THE MIDFIELD is where we pay the big bucks and hopefully get the big points. Selecting the right midfielders to get your team off to a flying start is vital.

So who are the best options in 2019 and who should we be monitoring this pre-season?

Jack Macrae (MID, 890,000) is head and shoulders above the rest following the injury to our beloved Pig, Tom Mitchell.

The Dogs ball magnet racked up more than 35 possessions on seven occasions last year but it’s his versatility that makes him a constant threat with his elite tackling skills ensuring the score keeps ticking over, even when copping a tag.

He managed a career-high average of 123 last season despite an injury-affected 44 and they say you are only as good as your last game … which happened to be a lazy 190.

Also consider Patrick Cripps, Josh Kelly, Stephen Coniglio, Clayton Oliver.

Zach Merrett (MID, $736,000) had a disastrous start to the year in 2018, suffering a concussion in round one, and his scores while recovering in the following weeks were hampered by an inability to cope with a tag. As the season went on, we started to see the Zach we know and love, fully recovering from the knock and having greater success against taggers. He averaged 114 after round 14 last year and looks set to benefit this year from the Bombers' inclusion of Dylan Shiel, who is often the target of opposition taggers. If you think he can return to the lofty heights of 2016 and 2017 where he averaged over 117, jump on.

Dan Hannebery (MID, $434,000) was a shadow of his former self last season, averaging a paltry 59 as he battled through form and injury issues. Watching his last season at the Swans, it was hard to remember that in the three seasons prior he averaged 110, 108 and 94. Hopefully a fresh start at the Saints is just what he needs to get going again, but track his pre-season as he has recently been held back with 'hamstring awareness'.

Rory Sloane (MID, $653,000) is criminally under-priced after injuries held him back in the first half of 2018. He eventually finished the year with an average of 90 after recording 106 and 107 in the two years prior. The Crows are coming off a tough year and should bounce back hard with Sloane likely to be leading the way. He averaged 99 in his last seven games of the season and is every chance to increase by 15 points.

Also consider Tom Liberatore, Anthony Miles, Brad Crouch and Dustin Martin

NEW RULES Who benefits in Fantasy?

Tim Taranto (MID, $660,000) embraced the opportunity for more midfield time last season, increasing his average by almost 30 points to 91 from 21 possessions and an elite six tackles per game.

Although it could be argued he has already had a breakout year, another one is on the cards following the departures of Dylan Shiel and Tom Scully, paving the way to unleash the young gun as a full-time midfielder.

Also consider Andrew Brayshaw, James Worpel

Listen to the AFL Fantasy Podcast with The Traders at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.

It was just two seasons ago that Dayne Zorko (MID, $701,000) was considered one of the truly elite midfielders after averaging a phenomenal 114. Last year, we did see glimpses of that form but unfortunately it was mixed in with some disastrous games where he struggled to break the tag and returned five scores under 65. If however, you think he can return to his best and break the tag, join the 2 per cent of coaches who are backing him in, as he is priced 18 points below what he is capable of.

Also consider Adam Treloar (4 per cent ownership), Coniglio (7 per cent), Scott Pendlebury (1 per cent), Seb Ross (2 per cent)

KEYS TO SUCCESS 10 things you must do

How early is too early to take a punt on Aaron Hall (MID, $626,000) – a midfielder oozing talent and at a new club where they want to unleash his attacking capabilities? Obviously in Draft, playing a straight bat early is essential, with reliability at the forefront, but there comes a time to take a punt and grab a sleeper like Hall. It can make your season it if pays off. When off the leash in 2016 he averaged 105 for the Suns and the Roos will be hoping he can replicate that form.

Also consider Jack Steven, Dom Tyson

Mature-age rookies are usually goldmines and there are a number of basement-price midfielders in the mix for round-one selection, so keep a close eye on the JLT. Put these names on your watch list: Brett Bewley (MID, $170,000), Tom Atkins (MID, $170,000), Charlie Constable (MID, $170,000), Nick Hind (MID, $170,000), Corey Wagner (MID, $170,000) and newly acquired Blue Michael Gibbons (MID, $170,000).

Get expert advice from The Traders during the pre-season in the Fantasy Hub. Follow AFL Fantasy on Twitter and 'like' the Facebook page to join in the conversation.