That means, that the Hawks’ spearhead is back to once again be the focal point of your team’s forward line, and just at the right time.
With the second week of Dream Team finals in full swing, it’s make or break time for all teams still in the hunt for the elusive Dream Team premiership (and of course bragging rights over all your mates).
So, if you traded Franklin out of your team all those weeks ago (it was only five matches but it seems like an eternity doesn’t it?), find some way to bring him back in.You won’t regret it.
Here’s why.
We all know that Buddy has the ability to kick a big bag of goals, we’ve seen it on a number of occasions. But, what we sometimes don’t remember is that even when he doesn’t kick six, seven or eight goals, he still finds the footy.
Buddy averages 19 disposals per game this season and, in even better news, he kicks it more than he handpasses.
Why does that matter?
You get more points from a kick of course! He’s also taking six marks per game and laying four tackles on his opposition. What’s not to love about all those numbers?
On top of all that good news, he of course, kicks goals for the Hawks and for your Dream Team. Franklin is averaging 3.6 goals per match this year, or, if you like to round your numbers up, he snags for per game.
He was in hot form before being struck down by that hamstring injury, scoring 72 point in just over two quarters of football. Before the Round 15 Greater Western Sydney match, he scored 115, 122, 99 and 204. That’s an average of 122.4 in his last five matches and 103 in his past three.
His price is steep, and rightly so at $511,500, but we all know he’s worth it. At least his 133,496 coaches do anyway.
Round 21 spotlight
Grant Birchall ($381,600) - After a couple of lean weeks in terms of Dream Team scores, Birchall came back with a bang against the Power in his home state last Sunday. From his 32 possessions (at 100 per cent efficiency mind you) Birchall scored 127 points. Just a handy score for the first week of Dream Team finals. Paul Puopolo ($270,100) - Puopolo made the most of a smaller Hawthorn forward line that was without Franklin and Jarryd Roughead. The second-year player booted a team and career-high five goals against the Power. He tackles, wins the ball and can impact the scoreboard. He showed his potential last Sunday with a score of 108.
Clinton Young ($380,800) - He’s gone about his business quiety this year, but we love him. He’s performed well in all his 15 matches this season. Scored 103 against the Power from 23 possessions. Averaging 87.4 in his last five games and 92.3 in his last three.
Top 5 Hawks in Round 20
Grant Birchall ($381,600) - 127
Jordan Lewis ($394,400) - 119
Paul Puopolo ($270,100) - 108
Sam Mitchell ($468,200) - 103
Clinton Young ($380,800) - 103
Top 5 Hawks in 2012
1. Sam Mitchell ($468,200)
2. Brendan Whitecross ($436,600)
3. Cyril Rioli ($427,500)
4. Matt Suckling ($345,600)
5. Jarryd Roughead ($427,900)
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