The Roos said goodbye to some legends at the end of 2016 which creates an opportunity for the next wave of stars to fill the huge shoes left vacant by the likes of Brent Harvey.

Todd Goldstein (RUC, $582,000) had a great season in 2016 where he averaged 96, but it was nothing in comparison to what he produced the previous year after he dominated the competition for an average of 114. The big guy didn’t look 100 per cent towards the end of last season, and his scores reflected that, with just one 100-point performance in his last seven games after starting the year with six triple-figures scores in his first nine outings. He is extremely durable, playing 20 or more games for the past seven seasons, and if you think he can return to the form of 2015 where he had 16 tons, including 153, 155 and 175, there is an argument that he is under-priced.

Shaun Higgins (FWD, $484,000) holds the AFL Fantasy record for being placed on the 'never again list' only to find his way off it more than any other player in history. Despite being a source of frustration over the years due to injury, he has been a great performer while on the park, averaging over 71 for the last eight years which includes four seasons over 80 and a career high of 89. On the flipside, the injury curse that has plagued Higgo's career has prevented him from ever playing 22 games, which is why we need to keep a close eye on him. If he can get back to his 2015 form where he scored nine hundreds, he may hold his own in a decimated Fantasy forward line. Personally, he will stay on my NA list.

Nathan Hrovat (FWD/MID, $380,000) is an interesting prospect since moving to the Roos for increased opportunity after finding it difficult to get a run in the talented Bulldogs line-up. He certainly has a Fantasy game about him and assuming he gets a chance to play for the Roos, he looks primed for a breakout, given he has spent four years in the AFL system. Last year he averaged a solid 77 from his four games which was highlighted by a 94 from 28 touches and six marks in round 22 against Essendon. In 2014, he caught my eye with scores of 110 and 111 and I think he is certainly one to watch and potentially throw forward.

Marley Williams (DEF, $332,000) looked out of sorts at the Pies last year and hopefully a fresh start is just what he needs to get back on track after dropping from an average of 76 in 2015 to just 55. Injury and poor form contributed to some shocking scores from Williams last year that included disastrous outings of just 40, 33 and 17. On a positive note, if he can find his best form in blue and white stripes, he is well under-priced based on what he has displayed in the past.

Mitchell Hibberd (DEF/MID, $150,000) couldn't break through for his first senior game last year and is now at basement price after spending the year in the VFL. The Roos must be happy with what they see in the No.33 selection from 2015 after signing the youngster up until 2018. The 190cm running machine finished the year strongly on a wing for Werribee which is a promising sign from a Fantasy perspective given his defender eligibility.

Jack Ziebell (MID, $573,000) is rarely spoken about, despite the fact he has had an impressive four years with averages of 95, 85, 91 and 95 in that time, which certainly qualifies him to be in the Fantasy conversation. As JZ is only eligible as a midfielder, coaches would want him to elevate his game to the next level with a triple-figure return to be considered a worthwhile selection. He finished 2016 with 110 and 105 from 25 and 24 possessions respectively which is a positive step in the right direction for the newly-appointed captain.

North Melbourne positions and prices for 2017

Player

Pos

2017 Price

Todd Goldstein

RUC

$582,000

Jack Ziebell

MID

$573,000

Sam Gibson

MID

$546,000

Jarrad Waite

FWD

$505,000

Andrew Swallow

MID

$499,000

Shaun Higgins

FWD

$484,000

Trent Dumont

MID

$457,000

Ben Cunnington

MID

$454,000

Jamie MacMillan

DEF

$442,000

Robbie Tarrant

DEF

$418,000

Mason Wood

FWD

$417,000

Sam Wright

DEF

$405,000

Ben Brown

FWD

$398,000

Nathan Hrovat

MID/FWD

$380,000

Aaron Mullett

DEF

$367,000

Lindsay Thomas

FWD

$366,000

Ben Jacobs

MID

$361,000

Shaun Atley

DEF

$356,000

Majak Daw

RUC/FWD

$354,000

Luke McDonald

DEF

$343,000

Scott D. Thompson

DEF

$342,000

Marley Williams

DEF

$332,000

Lachlan Hansen

DEF

$304,000

Ryan Clarke

MID/FWD

$293,000

Jed Anderson

FWD

$288,000

Taylor Garner

FWD

$260,000

Jy Simpkin

FWD

$228,000

Kayne Turner

FWD

$216,000

Declan Watson

DEF

$184,000

Josh Williams

MID/FWD

$180,000

Corey Wagner

FWD

$177,000

Sam Durdin

FWD

$150,000

Paul Ahern

MID/FWD

$150,000

Daniel Nielson

DEF

$150,000

Ed Vickers-Willis

DEF

$150,000

Mitchell Hibberd

DEF/MID

$150,000

Will Fordham

MID

$150,000

Braydon Preuss

RUC

$150,000

Matthew Taylor

DEF

$150,000

Oscar Junker

DEF/MID

$150,000

Cameron Zurhaar

FWD

$150,000

Declan Mountford

MID

$150,000

Nick Larkey

DEF/FWD

$150,000

Ben McKay

FWD

$150,000