Today, the defensive options are under the microscope.
Defenders
Grant Birchall ($396,200), average 88.5: Birchall is the Hawks’ top priced defender, and despite missing two matches through injury, has delivered for coaches. His lowest score for the season was 60 points against the Saints, but that was merely an aberration, as he has no score other than that below 80. High scores in 2012 - 118, 103, 97.Matt Suckling ($389,100), average: 89.1: Coming into the season, Suckling was one of the best defensive options for Dream Teamers out of the Hawks, and he has lived up to his reputation. Averaging 89 points per game, he is a solid performer. His price has dropped $59,800 since Round 1 and is at a much more manageable price now. High scores in 2012 - 127, 105, 102.
Brent Guerra ($353,700), average 79.6: Guerra has enjoyed a great season to date both for the Hawks and in Dream Team. The Hawks love to give him the ball to use his superior kicking skills and that has translated into healthy scores. He is certainly one to watch. High scores in 2012 - 119, 113, 102.
Shaun Burgoyne ($348,800), average 76.2: In recent weeks, Burgoyne has enjoyed more time in the midfield, and that means that coaches can grab the smooth mover below cost and reap the rewards of the extra midfield time. His dual position capabilities is also an advantage. Has an average of 89 in his past three matches. High scores in 2012 - 112, 102, 86.
Thomas Murphy ($314,100), average 48: After a number of strong performances for Box Hill, Murphy finally forced his way into the Hawks’ line-up against the Lions and showed he could still play a role at AFL level. A role for Dream Team coaches though? Probably not. 2012 scores - 48.
Josh Gibson ($287,600), average 69.1: The Hawks’ iron fist has been as reliable as ever on the field, but as we know, he’s not always the biggest scorer in Dream Team. Despite this, Gibson has impressed with a huge 151 against the Crows in Round 3 and 103 against Port Adelaide in Round 11. His average is just 69.1 but can be a back-up option. High scores in 2012 - 151, 103, 77.
Ryan Schoenmakers ($280,700), average 54.8: At just 21 years of age, Schoenmakers holds down full back at the Hawks and has impressed in the first half of the season. He has improved his one-on-one ability and is finding some of the footy as well. With an average of just 54.8, he’s not a reliable option but has scope for improvement. High scores in 2012 - 89, 89, 78.
Kyle Cheney ($245,800), average 48.7: Cheney has been in and out of the Hawthorn side, and hasn’t been a top scorer for coaches in his three matches. He could be given another opportunity in the seniors, after showing good form with Box Hill. Scores in 2012 - 65, 43, 38.
Paul Puopolo ($236,400), average 43.9: One of the best cash cows last season, Puopolo hasn’t lived up to the same heights in Dream Team in his second season at the highest level. Starting as sub on a number of occasions didn’t help, but the small forward is building, playing his two best games for the Hawks this season against the Power and Lions in the last two matches. High scores in 2012 - 93, 72, 61.
Ben Stratton ($228,300), average 55: Stratton has been an important player for the Hawks and has found more of the ball, adding to the Hawks’ strength - their rebound ability from defence. He managed a career-high disposals against Adelaide in Round 3, but that hasn’t necessarily translated top Dream Team scores. Not an option if you’re looking for consistent scores of 80 plus. High scores in 2012 - 94, 70, 69.
Stephen Gilham ($212,700), average 45.7: On the comeback trail from a knee reconstruction, Gilham has played three matches in his return season. Never a big scorer in Dream Team, the defender just does his job week in, week out. Has been best on ground for Box Hill. Scores in 2012 - 50, 48, 39.
Jarrad Boumann ($104,200), average 19: The mature-aged Hawks recruit is on the comeback trail from having his appendix removed and will seemingly get some match fitness in the VFL. His modest average excludes him from Dream Team calculations. 2012 scores - 38, 18.
Stay tuned to hawthornfc.com.au at 9am tomorrow, as we review the performance of the midfielders and rucks in the world of Dream Team to date.
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.
