Discussion 2025: AFL SuperCoach Discussion - OPEN

[wogitalia]

In the process of picking, will mention some of the other names I looked at...

DEF

Flanders - Some upside potential but most likely I think he's priced fairly, round 0 bye and then round 2 as well, not ideal.
Ryan - Starts hot which definitely has appeal. Like Flanders, feels fairly priced.
Whitfield - Round 0 bye, terrible durability history and I think fairly priced.
Zorko - Round 0 bye, age, role and fairly priced is a non-starter for me.
McGovern - Fully priced, durability.
Houston - Round 0 bye and the new team is enough for me.
Martin/Ridley/McGrath/Redman - Round 0 bye, cannibalism.
Clark - Actually really like him, 109 average from round 10, best bye. Will be very high on my watchlist (WL). Forward tags are probably my biggest concern here which is the best negative.
Newman - Quite like him but with Doch back will need to see how they set up. Lower on my WL but on it.
NWM - Like Clark, very high on my WL, I like Sinclair and Clark more at this point but I could very well roll with all 3!
Holmes/Sicily/Stewart/Blakey - I actually like all 4 as picks but the round 0 bye to me really hurts them all given I don't see a marked difference to Sinclair or Clark who don't have the bye. Holmes hamstrings scare me, Stewart with tags and just his age, Sicily with a whole new support crew and Blakey just needing to hit a level he never has.
Dale - I think he's pretty fairly priced but decent bye and will watch preseason to confirm. Definitely on the WL.
Hinge - I quite like him, will watch closely, durability is a huge issue for him though.
Duggan - Will watch but unlikely.
Short - Great price, definitely very high on my watch list with Rioli gone. Needs a good preseason though.
Bergman - Will watch, someone will be eating up the Houston points, he's a decent chance. I expect it ends up committee but he does mark very well so he has the upside potential if he gets a lot of it.
Mills - Watching. At a price where round 0 goes out the window if he's fit and in the right role. Both are questions to be answered. He really hasn't been fit for a couple of years though and not convinced the achilles/knee issues wont be permanent from here.
Coleman - A watch for round 1, the early byes probably make him more of a trade target, especially if not there for round 0. On the WL though.

MID
Butters - Very strong option, I still don't trust his body and not convinced where more points can come from so pretty fairly priced. That bye is going to take some managing also.
Neale - He's a gun but at his age, with more help, I wouldn't be surprised if they manage him a bit more. Also the early byes.
Daicos - If not for the round 0 factor, I'd probably start him. Will get tagged heavily though. Wouldn't be shocked if he's a 130 guy though, probably an early trade target.
Heeney - With his durability record and round 0, not high on my radar right now. Will watch in preseason though as proved to be a 130 guy when fit last year.
Treloar - I prefer Bont or Butters to be honest. Durability always been a concern and his age doesn't help that.
Serong - Really like him, tags towards end of last year hurt though and will continue I think. Very high on my WL.
Merrett - Round 0 is really my only issue here.
Dunkley - Another where round 0 and durability are both concerns, albeit durability a lot less at Brisbane where they have miracle water.
Cripps - Durability record and ball usage, he's pretty much at the right price for him. Maybe can push 120 if things go perfect but we all know he can crater to the 90s as well.
Brayshaw - I always have a hard time with more outside guys that can't kick, makes SC a very hard battle. That said, he closed out last year well after struggling to find his place behind Young and Serong and has been very durable, has a great bye. He's very much on the WL.
Steele - Too many injuries the past couple of years, think he's fairly priced.
Walsh - Durability has also been an issue but if he has a perfect preseason then he's going to race up the watchlist. He's kind of similar to Brayshaw though, the outside guys who can't kick are always fighting the uphill battle.
Gulden - Too many other mids in the way of a genuine midfield role, so will have too many really bad games. Throw in round 0 and he's a pure upgrade target for me.
Anderson - Round 0, throw in the can't kick basket. Upgrade target maybe.
Green - Round 0 is my issue here, would probably start him otherwise with that 5 and the month that followed it in anchoring his average.
Crouch/Yeo/Libba/Miller/Kelly - Throw them in the trust issues pile.
Warner - Round 0 and far too inconsistent and susceptible to tags. Upgrade target, if anything.
Dawson - Very strong watchlist. Hasn't been good when Crouch plays but there's a lot of upside if he figures it out. For whatever reason his kicking was a disaster last year.
Rowell - If he wasn't cursed by round 0, I'd be very strongly considering him.
Young/Richards - Like them an awful lot, definitely on the radar but a pretty faint bleep right now.
Newcombe - Will be watching but round 0 deads this, did finish well last year after a disastrous start.
Day - Round 0 again, durability also a major problem, he's so good though.
Parish - Round 0 makes it very hard but will watch closely, the price point is insanely tempting if he's fit and in the right role.
Wardlaw - Watching. Think it's a year or two away but I love the way he goes about it.
De Goey - Round 0 probably wipes but very cheap for what he can do.
Ashcroft - R0 strikes again, kids a stud and wouldn't be surprised if he pushes to 110 region.
Reid - Very similar vibe, honestly wouldn't be surprised if he pushes towards the 110+ region either. For a 2nd year player, tags are my real concern and that's kind of absurd. If he was 350k, I think I'd start him.
Coniglio - R0 probably saves me but another at a very tempting price.
Bruhn - R0 eliminates but I think he could take the jump this year.
Cumming - Will watch for role but an exquisite price if his body is right and he's playing HBF.
Guthrie - Similar to Cumming, albeit R0 makes it harder and not sure his role exists anymore. Anyone below here I've thrown in the rookie category.

RUC
Gawn - Fairly priced for mine.
Xerri - Also pretty fairly priced.
Marshall - Ditto. As someone who loves to hunt value it's hard to see on all 3, would probably grab Marshall on that factor of this trio.
Nank - Feels maxed out and more likely to go backwards.
English - To me, has the most upside of the top tier guys but will watch.
Witts - Bad back at his age/size is a real concern to me. That one off season also stands out. His backup is also a serious talent and I expect they blood him some more this year. R0 the death knell.
Grundy - Fairly priced at this point, definitely a case for a bit of upside but not sure it's really worth chasing.
Cameron/Meek/OMc/Briggs - Can make a case for a few points here or there for all but R0 is a killer.
Darcy - Would need to see a lot, the fact that there's already articles of "how fit he is" showing up with pictures of him still looking overweight is the concern. You can almost make out some definition in one of his arms in the best of the photos. Looking fat is better than obese but he still doesn't look like he's in AFL shape. Given Jackson is there and we now have a season and a half of him being no good with Jackson there, it's definitely an awkward position. He's absolutely on the WL though.
Sweet/ROB - WL only at this point, I think both are a bit underpriced though but I can't see the upside to make it worthwhile.
Conway - One to watch if he wins the #1 gig outright but R0 killer.

 

[wogitalia]

First 10ker of the season, preseason has begun

FWD
Moore - Nice safe play, that he did what he did LY with the glandular fever is incredible. That said I'm not sure there's a ton of upside albeit the r12 onward average of 107 is noteworthy. R0 and a lot of changes at Hawks has me watching. Also nature of his role does make a bad game very plausible so upgrade option strengthens.
Rankine - I like the upside here, not sure I trust his body or his head and like Moore, the nature of the role in a side I think is one of the weaker on paper definitely screams upgrade target to me.
Jackson - Darcy injury watch as always, otherwise he's overpriced. At this point he's clearly the #2 ruck and he's just not very good as a forward. If Darcy is there to start, Jackson is likely to be available for a lot less mid season.
Hogan - R0, durability, weird late career breakout. No starting interest for me.
Daniels - I like him more to sustain it but durability and R0 both issues, as is the role making upgrade likely.
McKay/Cameron/Tracy/Waterman - KPF in sides with questions, Cameron with R0 as well. Pass for me.
Curnow - The odd one out, albeit I believe injured still but he's genuinely underpriced and a different class. Still, I don't think this year the 15 points is worth chasing given what's to come on this list.
Baker - Strong WL for me. No R0 and if he's playing midfield he's a genuine premium option. Role is the question but he's exactly what the Eagles midfield is missing, imo. Also works if playing HB, imo.
Miers/Keays/Wood/Papley/ANB - I have a hard time selling any of them but all are capable as well if roles are right.
Simpkin - Think the role isn't there anymore for him and that he's fairly priced.
Darcy - There's a case here, I'm not going to lead the charge but he's a talent.
Greene - Without R0 he'd be a lot higher on my radar but not sure he's underpriced enough for where I think the threshold is and those to come.
Bolton - VERY high on my WL. Wouldn't be surprised if he plays midfield in which case he becomes more of a 105 type to me. Will be hawking his role. Still underpriced as a forward. Definitely concerns with how much of a flog he is that off-field stuff and training standards could become big issues though. Wouldn't surprise if he's the latest of Freo's mercurial talents that gets swept away in the fish bowl.
Kennedy - Will watch his role very closely. If he's playing midfield, he's a genuine mid 90s guy.
MacDonald - Another I'll watch very closely, 81 over the last 11, 92 over the last 6. R0 probably the decider but he's on my WL.
Pickett - Forever on my WL, will eliminate himself pretty quick I'm sure.
Graham - Similar to Baker, albeit far less need for him in their midfield as they've already got a few low quality workhorse types in Kelly and Duggan going through there. Still, he's underpriced, good bye and definitely a chance for a role improvement.
Lukosius - Role watch but severely underpriced if he's playing HB and that makes more sense to me for Port, also the being at a good club factor that could unlock the talent.
JUH - I still believe albeit we're starting to get to the end of the line. Only year 5 and generally it's year 6 for the KP types albeit he's a different type that generally are a bit quicker. Don't think it's worth the risk with the other names around him but wouldn't shock me.
Watson - R0 a killer but I rate him and think he's going to be a sneaky good SC scorer. Not his year yet though, imo.
Parker - Pure role watch. Awkward price but he can be 90+ playing midfield. I do struggle to squeeze him in though. LDU, Sheezel and Wardlaw are surely the main 3, so feels like him and Simpkin probably float in that 4th and FWD role, which is probably an 80s role for him at best. Wait and see though.
DBJ - Role watch also, Houston pushed him off the HB originally, he's probably their best at the role but also does that defensive small forward very well.
Stringer - R0 hurts but an interesting watch still as will not be needed as a KPF so probably plays a freer role for GWS.
Sanders - Has to be watched, feels like the 4th midfield slot is in play, he's a talent.
Allen - Probably not cheap enough but if he's fit and firing, he can push 90+ I think. Think he's too expensive for the scoring rollercoaster though.
Daniel - Role watch but if he's at HB it will be very difficult to ignore him at this price. No idea how they plan to use him, they definitely need him more up forward but who knows, he's definitely a better rebounding defender than small forward but they're a lot easier to find and they already have several.
Hobbs - R0 hurts again. I like him though, will see where his role lands.
McStay - Cheap enough to be interesting. Another that the R0 hurts.

 

[BIGB0Y]

Had a first crack, way too early to really mean anything but looks an interesting season with a lot of interesting value options, no doubt a significant amount will remove themselves from consideration but right now it looks to me there are more options than normal, even with the stupid round 0 mess around. Horse's firing has definitely increased my motivation for the season at least, still definitely not caring like in the past but that's something!

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DEF

Sheezel - No round 0, 121 average for 2nd half of season. Honestly my biggest concern on him is tags, that's about as good a biggest concern as can exist. Only other negative is I do think he's very limited value but you need to pick a couple of best 6 guys and I don't think 125 is beyond him.

Sinclair - Had the calf, iirc, to start last season which is a concern but he averaged 99 for the first half of the season and 119 for the 2nd half of the season, which is in line with his last couple of seasons, no round 0 bye and the delightful 2 team round 13 bye for a kicker. I dare say I'd need an injury in preseason for me to not pick him as one of my favourite players in the league.

McKercher - Really rate him. Averaged 105 in 2nd half of season. Daniel is a genuine concern but Kerch is a better player and has a ton of upside. I don't really see any reason he can't push 115. No round 0 again. His bye could be an issue but there's not a lot from those sides I like so probably starting just about all of them.

Rivers - This is a role watch, to be honest I'd like probably push down to a rookie here unless he blows me away and get another of the value forwards/mids or premium rucks onto the field.

Rookies - Pure placeholders, I always like to overload on expensive guys. It makes the initial teams a bit weaker but far easier to have them in place if they're musts and go down then make bad decisions elsewhere trying to go up to them.

MID

Bont - Captain play. Think he's basically maxed out, most of the elite 120+ guys like him sustain it for 3-4 years, 2025 would be year 3. He's durable, elite captain and no round 0. Definitely not a lock by any means but he's definitely the "full price" guy that I'm picking first in the mids.

LDU - Started last year awfully but closed out the back half averaging 113 and that goes up to 116 if I added one more game into that. Far from any kind of lock and the bye doesn't fit great with Bont and then the double North down back but it is what it is or that it's the early bye but if he works as a pick, the discount starting him is better than the bye targeting. That said given his propensity for a stinker or 3, definitely does have upgrade target potential also.

Petracca - I honestly don't love this pick, a lot of the ironmen tend to fall off a cliff once that first injury hits. Hard to argue the value, no round 0 and a pretty good bye. Honestly there's a dozen other mids I like so not close to a lock but I dare say he'll be very popular and probably not worth fading if he looks good.

Rozee - Even more speculative than the previous two, injury and then playing through it really hurt his season last year and it never really got going again after that. I think Houston going will open a bit more scoring for him and Butters, who both like to float into HB for a few cheapies. 111 average after the mid move in 2023, only 106 last year pre injury but a small sample when the side wasn't playing well so happy to more or less ignore. Given the bye, he'd probably be the one to go out but one for discussion and to watch at least.

Oliver - Very similar to Petracca, I don't like this pick very much but he'll be in every side most likely and it feels like one of those classic the risk isn't worth the reward of fading it, assuming he's fit. Will be watching it, structurally I definitely prefer some of the forwards below this price a lot more as the keeper threshold is so much more attainable and the bailouts look a lot more plausible. I hate these midrange picks where there's no bailout other than a rookie. To be fair, the flex position definitely makes this a bit better though as I can bail to the other positions at least, so not as rigid. Still, I definitely feel like I'm going to be looking for reasons to not pick him...

Rookies - As above with pricing. I expect I will ditch Rozee to start an extra one, looks to be very MID biased with the rooks to me. They're just names at this point though.

RUC

English - I am not sold here but will start with him and let either English or someone else force me to spend up. Pretty sure he was injured in preseason last year, iirc, and happy to put his season mostly down to that. Think the ruck rule is a 5 point change, not 20, so should bounce back to the 115-125 range, imo. I really like Xerri, Gawn, Marshall and Darcy here though, so not at all locked in.

Flynn - Will be a starter if he's fit for round 1. You don't get proven 85+ scorers at this price point very often. Flex makes this even easier to do. He's a lock if fit and the #1.

Rookie - A name, cheap DPP to fill the slot. As always I will take someone if they look like they'll make cash.

FWD

JHF - Followed a solid score trajectory profile of those slightly unfit top draft pick types, I don't see why he can't jump another 5-10 points and the 20 point jump is not impossible. Basically he should be top 6 and has a very good chance of being #1. So I see value, premium and no round 0. That's a good bet. Albeit this bye is definitely getting overloaded as I progress through!

Macrae - Very much a watch, if he's playing midfield he's Macrae and he's a lock. If he's not, then I wont pick him. There's definitely midfield minutes at St Kilda and for now I'll put it down to the Bevo factor as opposed to his body being completely wrecked as those are the only two things that explain him suddenly going from a top 5 midfielder to not getting any midfield minutes at all in a mediocre side. I will blame Bevo until I have proof otherwise.

Smith - I don't really rate him but Geelong's track record of getting the absolute max out of players is just too good to ignore. My only round 0 guy that is on field at least, value is too good. I don't rate him but he's a proven 95 guy priced at 72. I'd be surprised if 95+ isn't the premium range again and if you pay 72 for that 95 it's even better.

Phillipou - Will take a fair bit for me to not pick him. I rate him very highly and Ross finally remembered he was a midfielder for the last month of the season where he put up a very solid 95 average. Another preseason and he really should be locked in to a midfield that is shamefully lacking in any kind of class. I honestly don't see any reason he can't be a 105 guy playing midfield with his skillset. Will take a 90+ at this price though.

Rookies - A bit more thought on the names here but they'll work themselves out. Have not done any research on if any of them are actually fit for round 1, got months to work that out

I missed your write ups always a good read 👍

 

[Vicwood]

In the process of picking, will mention some of the other names I looked at...

DEF

Flanders - Some upside potential but most likely I think he's priced fairly, round 0 bye and then round 2 as well, not ideal.
Ryan - Starts hot which definitely has appeal. Like Flanders, feels fairly priced.
Whitfield - Round 0 bye, terrible durability history and I think fairly priced.
Zorko - Round 0 bye, age, role and fairly priced is a non-starter for me.
McGovern - Fully priced, durability.
Houston - Round 0 bye and the new team is enough for me.
Martin/Ridley/McGrath/Redman - Round 0 bye, cannibalism.
Clark - Actually really like him, 109 average from round 10, best bye. Will be very high on my watchlist (WL). Forward tags are probably my biggest concern here which is the best negative.
Newman - Quite like him but with Doch back will need to see how they set up. Lower on my WL but on it.
NWM - Like Clark, very high on my WL, I like Sinclair and Clark more at this point but I could very well roll with all 3!
Holmes/Sicily/Stewart/Blakey - I actually like all 4 as picks but the round 0 bye to me really hurts them all given I don't see a marked difference to Sinclair or Clark who don't have the bye. Holmes hamstrings scare me, Stewart with tags and just his age, Sicily with a whole new support crew and Blakey just needing to hit a level he never has.
Dale - I think he's pretty fairly priced but decent bye and will watch preseason to confirm. Definitely on the WL.
Hinge - I quite like him, will watch closely, durability is a huge issue for him though.
Duggan - Will watch but unlikely.
Short - Great price, definitely very high on my watch list with Rioli gone. Needs a good preseason though.
Bergman - Will watch, someone will be eating up the Houston points, he's a decent chance. I expect it ends up committee but he does mark very well so he has the upside potential if he gets a lot of it.
Mills - Watching. At a price where round 0 goes out the window if he's fit and in the right role. Both are questions to be answered. He really hasn't been fit for a couple of years though and not convinced the achilles/knee issues wont be permanent from here.
Coleman - A watch for round 1, the early byes probably make him more of a trade target, especially if not there for round 0. On the WL though.

MID
Butters - Very strong option, I still don't trust his body and not convinced where more points can come from so pretty fairly priced. That bye is going to take some managing also.
Neale - He's a gun but at his age, with more help, I wouldn't be surprised if they manage him a bit more. Also the early byes.
Daicos - If not for the round 0 factor, I'd probably start him. Will get tagged heavily though. Wouldn't be shocked if he's a 130 guy though, probably an early trade target.
Heeney - With his durability record and round 0, not high on my radar right now. Will watch in preseason though as proved to be a 130 guy when fit last year.
Treloar - I prefer Bont or Butters to be honest. Durability always been a concern and his age doesn't help that.
Serong - Really like him, tags towards end of last year hurt though and will continue I think. Very high on my WL.
Merrett - Round 0 is really my only issue here.
Dunkley - Another where round 0 and durability are both concerns, albeit durability a lot less at Brisbane where they have miracle water.
Cripps - Durability record and ball usage, he's pretty much at the right price for him. Maybe can push 120 if things go perfect but we all know he can crater to the 90s as well.
Brayshaw - I always have a hard time with more outside guys that can't kick, makes SC a very hard battle. That said, he closed out last year well after struggling to find his place behind Young and Serong and has been very durable, has a great bye. He's very much on the WL.
Steele - Too many injuries the past couple of years, think he's fairly priced.
Walsh - Durability has also been an issue but if he has a perfect preseason then he's going to race up the watchlist. He's kind of similar to Brayshaw though, the outside guys who can't kick are always fighting the uphill battle.
Gulden - Too many other mids in the way of a genuine midfield role, so will have too many really bad games. Throw in round 0 and he's a pure upgrade target for me.
Anderson - Round 0, throw in the can't kick basket. Upgrade target maybe.
Green - Round 0 is my issue here, would probably start him otherwise with that 5 and the month that followed it in anchoring his average.
Crouch/Yeo/Libba/Miller/Kelly - Throw them in the trust issues pile.
Warner - Round 0 and far too inconsistent and susceptible to tags. Upgrade target, if anything.
Dawson - Very strong watchlist. Hasn't been good when Crouch plays but there's a lot of upside if he figures it out. For whatever reason his kicking was a disaster last year.
Rowell - If he wasn't cursed by round 0, I'd be very strongly considering him.
Young/Richards - Like them an awful lot, definitely on the radar but a pretty faint bleep right now.
Newcombe - Will be watching but round 0 deads this, did finish well last year after a disastrous start.
Day - Round 0 again, durability also a major problem, he's so good though.
Parish - Round 0 makes it very hard but will watch closely, the price point is insanely tempting if he's fit and in the right role.
Wardlaw - Watching. Think it's a year or two away but I love the way he goes about it.
De Goey - Round 0 probably wipes but very cheap for what he can do.
Ashcroft - R0 strikes again, kids a stud and wouldn't be surprised if he pushes to 110 region.
Reid - Very similar vibe, honestly wouldn't be surprised if he pushes towards the 110+ region either. For a 2nd year player, tags are my real concern and that's kind of absurd. If he was 350k, I think I'd start him.
Coniglio - R0 probably saves me but another at a very tempting price.
Bruhn - R0 eliminates but I think he could take the jump this year.
Cumming - Will watch for role but an exquisite price if his body is right and he's playing HBF.
Guthrie - Similar to Cumming, albeit R0 makes it harder and not sure his role exists anymore. Anyone below here I've thrown in the rookie category.

RUC
Gawn - Fairly priced for mine.
Xerri - Also pretty fairly priced.
Marshall - Ditto. As someone who loves to hunt value it's hard to see on all 3, would probably grab Marshall on that factor of this trio.
Nank - Feels maxed out and more likely to go backwards.
English - To me, has the most upside of the top tier guys but will watch.
Witts - Bad back at his age/size is a real concern to me. That one off season also stands out. His backup is also a serious talent and I expect they blood him some more this year. R0 the death knell.
Grundy - Fairly priced at this point, definitely a case for a bit of upside but not sure it's really worth chasing.
Cameron/Meek/OMc/Briggs - Can make a case for a few points here or there for all but R0 is a killer.
Darcy - Would need to see a lot, the fact that there's already articles of "how fit he is" showing up with pictures of him still looking overweight is the concern. You can almost make out some definition in one of his arms in the best of the photos. Looking fat is better than obese but he still doesn't look like he's in AFL shape. Given Jackson is there and we now have a season and a half of him being no good with Jackson there, it's definitely an awkward position. He's absolutely on the WL though.
Sweet/ROB - WL only at this point, I think both are a bit underpriced though but I can't see the upside to make it worthwhile.
Conway - One to watch if he wins the #1 gig outright but R0 killer.

Brilliant as always.

 

[Under The Dome]

Another different one with a bit more flexibility to move around anyone into flex.
This would have Fort as cover for Flynn+Boyd and then trade him out when BIG O is due back.

 

[OnTopBar]

First 10ker of the season, preseason has begun

FWD
Moore - Nice safe play, that he did what he did LY with the glandular fever is incredible. That said I'm not sure there's a ton of upside albeit the r12 onward average of 107 is noteworthy. R0 and a lot of changes at Hawks has me watching. Also nature of his role does make a bad game very plausible so upgrade option strengthens.
Rankine - I like the upside here, not sure I trust his body or his head and like Moore, the nature of the role in a side I think is one of the weaker on paper definitely screams upgrade target to me.
Jackson - Darcy injury watch as always, otherwise he's overpriced. At this point he's clearly the #2 ruck and he's just not very good as a forward. If Darcy is there to start, Jackson is likely to be available for a lot less mid season.
Hogan - R0, durability, weird late career breakout. No starting interest for me.
Daniels - I like him more to sustain it but durability and R0 both issues, as is the role making upgrade likely.
McKay/Cameron/Tracy/Waterman - KPF in sides with questions, Cameron with R0 as well. Pass for me.
Curnow - The odd one out, albeit I believe injured still but he's genuinely underpriced and a different class. Still, I don't think this year the 15 points is worth chasing given what's to come on this list.
Baker - Strong WL for me. No R0 and if he's playing midfield he's a genuine premium option. Role is the question but he's exactly what the Eagles midfield is missing, imo. Also works if playing HB, imo.
Miers/Keays/Wood/Papley/ANB - I have a hard time selling any of them but all are capable as well if roles are right.
Simpkin - Think the role isn't there anymore for him and that he's fairly priced.
Darcy - There's a case here, I'm not going to lead the charge but he's a talent.
Greene - Without R0 he'd be a lot higher on my radar but not sure he's underpriced enough for where I think the threshold is and those to come.
Bolton - VERY high on my WL. Wouldn't be surprised if he plays midfield in which case he becomes more of a 105 type to me. Will be hawking his role. Still underpriced as a forward. Definitely concerns with how much of a flog he is that off-field stuff and training standards could become big issues though. Wouldn't surprise if he's the latest of Freo's mercurial talents that gets swept away in the fish bowl.
Kennedy - Will watch his role very closely. If he's playing midfield, he's a genuine mid 90s guy.
MacDonald - Another I'll watch very closely, 81 over the last 11, 92 over the last 6. R0 probably the decider but he's on my WL.
Pickett - Forever on my WL, will eliminate himself pretty quick I'm sure.
Graham - Similar to Baker, albeit far less need for him in their midfield as they've already got a few low quality workhorse types in Kelly and Duggan going through there. Still, he's underpriced, good bye and definitely a chance for a role improvement.
Lukosius - Role watch but severely underpriced if he's playing HB and that makes more sense to me for Port, also the being at a good club factor that could unlock the talent.
JUH - I still believe albeit we're starting to get to the end of the line. Only year 5 and generally it's year 6 for the KP types albeit he's a different type that generally are a bit quicker. Don't think it's worth the risk with the other names around him but wouldn't shock me.
Watson - R0 a killer but I rate him and think he's going to be a sneaky good SC scorer. Not his year yet though, imo.
Parker - Pure role watch. Awkward price but he can be 90+ playing midfield. I do struggle to squeeze him in though. LDU, Sheezel and Wardlaw are surely the main 3, so feels like him and Simpkin probably float in that 4th and FWD role, which is probably an 80s role for him at best. Wait and see though.
DBJ - Role watch also, Houston pushed him off the HB originally, he's probably their best at the role but also does that defensive small forward very well.
Stringer - R0 hurts but an interesting watch still as will not be needed as a KPF so probably plays a freer role for GWS.
Sanders - Has to be watched, feels like the 4th midfield slot is in play, he's a talent.
Allen - Probably not cheap enough but if he's fit and firing, he can push 90+ I think. Think he's too expensive for the scoring rollercoaster though.
Daniel - Role watch but if he's at HB it will be very difficult to ignore him at this price. No idea how they plan to use him, they definitely need him more up forward but who knows, he's definitely a better rebounding defender than small forward but they're a lot easier to find and they already have several.
Hobbs - R0 hurts again. I like him though, will see where his role lands.
McStay - Cheap enough to be interesting. Another that the R0 hurts.

Good to see you posting, I look forward to your analyses and in depth discussion.

Just a question on the Caleb Daniel summation. I reckon he's just about a lock for the HB distributor role along with Fisher, it allows McKercher to be more involved further up the ground maybe linking along with Sheezel with the aforementioned. Daniel's most effective position is a rebounding defender (as you rightly pointed out). Really don't see him as a small forward, lacking pace and not utilising his foot skills to their full extent. I do see Parker playing forward because of his better marking and forward nous.

Anyway, just my take, he's in my team until I see something that warrants removing him.

 

[freowho]

I have some flex questions.
Is there cover for the flex spot? I assume there isn't.
Can you do a 3 way substitute? I assume it's the same as other spots where you use the trade system. Trade the player out and back in to another spot for effectively 0 trades.
Assuming the above, I would only put a ruckmen in the flex spot if they were lapping the field. Not being able to cover a donut would still be a disadvantage, even though it is softened by best 22. Having an M/D or M/F would be a better play wouldn't it?

 

[OnTopBar]

Another different one with a bit more flexibility to move around anyone into flex.
This would have Fort as cover for Flynn+Boyd and then trade him out when BIG O is due back.

View attachment 81634

R3 is a riddle for me too.

Ballsy with the cheap ruck line, not sure if I can go there myself. Fort is an interesting one though and someone I hadn't considered, how long is Big O out for?

 

[OnTopBar]

I have some flex questions.
Is there cover for the flex spot? I assume there isn't.
Can you do a 3 way substitute? I assume it's the same as other spots where you use the trade system. Trade the player out and back in to another spot for effectively 0 trades.
Assuming the above, I would only put a ruckmen in the flex spot if they were lapping the field. Not being able to cover a donut would still be a disadvantage, even though it is softened by best 22. Having an M/D or M/F would be a better play wouldn't it?

I'm still trying to get my head around the Flex position too.

Just on the bolded, my take is that if you have a donut then the Flex will cover that by virtue of the 0 dropping out of the best 23. If a rookie comes on for cover then that rookie score might be outside best 22, might not be too. I might have misunderstood your point and be barking up the wrong tree.

 

[freowho]

I'm still trying to get my head around the Flex position too.

Just on the bolded, my take is that if you have a donut then the Flex will cover that by virtue of the 0 dropping out of the best 23. If a rookie comes on for cover then that rookie score might be outside best 22, might not be too. I might have misunderstood your point and be barking up the wrong tree.

I haven't read the fine print but it looks to me that the flex itself is not covered. So if you have Gawn, Xerri, De Koning in the flex, non playing R3 and De Koning misses, you don't get to drop your worst score like others would with 23 players.

 

[OnTopBar]

I haven't read the fine print but it looks to me that the flex itself is not covered. So if you have Gawn, Xerri, De Koning in the flex, non playing R3 and De Koning misses, you don't get to drop your worst score like others would with 23 players.

Ah yes, if Flex is a ruck and misses (with a dead R3) then yeah, that eliminates the 23rd score.

I'm running with English at Flex, thinking that he'll match most of the premos on all lines (if not beat them) but I'll (hopefully) have a playing R3 as well, at least for the early rounds where the byes will provide the donut for a C/VC loop, I'll more than likely have a dead rookie by round 5 or I can cash out R3 for a donut.

 

[freowho]

Ah yes, if Flex is a ruck and misses (with a dead R3) then yeah, that eliminates the 23rd score.

I'm running with English at Flex, thinking that he'll match most of the premos on all lines (if not beat them) but I'll (hopefully) have a playing R3 as well, at least for the early rounds where the byes will provide the donut for a C/VC loop, I'll more than likely have a dead rookie by round 5 or I can cash out R3 for a donut.

If you're expectation is for English to match a premo on another line, why not just pick up a premo from another line that gives you more cover and more trading options?

 

[Eagling]

First 10ker of the season, preseason has begun

FWD
Moore - Nice safe play, that he did what he did LY with the glandular fever is incredible. That said I'm not sure there's a ton of upside albeit the r12 onward average of 107 is noteworthy. R0 and a lot of changes at Hawks has me watching. Also nature of his role does make a bad game very plausible so upgrade option strengthens.
Rankine - I like the upside here, not sure I trust his body or his head and like Moore, the nature of the role in a side I think is one of the weaker on paper definitely screams upgrade target to me.
Jackson - Darcy injury watch as always, otherwise he's overpriced. At this point he's clearly the #2 ruck and he's just not very good as a forward. If Darcy is there to start, Jackson is likely to be available for a lot less mid season.
Hogan - R0, durability, weird late career breakout. No starting interest for me.
Daniels - I like him more to sustain it but durability and R0 both issues, as is the role making upgrade likely.
McKay/Cameron/Tracy/Waterman - KPF in sides with questions, Cameron with R0 as well. Pass for me.
Curnow - The odd one out, albeit I believe injured still but he's genuinely underpriced and a different class. Still, I don't think this year the 15 points is worth chasing given what's to come on this list.
Baker - Strong WL for me. No R0 and if he's playing midfield he's a genuine premium option. Role is the question but he's exactly what the Eagles midfield is missing, imo. Also works if playing HB, imo.
Miers/Keays/Wood/Papley/ANB - I have a hard time selling any of them but all are capable as well if roles are right.
Simpkin - Think the role isn't there anymore for him and that he's fairly priced.
Darcy - There's a case here, I'm not going to lead the charge but he's a talent.
Greene - Without R0 he'd be a lot higher on my radar but not sure he's underpriced enough for where I think the threshold is and those to come.
Bolton - VERY high on my WL. Wouldn't be surprised if he plays midfield in which case he becomes more of a 105 type to me. Will be hawking his role. Still underpriced as a forward. Definitely concerns with how much of a flog he is that off-field stuff and training standards could become big issues though. Wouldn't surprise if he's the latest of Freo's mercurial talents that gets swept away in the fish bowl.
Kennedy - Will watch his role very closely. If he's playing midfield, he's a genuine mid 90s guy.
MacDonald - Another I'll watch very closely, 81 over the last 11, 92 over the last 6. R0 probably the decider but he's on my WL.
Pickett - Forever on my WL, will eliminate himself pretty quick I'm sure.
Graham - Similar to Baker, albeit far less need for him in their midfield as they've already got a few low quality workhorse types in Kelly and Duggan going through there. Still, he's underpriced, good bye and definitely a chance for a role improvement.
Lukosius - Role watch but severely underpriced if he's playing HB and that makes more sense to me for Port, also the being at a good club factor that could unlock the talent.
JUH - I still believe albeit we're starting to get to the end of the line. Only year 5 and generally it's year 6 for the KP types albeit he's a different type that generally are a bit quicker. Don't think it's worth the risk with the other names around him but wouldn't shock me.
Watson - R0 a killer but I rate him and think he's going to be a sneaky good SC scorer. Not his year yet though, imo.
Parker - Pure role watch. Awkward price but he can be 90+ playing midfield. I do struggle to squeeze him in though. LDU, Sheezel and Wardlaw are surely the main 3, so feels like him and Simpkin probably float in that 4th and FWD role, which is probably an 80s role for him at best. Wait and see though.
DBJ - Role watch also, Houston pushed him off the HB originally, he's probably their best at the role but also does that defensive small forward very well.
Stringer - R0 hurts but an interesting watch still as will not be needed as a KPF so probably plays a freer role for GWS.
Sanders - Has to be watched, feels like the 4th midfield slot is in play, he's a talent.
Allen - Probably not cheap enough but if he's fit and firing, he can push 90+ I think. Think he's too expensive for the scoring rollercoaster though.
Daniel - Role watch but if he's at HB it will be very difficult to ignore him at this price. No idea how they plan to use him, they definitely need him more up forward but who knows, he's definitely a better rebounding defender than small forward but they're a lot easier to find and they already have several.
Hobbs - R0 hurts again. I like him though, will see where his role lands.
McStay - Cheap enough to be interesting. Another that the R0 hurts.

Surely Bolton plays majority forward; Freo have a pretty deep midfield and he's exactly what they need up forward. Even if he starts at CBAs when they need some spark doesn't he just push forward anyway?

 

[OnTopBar]

If you're expectation is for English to match a premo on another line, why not just pick up a premo from another line that gives you more cover and more trading options?

TBH I don't really like any of the other options at his price point, his position still offers cover on all lines but agree that trading options are a little limited

 

[wogitalia]

Good to see you posting, I look forward to your analyses and in depth discussion.

Just a question on the Caleb Daniel summation. I reckon he's just about a lock for the HB distributor role along with Fisher, it allows McKercher to be more involved further up the ground maybe linking along with Sheezel with the aforementioned. Daniel's most effective position is a rebounding defender (as you rightly pointed out). Really don't see him as a small forward, lacking pace and not utilising his foot skills to their full extent. I do see Parker playing forward because of his better marking and forward nous.

Anyway, just my take, he's in my team until I see something that warrants removing him.

Yeah they've created a bit of a puzzle for themselves down back because both Daniel and Fisher are liabilities, so playing both is going to be pretty hard to cover, McKercher actually wins defensively as well so he's a lot more suited to being there. Definitely going to be very interesting to see what exactly North does. They've gone very hard on the best player available recruiting strategy without seemingly putting any thought in to fielding an actual side so fitting it all together is going to be a challenge.

I agree entirely on Daniel but they're extremely lacking up forward with creativity so it's definitely plausible, they could also definitely use Fisher in that kind of role too, fwiw. Both in the same scenario, would be fantasy death if forward.

I have some flex questions.
Is there cover for the flex spot? I assume there isn't.
Can you do a 3 way substitute? I assume it's the same as other spots where you use the trade system. Trade the player out and back in to another spot for effectively 0 trades.
Assuming the above, I would only put a ruckmen in the flex spot if they were lapping the field. Not being able to cover a donut would still be a disadvantage, even though it is softened by best 22. Having an M/D or M/F would be a better play wouldn't it?

That's one way of looking at it, obviously the alternative is that having that ruck also provides cover for the hardest positions to cover on the field which is R1-2.

Realistically you want the best averaging player you can get to cover most likely the F6 position that has been weakest for several years now. A mid is definitely the most flexible, I don't think you really need the M/F on the cover, you want the best pure scorer and can find that flexibility with rookies and weaker cover options. The Flex should ideally be in your best 22 if things work out. It's effectively back to the good old days when you'd have a couple of extra mid premiums on the bench with the emergency set and a couple of missing forwards to cover (when EMG covered all positions!).

Having a ruck there has the negative of making covering the flex position harder, albeit if it's a long term injury you will trade anyway, but having the ruck there provides huge cover for the rucks where a 1 week injury/suspension can often force trades you'd rather not make.

Surely Bolton plays majority forward; Freo have a pretty deep midfield and he's exactly what they need up forward. Even if he starts at CBAs when they need some spark doesn't he just push forward anyway?

I expect he plays mostly forward but they're pretty lacking in a dynamic midfielder, he's exactly what they actually need through there so to me it would make sense he plays plenty of midfield. Actually very similar to Rankine with Adelaide. It's actually why I'm pretty surprised they didn't go hard to get Warner this year as well because he's exactly what they're missing. They've got an elite guy in Serong, a big body in Young and a workhorse in Brayshaw but they lack a real linebreaker and player who can shift them off the beaten path so to speak, Young could potentially be that but he's more of a straight line guy. I think they should be playing him as their 4th mid but suspect you're probably right that he gets more of the Papley or Pickett role of forward who gets some CBA. Either way he's still pretty underpriced with the best bye. although I'd personally prefer to pay less for Phillipou and Macrae right now.

 

[freowho]

Having a ruck there has the negative of making covering the flex position harder, albeit if it's a long term injury you will trade anyway, but having the ruck there provides huge cover for the rucks where a 1 week injury/suspension can often force trades you'd rather not make.

I don't understand how having a ruck in the flex specifically covers the rucks at R1 and R2. It will still be your 22 vs others who are able to drop their worst score.

 

[wogitalia]

I don't understand how having a ruck in the flex specifically covers the rucks at R1 and R2. It will still be your 22 vs others who are able to drop their worst score.

Yeah I guess you can achieve the same cover with a mid given it would just count the flex.

 

[BIGB0Y]

Im off english after last year, he looks good around the ground but weak as in the ruck contest as a an owner i was expecting much more than what i got. I think darcy steals more ruck time off him as well.

 

[Under The Dome]

R3 is a riddle for me too.

Ballsy with the cheap ruck line, not sure if I can go there myself. Fort is an interesting one though and someone I hadn't considered, how long is Big O out for?

R3 would be Fort with Boyd on field. One of the streamers said the first month.

 

[OnTopBar]

Im off english after last year, he looks good around the ground but weak as in the ruck contest as a an owner i was expecting much more than what i got. I think darcy steals more ruck time off him as well.

I get that, but it depends on what you paid for him I guess. There's a fair bit of variance in his scores last year with 7 scores over 135 and 7 scores below 91. I'm not sure that I'll start him but he's in the flex position for now, I reckon those higher scores are the thing that's pushing me in that direction.