The 2012 AFL Dream Team competition is open for another season and in our final edition of Dream Team Insider, Dr. Dream Team takes a look at the Essendon players listed as defenders for this year’s competition.

Dyson Heppell – $415,900
2011 points average: 83.4
Dr. Dream Team says: One of the dream team stars of 2011 won’t come cheap again this season, but is a worthy buy given his consistency.
 
Michael Hibberd – $348,400
2011 points average: 70.4
Lost his dual position status and lost a bit of his appeal. Can find the ball though.

David Myers – $340,200
2011 points average: 68.7
Developing player but his injury background has me a little concerned.
 
Mark McVeigh – $313,000
2011 points average: 63
Is used more in defensive roles now, affecting his dream team potential.
 
Kyle Hardingham – $311,600
2011 points average: 62.7
Should improve his average to above 70 points this season.
 
Jake Carlisle – $297,500
2011 points average: 66.8
Has a lot of potential but doesn’t find enough of the ball at this stage.
 
Nathan Lovett-Murray – $297,200
2011 points average: 60
Think he is past his best dream team scores.
 
Dustin Fletcher – $294,900
2011 points average: 59.2
The champion defender dropped his average slightly last season, but can rack up kicks and marks.
 
Cale Hooker – $283,100
2011 points average: 57.2
Struggles to make much of a Dream Team impact. Not for me.
 
Tayte Pears – $246,100
2011 points average: 49
Expect an average of around 70 if he can recapture full fitness.
 
Courtenay Dempsey – $244,800
2011 points average: 49.5
Reasonably priced after missing most of last year. Watch him in the NAB Cup and decide.
 
Henry Slattery – $239,900
2011 points average: 47.3
More of a stopper than a ball winner and not a big Dream Team scorer.
 
Michael Ross – $150,900
2011 points average: 30.5
Was exciting on debut but would expect him to still be in the VFL for most of the year.
 
Alex Browne – $104,200
2011 points average: 16.5
Looks a good player and could be a cheap find if he gets a chance.
 
Luke Davis – $104,200
2011 points average: NA
Set for another year of development in the VFL, so I’d look elsewhere.
 
Mark Baguley – $85,800
2011 points average: NA
Rookie selection unlikely to play much senior footy.
 
Hal Hunter – $85,800
2011 points average: NA
Rookie selection unlikely to play much senior footy.