Well there plenty going on at The Dee’s this year. A new Coach, injuries to key players. Will Steele step up ? Can the new rules tame Max Gawn’s rule at the top of the ruck ranks. Who’s gonna fill the midfield hole left by Oliver and Petracca ? There’s so much to look forward to at Melbourne this season, Can’t wait to get stuck into this one.
The Lock
Max Gawn ( Ruck ) $689.600
Big Maxi Gawn what can I say. If I don’t start him he cooks. When I start him he loses cash and others get him cheaper. Anyone else find it hard to get the Gawn pick right ? In the Origin game the other night he went in with a suspect hamstring, spent a heap of time off the ground, and never really looked himself. His score was in the sixties and for many coaches that was enough to fade him as a starting pick. Max is still in 16% of sides at the time of writing. Its way to early to write off Max at this early stage of the year. If you don’t start him I think you will most likely want him at some stage. I’m personally still torn on Max, if I can find the cash I may find a way to get him in. After all we are picking these starting Premiums for the whole year, I never get this one right so don’t follow me !
The Dark Horse
Jack Steele (mid) $510.000.
Jack heads to his third club this season. He is a proven premium at a discount cost. His role is sewn up with the departures and injuries at Melbourne. Can he average enough ( 115 ) to keep at M8 for the season ? I kinda doubt it to be honest but you never know. He does have the late round 16 Bye though, so you could start him with the thought of a late season upgrade. A solid pre season performance may get a few more interested. Remember in 2021 he averaged a whopping 126, If he can get back close to his almost 110 average ( 2022/ 2024 ) he could be a very savvy pick. Keep a close eye on Steele.
Kysaisah Pickett (Fwd) $494.900.
Is it Kozzi’s time ? He will play more midfield, his cousin is now playing along side him ( see below ) does this give the spark to make the next step ? History shows that even with increased CBA’s Kossi can still go missing for big chunks of games. An exciting prospect as a Forward if he just up some of those floor games. Pickett could be worth a look in 2026.
The Breakout
Calab Windsor $283.300
Don’t you hate it when you identify a player early and then they excel and now everyone’s looking at them ? I can’t really claim him as my own, but young Calab is all the talk this pre season, after several eye catching performances in the inter club games. His burst of speed is just what the Dees need to revitalize what was a very one paced midfield. At this awkward price he really needs to go 85+ to make him a viable pick. I think if he can get at least 50% CBA’s and rotate wing / behind the ball, he just might do it. He’s currently my D4.
The Rookies
Xavier Taylor (def) $158.500
Xavier is a 192 cm intercept marking rebound defender taken at pick 11 in last years national draft. Taylor was named best on ground at the Coates talent league grand Final. He had 25 possessions and 15 marks ! I’m still unsure if he makes the round one team, but training reports are positive, so keep an eye out for him in the trial games.
Latrelle Pickett (fwd) $154.00
Kozi’s cousin rocketed up the draft board getting picked at 12 in last years national draft. The 19 year old impressed winning the 2km time trail at the SA draft combine. His combination of pace and endurance make him a damaging high Forward. He looks ready to go, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s named round 1. Pop him on the watch list and keep an eye on the trial games.
How many Dee’s are you starting in 2026?
Thanks for reading FT.