Enter Jack Gunston.
In and out of the Hawthorn side in the early part of the season, the Hawks recruit seamlessly stepped into Franklin’s shoes, serving as the Hawks’ number one target inside forward 50. And he hasn’t let them down.
Since Hawthorn’s Round 16 match against the Bulldogs, in which Gunston booted four goals, the former Crow has kicked 14 goals and taken 24 marks. In the four matches without Franklin, Gunston has more than filled the void, showing off his athletic ability.
He’s not a stay at home forward - he plays up the ground and can win his fair share of the ball. Against Collingwood in Round 17, Gunston gathered 21 disposals and booted three goals in the Hawks’ big win. That day, he also scored 89 Dream Team points. Not a bad effort from a then $287,300 forward.
Gunston’s value to the Hawks if high, and his value to Dream Teamers looking for a mid-priced forward who delievers is even higher.
Since the Round 16 clash, Gunston hasn’t scored less than 80 Dream Team points. Instead, he’s scored a solid 85, 89, 90 and 81. That means, that in his last five matches, his average is 81. But more importantly, in his past three, has averaged 86 points.
His price has raised according, $18,900 higher than his opening price at $303,400. Heading into Dream Team finals, having a unique player in your team who’s in hot Dream Team form and comes relatively cheaply is worth its weight in gold.
Gunston is that player.
He faces a Port Adelaide team who have had a tumultuous week, and on the Launceston deck of Aurora Stadium in Tasmania, a place the Hawks love to play, expect a solid score from the Hawthorn number 19.
Round 20 spotlight
Clinton Young ($369,400) - With Dream Team finals now upon us, we’re all looking for that edge, the one player no one else has that could win us a crucial final. Clinton Young has gone about his business quiety this season, hard to believe when he’s got such a damaging left boot. He scored 86 against the Cats last week and is averaging 90.4 points in his last five matches. Is owned by just 1,581 coaches.Luke Hodge ($402,100) - In his second game back, the skipper had a downer Dream Team wise, scoring just 41 points. But, with matches against Port Adelaide and Gold Coast coming up, he could be in for some big weeks. We all know how tough he is.
Taylor Duryea ($104,200) - He’s named in the Hawks’ extended squad and even if he isn’t selected for his debut match, you could do worse than to downgrade to Duryea if you need some cash.
Top 5 Hawks in Round 19
1. Jarryd Roughead ($427,900) - 95
2. David Hale ($372,500) - 94
3. Cyril Rioli ($443,300) - 94
4. Sam Mitchell ($476,400) - 88
5. Shaun Burgoyne ($308,300) - 87
Top 5 Hawks in 2012
1. Sam Mitchell ($476,400)
2. Brendan Whitecross
3. Jarryd Roughead ($427,900)
4. Cyril Rioli ($443,300)
5. Matt Suckling ($352,600)
