EARLIER in the week portadelaidefc.com.au gave you the inside word on some of the bargain buys available at Alberton this week, now it’s time to look at the top end – the elite options.

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Travis Boak – Midfielder - $431,300
Boak has had an outstanding off-season, getting through injury-free and starring in the Power’s final two NAB Cup matches. The captaincy seems to sit well with the 24 year old, who has been among the best in the competition for points per 100 minutes played. Scores of 121 and 87 in the past two hit-outs lifted his points per 100 minutes to a very healthy 125, putting him well and truly in the elite category for the pre-season.

Final word: Boak has threatened to be a fantasy stud for the past few years, but hasn’t ever really cracked the elite category of point scoring. With the improved depth of the Power’s midfield, along with a good run with injury, Boak may well reach those levels in 2013. At $431,300, he’s worth a punt.

Brad Ebert – Midfielder - $511, 900
Last year’s breakout year saw Ebert’s Dream Team average jump a massive 36 points to 98 points per game in just one year. He’s now in the elite category and if he can lift his output to around 105 will be among the best in the game. With hundreds in the Power’s final two NAB Cup games (103 and 111), Ebert looks in good form.

Final word: He’s consistent, durable and will continue to be a huge part of the Power’s midfield group in 2013. Good value with room for improvement because of his age – don’t hesitate to slot him in.

Kane Cornes – Midfielder - $473,000
The four-time John Cahill Medallist was once a lock in most fantasy sides. His output dipped with a new role in 2011, but he bounced back in 2012 to average 91 for the year. He’s as consistent and durable as ever (he’s missed five games in the past nine years) and has been good across the pre-season averaging 91 points per 100 minutes.

Final word: It’s not yet fully clear the role new coach Ken Hinkley has in mind for Cornes, so it might be worth waiting to see his scores early in the year.

Hamish Hartlett – Defender/Midfielder - $421,400
Plagued by injuries over the past few years, Hartlett’s pre-season has been very good, allowing him to play all five pre-season matches. His Dream Team numbers have been good, too, averaging 90 points per 100 minutes playing in the midfield and floating down back. Hartlett’s performance against Melbourne in NAB2 should put plenty of Fantasy coaches on standby.

Final word: With his dual position status and an injury-free pre-season, Hartlett is a tantalising pick. With so few elite defenders – and with the likelihood he’ll spend plenty of time in the midfield – he should be strongly considered.

Matthew Broadbent – Midfielder - $413,100
Broadbent enjoyed a breakout year in 2012, finishing second in the John Cahill Medal and lifting his Dream Team average to just over 80 per game. He’s enjoyed an injury-free pre-season but his output in fantasy terms hasn’t been huge as yet – 71 points per 100 minutes.

Final word: He’d be classified as a risk to start as one of your eight midfielders this year, but if you’re feeling bold and want a ‘unique pick’, Broadbent may be right up your alley – especially if he can continue to improve at the same rate as he did last year.

Jay Schulz – Forward - $397,400
Only a handful of key forwards ever make it into the elite category, and while Jay Schulz is yet to do so, an injury-free run could see him push close to this area. Schulz only managed to crack 100 once in 2012, but had four scores in the 90s among his 15 games.

Final word: Even with an injury-free run, he’d need a big jump from his output of 77 in 2012 to classify him as elite. While he’s a star for the Power, there are probably better value Dream Team prospects.

Justin Westhoff – Forward - $394,800
With John Butcher pushing for an early season return, Westhoff could be pushed further up the ground and potentially even down back. Averaged 76 in 2012 and has continued around that rate in the 2013 pre-season (82 points per 100 minutes).

Final word: His versatility also means his role will change from week to week – not good for Fantasy consistency.

Angus Monfries – Midfielder/Forward - $352,300
With 150 games under his belt as a small forward at Essendon, Monfries arrives at Alberton as a ready-to-go player. The big difference at Alberton is that he’s likely to spend more time in the midfield – which could have a huge impact on his Fantasy numbers. His highest Dream Team output came in 2011 when he averaged 78 points per game across 21 games, but already in the pre-season, he’s shown he’s a point scorer when given time in the middle (averaging 94 points per 100 minutes).

Final word: As a mid-priced forward with the potential to average between 90-100 points per game, Monfries must be considered very seriously when picking your final team.

Dark-horse
Paul Stewart – Forward - $302,300
Stewart carved out a role for himself playing up forward in 2012, where he booted 20 goals in one of his most consistent years to date. While he hasn’t had huge match time in the pre-season so far, he’s averaging a very healthy 96 points per 100 minutes over his four games (top score of 75).

Final word: It’s likely he’ll spend a majority of his time up forward in 2013, but don’t be surprised if he re-invents himself again in another position. He’s a risk, but at $302,300, he may be a risk you’re willing to take.