I’m guessing that everyone’s big question is where are the goals coming from now that Matthew Lloyd & Scott Lucas have retired? Personally, I don’t find it a problem in the modern era as much as the days when Gary Ablett Snr & Jason Dunstall retired, for the modern 21st century footballer adapts well to the absence of the 80-100 a season goal kicker.

Paddy Ryder shined last year but with Hille back, will he spend as much time in the ruck? If not, will that effect his Dreamteam average?

Now, may I express that as a Bombers supporter, this preview is unbiased. Once again, we have to cop the worst draw for 2010 (0.536) & history says that at least one team from the previous season misses the finals the next season.

The 2009 playing list holds an average of 936 points at an average of 67.2 & on average each player is worth around $289,100.

Best Buys

Patrick Ryder (ruck) $360,300 – Who would have thought of arguably one of the great positional moves of the season putting Ryder in the ruck after David Hille went down?

Ryder averaged 82.0 in 2009 & ranked 7th in hitouts & 11th in hitouts per game. Career highs soon followed with 31 hitouts .vs. Brisbane, 20 disposals .vs. Richmond, 15 handballs .vs. Geelong & 13 tackles .vs. Collingwood.

Slightly down in price so snap him up early before round 4.

Sam Lonegran (midfield) $274,800 – Lonegran may be averaging 62.5 in 2009, but that’s not far off from Dustin Fletcher’s average. Lonegran had 21 disposals .vs. Adelaide with a career high 16 handballs that shows me that a good in & under player is in the making.

Best Risky Buys

Nathan Lovett-Murray (defence) $329,900 – If Murray can keep his fists under check, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t have a good season with an average of 75.1.

Murray had a great game in the elimination final .vs. Adelaide with 24 disposals & career highs of 18 handballs & 5 hitouts. Now, I know the finals mean nothing, but momentum sticks in the minds of coaches & Murray could be a great help to Patrick Ryder if Matthew Knights sees the need. A very handy $24,000 bargain if you have a selection nerves of steel.

David Hille (ruck) $237,300 – The price suggests that the price makers expect Hille to struggle to make an impact in 2010 after that tragic knee injury .vs. Collingwood.

Hille averaged only 54.0 in 2009, but that includes only playing 2 minutes on Anzac Day. Hille ranked 13th in goal assists per game, so can we expect a much bigger role down forward? I’d say yes while letting Ryder rest up forward.

Tom Bellchambers (ruck) $153,800 – At an average of 35.0, it may be hard for Bellchambers to get a game & his unconvincing performance in the NAB Cup may have put paid to his chances. But, strange things happen in AFL football.

Bellchambers ranks amongst the rising stars as 5th in hitouts per game & 10th in total hitouts. He had a blinder despite his lack of time on the ground .vs. St Kilda with career high 13 disposals, 9 handballs & 5 marks.

Almost on the money as far as price, but with Dean Cox the supposed measuring stick, Bellchambers plays his part well as a part time ruckman.

Essendon Top 10 2009

1. Brent Stanton (midfield) $443,600
2. Jobe Watson (midfield) $399,900
3. Jason Winderlich (midfield) $413,500
4. Patrick Ryder (ruck) $360,300
5. Rick Dyson (midfield) $309,600
6. Angus Monfries (forward) $323,800
7. Heath Hocking (midfield) $318,600
8. Alwyn Davey (forward) $277,000
9. Dustin Fletcher (defence) $306,500
10. Tayte Pears (defence) 239,300

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