Defenders:
Must have - Matt Suckling ($448,900) The 23-year-old had a breakout season in 2011, not only on-field for the Hawks, but also for many lucky Dream Team coaches who selected the left footer. Suckling averaged an impressive 90.75 points last season and is sure to improve on that in 2012. A definite buy. Must have - Grant Birchall ($443,500) Another player who had an outstanding season for the Hawks off the half backline, Birchall averaged 89.67 points over 21 matches. Coming in at $5,000 cheaper than teammate Matt Suckling, Birchall is another option if you’re looking for weekly average scores over 90.
The potential - Xavier Ellis ($373,500) The former number 3 draft pick has battled injury since a breakout season for the Hawks’, which also saw him claim a premiership medallion in 2008. Ellis’ supreme footskills will be called upon throughout season 2012 as the Hawks continue their precise kicking game style. If he can stay fit, Ellis could be the unique pick to get your team over the line.
The potential - Shaun Burgoyne DEF/MID ($354,700) Burgoyne enjoyed an outstanding 2011 finals series where his ability to rebound off half back was the key to the Hawks’ ability to get into a winning position against Collingwood in the preliminary final. As a dual position player, Burgoyne is the ideal candidate to give your team an edge - as he has the potential for average scores of 80 plus. He averaged 71.71 last season.
Midfielders:
Must have - Sam Mitchell ($554,000) Don’t let the price tag scare you. The former Hawks’ skipper certainly gives you bang for your buck! Mitchell is one of the most reliable Dream Teamers in the competiton, who consistently averages scores over 100 year in, year out. He averaged 112 points in 2011, a year that also saw him win the Peter Crimmins Medal. He has the ability to win your team’s best-and-fairest as well with certain scores of 100 plus. Buy.
Must have - Luke Hodge ($467,300) The Hawks’ skipper battled injury throughout last season and his price tage reflects that ahead of season 2012. Despite injuries, he still managed an impressive 94.47 average. His price tag is merely a bonus, as Hodge is currently enjoying an injury-free pre-season. That means, Hodge will be back to his electrifying best as he attempts to lead the Hawks deep into September. Oh and lead your Dream Team to victory each week!
The potential - Jordan Lewis ($441,800) Lewis became an integral part of the Hawks’ midfield in the latter stages of season 2011. His ability to shutdown an opposition star, such as Carlton’s Chris Judd proved a masterstroke by coach Alastair Clarkson. It is his new-found ball-winning ability, however, that strikes us DreamTeamers. He averaged 89.32 over the course of the year, but scores of 130 against Collingwood in the preliminary final and 124 against Essendon mid-year shows he has the ability to be a premium midfielder in the world of Dream Team.
The potential - Clinton Young ($326,000) The Hawks midfielder has battled a number of injuries since he was a key contributer in the Hawks 2008 premiership season. At only $326,000 he could be a choice that proves pivotal in any DreamTeam, as he has shown already this pre-season that he can still be a key player in the Hawks best 22. His performance against Greater Western Sydney in particular, where he gathered 12 possessions in the opening term illustrates that this could be the year that he becomes a regular again in Alastair Clarkson's side.
Forwards
Must have - Lance Franklin ($503,000) What more can be said about Buddy? He is a lock in every Dream Team forward line, and has been for many years. There is even more reason to select the Hawks’ spearhead this season, however, with a potential role in the midfield on the horizon. He spent time across the wing in 2011, but coach Alastair Clarkson has perhaps flagged more time for Buddy in the middle after impressing in that position at the Hawks’ intra-club match in Tasmania. Must have - Cyril Rioli ($429,700) There’s no reason why supporters shouldn’t emulate Hawthorn’s exciting forward duo in their Dream Teams. The electrifying small forward battled injury in 2011 but that didn’t stop him from being one of the best performed forwards in Dream Team. The lively premiership star enjoyed some time in the midfield during the Club's first pre-season hit out so he could raise his scoring average of 86.88 again this season.
The potential - Jack Gunston ($303,400) The former Crow struggled for game-time at his old club and is looking to cement his spot in his new club’s best side. He was the standout performer up forward at the Club’s intra-club match booting four goals and has seemingly slotted into the team’s structure perfectly. He offers some value as a relatively cheap forward. It may pay, however, to hold off from selecting him in the early part of the season as he settles into his new club.
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.
