IT’S the time of year when everyone is looking for that bargain gem every other AFL Fantasy coach misses.

Port Adelaide in 2013 could very well be the place to start searching, with the possibility the Power will be littered with bargain buys across the season.

Eleven new players arrived at Alberton in the off-season, all keen to make an instant impact on new coach Ken Hinkley.

Join the Power's Dream Team group here

The first in a series in the lead-up to Round 1, portadelaidefc.com.au crunches the pre-season numbers to see who the bargain gems might be at Alberton this year…

Jasper Pittard – Defender - $132,600
Managing just one game in 2012 because of injury, Pittard’s consistent pre-season – free of setbacks – has his name high on the watch-list of many AFL Fantasy coaches. The 2009 first-round draft pick is expected to fill the role left vacant by Danyle Pearce – working across half-back and the wing.

His numbers weren’t huge in the first three rounds of the NAB Cup (40, 29 and 18), but his performance against the Swans gave the best indication yet of what he has to offer. Pittard was everywhere against Sydney, racking up 25 touches including 4 inside 50s and 5 rebound 50s to go with his goal on his way to a very healthy 108 Dream Team points. One of the best on the day, Pittard will look to build on that form come Round 1.

Job security: With a new era at Alberton, should Pittard stay fit, he should see plenty of game time across the season. A good bet in your backline.

Ollie Wines – Midfielder - $156,700
Firming as a certainty for many AFL Fantasy coaches, Wines has left no stone unturned during a gruelling pre-season at Alberton.

The Power’s first-round pick in the 2012 draft has played in all four rounds of the pre-season, averaging 75 points per 100 minutes through the first three rounds. But perhaps it’s his fourth round score that will encourage many.

Coming up against the hardened bodies of the reigning premiers in Sydney, Wines was his usual in-and-under self, racking up a massive 46 points in just one half of football.

Job security: Barring injury, will play Round 1 without a doubt. Physically well developed, loves the contest and loves a tackle, Wines is expected to play plenty of footy in 2013. Lock him in.

Show your True Passion in 2013, sign up as a Member here

Kane Mitchell – Midfielder - $119,300
With his long locks and laid-back personality, Mitchell has developed a cult status in his short time at Alberton. He’s a mature-age recruit, a workhorse and can find the footy, but – and it is a big but – he’s on the rookie list. Nick Salter’s placement on the long-term injury list means the Power can upgrade a rookie and it would appear Mitchell is leading the race over fellow rookies Darren Pfeiffer, Danny Butcher and Justin Hoskin. But the club doesn’t have to elevate anyone, meaning Mitchell may have to wait for his opportunity at AFL level.

He’s been consistent throughout the pre-season with scores of 50, 100 and 31 in the first three weeks, followed by a 41 in just a half against the Swans.

Job security: As a rookie, there is rarely too much certainty around your spot in the line-up each week, but if Mitchell can keep his form up, he may well force his way into the side very early in the year. Keep an eye on portadelaidefc.com.au to see if he gets upgraded.

Lewis Stevenson – Defender - $108,500
A consistent performer for Claremont in the WAFL, Stevenson wasn’t ever able to secure a consistent spot for West Coast. He comes to the Power ready to play, with a thumping kick and a good sized body.

He’s been solid across the four pre-season games, with his best being against the Swans – an 81 point showing sure to catch eyes given his bargain-basement price.

Job security: He’ll be fighting for spots with a number of other defenders, but don’t be surprised to see his name in the team come Round 1.

Campbell Heath – Defender - $108,500
As with Stevenson, Heath is ready to play AFL having spent the past four years on Sydney’s list, where he was ravaged by injury.

With a full pre-season under his belt, Heath has been a regular fixture for the Power in the NAB Cup, with his versatility to play on talls and smalls a great advantage in the coaching group’s eyes. Not a prolific Dream Team scorer, Heath has averaged around 50 points per 100 minutes.

Job security: A likely Round 1 starter, Heath’s raking left foot kick and defensive ability should see him play plenty of footy in 2013 for the Power. A reasonably safe bet, but there may be higher scoring options out there.

Sam Colquhoun – Midfielder/Defender - $102,700
Many saw it as a surprise he was overlooked in the NAB AFL Draft, but the Power pounced on the running defender in the pre-season draft.

Lightly built, Colquhoun has shown an appetite for the contest and that he fits in quite comfortably at AFL level – despite his youth. Had a standout game against the Demons where he scored 78 points and backed it up with a 74 against Sydney in the final pre-season match.

Job security: Will be fighting with the likes of Pittard, Stevenson and Heath for a spot in the Power’s defensive unit. Wait to see if he’s picked Round 1 before you lock him into your side.

Jake Neade – Forward/Midfielder - $108,500
It’s hard not to love Jake Neade as a footballer. He’s quick, elusive and exciting, but just as importantly, he does the team things – pressuring and tackling inside 50. He hasn’t been a huge scorer in Dream Team terms (35, 53, 35 and 26 – first half only), but he’s likely to score in the 50s come the season proper – should he be selected.

Job security: Neade’s form will put a lot of pressure on the selectors come Round 1. With no Robbie Gray because of injury, Neade may slot nicely into the role of crumbing forward alongside Chad Wingard.

Ben Newton – Midfielder - $108,500
He’s flown under the radar for most, but Newton averaged a healthy 74 points per 100 minutes during his two outings for the Power in the pre-season. In his third year on the list, he’ll be desperate to crack a regular spot in the Power’s 22.

Job security: Don’t expect Newton to play Round 1 after he missed the Power’s final two pre-season matches, but keen an eye on Port Adelaide’s SANFL team – where Newton has just been transferred – to track his progress. Could be a very attractive downgrade option midway through the year.

ISC Hoodies are in store now, grab yours at PowerMegastore.com.au now