Every year the Herald Sun releases the little black book giving advice on who to buy and who to avoid. I will point out some of the ones they overlooked and errors they made while also offering my own suggestions. Of course I will praise the decisions that I agree with and why I agree with them.
Collingwood
Collingwood, the highest scoring team for SuperCoach and finished second to Geelong. There has been very little change to the list with the only John McCarthy and Leon Davis being the biggest outs. From that they gained Marty Clarke who can play and will get a game initially especially if he has a great preseason. 2012 should be more of the same with the 'Woods contending for not only the flag but also contending for the top rank Supercoach side.
The Superstar
Scott Pendlebury - Genuine unlucky to not win the Brownlow. Last season he was the highest averaging player and comes with the most expensive price tag but make no mistake he is worth every cent. He averaged 129 over the season and only dropped below 100 (95 v Carlton) once during the season. Expect that average to maintain at least and do not be scared to slap the captain on him since he just keeps scoring over 100. The definition of consistency and reliable he should be one of your first picked. Oh and put some money on him for the Brownlow.
Bank 'Em
Dane Swan - Last season's Brownlow medalist averaged 122ppg and this marked his third consecutive season of averaging at least 120. While this sounds impressive what makes it even more impressive is that during the middle stages of last season he was carrying an injury which means that his average was weighed down a little bit by this. A goal kicking midfielder he scored 30 goals last season and averaged 31 disposals. A quiet game for this bloke is 20 touches and two goals. Jump on and watch him rack up the points.
Dale Thomas - Finally stepped up last season finally breaking the 100ppg. barrier for the first time. It looks like he is becoming the player everyone knew he was capable of being. There is every chance of him stepping that average to over 115ppg since he is an elite ball winner in the competition and has the highest kick to handball ratio at Collingwood. All this leads to big points and with that another increase in average. Will be a great point of difference for a midfield that will comprise of one or both of Swan and Pendlebury.
Buy 'Em
Marty Clarke - When Marty Clarke first broke into the Collingwood side he was the perfect rookie downgrade scoring well and playing regularly. Fast forward to the end of 2009, Clarke left to go back Ireland. Fast forward to the start of the 2012 season Clarke came back into the Collingwood side and looks set to slot into Leon Davis vacated role. The only concern is that he will have to start from the bottom or get home sick. If he looks likely in the preseason jump on that like a fat kid on cake.
Alan Didak - No, No, No. Many a negative in this. Firstly he is getting extremely close to 30, secondly he is prone to a bad decision, thirdly he was carrying and a still is carrying an injury. Granted in '09 and '10 he averaged over 100 but in 2011 he did not score over 100 once for the whole season. While he can bounce back I highly doubt it. Not the worst pick but I think there is much better out there.
Suggested Player
Steele Sidebottom - He will become a premium this season. Coming into his fourth season he is a prime candidate for a breakout season. Additionally he is slated for more midfield time which means more possessions. Now consider this, last season he was ranked as elite for his kick ratings. This translates to when he hits the target by foot he will score points. With brilliant kicking, more midfield time and entering his fourth season there are very strong signs to suggest that he will become a premium this season.
Bury 'Em
Darren Jolly - Although he is an important player for Collingwood as their best ruck from a SuperCoach perspective he is a spent force. At the age of 30 he is now more prone to injuries as 2011 was proof. Further hurting his case is that there are a plethora of premium ruck options as such going players that might provide a bit of value is now all but an exercise in futility. Yes he is important for Collingwood but not for SuperCoach.
Ben Reid - Although this makes sense as he is a lockdown key defender I am going against this call. Firstly with Brown back it should mean less pressure on him and with the big man squeeze in the backline and Macaffer's injury in the forward line there is a good chance that he will rotate through the forward line at some point. Furthermore he was touted as playing on the wing at some stage. He can play and I think writing him off at this stage is very dangerous since he can play. With the potential for more variety in his role this season the 'Bury him' tag is very harsh indeed.
Suggested Player
Nathan Brown - He should play Reid's role this year. Key back playing on the main key forward this season Brown is at a heavily reduced price coming back from injury. But lets look at how he scored before his injury in 2011. His highest average was 62 so he will make you some half decent coin but that is it. With the lock down roles that go hand in hand with his position he will sacrifice his own game for the Collingwood cause. Yes he will play but how much will he average and will he make enough coin to justify not picking a rookie? I highly doubt and for me that is why he should be given the 'bury him' tag.
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