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[Professor]

KFC SuperCoach 2021: Best point-of-difference picks in the midfield
One of the biggest stars in KFC SuperCoach is in less than 6 per cent of teams. What’s going on?

Dan Batten

@danbatten_

6 min read
February 21, 2021 - 6:42PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom





HERALDSUN.COM.AU3:30
Dan Batten's KFC SuperCoach AFL team
Dan Batten explains some of his selections ahead of the 2021 season for KFC SuperCoach AFL, including rookies worth keeping an eye on.


This might just be the most uncertain KFC SuperCoach season yet for midfielders.
Most pre-seasons, coaches can confidently bank on 5-6 starting midfielders worth more than $550,000.
In 2021, even SuperCoach stud Lachie Neale is entering the season with an injury cloud.

But as always, there are top-scoring option who continue to fly under the radar.
And one KFC SuperCoach favourite is being left virtually untouched compared to previous seasons.
If you are hunting for a point-of-difference (POD) – a player with under 10 per cent ownership – for your midfield, you have come to the right place. Check out the top 10 hidden gems to spice up your midfield.

Marcus Bontempelli (WB) $623,900
2020 average: 116.1 (17 matches)
Ownership: 5.9 per cent


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Hang on, are we sure that ownership percentage is right?
Usually a household KFC SuperCoach name, Bontempelli is in fewer than 6 per cent of teams a month out from the season.
The uncertainty surrounding the Bulldogs midfield group after the arrival of ball magnet Adam Treloar appears to be scaring coaches off, coupled with the unpredictability of magnet man Luke Beveridge.
The club has hinted at more forward minutes for Bontempelli and one would assume he is the most likely of the Bulldogs’ centre-square brigade to be moved inside 50 due to his damaging impact as a forward – but is that necessarily a bad thing for The Bont?
Bontempelli posted 11 tons last season and he kicked a goal or more in eight of those 100-plus totals, after hitting the scoreboard in seven of his 13 centuries in 2019.
Moreover, the news of a calf injury to Treloar may mean he is not impacted as much as first thought.
SC verdict: His high ceiling and capacity to lift in big moments – when KFC SuperCoach scaling is intensified – makes him an option you can’t ignore.
MORE: BEST UNIQUE SUPERCOACH PICKS IN DEFENCE

Marcus Bontempelli is being overlooked by most KFC SuperCoach players.
Zach Merrett (Ess) $620,900
2020 average: 116.1 (17 matches)
Ownership: 7.3 per cent
One thing became abundantly clear about Merrett in 2020: opposition teams will let him run around and do as he pleases.
Maybe this is due to coaches “backing in their systems” against a below-par Essendon midfield group or the myth that Merrett does nothing with his possessions. Nonetheless, it left his KFC SuperCoach owners grinning from ear to ear.
As the No.1 man in the Essendon midfield, Merrett averaged a career-high 115.6 KFC SuperCoach points and 26.3 disposals per game – ranked fourth in competition.
His finish to the season was sublime, registering eight 110-plus totals in his last nine matches — the other score was a 99 — at a formidable average of 123.7.
This was despite the Bombers recording just one win in the back half of the year.
SC verdict: Of the midfielders priced around $630,000, he may just be the best of the lot. Ultra-consistent and being overlooked yet again.

Zach Merrett delivers great bang for your buck.
Jarryd Lyons (Bris) $604,600
2020 average: 112.5 (17 matches)
Ownership: 1.2 per cent
Lyons was able to thrive alongside superstar Lachie Neale in 2020, eclipsing the 110-mark on 14 of his 17 appearances and averaging 112.2 points per game.
The bullocking inside midfielder won the ninth-most clearances in the competition despite his partner in crime being ranked fifth for the same statistic.
Lyons remained a shrewd point-of-difference pick for coaches throughout the season and this year is no different, currently sitting in about one in every 100 teams.
And with Neale experiencing an interrupted pre-season due to a calf injury, Lyons may have to shoulder more midfield responsibility in the early stages of 2021.
SC verdict: Starting both Neale and Lyons is a possibility, but it will depend how deep you bat in the midfield. May be one to consider as an upgrade if he can maintain the rage.

Everyone forgets about Jarryd Lyons.
Andrew Gaff (WC) $570,800
2020 average: 106.2 (17 matches)
Ownership: 3.2 per cent
Gaff lost a touch of his trademark consistency last season but still managed to average 106.2 points – his third successive season average above 105.
He fell below 70 points on three occasions, which is unusual for the gut-running midfielder.
However, the most significant stat for Gaff in 2020 was his form away from Perth Stadium – a venue where he averages 107.8 points across his career.
Gaff went at an impressive 111.2 points per game outside of Western Australia, which bodes well for his overall scoring.
Equally important for Gaff is the return to 20-minute quarters and reduced interchanges that should work his favour as a player renowned for his endurance.
SC verdict: He is worth looking at with increased game-length and more matches at Perth Stadium in 2021.

 

[Professor]

Matt Crouch (Adel) $594,700)
2020 average: 110.7 (16 matches)

Ownership: 2.8 per cent

Crouch responded emphatically after his shock Round 4 axing last season, falling below 100 points on only three occasions in his following 13 games.

He averaged a whopping 115.9 points in this period, including a four-game stretch of 132, 133, 162 and 148 towards the end of the season with Rory Laird also stationed in the guts.

Crouch’s impressive campaign saw him finish fifth in the AFL for effective disposals per game, first for handballs per game and sixth for uncontested possessions per game.

While the 25-year-old’s ball-winning ways should continue in 20-minute quarters, there is a question mark over whether his scores will stack up with reduced scaling on offer.

SC verdict: He has burnt us before but there is merit in starting the prolific Crow.

ROOKIE BIBLE: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BEST SUPERCOACH CHEAPIES

Matt Crouch and Rory Laird could combine in the Crows midfield this year. Picture: Sarah Reed
Andrew Brayshaw (Frem) $544,200
2020 average: 101.3 (17 matches)

Ownership: 1.2 per cent

An enhanced midfield role saw Brayshaw go to the next level in 2020 after a slow start to the season, churning out six straight KFC SuperCoach tons from Round 5 onwards at an average of 126.7.

In total, Brayshaw eclipsed the 120-point barrier five times last season as he began to show why he was taken with the second selection in the 2017 national draft.

His lower returns to start the season obscures his 2020 form line, with his lost forward eligibility leaving him at an ownership of just 1.2 per cent.

Brayshaw showed signs of an uber-premium scorer last season and with dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe likely to spend more time up forward, there is scope for a further spike in his scoring.

SC verdict: It would be brave to start him but he’s a selection that could pay off.

Sam Walsh (Carl) $543,300
2020 average: 101.1 (17 matches)

Ownership: 9.3 per cent

There were no second-year blues for Sam Walsh.

Walsh’s back half of the year was phenomenal, averaging 118 points in his last nine matches after Carlton’s bye, including back-to-back scores of 132 and 161.

The whispers out of Ikon Park are that Walsh will be spending more time in the coalface in his third season, which should only increase his KFC SuperCoach output.

The glittering youngster has already scored 14 tons in his 39 matches to start his career and he appears set to go up another gear after averaging 101.1 points last season.

SC verdict: The best unique midfielder — for scoring potential and price — on offer. Although he may not be below 10 per cent ownership for long.

Sam Walsh is heading to premium territory fast.

Jy Simpkin made a flying start to 2020.
Jy Simpkin (North Melb) $499,700
2020 average: 93 (17 matches)

Ownership: 3.8 per cent

This is how to kick off a KFC SuperCoach breakout season: 131, 104, 140, 119, 97 and 127.

Simpkin averaged 119 points across the first six rounds of 2020 as he cemented his place as a full-time midfielder at the Roos.

But then an in-game injury in Round 7 and increased opposition attention set off a run of underwhelming returns, with another setback in Round 16 making his average dip further.

Without those injury-affected games – where he played 61 per cent and 45 per cent game-time respectively – his 2020 average bumps up to 98.4.

Skipper Jack Ziebell has talked up Simpkin’s pre-season and his blistering start to 2020 suggests he could push a 110-average this year.

SC verdict: You’re probably choosing between Simpkin and Rowell at the price, and it’s hard to go past Rowell.

Luke Davies-Uniacke (North Melb) $432,800
2020 average: 80.6 (9 matches)

Ownership: 1.6 per cent

It is hard not to get excited about a player labelled a ‘Judd-like’ midfielder.

We saw glimpses of Davies-Uniacke’s potential towards the end of last season, posting a career-high 129 KFC SuperCoach points against Port Adelaide and a 93-point effort in Round 18.

Davies-Uniacke is another Roo that has been commended for his pre-season and a breakout campaign looms large for the former top-five pick.

Could he be the ‘Brayshaw breakout’ of 2021?

SC verdict: I would snap him up if he was a FWD/MID but options like Ben Cunnington and Tim Taranto have greater appeal at a similar price.


Brayden Sier (Coll) $313,800
2020 average: 73 (3 matches)

Ownership: 1.2 per cent

The man affectionately known as “Phil Inn” managed just the three games in 2020 as injuries book-ended his season.

In 2021, Sier could benefit from greater midfield opportunity in an Adam Treloar-less Collingwood midfield.

Sier tallied 23 touches, eight clearances and 97 KFC SuperCoach points in Round 10 last year, lifting after Treloar went down with a calf injury in the third term.

As Taylor Adams races the clock for Round 1 with a groin issue, Sier may have to shoulder more responsibility in the engine room.

More Coverage
KFC SuperCoach: Top 10 rookie midfieldersKFC SuperCoach Draft: The Phantom’s top 50 rankings
The hulking 191cm onballer has shown promise in the VFL in previous seasons, averaging 23.5 disposal, 12.2 contested possessions, 4.8 tackles and 90 KFC SuperCoach points in six VFL matches in 2019 and going at 92 points per game in 2018.

SC verdict: Watch his role and output with interest this pre-season. However, Dyson Heppell looks a better buy at the same price.

 

[Professor]

AFL 2021: Steve Hocking on new rules, COVID vaccines and a flexible fixture
The mastermind behind the AFL’s rule changes explains his hopes for a more open game in 2021, plus COVID vaccines, concussion and more.

Jon Ralph

11 min read
February 21, 2021 - 6:16PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom





FOXSPORTS0:46
McCartin hoping to revive career with Swans in the VFL
AFL: Former number one pick Paddy McCartin is hoping to revive his playing career after signing with the Sydney Swans VFL team.


As COVID locked down large parts of Australia last year, the yearly debate about football’s aesthetics rumbled to a halt.
Footy fans effectively locked in their homes greedily accepted any standard of football as a distraction from the pandemic.
Empty stadiums, short quarters, exhausted players coming off four-day breaks — none of it mattered because it was footy, and often on a nightly basis.

But with less than a month to the March 18 Carlton-Richmond season-opener, the man in charge of how footy is played knows the familiar conversation will return.
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AFL football operations manager Steve Hocking has helped bring in new rule interpretations and a new VFL competition as well as planning for the fixture madness sure to come from sporadic COVID outbreaks and the border closures that will follow.
Last year those shortened quarters meant it was impossible to compare scores to the near-decade of seasons with scoring rates consistently lower than the previous season.
Hocking sat down with the Herald Sun for an update on the state of the game, from those new interpretations to the VFL’s zone trial, concussion, a review of the illicit drugs policy and the end of the traditional Thursday night teams.
THE NEW MAN ON THE MARK RULE


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Hocking wants to make one thing clear.
A new man-on-the-mark rule, which will effectively lock the player on the spot by yelling “stand”, is not the panacea to what ails the game.
He says it is part of a suite of changes he hopes will combine to find a better balance between attack and defence, after teams scored an average of a miserly 80.4 points per game in 2019.
“This is more than the man on the mark,” he tells the Herald Sun.

Umpires have been working with AFL clubs on the new rules. Picture: Michael Klein
“Game length returns to 20 minutes quarters, there are 75 total player interchanges per match, the location of the mark from kick-ins has gone from 10m to 15m, and then there is the standing the mark rule.
“We are trying to find that better balance between attack and defence. It’s really important for the future of the game. So we want a bit more space in the game so players can actually have the ability to attack and take the game on.
“Remembering we have three weeks to go, but the feedback we are getting from clubs is that 45 (degree kick) is now available and the corridor is open, so it’s what we are trying to achieve.”
Hocking refuses to judge the success of those roles on scoring rates that are now at 50-year lows.
“No, the important thing is how the game is played. And having time and space. So a better balance between those two is what I am looking or and that’s why my (game analysis) team is working on.
“There is certainly a trend there (with lower scores). If you go back over a period of time we are trying to get the balance right. We put in the 6-6-6 rule, the kick-in piece, so we want all those things to work in harmony.”

The AFL hopes a combination of changes will open up the game and boost scoring.
Hocking has spent his first three years attempting to build what he calls a “greater rhythm” between players and coaches and the senior umpires.
This year the umpires have already attended 310 training sessions with clubs, explaining rules and officiating match practice and scrimmages.
They will hit 500 visits by Round 1, up from around 50 several years ago, with one club having already had 25 visits over summer.
It means players have had the new man-on-the mark rule continually reinforced amid fears of a spate of 50m penalties before the new interpretation is bedded down.
“They are umpiring match simulation and bringing an education with them but also working on their skills. They are there to umpire to the rule book, and standing the mark is no different.,” Hocking says.
“We are getting everyone to work together so it’s the responsibility of the umpires to officiate to the laws but the second part is the responsibility of coaches and players to make sure they understand the rules. We have to be very careful not to place all of the responsibility at the umpires’ feet.”
So if the players don’t know the rules, it’s their own fault?
“Definitely they should know the rules.”

 

[Professor]

SLASHED INTERCHANGE

Why doesn’t the AFL just get serious about a significant cut to interchange, given clubs bleating about its reduction still pull players off only minutes into games?

Hocking says the league is open to further reductions but only if the statistics stack up to show it would definitely open up the game.

“It’s certainly something we will do behind the scenes and our game analysis team will be part of that. We will partner with Victoria University to do a lot of work on it,” he says.

“It’s been mentioned by clubs that players, particularly onballers, will have to head for other parts of the ground as opposed to going to the bench. That could be a potential upside.”

The AFL has cut interchange rotations to 75 per team this season.
MORE ZONES?

Hocking’s game analysis group was so serious about pondering zones in the AFL they conducted extensive trials in 2018.

They stopped short in part because of the delay that was caused in herding players back into the 50m zone.

In the VFL there must be three pairs of players inside 50 — including one pair in the goalsquare — at every throw-in and kick-in.

The rule is not enforced at throw-ups around the ground.

If a team isn’t back at a kick-in they concede a 50m penalty, and if they aren’t back at a throw-in they concede a free kick.

He is genuinely excited by the possibilities, saying the rule should in theory spread the ground without fans even noticing.

“We are doing a study to support it, a piece of work on the distribution of numbers across the ground and the reason for that is maintaining a better balance between attack and defence.

“So there is a level of excitement within that competition. It may make a difference to the game and the jury is out, so we will work through it. We need to remember it’s in breaks in the games. Have a look at 6-6-6. It’s not unlike that.

“We have worked through it that it takes about 12 seconds for each boundary throw-in. For a ball-up its only eight to nine seconds so it’s not enough time to reset and spread the ground.”

Hocking says players spreading out across the ground between 60-80 times — apart from the 6-6-6 rule after goals — will enhance the game without new lines on grounds.

WHY IS THE NEW VFL CALLED THE VFL?

The new VFL is a mash-up of the old NEAFL and VFL, with 22 teams from three states.

Non-Victorian teams weren’t thrilled by the league retaining the VFL name, but Hocking says it stacked up.

“It’s just the rich history of the VFL name. It has got an unbelievable history and so we have retained that for that very reason. We understand there is some other version we could have come up with, but we have got a competition that is going to be really strong as far as the eastern states at an elite level and it’s going to support the AFL well.”

CONCUSSION AND PADDY McCARTIN

As revealed by the Herald Sun, the AFL’s concussion protocol has doubled in length, with 12 days needed before a concussed player can again take the field.

Hocking says the AFL implicitly trusts its club doctors to make the right call on diagnosing concussions that could see players missing finals as a result.

“We need to look after the health and safety of our players. If you have a look at how it’s been implemented across the AFLW, it’s been seamless,” he says.

“We have incredible doctors in the AFL. The game is supported by so many people that make good decisions on the health and safety of players.”

Former No.1 draft pick Paddy McCartin will play VFL for Sydney’s reserves side this year, having worked with a battery of experts after repeated concussions.

He hasn’t officially been cleared to play games, with Hocking saying a panel of experts would give the Swans guidance as he prepared to play.

“It’s a medical matter, that’s the first thing I would say. The medical team is working through that (so when he’s ready to play) that’s a process that medical team would work through.

“The most important thing in this is that his wellbeing is a priority for us.”

The AFL is closely watching Paddy McCartin’s comeback. Picture: Michael Klein

 

[Professor]

THE END OF THURSDAY NIGHT TEAMS

The announcement of Thursday night teams and squads was the bedrock of footy TV shows for decades, but this year teams will lodge their side 24 hours before games.

“What we found, and there was a real upside to this last year, is there is a greater flexibility for clubs. Leading into games there were a lot of late changes that were happening. This ironed out a lot of that.”

But given the explosion of fantasy teams and football betting, shouldn’t clubs be more transparent about player availability?

Hocking’s former side Geelong especially relished taking the mickey with almost-weekly late changes at one stage.

“I think what we saw last year with the 24-hour piece made a big difference and it was far worse prior and it has sorted itself out, even if there is the odd outlier,” Hocking says.

AFL WON’T JUMP VACCINE QUEUE
The AFL has vowed it will not attempt to jump the vaccine queue and instead navigate a difficult COVID landscape using regular testing and social distancing protocols.

The league has told players they will not be trapped in their homes with stringent COVID rules that last year saw them unable to sit down in restaurants or have friends in their houses.

Last year as COVID cases escalated the AFL’s players had a lengthy rule book of restrictions that basically saw them trapped in their homes apart from training and playing.

AFL football operations manager Steve Hocking told the Herald Sun players would this year be governed by the rules of their respective states, but not given an extra layer of onerous restrictions.

In January Australian Cricketers' Association chairman Greg Dyer said it was “morally defensible” for elite sportspeople to jump the queue for vaccines to safeguard them for tours including the now-cancelled trip to South Africa.

But the league is confident it can safeguard an AFL industry worth hundreds of millions of dollars without requesting early vaccines.

Most players are in the 18-35 age bracket which means they will be last in a queue that includes quarantine workers, essential service workers, aged care residents and people over 65.

“There are so many people in that queue who are well ahead of us,” Hocking told the Herald Sun.

“We have got a whole cohort who now know how to live to the protocols and keep themselves safe and well. That’s been an overlay 12 months in the making and we have made incredible advancements on that. At the appropriate time the government will have a chat to us about (vaccines) but right now we are looking after the industry through our protocols and staying aligned.”

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin arrives at Marvel Stadium for a coronavirus test. Picture: Alex Coppel
The latest health advice is people not in high-risk categories will wait until the second half of the year to be vaccinated.

At one stage last year players could not surf, fish or golf, take their kids to the playground, let social visitors into their houses, go to another workplace or attend university in person.

Players will continue to have weekly COVID tests but otherwise follow the current state laws around social distancing and density numbers.

“We have aligned all our programs to what is happening in that state,” Hocking said.

“With what’s gone on recently we have had positive cases in South Australia and Queensland, across WA, here back in Victoria and what we have done is adapt to each of those state’s requirements.

“As we move through new phases we have all matured and we are confident we can continue to operate and function quite normally.”

FIXTURE COULD BE TURNED UPSIDE-DOWN
The AFL has warned clubs to brace for interstate road trips lasting several weeks but told them it will do everything in its power to avoid lengthy hub stays for players.

AFL football boss Steve Hocking told the Herald Sun on Friday the league was bracing for another season of fixture upheaval given every AFLW round so far has been altered by COVID.

The league is keen to play the first six rounds of the AFL season as currently set down but admits as it plays through a COVID pandemic that could rapidly change.

Clubs might have to get out of a state with a COVID outbreak and play three or four weeks of interstate fixtures under a revamped fixture before heading home when the transmission is under control.

The league is hopeful of crowds of at least 50 per cent for an AFL season that starts with Richmond and Carlton’s Round 1 clash at the MCG on March 18.

Hocking said the league would stay aligned with the state government on crowds, but was hopeful of a run of few or no COVID cases in coming weeks in the hope Victorian crowds might “push beyond” 50 per cent.

AFL football boss Steve Hocking says the league hopes to avoid hubs in 2021.
Hub-life brought many AFL clubs, coaches and individual players to breaking point in 2020.

So as the AFL’s clubs were told by the league in a phone hook-up this week any road trips interstate would be for several weeks rather than the hub experiences that stretched past 100 days for Richmond and Geelong.

“We have spoken to the clubs about the potential for teams to be on the road if required,” Hocking told the Herald Sun.

“It’s our starting point. We need to be mindful the pandemic is ongoing. We need to remain agile across the year which we did really well in 2020. We need to recognise teams may need to go on the road. If you look at the AFLW you have a look at how that has started. We haven’t had a round where adjustments (to the fixture) haven’t been made.

“We are telling clubs to prepare in that way. It was an amazing effort by everyone last year. I sit here and shake my head about how everyone got through it. It looks quite different to what it did last year with smaller numbers of positive cases so what we are telling clubs is smaller cycles of being on the road. You go on the road for a short time, you knock over games and that’s what everyone is working towards.”

The AFL hopes to have the MCG at half-capacity for Richmond and Carlton’s season opener.
The AFL has locked in six rounds with specific opponents, venues and game times then for the rest of the season has only scheduled opponents and venues but no game dates or times.

Fixture chaos is likely as the league attempts to schedule nine games per round in states that are free of COVID or have no border restrictions.

Yet even last year as the country was rocked by COVID the league found a way for teams to play a 17-game season and finals.

Hocking said the AFL was optimistic it would not need a condensed period of games as teams made up missed fixtures even if the schedule doesn’t proceed as initially forecast.

“We have announced the first six rounds and the intention as we speak is to get those six rounds away but the pandemic is ongoing,’” he said.

“Like last year everyone has to be agile. We have lived through it and everyone has the capacity to do. We are doing a lot of work with everyone across the competition to understand what we can take foreword from last year and how we can put in place an advanced decision-making framework.”

 

[chels]

PC gone mad: Coach Chris ***an does like to play two ruckmen

 

[Lost In The Sky]

Not a fan of this... Was hoping it would go back to normal this year...

THE END OF THURSDAY NIGHT TEAMS

The announcement of Thursday night teams and squads was the bedrock of footy TV shows for decades, but this year teams will lodge their side 24 hours before games.

 

[dlanod]

That was the main reason of me losing interest in putting much time beyond the minimum into SC last year.

Great.

 

[Ratzondix]

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/spor...8a519dc8417c0aa?amp&__twitter_impression=true
Anyone able to post this one? Cheers.

 

[Shannon]

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/spor...8a519dc8417c0aa?amp&__twitter_impression=true
Anyone able to post this one? Cheers.

Adelaide
They went head-to-head with the first-choice midfield at West Lakes on Saturday, but draftees Sam Berry ($117,300 MID) and Luke Pedlar ($162,300) made a big statement, showing their toughness, attack on the ball – and body – and ability to break away from the contest.
Mature-ager James Rowe ($117,300 FWD) booted three goals in what looked to be the ‘best’ forward line, while No. 2 pick Riley Thilthorpe ($202, 800 RUCK-FWD) highlighted his running ability and skill, featuring on the wing in the second-half.
“That draft from last year … four out of the first five – the two mids (Pedlar and Berry) and Riley (Thilthorpe) and Rowey – they’re all built to play Round 1 if they’re fit enough and playing good enough football,” Crows assistant coach Scott Burns said after the hitout.
Second-year defender Josh Worell ($123,900 FWD-DEF) had some nice moments behind the ball and Wayne Milera ($312,200 DEF) spent time through the middle and at half-forward.
And Rory Laird ($564,800 MID-DEF) was everywhere the ball was in the midfield, confirming his place as Jake Lloyd’s challenger in defence.

Brisbane
With Nakia Cockatoo ($123,900 FWD) missing with a minor hamstring issue and Lachie Neale ($721,800 MID) joining Dayne Zorko and Mitch Robinson in running laps for part of the day, all KFC SuperCoach eyes were on Ely Smith ($123,900 FWD-MID). And, by all reports, Smith, who was drafted as an inside-midfielder, only enhanced his Round 1 claims, after having an impact in an outside role he’s been training in all summer.
Devon Robertson ($176,800 FWD-MID) also featured through the middle in the stronger of the two sides as did former No. 1 draft pick Cam Rayner ($392,900 FWD) - is this finally his year?
Boom recruit Joe Daniher ($233,300 FWD) was impressive alongside Dan McStay, highlighting the potency of a new-look Lions forward line. KFC SuperCoaches are nervous, but it’s all going to plan for the former Bomber.

Carlton
Sam Walsh ($543,300 MID) was the star of the Blues’ intra-club match at Ikon Park on February 12. Despite starring in his first two seasons in the competition, the 20-year-old looks set to take another step after an eye-catching midfield display, dominating at the contest and booting three goals, including a checkside kick from the boundary. Recruit Zac Williams ($458,600 DEF) was prominent through the midfield alongside Walsh, while intriguing dual-position prospect Paddy Dow ($202,400 FWD-MID) was the standout onballer for the less-experienced team.
Harry McKay ($319,900 FWD) was the best big man on the ground and is another breakout contender at the Blues.

Collingwood
Traditional rivals City and Country went head to head in a Collingwood intra-club match on Friday night – and assistant coach Brenton Sanderson said the intensity was “through the roof”.
Draftee Oliver Henry ($135,300 FWD) starred with two goals for Country to put himself in the frame for a Round 1 start, while breakout candidate Josh Daicos ($442,200 MID) booted three goals for the City team.
The departure of Adam Treloar and Jordan De Goey spending more time in the midfield could open a spot in the forward line for Henry, who was taken with pick 17 – the selection Collingwood received from the Western Bulldogs in the Treloar trade – on draft night.
Jeremy Howe ($517,900 DEF) resumed his customary intercepting role after a knee injury ruined what was shaping as a career-best season in 2020.
Brodie Grundy ($648,200 RUCK) was named City’s best and in even better news the Pies reported no fresh injuries.

Essendon
Skipper, and tempting mid-price option, Dyson Heppell ($319,900 MID) made a successful return from injury, starring in the club’s internal trial last week. As expected, Heppell spent most of the game in a new-look Essendon defence, alongside Nick Hind ($331,400 FWD), Ned Cahill ($161,200 FWD) and Tom Hird ($123,900 MID).
Former Giant Jye Caldwell ($348,600 FWD-MID) showed his clean hands and class at the contest, producing some dazzling moments through the midfield which should excite Bombers fans and KFC SuperCoaches alike.
Draftee Nik Cox ($175,800 DEF-FWD), impressed with his outstanding running ability, winning plenty of the ball, as well as booting a goal and taking a hanger, on a wing, while young forward Harry Jones ($123,900 FWD), who coach Ben Rutten recently said “had really filled out and was looking like a man” was another to catch the eye.

Fremantle
Every KFC SuperCoach’s favourite R3 option, Josh Treacy ($102,400 RUCK-FWD) took another big step towards a surprise early-season debut, booting three goals for the less-experienced of the two sides in the Dockers’ pre-season hitout.
Talented second-year forward Liam Henry ($184,500 FWD) showed off his uncanny goal sense and x-factor, kicking three of his own in a sign the No. 9 pick from the 2019 draft is about to make a serious statement at the top-level.
But the story of the Dockers’ intra-club match – apart from Hayden Young ($279,400 DEF) taking the kick-ins – was the performance of last year’s top pick Heath Chapman ($148,800 DEF).
Fremantle has plenty of tall stocks in defence butthe 18-year-old was a standout in the air across half-back, while also showing his agility and clean hands at ground level. “Heath looks like he’s been there for three years. He marks, he wins his own ball, he’s really confident and he’ll go a long way into our future,” teammate Mitch Crowden, who also impressed, told the club’s website post-match.
Adam Cerra ($484,400 MID) attended every centre bounce, confirming his move into a permanent on-ball role in 2021.

Hawthorn
James Worpel ($474,200 MID) and Dylan Moore ($302,300 FWD) were the standouts for the ‘probables’ in their win against the ‘possibles’ at Waverley on Friday.
Jarman Impey ($212,800 FWD) won the first clearance of the game and shone in a new role in defence.
“He continued to impress with his bounce off half-back today, I thought,” assistant coach Brendon Bolton said.
“Pre-season form suggests he’s starting to get his mojo back and we know at his best how talented he can be. Just of late he’s shown some real bounce and rebound, which is pleasing.”
Impey is a potential bargain after playing just five games last year following a knee reconstruction in 2019.
No. 35 draft pick Connor Downie ($117,300 MID) impressed on a wing for the probables to push his claims for a Round 1 start, but the news wasn’t as positive for Denver Grainger-Barras ($184,800 DEF), who played for the Possibles opposed to Tim O’Brien, who finished with six goals. Grainger-Barras was still named in the Possibles’ best on the Hawks website, so don’t give up on him yet.
Ex-Magpie Tom Phillips ($402,600 FWD/MID) won plenty of the footy in the midfield, but Tom Mitchell ($610,000 MID) sat out the hitout as he continues his slow recovery from post-season shoulder surgery.
Add Probables standout Tyler Brockman ($117,300 MID/FWD) to your rookie watch list.

 

[Shannon]

North Melbourne
Do we need to add another Kangaroo to the 2021 KFC SuperCoach watch list?
Jaidyn Stephenson ($354,100 FWD) played as an explosive forward in the first three years of his career at Collingwood but he made his mark as a junior as a midfielder, and he could reprise that role after moving to Arden St.
He starred as an inside midfielder in the Roos’ intra-club game on Friday, lining up in the centre square alongside Luke Davies-Uniacke ($432,800 MID), Jy Simpkin ($499,700 MID) and Tarryn Thomas ($290,100 FWD).
Jack Ziebell ($257,900 FWD) found plenty of the ball in his new role across half-back and rookie watchers will have noted draftee Tom Powell ($153,300 MID) lining up with the stronger ‘white’ team while No. 3 draft pick Will Phillips ($198,300 MID) played in the weaker ‘blue’ line-up.
Phoenix Spicer ($117,300 FWD/MID) showed flashes of brilliance playing as a pressure forward.
Ruckman Todd Goldstein ($601,700 RUCK) sent a scare through the Kangas camp when he left the field following a heavy knock but the Roos say he isn’t seriously hurt.

Port Adelaide
Connor Rozee ($377,200, Fwd) was the star of Port Adelaide’s official intra-club hitout at Alberton Oval. The talented young gun, who battled through a torn plantar fascia last year, enhanced his standing as one of the top mid-price options in KFC SuperCoach this year, booting six goals in a scintillating display which saw him spend plenty of time through the midfield – especially in the first half.
Popular rookie-price defender Lachie Jones ($139,800, Def) featured in the ‘best 22’ side when the teams which switched at half-time and earnt praise from SANFL coach Matthew Lokan post-match: “We saw today some of his power and ability to get out of traffic is AFL standard.”
Orazio Fantasia ($271,800 Def-Fwd) was impressive with a skilful, two-goal performance, while a bulked-up Miles Bergman ($123,900 Fwd), after an interrupted debut season, stood out with his run-and-carry from defence a highlight for the ‘non best-22’ side.
Second-year midfielder Jackson Mead ($123k MID) didn’t play but looks set to make his case in the practice match against the Crows.

St Kilda
Sadly the biggest story out of the Saints’ intra-club game was a season-ending injury to defender Ben Paton ($344,300 DEF).
Paton fractured his fibula and tibia bones in a crunching tackle from staffer Jarryd Roughead on Thursday.
It continued a horror run of injuries for the club this pre-season, with Rowan Marshall, Zak Jones, Jarryn Geary and Dean Kent all sidelined. Max King, Jade Gresham and Dougal Howard also sat out Thursday’s match simulation.
Mature-age draft pick Tom Highmore ($117,300 DEF) played for the ‘A’ team and shapes as a ready-made replacement in defence, while ex-Tiger Jack Higgins ($419,400 FWD) was one of the best afield.
Coach Brett Ratten told the AFL website Highmore was “nearly a Wilkie clone in the way he goes about it, but he’s a right-footer. He played exceptionally well, mopping up” – but was very cagey when asked if Highmore will line up in Round 1.
Ex-Crow Paul Hunter ($102,400 RUCK) rucked for the ‘A’ side and was later added to the Saints list under the AFL’s Supplementary Selection Period. He is likely to see some early senior action.

Sydney
“Through the midfield, Tom Hickey was a real shining light, he’s going from strength to strength so that’s a positive. He’s working with his midfield group of (Josh) Kennedy, (Luke) Parker and (Callum) Mills well.”
That’s what assistant coach Ben Matthews told Swans media after last week’s intra-club hitout – and there are two key points to take out of it. To start, Hickey ($261,100 RUCK) led Sydney’s first-choice midfield and, secondly, as forecast again over summer, Mills ($544,800 DEF) was part of that on-ball group.
Mills’ clean hands at ground level were on show, as were those of Ollie Florent ($408,300 MID), who caught the eye with a number of dazzling breakaways.
Isaac Heeney ($454,500 FWD) showed little sign of a limited pre-season, booting four goals in an encouraging display.
Popular KFC SuperCoach rookie Will Gould ($123,900 DEF) played in defence for what looked to be the weaker of the two sides, in terms of experience.

West Coast
Elliot Yeo (osteitis pubis) and Tim Kelly (thumb) missed through injury but skipper Luke Shuey ($508,600 MID) proved he’s ready to go after an interrupted pre-season, with a strong performance in the Eagles’ intra-club.
Popular KFC SuperCoach pick Liam Duggan ($448,600 DEF) was a standout through the midfield, as his move up the ground gains momentum, while Andrew Gaff ($570,800 MID) was his prolific self.
High-flying forward Liam Ryan ($409,600 FWD) is another who is likely to spend time higher up the field in 2021, again impressing with his ability to cover the ground.
Former Lion Alex Witherden ($456,100 DEF) lined up for the ‘best’ team in the first-half and had some nice moment across-half back. As did Jamaine Jones ($182,400 FWD), who is putting his hand up for a small-forward role.

 

[Bomber18]

Thanks for sharing @Shannon. Great info there from HS!

 

[Ratzondix]

North Melbourne
Do we need to add another Kangaroo to the 2021 KFC SuperCoach watch list?
Jaidyn Stephenson ($354,100 FWD) played as an explosive forward in the first three years of his career at Collingwood but he made his mark as a junior as a midfielder, and he could reprise that role after moving to Arden St.
He starred as an inside midfielder in the Roos’ intra-club game on Friday, lining up in the centre square alongside Luke Davies-Uniacke ($432,800 MID), Jy Simpkin ($499,700 MID) and Tarryn Thomas ($290,100 FWD).
Jack Ziebell ($257,900 FWD) found plenty of the ball in his new role across half-back and rookie watchers will have noted draftee Tom Powell ($153,300 MID) lining up with the stronger ‘white’ team while No. 3 draft pick Will Phillips ($198,300 MID) played in the weaker ‘blue’ line-up.
Phoenix Spicer ($117,300 FWD/MID) showed flashes of brilliance playing as a pressure forward.
Ruckman Todd Goldstein ($601,700 RUCK) sent a scare through the Kangas camp when he left the field following a heavy knock but the Roos say he isn’t seriously hurt.

Port Adelaide
Connor Rozee ($377,200, Fwd) was the star of Port Adelaide’s official intra-club hitout at Alberton Oval. The talented young gun, who battled through a torn plantar fascia last year, enhanced his standing as one of the top mid-price options in KFC SuperCoach this year, booting six goals in a scintillating display which saw him spend plenty of time through the midfield – especially in the first half.
Popular rookie-price defender Lachie Jones ($139,800, Def) featured in the ‘best 22’ side when the teams which switched at half-time and earnt praise from SANFL coach Matthew Lokan post-match: “We saw today some of his power and ability to get out of traffic is AFL standard.”
Orazio Fantasia ($271,800 Def-Fwd) was impressive with a skilful, two-goal performance, while a bulked-up Miles Bergman ($123,900 Fwd), after an interrupted debut season, stood out with his run-and-carry from defence a highlight for the ‘non best-22’ side.
Second-year midfielder Jackson Mead ($123k MID) didn’t play but looks set to make his case in the practice match against the Crows.

St Kilda
Sadly the biggest story out of the Saints’ intra-club game was a season-ending injury to defender Ben Paton ($344,300 DEF).
Paton fractured his fibula and tibia bones in a crunching tackle from staffer Jarryd Roughead on Thursday.
It continued a horror run of injuries for the club this pre-season, with Rowan Marshall, Zak Jones, Jarryn Geary and Dean Kent all sidelined. Max King, Jade Gresham and Dougal Howard also sat out Thursday’s match simulation.
Mature-age draft pick Tom Highmore ($117,300 DEF) played for the ‘A’ team and shapes as a ready-made replacement in defence, while ex-Tiger Jack Higgins ($419,400 FWD) was one of the best afield.
Coach Brett Ratten told the AFL website Highmore was “nearly a Wilkie clone in the way he goes about it, but he’s a right-footer. He played exceptionally well, mopping up” – but was very cagey when asked if Highmore will line up in Round 1.
Ex-Crow Paul Hunter ($102,400 RUCK) rucked for the ‘A’ side and was later added to the Saints list under the AFL’s Supplementary Selection Period. He is likely to see some early senior action.

Sydney
“Through the midfield, Tom Hickey was a real shining light, he’s going from strength to strength so that’s a positive. He’s working with his midfield group of (Josh) Kennedy, (Luke) Parker and (Callum) Mills well.”
That’s what assistant coach Ben Matthews told Swans media after last week’s intra-club hitout – and there are two key points to take out of it. To start, Hickey ($261,100 RUCK) led Sydney’s first-choice midfield and, secondly, as forecast again over summer, Mills ($544,800 DEF) was part of that on-ball group.
Mills’ clean hands at ground level were on show, as were those of Ollie Florent ($408,300 MID), who caught the eye with a number of dazzling breakaways.
Isaac Heeney ($454,500 FWD) showed little sign of a limited pre-season, booting four goals in an encouraging display.
Popular KFC SuperCoach rookie Will Gould ($123,900 DEF) played in defence for what looked to be the weaker of the two sides, in terms of experience.

West Coast
Elliot Yeo (osteitis pubis) and Tim Kelly (thumb) missed through injury but skipper Luke Shuey ($508,600 MID) proved he’s ready to go after an interrupted pre-season, with a strong performance in the Eagles’ intra-club.
Popular KFC SuperCoach pick Liam Duggan ($448,600 DEF) was a standout through the midfield, as his move up the ground gains momentum, while Andrew Gaff ($570,800 MID) was his prolific self.
High-flying forward Liam Ryan ($409,600 FWD) is another who is likely to spend time higher up the field in 2021, again impressing with his ability to cover the ground.
Former Lion Alex Witherden ($456,100 DEF) lined up for the ‘best’ team in the first-half and had some nice moment across-half back. As did Jamaine Jones ($182,400 FWD), who is putting his hand up for a small-forward role.

Legend, cheers.

 

[Toothless Tigers]

Injuries, departures to give young Tigers Round 1 opportunity to shine

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/...s/news-story/58d8d8cb36bfb9143376827b86ed58d1

Trent Cotchin says the new generation of Tigers will turbocharge the club‘s three-peat aspirations as he described new father-son recruit Maurice Rioli’s best as “electrifying”.

The three-time premiership captain yesterday said Richmond’s stars were showing no signs of complacency and being driven by the kids who missed out in last year’s premiership.

The likes of Thomson Dow, Jack Ross, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Callum Coleman-Jones and Mabior Chol will all push for regular game time in a Tigers side likely to miss several triple premiership players in Round 1.

Bachar Houli (calf) is unlikely to be ready after an interrupted summer, while a recent low-grade hamstring injury for Dion Prestia will also put him in doubt.

Prestia yesterday signed on for another three years at Richmond, extending his contract until 2024, while star defender Dylan Grimes was locked in until 2023.

But a Tigers side that has lost Jack Higgins and Oleg Markov to rival sides will need reinforcements to come from their younger brigade.

Cotchin has no doubt they are capable after the club’s first practice match on Saturday.

He says their emergence is only one of the reasons the Tigers have a chance at a third consecutive premiership.

“Looking back to the Grand final we didn’t play our best footy in the first half. We had a couple of injuries, so trying guys in different roles has been interesting through the pre-season and even in our practice match on Saturday, someone like Dowey was exceptional and other midfielders, half backs and wings put their hand up.

“It was almost the thing I was most proud of last year, the way those guys attacked the season. They didn’t really get a good crack at it in hub life. They were playing 10 v 10 and 12 v 12 and seeing their growth was really impressive and something that will hold us in good stead moving forward.”

Maurice Rioli’s cameos this summer have been breathtaking, even if he will ease into the season through the VFL as he works on his training loads.

“He is electrifying. He has got a lot of talent, a lot of those Rioli traits but he is also his own person,” Cotchin said.

“There have been a couple of times where he’s had to chase-down tackle where someone quick has got the footy and even he makes up five or 10 metres.

“The key is not to put too much pressure on guys who are coming into a pretty well-oiled system but hopefully he’s picking up the expectations of him as a player and as a Richmond man and that holds him in good stead in the early parts of his career.”

Cotchin said as the only premiership captain of a Grand Final played at night he favoured tradition as the league considers a decision on the start time for this year’s decider.

“(I would prefer) 2.30pm, because given my bed time is pretty early in the night. I got back to the hotel at 1am or 1.30am and I wasn’t far off bed and I didn’t get to really celebrate it with the boys.

“I always love the sun out but I can understand it from a ratings point of view and from an atmosphere point of view it was pretty cool.”

THE SITUATION EVERY DEFENDER IS DREADING IN 2021

Geelong defender Lachie Henderson says the league’s new man-on-the-mark rule will make some passages of play “undefendable” and believes scoring will only increase as a result.

The new rules allow the defender closest to the player who has marked a short period to decide whether to immediately retreat before being told to “stand” by the umpire.

If he stands the mark he will then give away a 50m penalty if he moves a step off his line, which the league hopes will allow the attacking team to open up the corridor through diagonal kicks.

Henderson says if a supporting player charges into space inside 50m with no other defender in sight, the defender will just have to stand and watch while it is kicked to them.

Previously a player could man the mark then abandon it to pick up an opponent running into space.

The Cats veteran says he has experimented with abandoning the mark and standing on it and neither gives him any comfort about his ability to stop goals.

“We have been working on it a fair bit. It’s going to be interesting to see how much it changes the game,” he told the Herald Sun.

“It is definitely going to open the game up and make it harder to defend. There are all kinds of different ideas getting thrown around at the moment, it will be interesting to see how it is going to work.

“I think everyone has tried individually different things. I was of the opinion to sit back at the start, now I am of the opinion to stand there, but when you are on the mark it’s so hard for you having done it for your whole career to not move side to side.

“You have just got to see Jarrod Harbrow run past, I don’t want him to get the footy. You are going to try to stop him and it’s 50m.

“I reckon there will be (more goals). I was saying to Scarlo (defensive coach Matthew Scarlett) there are going to be passages of play that are going to be undefendable. You will have to just put it to the side and move on. And in turn that will lead to more goals.”

AFL football operations boss Steve Hocking told the Herald Sun a summer which will have 500 umpire visits at club training sessions by Round 1 should have everyone confident about how the rule is officiated.

A continual frustration of fans is that new rules are officiated to the letter of the law, leading to a spate of 50m penalties, before umpires relax their interpretation as the season progresses.

In Round 1, 2018 umpires were hot on the 10m protected zone, leading to four Carlton goals from 50m penalties in the Blues’ clash against Richmond.

But the league is hopeful that players and umpires working in concert through the summer during match simulation will help ease fears about too many 50m penalties this season.

 

[Professor]

KFC SuperCoach Intel: All the intra-club standouts and whispers from the track
As the AAMI Community Series approaches, there is so much to take out of the latest round of intra-club matches. Here is all the KFC SuperCoach intel.

The Phantom and Al Paton

8 min read
February 22, 2021 - 2:41PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom





HERALDSUN.COM.AU0:24
'Bit of biffo!': Crows trial game gets heated
Adelaide Crows player Jake Kelly fired up during the club's internal trial after appearing to be tripped by teammate Wayne Milera.


The countdown to Round 1 is on and it’s time for KFC SuperCoaches to ramp up their pre-season research.
And there is so much to learn from the latest round of intra-club matches as best-22s and definite role changes start to become more clear in the build-up to the AAMI Community Series.
The Phantom and Al Paton have taken all the notes for you.

Watch every match of the 2021 AAMI Community Series LIVE on Kayo. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly >

Sam Berry in action during the Crows’ intra-club match. Picture: Brenton Edwards
Adelaide
They went head-to-head with the first-choice midfield at West Lakes on Saturday, but draftees Sam Berry ($117,300 MID) and Luke Pedlar ($162,300) made a big statement, showing their toughness, attack on the ball – and body – and ability to break away from the contest.
Mature-ager James Rowe ($117,300 FWD) booted three goals in what looked to be the ‘best’ forward line, while No. 2 pick Riley Thilthorpe ($202, 800 RUCK-FWD) highlighted his running ability and skill, featuring on the wing in the second-half.
“That draft from last year … four out of the first five – the two mids (Pedlar and Berry) and Riley (Thilthorpe) and Rowey – they’re all built to play Round 1 if they’re fit enough and playing good enough football,” Crows assistant coach Scott Burns said after the hitout.
Second-year defender Josh Worell ($123,900 FWD-DEF) had some nice moments behind the ball and Wayne Milera ($312,200 DEF) spent time through the middle and at half-forward.


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And Rory Laird ($564,800 MID-DEF) was everywhere the ball was in the midfield, confirming his place as Jake Lloyd’s challenger in defence.

Brisbane
With Nakia Cockatoo ($123,900 FWD) missing with a minor hamstring issue and Lachie Neale ($721,800 MID) joining Dayne Zorko and Mitch Robinson in running laps for part of the day, all KFC SuperCoach eyes were on Ely Smith ($123,900 FWD-MID). And, by all reports, Smith, who was drafted as an inside-midfielder, only enhanced his Round 1 claims, after having an impact in an outside role he’s been training in all summer.
Devon Robertson ($176,800 FWD-MID) also featured through the middle in the stronger of the two sides as did former No. 1 draft pick Cam Rayner ($392,900 FWD) - is this finally his year?
Boom recruit Joe Daniher ($233,300 FWD) was impressive alongside Dan McStay, highlighting the potency of a new-look Lions forward line. KFC SuperCoaches are nervous, but it’s all going to plan for the former Bomber.
ROOKIE RANKINGS: THE TOP CHEAPIES IN EVERY POSITION
VALUE PICKS: THE TOP 50 MID-PRICERS FOR 2021

Sam Walsh was the best player on the ground in Carlton’s recent intra-club. Picture: Martin Keep/Getty Images)
Carlton
Sam Walsh ($543,300 MID) was the star of the Blues’ intra-club match at Ikon Park on February 12. Despite starring in his first two seasons in the competition, the 20-year-old looks set to take another step after an eye-catching midfield display, dominating at the contest and booting three goals, including a checkside kick from the boundary. Recruit Zac Williams ($458,600 DEF) was prominent through the midfield alongside Walsh, while intriguing dual-position prospect Paddy Dow ($202,400 FWD-MID) was the standout onballer for the less-experienced team.
Harry McKay ($319,900 FWD) was the best big man on the ground and is another breakout contender at the Blues.
Collingwood
Traditional rivals City and Country went head to head in a Collingwood intra-club match on Friday night – and assistant coach Brenton Sanderson said the intensity was “through the roof”.
Draftee Oliver Henry ($135,300 FWD) starred with two goals for Country to put himself in the frame for a Round 1 start, while breakout candidate Josh Daicos ($442,200 MID) booted three goals for the City team.
The departure of Adam Treloar and Jordan De Goey spending more time in the midfield could open a spot in the forward line for Henry, who was taken with pick 17 – the selection Collingwood received from the Western Bulldogs in the Treloar trade – on draft night.
Jeremy Howe ($517,900 DEF) resumed his customary intercepting role after a knee injury ruined what was shaping as a career-best season in 2020.
Brodie Grundy ($648,200 RUCK) was named City’s best and in even better news the Pies reported no fresh injuries.

Oliver Henry, left, booted two goals in the Pies’ intra-club hitout. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

 

[Professor]

Essendon
Skipper, and tempting mid-price option, Dyson Heppell ($319,900 MID) made a successful return from injury, starring in the club’s internal trial last week. As expected, Heppell spent most of the game in a new-look Essendon defence, alongside Nick Hind ($331,400 FWD), Ned Cahill ($161,200 FWD) and Tom Hird ($123,900 MID).

Former Giant Jye Caldwell ($348,600 FWD-MID) showed his clean hands and class at the contest, producing some dazzling moments through the midfield which should excite Bombers fans and KFC SuperCoaches alike.

Draftee Nik Cox ($175,800 DEF-FWD), impressed with his outstanding running ability, winning plenty of the ball, as well as booting a goal and taking a hanger, on a wing, while young forward Harry Jones ($123,900 FWD), who coach Ben Rutten recently said “had really filled out and was looking like a man” was another to catch the eye.

EXPERT PREDICTIONS: TOP 3 KFC SUPERCOACH SCORERS AT EACH CLUB

Skipper Dyson Heppell was a standout. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos
Fremantle
Every KFC SuperCoach’s favourite R3 option, Josh Treacy ($102,400 RUCK-FWD) took another big step towards a surprise early-season debut, booting three goals for the less-experienced of the two sides in the Dockers’ pre-season hitout.

Talented second-year forward Liam Henry ($184,500 FWD) showed off his uncanny goal sense and x-factor, kicking three of his own in a sign the No. 9 pick from the 2019 draft is about to make a serious statement at the top-level.

But the story of the Dockers’ intra-club match – apart from Hayden Young ($279,400 DEF) taking the kick-ins – was the performance of last year’s top pick Heath Chapman ($148,800 DEF).

Fremantle has plenty of tall stocks in defence butthe 18-year-old was a standout in the air across half-back, while also showing his agility and clean hands at ground level. “Heath looks like he’s been there for three years. He marks, he wins his own ball, he’s really confident and he’ll go a long way into our future,” teammate Mitch Crowden, who also impressed, told the club’s website post-match.

Adam Cerra ($484,400 MID) attended every centre bounce, confirming his move into a permanent on-ball role in 2021.


Hawthorn
James Worpel ($474,200 MID) and Dylan Moore ($302,300 FWD) were the standouts for the ‘probables’ in their win against the ‘possibles’ at Waverley on Friday.

Jarman Impey ($212,800 FWD) won the first clearance of the game and shone in a new role in defence.

“He continued to impress with his bounce off half-back today, I thought,” assistant coach Brendon Bolton said.

“Pre-season form suggests he’s starting to get his mojo back and we know at his best how talented he can be. Just of late he’s shown some real bounce and rebound, which is pleasing.”

Impey is a potential bargain after playing just five games last year following a knee reconstruction in 2019.

No. 35 draft pick Connor Downie ($117,300 MID) impressed on a wing for the probables to push his claims for a Round 1 start, but the news wasn’t as positive for Denver Grainger-Barras ($184,800 DEF), who played for the Possibles opposed to Tim O’Brien, who finished with six goals. Grainger-Barras was still named in the Possibles’ best on the Hawks website, so don’t give up on him yet.

Ex-Magpie Tom Phillips ($402,600 FWD/MID) won plenty of the footy in the midfield, but Tom Mitchell ($610,000 MID) sat out the hitout as he continues his slow recovery from post-season shoulder surgery.

Add Probables standout Tyler Brockman ($117,300 MID/FWD) to your rookie watch list.

Jaidyn stephenson the inside-midfielder anybody? Picture: Michael Klein
North Melbourne
Do we need to add another Kangaroo to the 2021 KFC SuperCoach watch list?

Jaidyn Stephenson ($354,100 FWD) played as an explosive forward in the first three years of his career at Collingwood but he made his mark as a junior as a midfielder, and he could reprise that role after moving to Arden St.

He starred as an inside midfielder in the Roos’ intra-club game on Friday, lining up in the centre square alongside Luke Davies-Uniacke ($432,800 MID), Jy Simpkin ($499,700 MID) and Tarryn Thomas ($290,100 FWD).

Jack Ziebell ($257,900 FWD) found plenty of the ball in his new role across half-back and rookie watchers will have noted draftee Tom Powell ($153,300 MID) lining up with the stronger ‘white’ team while No. 3 draft pick Will Phillips ($198,300 MID) played in the weaker ‘blue’ line-up.

Phoenix Spicer ($117,300 FWD/MID) showed flashes of brilliance playing as a pressure forward.

Ruckman Todd Goldstein ($601,700 RUCK) sent a scare through the Kangas camp when he left the field following a heavy knock but the Roos say he isn’t seriously hurt.

 

[Professor]

Port Adelaide
Connor Rozee ($377,200, Fwd) was the star of Port Adelaide’s official intra-club hitout at Alberton Oval. The talented young gun, who battled through a torn plantar fascia last year, enhanced his standing as one of the top mid-price options in KFC SuperCoach this year, booting six goals in a scintillating display which saw him spend plenty of time through the midfield – especially in the first half.

Popular rookie-price defender Lachie Jones ($139,800, Def) featured in the ‘best 22’ side when the teams which switched at half-time and earnt praise from SANFL coach Matthew Lokan post-match: “We saw today some of his power and ability to get out of traffic is AFL standard.”

Orazio Fantasia ($271,800 Def-Fwd) was impressive with a skilful, two-goal performance, while a bulked-up Miles Bergman ($123,900 Fwd), after an interrupted debut season, stood out with his run-and-carry from defence a highlight for the ‘non best-22’ side.

Second-year midfielder Jackson Mead ($123k MID) didn’t play but looks set to make his case in the practice match against the Crows.


St Kilda
Sadly the biggest story out of the Saints’ intra-club game was a season-ending injury to defender Ben Paton ($344,300 DEF).

Paton fractured his fibula and tibia bones in a crunching tackle from staffer Jarryd Roughead on Thursday.

It continued a horror run of injuries for the club this pre-season, with Rowan Marshall, Zak Jones, Jarryn Geary and Dean Kent all sidelined. Max King, Jade Gresham and Dougal Howard also sat out Thursday’s match simulation.

Mature-age draft pick Tom Highmore ($117,300 DEF) played for the ‘A’ team and shapes as a ready-made replacement in defence, while ex-Tiger Jack Higgins ($419,400 FWD) was one of the best afield.

Coach Brett Ratten told the AFL website Highmore was “nearly a Wilkie clone in the way he goes about it, but he’s a right-footer. He played exceptionally well, mopping up” – but was very cagey when asked if Highmore will line up in Round 1.

Ex-Crow Paul Hunter ($102,400 RUCK) rucked for the ‘A’ side and was later added to the Saints list under the AFL’s Supplementary Selection Period. He is likely to see some early senior action.

Isaac Heeney booted four goals in the Swans’ internal trial. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Image
Sydney
“Through the midfield, Tom Hickey was a real shining light, he’s going from strength to strength so that’s a positive. He’s working with his midfield group of (Josh) Kennedy, (Luke) Parker and (Callum) Mills well.”

That’s what assistant coach Ben Matthews told Swans media after last week’s intra-club hitout – and there are two key points to take out of it. To start, Hickey ($261,100 RUCK) led Sydney’s first-choice midfield and, secondly, as forecast again over summer, Mills ($544,800 DEF) was part of that on-ball group.

Mills’ clean hands at ground level were on show, as were those of Ollie Florent ($408,300 MID), who caught the eye with a number of dazzling breakaways.

Isaac Heeney ($454,500 FWD) showed little sign of a limited pre-season, booting four goals in an encouraging display.

Popular KFC SuperCoach rookie Will Gould ($123,900 DEF) played in defence for what looked to be the weaker of the two sides, in terms of experience.

West Coast
Elliot Yeo (osteitis pubis) and Tim Kelly (thumb) missed through injury but skipper Luke Shuey ($508,600 MID) proved he’s ready to go after an interrupted pre-season, with a strong performance in the Eagles’ intra-club.


Popular KFC SuperCoach pick Liam Duggan ($448,600 DEF) was a standout through the midfield, as his move up the ground gains momentum, while Andrew Gaff ($570,800 MID) was his prolific self.

High-flying forward Liam Ryan ($409,600 FWD) is another who is likely to spend time higher up the field in 2021, again impressing with his ability to cover the ground.

Former Lion Alex Witherden ($456,100 DEF) lined up for the ‘best’ team in the first-half and had some nice moment across-half back. As did Jamaine Jones ($182,400 FWD), who is putting his hand up for a small-forward role.

 

[Professor]

KFC SuperCoach jury: Key questions for 2021 answered
From the must-have premiums to the rookies of interest, our expert KFC SuperCoach jury has it all covered. Check out their answers to the burning questions of 2021.


12 min read
February 24, 2021 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom





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The KFC SuperCoach jury is back — bigger and better than ever before — for 2021.
We’ve assembled some of the sharpest minds in the game, including several top finishers from past seasons, to answer the key questions to help pick your teams.
From the must-have rookies of the year to the players you can’t live without, our brains trust has answered it all to help finalise your KFC SuperCoach teams.

Check out their answers to all the burning questions of the pre-season below.
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The KFC SuperCoach jury like Brodie Grundy as the biggest lock of the season.
1. Who is the biggest lock of 2021 and why?
@azzajewell: BrodieGrundy. When you’re selecting a SuperCoach uber-premium, you look for three things: durability, consistency and ceiling. Grundy ticks all of these boxes. Absolute lock.
@honeyballafl: Brodie Grundy at $648k is hot. He averaged 120.7 in 2020 which was eight points more than the next best ruckman, but almost 20 points per game behind Max Gawn. At times, Grundy didn’t seem his usual self in 2020, yet he still scored pretty well, so I’m expecting a rise.
@Adrian9Johnson6: It took me 13 rounds to bring Lachie Neale into my team last season and ironically by then, it would have been better to just leave him out. I won’t be making the same mistake this year. The 2020 Brownlow medallist typically starts the season like a house on fire and as such, should be first-picked by all serious SuperCoach teams.


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@bolchdylan: I’m big on Rory Laird, who averaged 117.6 playing predominantly midfield at the back end of last year.

Rory Laird dominated when thrown into the midfield midway through last year.
@damosc: Jake Lloyd hasn’t left my team since the whole thing opened. His ability to score above 100, and consistently do so, is something that is so important for our SuperCoach teams.
@hunterpunter_1: Rory Laird — only went under 100 once last year after Round 9, when he made the move to midfield. Very durable as well which I value highly.
@lekdogSC: There are quite a few obvious locks like Lachie Neale, Max Gawn and Patrick Dangerfield, but my lock for the year is Zach Merrett. Priced at $620,900 and heading into a contract year, Merrett is primed for a huge 2021. He showed us his huge upside in 2020, averaging a whopping 115.6, a number boosted by his stellar end to the season which saw him average 119.4 across his final 12 games.
@JordsSupercoach: Brodie Grundy. He averaged 120 in a poor year by his standards.

Jake Lloyd is a hot favourite to be the top defender of 2021.
@NaCheers: Jake Lloyd. Everyone who didn’t start Neale, Gawn and Lloyd etc. last year spent their season burning trades and waiting for their price to drop. It’s not worth what it costs you in points.
@damoj88: Neale. He’s expensive, but for good reason! Super reliable, consistent and incredibly durable. He’s played 82 of a possible 83 games over the past four years, which is just insane. Over that period he has averaged 118.3 and tonned up on 73 per cent of matches.
@Empr_X: Jake Lloyd. No other defender comes close to matching his output over the last three seasons. Has played every single game, scored 47 tons (third among all players behind only Gawn and Grundy) and has recorded just three scores under 80. If that isn’t enough to lock him away at D1 I have no idea what is.
@the_SC_bull: Patrick Cripps. After riding the roller coaster of 2020, 2021 looks to be the year the big bull we know and love returns. At 523k for someone who has previously gone 117 and 119, the upside is huge. Locked and loaded at M4 for The Bull!

Bat Fyfe playing more as a forward? It has our jury worried.

 

[Professor]

2. Who’s the player from 2020 you won’t pick again and why?
@azzajewell: Darcy Macpherson. I definitely got sucked in by his pre-season dominance and ended up selecting him at the last minute over Hugh Greenwood.

@honeyballafl: Tough question as it’s not wise to ever put a line through someone. But to answer the question in the interests of fun, Stephen Coniglio and Patrick Cripps were frustrating last year and you’d need some compelling evidence.

@Adrian9Johnson6: Michael Walters. After trading him in for the final seven rounds of 2020 for an average of 81.5 (frustratingly did not play Rnd 18 either), he quickly cemented his spot in my SC burn book.

A heel injury limited Connor Rozee’s impact last year.
@bolchdylan: Devon Smith comes to mind. I picked him last year as a mid-pricer, but he struggled early so I pulled the trigger. MID only this year makes him even more irrelevant in a SuperCoach sense.

@damosc: Luke Shuey. Looking back I can’t remember why I thought he was a good idea to trade in. West Coast played a few games in a row at home, but his yoyo scoring and injury troubles created headaches that I never want to have to deal with ever again.

@hunterpunter_1: Unfortunately I don’t think I’ll pick Nat Fyfe in 2021. Uncertainty in role and his injury history means that I’ll probably steer clear and favour the pure midfielders like Neale, Oliver and Mitchell. I’ll be picking him in 2022 if he has DPP though!

@lekdogSC: If there’s one thing I’ve learned from SuperCoach BBL, it’s that cognitive bias can really impact SuperCoach decisions. I’m heading into 2021 with a fresh brain and no-one in the burn book … except for Shannon Hurn.

@JordsSupercoach: Stephen Coniglio. Having someone you traded in for $540k dropped late in the season wasn’t a great experience and his disposal efficiency isn’t as great which hurts his scoring. I hope he plays half forward to give a young player midfield opportunity.

Shannon Hurn’s scoring dropped off last season.
@NaCheers: Zac Williams, I got sucked in by potential mid time and his low price, forgetting that his body is cooked. He did the same to me the year before as well.

@damoj88: ConnorRozee. Burnt me to a crisp after I wasted a trade on him at his highest price point following scores of 125 and 145. From then on I watched as he struggled to score higher than 55 over the next six weeks and dropped to $282k. Although, I could quite possibly get roped in again if he starts like a house on fire. What’s the saying? “Fool me once …”

@Empr_X: Chad Wingard. After picking him up on the back of his 131 in Round 1, he delivered me a couple of decent scores in a 122 and 136, only to then fall by the wayside and average 75.5 from Round 5 on.

@the_SC_bull: It hurts me to write this, but Josh Kelly. I started Kelly last year as a POD thinking it would give me a leg up on the competition. But the problem with Kelly has always been his durability and I was stung on the backside multiple times across the season.

Max Gawn starts the year at a record KFC SuperCoach price.
3. Which ruck set-up are you going with?
@azzajewell: In the 15 years I’ve been playing SuperCoach, I’ve never once had a “set and forget” ruck setup. It’s true. I’ve always chosen a premium at R1, and then chased value at R2. But after the recent news that Braydon Preuss and Rowan Marshall are out for extended stints on the sidelines, I think the SuperCoach gods are finally telling me it’s time to set and forget.

@honeyballafl: The set and forget method with Gawn and Grundy. They averaged so much more than the rest of the rucks in 2020 and their averages were relative to the best midfielders, so it’s worth paying up.

@Adrian9Johnson6: The injury to Braydon Preuss — who I was planning to start — means I’m rolling with the set and forget Gawn-Grundy combo.

@bolchdylan: Set and forget. SuperCoach causes enough headaches as is and I’m willing to pay a premium for Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy.

@damosc: Locked and loaded with set and forget duo, Gawn and Grundy.

Braydon Preuss’ injury means the ‘set and forget’ structure is popular.
@hunterpunter_1: Gawn and Grundy are my starting rucks now. Need Gawn with his good ruck draw to start and being able to captain him. Grundy’s a good price for his potential output.

@lekdogSC: Gawn and Grundy, I was dumb to ever consider anything else. That being said, O’Brien over Grundy does tempt me — but the $80k I’d make simply isn’t worth the risk!

@JordsSupercoach: Gawn and Grundy. Captain and vice-captain.

@NaCheers: Last season not starting Gawndy cost me about four trades and really cost me at the back end of the season.

@damoj88: Was originally going to risk it with Gawn and Preuss, but now that the latter has gone down, it’s Gawn and Grundy all of the way.

@Empr_X: Gawn/Grundy. In the last three seasons no player has scored more tons than either of these two. The money is worth it.

@the_SC_bull: Currently I am looking at a set & forget structure with Gawn, Grundy & Treacy. I can’t see there being any other way in 2021.

 

[Professor]

. Which mid-pricer takes your fancy?
@azzajewell: I only have two mid-price players in my side: Connor Rozee and James Harmes. But there are plenty more that are on my watchlist: Wayne Milera, Hayden Young, Tom Green, Mabior Chol, Jackson Hately, Jack Ziebell to name a few.

@honeyballafl: If the $450k mark counts, Bachar Houli despite his age and injury-proneness. I’ll be monitoring Buddy Franklin ($312k) closely in pre-season too, while Port’s Willem Drew ($310k) basically missed all of 2020 after a strong rookie year and is worth consideration. Jackson Hately ($310k) always did well at GWS.

Ben Cunnington is at a much lower starting price than previous years.
@Adrian9Johnson6: Ben Cunnington – a proven option, who, if fit, should feature in most teams.

@bolchdylan: Zac Williams will be popular, given he has been touted for a midfield role at the Blues. Elsewhere, Connor Rozee and Isaac Heeney appeal given the lack of premium forward standouts this year.

@damosc: I didn’t get stung by Connor Rozee like many others last year, and all the word coming out Port Adelaide has me pretty bullish on his chances to take that next step.

@hunterpunter_1: Ben Cunnington. He’s a proven point scorer and if he gets his body right, he will be bargain at $439,800.

@lekdogSC: I told myself I would not be burned by mid-pricers again this year but I have two in my side … Ziebell and Hately. I’ll need to see some impressive signs out of both of them during the pre-season to lock them in though.

Dyson Heppell is set to be used at halfback by Ben Rutten.
@JordsSupercoach: Jackson Hately played very well in the 2020 pre-season games, amassing 54 touches over two games as an inside midfielder. I am keen to see what he can do in pre-season for Adelaide.

@NaCheers: If Blake Acres is considered a mid-pricer then potentially him. He had a really strong last four games where he averaged 105pts. One to watch during pre-season will be Kyle Langford who finished with a five-round average of 94.2 and only went below 70 four times.

@damoj88: Depends on what you classify as a ‘mid-pricer’, but I love the look of future Brownlow medallist in Matt Rowell from that higher tier. Absolute machine of a player as we saw in 2020, who is just built for AFL with a super friendly SuperCoach game.

@Empr_X: Zac Williams. The potential in his move to Ikon Park is huge, and with the potential to play a huge amount of midfield time as a 458k defender, he’s far too tasty an option to pass up at D3.

@the_SC_bull: At 319k it has to be Dyson Heppell. Injury derailed his 2020 season, but if you look at his history of scoring you will see why I am excited to pick him.

Tom Powell racked up huge numbers as a junior.
5. Who’s the standout rookie you need to have?
@azzajewell: Sure there might be a little bias here being a staunch North Melbourne fan, but it’s hard to go past Tom Powell.

@honeyballafl: Tough one to answer at this stage as you need some pre-season form lines to make a call and there’s little under-age 2020 footy to scrutinise either. So I’ll turn to those who’ve been in the system a bit longer, with West Coast’s Bailey Williams ($193k) set for better job security after a few games and with longer matches.

@Adrian9Johnson6: Pending job security and fitness, I really like the look of both Mark Hutchings ($158k MID/FWD) and Nakia Cockatoo ($123k MID/FWD).

@bolchdylan: It is worth paying up for No. 3 draft pick Will Phillips. North Melbourne have given him the famous no. 29 worn by Boomer Harvey and the draftee has already been touted as a future captain.

Nakia Cockatoo is one of the most popular players in KFC SuperCoach.
@damosc: Braeden Campbell at the Swans seems to have taken up real estate across half back for the Swans at training, which is a very SuperCoach friendly role and with lots of scoring potential. His dual position eligibility makes him all the more sweeter, too.

@hunterpunter_1: Tom Powell. Big junior numbers and should get games at North Melbourne.

@lekdogSC: I’m sure everyone has said Tom Powell so I’ll say James Rowe. He averaged over 90 in the SANFL last year, comes into that Adelaide forward line immediately and provides cover up forward which is an are we always struggle to find player for in SuperCoach. Do I expect him to set the world on fire? No, but he’ll be a nice little slow burn at F8.

@JordsSupercoach: Will Phillips — the closest rookie we’ll get to a Rowell or Walsh.

@NaCheers: Tom Powell is an absolute lock! He will get opportunities at the Kangas as they are rebuilding. In the SANFL he averaged 153 SuperCoach points and scored over 200 a couple of times.

@damoj88: Probably too early to lock in a first year rookie with 100 per cent confidence, but Phillips is probably the closest thing to that at this stage. Will have a secure role and get ample opportunities.

@Empr_X: Honestly, I don’t know. Which rookies are playing in R1 will have a huge say in this, but Nakia Cockatoo could be virtually a free hit. Even if his body lets him down you’ll be in the same boat as everyone else and you won’t put yourself at a disadvantage.

@the_SC_bull: It’s hard to make a call at this point in time given we’ve seen very little of the rookies. I’d like to say Will Gould would have to be the pick of the bunch so far. We know how close he was to debuting in 2020, and I think 2021 could be his year.

Clayton Oliver is one of the big guns worth more than $600,000.
6. How many players $600k are in your team?
@azzajewell: Currently, I have five $600k+ players in my side. Jake Lloyd, Lachie Neale, Clayton Oliver, Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy.

@honeyballafl: The structure of your squad is going to change during pre-season based on a variety of factors. From speaking to the top 10-100 finishers, the best strategy is getting a mix of elite players ($600k plus) and the pick of the cheapies. With that in mind, seven to nine $600k+ players is my plan.

@Adrian9Johnson6: Currently seven: Jake Lloyd ($656k), Lachie Neale ($722k), Clayton Oliver ($657k), Tom Mitchell ($610k), Max Gawn ($751k), Brodie Grundy ($648k) and Patrick Dangerfield ($612k).

@bolchdylan: Seven at this stage, but like most SuperCoach teams, this number is constantly changing.

@damosc: Six! – Lloyd, Neale, Oliver, Merrett, Gawn, Grundy.

New Saints co-captain Jack Steele is a player our jury has their eyes on.
@hunterpunter_1: Currently I have five but this may increase (or decrease) based on how many playing rookies are picked in Round 1.

@lekdogSC: Currently I’ve gone with just four $600k+ players in Gawn, Dangerfield, Neale and Merrett.

@JordsSupercoach: Five – Lloyd, Neale, Oliver, Gawn and Grundy. I can’t fit Steele in but would be keen on him.

@NaCheers: Seven.

@damoj88: Five.

@Empr_X: Currently seven. Lloyd, Neale, Oliver, Macrae, Mitchell, Gawn and Grundy. And all of those are absolutely locked away.

@the_SC_bull: Currently there are seven – one defender, three midfielders, two rucks and one forward.

Jack Macrae has been one of the most consistent scorers in KFC SuperCoach history.