has a gutful of the lack of opportunities since his knee operation.

A long raking kick much like Dad & is an estimated $21,900 cheaper. Watch his NAB Cup form closely.

Lions Top 10 of 2009

(With 2010 Prices & Estimated Value)

1. Jonathan Brown (forward) $415,800 (+12,500)
2. Luke Power (midfield) $420,800 (+$4,200)
3. Mitchell Clark (ruck) $414,800 ($0)
4. Simon Black (midfield) $397,600 (-$4,000)
5. Justin Sherman (midfield) $378,700 (-$3,800)
6. Brendan Fevola (forward) $393,300 (-$11,800)
7. Daniel Rich (midfield) $339,100 ($0)
8. Jared Brennan (forward) $373,000 (-$18,700)
9. Michael Rischitelli (midfield) $309,600 (+$6,200)
10. Ashley McGrath (defence) $308,800 (-$3,100)

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