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KFC SuperCoach 2023: The Phantom’s final team revealed
The first bounce is here – and it’s been a huge 24 hours in KFC SuperCoach, with the Elliot Yeo bombshell forcing a major re-think. See The Phantom’s big changes here.
When news filtered through that Elliot Yeo will miss Round 1 with a calf issue, the KFC SuperCoach world was in disarray just 24 hours before the first lockout.
The popular mid-price defender was an important part of KFC SuperCoach structures but – as many of us were thinking deep down – it was too good to be true.
Now is better than next week, or 90 minutes before West Coast’s game, though.
I played around with a few different ideas to fill the void. Moving Liam Jones to D3 was something I considered – and still am – given I didn’t want to throw my whole team out.
But I’ve gone back to where it all – partly – started: Hayden Young.
To make it work, I’ve had to dump Jones, reluctantly, altogether and drop Clayton Oliver down to Marcus Bontempelli, an idea I’ve really come around to, given the ongoing talk about the Demons wanting to mix things up in the middle.
DEFENDERS
Sam Docherty (Carl) $603,600
Jordan Dawson (Adel) $603,100
Hayden Young (Freo) $509,200
Reuben Ginbey (WC) $171,300, Mid
Charlie Constable (GC) $123,900, Mid
Darcy Wilmot (Bris) $123,900
Campbell Chesser (WC) $123,900 Mid
Lachie Cowan (Carl) $117,300, Mid
I blew up the defence earlier in the week, before the Yeo to Young move. I still like James Sicily, who I initially said was my pick of the $600k+ defenders but in this structure which features two in that price bracket, I couldn’t afford him. Sam Docherty reminded us all in the practice match of his huge KFC SuperCoach power and everything is going to go through my old favourite Jordan Dawson in Adelaide’s defence. There were ups and downs for Young last year, but he still averaged 99 KFC SuperCoach points in the final 12 games of the season, including finals. Good kicking is good SuperCoach and, of the 79 players to average 23 disposals or more in 2022, only Tom Stewart, Daniel Rich, Caleb Daniel and Shannon Hurn recorded a better kicking efficiency than Young (79.4 per cent).
MIDFIELD
Rory Laird (Adel) $703,900
Marcus Bontempelli (WB) $639,500
Luke Davies-Uniacke (NM) $557,400
Tom Green (GWS) $534,600
Jacob Hopper (Rich) $332,000
Sam Flanders (GC) $256,300, Fwd
Will Ashcroft (Bris) $202,800
Will Phillips (NM) $158,300
Oskar Baker (WB) $123,900
Noah Long (WC), $117,300, Fwd
Alwyn Davey (Ess), $117,300, Fwd
RUCK
Max Gawn (Melb) $622,100
Rowan Marshall (StK) $506,500
Nick Madden (GWS) $102,400, Fwd
FORWARD
Josh Dunkley (Bris) $596,400, Mid
Connor Rozee (Port) $513,800, Mid
Tim Taranto (Rich) $503,100, Mid
Errol Gulden (Syd) $472,000, Mid
Toby McLean (WB) $178,900, Mid
Jye Menzie (Ess) $154,200
Fergus Greene (Haw), $123,900
Anthony Caminiti (StK) $102,400
The first bounce is here – and it’s been a huge 24 hours in KFC SuperCoach, with the Elliot Yeo bombshell forcing a major re-think. See The Phantom’s big changes here.
When news filtered through that Elliot Yeo will miss Round 1 with a calf issue, the KFC SuperCoach world was in disarray just 24 hours before the first lockout.
The popular mid-price defender was an important part of KFC SuperCoach structures but – as many of us were thinking deep down – it was too good to be true.
Now is better than next week, or 90 minutes before West Coast’s game, though.
I played around with a few different ideas to fill the void. Moving Liam Jones to D3 was something I considered – and still am – given I didn’t want to throw my whole team out.
But I’ve gone back to where it all – partly – started: Hayden Young.
To make it work, I’ve had to dump Jones, reluctantly, altogether and drop Clayton Oliver down to Marcus Bontempelli, an idea I’ve really come around to, given the ongoing talk about the Demons wanting to mix things up in the middle.
DEFENDERS
Sam Docherty (Carl) $603,600
Jordan Dawson (Adel) $603,100
Hayden Young (Freo) $509,200
Reuben Ginbey (WC) $171,300, Mid
Charlie Constable (GC) $123,900, Mid
Darcy Wilmot (Bris) $123,900
Campbell Chesser (WC) $123,900 Mid
Lachie Cowan (Carl) $117,300, Mid
I blew up the defence earlier in the week, before the Yeo to Young move. I still like James Sicily, who I initially said was my pick of the $600k+ defenders but in this structure which features two in that price bracket, I couldn’t afford him. Sam Docherty reminded us all in the practice match of his huge KFC SuperCoach power and everything is going to go through my old favourite Jordan Dawson in Adelaide’s defence. There were ups and downs for Young last year, but he still averaged 99 KFC SuperCoach points in the final 12 games of the season, including finals. Good kicking is good SuperCoach and, of the 79 players to average 23 disposals or more in 2022, only Tom Stewart, Daniel Rich, Caleb Daniel and Shannon Hurn recorded a better kicking efficiency than Young (79.4 per cent).
MIDFIELD
Rory Laird (Adel) $703,900
Marcus Bontempelli (WB) $639,500
Luke Davies-Uniacke (NM) $557,400
Tom Green (GWS) $534,600
Jacob Hopper (Rich) $332,000
Sam Flanders (GC) $256,300, Fwd
Will Ashcroft (Bris) $202,800
Will Phillips (NM) $158,300
Oskar Baker (WB) $123,900
Noah Long (WC), $117,300, Fwd
Alwyn Davey (Ess), $117,300, Fwd
RUCK
Max Gawn (Melb) $622,100
Rowan Marshall (StK) $506,500
Nick Madden (GWS) $102,400, Fwd
FORWARD
Josh Dunkley (Bris) $596,400, Mid
Connor Rozee (Port) $513,800, Mid
Tim Taranto (Rich) $503,100, Mid
Errol Gulden (Syd) $472,000, Mid
Toby McLean (WB) $178,900, Mid
Jye Menzie (Ess) $154,200
Fergus Greene (Haw), $123,900
Anthony Caminiti (StK) $102,400
Tim Michell reveals his starting KFC SuperCoach AFL team for 2023
Like tens of thousands of KFC SuperCoaches, Tim Michell has been forced into a late reshuffle due to Elliot Yeo’s injury. See his three moves to overcome the late blow and full team here.
In – Brayshaw, McKenna, Young.
Out – Oliver, Yeo, Jones
Like tens of thousands of KFC SuperCoaches, Tim Michell has been forced into a late reshuffle due to Elliot Yeo’s injury. See his three moves to overcome the late blow and full team here.
In – Brayshaw, McKenna, Young.
Out – Oliver, Yeo, Jones
KFC SuperCoach 2023: The Phantom answers the burning questions ahead of Round 2
Should we dump Nat Fyfe? Who replaces Tom Stewart? What about Liam Jones? Is JHF the real deal? The Phantom answers the big KFC SuperCoach questions ahead of Round 2.
The Phantom
7 min read
March 21, 2023 - 5:30AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
0 comments
02:19
'There would be panic in Fremantle' - Dockers in trouble after Round 1 loss?
AFL: David King has questioned the Dockers credibility following their disappointing Round 1 loss to the Saints.
View more related videos
What. A. Week.
You’d think we would be used to ups and downs by now, but the opening round of KFC SuperCoach was something else.
For every Harry Sheezel (114), there was a Campbell Chesser (20).
For every Finn Callaghan (101), there was a Liam Jones (5).
And it wasn’t much better in premium category.
Rory Laird scored 50 – not in the first quarter, but the entire game – Tom Stewart went off injured and big-name midfielders Lachie Neale, Christian Petracca, Jack Steele, Andy Brayshaw and Josh Kelly all failed to reach three figures for differing reasons.
Thank the KFC SuperCoach gods for Tom Green.
Sorry, I got distracted, where were we?
Tom Green was one of the shining lights of the opening round of KFC SuperCoach. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Oh, yeah, what the f*** do we do now?
Sorry about the language, but I think some will agree that just about sums up the confusion many KFC SuperCoaches are feeling right now.
Do I trade off one week’s data or hold fire? Will I fall behind by not being aggressive? What was Nat Fyfe doing on Sunday? How many trades will I need next week? Why didn’t I start Harry Sheezel?
Grab a cuppa – or something a lot stronger – and settle in, we’re going to need a bit of time.
And that’s just to talk about Green’s 37 disposals.
OK, let’s get serious, what should you do first?
With Stewart to miss up to a month with a knee injury, moving on the Geelong defender is the No. 1 priority this week.
Thankfully, it appears a pretty simple trade. Sam Docherty and Jordan Dawson are straight swaps, with the Crows captain a good chance to top his opening-round score of 97 against the Tigers this weekend.
Richmond have given up big points to defenders in the past and it was no different against the Blues last Thursday, with Jacob Weitering (120), Adam Saad (115), Sam Docherty (108) and Mitch McGovern (106) all recording a KFC SuperCoach ton.
But it’s also a chance to look for value, and give yourself come extra cash for a second – or third – trade this week, and for those important moves ahead of the price changes next round.
TRADE GUIDE: ALL THE BEST SUPERCOACH OPTIONS AHEAD OF ROUND 2
Nick Daicos, left, before Friday night’s win over Geelong. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos
As much as I love Nick Daicos as a player, surely opposition sides start to lean more towards Hawthorn’s pre-season approach of tagging him, and away from Geelong’s method of letting him cruise around the MCG and hit the target with 32 of his 35 disposals.
Port Adelaide, Collingwood’s Round 2 opponent, suggested on Monday they may do just that.
And, last year, the Power conceded 65 points per game to running defenders, the fewest of any team in the competition.
So, I’d go with Hayden Young, if you’re after some value. Over the pre-season, I tipped the fourth-year Docker to push his average from 92 to 104. And, after what happened against the Saints, he’s on track. Sure, the Dockers aren’t going to take 136 marks – 49 more than St Kilda – and share the ball around in defence like they did on Sunday every week, but, like he showed last year, Young is a weapon going forward and his ability to win the ball back off the opposition is growing rapidly.
The 21-year-old took five intercept marks in Round 1 and 34 of his 35 disposals were effective.
What next?
If you have Josh Kelly, in the new age of KFC SuperCoach with extra trades, he probably goes, too. It’s not an absolute must, but with the 12-day mandatory concussion period ending a day before the Giants’ Round 3 clash with Carlton, Kelly will miss at least one match.
Do you have rookie bench cover you are confident on? Me either.
If you don’t have Green – why do you keep ignoring me? – make the move. Otherwise, consider a slight restructure using Kelly.
Downgrading Kelly to Finn Callaghan might give you enough cash to add an extra premium elsewhere on your field – hopefully in defence. Liam Jones is the prime candidate here if you have him.
Fantasy Freako tells me Callaghan’s kicking efficiency of 86.7 per cent was the best of the top-50 ball-winners in the midfield in Round 1 – it really was a treat to watch.
I had my doubts that maybe the uncontested nature of the role early in his career may hurt him KFC SuperCoach-wise when things got hard for the Giants, but they will give the ball to him and he will use it with precision.
Jason Horne-Francis starred against the Lions. Picture: Dean Martin
Is that what you are doing, Phantom?
I am still deciding, but Jason Horne-Francis is in my sights. Yes, it’s one game, but I’ve seen enough. We’ve tracked him for a long time over here in South Australia, and what he did on Saturday against, arguably, the best midfield in the competition comes as no surprise.
What we didn’t know was whether the second-year midfielder, who is the most-traded-in player in KFC SuperCoach at the time of writing, would hit the ground running after the media frenzy over summer.
He did.
Horne-Francis, who attended 20 centre bounces – the third-most for the Power – has now posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 136 and 160 (SANFL preliminary final) in his past two games at Adelaide Oval.
Ideally, you wait another week – the Magpies at the MCG is a different challenge altogether. But, think about all the must-have rookies or boom mid-price options you want to jump on ahead of the Round 3 prices rises. And that’s without any other issues popping up next week.
Speaking of issues, let’s get back to Jones, what should we do there?
The good news is Jones has been cleared of any major damage after Saturday night’s neck scare, and is a chance to play against the Saints in Round 2.
The bad news is he had one kick in close to a half of footy before he was subbed off late in the second term.
If he does miss, a move to Lion Conor McKenna, who impressed with 93 points against the Power, appears a simple solution.
Even he plays, that five-point score will hurt Jones’ cash-generation in the short-term so, if you can find the money, as mentioned above, play another defender premium instead.
Should we dump Nat Fyfe? Who replaces Tom Stewart? What about Liam Jones? Is JHF the real deal? The Phantom answers the big KFC SuperCoach questions ahead of Round 2.
The Phantom
7 min read
March 21, 2023 - 5:30AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
0 comments
02:19
'There would be panic in Fremantle' - Dockers in trouble after Round 1 loss?
AFL: David King has questioned the Dockers credibility following their disappointing Round 1 loss to the Saints.
View more related videos
What. A. Week.
You’d think we would be used to ups and downs by now, but the opening round of KFC SuperCoach was something else.
For every Harry Sheezel (114), there was a Campbell Chesser (20).
For every Finn Callaghan (101), there was a Liam Jones (5).
And it wasn’t much better in premium category.
Rory Laird scored 50 – not in the first quarter, but the entire game – Tom Stewart went off injured and big-name midfielders Lachie Neale, Christian Petracca, Jack Steele, Andy Brayshaw and Josh Kelly all failed to reach three figures for differing reasons.
Thank the KFC SuperCoach gods for Tom Green.
Sorry, I got distracted, where were we?
Tom Green was one of the shining lights of the opening round of KFC SuperCoach. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Oh, yeah, what the f*** do we do now?
Sorry about the language, but I think some will agree that just about sums up the confusion many KFC SuperCoaches are feeling right now.
Do I trade off one week’s data or hold fire? Will I fall behind by not being aggressive? What was Nat Fyfe doing on Sunday? How many trades will I need next week? Why didn’t I start Harry Sheezel?
Grab a cuppa – or something a lot stronger – and settle in, we’re going to need a bit of time.
And that’s just to talk about Green’s 37 disposals.
OK, let’s get serious, what should you do first?
With Stewart to miss up to a month with a knee injury, moving on the Geelong defender is the No. 1 priority this week.
Thankfully, it appears a pretty simple trade. Sam Docherty and Jordan Dawson are straight swaps, with the Crows captain a good chance to top his opening-round score of 97 against the Tigers this weekend.
Richmond have given up big points to defenders in the past and it was no different against the Blues last Thursday, with Jacob Weitering (120), Adam Saad (115), Sam Docherty (108) and Mitch McGovern (106) all recording a KFC SuperCoach ton.
But it’s also a chance to look for value, and give yourself come extra cash for a second – or third – trade this week, and for those important moves ahead of the price changes next round.
TRADE GUIDE: ALL THE BEST SUPERCOACH OPTIONS AHEAD OF ROUND 2
Nick Daicos, left, before Friday night’s win over Geelong. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos
As much as I love Nick Daicos as a player, surely opposition sides start to lean more towards Hawthorn’s pre-season approach of tagging him, and away from Geelong’s method of letting him cruise around the MCG and hit the target with 32 of his 35 disposals.
Port Adelaide, Collingwood’s Round 2 opponent, suggested on Monday they may do just that.
And, last year, the Power conceded 65 points per game to running defenders, the fewest of any team in the competition.
So, I’d go with Hayden Young, if you’re after some value. Over the pre-season, I tipped the fourth-year Docker to push his average from 92 to 104. And, after what happened against the Saints, he’s on track. Sure, the Dockers aren’t going to take 136 marks – 49 more than St Kilda – and share the ball around in defence like they did on Sunday every week, but, like he showed last year, Young is a weapon going forward and his ability to win the ball back off the opposition is growing rapidly.
The 21-year-old took five intercept marks in Round 1 and 34 of his 35 disposals were effective.
What next?
If you have Josh Kelly, in the new age of KFC SuperCoach with extra trades, he probably goes, too. It’s not an absolute must, but with the 12-day mandatory concussion period ending a day before the Giants’ Round 3 clash with Carlton, Kelly will miss at least one match.
Do you have rookie bench cover you are confident on? Me either.
If you don’t have Green – why do you keep ignoring me? – make the move. Otherwise, consider a slight restructure using Kelly.
Downgrading Kelly to Finn Callaghan might give you enough cash to add an extra premium elsewhere on your field – hopefully in defence. Liam Jones is the prime candidate here if you have him.
Fantasy Freako tells me Callaghan’s kicking efficiency of 86.7 per cent was the best of the top-50 ball-winners in the midfield in Round 1 – it really was a treat to watch.
I had my doubts that maybe the uncontested nature of the role early in his career may hurt him KFC SuperCoach-wise when things got hard for the Giants, but they will give the ball to him and he will use it with precision.
Jason Horne-Francis starred against the Lions. Picture: Dean Martin
Is that what you are doing, Phantom?
I am still deciding, but Jason Horne-Francis is in my sights. Yes, it’s one game, but I’ve seen enough. We’ve tracked him for a long time over here in South Australia, and what he did on Saturday against, arguably, the best midfield in the competition comes as no surprise.
What we didn’t know was whether the second-year midfielder, who is the most-traded-in player in KFC SuperCoach at the time of writing, would hit the ground running after the media frenzy over summer.
He did.
Horne-Francis, who attended 20 centre bounces – the third-most for the Power – has now posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 136 and 160 (SANFL preliminary final) in his past two games at Adelaide Oval.
Ideally, you wait another week – the Magpies at the MCG is a different challenge altogether. But, think about all the must-have rookies or boom mid-price options you want to jump on ahead of the Round 3 prices rises. And that’s without any other issues popping up next week.
Speaking of issues, let’s get back to Jones, what should we do there?
The good news is Jones has been cleared of any major damage after Saturday night’s neck scare, and is a chance to play against the Saints in Round 2.
The bad news is he had one kick in close to a half of footy before he was subbed off late in the second term.
If he does miss, a move to Lion Conor McKenna, who impressed with 93 points against the Power, appears a simple solution.
Even he plays, that five-point score will hurt Jones’ cash-generation in the short-term so, if you can find the money, as mentioned above, play another defender premium instead.
Nat Fyfe had no influence in Round 1. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos
What about Nat Fyfe?
Well, for a player of his quality, can it get any worse? The Brownlow Medalist, who looked imposing as a forward in the practice match, couldn’t get near the ball in the first half against the Saints. He finished with nine disposals, six clangers and a sore chest after the ball bounced off it late in the game.
But the Dockers are at home this week against the Roos and, even though we shouldn’t expect Fyfe to repeat his recent form against North Melbourne – 125, 140, 147, 163, 126 and 139 – I’m expecting a much better showing.
I would trade Jones before Fyfe.
And Rory Laid?
Another baffling performance from the usually-consistent Crows ball-magnet. The same player who scored 120 points or more in 14 games last season, recorded just 14 points in the second-half against the Giants.
13 more than Fyfe in the first half, but still.
Eagles rookie Reuben Ginbey almost applied more tackles on debut - he had 12.
But even though it was Laird’s lowest non-injury-affected score since 2014, I’m holding. He’s back at Adelaide Oval on Saturday and the Tigers are unlikely to ride him as hard through the middle.
The KFC SuperCoach Investor, Dan Begala, has already floated the idea of using Laird’s value to trade in two premium players elsewhere, given the looming price crash.
And the idea has merit, The Investor rarely gets a money call wrong. As we learnt last year, if you can improve your team, do it. The old way – well at least some of it – of playing KFC SuperCoach is out the window.
But 160 points from Laird in Round 2 and that 50-point score will soon be a thing of the past. That’s what I am banking on anyway.
Sam Flanders?
He was much better in the second-half and, even though the game was over, he was on of Gold Coast’s better players after half-time, the final term in particular. He’s one I will definitely be giving another week.
Harry Sheezel scored a KFC SuperCoach ton on debut. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Jacob Hopper wasn’t as impressive in his first game for Richmond. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Who else are we giving one more week?
Ideally, everyone else. Again, if you can improve your team, do it. Those who did early last season were the hardest to catch. But it’s still only one game, so there is still reason to back your research and judgment.
As you can see, last year’s winner didn’t trade after the first week, but used three in each of the next three rounds. He set himself up early with an aggressive trading strategy, but still had a look at two weeks of data first.
And, yes, that includes Jacob Hopper.
He wasn’t great against the Blues – far from it – but before an injury-ravaged 2022, Hopper averaged 95 KFC SuperCoach points between Round 1, 2019 and Round 23, 2021.
He’s better than the fumbly, rushed version we saw on Thursday night. Remember, Hopper doesn’t need to average three figures.
So, you want to see more from Harry Sheezel?
Actually, no, good point. The role across half-back is a goer, meaning the sublimely-skilled draftee is close to a must-have. Plan ahead and see who else you will need to be trading in ahead of the price rises – think Cam Mackenzie – and whether you will need to go early on Sheezel, to give yourself more flexibility next week.
If that’s the case, do it, and sure up your on-field rookies in the process.
If you have other issues, just leave some money to go up to Sheezel from a bottom-price rookie, whose cash generation isn’t going to cut it, before Round 3.
More Coverage
ALL THE BEST SUPERCOACH OPTIONS AHEAD OF ROUND 2The ‘real find’ from Crows’ disappointing lossDeep Dive: The Hornet walks the walk in scintillating debut
When are we getting the rundown on Green’s 37?
Might have to push that to next week now, after he’s had 42 against the Eagles. C?
What about Nat Fyfe?
Well, for a player of his quality, can it get any worse? The Brownlow Medalist, who looked imposing as a forward in the practice match, couldn’t get near the ball in the first half against the Saints. He finished with nine disposals, six clangers and a sore chest after the ball bounced off it late in the game.
But the Dockers are at home this week against the Roos and, even though we shouldn’t expect Fyfe to repeat his recent form against North Melbourne – 125, 140, 147, 163, 126 and 139 – I’m expecting a much better showing.
I would trade Jones before Fyfe.
And Rory Laid?
Another baffling performance from the usually-consistent Crows ball-magnet. The same player who scored 120 points or more in 14 games last season, recorded just 14 points in the second-half against the Giants.
13 more than Fyfe in the first half, but still.
Eagles rookie Reuben Ginbey almost applied more tackles on debut - he had 12.
But even though it was Laird’s lowest non-injury-affected score since 2014, I’m holding. He’s back at Adelaide Oval on Saturday and the Tigers are unlikely to ride him as hard through the middle.
The KFC SuperCoach Investor, Dan Begala, has already floated the idea of using Laird’s value to trade in two premium players elsewhere, given the looming price crash.
And the idea has merit, The Investor rarely gets a money call wrong. As we learnt last year, if you can improve your team, do it. The old way – well at least some of it – of playing KFC SuperCoach is out the window.
But 160 points from Laird in Round 2 and that 50-point score will soon be a thing of the past. That’s what I am banking on anyway.
Sam Flanders?
He was much better in the second-half and, even though the game was over, he was on of Gold Coast’s better players after half-time, the final term in particular. He’s one I will definitely be giving another week.
Harry Sheezel scored a KFC SuperCoach ton on debut. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Jacob Hopper wasn’t as impressive in his first game for Richmond. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Who else are we giving one more week?
Ideally, everyone else. Again, if you can improve your team, do it. Those who did early last season were the hardest to catch. But it’s still only one game, so there is still reason to back your research and judgment.
As you can see, last year’s winner didn’t trade after the first week, but used three in each of the next three rounds. He set himself up early with an aggressive trading strategy, but still had a look at two weeks of data first.
And, yes, that includes Jacob Hopper.
He wasn’t great against the Blues – far from it – but before an injury-ravaged 2022, Hopper averaged 95 KFC SuperCoach points between Round 1, 2019 and Round 23, 2021.
He’s better than the fumbly, rushed version we saw on Thursday night. Remember, Hopper doesn’t need to average three figures.
So, you want to see more from Harry Sheezel?
Actually, no, good point. The role across half-back is a goer, meaning the sublimely-skilled draftee is close to a must-have. Plan ahead and see who else you will need to be trading in ahead of the price rises – think Cam Mackenzie – and whether you will need to go early on Sheezel, to give yourself more flexibility next week.
If that’s the case, do it, and sure up your on-field rookies in the process.
If you have other issues, just leave some money to go up to Sheezel from a bottom-price rookie, whose cash generation isn’t going to cut it, before Round 3.
More Coverage
ALL THE BEST SUPERCOACH OPTIONS AHEAD OF ROUND 2The ‘real find’ from Crows’ disappointing lossDeep Dive: The Hornet walks the walk in scintillating debut
When are we getting the rundown on Green’s 37?
Might have to push that to next week now, after he’s had 42 against the Eagles. C?
AFL 2023: How all the first gamers performed in the opening round
There were some star first-gamers in round 1 that have nailed down a spot in their respective sides, but there were also some who struggled. We predict who will and won’t play round 2.
Rebecca Williams
Follow
@BecHeraldSun
7 min read
March 22, 2023 - 8:26AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
0 comments
03:57
In-depth look into the 'Pies swarm'
AFL: The First Crack team dive into the tactics used by Collingwood to pull off a huge round on victory.
View more related videos
The kids are alright.
Over the course of the opening round of the 2023 season, we saw 15 players don their side’s colours in an AFL match for the first time.
Harry Sheezel was the pick of the bunch, with his 34-disposal performance lifting Clarko’s Roos to a tight win over the Eagles.
It was West Coast who had the most debutants of the round with three, as 10 different clubs blooded at least one first gamer in round 1.
ADELAIDE
MAX MICHALANNEY
Minutes: 79 per cent time on ground.
Played: Defence.
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 62 (team rank 12th)
Key stats: Michalanney had 12 disposals, six intercept possessions (team rank 3rd) and three intercept marks (team rank 1st) against GWS.
What they said: “Really pleased with Max. We were under pressure and I think he shows that he has got a well-rounded game for a such a young key defender, really. He comes in and can play tall and small. I thought he was solid today, I thought he played really well for us and we were definitely under pressure throughout that second half and I thought he was one that really stood up,” - Crows coach Matthew Nicks.
Round 2 prediction: Didn‘t look out of place and should get a good run at it
BRISBANE LIONS
WILL ASHCROFT
Minutes: 81 per cent time on ground
Played: Midfield (67 per cent), forward (28 per cent), wing (five per cent)
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 55 (team rank 11th)
Key stats: Ashcroft was ranked second at the Lions for his seven groundball gets; third for his four clearances and fourth for his eight contested possessions. He also had 13 disposals in the loss to Port Adelaide.
Round 2 prediction: Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has called for a swift response from his midfield stars after they “got cleaned up” against the Power, but the prized draftee is unlikely to be a casualty.
Will Ashcroft kicked a beautiful goal on debut for Brisbane.
CARLTON
OLLIE HOLLANDS
Minutes: 81 per cent game time
Played: Wing
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 57 (team rank 16th)
Key stats: Hollands was ranked third at the Blues (39.6) for pressure points in the draw against Richmond. He had 11 disposals and eight uncontested possessions.
Round 2 prediction: There’s a spot there for him but could face pressure from fellow winger Lochie O’Brien. Think he’ll hold his place in the starting 22
LACHIE COWAN
Minutes: 53 per cent game time
Played: Defence
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 40 (team rank 19th)
Key stats: Cowan was ranked fifth at the Blues for his six intercept possessions against the Tigers and fourth for his two intercept marks. He also had eight disposals.
What they said: “I was really impressed with them (Hollands and Cowan). When you throw two debutants and you’re aware as a coach what you’re throwing them into - you’re throwing them into 88,000 at the MCG round one, the hype surrounding it, but we really love their demeanour and we love how measured they both are. We see how are they going and how they stack up against people that they’re competing against and we really like what we saw. There were some nice moments of composure and big contest moments that they just stood tall,” - Carlton coach Michael Voss.
Round 2 prediction: Only played a half of footy and could be a sub option for the Blues.
ESSENDON
ALWYN DAVEY JNR
Minutes: 78 per cent time on ground
Played: Forward
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 58 (team rank 20th)
Key stats: Davey Jnr was ranked second at the Bombers for forward half pressure points (25.6) against Hawthorn and was ranked fifth in the team for inside 50s (five). He also had one goal, nine disposals and five marks in his debut.
What they said: “There’s quite rightly a lot of talk about (Brisbane’s) Will Ashcroft and (North Melbourne’s) Harry Sheezel, but I think if you talk about those guys at Vic Metro, they loved playing with Alwyn Davey,” - Essendon coach Brad Scott said.
“It’s hard not to get excited about Jayden (Davey), we’ll take a long-term approach with him as well (in his ACL recovery), but both Jayden and Alwyn have brought great energy and excitement to our club.”
Round 2 prediction: Was a spark in the Bombers forward line and they need the pressure so expect to see more of him.
Alwyn Davey Jnr is already a fan favourite at Bomberland.
There were some star first-gamers in round 1 that have nailed down a spot in their respective sides, but there were also some who struggled. We predict who will and won’t play round 2.
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March 22, 2023 - 8:26AM
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The kids are alright.
Over the course of the opening round of the 2023 season, we saw 15 players don their side’s colours in an AFL match for the first time.
Harry Sheezel was the pick of the bunch, with his 34-disposal performance lifting Clarko’s Roos to a tight win over the Eagles.
It was West Coast who had the most debutants of the round with three, as 10 different clubs blooded at least one first gamer in round 1.
ADELAIDE
MAX MICHALANNEY
Minutes: 79 per cent time on ground.
Played: Defence.
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 62 (team rank 12th)
Key stats: Michalanney had 12 disposals, six intercept possessions (team rank 3rd) and three intercept marks (team rank 1st) against GWS.
What they said: “Really pleased with Max. We were under pressure and I think he shows that he has got a well-rounded game for a such a young key defender, really. He comes in and can play tall and small. I thought he was solid today, I thought he played really well for us and we were definitely under pressure throughout that second half and I thought he was one that really stood up,” - Crows coach Matthew Nicks.
Round 2 prediction: Didn‘t look out of place and should get a good run at it
BRISBANE LIONS
WILL ASHCROFT
Minutes: 81 per cent time on ground
Played: Midfield (67 per cent), forward (28 per cent), wing (five per cent)
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 55 (team rank 11th)
Key stats: Ashcroft was ranked second at the Lions for his seven groundball gets; third for his four clearances and fourth for his eight contested possessions. He also had 13 disposals in the loss to Port Adelaide.
Round 2 prediction: Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has called for a swift response from his midfield stars after they “got cleaned up” against the Power, but the prized draftee is unlikely to be a casualty.
Will Ashcroft kicked a beautiful goal on debut for Brisbane.
CARLTON
OLLIE HOLLANDS
Minutes: 81 per cent game time
Played: Wing
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 57 (team rank 16th)
Key stats: Hollands was ranked third at the Blues (39.6) for pressure points in the draw against Richmond. He had 11 disposals and eight uncontested possessions.
Round 2 prediction: There’s a spot there for him but could face pressure from fellow winger Lochie O’Brien. Think he’ll hold his place in the starting 22
LACHIE COWAN
Minutes: 53 per cent game time
Played: Defence
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 40 (team rank 19th)
Key stats: Cowan was ranked fifth at the Blues for his six intercept possessions against the Tigers and fourth for his two intercept marks. He also had eight disposals.
What they said: “I was really impressed with them (Hollands and Cowan). When you throw two debutants and you’re aware as a coach what you’re throwing them into - you’re throwing them into 88,000 at the MCG round one, the hype surrounding it, but we really love their demeanour and we love how measured they both are. We see how are they going and how they stack up against people that they’re competing against and we really like what we saw. There were some nice moments of composure and big contest moments that they just stood tall,” - Carlton coach Michael Voss.
Round 2 prediction: Only played a half of footy and could be a sub option for the Blues.
ESSENDON
ALWYN DAVEY JNR
Minutes: 78 per cent time on ground
Played: Forward
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 58 (team rank 20th)
Key stats: Davey Jnr was ranked second at the Bombers for forward half pressure points (25.6) against Hawthorn and was ranked fifth in the team for inside 50s (five). He also had one goal, nine disposals and five marks in his debut.
What they said: “There’s quite rightly a lot of talk about (Brisbane’s) Will Ashcroft and (North Melbourne’s) Harry Sheezel, but I think if you talk about those guys at Vic Metro, they loved playing with Alwyn Davey,” - Essendon coach Brad Scott said.
“It’s hard not to get excited about Jayden (Davey), we’ll take a long-term approach with him as well (in his ACL recovery), but both Jayden and Alwyn have brought great energy and excitement to our club.”
Round 2 prediction: Was a spark in the Bombers forward line and they need the pressure so expect to see more of him.
Alwyn Davey Jnr is already a fan favourite at Bomberland.
GOLD COAST
BODHI UWLAND
Minutes: 79 per cent game time
Played: Defence
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 59 (team rank 12th)
Key stats: Uwland was ranked second among the Suns for his nine intercept possessions against the Swans and fourth in the team for his 380m gained. He also had 20 disposals and nine uncontested possessions.
Round 2 prediction: The Suns have Brandon Ellis and Lachie Weller in the wings but he was very impressive in his first outing. Should hold his spot on that performance alone.
HAWTHORN
CAM MACKENZIE
Minutes: 80 per cent game time
Played: Forward (44 per cent), midfield (40 per cent), wing (16 per cent)
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 93 (team rank 5th)
Key stats: Mackenzie was ranked second at the Hawks for his seven score involvements and third in the team for his nine contested possessions. He also had 18 disposals in his AFL debut against Essendon.
What they said: “I thought ‘Frenchie’ (Mackenzie) had a first game where he stood up and did a few pretty special things,” - Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said.
“Cam has certainly got a bit of composure about him, he does some really nice things with the ball. He is still learning the game and has got some off the ball stuff that he has to work on, but I think if you’re playing your first game and you have that level of composure and level of understanding …you get that from a first gamer it bodes well for the future for the young man.”
Round 2 prediction: Absolute lock after being a shining light in the Hawks loss.
The Hawks have found a star in Cam Mackenzie.
MELBOURNE
JUDD MCVEE
Minutes: 73 per cent game time
Played: Defence (95 per cent), forward (five per cent)
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 50 (team rank 19th)
Key stats: McVee was ranked fourth at the Demons for handball receives (eight) and also had 14 disposals and 11 uncontested possessions in his AFL debut against the Western Bulldogs.
Round 2 prediction: The selection crunch will be on for the Dees with a suite of players set to come back. He might be an unlucky omission.
BAILEY LAURIE
Minutes: 47 per cent time on ground
Played: Forward (89 per cent), midfield (nine per cent), wing (two per cent).
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 21 (team rank 22nd)
Key stats: Laurie had four disposals and two score involvements in his debut.
What they said: “Judd McVee’s performance tonight in his first game, he is just a quality player that is getting better and better and Bailey Laurie, both guys had impact in the game in a variety of different ways and that puts pressure (on selection), but it’s a healthy pressure to have,” - Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin.
Round 2 prediction: While the first-gamers impressed coach Goodwin, there could be a selection squeeze on with Bayley Fritsch (foot), Christian Salem (thyroid), Jack Viney (knee) and Steven May (calf) all in line to return against Brisbane.
NORTH MELBOURNE
HARRY SHEEZEL
Minutes: 86 per cent game time
Played: Defence
Champion Data round 1 ranking: 114 (team rank 2nd)
Key stats: In a standout debut, Sheezel was ranked first among the Kangaroos for disposals (34), uncontested possessions (21) and marks (nine). He was also ranked second in the team for metres gained (631m).
What they said: “He is a pretty special talent for us. We are not really sure where he is going to settle long term for us,” - Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson said.
“We have really lacked some polish in our back-half ….and even at different stages (against West Coast) despite his good play, we still couldn’t get the ball out of our back half as well as we would have liked. But he did give us a bit of that class.”
Round 2 prediction: Safe as houses.
The move to defence worked a treat for Harry Sheezel and the Roos. Picture: Michael Klein
ST KILDA
MATTAES PHILLIPOU
Minutes: 74 per cent game time
Played: Forward (94 per cent), wing (six per cent)
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 78 (team rank 9th)
Key stats: Phillipou had the top ranking for kicking efficiency at the Saints against the Dockers (100 per cent). He was ranked second in the team for score involvements (six) and also had one goal, 16 disposals and eight contested possessions.
Round 2 prediction: Absolute lock. He’s got talent and the Saints aren’t flushed with depth at the moment.
ANTHONY CAMINITI
Minutes: 84 per cent game time
Played: Forward
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 34 (team rank 21st)
Key stats: Caminiti was ranked third at the Saints in his debut against the Dockers for forward 50 ground ball gets (two). He also had nine disposals and seven contested possessions.
Round 2 prediction: With St Kilda coach Ross Lyon commending his makeshift forward line and the Saints unlikely to get any injured players back for round two, Caminiti is expected to be back for a crack at the Western Bulldogs.
It was a promising debut for top-10 pick Mattaes Phillipou.
WEST COAST EAGLES
CAMPBELL CHESSER
Minutes: 69 per cent game time
Played: Wing (89 per cent), forward (eight per cent), defence (three per cent)
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 20 (team rank 21st)
Key stats: Chesser had five disposals, three marks and two tackles in his debut.
Round 2 prediction: The watch is on Elliot Yeo who might squeeze him out when he’s available.
REUBEN GINBEY
Minutes: 72 per cent time on ground
Played: Midfield (89 per cent), defence (seven per cent), forward (four per cent)
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 85 (team rank eighth)
Key stats: Ginbey was ranked first among the Eagles for pressure points (84.3) and tackles (12). He also had 15 disposals and seven contested possessions, a team ranking of third.
What they said: “We have some young players through the midfield, Chesser and Reuben, and I thought as the game went on …. they all did something and it’s ‘OK, there’s something there. I think Reuben had about 12 or 13 tackles. There is something there to work with,” - West Coast coach Adam Simpson.
Round 2 prediction: Absolute lock. Showed he’s more than capable at AFL level.
NOAH LONG
Minutes: 67 per cent game time
Played: Forward
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 63 (team rank 15th)
More Coverage
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Key stats: Long was ranked second among the Eagles for forward 50 groundball gets (three) and sixth for forward half pressure points (23.8). He also had one goal and 10 disposals.
Round 2 prediction: There’s a spot for him in the small forward role and he showed what he can do.
BODHI UWLAND
Minutes: 79 per cent game time
Played: Defence
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 59 (team rank 12th)
Key stats: Uwland was ranked second among the Suns for his nine intercept possessions against the Swans and fourth in the team for his 380m gained. He also had 20 disposals and nine uncontested possessions.
Round 2 prediction: The Suns have Brandon Ellis and Lachie Weller in the wings but he was very impressive in his first outing. Should hold his spot on that performance alone.
HAWTHORN
CAM MACKENZIE
Minutes: 80 per cent game time
Played: Forward (44 per cent), midfield (40 per cent), wing (16 per cent)
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 93 (team rank 5th)
Key stats: Mackenzie was ranked second at the Hawks for his seven score involvements and third in the team for his nine contested possessions. He also had 18 disposals in his AFL debut against Essendon.
What they said: “I thought ‘Frenchie’ (Mackenzie) had a first game where he stood up and did a few pretty special things,” - Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell said.
“Cam has certainly got a bit of composure about him, he does some really nice things with the ball. He is still learning the game and has got some off the ball stuff that he has to work on, but I think if you’re playing your first game and you have that level of composure and level of understanding …you get that from a first gamer it bodes well for the future for the young man.”
Round 2 prediction: Absolute lock after being a shining light in the Hawks loss.
The Hawks have found a star in Cam Mackenzie.
MELBOURNE
JUDD MCVEE
Minutes: 73 per cent game time
Played: Defence (95 per cent), forward (five per cent)
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 50 (team rank 19th)
Key stats: McVee was ranked fourth at the Demons for handball receives (eight) and also had 14 disposals and 11 uncontested possessions in his AFL debut against the Western Bulldogs.
Round 2 prediction: The selection crunch will be on for the Dees with a suite of players set to come back. He might be an unlucky omission.
BAILEY LAURIE
Minutes: 47 per cent time on ground
Played: Forward (89 per cent), midfield (nine per cent), wing (two per cent).
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 21 (team rank 22nd)
Key stats: Laurie had four disposals and two score involvements in his debut.
What they said: “Judd McVee’s performance tonight in his first game, he is just a quality player that is getting better and better and Bailey Laurie, both guys had impact in the game in a variety of different ways and that puts pressure (on selection), but it’s a healthy pressure to have,” - Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin.
Round 2 prediction: While the first-gamers impressed coach Goodwin, there could be a selection squeeze on with Bayley Fritsch (foot), Christian Salem (thyroid), Jack Viney (knee) and Steven May (calf) all in line to return against Brisbane.
NORTH MELBOURNE
HARRY SHEEZEL
Minutes: 86 per cent game time
Played: Defence
Champion Data round 1 ranking: 114 (team rank 2nd)
Key stats: In a standout debut, Sheezel was ranked first among the Kangaroos for disposals (34), uncontested possessions (21) and marks (nine). He was also ranked second in the team for metres gained (631m).
What they said: “He is a pretty special talent for us. We are not really sure where he is going to settle long term for us,” - Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson said.
“We have really lacked some polish in our back-half ….and even at different stages (against West Coast) despite his good play, we still couldn’t get the ball out of our back half as well as we would have liked. But he did give us a bit of that class.”
Round 2 prediction: Safe as houses.
The move to defence worked a treat for Harry Sheezel and the Roos. Picture: Michael Klein
ST KILDA
MATTAES PHILLIPOU
Minutes: 74 per cent game time
Played: Forward (94 per cent), wing (six per cent)
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 78 (team rank 9th)
Key stats: Phillipou had the top ranking for kicking efficiency at the Saints against the Dockers (100 per cent). He was ranked second in the team for score involvements (six) and also had one goal, 16 disposals and eight contested possessions.
Round 2 prediction: Absolute lock. He’s got talent and the Saints aren’t flushed with depth at the moment.
ANTHONY CAMINITI
Minutes: 84 per cent game time
Played: Forward
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 34 (team rank 21st)
Key stats: Caminiti was ranked third at the Saints in his debut against the Dockers for forward 50 ground ball gets (two). He also had nine disposals and seven contested possessions.
Round 2 prediction: With St Kilda coach Ross Lyon commending his makeshift forward line and the Saints unlikely to get any injured players back for round two, Caminiti is expected to be back for a crack at the Western Bulldogs.
It was a promising debut for top-10 pick Mattaes Phillipou.
WEST COAST EAGLES
CAMPBELL CHESSER
Minutes: 69 per cent game time
Played: Wing (89 per cent), forward (eight per cent), defence (three per cent)
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 20 (team rank 21st)
Key stats: Chesser had five disposals, three marks and two tackles in his debut.
Round 2 prediction: The watch is on Elliot Yeo who might squeeze him out when he’s available.
REUBEN GINBEY
Minutes: 72 per cent time on ground
Played: Midfield (89 per cent), defence (seven per cent), forward (four per cent)
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 85 (team rank eighth)
Key stats: Ginbey was ranked first among the Eagles for pressure points (84.3) and tackles (12). He also had 15 disposals and seven contested possessions, a team ranking of third.
What they said: “We have some young players through the midfield, Chesser and Reuben, and I thought as the game went on …. they all did something and it’s ‘OK, there’s something there. I think Reuben had about 12 or 13 tackles. There is something there to work with,” - West Coast coach Adam Simpson.
Round 2 prediction: Absolute lock. Showed he’s more than capable at AFL level.
NOAH LONG
Minutes: 67 per cent game time
Played: Forward
Champion Data round 1 ranking points: 63 (team rank 15th)
More Coverage
MCG ticks off new turf once again despite injury concernsTrade raid: Are your club’s best players out of contract?AFL star calls for NRL-like ‘sin bin’ as bump debate rages
Key stats: Long was ranked second among the Eagles for forward 50 groundball gets (three) and sixth for forward half pressure points (23.8). He also had one goal and 10 disposals.
Round 2 prediction: There’s a spot for him in the small forward role and he showed what he can do.
KFC SuperCoach winner Jean-Paul Haigh’s trade advice after round 1
The temptation to overhaul our teams is real after a tough opening week in KFC SuperCoach. But is it the smart play? The 2022 winner shares his expert tips.
Jean-Paul Haigh
FC SuperCoach is a funny game.
We have 36 trades sitting there in front of us, but we need them to get through the entire season. This can be the difference between raising the trophy at the mcg with a $50k novelty sized cheque or standing at the doughnut shop thinking what might have been.
In 2023 we have more trades than ever, so where does this leave us? The temptation to rage trade is real! We’ve had some of these players in our team for months and for all people let alone my captain Laird to fail in round 1, what a disappointment! Generally the rule of thumb in the past was to try and hold trades after round 1, however the landscape has shifted and aggression can be seen as a way to get a leg up on other coaches.
Laird copped a little bit of attention but just looked way off the pace on Sunday. I think this was testament to GWS breaking down their midfield run and link. Was he carrying an injury or unwell? Was it due to the fact Adelaide had a heap more guys go through the centre bounces? Whatever the answer, when we pay up for 130s, we want them. I’ve lost faith to have him as my perma captain after pumping out his lowest score in nine years. Now that teams have seen his kryptonite, surely others are going to pay him attention. I think I will hold him for another week, but the temptation to trade him is surely there. If he bangs out another low score he will bleed cash and all but be gone from my team.
If Luke Davies-Uniacke, Hayden Young, Nick Daicos or Jason Horne-Francis had pumped out these scores in pre-season, everyone would be on board. They didn’t and it just goes to show how up and down all of these choices can be from week to week. LDU looks a cut above in that North Melbourne midfield, but he’s yet to get much attention from opposition clubs. Nick Daicos is exactly in the same boat and Port Adelaide has already laid out its intention to blanket him this week. Young, like the whole Fremantle backline went huge, but is this an anomaly? He needs to be watched for another week, as does JHF, before people can comfortably jump on board.
Injured players are a different story. Tom Stewart is an easy sideways trade to another uber premo or Ridley/Daicos/Young. Liam Jones is likely a watch and wait, if he’s not named we can use the emergency loophole to get a look at Lachie Cowan and Darcy Wilmot, who a lot of players have on the bench. Trade options in defence include Connor McKenna, Liam Stocker or Tom Cole. Josh Kelly owners could either hold or trade, but LDU and Tom Green look very tasty options.
Of the rookies Harry Sheezel, Cam McKenzie and Rueben Ginbey look to be the must-haves, if you don’t have them, get on board! I don’t have any issues picking any of them this week, however I think any other rookies should be looked at a second time before making the plunge. Will Ashcroft was a slow burn in round 1 but he’s a class act and won’t take long to pick up the pace. Will Phillips being used as the sub saw him leave bulk of teams and we may just need a trade to get him back in next week.
Mid-priced madness has taken KFC SuperCoach by storm with mixed results. Players such as Tanner Bruhn, Sam Flanders and Jacob Hopper all looked average but probably need another look. Jack Ziebell looked back to his 2021 seagull best, while Ben Cunnington disappointed. Will Setterfield had a dominant second half and looked like he could be this year’s Will Brodie. Finn Callaghan looked great roaming the wing for GWS with a high disposal efficiency and ground covered. Errol Gulden backed up the pre-season hype – anyone who can average 85 without CBAs last year and kick like he can has got my interest!
I scored 2068 this week with Laird captain and an injured Jones. I was happy with 19 members of my team, so there plenty to work with! I would love to trade out Laird but probably need to calm a down (as Abdul would say) considering we picked him for a reason.
Just remember that KFC SuperCoach is a marathon, not a sprint, but there’s no issue trying to run at the front of the pack.
The temptation to overhaul our teams is real after a tough opening week in KFC SuperCoach. But is it the smart play? The 2022 winner shares his expert tips.
Jean-Paul Haigh
FC SuperCoach is a funny game.
We have 36 trades sitting there in front of us, but we need them to get through the entire season. This can be the difference between raising the trophy at the mcg with a $50k novelty sized cheque or standing at the doughnut shop thinking what might have been.
In 2023 we have more trades than ever, so where does this leave us? The temptation to rage trade is real! We’ve had some of these players in our team for months and for all people let alone my captain Laird to fail in round 1, what a disappointment! Generally the rule of thumb in the past was to try and hold trades after round 1, however the landscape has shifted and aggression can be seen as a way to get a leg up on other coaches.
Laird copped a little bit of attention but just looked way off the pace on Sunday. I think this was testament to GWS breaking down their midfield run and link. Was he carrying an injury or unwell? Was it due to the fact Adelaide had a heap more guys go through the centre bounces? Whatever the answer, when we pay up for 130s, we want them. I’ve lost faith to have him as my perma captain after pumping out his lowest score in nine years. Now that teams have seen his kryptonite, surely others are going to pay him attention. I think I will hold him for another week, but the temptation to trade him is surely there. If he bangs out another low score he will bleed cash and all but be gone from my team.
If Luke Davies-Uniacke, Hayden Young, Nick Daicos or Jason Horne-Francis had pumped out these scores in pre-season, everyone would be on board. They didn’t and it just goes to show how up and down all of these choices can be from week to week. LDU looks a cut above in that North Melbourne midfield, but he’s yet to get much attention from opposition clubs. Nick Daicos is exactly in the same boat and Port Adelaide has already laid out its intention to blanket him this week. Young, like the whole Fremantle backline went huge, but is this an anomaly? He needs to be watched for another week, as does JHF, before people can comfortably jump on board.
Injured players are a different story. Tom Stewart is an easy sideways trade to another uber premo or Ridley/Daicos/Young. Liam Jones is likely a watch and wait, if he’s not named we can use the emergency loophole to get a look at Lachie Cowan and Darcy Wilmot, who a lot of players have on the bench. Trade options in defence include Connor McKenna, Liam Stocker or Tom Cole. Josh Kelly owners could either hold or trade, but LDU and Tom Green look very tasty options.
Of the rookies Harry Sheezel, Cam McKenzie and Rueben Ginbey look to be the must-haves, if you don’t have them, get on board! I don’t have any issues picking any of them this week, however I think any other rookies should be looked at a second time before making the plunge. Will Ashcroft was a slow burn in round 1 but he’s a class act and won’t take long to pick up the pace. Will Phillips being used as the sub saw him leave bulk of teams and we may just need a trade to get him back in next week.
Mid-priced madness has taken KFC SuperCoach by storm with mixed results. Players such as Tanner Bruhn, Sam Flanders and Jacob Hopper all looked average but probably need another look. Jack Ziebell looked back to his 2021 seagull best, while Ben Cunnington disappointed. Will Setterfield had a dominant second half and looked like he could be this year’s Will Brodie. Finn Callaghan looked great roaming the wing for GWS with a high disposal efficiency and ground covered. Errol Gulden backed up the pre-season hype – anyone who can average 85 without CBAs last year and kick like he can has got my interest!
I scored 2068 this week with Laird captain and an injured Jones. I was happy with 19 members of my team, so there plenty to work with! I would love to trade out Laird but probably need to calm a down (as Abdul would say) considering we picked him for a reason.
Just remember that KFC SuperCoach is a marathon, not a sprint, but there’s no issue trying to run at the front of the pack.
KFC SuperCoach AFL: Fantasy Freako on round 2, DPP watch and top trade targets
We’re only one chaotic round into the KFC SuperCoach season, but the first hints of possible dual-position additions have emerged. Fantasy Freako reveals the key numbers.
Fantasy Freako
ound 1 will go down as one of most brutal season openers in SuperCoach for some time – with a combination of injuries and underperformance from premiums making headlines.
Tom Stewart’s injury after just 16 minutes was the biggest blow of all considering his premium status –— with close to 55,000 SuperCoaches starting the star Cat.
He ended the match with just 18 points and will now be sidelined for up to one month.
Over 73,000 SuperCoaches jumped on Liam Jones after his dominant pre-season display, but like Stewart, he succumbed to injury and finished with just five points to his name.
Josh Kelly’s afternoon ended early after a concussion, but at least he had 80 points on the board.
His prognosis isn’t great, and he has already been ruled out for round 2.
Likewise, teammate Lachie Whitfield will be sidelined for this week’s clash with West Coast.
For the few that jumped on Tristan Xerri after Todd Goldstein was left out, their joy was short-lived after the former lasted just 19 minutes before going down with a knee injury.
He is also set for a stint on the sidelines.
Injuries aside, Rory Laird’s stinker was the major talking point as he posted his lowest SuperCoach score since Round 19, 2014.
What made his game even worse was the fact that he wasn’t even tagged — managing just 18 disposals and two tackles. As captain – it was even worse.
Andrew Brayshaw managed just 70 points despite winning 26 disposals, while Bailey Dale was practically unsighted after 56 points.
It was a tough round across the board for most.
Crisis creates opportunity though, and with Stewart and Kelly both out it gives KFC SuperCoaches the chance to restructure and fix gaping holes in their team.
So, who do you target?
In defence, you have the option of a sideways move to Sam Docherty or Jordan Dawson, or you could trade down to someone cheaper and bank the cash.
Hayden Young, Jordan Ridley and Nick Daicos fit that criteria at around the $500k mark — with the trio each topping 100 points in Round 1.
Young collected 30 disposals, 13 marks, 11 intercept possessions and 511 metres gained against the Saints, with his kicking a highlight – posting a kicking efficiency of 94 per cent.
Ridley on the other hand hit the target with all 16 kicks and played on from all five kick-ins – taking eight marks in the process. The Bombers flicked it around took 120 uncontested marks which was only surpassed by Fremantle’s 122.
Daicos had a free reign against the Cats, and he hit the target with 20 of 21 kicks — finishing with 35 disposals and 21 uncontested possessions. He was given far too much leeway, which is something he may not get in coming weeks should the opposition decide to tag him.
In terms of replacements for Kelly in the midfield, Luke Davies-Uniacke stands out like a beacon — while you could also opt for Stephen Coniglio. But the popular move looks to be moving down to Jason Horne-Francis and pocketing the cash.
As we look ahead to the coming weeks, identifying positional changes early in the season can help with future planning. There were quite a few shifts in Round 1 and below is a group to keep an eye on ahead of the first positional changes in Round 6. Take note, a player must play at least four of the first five games to be eligible for DPP status.
ROOKIE WATCH
It was a boom week for those with Harry Sheezel in the starting line-up as the AFL Rising Star nominee racked up 34 disposals on debut – the third-most of any player on record.
After playing the final term in defence in the Kangaroos’ final pre-season game, he continued in that role in Round 1 which was a surprise to say the least. Sheezel dominated and had a team-high 21 uncontested possessions and 12 handball-receives — also grabbing an equal team-high nine uncontested marks. That role is gold for SuperCoach and if he isn’t in your team — make him a priority!
Elsewhere, Reuben Ginbey was overshadowed by Sheezel, but he too had a game to remember – applying 12 tackles on his way to a solid 85 points. He also had 15 disposals and won 47 per cent of his possessions in a contested manner.
Cam Mackenzie had just one turnover from 18 disposals and tallied 93 points in his first match, while Mattaes Phillipou was workmanlike with 16 disposals, one goal, one score assist and 76 points.
Fantasy Freako’s round 2 rookie breakdown.
The above quartet are must-haves and need to be prioritised.
If we look at the mature rookies, Conor McKenna was one of few winners for the Lions as they were comprehensively humbled by Port Adelaide – finishing with 20 disposals (92 per cent kicking efficiency), five intercept possessions and 93 points.
After averaging 107 points in the VFL last year, Kade Chandler was handed an opportunity and he didn’t miss a beat — scoring 93 points from 16 disposals, seven tackles, one goal and two score assists. Even with Bayley Fritsch returning this week, Chandler should keep his place in the team after Kysaiah Pickett’s two-game ban.
We’re only one chaotic round into the KFC SuperCoach season, but the first hints of possible dual-position additions have emerged. Fantasy Freako reveals the key numbers.
Fantasy Freako
ound 1 will go down as one of most brutal season openers in SuperCoach for some time – with a combination of injuries and underperformance from premiums making headlines.
Tom Stewart’s injury after just 16 minutes was the biggest blow of all considering his premium status –— with close to 55,000 SuperCoaches starting the star Cat.
He ended the match with just 18 points and will now be sidelined for up to one month.
Over 73,000 SuperCoaches jumped on Liam Jones after his dominant pre-season display, but like Stewart, he succumbed to injury and finished with just five points to his name.
Josh Kelly’s afternoon ended early after a concussion, but at least he had 80 points on the board.
His prognosis isn’t great, and he has already been ruled out for round 2.
Likewise, teammate Lachie Whitfield will be sidelined for this week’s clash with West Coast.
For the few that jumped on Tristan Xerri after Todd Goldstein was left out, their joy was short-lived after the former lasted just 19 minutes before going down with a knee injury.
He is also set for a stint on the sidelines.
Injuries aside, Rory Laird’s stinker was the major talking point as he posted his lowest SuperCoach score since Round 19, 2014.
What made his game even worse was the fact that he wasn’t even tagged — managing just 18 disposals and two tackles. As captain – it was even worse.
Andrew Brayshaw managed just 70 points despite winning 26 disposals, while Bailey Dale was practically unsighted after 56 points.
It was a tough round across the board for most.
Crisis creates opportunity though, and with Stewart and Kelly both out it gives KFC SuperCoaches the chance to restructure and fix gaping holes in their team.
So, who do you target?
In defence, you have the option of a sideways move to Sam Docherty or Jordan Dawson, or you could trade down to someone cheaper and bank the cash.
Hayden Young, Jordan Ridley and Nick Daicos fit that criteria at around the $500k mark — with the trio each topping 100 points in Round 1.
Young collected 30 disposals, 13 marks, 11 intercept possessions and 511 metres gained against the Saints, with his kicking a highlight – posting a kicking efficiency of 94 per cent.
Ridley on the other hand hit the target with all 16 kicks and played on from all five kick-ins – taking eight marks in the process. The Bombers flicked it around took 120 uncontested marks which was only surpassed by Fremantle’s 122.
Daicos had a free reign against the Cats, and he hit the target with 20 of 21 kicks — finishing with 35 disposals and 21 uncontested possessions. He was given far too much leeway, which is something he may not get in coming weeks should the opposition decide to tag him.
In terms of replacements for Kelly in the midfield, Luke Davies-Uniacke stands out like a beacon — while you could also opt for Stephen Coniglio. But the popular move looks to be moving down to Jason Horne-Francis and pocketing the cash.
As we look ahead to the coming weeks, identifying positional changes early in the season can help with future planning. There were quite a few shifts in Round 1 and below is a group to keep an eye on ahead of the first positional changes in Round 6. Take note, a player must play at least four of the first five games to be eligible for DPP status.
ROOKIE WATCH
It was a boom week for those with Harry Sheezel in the starting line-up as the AFL Rising Star nominee racked up 34 disposals on debut – the third-most of any player on record.
After playing the final term in defence in the Kangaroos’ final pre-season game, he continued in that role in Round 1 which was a surprise to say the least. Sheezel dominated and had a team-high 21 uncontested possessions and 12 handball-receives — also grabbing an equal team-high nine uncontested marks. That role is gold for SuperCoach and if he isn’t in your team — make him a priority!
Elsewhere, Reuben Ginbey was overshadowed by Sheezel, but he too had a game to remember – applying 12 tackles on his way to a solid 85 points. He also had 15 disposals and won 47 per cent of his possessions in a contested manner.
Cam Mackenzie had just one turnover from 18 disposals and tallied 93 points in his first match, while Mattaes Phillipou was workmanlike with 16 disposals, one goal, one score assist and 76 points.
Fantasy Freako’s round 2 rookie breakdown.
The above quartet are must-haves and need to be prioritised.
If we look at the mature rookies, Conor McKenna was one of few winners for the Lions as they were comprehensively humbled by Port Adelaide – finishing with 20 disposals (92 per cent kicking efficiency), five intercept possessions and 93 points.
After averaging 107 points in the VFL last year, Kade Chandler was handed an opportunity and he didn’t miss a beat — scoring 93 points from 16 disposals, seven tackles, one goal and two score assists. Even with Bayley Fritsch returning this week, Chandler should keep his place in the team after Kysaiah Pickett’s two-game ban.
KFC SuperCoach: Tom Stewart advice, who else to trade after round 1
Go hard or play safe? With a long list of possible trades, see who the experts are moving in and out this week.
Tim Michell, Dan Batten and Al Paton
Go hard or play it safe? That’s the dilemma facing KFC SuperCoaches heading into round 2.
With up to three trades available (using an optional Trade Boost) there’s an opportunity to fix mistakes in our starting teams, but there’s also a risk of jumping too early based on one good or bad performance.
This is what our experts have planned this week.
AL PATON
OUT: Josh Kelly, Liam Jones, Jack Bytel
IN: Harry Sheezel, Nick Daicos, Finn Callaghan
Yes, I’m burning a Trade Boost one week into the season. I have other versions of trades that hold Kelly or Jones, but I think biting the bullet on both is probably the way to go.
Kelly looked like a great pick until he was poleaxed by Reilly O’Brien last weekend. He’s set to miss one week with concussion but knowing his injury history, and looking at my bench cover, I can’t risk it becoming more. And even though Jones could play this week, do I really want a player at D3 who scores five points in a half?
Trading out both allows me to get two players who I regret not starting. I was worried Sheezel would play in the forward pocket, and I think I overreacted to the possibility of Nick Daicos getting tagged. That will happen, possibly starting this week, but he’s just so good that he’ll still find ways to score – and the weeks he is allowed to run free he can put up some huge numbers that make up for a lower score or two.
Bytel is a forced injury trade and while I don’t expect Callaghan to score three figures every week, he’s definitely going to make money – not something you can say for a lot of midfield cheapies.
Under this plan Nat Fyfe (who somehow managed to score one point in a half) survives but next week he can become whichever mid-pricer I like after getting another look at Jason Horne-Francis, Jack Ziebell, James Worpel and Co.
THE PHANTOM
OUT: Josh Kelly and Jack Bytel
IN: Jason Horne-Francis and Finn Callaghan
At this point, that’s what I am thinking – but it’s far from locked in. Kelly will miss at least one match, with his 12-day concussion period up the day before the Giants’ round 3 clash with Carlton. Is that my reason to jump on some value that I missed this week, in order to open up some flexibility next round? As much as I like him and his role this year, it probably is. And I’m sure Horne-Francis’s value is real. The only pre-season concern I had was whether he would hit the ground running after the media frenzy, and associated pressure, over summer. And he has.
And after seeing what he did with the ball against the Crows, the plan was to get Callaghan at some point before his price rises. And with Bytel’s knee injury, I am happy to jump on now and – hopefully – keep the solid on-field scoring with Callaghan on his way to the wide expanses of Optus Stadium on Sunday. Even though I was always going to trade aggressively early, I wouldn’t be forcing this if they weren’t injured, and Bytel’s prognosis may change the plan again.
TIM MICHELL
OUT: Rory Laird, Tom Stewart and Jacob Hopper
IN: Stephen Coniglio, Jordan Ridley and Hayden Young
Trading Laird probably makes no sense. But logic doesn’t always apply in KFC SuperCoach and sometimes it’s best to just go with your gut. I was so close to picking Young or Ridley instead of Stewart, and his knee injury gives me the chance to right that wrong decision.
I might be being ridiculously aggressive by trading Laird – especially when he’s up against Richmond – but his value gets me Stephen Coniglio before he faces West Coast and from Hopper to Young/Ridley.
I was always going to trade Hopper at some point anyway and was pretty unconvinced by what I saw in round 1. He’s another who could burn me, but the hope is this could ultimately help me fast track my upgrades. I’ll have $70k spare for next week and three trades to target Horne-Francis, Setterfield and/or Ziebell if they back up their round 1 performances.
As my son would say, this is my yeet move for 2023. Let’s see how spectacularly it unravels or works out.
DAN BATTEN
NO TRADES
… For now. Ben King, Liam Jones, Jacob Hopper and Rory Laird are on the chopping block, but I want to wait another to week to make sure I’m buying the right rookies and, potentially, mid-pricers. I’ll have a big watch on Finn Callaghan, Tom Cole, Kade Chandler, Luke Pedlar and Charlie Comben this weekend, as well as Jason Horne-Francis and Jack Ziebell. If all of these guys fire I’ll probably have to grab JHF/Ziebell after their first price rise, but I’m willing to cop that rather than burn a trade off one week of data.
Go hard or play safe? With a long list of possible trades, see who the experts are moving in and out this week.
Tim Michell, Dan Batten and Al Paton
Go hard or play it safe? That’s the dilemma facing KFC SuperCoaches heading into round 2.
With up to three trades available (using an optional Trade Boost) there’s an opportunity to fix mistakes in our starting teams, but there’s also a risk of jumping too early based on one good or bad performance.
This is what our experts have planned this week.
AL PATON
OUT: Josh Kelly, Liam Jones, Jack Bytel
IN: Harry Sheezel, Nick Daicos, Finn Callaghan
Yes, I’m burning a Trade Boost one week into the season. I have other versions of trades that hold Kelly or Jones, but I think biting the bullet on both is probably the way to go.
Kelly looked like a great pick until he was poleaxed by Reilly O’Brien last weekend. He’s set to miss one week with concussion but knowing his injury history, and looking at my bench cover, I can’t risk it becoming more. And even though Jones could play this week, do I really want a player at D3 who scores five points in a half?
Trading out both allows me to get two players who I regret not starting. I was worried Sheezel would play in the forward pocket, and I think I overreacted to the possibility of Nick Daicos getting tagged. That will happen, possibly starting this week, but he’s just so good that he’ll still find ways to score – and the weeks he is allowed to run free he can put up some huge numbers that make up for a lower score or two.
Bytel is a forced injury trade and while I don’t expect Callaghan to score three figures every week, he’s definitely going to make money – not something you can say for a lot of midfield cheapies.
Under this plan Nat Fyfe (who somehow managed to score one point in a half) survives but next week he can become whichever mid-pricer I like after getting another look at Jason Horne-Francis, Jack Ziebell, James Worpel and Co.
THE PHANTOM
OUT: Josh Kelly and Jack Bytel
IN: Jason Horne-Francis and Finn Callaghan
At this point, that’s what I am thinking – but it’s far from locked in. Kelly will miss at least one match, with his 12-day concussion period up the day before the Giants’ round 3 clash with Carlton. Is that my reason to jump on some value that I missed this week, in order to open up some flexibility next round? As much as I like him and his role this year, it probably is. And I’m sure Horne-Francis’s value is real. The only pre-season concern I had was whether he would hit the ground running after the media frenzy, and associated pressure, over summer. And he has.
And after seeing what he did with the ball against the Crows, the plan was to get Callaghan at some point before his price rises. And with Bytel’s knee injury, I am happy to jump on now and – hopefully – keep the solid on-field scoring with Callaghan on his way to the wide expanses of Optus Stadium on Sunday. Even though I was always going to trade aggressively early, I wouldn’t be forcing this if they weren’t injured, and Bytel’s prognosis may change the plan again.
TIM MICHELL
OUT: Rory Laird, Tom Stewart and Jacob Hopper
IN: Stephen Coniglio, Jordan Ridley and Hayden Young
Trading Laird probably makes no sense. But logic doesn’t always apply in KFC SuperCoach and sometimes it’s best to just go with your gut. I was so close to picking Young or Ridley instead of Stewart, and his knee injury gives me the chance to right that wrong decision.
I might be being ridiculously aggressive by trading Laird – especially when he’s up against Richmond – but his value gets me Stephen Coniglio before he faces West Coast and from Hopper to Young/Ridley.
I was always going to trade Hopper at some point anyway and was pretty unconvinced by what I saw in round 1. He’s another who could burn me, but the hope is this could ultimately help me fast track my upgrades. I’ll have $70k spare for next week and three trades to target Horne-Francis, Setterfield and/or Ziebell if they back up their round 1 performances.
As my son would say, this is my yeet move for 2023. Let’s see how spectacularly it unravels or works out.
DAN BATTEN
NO TRADES
… For now. Ben King, Liam Jones, Jacob Hopper and Rory Laird are on the chopping block, but I want to wait another to week to make sure I’m buying the right rookies and, potentially, mid-pricers. I’ll have a big watch on Finn Callaghan, Tom Cole, Kade Chandler, Luke Pedlar and Charlie Comben this weekend, as well as Jason Horne-Francis and Jack Ziebell. If all of these guys fire I’ll probably have to grab JHF/Ziebell after their first price rise, but I’m willing to cop that rather than burn a trade off one week of data.
SuperCoach round 3 trade guide: Jack Bowes, cash cows and the crucial calls ahead of price changes
The biggest week of the KFC SuperCoach season has arrived. For the first time in 2023, prices will change. See the trade targets and all the Break Evens you need to know before its too late.
Tim Michell, Dan Batten and Al Paton
8 min read
March 27, 2023 - 5:31PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Welcome to the biggest week of the KFC SuperCoach AFL season.
Prices will change for players who feature in their third game of the year next weekend, putting a premium on having the right cash cows and mid-price money makers in your team this week before prices move.
There’s also the issue of premiums and whether to jump off before a price crash if they have made a slow start to the season.
KFC SuperCoaches now have two weeks of data to assess and make the crucial trade calls which will set up their season.
Many coaches will use one of their five trade boosts this round, making sure they don’t miss out on getting the topscoring cheapies into their team before it’s too late.
It’s a strategy which paid off for 2022 winner JP Haigh, who used three trades in every week from rounds 3-5 to set up his path to glory.
Read on to see our verdicts on the must-have players ahead of price changes and analysis on round 2 star Jack Bowes.
Nick Daicos went large again at the MCG. Pictue: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
ROUND 3 TRADE TARGETS
Nick Daicos (Collingwood) $502,500 DEF | Average: 139 | Break Even: 7
Port Adelaide’s tag went about as well as Tim Michell trading Rory Laird and Jacob Hopper after one round. As the kids would say, the new Brownlow Medal favourite is just different gravy. Daicos monstered the Power and made a mockery of their plan to quell his influence, posting the second biggest KFC SuperCoach score of his career – 149. He’s a legitimate contender for vice-captaincy or captaincy duties and if you were put off by Finn Maginess’s successful tag in pre-season, this is the week to right that wrong and grab him. Daicos could soon be $600k and might be in the conversation to be the top KFC SuperCoach defender of 2023, let alone top six. A Friday night clash with Richmond awaits and the Tigers are renowned for leaking points to halfbacks. VC anyone?
Will Setterfield is loving life as a Bomber. Picture: Michael Klein
Will Setterfield (Essendon) $348,200 MID | Average: 126 | BE: -49
After dropping a career-high KFC SuperCoach score against Gold Coast, Setterfield has become the must-have mid-price buy ahead of price changes. His value is set to soar in coming weeks to the point where he could be a straight swap to a fallen premium mid-season. Then again, maybe Setterfield the Bomber is a KFC SuperCoach premium. He’s finally being used in the inside midfield role he plays his best football in, and it’s little wonder two of the best games of his career have been the result. Setterfield had 13 contested possessions against the Suns, spending time manned up against Gold Coast star Touk Miller. He laid nine tackles and capped his performance with a goal, finishing with 147 KFC SuperCoach points. It’s now or never and even if you’re partnering him with Jacob Hopper, you don’t want to miss out. His scoring and money-making will just be too good. Hawk James Worpel ($309,300 MID) is another player to consider after scoring 99 and 97 in the first two rounds. He will make money if he continues to score ike that but few midfielders will have room for three mid-pricers.
Luke Davies-Uniacke (North Melbourne) $557,400 MID | Average: 149 | BE: 18
Has KFC SuperCoach’s newest uber premium midfielder arrived? There was a bit of peak Chris Judd about the way LDU exploded from stoppage in another commanding performance against Fremantle. After averaging 110 in the run home last year, Davies-Uniacke has started this season was scores of 143 and 155. Anything similar against Hawthorn in round 2 will cause his price to rocket above $600k - although Finn Maginess could be waiting. Including the last two rounds of 2022, LDU has scored 140+ in three of his last four games. This looks to be your last chance to get a possible season keeper for less than $550k. The only issue will be working out where the cash comes from. Would you sacrifice a slow-starting premium to make it happen?
Jack Ziebell is back. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Jack Ziebell (North Melbourne) $356,400 FWD | Average: 112.5 | BE: -23
Ziebell is partying like it’s 2021 – and we’re not talking QR code entry and elbow bumps. The Roos veteran is loving life back in defence, pumping out scores of 102 and 123 to start the season. Ziebell had 26 disposals (22 kicks) at 96 per cent in round 1 against West Coast and 26 disposals at 89 per cent on Saturday against Fremantle. In fact, 44 of his 52 disposals to date have been kicks, which attract the greatest KFC SuperCoach points. Ziebell has also registered 12 kick-ins in the opening two rounds, playing on from all 12 to further help his scoring. Stata guru Brice Mitchell has projected Ziebell’s price could be above $500k within the next month. Don’t stress about what impact Aaron Hall’s eventual return might have. Why would Clarko mess with his new matchwinning Ziebell and Sheezel combination? Ziebell headlines the mid-price targets this week and only costs about $45k more than Nat Fyfe.
Darcy Cameron $465,900 RUC-FWD | Average: 120 | BE: 24
The big Magpie looms as the most popular Max Gawn replacement after scores of 103 and 137 to start the season. Take this example. You could trade Gawn to Cameron, bank $157k and almost have enough money to trade Esava Ratugolea to Ziebell. Now there’s food for thought. There were fears Cameron could end up in a 50-50 ruck share with Mason Cox but he has attended 127 ruck contests to Cox’s 54 in the first two rounds. His DPP status gives him an edge over other ruck options as you can swing him forward and make room for Tim English or a bottomed-out Gawn later in the season.
Kade Chandler has scored well in his first two games. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Kade Chandler (Melbourne) $123,900 FWD | Average: 82 | BE -94
Chandler’s price is set to skyrocket (projected $59,000 rise) after he was able to back up his impressive round 1 score with 12 disposals, a goal and 73 KFC SuperCoach in a loss. The 23-year-old has at least another week to prove himself with Kysaiah Pickett missing round 3 with suspension, but the crafty Demons forward should hold his spot even when Pickett returns with this sort of form. Trading an underperforming forward rookie like Esava Ratugolea to Chandler looks a shrewd move. Other rookies with low Break Evens heading into round 3 include Conor McKenna (-67), Reuben Ginbey (-64), Noah Long (-59), Charlie Constable (-53) and Darcy Wilmot (-49).
Harry Sheezel (North Melbourne) $198,300 FWD | Average: 114 | BE: -116
Talk about consistent. Sheezel backed up his amazing 114 points in round 1 with another 114 against the Dockers, starring again in a very SuperCoach-friendly role across half-back. Thousands of KFC SuperCoaches traded in the No.3 draft pick last week but if you still don’t have him, make sure you use one of your trades this week to bring him in. He’s set to make a stack of cash, can score premium numbers on field and as an added bonus is almost certain to be awarded dual-position status after round 5, when we can swing him back to strengthen our defences. Sheezel is projected to add $83,000 to his price tag next week and that’s with a predicted score of 67 against Hawthorn – based on the first two rounds, that could be serious unders!
The biggest week of the KFC SuperCoach season has arrived. For the first time in 2023, prices will change. See the trade targets and all the Break Evens you need to know before its too late.
Tim Michell, Dan Batten and Al Paton
8 min read
March 27, 2023 - 5:31PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
Welcome to the biggest week of the KFC SuperCoach AFL season.
Prices will change for players who feature in their third game of the year next weekend, putting a premium on having the right cash cows and mid-price money makers in your team this week before prices move.
There’s also the issue of premiums and whether to jump off before a price crash if they have made a slow start to the season.
KFC SuperCoaches now have two weeks of data to assess and make the crucial trade calls which will set up their season.
Many coaches will use one of their five trade boosts this round, making sure they don’t miss out on getting the topscoring cheapies into their team before it’s too late.
It’s a strategy which paid off for 2022 winner JP Haigh, who used three trades in every week from rounds 3-5 to set up his path to glory.
Read on to see our verdicts on the must-have players ahead of price changes and analysis on round 2 star Jack Bowes.
Nick Daicos went large again at the MCG. Pictue: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
ROUND 3 TRADE TARGETS
Nick Daicos (Collingwood) $502,500 DEF | Average: 139 | Break Even: 7
Port Adelaide’s tag went about as well as Tim Michell trading Rory Laird and Jacob Hopper after one round. As the kids would say, the new Brownlow Medal favourite is just different gravy. Daicos monstered the Power and made a mockery of their plan to quell his influence, posting the second biggest KFC SuperCoach score of his career – 149. He’s a legitimate contender for vice-captaincy or captaincy duties and if you were put off by Finn Maginess’s successful tag in pre-season, this is the week to right that wrong and grab him. Daicos could soon be $600k and might be in the conversation to be the top KFC SuperCoach defender of 2023, let alone top six. A Friday night clash with Richmond awaits and the Tigers are renowned for leaking points to halfbacks. VC anyone?
Will Setterfield is loving life as a Bomber. Picture: Michael Klein
Will Setterfield (Essendon) $348,200 MID | Average: 126 | BE: -49
After dropping a career-high KFC SuperCoach score against Gold Coast, Setterfield has become the must-have mid-price buy ahead of price changes. His value is set to soar in coming weeks to the point where he could be a straight swap to a fallen premium mid-season. Then again, maybe Setterfield the Bomber is a KFC SuperCoach premium. He’s finally being used in the inside midfield role he plays his best football in, and it’s little wonder two of the best games of his career have been the result. Setterfield had 13 contested possessions against the Suns, spending time manned up against Gold Coast star Touk Miller. He laid nine tackles and capped his performance with a goal, finishing with 147 KFC SuperCoach points. It’s now or never and even if you’re partnering him with Jacob Hopper, you don’t want to miss out. His scoring and money-making will just be too good. Hawk James Worpel ($309,300 MID) is another player to consider after scoring 99 and 97 in the first two rounds. He will make money if he continues to score ike that but few midfielders will have room for three mid-pricers.
Luke Davies-Uniacke (North Melbourne) $557,400 MID | Average: 149 | BE: 18
Has KFC SuperCoach’s newest uber premium midfielder arrived? There was a bit of peak Chris Judd about the way LDU exploded from stoppage in another commanding performance against Fremantle. After averaging 110 in the run home last year, Davies-Uniacke has started this season was scores of 143 and 155. Anything similar against Hawthorn in round 2 will cause his price to rocket above $600k - although Finn Maginess could be waiting. Including the last two rounds of 2022, LDU has scored 140+ in three of his last four games. This looks to be your last chance to get a possible season keeper for less than $550k. The only issue will be working out where the cash comes from. Would you sacrifice a slow-starting premium to make it happen?
Jack Ziebell is back. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Jack Ziebell (North Melbourne) $356,400 FWD | Average: 112.5 | BE: -23
Ziebell is partying like it’s 2021 – and we’re not talking QR code entry and elbow bumps. The Roos veteran is loving life back in defence, pumping out scores of 102 and 123 to start the season. Ziebell had 26 disposals (22 kicks) at 96 per cent in round 1 against West Coast and 26 disposals at 89 per cent on Saturday against Fremantle. In fact, 44 of his 52 disposals to date have been kicks, which attract the greatest KFC SuperCoach points. Ziebell has also registered 12 kick-ins in the opening two rounds, playing on from all 12 to further help his scoring. Stata guru Brice Mitchell has projected Ziebell’s price could be above $500k within the next month. Don’t stress about what impact Aaron Hall’s eventual return might have. Why would Clarko mess with his new matchwinning Ziebell and Sheezel combination? Ziebell headlines the mid-price targets this week and only costs about $45k more than Nat Fyfe.
Darcy Cameron $465,900 RUC-FWD | Average: 120 | BE: 24
The big Magpie looms as the most popular Max Gawn replacement after scores of 103 and 137 to start the season. Take this example. You could trade Gawn to Cameron, bank $157k and almost have enough money to trade Esava Ratugolea to Ziebell. Now there’s food for thought. There were fears Cameron could end up in a 50-50 ruck share with Mason Cox but he has attended 127 ruck contests to Cox’s 54 in the first two rounds. His DPP status gives him an edge over other ruck options as you can swing him forward and make room for Tim English or a bottomed-out Gawn later in the season.
Kade Chandler has scored well in his first two games. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Kade Chandler (Melbourne) $123,900 FWD | Average: 82 | BE -94
Chandler’s price is set to skyrocket (projected $59,000 rise) after he was able to back up his impressive round 1 score with 12 disposals, a goal and 73 KFC SuperCoach in a loss. The 23-year-old has at least another week to prove himself with Kysaiah Pickett missing round 3 with suspension, but the crafty Demons forward should hold his spot even when Pickett returns with this sort of form. Trading an underperforming forward rookie like Esava Ratugolea to Chandler looks a shrewd move. Other rookies with low Break Evens heading into round 3 include Conor McKenna (-67), Reuben Ginbey (-64), Noah Long (-59), Charlie Constable (-53) and Darcy Wilmot (-49).
Harry Sheezel (North Melbourne) $198,300 FWD | Average: 114 | BE: -116
Talk about consistent. Sheezel backed up his amazing 114 points in round 1 with another 114 against the Dockers, starring again in a very SuperCoach-friendly role across half-back. Thousands of KFC SuperCoaches traded in the No.3 draft pick last week but if you still don’t have him, make sure you use one of your trades this week to bring him in. He’s set to make a stack of cash, can score premium numbers on field and as an added bonus is almost certain to be awarded dual-position status after round 5, when we can swing him back to strengthen our defences. Sheezel is projected to add $83,000 to his price tag next week and that’s with a predicted score of 67 against Hawthorn – based on the first two rounds, that could be serious unders!
JACK BOWES ANALYSIS: WAIT A WEEK OR JUMP ON NOW?
So much for steak knives.
Jack Bowes has left KFC SuperCoaches with plenty to ponder after posting 108 points in his first game for Geelong on Thursday.
Bowes started made an incredible start to life in the blue and white hoops, racing to fifty points by quarter-time as he took three first-term kick-ins and went at 100 per cent from seven disposals.
The return of Zach Tuohy, who copped a knock early in the match, caused Bowes to be shuffled further up the field in the second and third terms where he was less effective.
He managed five disposals in the second term and one in the third — which was a turnover.
But, just as the 400 or so coaches who traded Liam Jones to Bowes this week wondered if they had celebrated too early, he rallied in the last quarter.
Jack Bowes - buy this week or next?
Buy this week
Buy next week
Avoid
Cast your vote
Bowes had seven disposals, four contested possessions, three clearances and laid three tackles in the term, a promising sign which showed he does not necessarily need kick-in duties to score well.
He scored 87 of his 108 points in the first and last quarters.
JACK BOWES GEELONG DEBUT
Jack Bowes vs Carlton
Ranking Points
Disposals
Metres Gained
Intercept Possessions
Quarter 1
46
7
197
4
Quarter 2
19
5
88
3
Quarter 3
2
1
12
2
Quarter 4
41
7
169
1
SOURCE: CHAMPION DATA
The 25-year-old won praise from coach Chris Scott post-match and would have scored in excess of 120 KFC SuperCoach points had he not missed a shot at goal 20 minutes into the last quarter.
“I was rapt with Jack Bowes’ first game for the club,” Scott said.
“He missed a goal late, but he was outstanding for us early sort of playing as a high back.
“Really liked his game.”
Scott did reveal Mitch Duncan would return from injury “in the next couple of weeks”, a possible red flag for those considering Bowes.
Jack Bowes made a strong start to his Geelong career.
Bowes missed Geelong’s round 1 match due to a calf issue.
The question now for KFC SuperCoaches – is he a must-have?
It will largely depend on Liam Jones’ break even and whether Bowes can back up his ton against his former side Gold Coast next round.
No doubt the return of Tom Stewart in another 3-4 weeks will have some impact on Bowes, but his efforts in the last quarter against the Blues showed he isn’t a one-trick pony.
Bowes’ best season average is 84 and he has averaged more than 75 three times in his last four full seasons.
The obvious knock on him was his job security — or lackthereof — but that shouldn’t be an issue after the way Bowes performed against the Blues.
He only missed round 1 due to a calf issue and proved he can be a big part of Geelong’s premiership defence against the Blues.
If you’ve got an underperforming mid-pricer or a premium who is set to lose value after their third game, Bowes looms as the perfect escape plan.
But as always in KFC SuperCoach, it pays to have a second look, and coaches would be wise to wait until round 4 before jumping on if possible.
That is unless one of your players is about to experience a price crash after round 3, which would force your hand to go early and take a risk on Bowes after one game.
At $277k, it might not turn out to be that risky anyway.
More Coverage
Rookie bible: Expert verdict on key SuperCoach cash cowsRage trade or hold? SuperCoach champ’s advice on big names
TIM MICHELL’S VERDICT: Wait a week. Great signs against the Blues, but the last time Bowes scored a ton he dropped a 45 the next week. If Liam Jones doesn’t show enough this round to suggest he’s a money maker, I could understand trading him to Bowes based on only one game. But if you’re thinking about trading a premium defender to Bowes to avoid a price drop after round 3, it might be wiser to just cop one decrease to get a second look at Bowes. You’ll still be making good money on the downgrade anyway.
DAN BATTEN’S VERDICT: Was a bit like the Crows on the weekend: awesome for two quarters, and nowhere for the other half. If we see his role in defence (with kick-ins) and through the midfield continue, he will be an absolute bargain at his price.
So much for steak knives.
Jack Bowes has left KFC SuperCoaches with plenty to ponder after posting 108 points in his first game for Geelong on Thursday.
Bowes started made an incredible start to life in the blue and white hoops, racing to fifty points by quarter-time as he took three first-term kick-ins and went at 100 per cent from seven disposals.
The return of Zach Tuohy, who copped a knock early in the match, caused Bowes to be shuffled further up the field in the second and third terms where he was less effective.
He managed five disposals in the second term and one in the third — which was a turnover.
But, just as the 400 or so coaches who traded Liam Jones to Bowes this week wondered if they had celebrated too early, he rallied in the last quarter.
Jack Bowes - buy this week or next?
Buy this week
Buy next week
Avoid
Cast your vote
Bowes had seven disposals, four contested possessions, three clearances and laid three tackles in the term, a promising sign which showed he does not necessarily need kick-in duties to score well.
He scored 87 of his 108 points in the first and last quarters.
JACK BOWES GEELONG DEBUT
Jack Bowes vs Carlton
Ranking Points
Disposals
Metres Gained
Intercept Possessions
Quarter 1
46
7
197
4
Quarter 2
19
5
88
3
Quarter 3
2
1
12
2
Quarter 4
41
7
169
1
SOURCE: CHAMPION DATA
The 25-year-old won praise from coach Chris Scott post-match and would have scored in excess of 120 KFC SuperCoach points had he not missed a shot at goal 20 minutes into the last quarter.
“I was rapt with Jack Bowes’ first game for the club,” Scott said.
“He missed a goal late, but he was outstanding for us early sort of playing as a high back.
“Really liked his game.”
Scott did reveal Mitch Duncan would return from injury “in the next couple of weeks”, a possible red flag for those considering Bowes.
Jack Bowes made a strong start to his Geelong career.
Bowes missed Geelong’s round 1 match due to a calf issue.
The question now for KFC SuperCoaches – is he a must-have?
It will largely depend on Liam Jones’ break even and whether Bowes can back up his ton against his former side Gold Coast next round.
No doubt the return of Tom Stewart in another 3-4 weeks will have some impact on Bowes, but his efforts in the last quarter against the Blues showed he isn’t a one-trick pony.
Bowes’ best season average is 84 and he has averaged more than 75 three times in his last four full seasons.
The obvious knock on him was his job security — or lackthereof — but that shouldn’t be an issue after the way Bowes performed against the Blues.
He only missed round 1 due to a calf issue and proved he can be a big part of Geelong’s premiership defence against the Blues.
If you’ve got an underperforming mid-pricer or a premium who is set to lose value after their third game, Bowes looms as the perfect escape plan.
But as always in KFC SuperCoach, it pays to have a second look, and coaches would be wise to wait until round 4 before jumping on if possible.
That is unless one of your players is about to experience a price crash after round 3, which would force your hand to go early and take a risk on Bowes after one game.
At $277k, it might not turn out to be that risky anyway.
More Coverage
Rookie bible: Expert verdict on key SuperCoach cash cowsRage trade or hold? SuperCoach champ’s advice on big names
TIM MICHELL’S VERDICT: Wait a week. Great signs against the Blues, but the last time Bowes scored a ton he dropped a 45 the next week. If Liam Jones doesn’t show enough this round to suggest he’s a money maker, I could understand trading him to Bowes based on only one game. But if you’re thinking about trading a premium defender to Bowes to avoid a price drop after round 3, it might be wiser to just cop one decrease to get a second look at Bowes. You’ll still be making good money on the downgrade anyway.
DAN BATTEN’S VERDICT: Was a bit like the Crows on the weekend: awesome for two quarters, and nowhere for the other half. If we see his role in defence (with kick-ins) and through the midfield continue, he will be an absolute bargain at his price.
KFC SuperCoach 2023: The Phantom answers the burning questions ahead of Round 3
Is Setterfield the real deal? Who’s the best Gawn replacement? Is Ziebell a must-have? What are the trade priorities? The Phantom answers the big KFC SuperCoach questions.
The Phantom
8 min read
March 28, 2023 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
SuperCoach
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
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Long live the trade boost.
Imagine a KFC SuperCoach world where we could only use two trades this week.
Best not to.
With mid-price money trains about to leave the station, injuries to Max Gawn and Jack Steele, and must-have rookies on the bubble – among other issues – many KFC SuperCoaches need more than three trades ahead of the Round 3 price changes.
Max Gawn will miss up to six weeks with a knee injury. Picture: David Crosling
So what should we do first, Phant?
You asked me this last week.
We did. But you also said you’d seen enough from Jason Horne-Francis last week …
Ouch. Play on then.
Actually, just quickly, I’ll back him in.
He was poor, absolutely, giving away six free kicks against a rampaging Collingwood side. But he could easily come out and win the Showdown medal on Saturday night.
The ups-and-downs won’t be good for my health, but it still might work out in KFC SuperCoach.
I hope.
But you could swap him for Will Setterfield right now?
I could, yes.
After 147 points in Round 2, he has a breakeven of -49. Hmm.
Are you sold on him?
It depends.
As a top-eight midfielder in KFC SuperCoach at the season’s end? No, not yet.
As a pure money train pick ¬ whose price is set to rise quicker than many rookies – with keeper potential? Absolutely.
He’s shining with opportunity in the Essendon midfield, attending more centre bounces than any other player at the club in the opening two rounds.
And the former Giant and Blue has proven – again – he can win the ball on the inside (13 contested possessions and five clearances v Gold Coast) and the outside (21 uncontested possessions and 10 marks v Hawthorn).
Setterfield averaged 123 KFC SuperCoach points in eight VFL matches last season and 122 in the NAB League in his draft year.
He even posted five KFC SuperCoach tons in the final nine games of 2020, playing through the midfield for the Blues.
Will Setterfield has arrived in KFC SuperCoach. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Last year, he attended one centre bounce in his first 10 matches of the season. But in the final two rounds, with George Hewett and Matt Kennedy missing both matches and Sam Walsh one, Setterfield’s attendance at the restart of play was 75 per cent and 88 per cent.
In Round 22, it resulted in 26 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six tackles, five clearances and 92 points.
A week later, Setterfield scored 87 KFC SuperCoach points, on the back of 24 disposals, nine contested possessions and six score involvements.
Then he dropped back for the first week of VFL finals and tallied a huge 40 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 13 clearances, 13 score involvements and 182 points.
The numbers were always there.
He can play – and score from multiple avenues.
But, it has to be said, he’s still only faced the Hawks and Suns, despite what Essendon fans will tell you.
At $348k, with a projected price rise of $110k+ over the next two weeks – even without three-figure scores – does it even matter if he’s not a top-eight chance?
Probably not.
At worst, you can trade him to a fallen premium once he inevitably passes the $500k mark.
At best, he is Will Brodie or George Hewett from last year.
Well, sort of. Brodie was a forward and Hewett a defender, so they sat comfortably in the top few options in their respective positions.
Some KFC SuperCoaches are trading Sam Docherty. Picture: Michael Klein
Why aren’t you picking him then?
Well, I might be now.
But the reality is, you just can’t have everyone.
Not this year.
Not last year.
You can’t land every big score in the opening two rounds. If you did, you’re probably already $1000 richer.
Sure, you absolutely need to chase the value, and jump on the right money trains when you can, but the biggest part of this game is building a team.
The aim is to build it quicker than most.
Fill your 22 – not your 15 - with the best scorers first, and you’ll be in a good spot.
Is it really worth sacrificing a proven premium scorer, say Sam Docherty or Lachie Neale – the players you work towards filling your side with – for last week’s big scorers?
Sure, KFC SuperCoach is changing, and you need to be aggressive and take any opportunity to improve your team as a whole.
But as Rory Laird highlighted on the weekend, it doesn’t always work.
Docherty scored 73 last week, but he was stuck in the 70s on three occasions last year and still averaged 110.
Instead, look for players that won’t pay off – think Sam Flanders, Nat Fyfe, even Eagles rookie Campbell Chesser, if you have the money, given his 23-point breakeven and the chance he isn’t picked this week.
Or, of course, your injured stars.
Prices change after Round 3 and this is your chance to get on board these money trains while they are still at the station.
But rookie cash is still king – make sure you have all the top early-season cash cows to ensure you don’t miss out on upgrade season when the time comes.
You can’t not have Harry Sheezel. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos
Is Setterfield the real deal? Who’s the best Gawn replacement? Is Ziebell a must-have? What are the trade priorities? The Phantom answers the big KFC SuperCoach questions.
The Phantom
8 min read
March 28, 2023 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
SuperCoach
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Follow
Long live the trade boost.
Imagine a KFC SuperCoach world where we could only use two trades this week.
Best not to.
With mid-price money trains about to leave the station, injuries to Max Gawn and Jack Steele, and must-have rookies on the bubble – among other issues – many KFC SuperCoaches need more than three trades ahead of the Round 3 price changes.
Max Gawn will miss up to six weeks with a knee injury. Picture: David Crosling
So what should we do first, Phant?
You asked me this last week.
We did. But you also said you’d seen enough from Jason Horne-Francis last week …
Ouch. Play on then.
Actually, just quickly, I’ll back him in.
He was poor, absolutely, giving away six free kicks against a rampaging Collingwood side. But he could easily come out and win the Showdown medal on Saturday night.
The ups-and-downs won’t be good for my health, but it still might work out in KFC SuperCoach.
I hope.
But you could swap him for Will Setterfield right now?
I could, yes.
After 147 points in Round 2, he has a breakeven of -49. Hmm.
Are you sold on him?
It depends.
As a top-eight midfielder in KFC SuperCoach at the season’s end? No, not yet.
As a pure money train pick ¬ whose price is set to rise quicker than many rookies – with keeper potential? Absolutely.
He’s shining with opportunity in the Essendon midfield, attending more centre bounces than any other player at the club in the opening two rounds.
And the former Giant and Blue has proven – again – he can win the ball on the inside (13 contested possessions and five clearances v Gold Coast) and the outside (21 uncontested possessions and 10 marks v Hawthorn).
Setterfield averaged 123 KFC SuperCoach points in eight VFL matches last season and 122 in the NAB League in his draft year.
He even posted five KFC SuperCoach tons in the final nine games of 2020, playing through the midfield for the Blues.
Will Setterfield has arrived in KFC SuperCoach. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Last year, he attended one centre bounce in his first 10 matches of the season. But in the final two rounds, with George Hewett and Matt Kennedy missing both matches and Sam Walsh one, Setterfield’s attendance at the restart of play was 75 per cent and 88 per cent.
In Round 22, it resulted in 26 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six tackles, five clearances and 92 points.
A week later, Setterfield scored 87 KFC SuperCoach points, on the back of 24 disposals, nine contested possessions and six score involvements.
Then he dropped back for the first week of VFL finals and tallied a huge 40 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 13 clearances, 13 score involvements and 182 points.
The numbers were always there.
He can play – and score from multiple avenues.
But, it has to be said, he’s still only faced the Hawks and Suns, despite what Essendon fans will tell you.
At $348k, with a projected price rise of $110k+ over the next two weeks – even without three-figure scores – does it even matter if he’s not a top-eight chance?
Probably not.
At worst, you can trade him to a fallen premium once he inevitably passes the $500k mark.
At best, he is Will Brodie or George Hewett from last year.
Well, sort of. Brodie was a forward and Hewett a defender, so they sat comfortably in the top few options in their respective positions.
Some KFC SuperCoaches are trading Sam Docherty. Picture: Michael Klein
Why aren’t you picking him then?
Well, I might be now.
But the reality is, you just can’t have everyone.
Not this year.
Not last year.
You can’t land every big score in the opening two rounds. If you did, you’re probably already $1000 richer.
Sure, you absolutely need to chase the value, and jump on the right money trains when you can, but the biggest part of this game is building a team.
The aim is to build it quicker than most.
Fill your 22 – not your 15 - with the best scorers first, and you’ll be in a good spot.
Is it really worth sacrificing a proven premium scorer, say Sam Docherty or Lachie Neale – the players you work towards filling your side with – for last week’s big scorers?
Sure, KFC SuperCoach is changing, and you need to be aggressive and take any opportunity to improve your team as a whole.
But as Rory Laird highlighted on the weekend, it doesn’t always work.
Docherty scored 73 last week, but he was stuck in the 70s on three occasions last year and still averaged 110.
Instead, look for players that won’t pay off – think Sam Flanders, Nat Fyfe, even Eagles rookie Campbell Chesser, if you have the money, given his 23-point breakeven and the chance he isn’t picked this week.
Or, of course, your injured stars.
Prices change after Round 3 and this is your chance to get on board these money trains while they are still at the station.
But rookie cash is still king – make sure you have all the top early-season cash cows to ensure you don’t miss out on upgrade season when the time comes.
You can’t not have Harry Sheezel. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos
Who should we prioritise then?
Harry Sheezel
Back-to-back scores of 114 to start his career has resulted in a Round 3 breakeven of -116 – the lowest in the competition. If you don’t own him, get on. Simple.
Kade Chandler, Conor McKenna
This is where KFC SuperCoaches will go in different directions, but Chandler (-94) and McKenna (-76) are two other cash cows you need.
Chandler took another six marks and booted a goal, while dishing off another, against the Lions and is likely to remain an important part of the Melbourne forward line, even with the return of Kozzie Pickett.
In the same game, McKenna tallied seven intercept possessions, as well as five score involvements, highlighting his ability to win the ball back and drive the Lions forward.
If he can get close to his average of 82, Chandler’s price will hit $200k next week, while even a 60-point score will see McKenna add $60k to his price tag in Round 3.
Will Setterfield
If you think Setterfield is this year’s Brodie or Hewett, you can make a case he should sit above the two cash cows above him on the list. But, again, how sure can you be? Ask me again in two days.
Jack Ziebell
Jack is back. Back in defence and back in KFC SuperCoach.
In 2021, the Kangaroos veteran averaged 27 disposals, 22 kicks, eight marks and 115 KFC SuperCoach points before the bye, playing across half-back.
In the same role in the opening two rounds of this season, Ziebell has tallied exactly 26 disposals and 22 kicks in each match, and taken a combined 20 marks.
Importantly, as he was in 2021, Ziebell is safe and efficient with ball in hand, hitting the target with 41 of those 44 kicks.
He might not be priced at less than $300k this year but a breakeven of -23 means the value option is trading him in this week over Nick Daicos, if you have to make the call.
Nick Daicos had another day out against the Power. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Nick Daicos
Wot?
It’s a big call, I know. I love him as much as the next person. And, yes, I am scared about what Daicos could do against a Richmond side that often gives up big points to opposition defenders.
But a 110-point score will see Daicos’ price rise to $550k next week, which is still good buying.
Sure, Ziebell will also be decent buying at around $420k with a similar score, but he’s at $356k right now.
I guess it all probably depends on your budget.
As mentioned, Collingwood play the Tigers, but the Roos do have the Hawks.
Refer to the ‘can’t have everyone’ rant above.
Noah Long/ Ollie Hollands/Cam Mackenzie
Probably in that order, too.
The creative and efficient Long has the sixth-best breakeven (-59) in the competition after an impressive start to his career, while Mackenzie (-43) and Hollands (-35) aren’t far behind.
Mackenzie looked a must-have after the opening round, but he was pushed out of the centre bounce mix, with his attendance down by 25 per cent against the Swans. And that doesn’t help when the Hawks weren’t convincingly beaten again.
Hollands, however, improved on his Round 1 performance, finishing with 20 disposals and 71 KFC SuperCoach points in a hard-running display against the Cats.
Luke Davies-Uniacke is the top KFC SuperCoach scorer after two rounds. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos
Luke Davies-Uniacke
The Kangaroos gun has well-and-truly arrived – and he almost single-handedly saved my team from complete embarrassment on the weekend. He’s the No. 1 KFC SuperCoach scorer in the competition – after tallying a league-high 36 contested possessions in the opening two rounds – so if you have Steele, take the $50k and get him in.
Otherwise, unless you have no other issues and picked most of the guys above, you don’t have to force a trade. Just work towards him as an upgrade – as good as he is, Davies-Uniacke is unlikely to average 150 for the year.
What about if I have Gawn?
Unfortunately, given the Demons confirmed he will miss up to six weeks, Gawn has to go.
If you can use the cash to improve your team elsewhere, Darcy Cameron is the man.
Well done to those who held their nerve in the final few weeks of the pre-season and started him.
My friend Tim Michell tells me Cameron has taken 70 per cent of Collingwood ruck contests in the opening two rounds.
Cox may still have equalled him for hitouts-to-advantage (4) against the Power, but Cameron again proved he just needs the opportunity to be around the ball, tallying 18 disposals, 16 contested possessions, nine score involvements and two intercept marks.
But if you don’t need the money to improve your team before the prices rises – or next week – it would be hard to overlook Bulldogs star Tim English.
Like he did last season, English has exploded out of the blocks with KFC SuperCoach scores of 134 and 139
Against the Saints and Rowan Marshall, he did it all, finishing with 21 disposals, 12 hitouts-to-advantage, eight contested possessions, eight marks – three of them intercepts - five clearances and five tackles.
Sean Darcy, right, struggled again in Round 2. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos
Should I trade Sean Darcy to one of those?
I imagine you already did just that in your head on Saturday night when he was in the negatives for KFC SuperCoach points at half-time.
But, unless he’s your only issue – and you need the money to help elsewhere immediately – I’d hold.
Darcy has posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 150 and 155 in his past two matches against West Coast – and this week, Bailey Williams will be rucking for the Eagles.
And you – probably – have another week before the prices of Cameron and Darcy crossover.
But Sam Flanders has to go?
I think so. Can play, but just doesn’t have the role. Gets the footy when he’s up the ground, but that doesn’t happen consistently.
What about Finn Callaghan?
Providing he plays this week, I’d hold. I just traded him in, so I will be.
He started on-ball as expected in the absence of Josh Kelly and Harry Perryman but hurt his shoulder early against the Eagles. And he didn’t look the same from that point, pushed back out onto a wing and making a number of skill errors he didn’t make against the Crows a week earlier.
Jacob Hopper?
What about him?
Jacob Hopper is in doubt for Round 3. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
The Tigers have just said he’s ‘doubtful’ for Friday night after hurting his knee against the Crows …
Apologies. Blame the daydreaming about Will Setterfield.
That happened right in front of me on Saturday afternoon and he stayed down a long time so I’m not surprised. But, by the sounds of the injury report, he may only just miss, meaning it could be just the one week.
Yes, I traded Josh Kelly last round, but there’s far more important things to deal with ahead of Round 3. It’s a hold for me.
Harry Sheezel
Back-to-back scores of 114 to start his career has resulted in a Round 3 breakeven of -116 – the lowest in the competition. If you don’t own him, get on. Simple.
Kade Chandler, Conor McKenna
This is where KFC SuperCoaches will go in different directions, but Chandler (-94) and McKenna (-76) are two other cash cows you need.
Chandler took another six marks and booted a goal, while dishing off another, against the Lions and is likely to remain an important part of the Melbourne forward line, even with the return of Kozzie Pickett.
In the same game, McKenna tallied seven intercept possessions, as well as five score involvements, highlighting his ability to win the ball back and drive the Lions forward.
If he can get close to his average of 82, Chandler’s price will hit $200k next week, while even a 60-point score will see McKenna add $60k to his price tag in Round 3.
Will Setterfield
If you think Setterfield is this year’s Brodie or Hewett, you can make a case he should sit above the two cash cows above him on the list. But, again, how sure can you be? Ask me again in two days.
Jack Ziebell
Jack is back. Back in defence and back in KFC SuperCoach.
In 2021, the Kangaroos veteran averaged 27 disposals, 22 kicks, eight marks and 115 KFC SuperCoach points before the bye, playing across half-back.
In the same role in the opening two rounds of this season, Ziebell has tallied exactly 26 disposals and 22 kicks in each match, and taken a combined 20 marks.
Importantly, as he was in 2021, Ziebell is safe and efficient with ball in hand, hitting the target with 41 of those 44 kicks.
He might not be priced at less than $300k this year but a breakeven of -23 means the value option is trading him in this week over Nick Daicos, if you have to make the call.
Nick Daicos had another day out against the Power. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Nick Daicos
Wot?
It’s a big call, I know. I love him as much as the next person. And, yes, I am scared about what Daicos could do against a Richmond side that often gives up big points to opposition defenders.
But a 110-point score will see Daicos’ price rise to $550k next week, which is still good buying.
Sure, Ziebell will also be decent buying at around $420k with a similar score, but he’s at $356k right now.
I guess it all probably depends on your budget.
As mentioned, Collingwood play the Tigers, but the Roos do have the Hawks.
Refer to the ‘can’t have everyone’ rant above.
Noah Long/ Ollie Hollands/Cam Mackenzie
Probably in that order, too.
The creative and efficient Long has the sixth-best breakeven (-59) in the competition after an impressive start to his career, while Mackenzie (-43) and Hollands (-35) aren’t far behind.
Mackenzie looked a must-have after the opening round, but he was pushed out of the centre bounce mix, with his attendance down by 25 per cent against the Swans. And that doesn’t help when the Hawks weren’t convincingly beaten again.
Hollands, however, improved on his Round 1 performance, finishing with 20 disposals and 71 KFC SuperCoach points in a hard-running display against the Cats.
Luke Davies-Uniacke is the top KFC SuperCoach scorer after two rounds. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos
Luke Davies-Uniacke
The Kangaroos gun has well-and-truly arrived – and he almost single-handedly saved my team from complete embarrassment on the weekend. He’s the No. 1 KFC SuperCoach scorer in the competition – after tallying a league-high 36 contested possessions in the opening two rounds – so if you have Steele, take the $50k and get him in.
Otherwise, unless you have no other issues and picked most of the guys above, you don’t have to force a trade. Just work towards him as an upgrade – as good as he is, Davies-Uniacke is unlikely to average 150 for the year.
What about if I have Gawn?
Unfortunately, given the Demons confirmed he will miss up to six weeks, Gawn has to go.
If you can use the cash to improve your team elsewhere, Darcy Cameron is the man.
Well done to those who held their nerve in the final few weeks of the pre-season and started him.
My friend Tim Michell tells me Cameron has taken 70 per cent of Collingwood ruck contests in the opening two rounds.
Cox may still have equalled him for hitouts-to-advantage (4) against the Power, but Cameron again proved he just needs the opportunity to be around the ball, tallying 18 disposals, 16 contested possessions, nine score involvements and two intercept marks.
But if you don’t need the money to improve your team before the prices rises – or next week – it would be hard to overlook Bulldogs star Tim English.
Like he did last season, English has exploded out of the blocks with KFC SuperCoach scores of 134 and 139
Against the Saints and Rowan Marshall, he did it all, finishing with 21 disposals, 12 hitouts-to-advantage, eight contested possessions, eight marks – three of them intercepts - five clearances and five tackles.
Sean Darcy, right, struggled again in Round 2. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos
Should I trade Sean Darcy to one of those?
I imagine you already did just that in your head on Saturday night when he was in the negatives for KFC SuperCoach points at half-time.
But, unless he’s your only issue – and you need the money to help elsewhere immediately – I’d hold.
Darcy has posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 150 and 155 in his past two matches against West Coast – and this week, Bailey Williams will be rucking for the Eagles.
And you – probably – have another week before the prices of Cameron and Darcy crossover.
But Sam Flanders has to go?
I think so. Can play, but just doesn’t have the role. Gets the footy when he’s up the ground, but that doesn’t happen consistently.
What about Finn Callaghan?
Providing he plays this week, I’d hold. I just traded him in, so I will be.
He started on-ball as expected in the absence of Josh Kelly and Harry Perryman but hurt his shoulder early against the Eagles. And he didn’t look the same from that point, pushed back out onto a wing and making a number of skill errors he didn’t make against the Crows a week earlier.
Jacob Hopper?
What about him?
Jacob Hopper is in doubt for Round 3. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
The Tigers have just said he’s ‘doubtful’ for Friday night after hurting his knee against the Crows …
Apologies. Blame the daydreaming about Will Setterfield.
That happened right in front of me on Saturday afternoon and he stayed down a long time so I’m not surprised. But, by the sounds of the injury report, he may only just miss, meaning it could be just the one week.
Yes, I traded Josh Kelly last round, but there’s far more important things to deal with ahead of Round 3. It’s a hold for me.
Might not be 100% sc relevant, but can anyone post the rookie rating article please?
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