Dream Team Thread

[Kildonan]

For those who have not participated in the AFL Dream Team competition, it is a free competition where you are given a "salary cap" (last year was $6.3 million) and you select a squad of 30 players. You must puchase 9 x Backs, 6 x Centres, 6 x Rucks/Rovers, 9 x Forwards Link

Each week during the H&A season you choose a best 22 from your squad, and these players are given scores based on their performance in the actual games that they played. The scores of your best 22 are totalled and this is your dream team score.

You are allowed to make 20 trades per season with a maximum of 2 trades per week.

The $values of your players vary with their performances, so the squad value may rise above or fall below your original salary cap. The players' $value does not change until they have played three matches in the current season.

This thread is for the discussion of Dream team in general, tips and tricks on strategies, and assessment of the value of individual players.

I'll start a thread closer to the season start where I'll invite Saints posters to join together in a league.

 

[Bourky23]

yeh its awesome, didnt like having more trades this year though because you get to inclined to change ur team and make errors people think it makes it easier id disagree id say its harder because if someone scores badly u feel inclined to trade them and then the next week they will get 100+ and u wonder what the heck u did

 

[Kildonan]

There are certain strategies that might offer an advantage to Dream Team Coaches.

1. Buy players who haven't yet played three games in their career, who you expect will be regulars in 2006.

Why? Because they are cheap, and after they play three or more games their value increases (often markedly)

2. Buy rookies from clubs who have only one rookie.
A risk for sure but they are the cheapest players and offer the greatest return

3. Buy players who have underperformed in the latter stages of 2005.
You have to assess the value of these purchases, but there is definitely some value out there if you are discerning.

4. Buy players who are graduating from a set position to the midfield, their stats will often improve.

I have a few more, but would like to see some input from others before I go on

 

[Kildonan]

yeh its awesome, didnt like having more trades this year though because you get to inclined to change ur team and make errors people think it makes it easier id disagree id say its harder because if someone scores badly u feel inclined to trade them and then the next week they will get 100+ and u wonder what the heck u did

The rules may change, but I didn't make proper use of the trades.
I ran out with almost half a season to go and had to carry injured players.

The way I intend to go this season is to trade away furiously (14-16 trades) in the first half of the season to increase the value of my squad and to maximise my scoring potential. Then I will just trade cautiously to cover for injuries and underperformers for the rest of the season.

 

[mad-saint-guy]

I'd like to give it a go. I think I prefer the format of the Saintsational Fantasy Footy League but I'd still be interested in trying dream team.

 

[Kildonan]

Do you mean the one where we had draw for players at the beginning - then could trade after?

If so, I was the supervisor of that comp. It was a little harrowing at times with one player a no show and another who dropped out (my son took over that team). Would like to play that again, but this time I'm going to let someone else supervise it.

 

[X_box_X]

2. Buy rookies from clubs who have only one rookie.
A risk for sure but they are the cheapest players and offer the greatest return

Ah, I aint the only one who thinks like that either. Well the Bulldogs are the only team with one rookie, Davidson, and he is going to be promoted to the seniour list anyway, so obviously people will get on him.

Teams like Sydney will be hard to select which rookies will play for them.

 

[Kildonan]

X_Box_X IIRC, you were quite active on the main board dream team thread.

Do you have any advice on strategies or things not to do for us?

 

[mad-saint-guy]

How do you go about trading/buying players?

In the comp I'm currently in we're given a list of 40 players, each with a value of up to 1,500 points. Out of those players we can keep any combination of players with a points limit of 12,500.
In the two or so weeks we have to decide which players to keep we can also trade players to for other players/draft picks.

Then we had a draft (with all the players that weren't kept), and now waiting for the division one to finish their draft so we can begin the rookie draft.

It seems Dream Team is quite different to th comp I'm in, so I'll probably take a while to get the hang of it. Any rules sheet/explanation of how to play?

 

[Kildonan]

There is no draft in dream team.
You simply have a budget of $6.3 million (in 2005) and buy the players that you want. You must buy 30 players for your squad.
Each player has a price based on recent performance. The prices will begin to vary after three rounds are played. If a players price goes up and you sell him, you get the new price, sometimes that can allow you to buy a player you couldn't have afforded originally (so it can be beneficial to have money left over in your bank). You don't actually sell a player and buy another, you arrange a transfer (so that your squad remains at 30)

For the full rules see here

 

[X_box_X]

How do you go about trading/buying players?

In the comp I'm currently in we're given a list of 40 players, each with a value of up to 1,500 points. Out of those players we can keep any combination of players with a points limit of 12,500.
In the two or so weeks we have to decide which players to keep we can also trade players to for other players/draft picks.

Then we had a draft (with all the players that weren't kept), and now waiting for the division one to finish their draft so we can begin the rookie draft.

It seems Dream Team is quite different to th comp I'm in, so I'll probably take a while to get the hang of it. Any rules sheet/explanation of how to play?

HAHA, what division are you in, and what's your username on the AFLDRAFT forums?

 

[mad-saint-guy]

Ok, I've read through all that, sounds good! Now I assume when you buy a player cheap and their value increases you don't have to pay their increased salary right?

And should I just register now? Or does the league have to be started before I do?

 

[X_box_X]

X_Box_X IIRC, you were quite active on the main board dream team thread.

Do you have any advice on strategies or things not to do for us?

Sure.

First of all, Lenny Hayes is one player I always get, so feel free to also get him. Haha.

Don't be reluctant to buy the best available player just because he is too expensive. The idea is the buy the best available player and name him captain at least eleven rounds throughout the season.

You're advice is very good, I would have said all of that.

 

[Kildonan]

Ok, I've read through all that, sounds good! Now I assume when you buy a player cheap and their value increases you don't have to pay their increased salary right?

And should I just register now? Or does the league have to be started before I do?

You don't actually have to pay wages, you just buy your players within a budget limit. Whatever is left over in the bank can (and will) be used at a later date.

No - the dream team hasn't started up yet

I'll post a thread to invite players when it's time

 

[Kildonan]

(Let me preface this by saying remember that just because a player is good / great does not necessarily mean he will be a good scorer for you in dream team)

Edit - these prices were valid for the end of last season and are irrelevant apparently for the coming season

Players from St Kilda who I believe represent value:

High Scoring - Reliable - Reasonable Cost
Nick Dal Santo ($287,700)
Aaron Hamill ($226,400)
Lenny Hayes ($289,900)
Justin Koschitzke ($291,100)
Nick Riewoldt ($304,000)

High Scoring - Reliable - but very expensive
Luke Ball ($336,600)

Low Cost - but low risk
Jason Gram ($107,800)
James Gwilt ($39,300)
Andrew McQualter ($136,000)

 

[mad-saint-guy]

(Let me preface this by saying remember that just because a player is good / great does not necessarily mean he will be a good scorer for you in dream team)

Players from St Kilda who I believe represent value: (Note that the prices are not valid for 2006)

High Scoring - Reliable - Reasonable Cost
Nick Dal Santo ($287,700)
Aaron Hamill ($226,400)
Lenny Hayes ($289,900)
Justin Koschitzke ($291,100)
Nick Riewoldt ($304,000)

High Scoring - Reliable - but very expensive
Luke Ball ($336,600)

Low Cost - but low risk
Jason Gram ($107,800)
James Gwilt ($39,300)
Andrew McQualter ($136,000)

Wow, why does Ball cost so much more than Dal?! In the comp I'm in there's hardly any difference..do you have a copy of all the player costs you could send me? I've just put together a list of about 100 players I'll consider for DT but was going on the points in my comp (Had players in groups of cost).

 

[Kildonan]

Ball must have done well at the end of the season.

These are estimated costs based on the last game of last season's dream team comp.

I dont have a list, I have just been perusing the site via this Link

 

[Rocco Jones]

I've played Dream Team for 2 years. Won comp I was in both years (sure sainter still disputes one of them ). Finished around 100 mark in 2005.

Some tips if anyone is interested:

- Last year's set up involved 7 defenders, 4 mids, 4 rucks and 7 forwards in first 22. If you believe you are particularly strong/weak in one area, intentionally use the emergency/ies available ie. pick a player you know won't be playing so emergency comes in. A forward doesn't have to be replaced as a forward.

- Lowest emergency score counts, so be sure only to select as minimal emergencies needed. No need to select 3 emergencies if none of your 22 is in doubt.

- Rookies who are likely to get onto main lists are always good.

- Avoid KP Backmen, cannot stress that enough.

- Remember handballs only count for 2 points, while kicks count for three. Scott West often has heaps of touches and not many points. Also, tackles are worth 4 points, so take it into consideration when picking a player (ie Luke Ball).

- Prices only change after 3 games. I picked up Andrew Lovett for rookie's price after his 2nd game. After one week I made a ~60k profit.

- Remember some teams are more possesion orientated (ie Sydney). Use caution when picking players from these teams.

- Recycled players are always good for a profit earner. Will get more opportunities and will be at a lower price (ie Acland 2005).

- Captains points are worth double. Check opposition, ground, his direct opponent etc.

 

[Kildonan]

Thanks Rocco Jones, some excellent points there and an impressive resume.

 

[Rocco Jones]

an impressive resume.

Cheers.

Would you believe my Dream Team exploits have never impressed the ladies?

 

[Kildonan]

Post deleted as based on prices which were not valid

 

[waspy]

If you're getting those prices from the final prices last year, then they mean nothing. To get a feel of the real prices, look at the average points of players (must play at least 12 games). The 2006 prices are formulated by multiplying the 2005 averages by a certain dollar value (you will be able to find this in the 2005 Dream Team thread in the main board, it's in there somewhere....i can't be bothered looking for it though!).

 

[Kildonan]

Thanks Waspy, I'll refrain from using prices then to avoid confusion.

Appreciate the input.

 

[chooka_delic]

If you're getting those prices from the final prices last year, then they mean nothing. To get a feel of the real prices, look at the average points of players (must play at least 12 games). The 2006 prices are formulated by multiplying the 2005 averages by a certain dollar value (you will be able to find this in the 2005 Dream Team thread in the main board, it's in there somewhere....i can't be bothered looking for it though!).

It was 3670 last year. So if a player averaged 100 then his price in 2006 Dream Team will be $367000

 

[Kildonan]

Recap of strategies that might offer an advantage to Dream Team Coaches.

1. Buy players who haven't yet played three games in their career, who you expect will be regulars in 2006.

Why? Because they are cheap, and after they play three or more games their value increases (often markedly)

2. Buy rookies from clubs who have only one rookie, (Tom Davidson WB), or are likely to play seniors.
A risk for sure but they are the cheapest players and offer the greatest return

3. Buy players who have underperformed in 2005.
You have to assess the value of these purchases, but there is definitely some value out there if you are discerning.

4. Buy players who are graduating from a set position to the midfield, as their stats will often improve.

5. A number of KPP players don't start the season flying, so plan to buy a few of these after the first three weeks have been played to get a lower price.

6. Spend the majority of your player budget on your first 22 or 23 players. The remaining 8 players should be purchased with the intent of profit making

From Rocco Jones:

- Last year's set up involved 7 defenders, 4 mids, 4 rucks and 7 forwards in first 22. If you believe you are particularly strong/weak in one area, intentionally use the emergency/ies available ie. pick a player you know won't be playing so emergency comes in. A forward doesn't have to be replaced as a forward.

Comment: It can be risky only opting for 1 emergency, but this strategy allows you to utilise a player who would not fit into your team because you already have filled that category in your first 22 (i.e. 4 centre players) so you put a defender in your first 22 who you know is not playing (bringing in your only emergency's score) thus giving you the opportunity to score more highly (if the defender you left out would have scored less than the centre player that you have as emergency).

- Lowest emergency score counts, so be sure only to select as minimal emergencies needed. No need to select 3 emergencies if none of your 22 is in doubt.

Comment: the more emergencies you have, the greater chance of one of them having a low score. It may be prudent to pick 2 emergencies rather than 3.

- Rookies who are likely to get onto main lists are always good.

- Avoid KP Backmen, cannot stress that enough.

- Remember handballs only count for 2 points, while kicks count for three. Scott West often has heaps of touches and not many points. Also, tackles are worth 4 points, so take it into consideration when picking a player (ie Luke Ball).

- Prices only change after 3 games. I picked up Andrew Lovett for rookie's price after his 2nd game. After one week I made a ~60k profit.

Comment: Keep an eye out for new players who are scoring reasonably well and have played 2 games. If you buy them, you may be using up a valuable trade, but you are increasing the value of your squad and you can use the extra money to upgrade one of top 22 players.

- Remember some teams are more possesion orientated (ie Sydney). Use caution when picking players from these teams.

- Recycled players are always good for a profit earner. Will get more opportunities and will be at a lower price (ie Ackland 2005).

Comment: Players that fit in that category include Richard Cole, Ted Richards, Paul Chambers, Jonathan Hay, Dylan McLaren, Nathan Lonie, Daniel Motlop, Byron Pickett, Jason Saddington, Daniel McConnell, Jade Rawlings, Patrick Bowden, Fergus Watts, Kasey Green, Travis Baird, Brett Montgomery, Brent Guerra, Scott Camporeale, Ben Fixter, Cameron Thurley, Chris Heffernan

- Captains points are worth double. Check opposition, ground, his direct opponent etc.