Dream Team is drawing closer, with the NAB Cup underway for some teams and fantasy coaches getting a look at how some of their Dream Team bargains and guns are performing.

portadelaidefc.com.au takes a look at the Power’s midfield and ruck group, analysing each player individually and discussing their Dream Team credentials and potential.

The club will once again be running its own Dream Team group, where you can win great weekly prizes. First time players can register and join here, while players who are already registered can join here.

Related: [ Dream Team: Defenders ]

You can tell us what you think of our analysis and which players will be making your Dream Team for 2012 by commenting at the bottom of this story.

Midfielders

Dom Cassisi
Price: $439,100
2011 ave: 88.8 (13 games)
2010 ave: 89.3 (22)
Career ave: 74.2
An ultra consistent performer who very rarely scores under 75. Regularly racks up more than 20 possessions a game, but it’s his tackling that sets him apart. Cassisi had more than 10 tackles on five occasions in 2011, playing just 13 games because of a knee injury in round two. Expect him to average around the 90 mark again. Durable player who before last year had missed just two games in the previous three seasons. Worth a look but one of the Power’s young midfield brigade may have a higher ceiling.

Hamish Hartlett
Price: $435,900
2011 ave: 88.1 (16)
2010 ave: 79 (4)
Career ave: 78.9
So much to like about the 21 year old who has just been added to the Power’s leadership group. Has struggled with injuries in the past but is managing his body well and is determined to have a big year. Expect more of the ball again for him as he’s continued to work on his inside game. Have a look at him during the NAB Cup but, with another pre-season under his belt, has the potential to score 100+ on a regular basis.

Travis Boak
Price: $426,300
2011 ave: 86.2 (21)
2010 ave: 94.9 (20)
Career ave: 85.5
After a brilliant fantasy year in 2010, Boak received more attention from opposition taggers, pulling his numbers back into the mid 80s. With the additions of big-bodied midfielders Brad Ebert and John McCarthy, Boak will have more support and expect his fantasy numbers to push back into the mid 90s/100s. An incredibly hard runner, there is no doubt about the commitment and determination of the Power’s new vice-captain. At that price, certainly worth a look.

Robbie Gray (MID/FWD)
Price: $402,000
2011 ave: 81.3 (22)
2010 ave: 68 (11)
Career ave: 71.8
Following on from an injury-interrupted 2010, Gray had his most consistent year at AFL level, leading the Power’s goal-kicking with 32 goals. The livewire forward has had big pre-season and looks set to make the transition into a more permanent midfield role. Still expect him to spend time up forward, but he has the potential to push his fantasy numbers into the 90s as a player who regularly gets first hands on the ball at stoppages. A dual-position player, he’s got more value as a forward, where there are fewer guns to pick from.

Kane Cornes
Price: $391,100
2011 ave: 79.1 (17)
2010 ave: 100.7 (22)
Career ave: 88
Saw a big drop in his fantasy numbers in 2011 and with a new role in the team, it’s unlikely he’ll average the 100+ he once did. A hard worker on the track and in the gym, watch him during the NAB Cup to monitor his form.

Matt Thomas
Price: $370,500
2011 ave: 74.9 (19)
2010 ave: 73.3 (20)
Career ave: 65.1
A solid year for the big bodied midfielder in 2011. Has had an interrupted pre-season because of injury, but is back on the track now and is looking strong as always. A consistent performer in fantasy, but there are players with greater scoring potential for his price.

Danyle Pearce
Price: $365,800
2011 ave: 74 (19)
2010 ave: 77.2 (22)
Career ave: 74.9
Is likely to spend more time playing in defence in 2012, which will affect his fantasy numbers. His piercing left boot means he receives plenty of attention from opposition taggers. More of a quality over quantity player, would be a good pick if he was listed as a Dream Team defender.

Mitchell Banner
Price: $351,700
2011 ave: 71.1 (9)
2010 ave: 62.3 (10)
Career ave: 66.4
A midfielder who regularly floats forward with good results, Banner has the potential to be a solid Dream Team contributor. Has the ability to rack up 30+ possessions at SANFL level and if he can translate that form into the AFL, could be a dangerous fantasy player. Probably a year or two from being selected as a first choice midfielder in fantasy terms.

Steven Salopek
Price: $350,800
2011 ave: 71 (12)
2010 ave: 71.7 (15)
Career ave: 70.8
Given he can avoid injury in 2012, Salopek has a much higher scoring potential than his price suggests. Averaged in the mid 90s in 2008 but hasn’t ever managed 22 games in a season (21 in 2006 his best effort). Has had a good pre-season fitness-wise, watch him closely during the pre-season before placing him in your Dream Team.

Matthew Broadbent
Price: $315,300
2011 ave: 63.7 (19)
2010 ave: 60.5 (11)
Career ave: 61.8
Became a regular starter in 2011 and will be hoping to keep his place in the team this season. A hard-running, big-bodied midfielder, Broadbent has never been enough of a prolific ball-winner to warrant being selected as a midfielder in Dream Team. However, at $315,300, he has plenty of potential to improve.

Brad Ebert
Price: $308,100
2011 ave: 62.3 (21)
2010 ave: 81.5 (22)
Career ave: 70.7
Has been praised widely for his professionalism and work ethic and should be an asset to the Power’s midfield. Expect his numbers to be back around his 2010 levels as he takes on more responsibility at Port Adelaide. Should be strongly considered for a sixth midfield position.

David Rodan
Price: $303,000
2011 ave: 61.3 (16)
2010 ave: 71.1 (19)
Career ave: 58.3
Has completed his first full pre-season in three years and looks set to have solid season in 2012. Has never been a huge Dream Team contributor, with a lack of marks hurting his numbers. Despite being an effective clearance midfielder, there are probably better options for the price.

John McCarthy
Price: $251,000
2011 ave: 50.8 (8)
2010 ave: 48 (2)
Career ave: 51
Fantasy numbers were hurt in 2011 by being a sub on several occasions. Is likely to get more time in the Power midfield and should thrive in the new environment. Watch him closely during the NAB Cup as he is a ready made player determined to make his mark at AFL level. Worth a punt.

Jarrad Irons
Price: $235,800
2011 ave: 47.7 (3)
2010 ave: N/A
Career ave: 47.7
A high price to pay for a rookie-listed player, so not a player to put in your team to start the season. If he does get upgraded and has a run of games at AFL level, is capable of getting the footy and popping up for a goal or two. A shoulder injury interrupted his off-season, but is back to full training and looked impressive in the club’s intra-club match.

Chad Wingard
Price: $157,200
2011 ave: N/A
2010 ave: N/A
Career ave: N/A
The Power’s first pick in the 2011 National Draft, the talented left-footer will spend time rotating between the midfield and the forward line. Will be pushing to play in Round 1 after an impressive showing the club’s internal trial. Expensive for a rookie, but with the club looking to the youth, Wingard will be a chance to string some games together. If he’s named in Round 1, don’t hesitate to start him on the field in your Dream Team.

Darren Pfeiffer
Price: $117,800
2011 ave: N/A
2010 ave: N/A
Career ave: 53
Big-bodied rookie who will be hopeful of being upgraded onto the senior list in the absence of a second veteran listed player. Will be a good chance to play games in 2012 and has shown that he can rack up plenty of the ball for Norwood. A good bench option as he should go up in value if he can string games together.

Danny Butcher
Price: $85,800
2011 ave: N/A
2010 ave: N/A
Career ave: N/A
The younger brother of key forward John, Danny is still rookie listed and looks a couple of seasons off playing senior football for the Power. Watch his progress at North Adelaide, could be a late-season downgrade option.

Rucks

Matthew Lobbe
Price: $357,100
2011 ave: 72.2 (10)
2010 ave: 30.3 (3)
Career ave: 62.5
A hip injury curtailed his pre-season but is still an outside chance to be fit come Round 1. Had a breakout year in 2011 and once he gets his body right, will be a key part of the Power’s midfield group. Has great running ability and sound skills, expect his scoring to improve again this year. Because of his injury, worth waiting to see how he settles in when he returns before putting him in your team.

Brent Renouf
Price: $265,000
2011 ave: 53.6 (7)
2010 ave: 64.3 (21)
Career ave: 55.9
At 23 years of age, Renouf is ready to slip straight into the starting 22, once he proves he’s over his injury, which has held him back over the pre-season. Back to full training now and should be right to play Round 1. Has a good tank and a knack for getting forward to kicking a couple of goals. Certainly worth a starting ruck position in your Dream Team.

Mitchell Curnow
Price: $104,200
2011 ave: N/A
2010 ave: N/A
Career ave: N/A
The rookie-listed big man is a project player and is unlikely to get game time in 2012, barring several serious injuries. Watch his progress at Sturt.

Jarrad Redden
Price: $104,200
2011 ave: N/A
2010 ave: N/A
Career ave: N/A
Has become a bolter in Dream Team circles because of the injury to Lobbe. Rated very highly as a tap ruckman but still has plenty of improvement left in his aerobic capacity. Should play during the NAB Cup and will be a chance for Round 1, depending on Lobbe’s recovery. Worth a spot on the bench as he could be a good cash cow if he can string a few games together.