Over the three days, hawthornfc.com.au will publish a mid-season Dream Team review of every Hawks player that has worn the brown and gold in the AFL so far in season 2012.

Today, it's the midfielders and rucks.


Midfielders


Luke Hodge ($467,300), average 66.5:
The Hawks skipper has had an injury-plagued season to date, managing just two matches so far. He’s back training but when will we see him in the Hawks line-up? His price will plummet after his next match because of his low average. Scores in 2012 - 47, 86.

Sam Mitchell ($450,000), average 102.3:
The ever-reliable midfielder has been down on his usual Dream Team average this season, but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been notching huge scores. He has scored the second most points of any Hawks player this season and given his price has dropped $102,000, if you haven’t got him, get him! High scores in 2012 - 130, 122, 121.

Brad Sewell ($417,900), average 88.8: Sewell has been outstanding for the Hawks and has emerged as a dark horse choice for coaches. His hard-nosed approach to the game has been invaluable, and his tackling pressure nets coaches points. Is averaging 24 disposals per game and five tackles and is in the top four of the Hawks’ top Dream Team scorers. High scores in 2012 - 114, 106, 97.

Jordan Lewis ($389,300), average 86.1: The Vice-Captain has been at his in-and-under best this season, and despite missing two matches through suspension, his ability to rack up the possessions no matter what role he’s playing is critical. Is also a dual position player, so it’s win-win for coaches! High scores in 2012 - 101, 99, 91.

Cameron Bruce ($358,900), average 26: Has managed just the one match this season despite impressing at VFL level for Box Hill. The strength and depth of the Hawks is working against the former Demon, and at his hefty price, coaches would be wise to keep their distance. Score in 2012 - 26.

Liam Shiels ($350,900), average 82.2: After missing the opening two matches, Shiels hasn’t missed a game for the Hawks, but he hasn’t hit the Dream Team heights of last season. His average in his past three matches is just 74.7 but at just $350,900, he’s worth a gamble. High scores in 2012 - 124, 105, 99.

Isaac Smith ($335,900), average 75.6: Like Paul Puopolo, Smith was one of the best cash-cow choices last season, but hasn’t quite hit the mark this season. His average, 75.6 is nothing to be sneezed at, but there are probably better options out there. Does have the ability to score big if you’re willing to take the risk. High scores in 2012 - 93, 83, 83.

Clinton Young ($320,800), average 70.4:
The left footer fought his way into the Hawks line-up in Round 3 and has missed just two matches since. Has shown he adds another dimension to the Hawks and is capable of a massive score, after his 132 point effort against Fremantle in Round 8. His scores fall below 80 after that, though. High scores in 2012 - 132, 79, 75.

Chance Bateman ($313,700), average 38: Has been out with a shoulder injury since being omitted from the Hawks team in Round 3. In his two games at senior level, he managed a score of just 38. Stay away from the wingman, unfortunately. Scores in 2012 - 38, 38.

Shane Savage ($248,700), average 61.3: The Kiwi-born midfielder has started as the Hawks’ sub a few times, and when you need player playing the majority of the game, it doesn’t make Savage an ideal choice. Has still performed well when given the green vest, grabbing scores of at least 30, but you don’t build a team around that. High scores in 2012 - 87, 87, 86.

Bradley Hill ($135,300), average 34.8: This season’s “super sub” Hill has taken his chance when subbed onto the field late in the third or early in the last quarters. What could he do if given a full game though? Is a good option for your bench. High scores in 2012 - 57, 37, 36.


Rucks

David Hale ($375,200), average 76.1: Has excelled since being given the number one ruck mantle, combining his ruck work with disposals around the ground and the ability to push forward and kick a goal. Is a unique option if your rucks are struggling and you don’t have cash to burn. High scores in 2012 - 113, 104, 101.

Broc McCauley ($242,500), average 66.3: The former Lion was upgraded to the senior list after Max Bailey was struck down with injury on the eve of Round 1, and was impressive in his first three matches. Sustained an elbow injury in a VFL practice match, however, and will be missing for a while. Scores in 2012 - 76, 63, 60.

Stay tuned to hawthornfc.com.au at 9am tomorrow, as we review the performance of the forwards in the world of Dream Team to date.

Join Hawthorn Football Club's official Dream Team league by entering the league code 288223 for your chance to win a signed 2012 Hawthorn jumper!

Kate Salemme is a member of Hawthorn Football Club’s Digital media team reporting exclusively for hawthornfc.com.au from the Ricoh Centre.




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