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[Presto]

SuperCoach 2024: Expert Al Paton’s Top 20 cash cows
Getting the right cash cows now can set up your SuperCoach team for a year of success. Who should we pick? Expert Al Paton has you covered.
Al Paton
March 7, 2024 - 6:00AM
Cash is king in SuperCoach.
The $10 million salary cap isn’t enough to fill your squad with A-grade stars, but you can get there by the end of the season.
How? By picking the right cheap players right now who will shoot up in value when they start playing AFL games.
These cash cows can contribute solid scores towards your weekly totals before being cashed in during the season – two good cash cows can become an extra gun midfielder, defender, forward or ruck if you play it right.
Sometimes cheapies are good enough to keep all season, like Harry Sheezel last year. And there are some prospects this year who could match the young Kangaroos star.
Cash cows are a mix of first-year draftees and experienced players who might be new to the AFL or are available at a hugely discounted price, often coming back from a long-term injury.
The 2024 cash cow crop is as strong as we’ve seen for years. With so many options, who should you start in your SuperCoach team? Here are my top 20 cheapies (priced under $210,000) based on likely scoring potential and job security.

1
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Ryley Sanders
Club: Western Bulldogs
Age: 19
Position: MID
SC Price: $184,800
Owned: 67%
Rounds 1-3:MELGCSWCE
Al Paton says: Can't miss the midfield jet with his socks up and the amount of footy he wins. Teenager has already forced his way into the Dogs' first-choice midfield and could be a season-long keeper in SuperCoach.

2
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Alex Sexton
Club: Gold Coast Suns
Age: 30
Position: FWD
SC Price: $133,400
Owned: 43%
Rounds 1-3:ADEWBDGWS
Al Paton says: Rarely considered in SuperCoach as a forward, he could be a fantasy star in his 13th season after being tranformed into a ball-winning defender by Damien Hardwick.

3
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Colby McKercher
Club: North Melbourne Kangaroos
Age: 18
Position: MID
SC Price: $202,800
Owned: 62%
Rounds 1-3:GWSFRECAR
Al Paton says: Remember Harry Sheezel last year? The No.2 draft pick has been handed a similar role at the Roos where he can slice the opposition apart with his brilliant left boot.

4
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Josh Gibcus
Club: Richmond Tigers
Age: 20
Position: DEF
SC Price: $150,700
Owned: 53%
Rounds 1-3:CARPORSYD
Al Paton says: Key defenders aren't usually big scorers but the Tigers have invested heavily in the young interceptor. Missed a year with hamstring issues but looks in top shape and ready to own the back half at Tigerland.

5
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Harley Reid
Club: West Coast Eagles
Age: 19
Position: MID/FWD
SC Price: $207,300
Owned: 73%
Rounds 1-3ORGWSWBD
Al Paton says: No.1 draft pick was the most wanted junior in the country for a reason and has a great role at the Eagles. Only reason he's this low is because his elevated price means he needs to score more than others to make money.

6
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Jhye Clark
Club: Geelong Cats
Age: 19
Position: MID
SC Price: $123,900
Owned: 47%
Rounds 1-3:STKADEHAW
Al Paton says: No.8 draft pick in 2022 was subbed off in his only game last season but will get a lot more opportunities this year in a regenerating Geelong midfield.

7
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Darcy Wilson
Club: St Kilda Saints
Age: 18
Position: MID/FWD
SC Price: $130,800
Owned: 53%
Rounds 1-3:GEECOLESS
Al Paton says: Saints' top draft pick blitzed the time-trials over summer then backed it up with 24 disposals in the final practice game. Perfect midfield-forward swing man.

8
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Zach Reid
Club: Essendon Bombers
Age: 21
Position: DEF
SC Price: $123,900
Owned: 38%
Rounds 1-3:HAWSYDSTK
Al Paton says: Key back has had no luck with injuries but is righted very highly at the Bombers. If he's fit, he'll play, and could score more than expected.

9
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Henry Hustwaite
Club: Hawthorn Hawks
Age: 19
Position: MID
SC Price: $184,400
Owned: 16%
Rounds 1-3:ESSMELGEE
Al Paton says: Kicked two goals and scored 83 points on debut in round 23 last year and has been one of the Hawks' best onballers all pre-season. Worth the slightly expensive price tag.

10
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Nick Coffield
Club: Western Bulldogs
Age: 24
Position: DEF
SC Price: $123,900
Owned: 57%
Rounds 1-3:MELGCSWCE
Al Paton says: Former top 10 draft pick gets a second chance at the Dogs after two seasons ruined by injuries. An easy choice who could score well enough to start on your field.

11
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Ethan Phillips
Club: Hawthorn Hawks
Age: 24
Position: DEF
SC Price: $102,400
Owned: 22%
Rounds 1-3:ESSMELGEE
Al Paton says: Tall defender signed late to cover a spate of backline injuries at the Hawks. Was a big interceptor for Port Melbourne but will be given tougher jobs at AFL level. Regardless, at that price he's a perfect bench pick.

12
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Matt Roberts
Club: Sydney Swans
Age: 20
Position: MID
SC Price: $156,800
Owned: 19%
Rounds 1-3:COLESSRIC
Al Paton says: Midfielder put up huge numbers as a junior (ask The Phantom) and showed glimpses last year before getting hurt. Playing at half-back in the pre-season, he has high scoring potential but potentially shaky job security.

13
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Jackson Mead
Club: Port Adelaide Power
Age: 22
Position: MID/FWD
SC Price: $199,800
Owned: 2%
Rounds 1-3:WCERICMEL
Al Paton says: Pre-season bolter is another pricey cash cow worth considering. Father-son recruit was the sub in five of his seven games last year but has been given a wing by Ken Hinkley in pre-season and repaid the faith.

14
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Jeremy Sharp
Club: Fremantle Dockers
Age: 22
Position: MID
SC Price: $123,900
Owned: 45%
Rounds 1-3:BRINTHADE
Al Paton says: Former Sun can fill the Dockers wing role vacated by Liam Henry. At age 22 he's a safe bench pick in the midfield.

15
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Charlie Lazzaro
Club: North Melbourne Kangaroos
Age: 22
Position: MID/FWD
SC Price: $181,100
Owned: 14%
Rounds 1-3:GWSFRECAR
Al Paton says: Now in his fourth year, the onballer has been a standout over summer at Arden St. Add him to the list of expensive rookies/bargain forwards this season.

16
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Caleb Windsor
Club: Melbourne Demons
Age: 18
Position: MID/FWD
SC Price: $180,300
Owned: 34%
Rounds 1-3:WBDHAWPOR
Al Paton says: Christian Petracca told us to pick the No.7 draft pick, who has been a pre-season star. Slight concern on how much he can score consistently on a wing, but will play early.

17
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Aaron Cadman
Club: Greater Western Sydney
Age: 20
Position: FWD
SC Price: $127,600
Owned: 14%
Rounds 1-3:NTHWCEGCS
Al Paton says: No.1 draft pick averaged 23 in his debut year but looks ready to take a big leap forward. Can he take advantage of a friendly early draw?

18
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Sam Naismith
Club: Richmond Tigers
Age: 31
Position: RUC
SC Price: $123,900
Owned: 30%
Rounds 1-3:CARPORSYD
Al Paton says: Fairytale return for ex-Swan cruelled by injuries. Looks most likely of bench rucks to play and could be a big money maker if Toby Nankervis is out for a while.

19
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Shaun Mannagh
Club: Geelong Cats
Age: 26
Position: MID/FWD
SC Price: $117,300
Owned: 44%
Rounds 1-3:STKADEHAW
Al Paton says: Geelong loves a mature-age recruit and drafted the 26-year-old after he dominated the VFL last year. Limited game time in the pre-season is a worry. Pick him, Scotty!

20
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Finlay Macrae
Club: Collingwood Magpies
Age: 21
Position: FWD
SC Price: $152,600
Owned: 26%
Rounds 1-3:SYDSTKBRI
Al Paton says: Little brother of Jack is a ball magnet who was on track for 'world record' numbers in an intraclub game. But the Pies' best 22 is hard to crack. A candidate for the sub vest - watch closely in Opening Round.

 

[Shannon]

AFL SuperCoach 2024: The Phantom’s rookie rankings in every position
A lot of names are being thrown around – but who are the SuperCoach rookies you need to pick? The Phantom ranks the best cheapies in every position.

The Phantom

11 min read
March 12, 2024 - 1:55PM

The key to success in SuperCoach is nailing your rookie-price selections.
To help you sort the good from the bad, I’ve ranked the best cheapies in every position — with scoring potential, job security and price taken into account.

DEFENDERS
1. Blake Howes
Melb, $123,900
SC Ave 2023: 93 (VFL)
Opening Round score: 91

The third-year Demon has not only rocketed into the SuperCoach rookie conversation but straight to the top of this list. With a 91-point score already in his price cycle – on the back of 17 disposals and a game-high 12 intercept possessions against Sydney – Howes is already guaranteed to make early cash. And for that, he’s a must-have. Plus, the Dees were rapt with the debut of the competitive 20-year-old, who averaged 23 disposals, six intercepts and 93 points in the VFL last year.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: Can’t leave him out now.


2. Josh Gibcus
Rich, $150,700
SC Ave 2023: DNP
Opening Round score: 76

After hamstring injuries wiped out last year, the highly-rated Tiger looks ready to finally build on his solid debut season of 2021. Gibcus travelled to Qatar in December to receive specialist treatment, setting the foundation for a pre-season block that has seen the 20-year-old remind onlookers of his aerial prowess in defence. Intercept possessions equal big SuperCoach points and there might be none better at Richmond than Gibcus – who tallied 18 disposals, three intercept marks and 102 points in just his fourth senior game in 2022 – very soon.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: Tallied nine disposals and eight intercept possessions in a convincingly-beaten side in opening round to confirm his place as a great on-field rookie option.

3. Nick Coffield
WB, $123,900
SC Ave 2023: 83 (VFL)
Practice match score: 51

The former top-10 draft pick played 16 of 17 games and averaged 72 points in a career-best season in Covid-affected 2020. He then finished with 17 disposals, nine marks and 95 points in the semi-final loss to Richmond. But, after an inconsistent 2021 season, Coffield tore his ACL the next summer and hasn’t played at AFL level since. The 24-year-old was traded from St Kilda in October and he’s relishing a “fresh start” at the club he supported as a kid. Importantly, Coffield, who scored 114 points in his first VFL game for two years in July, has fitted in well on the track and with Taylor Duryea now 32 and Hayden Crozier delisted, there might be a spot in defence for him.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: Likes to kick – 13 of his 14 disposals were by foot in the official practice game – and he looks set to make his long-awaited AFL return this weekend.

4. Zach Reid
Ess $123,900
SC Ave 2023: 44 (2 VFL games)
Practice match score: 80

Zach Reid in full training is great news for SuperCoaches and Bombers fans alike. The 202cm defender, who is a terrific ball user, played eight games in his first two years on Essendon’s list, scoring 60 points or more in three of his first five. But he’s battled multiple injury issues along the way, with the pick 10 from the 2022 draft managing just two VFL appearances last season. But a fit Reid has caught the eye on the track, with Essendon footy boss Daniel McPherson telling Melbourne radio the club is “really excited about what he could do in the side”.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: The Bombers love him and after 15 disposals – at 90 per cent efficiency – seven marks and 80 SuperCoach points in the practice game, it’s easy to see why. Not much between he and Coffield at the price.


5. Ethan Phillips
Haw, $102,400
SC Ave 2023: 93 (VFL)
Practice match score: 56

The VFL’s intercept king of the past two years has finally made his way onto an AFL list. And with Hawthorn’s injury woes down back, Phillips is on track for a round 1 debut. The 24-year-old has averaged five intercept marks per game since 2021 and showed to enough in the practice match to suggest he’s ready to step straight up.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: A great bench option at $102k.

NEXT IN LINE
Charlie Dean
Coll $102,400
SC Ave 2023: 93 (1 VFL games)
Opening Round score: 55

Could this finally be the 2021 Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medallist’s year? After winning the award as the VFL’s best young player, Dean landed at the Pies in that year’s rookie draft and SuperCoaches pencilled him – and his standout intercept marking – in as a basement price rookie. But both of his first two seasons on the Magpies list were wiped out by injury, with Dean only managing three VFL games. One of those, however, was a 93-point performance, on the back of 15 disposals, seven spoils and four intercept marks, on return from injury in the 2023 preliminary final.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: With no Jeremy Howe or Nathan Murphy, Dean debuted in opening round with a nine-disposal, four-intercept performance described as “promising” by coach Craig McRae. But how strong is his job security? It might not be as solid as Phillips’.

OTHERS TO CONSIDER TO START: Toby Pink, Jase Burgoyne, Kallan Dawson

MIDFIELDERS
1. Ryley Sanders
WB, $184,800
SC Ave: 170 (U18 Champs)
Practice match score: 86

The Bulldogs draftee scored 127, 178, 152, 210, 160, 151, 161, 144, 126, 137, 184, 118 and 118 last year. They aren’t his top scores, they are his SuperCoach tallies in every match he played in 2023 across the under-18 national carnival and Coates League. Sanders is a SuperCoach scoring weapon in the making, who averaged 36 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight score involvements, six marks, five and clearances and four tackles for the Allies in their title-winning campaign. And he hit the ground running at the Bulldogs, turning heads over summer through the midfield.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: Sanders has the ability to play inside and outside, and tallied 30 disposals and 10 contested possessions against the Hawks in the Community Series. Get him in – and on your field.

2. Colby McKercher
NM, $202,800
SC Ave: 150 (U18 Champs)
Practice match score: 55

First Nick Daicos dominated across half-back in his debut season. Then Harry Sheezel did it last year. Now, it might be McKercher’s turn, with the 18-year-old – drafted has a classy, neat-kicking midfielder with a serious burst of speed – impressing in a similar role at North Melbourne over summer. He’s been so good, Roos captain Jy Simpkin was left to say nothing but “holy crap” when quizzed about McKercher’s pre-season to date. The left-footer booted 12 goals and averaged 29 disposals and 144 SuperCoach points for the Tassie Devils in the Coates League in 2023.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: As we saw in the practice match, there are plenty of mouths to feed at North, but the role is there. Worth the top-end price tag.

 

[Shannon]

3. Matt Roberts
Syd, $156,800
SC Ave: 31 (AFL), 107 (VFL)
Opening Round score: 76

After starting as the sub in the opening three rounds of the year, Roberts was finally given the opportunity in round 4 against the Tigers. And he took it, finishing with 14 disposals – at 92 per cent efficiency – eight contested possessions, four tackles, four marks and 93 points in an efficient display on a wing. Unfortunately for the Swans, and a few SuperCoaches who jumped on, he was injured a week later. But after four consecutive SuperCoach tons to finish the VFL season, and a move to half-back over summer, Roberts, who was a junior ball magnet, is right back in the SuperCoach rookie conversation.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: A move to half-back is the new ‘more midfield minutes’ and this guy might seriously surprise. That was the verdict before any pre-season games. And he’s done more than surprise. Roberts is just super efficient and smart – and a lock on your bench at the very least, especially with a 76-point score already in his price cycle.

4. Jhye Clark
Geel, $123,900
SC Ave: 64 (VFL)
Practice match score: 86

Injury ruined most of his debut season, with Clark playing only seven games in 2023 – sic in the VFL and one as the sub in the senior team. But the tough midfielder hit the ground running this year and attended more centre bounces than any other Cat in the practice match against Essendon.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: Earmarked as the Joel Selwood replacement when he was drafted, it might finally be Clark’s time. His desire to hunt the ball and body should make for a higher SuperCoach floor and he’s an on-field candidate, depending on your structure.

5. Henry Hustwaite
Haw, $184,400
SC Ave: 66 (AFL – 2 games), 75 (VFL)
Practice match score: 84

He’s young and lightly built but Hustwaite already looks like he has more time than most with the ball in hand – like he did late in his junior career after moving into the midfield. Kicked two goals and had 15 disposals on debut last season and was one of the most impressive Hawks over summer, winning plenty of the footy in the unofficial practice match, before tallying 17 disposals, nine contested possessions and 84 points in the Community Series game.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: The 195cm midfielder, who is terrific by hand in tight, is a SuperCoach star in the making. I’m fitting all five in!

NEXT IN LINE
Shaun Mannagh
Geel, $117,300, Fwd
SC Ave: 117 (VFL)
Practice match score: 44

“He is ready to go and we feel like he can have a big influence on the way that we play… really composed, beautifully clean off his feet”. When Patrick Dangerfield speaks at Geelong, people listen. So the Geelong star’s praise for mature-age recruit Mannagh wouldn’t just be for show. The 26-year-old booted a remarkable 40 goals – six of them in the grand final – and averaged 25 disposals, six tackles and five clearances in 21 VFL games last season. A ball-winning offensive weapon, Mannagh could help Geelong forward-of-centre right away.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: Mature-age. Dual-position. $117k. Kicks goals. Mannagh ticks a lot of SuperCoach cash cow boxes. But the problem is he started on the bench and played limited game-time against the Bombers. An impressive, quick-fire 44 points – on the back of eight disposals and 1.1 – means he might still be in the mix, though. A great bench swing pick, if named.

OTHERS TO CONSIDER TO START: Jack Carroll, Jeremy Sharp, Josh Sinn

RUCKS

1. Sam Naismith (Rich, $123,900)
2. Coen Livingstone (WC, $102,400, Fwd)
3. Liam Reidy (Freo, $123,900)
4. Jordan Sweet (Port $158,700)
5. Toby Conway (Geel $180,000)

We’ll keep this one simple. After he scored 93 in opening round, Richmond captain Toby Nankervis only needs to miss two more for Naismith to make some quick, serious cash. Could Adem Yze play two ruckmen when Nankervis does return, given his limited preparation? There’s enough upside to make him the top point-scoring, money-making R3 option. But if you’re after a forward-ruck non-playing R3, Livingstone is your man. If you’re starting Luke Jackson in the forward line – and you probably should be now – Livingstone allows you the option of bringing Jackson up to cover your on-field rucks at any stage. The Eagles play eight Sunday games – and only one in the early Saturday timeslot – before their round 14 bye, meaning he’s the best VC loophole candidate.

 

[Shannon]

FORWARDS
1. Alex Sexton
GC, $133,400
Ave: 24 (AFL)
Opening round score: 73

A 30-year-old who averaged 24 SuperCoach points in eight senior games at No. 3, Phantom, really? Yeah, it doesn’t scream pick me – but there’s good reason. Sexton, who booted 39 goals in career-best 2019, started as Gold Coast’s sub in five of those eight matches last year, explaining the three scores of 16 or less. The big factor here, though, is new coach Damien Hardwick turning the two-time club leading goalkicking into a rebounding defender – one who could help fill the void left by Lachie Weller early in 2024. The skills of and ability to cover the ground of Sexton, who had 31 disposals, 11 marks and 125 SuperCoach points in the Community Series, have impressed Hardwick during his first pre-season at the club.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: The role is real and so is Alex Sexton at No. 1.

2. Harley Reid
WC, $207,300, Mid
SC Ave: 135 (Coates League)
Practice match score: 88

Harley Reid could play anywhere in his debut season and score well. But with coach Adam Simpson hinting over summer his prized No. 1 pick is likely to spend time behind the ball this year, he might score more than just well. Reid averaged 20 disposals, four intercept marks and 113 SuperCoach points playing in defence for Vic Country at the under-18 carnival as a bottom-ager in 2022. He caught the eye pushing senior teammates around through the midfield in the Eagles’ intra-club, before doing exactly what Simpson had said, mopping up down back.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: Drops one spot on this list but only because of his price and Sexton’s rise. With job security, role and scoring power all there, Reid hasn’t left my side since SuperCoach opened.

3. Darcy Wilson
StK, $139,900, Mid
SC Ave: 125 (Coates League)
Practice match score: 106

The running machine tallied 24 disposals and 10 marks against North Melbourne to show just how well he’ll fit into St Kilda’s side in his debut season. The Saints like to share it around and the player who finds space often gets rewarded. And, given his running power, the teenager, who averaged 25 disposals and 1.5 goals per game last year, will do just that.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: At that price, you just have to pick him, even if you can’t get Wilson on field.


4. Charlie Lazzaro
NM, $181,100, Fwd
SC Ave: 36 (AFL), 106 (VFL)
Practice match score: 68

If we’re counting North Melbourne’s recent intra-club – and of course we are at this time of the year – Lazzaro has played three very good games in a row. In his final VFL game of last season, the 21-year-old tallied 35 disposals, 13 contested possessions, 12 tackles, 11 clearances and 128 SuperCoach points. He was recalled to the senior team a week later for only his third non-sub-affected appearance of the year and finished with 26 disposals, nine contested possessions, five clearances, four tackles and 87 points against the Suns – albeit in a midfield missing Luke Davies-Uniacke. Then, if you’ve missed the news, dominated the Roos’ internal hitout this week, prompting assistant coach Leigh Adams to declare Lazzaro a player who “seems at the moment to have nailed a spot in the midfield”.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: There are some compelling numbers and his work at the contest – an ability to hit it at pace and take the ball in particular – has been equally as impressive. There are plenty of young guns vying for midfield time at North Melbourne, but Lazzaro has shown he can have an impact in a split role. I’m going deep on the bench this year, so he’s in my team.

5. Jackson Mead
Port, $199,800, Mid
SC Ave: 40 (AFL), 98 (SANFL)
Practice match score: 112

In his fifth season, it might finally time for Mead to make his mark. He’s been given infrequent opportunity in the senior side of the past two years, given the strength of the Power’s midfield mix. And, while Mead said this week he’s open to playing anywhere, coach Ken Hinkley know the 21-year-old does his best work in the middle – just like he did in the practice match, tallying 21 disposals at 95 per cent efficiency and 112 SuperCoach points.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict: Yes, Zak Butters went down early in that game but there might be opportunity with Sam Powell-Pepper suspended. If Mead, who is tough, clean and efficient, takes that opportunity, Hinkley won’t drop him just because he was last man in.

NEXT IN LINE
Caleb Windsor
Melb, $180,300, Mid
SC Ave: 98 (Coates League)
“He’s flying, I’ve told all my mates in SuperCoach to get him.” No, that isn’t me talking, that’s Windsor’s star teammate Christian Petracca, who’s loved what he’s seen from the first-round pick over summer. Broke lines and kicked goals on the outside playing for Eastern Ranges last year, but the classy teenager also has terrific hands and can get himself out of trouble, like he’s shown during Melbourne’s intra-club and in the second half against Richmond on Sunday.

The Phantom’s March 12 Verdict:Had some nice moments, again, in opening round and has a 58-point score locked in. But I’m not sure he will win enough footy in an uncontested role to justify the high-price tag and sit in the top five. The next three below are very close, too.

OTHERS TO CONSIDER TO START: Chris Burgess, Zane Duursma, Aaron Cadman, Buku Khamis, Fin Macrae, Cooper Simpson

 

[freowho]

Can't fault any of those. Obviously doesn't rate Dempster or Campbell.

 

[Shannon]

Can't fault any of those. Obviously doesn't rate Dempster or Campbell.

Yeah I was surprised at no mention of Dempsey.

He was named in the VFL team of the year last season after averaging 21 disposals, a goal and 102 SC points a game.

Had 15 possessions, kicked 1 goal for 93 SC v Essendon in their last practice game. Can play half fwd or wing, one of the best endurance runners at the club apparently. With Rohan sidelined for the first month I think he gets his opportunity to cement his spot in the side round 1. I have him on my bench pending team announcements, he seems one of the best options scoring wise & role wise - I avoid picking rookie small fwds as much as possible. This kid plays higher up the ground & can obviously score quite well.

 

[Presto]

AFL round 1 predicted teams: How every club is likely to line-up
March 12, 2024 - 4:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
— Glenn McFarlane
PREDICTED ROUND 1 TEAMS
CARLTON V RICHMOND
CARLTON
B: Boyd Young Saad
HB: Newman McGovern Williams
C: Acres Cripps Hollands
HF: Cottrell McKay Cuningham
F: Fantasia Curnow Fogarty
R: De Koning Cerra Hewett
INTER: Kennedy Carroll Moir Owies Kemp
LIKELY SUB: Moir
EMER: Pittonet Binns Cincotta
IN: Moir
OUT: Docherty
KEY ABSENTEES: Docherty, Walsh, Weitering, Martin
There’s a bit of chatter around that the Blues could debut Ashton Moir, the South Australian who was taken at pick 29 in last year’s draft and had some nice moments in the pre-season clash with Melbourne. It could come at the expense of Matt Owies who was quiet against Brisbane but a straight swap for the injured Sam Docherty seems more likely. Jesse Motlop (toe) could push to return but might be held back until after the round 2 bye.
RICHMOND
B: Grimes Broad Gibcus
HB: Short Vlastuin Rioli
C: McIntosh Taranto Pickett
HF: Baker Balta Bolton
F: Martin Lynch Koschitzke
R: Nankervis Hopper Prestia
INTER: Ryan Rioli Dow Campbell Young
LIKELY SUB: Rioli
EMER: Naismith Cumberland Banks
IN: Lynch, Nankervis, Martin
OUT: Naismith, Banks, Ross
KEY ABSENTEES: Jack Graham
Naismith would be unlucky to be left out after battling manfully against Jarrod Witts, but Samson Ryan offers the Tigers more versatility in attack. Lynch has long targeted round 1 for his comeback, while Martin should be fit to return. Nankervis might be touch-and-go, in which case Naismith would lead the midfield again. Debutant Seth Campbell won’t be left out after kicking two of Richmond’s nine goals.
COLLINGWOOD V SYDNEY
COLLINGWOOD
B: Maynard Moore Howe
HB: Pendlebury Quaynor N.Daicos
C: Hoskin-Elliott Crisp J.Daicos
HF: Sidebottom Mihocek Schultz
F: Elliot McInnes Hill
R: Cameron De Goey Lipinski
INTER: Noble Mitchell McCreery Markov Cox
LIKELY SUB: Noble
IN: McInnes, Howe
OUT: Johnson, Dean
KEY ABSENTEES: Murphy, McStay
There has been a clamour from Collingwood supporters for Fin Macrae to be called on this week after the Magpies midfield battled against GWS. But unless Craig Macrae makes a big selection call and leaves out Tom Mitchell against his old side, that’s unlikely unless he replaces John Noble as sub. Jeremy Howe should return to replace round 0 debutant Charlie Dean and Reef McInnes is in line to get his chance after an impressive pre-season.
SYDNEY
B: Melican McCartin Florent
HB: Blakey Rampe Roberts
C: Lloyd Warner Gulden
HF: Heeney McDonald Papley
F: Hayward McLean Amartey
R: Grundy Jordan Rowbottom
INTER: Fox Cunningham Campbell McInerney Wicks
LIKELY SUB: Wicks
NO CHANGE
KEY ABSENTEES: Adams, Parker, Mills
The Swans are sitting pretty and it’s going to be hard to change a winning formula. Robbie Fox played a negating role on Jake Lever up forward, but with the Pies short on rebounding defenders he might not be needed. He may play the role again if Jeremy Howe is named, however. Peter Ladhams, Jack Buller or a fit Sam Reid are also options if the Swans decide to drop Joel Amartey who was subbed out against the Demons. Angus Sheldrick fractured his finger in a VFL practice match and, while he won’t need surgery, won’t be considered to help bolster the engine room in a big midfield showdown against the Pies.
ESSENDON V HAWTHORN
ESSENDON
B: Redman McKay Reid
HB: Martin Laverde McGrath
C: Tsatas Durham Duursma
HF: Caldwell Langford Gresham
F: Stringer Wright Perkins
R: Goldstein Setterfield Merrett
INTER: Hobbs Cox Jones Bryan Guelfi
LIKELY SUB: Guelfi
EMER: Menzie Heppell Weideman
KEY ABSENTEES:Ridley, Parish, Draper
All of Essendon’s prized recruits should debut in red and black against Hawthorn, with Goldstein likely to take the main ruck duties due to Sam Draper still being under an injury cloud. Draper played in a VFL practice match on managed minutes, but with Goldstein on the list and Nick Byran developing, Brad Scott can afford not to rush Draper. Darcy Parish has been ruled out due to a hamstring strain, with Ben Hobbs a like-for-like replacement after getting through a VFL hitout. Nik Cox has been training down back and between him, McKay, Reid, Laverde and Redman they should be able to equal one Jordan Ridley, who’s missing with a quad, although there’s every chance former skipper Heppell comes in. One of Menzie or Guelfi will likely miss, with the other our choice to be named as the sub.
HAWTHORN
B: Scrimshaw Frost Weddle
HB: Amon Sicily Impey
C: Macdonald Nash D’Ambrosio
HF: Moore Lewis Hardwick
F: Ginnivan Chol Breust
R: Reeves Newcombe Worpel
INTER: Gunston Watson Mackenzie Hustwaite Ward
LIKELY SUB: Ward
EMER: Phillips Morrison Meek
KEY ABSENTEES:Day, Jiath, Blanck, Wingard
The Hawks were crippled by injuries in pre-season, but as Will Day went down Cam Mackenzie and Henry Hustwaite thrived with more midfield minutes against the Bulldogs. We’ve got them both earning a round 1 spot, while several fresh faces in Nick Watson, Mabior Chol and Massimo D’Ambrosio will play their first games for Hawthorn — plus Jack Gunston is back. Blake Hardwick should start forward but Sam Mitchell has said that’s no sure thing to last — don’t be surprised to see that change happen during matches this season depending on where the game sits. Karl Amon will spend more time behind the ball in defence in a win for SuperCoaches. Ethan Phillips could easily be selected if the Hawks opt to go tall in defence and that would likely come at the expense of Ward, Watson, Hustwaite or D’Ambrosio.
GWS GIANTS V NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Himmelberg Taylor Idun
HB: Whitfield Buckley Ash
C: O’Halloran Kelly Callaghan
HF: Daniels Riccardi Bedford
F: Greene Hogan Brown
R: Briggs Coniglio Green
INTER: Thomas Haynes Cadman Perryman Wehr
LIKELY SUB: Wehr/Thomas
EMER: Keeffe Angwin Peatling
IN: Callaghan, Perryman
OUT: Ward, McMullin
KEY ABSENTEES:Cumming
Ward is facing a couple of months on the sidelines after being injured in a Beau McCreery tackle against Collingwood. Perryman and Callaghan should both walk straight into the 23 when fit, although there’s little need for Adam Kingsley to rush them after an impressive win over the reigning premier in opening round.
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Fisher Corr Dawson
HB: McKercher Pink Sheezel
C: Tucker Wardlaw Stephens
HF: Duursma Coleman-Jones Stephenson
F: Zurhaar Larkey Curtis
R: Xerri Davies-Uniacke Powell
INTER: Lazzaro Goater Scott Phillips Taylor
LIKELY SUB: Phillips/Taylor
EMER: Ford Comben Nyuon
KEY ABSENTEES:Simpkin, McDonald
Former Swan Toby Pink likely gets the job on Jesse Hogan if Aidan Corr isn’t match ready despite featuring in a VFL practice match. In that scenario, Bigoa Nyuon would come into the team. As it stands he is likely battling Kallan Dawson for the role as the third tall. Luke McDonald is unlikely to play.
GEELONG V ST KILDA
GEELONG
B: Z.Guthrie, S. De Koning, J.Kolodjashnij
HB: T.Stewart, J.Henry, M.Holmes
C: M.Blicavs, T.Bruhn, M.Duncan
HF: B.Close, T.Hawkins, O.Henry
F: G.Miers, J.Cameron, T.Stengle
R: R.Stanley, P.Dangerfield, T.Atkins
INT: J.Clark, M.O’Connor, O.Dempsey, Z.Tuohy J.Bowes
LIKELY SUB: Bowes
KEY ABSENTEES: G.Rohan (back), C.Guthrie (quad)
There are a host of names jostling for the last few spots in the side. Jhye Clark and Oliver Dempsey both flourished during their practice matches, while Shannon Neale also played two full practice games, showing he can play alongside Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins. Rhys Stanley is the favourite to face his former side after Toby Conway spent his second practice match in the VFL, while don’t rule out a debut for Shaun Mannagh – even as an impact sub. Will the Cats be forced to make tough calls on Zach Tuohy and Jed Bews?
ST KILDA
B: Stocker Battle Wilkie
HB: Bonner Cordy Wanganeen-Milera
C: Wood Steele Hill
HF: Phillipou Owens Henry
F: Higgins King Membrey
R: Marshall Ross Crouch
INTER: Byrnes Sharman Jones Garcia Wilson
LIKELY SUB: Garcia
EMER: Collard Shoenmaker Caminiti
KEY ABSENTEES:Webster, Butler, Howard, Paton, Sinclair
Brad Crouch is no certainty after missing both pre-season games, but the Saints have been hopeful he will prove his fitness to take on the Cats. Jack Sinclair is another star who will face a fitness test but would be unlikely to be risked. The last call in defence will come down to Cordy or Shoenmaker, with experience likely to win out despite the draftee’s impressive practice match against North Melbourne.

 

[Presto]

GOLD COAST V ADELAIDE
GOLD COAST
B: Uwland Ballard Collins
HB: Budarick Swallow Powell
C: Fiorini Miller Ellis
HF: Ainsworth Casboult Humphrey
F: Berry King Lukosius
R: Witts Rowell Anderson
INTER: Flanders Sexton Holman Rosas Macpherson
LIKELY SUB: Macpherson
EMER: Atkins, Graham, Moyle
UNCHANGED
KEY ABSENTEES: Jed Walter, Lachie Weller
Damien Hardwick is in a luxurious position after a commanding win over his former side. The Suns finished their 39-point win over Richmond with a clean bill of health as they prepare for a sterner test against Adelaide.
ADELAIDE
B: J. Worrell, J. Butts, M. Michalanney
HB: B. Smith, M. Keane, W. Milera
C: C. Jones, J. Dawson, J. Soligo
HF: I. Rankine, C. Burgess, J. Rachele
FF: L. Murphy, T. Walker, D. Fogarty
R: R. O’Brien, R. Laird, M. Crouch
INTER: B. Keays, L. Pedlar, M. Hinge, L.Sholl
LIKELY SUB: S. Berry
KEY ABSENTEES: R. Thilthorpe (knee), R. Sloane (eye), N. Murray (knee), H. Schoenberg (Achilles)
Gold Coast recruit Chris Burgess is in line to make his Crows debut after the pre-season knee injury to Riley Thilthorpe. Mark Keane is on track to be ready for Saturday night, following a bout of concussion as a result of the Sam Powell-Pepper, while Sam Berry couldn’t have done a lot more to force his way back into Matthew Nicks’ 22. But will the Crows opt for Sholl’s outside run instead?
MELBOURNE V WESTERN BULLDOGS
MELBOURNE
B: Howes May Lever
HB: McVee Tomlinson Rivers
C: Langdon Petracca Salem
HF: Sparrow Van Rooyen Chandler
F: Neal-Bullen Fritsch Spargo
R: Gawn Viney Oliver
INTER: Fullarton Windsor Billings Woewodin Pickett
LIKELY SUB: Woewodin
EMER: McDonald, Schache, Hore
IN: Fullarton, Woewodin, Pickett
OUT: Bowey, Schache, Laurie
KEY ABSENTEES: Hunter, McAdam, Petty
Laurie didn’t have a great impact against the Swans before being subbed out for Billings is in danger of making way for Pickett’s return from suspension. Likewise, Billings could be axed. Rushing Fullarton back would be a risk, but the Demons need more support for Gawn than Schache provided in round 0. Woewodin could be a straight swap for Bowey, although off-season recruit Marty Hore is another player who could be considered to fill the backline void.
BULLDOGS
B: Khamis Jones Richards
HB: Johannisen O’Donnell Dale
C: Treloar Sanders Poulter
HF: West Lobb Harmes
F: Ugle-Hagan Naughton Weightman
R: English Bontempelli Liberatore
INTER: Bramble Daniel Coffield McNeil Williams
LIKELY SUB: Williams
EMER: Darcy, Vandermeer, Duryea
KEY ABSENTEES: Smith, Macrae, Gardner
With Macrae set to fall short of proving his fitness for round 1, Caleb Daniel may get a reprieve and sneak into the Dogs starting 22. We’re banking on Bailey Dale getting up for the clash with the Demons as he too battles a hamstring issue. Rory Lobb wins the pre-season battle for selection between him and Sam Darcy while Lachie Bramble, James Harmes and Nick Coffield make their Bulldogs debuts.
PORT ADELAIDE V WEST COAST
PORT ADELAIDE
FB: B. Zerk-Thatcher, E. Ratugolea, L. Jones
HB: D. Houston, A. Aliir, K. Farrell
C: M. Bergman, C. Rozee, W. Drew
HF: J. Horne-Francis, T. Marshall, J. McEntee
FF: W. Rioli, C. Dixon, J. Mead
R: I. Soldo, O. Wines, Z. Butters
INTER: T. Boak, R. Burton, D. Byrne-Jones, J. Finlayson
LIKELY SUB: D. Williams
EMER: F. Evans, J. Sweet, J. Sinn
KEY ABSENTEES: Sam Powell-Pepper (suspended), Ollie Lord (leg), Mitch Georgiades (returning from injury)
Ollie Lord’s injury – and subsequent surgery – rules him out of the race for a spot in the forward line for round 1. But the selection headache is still there. Finlayson and former Bulldog Jordan Sweet are the other talls in line to take on the Eagles as Port eases Mitch Georgiades back into action. Francis Evans is in the mix as a pure small-forward, but Jackson Mead, fresh of an impressive pre-season campaign, offers Ken Hinkley more flexibility in the absence of Sam Powell-Pepper.
WEST COAST
B: Witherden Barrass Cole
HB: Duggan McGovern Hough
C: Chesser Yeo Gaff
HF: Reid Darling Cripps
F: Long Allen Maric
R: Williams Kelly Ginbey
INTER: Hunt Jamieson Petrucelle Brockman Hall
LIKELY SUB: Hall
EMER: Edwards Dewar Waterman
KEY ABSENTEES: Flynn Sheed Ryan Hewett
The biggest issue for Adam Simpson will be deciding who partners Bailey Williams with Matt Flynn ruled out for almost half the year. Coen Livingstone and Harry Barnett are options but may be too raw. It seems likely Callum Jamieson, who has been trialled in defence, provides back up. Clay Hall impressed early in pre-season but after an interrupted few months could be introduced as a sub. Former Hawk Tyler Brockman still has to prove his fitness and could be replaced in the 23 by Luke Edwards.
FREMANTLE V BRISBANE LIONS
FREMANTLE
B: Ryan, Pearce, Clark
HB: Aish, Cox, Walker
C: Brayshaw, Young, Sharp
HF: Walters, Amiss, Emmett
F: Frederick, Treacy, Switkowski
R: Jackson, Serong, Fyfe
INTER: O’Meara, Johnson, Voss, Hughes, Erasmus
LIKELY SUB: Erasmus
EMER: McDonald, Sturt, Simpson
KEY ABSENTEES: Darcy, Chapman, O’Driscoll
There are question marks over a few Dockers heading into round 1. Jeremy Sharp played minutes for Peel Thunder on the weekend and copped a knock to his lower leg. The former Sun played on for a while before being pulled out of the game to manage his minutes. Brennan Cox has been battling back from a stress reaction in his leg and is considered a chance. Michael Frederick is confident his hamstring is good to go to face the Lions. Nat Fyfe starts in the guts along with Hayden Young who looks set for more midfield minutes.
KEY ABSENTEES: Darcy, Chapman, O’Driscoll
B: Brandon Walker, Alex Pearce, Luke Ryan.
HB: James Aish, Brennan Cox, Jordan Clark.
C: Matthew Johnson, Andrew Brayshaw, Jeremy Sharp.
HF: Michael Walters, Josh Treacy, Sam Switkowski.
F: Michael Frederick, Jye Amiss, Tom Emmett
FOLL: Luke Jackson, Caleb Serong, Nat Fyfe.
INT: Hayden Young, Jaeger O’Meara, Patrick Voss, Ethan Hughes.
SUB: Neil Erasmus.
Notable absentees: Sean Darcy, Heath Chapman, Nathan O’Driscoll.
BRISBANE LIONS
B: Starcevich Payne Lester
HB: McKenna Andrews Gardiner
C: Fletcher Lyons Berry
HF: Bailey Hipwood McCluggage
F: Rayner Daniher Cameron
R: McInerney Dunkley Neale
INTER: Lohmann Zorko Ah Chee Wilmot McCarthy
LIKELY SUB: Lohmann
EMER: Tunstill Fort Answerth
IN: McKenna
OUT: Coleman
KEY ABSENTEES: Doedee, Ashcroft
The Lions are unlikely to overreact to a one-point loss to Carlton but have been forced into a change due to Keidean Coleman’s ACL blow. Conor McKenna is fit and will be a like-for-like replacement in defence. Deven Robertson is the other player who could come into the reckoning, but could stay on the outer due to the form of Jarryd Lyons. Robertson could also come back in as sub.

 

[Feerits Elf]

R: Grundy Jordan Rowbottom

Who?!

 

[freowho]

Yeah I was surprised at no mention of Dempsey.

He was named in the VFL team of the year last season after averaging 21 disposals, a goal and 102 SC points a game.

Had 15 possessions, kicked 1 goal for 93 SC v Essendon in their last practice game. Can play half fwd or wing, one of the best endurance runners at the club apparently. With Rohan sidelined for the first month I think he gets his opportunity to cement his spot in the side round 1. I have him on my bench pending team announcements, he seems one of the best options scoring wise & role wise - I avoid picking rookie small fwds as much as possible. This kid plays higher up the ground & can obviously score quite well.

Loves a tackle too.

 

[jel]

SuperCoach AFL 2024: Champion Data guru Fantasy Freako’s starting team
Champion Data SuperCoach guru Fantasy Freako has picked his starting team, dropping a Nuke in the midfield. And he’s not the only surprise. SEE HIS TEAM
Fantasy Freako

5 min read
March 13, 2024 - 5:03PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Round one is almost here! Don't miss the official SuperCoach AFL podcast for help making all those last-minute selection calls. Experts Al Paton and Tim Michell join host Jaymz Clements to discuss the bolters and busts from opening round, this week's captains and more. Plus The Phantom joins the crew to reveal the best rookies of 2024.

SuperCoach

The 2024 pre-season has been like no other.
Yes, we had match simulation and official pre-season games like in the past, but we have never had the season kick off with a round where scores don’t count.
It was great to see players run around last week and we gained plenty of information from the four games. But we can also count ourselves fortunate as we dodged a few bullets – one of which was the season-ending injury to Keidean Coleman. Not the mention a few of the premiums underperforming as well.
I can’t recall making so many changes to my team ahead of round 1, with the early byes playing a key role in the thought process. Having a balanced team is important, but there was so much quality on display on the weekend that you feel obligated to have a piece of the pie even though each team that played in opening round has an early bye.
I’ve made quite a few changes to my first draft and as much as we’d love to fit everyone in – you just can’t.

DEFENDERS
Structure: Three premiums and five rookies.
I must admit that Keidean Coleman was in my team ahead of round 1. He was my breakout pick and he started like a house on fire in the first half against the Blues, but unfortunately his season has already ended.
Nick Daicos is my D1 and the reasoning behind that is obvious. He’s a star and yes, he may get tagged in round 4 and has a bye the following week, but we can’t ignore his first three games either. He scored 127 against St Kilda and 151 and 131 points respectively against Brisbane last season. He has struggled against this week’s opponent Sydney, but that was on the back a Ryan Clarke’s defensive effort – and he was delisted at the end of last season.
I’ve swapped James Sicily for Tom Stewart in the next slot, preferring to see how the Hawks adjust without James Blanck and the addition of Ethan Phillips. Hayden Young and Zac Williams aren’t going anywhere, likewise Josh Gibcus and Nick Coffield. Blake Howes and Zach Reid are new additions.

MIDFIELDERS
Structure: Three premiums, one breakout, one underpriced and six rookies.
Marcus Bontempelli and Zak Butters are the only two premiums remaining from my first draft. Sean Darcy’s injury has resulted in Caleb Serong making way, as he averaged fewer points without the towering ruckman last year. Likewise, Andrew Brayshaw’s lack of centre bounce minutes in the pre-season also sees him removed. Reluctantly, I won’t be starting Tom Green even though he is a player I really want, but, again, he shares a bye with Gold Coast which was the deciding factor.
Nic Martin comes in and looks excellent value under $500,000, as does Ollie Wines. Wines was Port Adelaide’s most used player at centre bounces in the pre-season and fallen premiums often bounce back. Port Adelaide’s great fixture was another reason behind his selection.
Jai Newcombe is the only midfielder I’m not totally sold on, but I do believe he’s in for a big year. If we look at his numbers, his game was built on pressure and tackling in his debut season. However, his tackle numbers have gone down in each season thereafter, while his disposal, contested possession and clearance numbers have increased in every season since. Another rise is on the horizon.
Colby McKercher, Ryley Sanders, Jeremy Sharp and Jhye Clark remain in the team, while Matt Roberts and Henry Hustwaite are new additions. Roberts is the heir to Jake Lloyd in the Swans’ defence, playing on from all five kick-ins in the opening round.
RUCKS
Structure: Two premiums and one rookie.
There was a temptation to move Max Gawn out for Tim English but in the end, Gawn presents far too much value to bypass him. Gawn had his colours lowered by Brodie Grundy in the season opener and scored just 72 points – but 67 of those came in the first half. He had no impact whatsoever after halftime as the Swans ran riot.
Grundy is an easy decision after reminding everyone that he isn’t done just yet. He won the head-to-head hitout-to-advantage battle against Gawn 12-6 and scored a massive 99 points in the second half alone.
They are the only two ruckmen with over 50 per cent ownership.
Sam Naismith replaces Jordon Sweet on the bench, but if Naismith loses his place to Toby Nankervis, then I’ll move him out to one of West Coast’s DPP rucks.
FORWARDS
Structure: Two premiums, one mid-price, and five rookies.
The forwards have seen the most changes in my team since the first draft. I went from Jack Macrae down to having an entire starting six under $300,000.
Now I’ve settled for what is a far more conventional forward set-up with two premiums, one mid-pricer and five rookies.
Luke Jackson is my F1 after the injury to Sean Darcy. There are mixed messages around the timeline of Darcy’s return but given his importance to the Dockers, I can’t see them rushing him back. I’m more than happy to back Jackson in the solo role and if his scores dry up once Darcy returns, I can make a call on him then.
The next slot is a choice between Sam Flanders and Isaac Heeney. I’ve opted for Flanders purely for bye structure, as I already own two other Swans and Nick Daicos who all share a round 5 bye.
Gold Coast only used four players at centre bounces against Richmond and Flanders was one of them. A bye in round 3 isn’t ideal, but I’ll back the bench to play their role.
Zac Fisher has a great role at North Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling
James Harmes and Jack Billings have made way, as has James Jordon. Once again, bye structure is the reason behind not starting Jordon, as I’ve opted for Nat Fyfe in that slot instead. Fyfe attended 76 per cent of centre bounces in the pre-season match – ranked equal-second for the Dockers and when he’s fit, we can’t ignore him.
Harley Reid picks himself, while Alex Sexton and Darcy Wilson are new additions – replacing Shaun Mannagh and Aaron Cadman.

That leaves Zac Fisher as the mid-price pick and with a fantasy friendly role across half-back, his inclusion is a popular one. Fisher had the second-most disposals in the defensive-50 in the AFL in the AAMI Community Series and was handed the ball at every opportunity by the Kangaroos.
I’m also going with Charlie Lazzaro over Caleb Windsor. Both are similarly priced, but I’m opting for the experience of Lazzaro in that position.
Money in the bank: $63,100

Fantasy Freako's starting SuperCoach team.

 

[Bermi]

SuperCoach AFL 2024: Late mail, captain advice for round 1
Al Paton and Tim Michell
March 15, 2024 - 5:59PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Chris Scott has kept St Kilda — and SuperCoaches — guessing about whether mature-age recruit Shaun Mannagh will debut as the sub on Saturday.

The Cats have confirmed the former Werribee star will play his first AFL game on Saturday, but he has been named on the bench.

One of Mannagh, Zach Tuohy, Jake Kolodjashnij, Tom Atkins and Gryan Miers will be sub.

Asked on Friday whether Mannagh would be sub, Scott said: “Maybe. Ross (Lyon) and Corey Enright and those guys are too good for us to give them any more than we need to. We’ll try to make a habit of not announcing that before we have to.”

Meanwhile, Jeremy Sharp will play his first game for Fremantle on Sunday after being elevated into the starting side on Friday.

The former Gold Coast Sun has replaced Jaeger O’Meara, who the Dockers said was withdrawn due to medical reasons.

Sharp currently features in more than 54,000 SuperCoach teams.

And there could be another debutant from the west, with $123k FWD Tyrell Dewar on the plane to Adelaide with West Coast.

THURSDAY TEAM NEWS: HORE BACK FOR DEES, MANNAGH SUB RISK

Geelong has named SuperCoach favourite Shaun Mannagh to debut on Saturday — but with the very real threat he is listed as the sub.

Mannagh is the fifth player named on the bench for the Cats, with veteran Zach Tuohy the only other logical sub.

Jake Kolodjashnij, Tom Atkins and Gryan Miers are the other bench Cats.


Round 1 selection has left SuperCoaches with a host of rookie dilemmas, including whether to start Marty Hore in defence.

The former Demon — who was delisted then redrafted by Melbourne — will play his first AFL game since round 23, 2019.

Hore, a $123k DEF, has been named a halfback flank for the Demons’ clash with Western Bulldogs.


Finlay Macrae ($152k FWD) has also been named with Tom Mitchell out of Collingwood’s team.

The news is not as good for coaches who planned on starting Henry Hustwaite ($184k MID) and Ethan Phillips ($102k DEF) who have been named as emergencies by Hawthorn.


THE BIG QUESTION SUPERCOACHES ARE ASKING

When will Sean Darcy return?

It’s the question thousands of SuperCoaches would love to have an answer to before deciding whether to select Luke Jackson in their teams.

When Darcy was out injured last year Jackson dominated as Fremantle’s No.1 ruckman, averaging 119 points a game – a bump of 40 points from his average playing alongside his Dockers teammate.

JACK OUT, BONNER BOOST

All-Australian Saint Jack Sinclair has been ruled out of round 1 and a return date has not been locked in.

Sinclair missed St Kilda’s two practice matches with a calf issue.

“(Sinclair) is on track,” coach Ross Lyon said on Thursday morning.

“As always we have a contingency approach to rehab: tick the box and move forward, miss the box or get ahead, bring him forward. At this stage he’s on track, but he just needs to keep jumping those hurdles.”

Lyon confirmed draftee Darcy Wilson will make his debut against Geelong on Saturday night, and recruits Riley Bonner and Liam Henry will also be in the team.

Bonner, a potential midfield bargain priced at $284,500 in SuperCoach, will assume extra responsibility with Sinclair and suspended veteran Jimmy Webster both missing from the Saints defence.

“Wilson’s clearly playing, Bonner will play and Henry was a great trade-in acquisition, we believe,” Lyon said.

BOMBER WARNING?

SuperCoach bargain hunters have flocked to Bomber Nic Martin after his move to the backline in the pre-season. But will he stay there?

Martin averaged 88 points a game playing on a wing last season but starred in Essendon’s community series game against Geelong, running out of defence to pick up 28 disposals, two goals and 109 SuperCoach points.

He now sits in 25 per cent of SuperCoach teams.

“It’s an interesting time. I think with my whole career I have sort of been thrown around a little bit, especially my AFL career,” he said on 6PR radio in Perth.

“I probably started forward, moved (to the) wing, now half-back. Definitely keep my eyes open, my options available. Not putting a pigeonhole on where I can play in 2024 and sort of be that utility that Brad can throw to different roles, different options in role.

“Looking at that wing, half-back and half forward. It’s a tough one to put a label on, my position.”

BUTTERS GOOD TO GO

Port Adelaide has given Zak Butters the all clear to take on West Coast in round 1 after a pre-season injury scare.

Butters sprained his right ankle in the Power’s AAMI Community Series game against Fremantle on March 1.

“Lock in Butters, definitely,” Power assistant coach Josh Carr said on Monday.

“I don’t think you can really hold him back. He has done all the work and all the preparation, he’s ready to go.”

RUCK ROCKED

Options for a bench ruckman in SuperCoach have all but dried up after Richmond omitted Sam Naismith for its clash against Carlton on Thursday night.

Naismith scored 93 points in opening round but now appears unlikely to return to the senior team unless Toby Nankervis suffers another injury, or the Tigers have a change in coaching philosophy and opt to play two ruckmen.

Naismith is sitting in 33 per cent of SuperCoach teams, while $102,400 bench options Finnbar Maley and Coen Livingstone are in 20.9 per cent and 20.3 per cent respectively.

ROOKIE WATCH

Bulldog Ryley Sanders, Hawk Nick Watson and Kangaroos defender Toby Pink are among the players already confirmed for their first AFL appearance in round 1.

See the full list of debutants here.

CAPTAINS CORNER

In the scramble to finalise squads picking a captain can almost be an afterthought in round 1. But it’s a great chance to get a jump on the competition.

Nick Daicos will be a popular vice-captain choice on Friday night, although his record against the Swans isn’t the best. In two career encounters against Sydney he scored 62 and 81 points.

But it’s worth bearing in mind that Daicos – owned by 78 per cent of coaches – was shadowed in those games by Ryan Clarke, who was delisted at the end of last season.

Max Gawn and Tim English are both good options in Sunday’s Melbourne v Bulldogs game – they both have a three-round average of 126 against each other. Marcus Bontempelli (125) isn’t far behind.

Many coaches will look to the Giants’ clash against North Melbourne for a potential game-busting score. Surprisingly, Tom Green’s scored only 77 points against the Kangaroos last season. Teammate Stephen Coniglio loves playing against North, averaging 130 in his past three against them.

Zak Butters scored 94 points when Port Adelaide last played West Coast, in round 6 last season. Connor Rozee was the star that day with 29 disposals, two goals and 126 points.

Nat Fyfe would be a very brave pick in the final game of the round but his last three scores against the Lions are 122, 143 and 126 ... although he hasn’t played them since 2021.

 

[Matt]

SuperCoach AFL 2024: Champion Data guru Fantasy Freako explains round 1 scores

How many points did Brodie Grundy lose from free kicks? What killed Zac Fisher’s score? Champion Data’s SuperCoach guru lifts the lid on key scoring intel to help your team.

Al Paton and Fantasy Freako

4 min read

March 19, 2024 - 12:00PM
The SuperCoach scoring system has been refined over many years by Champion Data to best reflect the impact players have on real games of footy.
Kicks, marks and handballs all score points, but there is a lot more to it than that.
Champion Data’s SuperCoach guru Fantasy Freako will be here every week to explain key scoring trends and moments from the round just gone.
This intel is crucial to gaining a deeper understanding of the game and how players score – info you can use to make the best trade and selection decisions every week.
Here are seven key stats you need to know from round 1.

BAD BOY BRODIE
Brodie Grundy crashed from a score of 139 points in opening round to 71 against Collingwood. But he was his own worst enemy in round 1.
He gave away seven free kicks, losing a total of 19.1 points from this source. It could be a worrying trend – he has already given away 11 free kicks in two games.

BAD KICKING IS BAD SUPERCOACH
Popular mid-price picks Nic Martin (63 points) and Zac Fisher (50) are being heavily traded this week after poor round 1 scores, despite both players winning plenty of the footy.

The issue for both is that for kicks to score in SuperCoach, they have to hit the target. Ineffective kicks score no points and direct turnovers are worth negative points.

Martin had 16 kicks against Hawthorn, but only eight of those were effective while three were direct turnovers.

Fisher had 17 kicks on his Kangaroos debut, of which 12 were effective, but alarmingly the

other five were direct turnovers.

Finding the ball isn’t a problem for either player. Can they clean up their disposal this week to become effective SuperCoach scorers?

BERRY CLOSE

Crow Sam Berry could have received a significant boost to his score when he found himself on the end of a rushed kick inside 50 as the Crows pushed Gold Coast right to the wire. Unfortunately, he dropped the mark, which is a negative act in SuperCoach. All dropped mark result in negative points and Berry lost two in the final stages of the match.

CAT EVEN CLOSER
Another player who was almost the matchwinner was Geelong rookie Shaun Mannagh. After coming on as the sub, Mannagh ran into goal in the dying stages of the tense Cats v Saints game, only for his shot to be smothered by Zaine Cordy.
All kicks that are smothered are deemed to be ineffective and this one was worth 0 points.

GOING BACKWARDS?
A unique feature of the SuperCoach scoring system is that there are 3300 points to allocate in every game, with scores scaled based on the players’ impact in the time they are on the field.

This explains why some players, such as Josh Gibcus and Ryley Sanders, can appear to ‘lose’ points over the course of the game after leaving the field.

Scaling can work both ways. If, for example, a player kicks three goals in the first quarter and scores 45 points and then gets injured, their score may increase over the match to reflect the impact they had. Theoretically speaking, they could end the match on 53 points.

If a player didn’t have a major impact on the game and then got injured or subbed out, then their score may drop marginally by the end.

Overall, every player’s score is a percentage of the overall points that are on offer. In the case of Gibcus, his percentage of the pie didn’t change because he went off injured, but his score

dropped by a few points as others around him impacted the match.

UGLY BUT EFFECTIVE

On Friday night Errol Gulden grubbed a kick sideways along the ground which went to James Rowbottom, who kicked a goal.
Even if the ball is kicked along the ground and it goes to the intended target, it will be

deemed an effective kick. Gulden also earned points for the goal assist.

He had five score assists for the game, ranked second in round 1 behind Todd Marshall (6). Six players had four score assists – Matt Guelfi, Jesse Hogan, Paul Curtis, Jamie Cripps, Jack Billings and Jack Ginnivan.

STAT OF THE WEEK: SCOREBOARD IMPACT

Hitting the scoreboard provides a major boost to SuperCoach scoring, no matter what position you play.
Scoreboard impact isn’t a measure of just goals and behinds, with your ability to assist in a score also recognised. Therefore, players that bring teammates into the game are gold in SuperCoach!

From a SuperCoach perspective the goal is the ultimate reward, earning the player eight
points in total. A goal is also recorded as an effective kick. A behind, on the other hand, is worth one point and an ineffective kick (0 points).

In terms of assists, a player is awarded 3.5 points for both goal and score assists, so you’re not disadvantaged from a SuperCoach aspect if the player misses the goal. If the shot falls short of goes out on the full, then no score is recorded, and no assist will be given.

Assists aren’t always via kicks or handballs. If a player knocks the ball on to a teammate and they score a goal or a behind, then the player with the knock-on will earn an assist. Or in what could be considered as the ideal play, if a ruckman taps the ball down to the advantage of a teammate and they kick a goal or even miss for a behind, then the ruckman will earn an assist – like Luke Jackson on the weekend.

These acts can deliver a major boost given the player receives points for the disposal, knock-on or hitout to advantage as well as the score assist.

Below is a breakdown of scoreboard impact points:

HOW SCOREBOARD IMPACT IS SCORED


SuperCoach points
Goal
8
Behind
1
Goal assist
3.5
Behind assist
3.5

 

[Russty_]

SuperCoach AFL 2024: Champion Data guru Fantasy Freako explains round 1 scores

How many points did Brodie Grundy lose from free kicks? What killed Zac Fisher’s score? Champion Data’s SuperCoach guru lifts the lid on key scoring intel to help your team.

Al Paton and Fantasy Freako

4 min read

March 19, 2024 - 12:00PM
The SuperCoach scoring system has been refined over many years by Champion Data to best reflect the impact players have on real games of footy.
Kicks, marks and handballs all score points, but there is a lot more to it than that.
Champion Data’s SuperCoach guru Fantasy Freako will be here every week to explain key scoring trends and moments from the round just gone.
This intel is crucial to gaining a deeper understanding of the game and how players score – info you can use to make the best trade and selection decisions every week.
Here are seven key stats you need to know from round 1.

BAD BOY BRODIE
Brodie Grundy crashed from a score of 139 points in opening round to 71 against Collingwood. But he was his own worst enemy in round 1.
He gave away seven free kicks, losing a total of 19.1 points from this source. It could be a worrying trend – he has already given away 11 free kicks in two games.

BAD KICKING IS BAD SUPERCOACH
Popular mid-price picks Nic Martin (63 points) and Zac Fisher (50) are being heavily traded this week after poor round 1 scores, despite both players winning plenty of the footy.

The issue for both is that for kicks to score in SuperCoach, they have to hit the target. Ineffective kicks score no points and direct turnovers are worth negative points.

Martin had 16 kicks against Hawthorn, but only eight of those were effective while three were direct turnovers.

Fisher had 17 kicks on his Kangaroos debut, of which 12 were effective, but alarmingly the

other five were direct turnovers.

Finding the ball isn’t a problem for either player. Can they clean up their disposal this week to become effective SuperCoach scorers?

BERRY CLOSE

Crow Sam Berry could have received a significant boost to his score when he found himself on the end of a rushed kick inside 50 as the Crows pushed Gold Coast right to the wire. Unfortunately, he dropped the mark, which is a negative act in SuperCoach. All dropped mark result in negative points and Berry lost two in the final stages of the match.

CAT EVEN CLOSER
Another player who was almost the matchwinner was Geelong rookie Shaun Mannagh. After coming on as the sub, Mannagh ran into goal in the dying stages of the tense Cats v Saints game, only for his shot to be smothered by Zaine Cordy.
All kicks that are smothered are deemed to be ineffective and this one was worth 0 points.

GOING BACKWARDS?
A unique feature of the SuperCoach scoring system is that there are 3300 points to allocate in every game, with scores scaled based on the players’ impact in the time they are on the field.

This explains why some players, such as Josh Gibcus and Ryley Sanders, can appear to ‘lose’ points over the course of the game after leaving the field.

Scaling can work both ways. If, for example, a player kicks three goals in the first quarter and scores 45 points and then gets injured, their score may increase over the match to reflect the impact they had. Theoretically speaking, they could end the match on 53 points.

If a player didn’t have a major impact on the game and then got injured or subbed out, then their score may drop marginally by the end.

Overall, every player’s score is a percentage of the overall points that are on offer. In the case of Gibcus, his percentage of the pie didn’t change because he went off injured, but his score

dropped by a few points as others around him impacted the match.

UGLY BUT EFFECTIVE

On Friday night Errol Gulden grubbed a kick sideways along the ground which went to James Rowbottom, who kicked a goal.
Even if the ball is kicked along the ground and it goes to the intended target, it will be

deemed an effective kick. Gulden also earned points for the goal assist.

He had five score assists for the game, ranked second in round 1 behind Todd Marshall (6). Six players had four score assists – Matt Guelfi, Jesse Hogan, Paul Curtis, Jamie Cripps, Jack Billings and Jack Ginnivan.

STAT OF THE WEEK: SCOREBOARD IMPACT

Hitting the scoreboard provides a major boost to SuperCoach scoring, no matter what position you play.
Scoreboard impact isn’t a measure of just goals and behinds, with your ability to assist in a score also recognised. Therefore, players that bring teammates into the game are gold in SuperCoach!

From a SuperCoach perspective the goal is the ultimate reward, earning the player eight
points in total. A goal is also recorded as an effective kick. A behind, on the other hand, is worth one point and an ineffective kick (0 points).

In terms of assists, a player is awarded 3.5 points for both goal and score assists, so you’re not disadvantaged from a SuperCoach aspect if the player misses the goal. If the shot falls short of goes out on the full, then no score is recorded, and no assist will be given.

Assists aren’t always via kicks or handballs. If a player knocks the ball on to a teammate and they score a goal or a behind, then the player with the knock-on will earn an assist. Or in what could be considered as the ideal play, if a ruckman taps the ball down to the advantage of a teammate and they kick a goal or even miss for a behind, then the ruckman will earn an assist – like Luke Jackson on the weekend.

These acts can deliver a major boost given the player receives points for the disposal, knock-on or hitout to advantage as well as the score assist.

Below is a breakdown of scoreboard impact points:

HOW SCOREBOARD IMPACT IS SCORED


SuperCoach points
Goal
8
Behind
1
Goal assist
3.5
Behind assist
3.5

Does anyone know what a dropped mark is classified as and how many points are lost?

 

[GrainFedBeef]

Does anyone know what a dropped mark is classified as and how many points are lost?

Unpressured and looking like a clown (can you say that run this day of appropriateness, I apologise to anyone who is a professional clown and doesn't want to be attributed to a failed footballer).

On the negative scale, if a player drops a mark directly from an opposition kick then he loses four points. Furthermore, a dropped mark from a team mate kick also results in a negative four point return.

back in 2016
https://supercoachscores.com/thread...bservations-complaints-on-scoring.2945/page-3

 

[Russty_]

Unpressured and looking like a clown (can you say that run this day of appropriateness, I apologise to anyone who is a professional clown and doesn't want to be attributed to a failed footballer).

On the negative scale, if a player drops a mark directly from an opposition kick then he loses four points. Furthermore, a dropped mark from a team mate kick also results in a negative four point return.

back in 2016
https://supercoachscores.com/thread...bservations-complaints-on-scoring.2945/page-3

Thanks mate, wow that's harsh! -4 points for a skill error.

 

[neeld]

Does anyone know what a dropped mark is classified as and how many points are lost?

Not good news for Marlion Pickett owners.

 

[NT.Thunder]

The SC scoring we know sometimes seems a bit odd, also the scaling.

I was watching the Port game and Butters and Rozee in particular. They had very similar games Rozee had 6 contested poss and 6 clearances with 2 clangers and Butters had 8 and 2 with 4 clangers.

I know we're splitting hairs here but I did find it strange Butters was scaled up and Rozee scaled down. Both were good.

Zac Butter - scaled up


Connor Rozee - scaled down

 

[The Saltshaker]

I just worry when their scoring freezes. Have seen some players get everything and others bugger all after its fixed.

 

[Darkie]

The SC scoring we know sometimes seems a bit odd, also the scaling.

I was watching the Port game and Butters and Rozee in particular. They had very similar games Rozee had 6 contested poss and 6 clearances with 2 clangers and Butters had 8 and 2 with 4 clangers.

I know we're splitting hairs here but I did find it strange Butters was scaled up and Rozee scaled down. Both were good.

Zac Butter - scaled up
View attachment 69652

Connor Rozee - scaled down
View attachment 69653

Maybe one of them was catching up on a missed action from earlier in the game/the other was correcting an earlier scoring error?

I think a high proportion of the “scaling” we observe falls into this category.

It looks like they scored very similarly for what you saw as very similar performances, which would seem to make sense.