With only days until the season proper officially kicks-off in Sydney, don't forget to register your 2012 AFL Dream Team and join the Brisbane Lions' own league.

The Toyota AFL Dream Team has launched for 2012, and the Club is once again inviting fans to test themselves against some of the players, and each other, by participating in the Club’s group competition.

Spaces in the Lions’ private group are unlimited, so we ask that you extend the invitation to your friends and family to make the group as competitive as possible.

2011 Lions Dream Team group winner James Phillips (who coached 'The Blowtorch') is already warming up for his shot at back-to-back titles, but will no doubt have hundreds of other fantasy football fanatics breathing down his neck.

CLICK HERE for full details on how you can register an AFL Dream Team and enter it into the Lions’ group competition.

We encourage all Lions fans to then keep posted to www.lions.com.au/dreamteam throughout the season for regular Dream Team news, information and updates.

In the meantime, the Club has requested the input from one of its loyal members - who is also a seasoned AFL Dream Team veteran - to provide some insight into the Lions’ list.

Hopefully the following guide proves a useful resource for those looking to get an edge on their opponents:

ADCOCK, Jed (DEF)
2012 Cost: $417,700
2012 Lions Rank: #5 (based on total price) 
2011 Average: 84.45
2012 NAB Cup: As effective as always, and scored 100 points against Carlton at Maroochydore. 

The Lions Vice-Captain had a great Dream Team year in 2011, and proved one of the more reliable options in defence. However, with a good season comes a price hike and he is now one of the most expensive options down back. Still worth a look.

BANFIELD, Todd (FWD)
2012 Cost: $293,700
2012 Lions Rank: #14 
2011 Average: 59.37
2012 NAB Cup: Not a huge scorer during the trial period.

Banfield had another productive season on the field in 2011, but his performances don’t seem to be reflected in Dream Team scores. Unless he spends more time in the middle, as has been suggested, I can’t see his averaging improving too much.

BARTLETT, Callum (MID)
2012 Cost: $104,200
2012 Lions Rank: #40
2011 Average: -
2012 NAB Cup: Didn't play any NAB Cup matches, but has had some match practice with the Lions Reserves.

Am very excited about the prospect of seeing Callum on the field in 2012. It’s probably too early to make him a lock in your side considering he’s coming back from two knee reconstructions. But with a modest price tag, I’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on him throughout the pre-season.

BEAMS, Claye (MID)
2012 Cost: $214,700
2012 Lions Rank: #32
2011 Average: 43.4
2012 NAB Cup: Looks to have made further improvements in 2012, and should play more regular senior footy.

Only played three matches last year, but has shown that he can find the ball and kick a goal. I expect his average to increase considerably in 2012, but I’ll probably wait until he locks down a regular spot in the senior side before pulling the trigger.

BEWICK, Rohan (MID)
2012 Cost: $234,100
2012 Lions Rank: #24 
2011 Average: 47.33
2012 NAB Cup: Missed the last two NAB Cup games, but dominated with the Lions Reserves.

Bewick was a popular choice last year and proved a worthy investment, but a price hike in 2012 will probably put many off selecting him again.

BLACK, Simon (MID)
2012 Cost: $449,400
2012 Lions Rank: #4
2011 Average: 90.86
2012 NAB Cup: Showing no signs of slowing down. Had a huge afternoon against Carlton in Week Three.

You can’t fault Black who just seems to be getting better with age. He is a reliable pick in your midfield, and you know that he’ll play most games. He has a premium price-tag, so might be overlooked for guys who average over 100.

BROWN, Jonathan (FWD)
2012 Cost: $331,400
2012 Lions Rank: #10
2011 Average: 67
2012 NAB Cup: Another facial fracture will keep him out until Round 3.  

One of the bargains at the Lions in my opinion. The Lions Captain missed most of last season and finished with an average of only 67 points per game - around 30 points less than previous years. But with a full pre-season, and a drop in price, you would be crazy not to seriously consider putting Browny in your forward line.

BUCHANAN, Amon (FWD)
2012 Cost: $226,300
2012 Lions Rank: #27
2011 Average: 57.2
2012 NAB Cup: Played a couple of NAB Cup matches, but finished the pre-season in the Reserves.

Buchanan only played a few games in 2011 and will be among a host of others pushing for regular senior spots this year. He gets plenty of tackles and can find the ball, so presents value if he can find a regular spot.

CLARKE, Justin (DEF)
2012 Cost: $115,800
2012 Lions Rank: #39
2011 Average: -
2012 NAB Cup: Showed some promising signs with the Lions Reserves, but is still developing.

The Lions rookie is still pretty raw and I would expect he would play the majority of the season with the Reserves. I’d hold off for the time being, unless he dominates during the NAB Cup, of course.

CORNELIUS, Aaron (FWD)
2012 Cost: $221,400
2012 Lions Rank: #29
2011 Average: 44.75
2012 NAB Cup: Only played the one NAB Cup match, but remains in competition for a spot in the senior team's forward line.

Cornelius has a good pair of hands and has been known to kick big bags of goals at Reserves level. He’s 21 now, so seems at the ripe age to make a statement in the AFL and could prove a bargain. But he has some stiff competition in Brown, Lisle, Retzlaff and Karnezis for a regular spot.

CRISP, Jack (MID)
2012 Cost: $85,800
2012 Lions Rank: #45
2011 Average: -
2012 NAB Cup: Played more senior minutes than most rookies and could be worth keeping an eye on.

I’m a big fan of Crisp, but will probably bypass him this year given that he’s on the rookie list. But I’ll follow his progress throughout the season and will pounce if he gets elevated.

DOCHERTY, Sam (DEF/MID)
2012 Cost: $130,200
2012 Lions Rank: #38
2011 Average: -
2012 NAB Cup: Only just returned from hip surgery and can expect a few more Reserves matches before getting serious senior consideration.

Docherty seems to be a ready-made player, and I expect he will make his AFL debut sometime in 2012. However, he missed a large chunk of the pre-season after undergoing hip surgery which means he might be slightly behind the 8-ball in terms of Round 1. But could be a great pick-up once he starts playing senior footy - particularly given he’s a dual-position player (DEF/MID).

DRUMMOND, Josh (DEF)
2012 Cost: $289,400
2012 Lions Rank: #16
2011 Average: 65
2012 NAB Cup: Returned through the Reserves last week for his first match, and will probably remain there for a few weeks while he gets more match practice.

When Drummond is fit, he should be picked in every Dream Team side. Unfortunately the Lions defender’s freakishly accurate left boot has rarely been put to use in the past couple of years. If he can overcome his injuries, will be one of the best buys for the year.

DYSON, Josh (MID)
2012 Cost: $153,300
2012 Lions Rank: #36
2011 Average: 31
2012 NAB Cup: Didn't see any senior action during the NAB Cup.

The Lions rookie cracked it for one senior game last year, but scored just 31 points. Even if he plays more senior football in 2012, it will probably be as a small forward which is not really conducive to big scores.

GOLBY, Mitchell (DEF)
2012 Cost: $265,200
2012 Lions Rank: #19
2011 Average: 53.63
2012 NAB Cup: One of the standouts for the Lions in the pre-season with an average of close to 90 across the team's three full NAB Cup matches.

After a promising first year of senior football, Golby looks set to become a more permanent member of the Lions side. I expect he will play across half-back and should bump up his average a bit. But he’s not overly cheap to buy.

GREEN, Josh (MID)
2012 Cost: $226,500
2012 Lions Rank: #26
2011 Average: 45.8
2012 NAB Cup: Played two NAB Cup matches, but finished the pre-season with the Lions Reserves.

Green would be worth a look as he approaches his second year. Can play in the midfield, but we will more likely see him as a zippy forward this year.

HANLEY, Pearce (DEF)
2012 Cost: $396,600
2012 Lions Rank: #7
2011 Average: 80.18
2012 NAB Cup: Rested in Week Two of the NAB Cup, but will once again be an important member of the Lions' senior side.

The Irishman was a standout in 2012, rewarding those who selected him at the start of the season with an average over 80. This has resulted in a subsequent rise in price, making him one of the premium defenders in the competition. Still good value considering he could see more action in the midfield this year.

HARVEY, Brad (DEF/MID)
2012 Cost: $104,200
2012 Lions Rank: 41
2011 Average: -
2012 NAB Cup: Played in the opening coiuple of NAB Cup games before heading back to the Lions Reserves.

The talented rookie will be pushing hard for a senior game in 2012, but will no doubt start the season with the Reserves side.

HARWOOD, Ryan (MID)
2012 Cost: $246,100
2012 Lions Rank: 22
2011 Average: 55.29
2012 NAB Cup: Proved a potential scorer in the NAB Cup matches he played and will be in the mix for Round One.

From all accounts, Harwood has had a big pre-season and could see more senior action this year. He is a hard nut who could potentially reward those coaches who take a punt on him at the start of the season.

HAWKSLEY, James (DEF)
2012 Cost: $268,600
2012 Lions Rank: #17
2011 Average: 60.33
2012 NAB Cup: Like Harwood, showed he could get the ball, and will be in the mix for Round One.

Was in and out of the side last year, but had a huge score in the final match of 2012 which made a few people sit up and notice. But his effort against the Swans also saw his price escalate to above $250K for 2012. Difficult to gauge at this stage.

HUDSON, Ben (RUCK)
2012 Cost: $366,300
Lions Rank: #8
2011 Average: 74.06
2012 NAB Cup: Hudson only played the one NAB Cup match, and will likely be in a battle with Longer for the back-up ruck position.

Hudson averaged 74 points last year with the Bulldogs and will probably play the back-up role to Leuenberger this year. He can accumulate possessions and has a high tackle count for a ruckman. But his price has him among the top-end ruckmen in the AFL, which might scare some people off.

KARNEZIS, Patrick (FWD)
2012 Cost: $235,200
2012 Lions Rank: #23
2011 Average: 47.55
2012 NAB Cup: Not a hugely productive pre-season, but expect him to be an X-Factor up forward for the Lions again in 2012.

After a brilliant debut year up forward, Karnezis has bulked up in the pre-season and should be a regular member of the Lions’ attack. Wasn’t a huge scorer in 2011 and seems to rely on quality, rather than quantity, as is the case for most forwards. Great prospect, but might not deliver the points you want.

LESTER, Ryan (FWD)
2012 Cost: $234,100
2012 Lions Rank: #25
2011 Average: 47.33
2012 NAB Cup: Seems to have shored up his spot in the senior side with a solid pre-season campaign.

Like Karnezis, I think Lester could be one of the big positives for the Club this year after missing most of 2011 through injury. He plays everywhere, so can be used to fill gaps in the side. While I can see him having an influence this year, I can’t see him getting massive Dream Team scores.

LEUENBERGER, Matthew (RUCK)
2012 Cost: $459,100
2012 Lions Rank: #3
2011 Average: 92.82
2012 NAB Cup: Played plenty of pre-season and looks like being one of the premiere ruckmen in the AFL competition.

The young ruckman was one of the finds of 2011, and should be seriously considered when it comes to purchasing a quality ruckman. So long as he stays fit, he will play every game. He gets plenty of hitouts and can find the ball, so will reward your investment in him.

LISLE, Jordan (FWD)
2012 Cost: $219,200
2012 Lions Rank: #30
2011 Average: 55.4
2012 NAB Cup: Played three NAB Cup matches, but finished the pre-season with the Lions reserves side.

Only played a handful of games with the Hawks, and didn’t produce big scores. But he should get a more regular spot with the Lions and be more of a target. Will take marks and kick goals, but probably won’t accumulate massive possessions like some of the other forward options.

LONGER, Billy (RUCK)
2012 Cost: $148,200
2012 Lions Rank: #37
2011 Average: -
2012 NAB Cup: Developed quicker than most would have thought. Seems capable of playing as a resting forward which might see him play senior football earlier than first expected.

The Lions’ first round draft pick should see senior action at some stage in 2012, but might take a few years to develop under Leuenberger and Hudson. Well priced, but I’ll probably wait to see how he will fit into the side before picking him up.

MAGUIRE, Matt (DEF)
2012 Cost: $225,900
2012 Lions Rank: #28
2011 Average: 45.67
2012 NAB Cup: Has been the Lions' rock in defence and has produced some big scores during the NAB Cup.

Not a renowned Dream Team performer because he generally performs shut-down roles on the opposition forwards.

McGRATH, Ashley (FWD)
2012 Cost: $325,000
2012 Lions Rank: #11
2011 Average: 65.71
2012 NAB Cup: Played all bar one of the pre-season games, and seems set to play a variety of roles in 2012.

Although he is crafty on the field, and a very valuable player for the Lions, McGrath’s Dream Team scores do not reflect his on-field efforts. He scored 60-70 points consistently most weeks as a running defender, but looks likely to play more as a forward this year.

McKEEVER, Niall (DEF)
2012 Cost: $200,800
2012 Lions Rank: #33
2011 Average: 40.6
2012 NAB Cup: Played the final three weeks in the senior team and looks like holding down a key position down back in 2012.

Like most key defenders, McKeever doesn’t look to be a huge Dream Team scorer. Even though he’s a rookie, I expect he will get plenty of chances given Staker is out for the season with a knee injury.

MERRETT, Daniel (DEF)
2012 Cost: $291,800
2012 Lions Rank: #15
2011 Average: 59
2012 NAB Cup: Returned as an unlikely forward in Week Three. Looks most likely to fill the centre-half forward position in Brown's absence.

If points were awarded for spoils, then big ‘Rog’ would be the first defender selected. But unfortunately the hard work he does goes relatively unnoticed by the AFL Dream Team scores.

MICHAEL, Sam (RUCK)
2012 Cost: $85,800
2012 Lions Rank: #46
2011 Average: -
2012 NAB Cup: As expected, has begun his football apprenticeship with the Lions Reserves.

Another developing rookie who is in a development phase. I’d look elsewhere at the moment.

NEWELL, Richard (DEF/MID)
2012 Cost: $85,800
2012 Lions Rank: #47
2011 Average: -
2012 NAB Cup: Showed some good signs in his first senior NAB Cup match against the Crows.

Seems a great runner after smashing the Club’s 3km time trial during the pre-season, but will likely see more Reserves games than senior games in 2012.

O’BRIEN, Jesse (MID)
2012 Cost: $257,600
2012 Lions Rank: #21
2011 Average: 52.08
2012 NAB Cup: Another who seems set for more senior football in 2012.

O’Brien is an interesting one. He is a hard-tackler which gets plenty of points, and has shown he can find the ball. Could be a breakout year for him, but is still a risky proposition at $257K.

PATFULL, Joel (DEF)
2012 Cost: $185,800
2012 Lions Rank: #34
2011 Average: 37.56
2012 NAB Cup: Proved as reliable as always in defence, but not a huge ball-winner.

Will do his job for the team every week, but unfortunately it doesn’t reap many points.

POLEC, Jared (MID)
2012 Cost: $215,800
2012 Lions Rank: #31
2011 Average: 62.33
2012 NAB Cup: The second year midfielder will be on the fans' radar after a solid pre-season campaign with the senior team.

Polec may be a bargain pick for 2012 after a full pre-season. He is a ball magnet who comes reasonably priced after managing just three games last year. It would be negligent not to at least consider him.

POLKINGHORNE, James (MID)
2012 Cost: $335,500
2012 Lions Rank: #9
2011 Average: 67.82
2012 NAB Cup: Was trialled in a few different areas throughout the NAB Cup.

Polkinghorne has gradually improved his Dream Team average every season, and I expect it will continue again in 2012. Can kick goals, tackles well and take marks which all help boost your score. But will probably need to get around the 80-point per game mark to be value at that price.

RAINES, Andrew (MID)
2012 Cost: $295,900
2012 Lions Rank: #13
2011 Average: 59.81
2012 NAB Cup: A knee injury has hampered his pre-season. Probably won't be back until early in the season.

Well priced, Raines could be a good pick-up this year. Showed he could tag opponents and get the ball himself last year. But had some quiet games as well which hurt his average.

REDDEN, Jack (MID)
2012 Cost: $540,100
2012 Lions Rank: #2
2011 Average: 109.18
2012 NAB Cup: Simply a Dream Team star. A score in excess of 130 points against the Blues his best of the NAB Cup.

Became a ‘premium’ Dream Team player in 2011 and was the Lions’ highest scorer (overall points) for the year. If you have the cash, he is a great option in the midfield because he’s always around the action.

RETZLAFF, Bryce (FWD)
2012 Cost: $172,700
2012 Lions Rank: #35
2011 Average: 34.91
2012 NAB Cup: Played just the one NAB Cup game, but remains in competition for one of the senior spots up forward.

Will probably need to push Cornelius, Lisle or Karnezis out of the team to play regular senior football in 2012. He plays the roaming key forward role which can produce big numbers, but is still only developing. Watch him during the NAB Cup.

RICH, Daniel (MID)
2012 Cost: $400,000
2012 Lions Rank: #6
2011 Average: 80.88
2012 NAB Cup: Returned from injury to play the final two NAB Cup matches. Expecting a big year.

The 2009 NAB AFL Rising star is said to have been amongst the standouts at Lions pre-season training this year. He gets plenty of kicks and can kick a goal from outside 50m. Expect he will be more expensive to buy a couple of months into the season.

ROCKLIFF, Tom (MID)
2012 Cost: $554,200
2012 Lions Rank: #1
2011 Average: 112.05
2012 NAB Cup: Averaged 105 points in his two full NAB Cup matches. A worthy premium midfielder.

A massive year for the 21 year-old midfielder saw him become one of the highest scoring Dream Team players in the AFL. In fact, Rockliff had the 5th highest average in the entire competition. Expect much of the same, but you’ll have to pay big bucks to get him in your team.

SHELDON, Sam (MID)
2012 Cost: $263,700
2012 Lions Rank: #20
2011 Average: 53.31
2012 NAB Cup: Likely to play some senior football, but hasn't been a massive scorer.

Performed his role of a shut-down forward really well last year, but it didn’t produce big scores. Not a huge possession-winner generally.

STAKER, Brent (DEF/FWD)
2012 Cost: $265,700
2012 Lions Rank: #18
2011 Average: 53.71
2012 NAB Cup: Out for the season with a knee injury.

Best leave Staker alone this year considering he has been ruled out for the season following knee surgery.

STILLER, Cheynee (DEF)
2012 Cost: $321,500
2012 Lions Rank: #12
2011 Average: 65
2012 NAB Cup: Will be a valuable role player for the senior team in 2012. Worth considering after some solid scores.

Stiller has a knack of finding the football and is capable of big scores. The question mark remains on where he will play in 2012. If he assumes a more defensive role, then it could mean lower scores.

WEARDEN, Patrick (MID/FWD)
2012 Cost: $98,700
2012 Lions Rank: #43
2011 Average: -
2012 NAB Cup: Made his senir NAB Cup debut against the Crows, but expect him to start developing with the Reserves side.

Probably in need of some more development before he gets a senior game this year. I’ll keep him on my radar for mid-season maybe.

WRIGLEY, Stephen (DEF)
2012 Cost: $85,800
2012 Lions Rank: #48
2011 Average: -
2012 NAB Cup: Had a solid pre-season playing in defence with the Lions Reserves.

Of the Lions rookies, I’d be seriously flagging Wrigley. He’s mature-aged at 24 and has dominated the NEAFL for the past couple of years. Obviously needs to be elevated, but will be a steal if he can get on the park.

YEO, Elliott (MID)
2012 Cost: $98,700
2012 Lions Rank: #44
2011 Average: -
2012 NAB Cup: While he might miss out on senior selection for Round One, he has shown enough to suggest his time won't be too far away.

Like Wearden, is still relatively slight and might benefit from more Reserves games in 2012.

ZORKO, Dayne (MID/FWD)
2012 Cost: $104,200
2012 Lions Rank: #42
2011 Average: -
2012 NAB Cup: On everyone's Dream Team radar, but was grounded with a hip injury. Expect him to start with the Reserves before pushing for senior selection.

Will surely prove one of the most popular Lions players in the 2012 Dream Team competition. Has four years of senior footy under his belt, and fills a definite need in the Lions’ team. What’s more enticing is that he is a dual position player (MID/FWD) which gives you flexibility to use him in two different areas. If he can earn a senior spot in Round 1, you’d be silly not to get him.


The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the Club.