Andrew Krakouer is cheap after coming back from a big knee, but will he get enough game time?
Photo: Getty Images
2013 position: Forward
2013 price: $243,200
Bye: round 13
Last year's average: 59
Last year's high score: 59
Four reasons to have him in your team
1) Keen Dream Teamers know true value is found in players coming back from injury, as you can pick them up at a bargain price. Krakouer went down with a knee injury in a pre-season match last year and only managed one regular season game for the Pies before playing in all of Collingwood's finals. As such, his $243,200 asking price is under for what he will deliver.
2) While scouting for bargain players, the risk is always the chance of the injury recurring, but fortunately, Krakouer played four games on the knee last season, so he has proved he is capable, confident and lacking none of the talent which made him such a hot prospect in 2011.
3) Even though the one game he played in the Dream Team season proper last year only brought home 59 points, in the qualifying final against Hawthorn - just his second game back from injury - he managed 92 points in kicking four goals to be among Collingwood's best players.
4) In his first year with the Pies, Krakouer delivered a hefty return on investment, averaging 75 at a starting cost of just $139,500 and twice cracking the ton. While you will want more than an average of 75 for his current asking price, reports say he has been one of the hardest workers during pre-season and will come back in the best condition of his career.
The downside?
Players coming back from a knee injury don't always get back to their best, and some only do it after at least 12 months of solid football. He may have shown signs of top form against Hawthorn in the qualifying final, but it was only one game and you are trying to pick a bloke that will hold you in good stead for a season.
Perhaps more worryingly has been Nathan Buckley's trend towards the end of last season of having an impact player as the substitute, rather than leaving this spot to be filled by the 22nd best player on the list. Krakouer is a prime candidate for this role, as he will be able to come on and make the best use of his pace. Good for Collingwood, but not so great for your Dream Team.
Risk rating: Krakouer is still pretty cheap, so you are not risking all that much by having him in your team. However, if he starts as substitute too early in the season, he could suffer a significant price drop early, which could hurt. Keep an eye on how Buckley uses the sub through the NAB Cup and make your decision after that. Three Alan Didaks.
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