2012 AFL Dream Team Cash Cows - Forwards

One of the keys to doing well in AFL Dream Team, AFL SuperCoach and other similar fantasy football games is being able to select the right cash cows (high growth players under $150,000 that can either be kept on the bench as emergencies or fill final starting spots) that have the potential to rise appreciably in value and in some cases may even be worth keeping till the end of the season.

Last year it was first pick David Swallow and mature aged recruit Andrew Krakouer that proved the best options from round 1 - who will it be this year?

Here are some of the 2012 forwards with the most exciting potential:

Treolar is a classy midfielder recruited by GWS as part of their 17 year old allotment in 2010. He averaged 18 disposals and 8 contested possessions per game at the 2010 Under 18 Championships as a bottom aged player (1 year younger than most of the others) showcasing his strong ball winning ability. Whilst he is a bit physically underdeveloped still, he is rated very highly by GWS and could be a chance to sneak into their best XXII for the start of the season.

Saad is a 22 year old small forward recruited from the Northern Bullants in the VFL. Originally from Egypt, he has only been playing football for 5 years and impressed recruiters last year with his elite speed, forward pressure and goal kicking nous. He looks a likely starter in St Kilda's forward set-up for 2012.

Zorko is a diminutive, but powerful 23 year old inside midfielder/small forward that has been a consistent performer for a number of years at NEAFL level with Broadbeach and wins a lot of the football. He finally gets his opportunity traded to Brisbane in the off-season via Gold Coast pre-selection and it's likely he'll debut round 1 as a small forward.

Smith is nuggety small midfielder/forward drafted from the Geelong Falcons in the first round. He was one of the leading ball-winners in the TAC Cup averaging 27 disposals per game and also an impressive 7 tackles. It's likely he will start his career as a small forward and he appears mature enough to be ready to debut early on.

Weedon is going into his 3rd season with West Coast and looks to have been afforded a golden opportunity with Mark LeCras going down for the season with a ruptured ACL before round 1 of the NAB Cup. He has only played the 1 game of AFL and isn't a big ball winner even at WAFL, but is renowned for his defensive pressure and tackling. He looks to be in competition with Josh Hill for LeCras' spot, so it may depend on their respective pre-season form as to who gets a gig in round 1.

Hampton is an skilful, athletic medium forward/midfielder from the Northern Territory who will be going into his second season with GWS. He started well in the first round of the NAB cup and looks to be an important component of GWS' side for this season and beyond.

For further information I would recommend checking out the 2012 AFL Prospectus, which is full of invaluable information for the avid fantasy footballer.

My other Dreamteam Hubs:

AFL Dream Team - Tips and Advice

2012 AFL Dream Team Cash Cows - Defenders

2012 AFL Dream Team Cash Cows - Midfielders

2012 AFL Dream Team Cash Cows - Rucks