The KEY 2015 Supercoach Questions

[siwel]

So after the team picker was launched yesterday I have given some thought to the key questions that need to be answered this year. I believe that how people "answer" these (what strategy chosen) will dramatically affect their ranking come years end

• What do you do with M11, do you use it to generate $$$ or as a NPR to loophole throughout the season?

• In what capacity do you use R3? Purely as a cheap NPR with Ruc/Fwd DPP (would most likely lead to Ryder/Bellchamber etc in fwd line) or do you try and pick a playing ruck?

• How do you approach your backline? With the loss of so many top scores there is a distinct lack of quality options do you go with multiple premiums, one premium and mid pricers or mid pricers and rookies?

• Conversely with the glut of Mid/Fwd options do you start with an ultra premium FWD line?

• How many ultra premium Mids do you start with? Savings can be made in the backline and with some midpricers in your RUC, how many will you start with?

If anyone has any other KEY questions that they believe need to be answered in order to have a successful year please add them below

How will you answer the questions above?

 

[Bob Loblaw]

• What do you do with M11, do you use it to generate $$$ or as a NPR to loophole throughout the season?
My opinion; Cash. Mid Rookies too valuable

• In what capacity do you use R3? Purely as a cheap NPR with Ruc/Fwd DPP (would most likely lead to Ryder/Bellchamber etc in fwd line) or do you try and pick a playing ruck?
Will have to wait until closer to the start of the season. If I can pick a relatively consistent playing ruck then yes I will. But most likely I'll go Cox (ruc/fwd) and most likely Bellchambers (yuk). Will consider Griffen.

• How do you approach your backline? With the loss of so many top scores there is a distinct lack of quality options do you go with multiple premiums, one premium and mid pricers or mid pricers and rookies?

I'll probably pick two of Smith, Hibbered, Shaw. 2-3 of Ibbotson, Seedsman, Waters, Henderson, Rampe, Newnes and 3-4 rookies.

• Conversely with the glut of Mid/Fwd options do you start with an ultra premium FWD line?
Very much looking like it 4-5 premiums up top.
Franklin, Swan, Martin - Pretty much locked
Bennel, Mitchell, Bellchambers/Ryder - Considering highly
Lids, Goddard, Smith - Possibilities


• How many ultra premium Mids do you start with? Savings can be made in the backline and with some midpricers in your RUC, how many will you start with?

Probably 4 + Rich
Fyfe, Ablett, Rockcliff, Heppel likely to be the 4. (Trying to be a tad different)

If anyone has any other KEY questions that they believe need to be answered in order to have a successful year please add them below

 

[Dimmawit]

Howdy all, Currently sitting in Kerala, India!

• What do you do with M11, do you use it to generate $$$ or as a NPR to loophole throughout the season?

Has to be for cash I reckon.

• In what capacity do you use R3? Purely as a cheap NPR with Ruc/Fwd DPP (would most likely lead to Ryder/Bellchamber etc in fwd line) or do you try and pick a playing ruck?
I think I'll be forced to play Bellchambers and swing with a R/F, problem tho becomes when your rucks are all playing. Sitting 300k on the bench is a big call, but if you can't even guarantee your 1st choice rucks are playing before deciding where you sit R/Fs that's what you'll be forced to do. Very much leaning towards set and forget rucks.

• How do you approach your backline? With the loss of so many top scores there is a distinct lack of quality options do you go with multiple premiums, one premium and mid pricers or mid pricers and rookies?

at the end of the day we all get to choose from the same list. TBH I don't think it's a bad thing at all we've lost a few of the mids from defence. There's a couple of 300-450 types that offer value I reckon. If you pushed me right now I'd say 3 premos min, but currently looking at 4


• Conversely with the glut of Mid/Fwd options do you start with an ultra premium FWD line?
this is where you've got to look for value in my opinion. Early stage I'm looking at Gray and Dusty and wondering if they'll increase their averages, answer probably no for me, whereas Deledio could up 3-5 pts which isn't much but puts he ahead of those two for mine for example

• How many ultra premium Mids do you start with? Savings can be made in the backline and with some midpricers in your RUC, how many will you start with?

again I think value is gonna be key. Highly likely I'll just start Ablett and Pendles but geez a lot can change from here!

I think another big question relates to the ruck rule change....where does that leave ruck values? Surely NicNat is a lock, averages 90 as it is getting minimum touches. what's Jacobs value become? I thought Goldy was a better pick but with this rule change perhaps not?

Musings at this stage, (my 2c)

- Malceski, Rich, Kruzer all too expensive
- Hibbard absolute lock
- R Griffen hard to know. Could be lock of the year, could go the other way
- playing R3 absolutely essential (unless you want to risk it for the biscuits - I reckon the winner could be someone who just throws caution to the wind and puts a loophole as R3 and gets lucky with no injuries)
- There are a few nice little defence smokies around 250-350 I reckon. One or two of the right ones will be a long way!

 

[Junior Wölf]

• What do you do with M11, do you use it to generate $$$ or as a NPR to loophole throughout the season?
There are most likely more midfield playing rookies then forward and defence. So get the more monies

• In what capacity do you use R3? Purely as a cheap NPR with Ruc/Fwd DPP (would most likely lead to Ryder/Bellchamber etc in fwd line) or do you try and pick a playing ruck?
If there is likely to be a rookie ruck under 200K I will try and squeeze him in.

• How do you approach your backline? With the loss of so many top scores there is a distinct lack of quality options do you go with multiple premiums, one premium and mid pricers or mid pricers and rookies?
Most likely have one over 500K, 2-3 400k and discounted player like Waters and 3 rookies. But if there are 4 playing rookies, I will pick them up and remove someone.[/B]

• Conversely with the glut of Mid/Fwd options do you start with an ultra premium FWD line?
Most likely 4x500k players + tommy mitchell and rookies. But it depends which rookies.

• How many ultra premium Mids do you start with? Savings can be made in the backline and with some midpricers in your RUC, how many will you start with?
I am starting with Pendles, Fyfe, Jelwood, Ward/Griffin, and either Armitage or J Stevens. The rest all rookies under 200k unless there is a Dom Tyson in Cripps.

 

[Courtesans]

Two Ruckman of your choice with say Cox R/F on the bench coupled with Ryder R/F in the forward line looks a good play to me at the minute. If Ryder can keep or improve his 2014 av of 100+ I like it.

 

[BC]

Tap out to advantage bonus points.
Sounds stupid BUT would it be far to say that a ruckman that has a gun midfield around him will get more bonus points even if the tap isn't perfectly to advantage.
Eg. Sandi wins the tap and its fyfe v boak with a contested 50/50 ball. Fyfe wins the battle and goes inside 50 with it. Is that classes as to advantage? Will sandi get the bonus points for that tap

 

[Goodie's Guns]

Two Ruckman of your choice with say Cox R/F on the bench coupled with Ryder R/F in the forward line looks a good play to me at the minute. If Ryder can keep or improve his 2014 av of 100+ I like it.

Thinking the same thing, however Ryder's unknown role at Port is really worrying for me atm.

 

[Bontempele]

• What do you do with M11, do you use it to generate $$$ or as a NPR to loophole throughout the season?
I'm not a fan of having a permanent donut. There are always plenty of non-playing players. I'll just use M11 as a cash cow.

• In what capacity do you use R3? Purely as a cheap NPR with Ruc/Fwd DPP (would most likely lead to Ryder/Bellchamber etc in fwd line) or do you try and pick a playing ruck?
There won't be any playing rucks under 200k so I think it has to be Mason Cox. Gotta do some research as to whether Ryder/TBC will be worth getting when playing mainly as a forward

• How do you approach your backline? With the loss of so many top scores there is a distinct lack of quality options do you go with multiple premiums, one premium and mid pricers or mid pricers and rookies?
Hopefully there will be at least 4 good rookie options (perhaps including Whitecross). I think I will probably go with 1/2 rookies, 3/4 premiums and maybe Waters if fully fit on the field.

• Conversely with the glut of Mid/Fwd options do you start with an ultra premium FWD line?
I'm going to try to fit in 5 premium forwards and get more rookies in defense and midfield. If there are lots of good forward rookies, hopefully they are MPP and the extra mid spot can used for 1/2 M/F rookies.

• How many ultra premium Mids do you start with? Savings can be made in the backline and with some midpricers in your RUC, how many will you start with?
Probably 4. I'm not a fan of mid pricers in the midfield so I reckon I'll go with a 4-0-4 in the midfield.

 

[Courtesans]

Thinking the same thing, however Ryder's unknown role at Port is really worrying for me atm.

True Goodies but he is playing in a very good, well coached, skilled improving team. Port just might get the best out of him.

 

[siwel]

Howdy all, Currently sitting in Kerala, India!

• What do you do with M11, do you use it to generate $$$ or as a NPR to loophole throughout the season?

Has to be for cash I reckon.

• In what capacity do you use R3? Purely as a cheap NPR with Ruc/Fwd DPP (would most likely lead to Ryder/Bellchamber etc in fwd line) or do you try and pick a playing ruck?
I think I'll be forced to play Bellchambers and swing with a R/F, problem tho becomes when your rucks are all playing. Sitting 300k on the bench is a big call, but if you can't even guarantee your 1st choice rucks are playing before deciding where you sit R/Fs that's what you'll be forced to do. Very much leaning towards set and forget rucks.

• How do you approach your backline? With the loss of so many top scores there is a distinct lack of quality options do you go with multiple premiums, one premium and mid pricers or mid pricers and rookies?

at the end of the day we all get to choose from the same list. TBH I don't think it's a bad thing at all we've lost a few of the mids from defence. There's a couple of 300-450 types that offer value I reckon. If you pushed me right now I'd say 3 premos min, but currently looking at 4


• Conversely with the glut of Mid/Fwd options do you start with an ultra premium FWD line?
this is where you've got to look for value in my opinion. Early stage I'm looking at Gray and Dusty and wondering if they'll increase their averages, answer probably no for me, whereas Deledio could up 3-5 pts which isn't much but puts he ahead of those two for mine for example

• How many ultra premium Mids do you start with? Savings can be made in the backline and with some midpricers in your RUC, how many will you start with?

again I think value is gonna be key. Highly likely I'll just start Ablett and Pendles but geez a lot can change from here!

I think another big question relates to the ruck rule change....where does that leave ruck values? Surely NicNat is a lock, averages 90 as it is getting minimum touches. what's Jacobs value become? I thought Goldy was a better pick but with this rule change perhaps not?

Musings at this stage, (my 2c)

- Malceski, Rich, Kruzer all too expensive
- Hibbard absolute lock
- R Griffen hard to know. Could be lock of the year, could go the other way
- Van Berlo lock (not sure on current fitness tho)
- playing R3 absolutely essential (unless you want to risk it for the biscuits - I reckon the winner could be someone who just throws caution to the wind and puts a loophole as R3 and gets lucky with no injuries)
- There are a few nice little defence smokies around 250-350 I reckon. One or two of the right ones will be a long way!

Awesome feedback DimmaWit, great to get the thoughts of someone like yourself

I do agree with most of your thoughts as well and I personally love the limited backline options. It takes away "easy options" for those cookie cutter coaches and finding players who have the ability to increase their scoring by 15+ points will be key.

From your summary I concur that Hibberd is an absolute LOCK!
and
Having a playing R3 or Ruc/Fwd option is CRUCIAL to limit trades in this area. With an extra mid rookie position available trades will be key in or to complete upgrades

PS - your a SC BEAST

 

[sven_inc]

Howdy all, Currently sitting in Kerala, India!

• What do you do with M11, do you use it to generate $$$ or as a NPR to loophole throughout the season?

Has to be for cash I reckon.

• In what capacity do you use R3? Purely as a cheap NPR with Ruc/Fwd DPP (would most likely lead to Ryder/Bellchamber etc in fwd line) or do you try and pick a playing ruck?
I think I'll be forced to play Bellchambers and swing with a R/F, problem tho becomes when your rucks are all playing. Sitting 300k on the bench is a big call, but if you can't even guarantee your 1st choice rucks are playing before deciding where you sit R/Fs that's what you'll be forced to do. Very much leaning towards set and forget rucks.

• How do you approach your backline? With the loss of so many top scores there is a distinct lack of quality options do you go with multiple premiums, one premium and mid pricers or mid pricers and rookies?

at the end of the day we all get to choose from the same list. TBH I don't think it's a bad thing at all we've lost a few of the mids from defence. There's a couple of 300-450 types that offer value I reckon. If you pushed me right now I'd say 3 premos min, but currently looking at 4


• Conversely with the glut of Mid/Fwd options do you start with an ultra premium FWD line?
this is where you've got to look for value in my opinion. Early stage I'm looking at Gray and Dusty and wondering if they'll increase their averages, answer probably no for me, whereas Deledio could up 3-5 pts which isn't much but puts he ahead of those two for mine for example

• How many ultra premium Mids do you start with? Savings can be made in the backline and with some midpricers in your RUC, how many will you start with?

again I think value is gonna be key. Highly likely I'll just start Ablett and Pendles but geez a lot can change from here!

I think another big question relates to the ruck rule change....where does that leave ruck values? Surely NicNat is a lock, averages 90 as it is getting minimum touches. what's Jacobs value become? I thought Goldy was a better pick but with this rule change perhaps not?

Musings at this stage, (my 2c)

- Malceski, Rich, Kruzer all too expensive
- Hibbard absolute lock
- R Griffen hard to know. Could be lock of the year, could go the other way
- Van Berlo lock (not sure on current fitness tho)
- playing R3 absolutely essential (unless you want to risk it for the biscuits - I reckon the winner could be someone who just throws caution to the wind and puts a loophole as R3 and gets lucky with no injuries)
- There are a few nice little defence smokies around 250-350 I reckon. One or two of the right ones will be a long way!

Awesome feedback DimmaWit, great to get the thoughts of someone like yourself

I do agree with most of your thoughts as well and I personally love the limited backline options. It takes away "easy options" for those cookie cutter coaches and finding players who have the ability to increase their scoring by 15+ points will be key.

From your summary I concur that Hibberd is an absolute LOCK!
and
Having a playing R3 or Ruc/Fwd option is CRUCIAL to limit trades in this area. With an extra mid rookie position available trades will be key in or to complete upgrades

PS - your a SC BEAST

Much respect to you both, but my key question is a really, really annoying one...

What the hell is going to happen to Essendon with ASADA and those suspensions? And when are we going to finally find out? Those sanctions looming large over the likes of Hibberd, Ryder, Watson, Bellchambers, Heppell etc, and the flow on effect any loss of half a team will have on the others like Goddard, Cooney is the main reason I haven't let myself look too much into Essendon players the last few bloody years and possibly the next.

Unfortunately for me Hibberd, Ryder, Goddard, Watson etc can't be anything close to a lock until we get an outcome. What if they play the first 4 rounds and then half the team gets suspended?

For me:
- Love the backline changes - can see a lot being tempted by a bit of the fools gold on offer. Love the challenge of sorting through it all over the next 3 months
- LOVE the ruck changes and the proposed changes to the hitout scoring
- Haven't quite worked out a working structure without more info but a few might work id imagine

 

[Bob Loblaw]

Much respect to you both, but my key question is a really, really annoying one...

What the hell is going to happen to Essendon with ASADA and those suspensions? And when are we going to finally find out? Those sanctions looming large over the likes of Hibberd, Ryder, Watson, Bellchambers, Heppell etc, and the flow on effect any loss of half a team will have on the others like Goddard, Cooney is the main reason I haven't let myself look too much into Essendon players the last few bloody years and possibly the next.

Unfortunately for me Hibberd, Ryder, Goddard, Watson etc can't be anything close to a lock until we get an outcome. What if they play the first 4 rounds and then half the team gets suspended?

For me:
- Love the backline changes - can see a lot being tempted by a bit of the fools gold on offer. Love the challenge of sorting through it all over the next 3 months
- LOVE the ruck changes and the proposed changes to the hitout scoring
- Haven't quite worked out a working structure without more info but a few might work id imagine

ASAADA AFl tribunal hearing resumes mid Jan so should be finished by feb or a bit after. That I think is the final step before suspensions or lack there of. Nevertheless the media have whiskey tipped Essendon to get off relatively Scott free after the court ruled ASAADA could not force their two key witnesses (Alavi & Carter) to testify, which is what is believed the case hinges upon. I'll get back with more info, got a bit slack lately not 100% though on what's going on.

 

[siwel]

I was just thinking after reading through this wondering if Bellchambers is a waste of a spot.
Priced at 300k and a career high season average of 85ppg It is unlikely he will average over 90 as the number one ruck at the Dons. Also given the fact he is a fairly poor tap ruckman his scoring ability will be reduced if the new rules come to fruition meaning he will almost be certainly traded out probably around mid season. This begs the question who would you bring in now? Unless another Stefan Martin who comes from nowhere or one of the ruck/fwd rookies looks like he'll consistently get games the only player who you will upgrade to is Paddy Ryder assuming you want to keep your ruck/fwd swing set which is always very handy come season end and the carnage which inevitably accompanies it.

Priced at 543k from memory I doubt he'll be dropping considerably and even if you are able to pick him up at 480K (his cheapest he got last year barring immediatly after his injury wher he scored 38) I'll compare whether it's worth starting and keeping ryder or Trading Bellchambers to him.
EG.) Bellchambers 440k (av 86) ----> Ryder 480k (Av 101). (round 10)
Vs
Ryder 540k (av 101) (Round 1-10) instead of Bellchambers

Net result for starting and keeping Ryder (for this situation).
- 240k (until round 10) & - 180k at round 10 ( as 60k needed to upgrade bell> Ryder)
+150 points (15 per round)
+ 1 trade

Say 240K saved initially from Bellchambers in spent around the ground MN 5375.
Buy total 44 points per game. *.85 = 37.4 as a cheaper (value) player is more likely to improve average.
Net points (37-15) = 22


So total cost of Starting Ryder rather than Bellchambers to Ryder is...
-22 ppg
+ 1 trade

Note this assumes 60k required to upgrade Ryder occurs simultaneously (up/down trade). 60k sitting in the bank for a couple of rounds may cost points.

Hopefully this is right and make sense. I'm thinking of making a excel sheet that can quickly dissect these sort of things so any feedback would be appreciated.

I do think its a forgone conclusion that Ryder will hold his price or scoring average. With Lobbe at Port he wont be sole Ruck (where he has played his best footy/scored the best SC wise). Look below at his SC history

Year Gms SC Avg
2006 9 240 26.6
2007 21 1478 70.3
2008 22 1385 62.9
2009 21 1770 84.2
2010 21 1799 85.6
2011 22 1999 90.8
2012 15 1572 104.8
2013 17 1533 90.1
2014 20 2022 101.1
Career 168 13798 82.1

I could very well see Ryder slipping back to his 90 avg

 

[Bob Loblaw]

I do think its a forgone conclusion that Ryder will hold his price or scoring average. With Lobbe at Port he wont be sole Ruck (where he has played his best footy/scored the best SC wise). Look below at his SC history

Year Gms SC Avg
2006 9 240 26.6
2007 21 1478 70.3
2008 22 1385 62.9
2009 21 1770 84.2
2010 21 1799 85.6
2011 22 1999 90.8
2012 15 1572 104.8
2013 17 1533 90.1
2014 20 2022 101.1
Career 168 13798 82.1

I could very well see Ryder slipping back to his 90 avg

Hahaha I just deleted that Analysis becuase the numbers didn't quite add up but you got it in the nic of time. However I do beleive Ryder will not be as greatly affected as people beleive well at least to how other ruckman will respond to being given less ruck time. I'm not a port supporter but I'd assume Paddy would still do some
Ruck work prehaps 40% compared 75-80% last year.
According to the AFL prospectus in 2013 responding to the 2012 season where Paddy averaged 106 a carrer high he stated.
"As a forward he was the third most used target inside 50 at the
Bombers and ranked 7th for scoreboard impact."
In the 2014 prospectus fantasy Freako stated "If it looks like Bellchambers will be the number one ruck get on Paddy".
While paddy played #1 ruck in effectivly all games and still had a great year it shows he is still a pretty good forward.
In 2014 Paddy Ryder was the only ruckman to rate elite for clearances, inside 50s, score assists and goals indicating his hitouts are not essential.

While I do think it is most likely that Paddy will be affected negatively by less ruck time I see him as the only viable ruc/fwd keeper who I'll have to get eventually if I maintain a swing set.
If a rookie jumps out and looks as if he'll play most games I'll pick him but otherwise I think I'll be stuck with the traitor.

 

[Obie]

• What do you do with M11, do you use it to generate $$$ or as a NPR to loophole throughout the season?

Probably go the cash route although a M/F non-playing rookie might be able to make the loop pull some points per week. Would hate to not have 2 bites at the captain cherry each week.

• In what capacity do you use R3? Purely as a cheap NPR with Ruc/Fwd DPP (would most likely lead to Ryder/Bellchamber etc in fwd line) or do you try and pick a playing ruck?

Tough. Tempting to go 2 No.1 rucks and use R3 as a non-playing rookie to set up the loop. That's if no rookie ruck looks like playing games early.

• How do you approach your backline? With the loss of so many top scores there is a distinct lack of quality options do you go with multiple premiums, one premium and mid pricers or mid pricers and rookies?

Hoping for rookies here. Have 2 defensive premiums picked and hoping to be able to field 4! rookies. Just don't like the premium options. Struggle to name top 6 by the end of the year. Tempted not to waste money here and invest elsewhere.

• Conversely with the glut of Mid/Fwd options do you start with an ultra premium FWD line?

Like always will depend on which lines presents the best option to field rookies. Can see 4/5 Premiums here. Always like to keep at least one spot open for a hot rookie to field.

• How many ultra premium Mids do you start with? Savings can be made in the backline and with some midpricers in your RUC, how many will you start with?

At least 4. Too hard to fill up with the full 8 quick enough to challenge if you start with too few. Ablett, Pendles, Selwood and a smokey premium for me.

 

[Philzsay]

Much respect to you both, but my key question is a really, really annoying one...

What the hell is going to happen to Essendon with ASADA and those suspensions? And when are we going to finally find out? Those sanctions looming large over the likes of Hibberd, Ryder, Watson, Bellchambers, Heppell etc, and the flow on effect any loss of half a team will have on the others like Goddard, Cooney is the main reason I haven't let myself look too much into Essendon players the last few bloody years and possibly the next.

Unfortunately for me Hibberd, Ryder, Goddard, Watson etc can't be anything close to a lock until we get an outcome. What if they play the first 4 rounds and then half the team gets suspended?

ASAADA AFl tribunal hearing resumes mid Jan so should be finished by feb or a bit after. That I think is the final step before suspensions or lack there of. Nevertheless the media have whiskey tipped Essendon to get off relatively Scott free after the court ruled ASAADA could not force their two key witnesses (Alavi & Carter) to testify, which is what is believed the case hinges upon. I'll get back with more info, got a bit slack lately not 100% though on what's going on.

I follow it a little bit, lol, well ok a hell of a lot! We are currently expecting it all to be over by about mid to late Feb. We should go into the season with 100% certainty.

OK I wrote a massive post about the state of the case but have decided to save it for after the decision.

For what it's worth Hibberd is locked in my team.

 

[Dimmawit]

Who gets picked as that third ultra premo is key too isn't it! Selwood/Fyfe etc

 

[Erich1036]

Who gets picked as that third ultra premo is key too isn't it! Selwood/Fyfe etc

That's a big one too. But I almost feel as though M4/M5 is even bigger. JPK, Ward, Watson, Dangerfield, Griffen, Steven etc. Getting that right will go a long way in getting you ahead of the pack, whereas the whole M3 Selwood/Fyfe debacle is more 50/50.

 

[Philzsay]

Howdy all, Currently sitting in Kerala, India!

Hi John, Hope India is treating you well!

I spent a month in Mumbai in June '12 managing my SC team. At the time I considered myself to be the Number 1 SC player in India.

I reckon you can take that title now!

So are you there for a holiday or ?

 

[Dimmawit]

G'day Philzay, yep a holiday. I must admit I am currently blowing my winnings. Me and the girl are doing 12 months travelling. Currently 6 months into it....will be a little tricky managing the team for the first half of the year from where ever we are...no complaints tho.