The AFL has begun its staggered release of the prices and positions of players for next season’s fantasy football competitions and first cab off the rank is the Demons.

Melbourne’s onfield woes are well documented but fantasy football is not about whether a team wins or loses, but the output of individual players. And yes, a successful team is by definition likely to have players who score well in fantasy comps but good coaches know there’s quality to be had in every squad, regardless of ladder position.

Those who selected Nathan Jones last season were rewarded with a ton a round on average.

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The style of football real life coach Paul Roos has his side playing will also affect whether players are a good buy. High posession style footy is obviously going to result in players racking up bigger scores. And vice versa. I’m tipping the Dees will be focusing on retaining possesion this year which should lead to the Dees being a higher scoring fantasy team as a unit.

Anyway, with no further ado, and in the full knowledge this may well be thrown back in our faces, here’s BigFooty’s players to seriously consider, those to avoid and some wildcards just because.

GET THEM IN

Nathan Jones (MID $572,00)

See above. Proven high scorer in prime of his career age-wise. Classic premium midfilder and should be “relatively” unique selection who could provide a key point of difference in a tight game. Some may argue Melbourne’s improved midfield means he’ll won’t be relied upon so heavily but is the kind of player who just keeps getting the ball and could do it even more in a side playing better footy.

Angus Brayshaw (MID $294,000)

Pricey for a rookie but one of those players that appears ready to hit the ground running in the senior side from Round One. More likely to score consistently than Christian Petracca (MID/FWD $297,000), who looks to be more a burst player albeit one with the lure of dual position designation.

NOT WITH A BARGEPOLE

Jesse Hogan (FWD $194,000)

Going completely against AFL guys tip but key forwards rarely score highly unless truly elite. Hogan is yet to play a senior game and still has injury issues. Certainly a genuine talent who will make an onfield impact, but I can’t see regular high numbers.

Bernie Vince (MID $539,000)

A great player when on song and capable of bringing home a big score in the 120+ range. But just doesn’t do it often enough and one who may find himself the fantasy victim of Melbourne’s improving list. Kind of player who could lose value and fast, thus presenting coaches a trading headache early on.

WORTH A PUNT

Aaron Vandenberg (MID $120,000)

A rookie training the proverbial house down who has shown himself to be a ball magnet in other competitions. If he gets promoted before the season starts, definite bench material or perhaps even starting. The purchase price and capacity to gain value there in bucketloads.

Jack Grimes (DEF $400,00)

Has shown he can score high in previous years but has struggled with injury and possibly co-captaincy pressure. If the Dees improve onfield and he can stay fit, he’s a possible premium defender at a nice price, especially if the removal of the co-captaincy makes him feel more inclined to play his natural game.