It’s been a long, hard off-season with plenty of time spent in the gym, dissecting the game plan, and making the tough call over the future of certain players.

But now is the time when all the sweat and sacrifice seems worthwhile. Now is the time to dream big. Now is the time for Dream Team.

With the AFL’s premier fantasy football competition opening yesterday, bona fide footy-heads across the globe are trying to channel their inner John Longmire or Kinnear Beatson, looking for that winning formula or hidden gem amongst the pack.

It’s come to our attention over the last week that the Swans were the only team who made the top eight last season but did not finish in the top eight for combined Dream Team points (seventh on the competition ladder at the end of the home and away season versus 13th in the Dream Team rankings).

Don’t let that minor stat deter you though; there is still plenty of value and regular point-scorers to be found in the red and white of the Harbour City.

Rolls-Royces:

The guns. This is where you spend the big bucks, but expect big scores in return on a weekly basis. Usually hard to find a bargain in this category, but these players are here for a reason - they’re elite. Players who can play in two positions and add flexibility to your team are also worth their weight in gold and demand a premium.

Adam Goodes (Mid/Fwd) - $491,000 (2011 avg: 99.27 points over 22 games)

The Swans co-captain comes with a sizeable outlay for any Dream Teamer, but if you’re looking for a return on investment then Goodes can deliver in spades. 2011 was a stellar year for Goodes, and the keys to his value in this competition are his consistency to get on the field, his consistency for point scoring once on the field, and his versatility to play either as a midfielder or forward. Definite Dream Team captaincy material as well.

Ryan O’Keefe (Mid/Fwd) - $460,900 (2011 avg: 93.18 over 22)

In the same mould as Goodes, in 2011 O’Keefe featured in every Swans game and was a consistent scorer throughout. He has a brilliant ability to win possession and use the ball, but also lay tackles going the other way, which means he scores points when attacking or defending. If he can convert a few more points into goals - like during the finals series - then by all means O’Keefe can push towards the rare 100-average.

Shane Mumford (Ruck) - $452,400 (2011 avg: 91.47 over 17)

In a season interrupted by injury and suspension, Mumford was still a heavy scorer when he played. Has the uncanny ability to play as almost another midfielder, and by focusing on his marking towards the back-end of last year was able to pull in some monster scores. In the top five most expensive ruckmen in the Dream Team competition, but for good reason.

Potential:

Big risk, but big reward can be found in this category. Clearly all of these players can play the game, but for some reason - usually injury, a drop in form, or lack of opportunities - they have yet to fire on a consistent basis. A good judge will study past performances and pre-season form and bank on their choices stepping up over the season. Getting on a ‘potential’ player before their price rises is crucial.

Tony Armstrong (Def) - $289,700 (2011 avg: 73.2 over 5)

First year at the club since crossing over from Adelaide, so it’s difficult to know what role Armstrong will play just yet. Showed plenty of Dream Team potential in his five games with the Crows at the end of last season, with an injury-induced score of 26 in round 24 bringing his overall average down. Has a career high of 123 points (2010 v North Melbourne) and could be worth the punt - hitting targets out of defence is priceless in this form of the game as well.

Gary Rohan (Fwd) - $226,800 (2011 avg: 45.86 over 7)

Well worth a look at this marked-down price. Missed 15 games through injury during the middle of the 2011 season, which really hampered his effectiveness in this competition. Of the seven home-and-away games he featured in for 2011, Rohan was the starting sub in three of them, bringing his overall points-per-game average down.

Luke Parker (Mid) - $244,200 (2011 avg: 49.36 over 11)

Similar to Rohan, Parker’s average can be misleading due to the three substitute appearances he made during the 2011 home-and-away season. Parker showed how potent he can be as a point scorer when he got his chance as a late replacement for Jude Bolton against the Gold Coast Suns in round 16 (finishing with 107 points from 26 disposals, seven marks and two goals). He backed that performance up the following week with a 73-point game against the Western Bulldogs.

Buy-low, sell-high:

Every team needs some bargain basement buys to level out the exorbitant prices paid for the game’s elite players. Over the last few years Dream Teamers have become smarter about who to buy, usually opting for a first or second year player who will get game time. These purchases are low risk because if they don’t play you can just sit them on your bench until they do, or trade them on a Friday for a similar player who has been selected that weekend. If you can get them right though, this is where you make your value. Michael Barlow, anyone?

Mike Pyke (Ruck) - $193,900 (2011 avg: 49 over 2)

Another who suffered from injuries in 2011, Pyke is the cheapest of the Swans three ruckmen but pretty pricey for this range. With no one having yet made the second-ruck/forward role their own at the club, Pyke has set his sights on making a play for it this year. Not going to be a massive scorer, but has plenty of potential to raise his value in early performances.

Nathan Gordon (Mid) - $175,600 (2011 avg: 35.5 over 2)

Got a taste of senior football in 2011 when Kieren Jack was injured and showed he is certainly capable, especially in the round 7 win over the Western Bulldogs. Has since been elevated permanently and is enjoying his first full pre-season on the senior list. Was a standout in the Swans reserves last year, making the NEAFL Eastern Conference team of the year. 

Tommy Walsh (Fwd) - $104,200 (yet to play)

There’s been a lot of buzz about Tommy since he made the move north from St Kilda. Still an unknown in the AFL - and therefore Dream Team - but his competitive nature should mean he gets a look-in at some stage during the season. Showed form in the International Rules Series, and should be one to watch closely in the NAB Cup.

Tom Mitchell (Mid) - $98,700 (yet to play)

The midfield is where the majority of the Swans Dream Team points come from. With players like Goodes, O’Keefe, Jack, Hannebery, McVeigh, McGlynn and Kennedy spending a lot of their time around the ball, it could be tough for young Mitchell to break into that group. Showed plenty of promise at the underage level, and at this price, what do you have to lose?

You can register for AFL Dream Team by clicking here.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the AFL or the clubs