Here’s why:
After an impressive opening round score of 95 against the Magpies in Round 1, Whitecross backed up that effort with an even better return for the 2,234 coaches that own the Hawks forward. Playing across half forward with stints in the midfield, Whitecross amassed 28 disposals, seven marks and two goals - earning him a Dream Team score of 118. That gives Whitecross an average score of 106.5, a great return for the coaches that have invested in him. Further illustrating his impressive start to the Dream Team is his second-placed rank amongst Hawthorn players, after gun midfielder Sam Mitchell. That places him ahead of Dream Teams locks Lance Franklin, Grant Birchall and Matt Suckling. His price will rise after Round 3’s completion, so if you’re thinking of picking him up, do so before tonight’s lockout.
Round 3 spotlight
Shaun Burgoyne ($354,700) - Also flagged as a unique choice for your Dream Team, Burgoyne too enjoyed a productive game against the Cats on Easter Monday. Before the season began, we highlighted his potential, and last week we flagged him as an option to replace skipper Luke Hodge because of his sublime skills and the fact that the Hawks aim to get him the ball as often as possible. He delivered for 28,276 Dream Team coaches last week, with a score of 102 points, to take his average to 83.5. As a dual position player, he should definitely come into you team’s plans going forward.Jarryd Roughead ($414,600) - The Hawks big man made a successful return to senior football against the Cats in Round 2, after a long stint on the sidelines from the Achilles injury. Roughead showed his versatility hasn’t suffered, spending time up forward, in the ruck and, a stint on Cats big man James Podsiadly. He scored 68 Dream Team points in his comeback game, and at $414,600 he isn’t worth the risk at this early stage. While he continues to gain match fitness, his scores may suffer, resulting in a significant price drop, and at approximately round 12-13 he could be the ideal bargain pick up for your team heading into the latter half of the season.
Who’s on the cusp?
Bradley Hill ($98,700) - The exciting West Australian is again in line to make his debut for the Hawks after a solid pre-season campaign and hit out for Box Hill last weekend. At only $98,700, he could be an option for your team’s bench as it appears he will get a run with a Hawks if his good form continues.Top 5 Hawks in Round 2
1. Sam Mitchell ($554,000) - 121
2. Brendan Whitecross ($377,800) - 118
3. Shaun Burgoyne ($354,700) - 102
4. Jordan Lewis ($441,800) - 86
5. Isaac Smith ($408,600) - 83
Top 5 Hawks in 2012
1. Sam Mitchell ($554,000)
2. Brendan Whitecross ($377,800)
3. Lance Franklin ($503,000)
4. Grant Birchall ($443,500)
5. Matt Suckling (448,900)
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.
