Hawthorn players have the reputation of being some of the biggest Dream Team stars, through their consistent on field performances for the Club.

Below is a comprehensive analysis of what the Hawks have to offer AFL Fantasy Dream Team coaches in 2013.

Defenders

Grant Birchall ($455,400) – With Matt Suckling out for the season, Birchall becomes the best Hawthorn option for your defence. Birchall is a durable defender whose consistency makes him a valuable player for the Hawks. He averaged 88 points per game across 20 matches last year and is sure to provide bang for your buck in 2013 with his ability to rebound off half back. He averaged 27 disposals a game last season.

Matt Suckling ($426,900) – A big blow for the Hawks, Suckling will miss 2013 after rupturing his ACL in the NAB Cup. It’s a nail through the heart of all Dream Teamers with the super boot one of the most popular choices.

Brent Guerra ($394,300) – Guerra emerged as a quality Dream Team choice last season as he provided great drive off half back for Hawthorn. Although his average of 76.5 in 2012 was down on his 2011 average of 80.4, expect to see that rise this season. With Suckling out of side, the Hawks could depend on Guerra’s elite skills to rebound from defence.

Brian Lake ($392,800) – He was one of the best Dream Team players during his time at the Bulldogs but, with elite attacking players by his side, may not be required to fill the same role as that at the Bulldogs. He is a risk and at $392,800, one probably not worth taking until later in the year.

Shaun Burgoyne DEF/MID ($371,200) – The Hawks utility is a bit of a Mr. Fix it for the Hawks, often the player Coach Alastair Clarkson goes to when the Hawks need a spark. His silky skills are a weapon and, given he’s a dual position player, he could be of benefit to your Dream team. Despite his reputation as one of the competition’s elite, Burgoyne averaged just 72 points in 21 games last season – his form on field doesn’t always translate to Dream team scores.

Josh Gibson ($333,500) – Gibson could be a player whose Dream Team scores benefit from the inclusion of Brian Lake to the Hawthorn side. Gibson could find himself in a position to be an offensive player more often, freed up by Lake’s presence. Gibson gathered 20 or more possessions three times last year and even gathered 30 or more on two occasions.

Ryan Schoenmakers ($293,900) – The Hawks defender has never been a player who coaches would consider a vital inclusion for their Dream Team and his 2012 average of 57 points suggests there’s other options out there. While he is a valuable player for the Hawks, there’s better options out there for just under $300,000.

Ben Stratton ($275,400) – Stratton is one of those dour defenders who quietly goes about his business with little fanfare week in, week out. While he is one of Hawthorn’s most consistent players and probably one of the first picked each week, he’s not exactly a player Dream Team coaches rush to add to their side. He averaged 53.4 points in 22 games last year and while that could improve this season with Suckling out of the side, he’s not the best option if you’re looking for consistent scores of 80+.

Kyle Cheney ($209,500) – The former Melbourne player is now in his third season at the Club and will look to play more consistent football at AFL level. He could be one that steps up to fill Suckling’s role off half back. He is a tough nut who loves to tackle and win his own ball. Keep an eye on his progress in the first few rounds.

Angus Litherland ($108,500) – Litherland played some good minutes for the Hawks in the pre-season but will most likely spend most of the year developing at VFL level.  There are better options out there.

Jordan Kelly ($108,500) – In his second year old the list, Kelly will spend most of his time developing at VFL level with a number of players ahead of him in the pecking order.

Will Langford ($108,500) – Langford looks to have the makings of an AFL footballer and has been given a number upgrade this year, set to wear the number 29. He’s still on the rookie list, though.

Andrew Boseley ($108,500) – Another rookie who’ll develop in the VFL in 2013.

Midfielders

Sam Mitchell ($523,500) – Undoubtedly a star of the game, Mitchell should be a staple in all Dream Teams. He won Hawthorn’s best and fairest last year and was equal second in the Brownlow Medal, he features in Hawthorn’s best players almost every week and averaged 101.6 points in 21 games last year. He is durable and rarely misses a game through injury. A lock.

Jordan Lewis MID/FWD ($463,900) – The Hawks Vice-Captain should be a lock in all Dream Teams this season. He is a dual position player, meaning he can be picked in either the midfield or forward line. He averaged 90 points in 20 games last year and has the ability to score points over 100 on a consistent basis. He wins the footy, lays tackles and kicks goals. Pick him in your forward line.

Brad Sewell ($457,800) – The runner-up in Hawthorn’s best and fairest last season, Sewell had arguably his best season since he won the award in 2007. The tough midfielder combined his defensive game with the ability to win the ball in his own right and hurt the opposition on the scoreboard. He averaged 88.9 points last season but at just under $500,000, is that average good enough for that kind of money? We’re not sure.

Liam Shiels ($408,900) – One of Hawthorn’s best Dream Team player in 2011, Shiels didn’t back up that form in 2012. He had a slow start to the year through injury and played a number of different roles for his side including defensive ones. That meant his average dropped from 102.9 to 79.4. Keep an eye on his progress in the early games though, he could be set to rise to fame once more.

Isaac Smith ($401,000) – Smith has loads of x-factor and has the ability to change a game. He burst onto the scene in his first year and was the love of many Dream Teamers in that year with an average of 82.6 points. Last year though, his average dropped to 77.8 and at $401,000 probably isn’t an ideal choice though you could do worse. He certainly has the ability to be a prolific scorer, one to watch.

Luke Hodge ($398,600) – The skipper’s 2012 was dogged by injury and although his pre-season began late, he looks fit on the track and could feature early in the season. Being able to trade twice a week each week this season, let the Hawks captain ease into the season then pounce. At $398,600 he is cheap as chips given what he can offer.

Shane Savage ($285,700) – After impressive performances in the finals series last season, Savage is one player who could emerge as a middle-tier Dream Team player that shines in 2013. He could feature more heavily for the Hawks with Suckling out and the loss of Clinton Young to Collingwood. He is a good finisher who has no trouble finding the footy. A good mid-priced option.

Xavier Ellis ($263,800) – The injury-prone midfielder will have a delayed start to 2013, listed on the Club’s injury list as being 3-5 weeks away from playing after sustaining a calf injury. From there, he will resume via the VFL. Stay away from him until at least the second half of the year, then re-asses if he’s in the senior side.

Jonathan Simpkin ($195,800) – Simpkin has been super impressive over the pre-season and his form in the NAB Cup excellent. He is a mature player with a strong body that not only loves the hard stuff but can the find the footy as much as Sam Mitchell. He is cheap at $195,800 and looks to have found a home at the Hawks. Select him.

Bradley Hill ($191,700) – Hill impressed in his first season with his pace and silky skills. He has had a good pre-season and showed his class during the NAB Cup. With no Clinton Young this year at Hawthorn, Hill could cement a place on the win at the Hawks. Could prove a one of the best cheap options of 2013.

Jed Anderson ($108,500) – There has been a lot of hype around the youngster from the Northern Territory and he’s lived up to that hype in the pre-season. His captain and his coach both believe he’ll feature for the Hawks this season and is a prime target for your bench.

Taylor Duryea ($108,500) – Duryea has been on Hawthorn’s list since 2009 draft and this could be the year he gets his chance at AFL level. He excelled as a defender at Box Hill in the second half of last year and could make his debut this season. At the same price as Jed Anderson though, it’s one or the other.

Mitch Hallahan ($108,500) – A second round draft pick in the 2010 National Draft, Hallahan is a strongly built midfielder who had a good season at Box Hill last year. With the Hawks boasting one of the best midfields in a game, it will be difficult for Hallahan to feature this year.

Derick Wanganeen ($108,500) – Despite still being listed on the rookie list, Wanganeen could find his way into the Hawthorn side if he impresses in the VFL. He excited fans with impressive performances in the NAB Cup and could get a few games this year.

Alex Woodward ($108,500) – Woodward will miss the entire 2013 season with his second ACL injury in as many years.

Ruckmen

Jarryd Roughead RUC/FWD ($472,200) – He made a remarkable recovery from the Achilles injury sustained in 2011 to be one of the most popular choices as a starting Dream Team ruckman. Roughead averaged 91.7 points in 20 games last year with his ability to be as damaging up forward as in previous years. He kicks multiple goals and gets involved around the ground. Pick him.

David Hale RUC/FWD ($419,500) – Hale and Roughead developed one of the best ruck combinations in the competition last season and both starred on the Dream Team front. Hale averaged 81.4 points in 21 games last season but is probably behind Roughead in the selection process. At $419,500, there is certainly value there when you stack up his average next to the price tag.

Max Bailey ($216,400) – Bailey is fit and raring to go, but whether he is selected is another story. Will Alastair Clarkson play with three rucks this season or will he go with Hale and Roughead again? With that in mind, wait and see on him.

Luke Lowden ($108,500) – It is likely two of Bailey, Hale and Roughead would need to get injured for Lowden to get his chance at AFL level.

Sam Grimley ($108,500) – Like Lowden, Grimely is behind Bailey, Hale and Roughead in the pecking order despite impressing during the NAB Cup.

Jonathon Ceglar ($99,300) – The former Magpie is on Hawthorn’s rookie list and would need to be upgraded before being selected for Hawthorn. Could be an option for your bench if you need to free up cash.

Forwards

Lance Franklin ($521,300) – He is a superstar of the game and a staple in all Dream Team forward line. Despite the hefty price tag, the Hawks spearhead is worth it. He has the ability to score 100s on a consistent basis and even top 140. He holds the Dream Team record for points scored in a game after kicking 13 goals against North Melbourne in Round 10 last season. Buy buy buy.

Brendan Whitecross ($454,100) – It was a shattering end to a phenomenal 2012 for Whitecross as he tore his ACL in the Qualifying Final. He is listed as being 8-10 weeks from a return and will find fitness in the VFL. He could be a late trade-in at the end of the season to give your team the egde.

Cyril Rioli FWD/MID ($425,800) – Another dual position Hawk, Rioli averaged 82.7 points in 20 matches last season as he played more time in the midfield. Expect him to push up the ground and be used in the middle by his coach again this season. Dream Team coaches are almost spoilt for choice when it comes to forwards to pick from the Hawks with Rioli, Lewis and Franklin all excellent choices. Remarkably, Rioli could be the third best of the trio.

Luke Breust ($389,100) – Another impressive Dream Team forward option from Hawthorn and who looks likely to emerge as a star of the game is Breust who had a career-best year in 2012. He finished second on the Hawks goal kicking leader board and began to transition into the midfield. He averaged 76 points in 21 games last season from 16 disposals. Expect him to improve again and if you can’t afford a Rioli or a Lewis, he’s the next best choice. His price could rise into the $400,000s by season’s end.

Jack Gunston ($315,200) – Gunston is athletic, has good hands and can kick goals. He is starting to mature as a footballer and showed in the Club’s final practice match against North Melbourne he can push up the ground and win his own ball. He could be a unique option but probably not an ideal one. He’s certainly one to watch though.

Paul Puopolo ($267,000) – Like Isaac Smith, Paul Puopolo was one of the best cash cows in 2011 as he burst onto the scene but had a quieter season last year from a Dream Team perspective. With loads of excellent Hawthorn options up forward, he may miss out in your Dream Team. If you need a cheaper option though, he could be a good choice and earn you 60+ points a game.

Michael Osborne ($259,100) – Like Whitecross, Osborne is making his way back from the ACL injury sustained in Round 7 last year. He has never been a great option for Dream Team and there are certainly other options out there.

Matt Spangher ($132,600) – Spangher has impressed at his new club and could find his way into the side for the Round 1 blockbuster against Geelong. He is cheap as chips for a mature-aged player but he’s more of a key defender.

Amos Frank ($108,500) – There’s a lot of hype around Amos Frank with Hawks fans excited to see him get his chance at AFL level. 2013 will be another development year for him at Box Hill, though.

Tim O’Brien ($102,700) – A first round draft pick in the 2012 National Draft, 2013 will be a development year for the youngster.

Kaiden Brand ($102,700) – Like fellow draftee Tim O’Brien, Brand will spend the year developing his game at Box Hill.