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[Professor]

SuperCoach Plus: 11 things you need to know for round 3 of the 2023 AFL season
This week it’s all about the numbers in KFC SuperCoach. See the Break Evens, price projections and captaincy tips you need to know for round 3.

SC Plus Article

7 min read
March 29, 2023 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom




04:01
KFC SuperCoach AFL: Hot & Cold Round 2
With a huge week of decisions coming up for KFC SuperCoach AFL players, Al Paton recaps who found or lost form in round two.
View more related videos



This is the week you need SuperCoach Plus more than ever.
Player prices will start to change for the first time after round 3 and SuperCoach Plus contains the key info you need to make your trade and selection decisions.
Break Evens – the score a player needs to maintain their current price – plus score and price projections are available for every player.

You can also access the Optimise and Trade Assist buttons, an updated injury list and lots more. And SuperCoach Plus subscribers can see live KFC SuperCoach scores for every AFL game in the 2023 season.
And you get exclusive weekly analysis articles just like this one!
Every KFC SuperCoach player has access to SuperCoach Plus on a free trial for the opening
two rounds so make sure you check out all the great features.
SIGN UP TO SUPERCOACH PLUS FOR 12-MONTH ACCESS HERE!
GOING UP

Click on ‘players’ and choose ‘BREAK EVEN’ from the drop-down menu to see the most important numbers in KFC SuperCoach this week. North Melbourne young gun Harry Sheezel has the lowest Break Even (BE) in the competition of -116, which means if he scores anything his price will go up next week. Based on a predicted score of 67 against Hawthorn, he is forecast to jump $83,000 in value. These are the players you need in your team! Kade Chandler has a BE of -94 and is projected to rise in value by $59,000 after his third game, while Conor McKenna (BE -76, projected $62k price rise), Reuben Ginbey (BE -64, +$52k), Charlie Constable (BE -59, +$36k) and Will Ashcroft (BE -45, +$45k) will all be a lot more expensive next week.

Harry Sheezel is a must-have in KFC SuperCoach. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
MID-PRICE MONEY TRAINS
Rookies have the lowest Break Evens because they are starting from a low price, but there are some more expensive players who are also set for a huge price bump. Essendon recruit Will Setterfield is top of this list after scoring 99 and 147 in the first two rounds. Priced at $348,200 to start the year, Setterfield has a BE of -49 and if he scores 89 points against St Kilda, his value will increase by $62,500 after round 3. Some other mid-pricers with low BEs include Dane Rampe (BE -45, +$62k), Jack Ziebell (BE -23, +$46k), Josh Rachele (BE -23, +$39k), James Worpel (BE -21, +$42k) and Jacob Hopper (BE 2, +$35k – if he overcomes a knee injury to play on Friday night. We can also add a surprising name to this list – Ben Brown ($339,100 FWD) has scored 111 and 98 in the first two rounds to enter round 3 with a BE of -17.
GOING DOWN
High Break Evens are almost as important as low ones when planning your trades – ideally you want to jump off players about to lose value and jump on the players going up, although you can cop a price drop from a premium if you still think they will be one of the top scorers in their line by the end of the season. That exception certainly applies to Rory Laird, who has a BE of 202 (third-highest in the comp behind injured guns Tom Stewart and Max Gawn) and is projected to drop $41k in value next week. But coming off a score of 147 it would be a brave SuperCoacher to trade him out. There are some tougher calls on Lachie Neale (BE 188, -$32k), Sean Darcy (BE 182, -$43k), Bailey Dale (BE 179, -$40k), Jack Macrae (BE 169, -$23k) and Sam Docherty (BE 161, -$27k).

Esava Ratugolea is playing well but not scoring many KFC SuperCoach points.
SLOW BURNS
Not every rookie will rocket up in value, and some cheapies are still performing an important role by sitting on the bench and slowly increasing in value. Players like Lachie Cowan (BE -23, +$19k) provide bench cover and come into play when we want to make trades during the middle part of the season. However, it is possible to burn too slowly. Campbell Chesser features in more than 52 per cent of KFC SuperCoach teams and has posted scores of 20 and 27 in the first two rounds. His projected score of 23 this week would result in a $200 price drop – so he’s a rookie you could move on this week, especially if you don’t have Chandler or Chesser’s Eagles teammate Noah Long (BE -59) in your team. Esava Ratugolea has a BE of 13 and should go up in price, but based on SuperCoach Plus projections he will top out at about $215k in round 9 – an overall price gain of just $41k.

 

[Professor]

RUCK AND ROLE
A lot of time over summer was spent agonising over what to do in the ruck, and second-guessing how ruck partnerships would work at several clubs. With two rounds of data, we can make some more concrete assessments. A pre-season hamstring scare put some off selecting Darcy Cameron, but he has starred in the opening two rounds, spending 84 per cent of his time on ground in the ruck for Collingwood – resulting in scores of 103 and 137 KFC SuperCoach points. He has a BE of 24 and is projected to add $40k to his price tag after facing Richmond, making him an obvious choice if you have to trade Max Gawn. Luke Jackson’s arrival at Fremantle was also a close watch. In round 1 Darcy attended 61 ruck contests to Jackson’s 17, but in round 2 there was a much more even split, with Darcy leading 39-45.

Sean Darcy had a stinker against the Kangaroos. Picture: Will Russell/AFL Photos via Getty Images
DARCY DOWN
Darcy owners would have been horrified when they checked the live KFC SuperCoach scores (thanks to SuperCoach Plus!) at halftime and saw the big man on -4. He improved in the second half to finish on 41 points, but six of Darcy’s first 10 acts of the match resulted in negative SuperCoach points, and he lost a total of 20 points across the game. He spent 70 per cent of game time in the ruck, down from 90 per cent in round 1 but still enough to post a much better score. He had just six disposals and a hitout to advantage rate of just 10 per cent. But if you’re thinking of trading out Darcy this week, it might pay to look at the fixture first. The Dockers face West Coast on Sunday and the Eagles are using back-up big men to cover for injured ruck star Nic Naitanui.

FLANDERS FAIL
One player who looms as a must-trade ahead of round 3 is Sam Flanders. After attending 14 centre bounces in round 1 he was at just three in round 2, and without a consistent midfield role it seems his KFC SuperCoach scoring will always be frustrating. Flanders managed only 11 disposals against Essendon last weekend and just four of those came after halftime, when he scored just 11 KFC SuperCoach points. With a BE of 35 Flanders definitely won’t be the cash cow many were hoping – best to cut your losses now and trade him to a rookie about to rise in value.

Sam Flanders hasn’t lived up to the pre-season hype. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images via AFL Photos
MAGNET MAN
Luke Beveridge was up to his old tricks in round 2, spinning the magnets as he searches for a winning formula at the Bulldogs. After playing in defence in round 1, Caleb Daniel spent 85 per cent of game time in the midfield and 15 per cent forward against St Kilda. Jack Macrae was pushed out of the centre square, attending 23 per cent fewer centre bounces and playing 33 per cent of game time forward. Bailey Smith’s CBAs also dropped from 55 per cent to 32 per cent, while Marcus Bontempelli jumped from 69 per cent to 77 per cent, and Tom Liberatore went from 72 per cent to 91 per cent.
HAWK TALK
Hawthorn’s centre square mix was something of an unknown entering the season, and it seems Sam Mitchell is still figuring out his best onball combination. Rookie Cam Mackenzie attended 52 per cent of CBAs in round 1 and posted an excellent score of 93 KFC SuperCoach points. He found the going a lot tougher against Sydney last weekend, scoring just 52 from 12 disposals. That can be attributed at least in part to his CBA percentage taking a big hit, dropping from 52 per cent to just 25 per cent, with Conor Nash (26 per cent to 46 per cent) the main beneficiary. James Worpel also dropped from 77 per cent to 54 per cent, but it didn’t hurt his KFC SuperCoach output.

Cam Mackenzie played mostly outside the centre square in round 2. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images
CAPTAINS CORNER
Reliable names like Rory Laird (147), Clayton Oliver (135) and Marcus Bontempelli (125) proved smart captain choices in round 2, and they will be high on the list of candidates again in round 3. Laird averages 117 in his past three games against Port Adelaide, Oliver averages 129 in his past three against Sydney (with a low of 125 in that time) and Bontempelli averages 121 in his past three against the Lions. Looking at other options, Luke Davies-Uniacke is the form player in the competition and could go big again against Hawthorn; he averages 107 in his past three against the Hawks but has gone to a new level this season. Connor Rozee scored 162 against Adelaide in round 23 last year and if you want to have a crack at an early VC Tim English has the highest projected round 3 score of 143. And who knows what Josh Dunkley could produce in his first game against his old team.
More Coverage
KFC SuperCoach: Biggest burning questions of the year answeredTrade guide: SuperCoach studs you need before price changes
DAICOS OFF THE LEASH
What tag? Nick Daicos has started the season in a blaze of glory, blowing Port Adelaide’s proven ability to restrict opposition half-backs out of the water in round 2 to post 149 KFC SuperCoach points. He’s the No.1 defender in KFC SuperCoach after two rounds, and No.4 overall, with an average of 139 (and a Break Even of just seven, making him a prime trade target for non-owners). If you don’t have him, Friday night’s clash against Richmond could be hard to watch. Historically, Damien Hardwick has never tagged, or worried too much about opposition running defenders racking up big KFC SuperCoach numbers. Last season, Adam Saad scored 138 and 121 against the Tigers, Sam Docherty scored 143 and 127, Isaac Cumming helped himself to 127, Luke Ryan had 128, Hayden Young 138 and Tom Stewart 160.
Inside 50 Newsletter

 

[Professor]

KFC SuperCoach 2023: The rookies you need to buy, hold and sell before round 3
This is your last chance to grab the best KFC SuperCoach rookies before their prices shoot up. Who do you need, who can you pass on and who can you trade out? See our expert verdict.

Dan Batten
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@danbatten_

5 min read
March 29, 2023 - 7:40AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

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04:01
KFC SuperCoach AFL: Hot & Cold Round 2
With a huge week of decisions coming up for KFC SuperCoach AFL players, Al Paton recaps who found or lost form in round two.
View more related videos



Rookies are usually all the rage ahead of KFC SuperCoach round 3 price changes.
But with mid-priced money trains leaving the station, cheapies have taken a taken a back seat as coaches clamor for players like Jack Ziebell and Will Setterfield.
While no KFC SuperCoach wants FOMO, ensuring you have the top cash cows should be the No.1 priority ahead of round 3.

If that means getting on Ziebell or Setterfield after one price rise, so be it.
These are the cheapies you need to buy, hold and sell.
MUST-HAVES
Harry Sheezel (North Melb) $198,300 FWD | Av 114 | Break Even: 116
Conor McKenna (Bris) $167,500 DEF | Av 86 | BE: -76
Will Ashcroft (Bris) $202,800 MID | Av 80 | BE -45

Reuben Ginbey (WC) $171,300 DEF/MID | Av 81 | BE -64
If you don’t own these four, get them in ASAP.
Sheezel posted three KFC SuperCoach double tons as a forward at junior level, but the exciting talent is now doing it at the other end in style.
Astonishingly, he has racked up over more than 30 disposals and 20 kicks in both of his first two matches and has also averaged five intercepts and 596m gained. A projected score of 67 will see him rise $83k – and that looks a modest estimate.
Some were scared off by McKenna’s modest pre-season scores but his role off half-back looks very favourable. He is averaging six intercepts per game and kicking at 82 per cent efficiency across his first two matches and is a reliable on-field option who the Lions will continue to use out of defence.

Reuben Ginbey has been a shining light for the Eagles. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Ashcroft had a minor blip on debut but showed his class with 31 disposals, 15 contested possessions, nine clearances, a goal and 105 points against the Dees. The 21 per cent of coaches who don’t own Ashcroft, take heed: he is capable of producing these scores on a regular basis.
Ginbey has attended the third most centre-bounces for the Eagles and will continue to be used through the midfield or across half-back. His defensive intent has been impressive over the first two rounds, laying 18 tackles, and is another who you can trust on-field.
BUY
Kade Chandler (Melb) $123,900 FWD | Av 82 | BE: -94
Cam Mackenzie (Haw) $180,300 MID | Av 73 | BE: -43
Charlie Constable (GC) $123,900 DEF | Av 61.5 | BE: -53
Noah Long (WC) $117,300 MID/FWD | Av 63 | BE -59
There is a slight question mark as to whether Chandler can hold his spot when Kysaiah Pickett returns from suspension. But after seeing his performances across the last fortnight, I think Chandler should still be in the Demons’ best 22. The forward has managed to hit the scoreboard in both matches, has used the ball well and showed his defensive traits with seven tackles in round 1.
We’ve seen rookies who look to have shaky job security play their way into a side with promising form in past seasons, and Pickett’s enhanced role through the midfield should also help Chandler’s cause. With a tantalising break even of -94, it is definitely a risk worth taking.

Kade Chandler is making it hard for Melbourne coaches to leave him out. Picture: Jonathan Ng
If you’re unsure of job security up forward, Long is your guy. The last selection of the 2022 national draft has burst onto the scene as a hardworking small forward, hitting the target with all seven of his disposals on the way to 62 points against the Giants, backing up his score of 63 in round 1. The rebuilding Eagles should look to give him as much senior opportunity as possible.
Constable looked to be in danger of losing his spot to Lachie Weller but the midfielder turned defender continued in a favourable role against the Bombers, taking three kick-ins to Weller’s four. The Suns still have Wil Powell to return in the coming weeks but fellow cheapie Bodhi Uwland looks to be the most vulnerable.
I am still bullish on the hopes of Mackenzie despite his centre bounce numbers dropping against the Swans. His ball-use is first class and he should continue to receive midfield opportunity, as he did in his 93-point debut.
HOLD/LOW-PRIORITY BUY
Tom Cole (WC) $182,300 DEF | Av 65 | BE -27
Anthony Caminiti (StK) $102,400 FWD | Av 54 | BE: -49
Darcy Wilmot (Bris) $123,900 DEF | Av 60 | BE: -49
Ollie Hollands (Carl) $162,300 MID | Av 64 | BE: -35
Mattaes Phillipou (StK) $166,800 MID/FWD | Av 68 | BE: -40
Josh Bruce (WB) $161,200 FWD | Av 62 | BE: -33
Luke Pedlar (Adel) $173,400 FWD | Av 59.5 | BE: -21
Alwyn Davey (Ess) $117,300 MID/FWD | Av 52 | BE: -37
Fergus Greene (Haw) $123,900 FWD | Av 41 | BE: -12
Max Michalanney (Adel) $135,300 DEF | Av 55 | BE: -33
Toby McLean (WB) $178,900 MID/FWD | BE: 18
Lachie Cowan (Carl) $117,300 DEF | Av 44.5 | BE: -23
Miller Bergman (NM) $123,900 DEF | Av 53.5 | BE: -37
I wouldn’t be going out of my way to bring in these cash cows unless you already have the top bunch of rookies along with Setterfield and Ziebell. And if you have, well… must be nice!
Cole looks to be a lock for the Eagles’ best 22 and could be a downgrade move from Liam Jones, and Ollie Hollands isn’t going anywhere either after 21 disposals and some gutsy efforts against the Cats.
Wilmot and Phillipou haven’t been high-possession winners but have been making every disposal count. Phillipou, in particular, highlighted his high impact as a forward with three goals and 59 points from just seven touches against the Western Bulldogs.

Mattaes Phillipou has star power at the Saints. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Alwyn Davey Jr is an exciting prospect. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
His teammate Caminiti looms as a potential trade-in option if you absolutely need the extra $20k. While he will be a slow burn, his 73-point effort showed he can produce spike scores.
Greene has been moved on by quite a few teams, but his score of 49 on the weekend was well unders due to his goalkicking. The mature-age recruit booted an inaccurate 0.4 and should receive more opportunities against the Roos this week if you can afford to hold.
Same goes for Pedlar, who missed two gettable set shots in his score of 36.
WAIT
Samson Ryan (Rich) $123,900 RUC/FWD
Hayden Crozier (WB) $218,500 DEF
Ryan should be a very popular rookie option next week if he can hold his spot until round 4. A FWD-RUC in KFC SuperCoach, Ryan posted 72 points from six disposals thanks to three goals and two contested marks. A trade from Esava Ratugolea or Nick Madden is on the cards.
And while many have their sights set on discount defender Jack Bowes, Crozier produced a stellar effort last round. Crozier finished with 22 disposals, 10 marks, eight intercepts, six rebound 50s and 96 points and is one to keep an eye out for on Thursday night.
PASS
Jye Menzie (Ess) $154,200 FWD | Av 52 | BE: -39
Charlie Comben (NM) $123,900 RUC/FWD | Av 47.5 | BE: -25
Bodhi Uwland (GC) $123,900 DEF | Av 45.5 | BE: -21
Menzie has slotted two goals in each of his first two games but does he come straight out for Jake Stringer when he is fit? Either way, he probably isn’t worth jumping on at his inflated price.
Normal service resumed for Comben with a score of 12 on the weekend, while Uwland’s spot could come under question after just the five touches against Gold Coast.

Charlie Comben in action at North Melbourne training. Picture: Michael Klein
SELL/HOLD
Campbell Chesser $123,900 DEF/MID | Av 23.5 | BE: -23
Josh Goater (NM) $192,700 DEF/MID | Av 56 | BE -3
Ben King (GC) $176,300 FWD | Av 44.5 | BE: 11
Esava Ratugolea $174,000 FWD/RUC | Av 43 | BE: 13
Feel free to hold these rookies if you think they can produce a spike game or don’t fit into your trade plans, but by all means trade if you feel like off-loading.
More Coverage
Trade guide: SuperCoach studs you need before price changesKFC SuperCoach: Biggest questions of the year answered
Chesser has struggled to have an impact in his first two games and could be dropped – which means he can serve as a handy emergency loophole with his dual position status.
King bounced back with 70 points but faces the Cats this weekend, while his possible round three opponent Ratugolea’s role as a key defender may not be as lucrative as first hoped.
Inside 50 Newsletter

 

[Presto]

KFC SuperCoach AFL: Contenders for dual-position status before round 6 revealed

A bunch of players will earn dual-position status after round 5 of KFC SuperCoach. Who are the best options, and which popular picks will be part of the additions?

Tim Michell and Dan Batten

Some of the top scorers in KFC SuperCoach are in line to gain a second position in the first batch of DPP updates.

Reborn mid-pricer Jack Ziebell, rookie revelation Harry Sheezel and mid-price breakout contender Will Day headline the players certain to have a second position added after round 5.

But it looks like a KFC SuperCoach favourite in Jack Macrae will just miss out on returning to his former forward status.

The Western Bulldogs star has been a victim of Luke Beveridge’s magnet moves early in the season, spending more than 20 per cent of game time forward in the opening three rounds, however it may not be enough.

Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy were both in the mix for DPP after round 1, but Gawn’s knee injury has all but put an end to their chances of becoming RUC-FWDs.

With the help of Champion Data, we’ve crunched the numbers on the opening three rounds of 2023 to reveal who’s likely to become DPP and analysed what it could mean for your trade plans.

ROUND 6 DPP RULES

• A player must have featured in at least four games from rounds 1-5 to be eligible for a second position.
• To have a second position added, a player needs to feature in that position for at least 35 per cent of game time.
• A player cannot have a third position added. For example, Esava Ratugolea cannot become a RUC-FWD-DEF although he's playing in defence for Geelong. He will stay RUC-FWD.
• The first batch of DPP changes take place after round 5 and before round 6.

ROUND 6 DPP CONTENDERS

LOCK IT IN

Harry Sheezel FWD to DEF-FWD

Alastair Clarkson has done KFC SuperCoaches a huge favour by using the No.3 pick from last year’s draft as a rebounding defender to start his career. Sheezel built a reputation as a dangerous forward in the NAB League, but Clarkson has reinvented him in the role which has been so profitable in recent years for players such as Jack Ziebell and Aaron Hall. Hall’s VFL form has been strong, but why would Clarkson mess with what’s working? Ziebell has been the main kick-in taker for North Melbourne in the opening three rounds, but Sheezel has been trusted with the important role in each match as well. Sheezel has been one of the leading uncontested possession winners in the AFL with 57 and sits second for rebound-50s.

HARRY SHEEZEL - TO ROUND 4

POSITION
TIME IN POSITON
FORWARD
0%
DEFENCE
100%

HOW RELEVANT IS IT? Sheezel is a lock to be DEF-FWD heading into round 6, which could open up a FWD spot for coaches who want to go after Stephen Coniglio or another fallen premium in attack. You could station one of Sheezel and Ziebell at either end of the ground for DEF-FWD swing, too. It’s a big opportunity for KFC SuperCoaches and could open up trade possibilities in coming rounds.

Jack Ziebell FWD TO DEF-FWD

Guess who’s back, back again. Premium Ziebell, tell a friend. Alastair Clarkson has sent the former Roos skipper into defence and his scoring has returned to 2021 levels as a result. The only change has been that Ziebell’s partner in the back six has been Sheezel, rather than Aaron Hall as it was two years ago. Ziebell has the perfect formula for KFC SuperCoach when he plays behind the ball, preferring to kick his way out of trouble and filling the role as North Melbourne’s main kick-in option. Hall has been racking up huge numbers in the VFL, but even if he wins a senior recall, it’s hard to see Ziebell averaging less than 90. Having both Ziebell and Sheezel as DEF-FWDs would allow you to swing the pair between defence and your forward line as required.

JACK ZIEBELL - TO ROUND 4

POSITION
TIME IN POSITON
FORWARD
0%
DEFENCE
100%

HOW RELEVANT IS IT? Very. Ziebell gaining DEF status means you could be in a position to cash in a defensive rookie such as Reuben Ginbey or Conor McKenna as soon as round 7-8. Then you can swing Ziebell back and target a topscoring forward you missed or a fallen premium like Stephen Coniglio.

Will Day DEF TO DEF-MID

He may have copped a two-week suspension, but Day has already met the games quota for midfield status. Day’s centre bounce numbers spiked from eight against Essendon in round 1 to 15 in round 2, when he was Hawthorn’s leading disposal getter against the Swans. He backed that up with 15 CBAs, a game-high 29 disposals and 139 points against North Melbourne. The addition of MID status is less influential in KFC SuperCoach than a midfielder gaining DEF or FWD, but Day becoming DEF-MID will at least give his owners greater flexibility. Forgive the score of 60 in round 1, when he uncharacteristically had six turnovers as he adapted to the midfield role.

WILL DAY - TO ROUND 4

POSITION
TIME IN POSITION
DEFENCE
3%
MIDFIELD
90%
FORWARD
7%

HOW RELEVANT IS IT? We can rule him out of our trade plans for the next fortnight, but he shapes as a promising option after that. He has climbed to $450k and KFC SuperCoaches strapped for cash could upgrade an underperforming midfield rookie like Alwyn Davey to him ahead of round 7 with a minimum of fuss.

Lachie Whitfield MID TO DEF-MID

Whitfield missed round 2 with concussion, which means barring an injury at training this week, he will be eligible for the first round of DPP additions. His opening games of the season have mirrored the pre-season talk from Sydney’s west which suggested Whitfield was heading back to defence under Adam Kingsley. Whitfield showed flashes off his best against the Bombers with 24 disposals and 89 points, and is set to drop in price after round 5.

LACHIE WHITFIELD - TO ROUND 4

POSITION
TIME IN POSITION
MIDFIELD
0%
DEFENCE
100%

HOW RELEVANT IS IT? Whitfield isn’t going to go close to the top-eight midfielders but KFC SuperCoaches know that at his best he’s in the top handful of defenders. The last time he averaged 100 was in 2020, but the year before he averaged 111. If he can recapture those heights he will be one of the best defenders of the year. Adam Kingsley has him in the right role, but it’s still a big if.

Bailey Smith MID to FWD-MID

I think we would all acknowledge Luke Beveridge hasn’t always been the greatest friend to KFC SuperCoaches. But we have to concede he has provided the odd gift. Last year it was Marcus Bontempelli and this year the Bulldog all but locked in for FWD status is Smith. He was very close to being a FWD from round 1 – only his midfield time in last year’s elimination final cost him. Smith’s CBA stats have dropped from 16 in round 1 to one in round 3, a huge shift as Adam Treloar’s return from injury pushed him outside the centre square. Heat maps show Smith won plenty of ball at half-back and on a wing against the Lions, but that was starting forward and pushing up the ground.

BAILEY SMITH - TO ROUND 4

POSITION
TIME IN POSITION
MIDFIELD
43%
FORWARD
57%

HOW RELEVANT IS IT? Extremely. His average might only be 83.5 after round 4 but Smith averaged 98.6 last year with six tons in 16 games. That average would currently have him 14th of this year’s forwards. He could be a top-six or top-eight forward from here, especially if Beveridge throws the magnets around and chucks him back in the middle. But his disposal efficiency will always hinder his scoring.

Taylor Adams MID TO FWD-MID

So long regarded as a pure inside midfielder, Adams has added another string to his bow by playing in Collingwood’s forward half in the early rounds of this season. Last season, only Jordan De Goey (77) had a greater percentage of centre bounce attendances than Adams (65) at the Magpies. But the onus has shifted this year – at least for a few rounds – with Scott Pendlebury’s numbers up, Tom Mitchell an integral cog after joining from Hawthorn and Jack Crisp/De Goey preferred to Adams in the guts. He still recorded 31 CBAs in the first three rounds despite noticeably spending more time in attack.

TAYLOR ADAMS - TO ROUND 4

POSITION
TIME IN POSITION
MIDFIELD
40%
FORWARD
60%

HOW RELEVANT IS IT? Adams hasn’t played 20 games since 2017 and even then, that was the only season in his career where he achieved that. With durability a concern, you would need to jump on at the right time. That might be if there’s an injury in Collingwood’s midfield which means his time in the middle will spike. Adams is more one for the POD (point of difference) hunters.

Ben Keays MID TO FWD-MID

Rory Laird’s partner in crime in recent years has been bumped from Adelaide’s midfield as Matthew Nicks makes room for Izak Rankine, Josh Rachele, Sam Berry and Jake Soligo. Keays averaged 79 per cent of CBAs in 2021 and 69 per cent in 2022. This year, he has so far been at only 24 per cent. Keays was trialled as a forward, and at times a pressure forward, late last year with mixed results. The Crows floated the likelihood of a half-forward role for Keays throughout the summer and that has so far eventuated. Keays was stationed forward for more than 75 per cent of matches against GWS and Richmond, still managing to score 102 against the Giants.

 

[Presto]

BEN KEAYS - TO ROUND 4

POSITION
TIME IN POSITION
MIDFIELD
33%
FORWARD
67%

HOW RELEVANT IS IT? A bit like Adams, I would want to see an increase in midfield time before jumping on. And we did somewhat in round 4, seeing his overall midfield time increase from 23 per cent to 33 per cent for the year. But as soon as there's an indication Keays is back partnering Rory Laird in the middle, be prepared to jump on. He might be under $500k which is great buying for a player who averaged 99.6 and 103 in the past two years. He’ll be a point of difference and likely to push for top-six forward status if used in the right role.
Darcy Wilmot DEF to DEF-MID

One of the most popular KFC SuperCoach rookies this year is set to gain a second position after spending most of the opening three rounds on a wing. Wilmot’s heat maps from rounds 1-3 confirm the switch as Chris Fagan makes room for Conor McKenna in Brisbane’s defence.

DARCY WILMOT - TO ROUND 4

POSITION
TIME IN POSITION
DEFENCE
8%
MIDFIELD
87%
FORWARD
5%

HOW RELEVANT IS IT? If you’re looking to offload Campbell Chesser from your midfield bench, you could trade him and swing Wilmot there. That would be a perfect scenario if another defensive cheapie emerged in round 4 or 5. You could also make the Chesser/Wilmot swap without a trade and use Wilmot to cover two lines. That will mean you won’t have to rely on Chesser as emergency or hope Charlie Constable gets his spot back at Gold Coast.

UNLIKELY

Jack Macrae MID TO FWD-MID

Macrae isn’t exactly the go-to KFC SuperCoach midfielder he was for the past 4-5 years, but that would change instantly if he gained forward status. Just think, Macrae had what many KFC SuperCoaches deemed to be a down year last season, yet still average more than any player who started 2023 with FWD status. Bevo roulette can be frustrating and we have already seen Macrae stuck at half-forward this year, after spending time on a wing last season. It looked to be a sniff until the bubble against the Tigers, with Macrae now facing an uphill battle to gain forward status. Macrae went from 18 CBAs in round 1 to just nine in round 2. But after a slight uplift in midfield action in round 4 (54 per cent CBAS), DPP Macrae is looking unlikely unless Bevo really starts to get innovative.

JACK MACRAE - TO ROUND 4

POSITION
TIME IN POSITION
MIDFIELD
71%
FORWARD
29%

HOW RELEVANT IS IT? If Macrae becomes a forward? Very. He would be one of the biggest must-haves of the year. Even if he averages 105-110 he would be a top forward. The last time he averaged less than 105 was 2016.

Charlie Comben FWD to FWD-RUC

Comben has barely been sighted in the ruck since he was thrown in the middle to replace the injured Tristan Xerri in round 1.

Since attending 75 per cent of centre bounces against the Eagles, Comben has spent less than 20 per cent of time in the ruck with Todd Goldstein back in the side.

With his ruck time declining, he would need a miracle to earn DPP status.

CHARLIE COMBEN - TO ROUND 4

POSITION
TIME IN POSITION
RUCK
23%
FORWARD
77%

NO CHANCE

Oskar Baker MID to MID-FWD

This would have been a handy bonus with another versatile rookie able to be swung from midfield to our forward lines, but not to be.

Baker has been stationed mostly on a wing for the Bulldogs since being picked up and would need an 18 per cent swing his way.

OSKAR BAKER - TO ROUND 4

POSITION
TIME IN POSITION
Defence
1%
Midfield
81%
Forward
18%

Travis Boak MID to MID-FWD

Boak to the forward line and KFC SuperCoach DPP looked to be on the cards in the pre-season, but Boak isn’t close isn’t close to the forward threshold from his three matches.

That is despite not attending a single centre bounce against the Swans.

He spent less than 30 per cent of time at the restart from rounds 2-3, however, Boak would need to be parked inside 50 to secure MID-FWD status.

TRAVIS BOAK - TO ROUND 4

POSITION
TIME IN POSITION
MIDFIELD
83%
FORWARD
17%

Brodie Grundy RUC-FWD

The Grundy-Gawn ruck combination was set to put both of the former ‘set-and-forget’ KFC SuperCoach duo in the mix for DPP at round 6.

But that scenario went up in smoke the minute Gawn limped off the Gabba with a knee injury in round 2.

Gawn played 28 per cent forward in round 1 and Grundy spent 52 per cent in attack.

But that changed dramatically in round 2 after Gawn went down in the opening minutes as Grundy attended 79 ruck contests – compared to 29 per cent in round 1.

BRODIE GRUNDY - TO ROUND 4

POSITION
TIME IN POSITION
RUCK
89%
FORWARD
11%

Players need to feature in at least six games to be eligible for DPP after round 11 and Gawn is tipped to miss a further 1-2 weeks with the knee injury he suffered against the Lions.

A return in round 6 could put Grundy in the mix for forward eligibility in the next round of DPP.

But he may fall short again after his extended ruck minutes with Gawn out of the side.

The last batch of DPP updates in round 18 might be more likely, but by then your team will likely be full premium – especially in the forward line, where most coaches started a combination of Josh Dunkley, Tim Taranto, Connor Rozee, Errol Gulden and Stephen Coniglio.

Jayden Short MID TO FWD-MID OR DEF-MID

Short needed to return from his calf setback last week to put himself in the frame for DPP status, but it wasn’t to be.

His primary position in the opening two rounds was still midfield, despite the expectation Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper’s arrival would prompt a shift back to defence.

Short had spent 27 per cent of time in the forward line, 27 per cent in defence and 46 per cent as a midfielder.

Keep an eye out for his role for the next round of DPP switches, given he could end up as a FWD-MID or a DEF-MID.

 

[Presto]

SuperCoach Plus: The things you need to know for round 5 of the 2023 AFL season

Key breakevens, Adelaide Oval history, trade insights, kick-in numbers, midfield splits – here’s the intel you need to read before making your KFC SuperCoach moves.

SC Plus Article

5 min read

April 13, 2023 - 11:35AM

Carnage could be upon us KFC SuperCoaches.

But there’s no need to panic just yet, that’s where well-thought-out strategy and trades and SuperCoach Plus come into the picture.

SuperCoach Plus subscribers can see Break Evens – the score a player needs to maintain their current price – plus score and price projections for every player.

You can also access the Optimise and Trade Assist buttons, an updated injury list and lots more. And SuperCoach Plus subscribers can see live KFC SuperCoach scores for every AFL game in the 2023 season.

And you get exclusive weekly analysis articles just like this one!

Every KFC SuperCoach player has access to SuperCoach Plus on a free trial for the opening

two rounds so make sure you check out all the great features.



Jacob van Rooyen has the lowest KFC SuperCoach breakeven this week. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

THE MONEY MEN

Well, maybe it’s just money man this week. Melbourne’s Jacob van Rooyen ($123,900 FWD) appears the one obvious downgrade option on the bubble in KFC SuperCoach ahead of Gather Round. After scores of 89 and 53 in the first two games of his career, the young Melbourne forward has a breakeven of -71, and will enjoy a $50k price rise even with a score of 40. But, with Tom McDonald playing well against the Eagles and Ben Brown set to return, there’s some doubt around him too, with coach Simon Goodwin noting the ‘selection headaches’ facing the Demons this week. Keep a close on the team sheets.

THE OTHER MONEY MAN

Charlie Constable, who’s back in the VFL at the moment, aside, the player with the next lowest breakeven in the competition is one who has played four games and already added more than $100k to his price tag – young Crow Max Michalanney. Usually, you would overlook a rookie player at $244k, who’s already made significant cash, but we’re in a bit of a cash cow crisis in KFC SuperCoach and there’s no doubt about the 19-year-old’s spot in Adelaide’s side. Coach Matthew Nicks raved about the father-son draftee again this week, after he took down another more-experienced opponent in Docker Michael Walters. After hitting the target with all of his 10 kicks in a high-pressure Showdown, Michalanney recorded 10 intercept possessions – three of them marks – in the win over Fremantle. With a breakeven of -42, one more big score might see him make another $100k.

MONEY GOING THE OTHER WAY

There is some good news in defence, however, with a number of KFC SuperCoach premium options falling in price. After scoring just 76 points against the Cats, star Hawk James Sicily has lost $44k off his starting price tag and, with a breakeven of 145, is set to lose even more. It’s a similar story for the top-scoring defender of 2022, Jack Sinclair, who is also now available for less than $580, largely due to a 63-point score against the Bombers in Round 3. But in the other three matches, he’s posted a KFC SuperCoach ton. Another big round 5 breakeven of 154 means we don’t need to jump yet here, either. It’s a bit of a different story with Cat Tom Stewart, however, with the 18-point Round 1 score now dropping out of his price cycle. That means, despite no three-figure score against the Hawks, Stewart’s breakeven this week is just 69, thanks to the huge 167 on return in Round 3.

DPP CHANGES: ALL THE BIG NAMES IN LINE FOR POSITION SWITCH



Jordan Dawson is on fire in KFC SuperCoach. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos

THE MAIN MAN

Of all the $600k defenders to start the year, Jordan Dawson is the only one to add value to his price tag in the opening month. The Crows captain scored a round-high 173 points last week, playing a role that might be one of the best we’ve seen in KFC SuperCoach. Dawson has given Adelaide’s midfield a huge lift, after moving there in the Showdown, tallying another 13 contested possessions and six clearances against the Dockers. But, while he attended the second-most centre bounces for the Crows, Dawson also took the equal-most kick-ins as he dropped back behind the play later in the game, to finish with two intercept marks. Nicks confirmed during the week that plan is to keep Dawson “up around the footy”, while also using his flexibility when needed.

CLARRY’S STUNNING RECORD

Clayton Oliver owners, leave the VC or C off him at your peril. In 10 matches at Adelaide Oval across his career, Oliver averages a whopping 134.7 points – including Herculean totals of 205 and 176 in his past two matches against the Crows at the venue. In that stunning 176-point effort last season, Oliver finished with a lazy 36 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 13 tackles but just the two Brownlow votes, with Christian Petracca registering 189 points, three goals and 33 disposals. Oliver also posted a score of 146 points against Essendon in round three last season, amassing 38 disposals and 15 inside 50s.

OTHER ADELAIDE OVAL FIENDS

With six games taking place at Adelaide Oval across Gather Round, Clayton Oliver isn’t the only star who will be licking their lips. Perhaps the most surprising of those is Taylor Adams, who averages a formidable 123.2 points from his five matches at the venue. Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli might end up as the skipper of many KFC SuperCoach teams in round five, given he boasts a 121.9-point average in nine games at Adelaide Oval. He has also posted scores of 128, 67, 114, 130, 129 in his past five clashes against Port Adelaide. Petracca (118.3 from 10), Patrick Cripps (116.3 from four), Jack Macrae (113.8 from 11), Jordan Dawson (112.4 from 19 – and fresh off a 174) and Zach Merrett (112.1 from 11) are others who enjoy the surrounds of Adelaide Oval. Oh, and Nick Daicos went OK in his Adelaide Oval debut: 40 disposals, three goals and 163 points – in the wet.



Did you jump on Brodie Grundy last week? Picture: David Crosling

GRUNDY MONEY

Brodie Grundy has relished being the lone ruckman after Max Gawn’s untimely injury in round 3, posting back-to-back scores above 140. Grundy added $31.4k to his discounted price-tag and if his past form against the Bombers is anything to go by, he appears set for another healthy increase. In his last eight clashes with Essendon dating back to 2018, Grundy averaged an absurd 134.4 points, six of those above 125 and four eclipsing 150. Sam Draper and Andrew Phillips formed a strong partnership to comfortably beat Giant Matt Flynn last week, but the pair will have their work cut out for them trying to contain the Demons star.

More Coverage

ALL THE BIG NAMES IN LINE FOR POSITION SWITCHwell-thought-out strategy and trades

R1 RYAN?

Samson Ryan has been primarily as a key position forward for the Tigers, but a long-term injury to Toby Nankervis coupled with a setback to Ivan Soldo (2-3 weeks) has given him the chance to shoulder the load in the short-term. It means his centre bounces are set to rise significantly and while he has already had a $32.6k price rise, he could be a worthwhile downgrade option despite his Break-Even of 19. From round 10 last year, Ryan produced five KFC SuperCoach scores above 110 in the VFL, averaging 113.63 points – including monster scores of 182 and 159. He is a far-cry from the beanpole who scored -1 on debut in 2021, now weighing 103kg and standing 206cm.

 

[Presto]

New positions
Sorry about the format but I had an eye operation and I find it difficult using the computer
New DPPs Club Existing position New position
Ben Keays Adelaide MID MID/FWD
Jake Soligo Adelaide MID MID/FWD
Jordan Dawson Adelaide DEF DEF/MID
Josh Rachele Adelaide FWD MID/FWD
Wayne Milera Adelaide FWD DEF/FWD
Cam Rayner Brisbane FWD DEF/FWD
Darcy Wilmot Brisbane DEF DEF/MID
Dayne Zorko Brisbane FWD MID/FWD
Lochie O'Brien Carlton MID MID/FWD
Taylor Adams Collingwood MID MID/FWD
Will Hoskin-Elliott Collingwood FWD MID/FWD
Jye Caldwell Essendon MID MID/FWD
Andrew Phillips Essendon RUC RUC/FWD
Callan Ward GWS MID MID/FWD
Cooper Hamilton GWS DEF DEF/MID
Lachie Ash GWS MID DEF/MID
Lachie Whitfield GWS MID DEF/MID
Adam Kennedy GWS DEF DEF/FWD
Cam Mackenzie Hawthorn MID MID/FWD
Finn Maginness Hawthorn MID DEF/MID
Lloyd Meek Hawthorn RUC RUC/FWD
Will Day Hawthorn DEF DEF/MID
Curtis Taylor North Melbourne MID MID/FWD
Harry Sheezel North Melbourne FWD DEF/FWD
Jack Ziebell North Melbourne FWD DEF/FWD
Kayne Turner North Melbourne DEF DEF/FWD
Will Phillips North Melbourne MID MID/FWD
Kane Farrell Port Adelaide MID DEF/MID
Miles Bergman Port Adelaide MID DEF/MID
Rhyan Mansell Richmond DEF DEF/FWD
Trent Cotchin Richmond MID MID/FWD
Hunter Clark St Kilda DEF DEF/MID
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera St Kilda MID DEF/MID
Zaine Cordy St Kilda DEF DEF/FWD
Harry Cunningham Sydney DEF DEF/FWD
Matt Roberts Sydney MID MID/FWD
Jayden Hunt West Coast DEF DEF/MID
Bailey Smith Bulldogs MID MID/FWD
Caleb Daniel Bulldogs DEF DEF/FWD
Jason Johannisen Bulldogs FWD DEF/FWD
Josh Bruce Bulldogs FWD DEF/FWD

 

[Bermi]

New positions
Sorry about the format but I had an eye operation and I find it difficult using the computer
New DPPs Club Existing position New position
Ben Keays Adelaide MID MID/FWD
Jake Soligo Adelaide MID MID/FWD
Jordan Dawson Adelaide DEF DEF/MID
Josh Rachele Adelaide FWD MID/FWD
Wayne Milera Adelaide FWD DEF/FWD
Cam Rayner Brisbane FWD DEF/FWD
Darcy Wilmot Brisbane DEF DEF/MID
Dayne Zorko Brisbane FWD MID/FWD
Lochie O'Brien Carlton MID MID/FWD
Taylor Adams Collingwood MID MID/FWD
Will Hoskin-Elliott Collingwood FWD MID/FWD
Jye Caldwell Essendon MID MID/FWD
Andrew Phillips Essendon RUC RUC/FWD
Callan Ward GWS MID MID/FWD
Cooper Hamilton GWS DEF DEF/MID
Lachie Ash GWS MID DEF/MID
Lachie Whitfield GWS MID DEF/MID
Adam Kennedy GWS DEF DEF/FWD
Cam Mackenzie Hawthorn MID MID/FWD
Finn Maginness Hawthorn MID DEF/MID
Lloyd Meek Hawthorn RUC RUC/FWD
Will Day Hawthorn DEF DEF/MID
Curtis Taylor North Melbourne MID MID/FWD
Harry Sheezel North Melbourne FWD DEF/FWD
Jack Ziebell North Melbourne FWD DEF/FWD
Kayne Turner North Melbourne DEF DEF/FWD
Will Phillips North Melbourne MID MID/FWD
Kane Farrell Port Adelaide MID DEF/MID
Miles Bergman Port Adelaide MID DEF/MID
Rhyan Mansell Richmond DEF DEF/FWD
Trent Cotchin Richmond MID MID/FWD
Hunter Clark St Kilda DEF DEF/MID
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera St Kilda MID DEF/MID
Zaine Cordy St Kilda DEF DEF/FWD
Harry Cunningham Sydney DEF DEF/FWD
Matt Roberts Sydney MID MID/FWD
Jayden Hunt West Coast DEF DEF/MID
Bailey Smith Bulldogs MID MID/FWD
Caleb Daniel Bulldogs DEF DEF/FWD
Jason Johannisen Bulldogs FWD DEF/FWD
Josh Bruce Bulldogs FWD DEF/FWD

Much appreciated, saves me searching for this info. Hope you get better very soon!

 

[Shannon]

KFC SuperCoach 2023: Top targets and new DPPs headline Round 6 trade guide

The first round of position changes in KFC SuperCoach has landed – but it’s unlikely to make trading this week any less difficult. Expert advice on all the best round 6 picks.

KFC SuperCoaches have got a problem.

Upgrade season is on the horizon and the big-name premiums most were hoping would plummet in price haven’t.

Marcus Bontempelli exceeded his 139 break even against Port Adelaide, Touk Miller scored only one less than his 128 break even and Lachie Neale’s 176 against North Melbourne was 40 more than his break even for round 5.

And let’s not mention the $700k man Clayton Oliver, who is getting tougher to buy each week as his price stays sky high and rookie cash generation abruptly runs out.

This week’s bubble boys have shown promise, but their job security is likely to be a major issue.

That means finding a way to bank enough to buy Miller, Bontempelli – and Oliver if you’re a non-owner – isn’t going to be easy.

The arrival of a new group of dual-position players – see the full list of position changes below – helps, but the big KFC SuperCoach question of the week is a difficult one to answer.

Do you settle for fallen premiums who should eventually bounce back like Andrew Brayshaw or burn your boosts to grab the biggest guns in KFC SuperCoach?

It’s a question many will be asking this week and although there’s some great fallen premiums in defence and up forward, it’s the midfielders who are largely setting the best KFC SuperCoach teams apart this year.

There’s also Jordan Dawson and Tim English who have soared to more than $650k and don’t look like getting much cheaper anytime soon.

Every week without these top scorers is hurting your rank, especially with English, Dawson and Oliver being popular captaincy choices.

How you play the next few weeks will be crucial as we build toward upgrade season and the bye rounds.

Here are our top targets for this week:

THE UNATTAINABLES?
Jordan Dawson $655,100 DEF-MID

Let’s call him captain fantastic. Seriously. The first-year Crows skipper has scored 110+ in his last four matches and posted 173 and 152 since being thrown in as a full-time midfielder. Dawson has maintained his elite ball use while adding clearances and contested ball to launch himself into another KFC SuperCoach stratosphere. Most KFC SuperCoaches thought if any of the $600k defenders were going to launch above $650k it would be Tom Stewart, Sam Docherty or James Sicily. Instead, Dawson has set himself apart by adding several bows to what was already a bevy of KFC SuperCoach weapons. He’s now got DPP as a MID as well and although most coaches will continue to use him as a defender, Dawson’s flexibility could open up the chance to pounce on a fallen premium in defence. In case you need more convincing to pay up, here’s his stat line from against Carlton – 32 disposals, nine tackles, three goal assists, 10 inside 50s, seven clearances. We could go on all day. Forget the others. Dawson is the must-have player in defence and the one you need to find cash for soon. Even if it means – at some point – punting Jordan Ridley, Mason Redman, Ed Richards or Daniel Rioli types who are scoring well but nowhere near Dawson’s level.

Tim English $670,200 RUCK

Looked set for a monster score when he was 90 points at halftime on Saturday before rain and the combination of Jeremy Finlayson and Charlie Dixon quelled his influence in the second half. English’s scores have ranked 11th, seventh, seventh, fourth and (round 5) overall and those who started him at about $580k have enjoyed one the best opening stretch of the season. He’s only once had less than 20 disposals and perhaps more crucially has only had less than five intercepts once to round 5, a key stat when it comes to KFC SuperCoach scoring and why he’s shaping as the top ruckman of the year. English is also averaging 26 hitouts and almost seven marks. It is the many scoring avenues he boasts that makes him so prolific. Max Gawn due to return from injury as soon as this week, Brodie Grundy owners will no doubt he tempted to jump on English now. But the gap between English and Grundy will still be substantial, so the best play is waiting a week for Grundy to likely top $600k. That way it’ll be a simple one down, one up to make the switch. How do you get there this week if you can’t wait? It probably has to involve Jacob Hopper or Will Setterfield – if not both. You can’t land players worth more than $650k without sacrificing something.

Clayton Oliver $689,500 MID

Oliver’s owners must have been in panic mode when he had 15 points just before halftime against Essendon. He cut loose with 30 disposals in the second half (including 20 in the last quarter) to finish on 115 though and hasn’t scored below 113 yet this year. Those who started without Oliver have either been forced to eat humble pie and pay up or watch on frustratingly for five rounds as he has amassed big scores. He came in for close checking at stoppages from Will Setterfield on Saturday but shouldn’t have the same issue in his next two games against Richmond and North Melbourne. The Tigers don’t tag and Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley combined for more than 300 points against North at the weekend. He’s also got Gold Coast and Hawthorn in the next month. Oliver has a round 6 breakeven of 168 but he scored 168 against the Tigers and 178 against North last year, so it might be time to just give up on getting Oliver cheaper and pay top dollar. Otherwise you’ll be way too far down the overall rankings when you eventually get him in to make any sort of meaningful dent. The only other way to counter Oliver’s points is upgrading to fallen premiums before other coaches and making up his big scores by having less rookies on field. But even then, that’s a risky strategy.


TOP TARGETS
Jack Sinclair $546,400 DEF

With the addition of new dual-position stars Jack Ziebell and Harry Sheezel in defence, there isn’t a lot of room in KFC SuperCoach backlines, especially for those still trying to get Dawson, Nick Daicos or Tom Stewart. But if you do have space and you’re after something a little different, there’s plenty of value in Sinclair over the next few weeks. Last year’s No. 1 scorer in defence has lost $80k off his starting price after fading against the Magpies on Sunday and scoring 63 against the Bombers in round 3. New coach Ross Lyon has used Sinclair through the midfield in spurts, hurting is ability to distribute the ball from defence, the key to his huge KFC SuperCoach year in 2022. But Sinclair posted three KFC SuperCoach tons in the opening month of the season, and is still good buying, even if he might not be as consistent this time around.

Touk Miller $624,200 MID

He might be down $38k on his starting price, but Miller has scored a KFC SuperCoach ton in every game this season and is the 5th-ranked midfielder after five rounds. The Gold Coast skipper has passed the 120-point mark in the past two weeks and averaged 134, 137 and 141, respectively, in the past three games against the Suns’ next three opponents. In 12 per cent of teams, Miller is a nice point-of-difference premium, if you can get there.

Lachie Neale $636,500 MID

The Lions co-captain eclipsed his break even by 40 against North Melbourne, going big for the first time this year after four scores of 95-117. Neale had lost $56k but like many of the top premiums this year who have decreased in value, his decline looks to be shortlived - for now at least. He’s a player many coaches overlooked in favour of Will Ashcroft and Josh Dunkley to avoid loading their teams with too many Brisbane players. But, if his 37-disposal blitz against the Roos changed your mind, this looks to be the week to jump on. Neale scored 121 and 164 in two games against this round’s opponent GWS last year and if he repeats that type of scoring, you’ll only have to pay more ahead of round 7. Maybe you could trade Will Ashcroft early and jump to Neale? It would be a big call but possibly one that could put you ahead of others who hold Ashcroft until around the byes.

Marcus Bontempelli $611,900 MID

KFC SuperCoach is better with Bont in your team. The Bulldogs skipper went above 120 for the third time this year with a season-high 145 against Port Adelaide, built on 15 contested possessions and a career-high 12 clearances. He’s still available for a slight discount on his starting price but that’s unlikely to be the case for long. In his last three games against round 6 opponent Fremantle and round 7 opponent Hawthorn Bontempelli hasn’t scored less than 100. His scores in the last two weeks of 122 and 145 would likely have been even higher had Luke Beveridge not shifted Bontempelli forward during both matches. That’s always the risk you take with any Bulldog, but Bont is worth playing the Bevo roulette. He should be a priority buy in midfield.

 

[Shannon]

Chayce Jones DEF $308,300

Chasing points or is Chayce really value? Jones has been the major beneficiary of Dawson’s midfield move, becoming one of the Crows main defensive outlets in the past two rounds. He scored 34 in 43 minutes as the sub in round 3 and has flourished in the past two weeks, playing full games for scores of 93 and 116. Jones has racked up 10 intercepts, 16 score involvements and 15 marks in the past two weeks. His price has jumped above $300k already but there’s still money to be made in a KFC SuperCoach friendly role. Jones could be the cash grab your team needs due to question marks over several of this week’s rookie downgrade options. Only Dawson and Rory Laird had more disposals in the big win over Carlton. Maybe the former No.9 pick has finally found his spot.

Tom Stewart $601,200 DEF

He’s back - and in a big way. Stewart scored points against West Coast on Sunday to send his price rocketing back past $600k. That’s now scores of 167, 92 and 135 since returning from a knee injury, confirming what many already thought – Stewart should be one of the top KFC SuperCoach defenders of the year. His intercept prowess and efficiency by foot are made for KFC SuperCoach. If you didn’t jump on last week, this is likely your last chance to nab him for less than his starting price. Wait on Sicily, Sinclair and co and make the star Cat your priority this week instead.

ON THE HORIZON
James Sicily $555,000 DEF

The Hawks skipper was seen by many as one of the most bankable premium defenders going into this year but hasn’t hit the same heights as 2022. Sicily has scored 111, 99, 112, 76 and 91, averaging 97.8 points and ranking 14th for total points in defence after round 5. While that’s not a disaster by any means, owners will no doubt be frustrated watching Sicily’s value fall - especially knowing that non-owners will be waiting to pounce if he gets anywhere near $500k. He’s projected to lose about $27k this round, so heading into round 7 looks to be a great time to jump on and grab a discount of about $100k. It also means you can have another look at his role after Blake Hardwick was preferred on kick-ins against GWS. Sicily would normally have racked up huge points with an opposition kicking 17 behinds but Hardwick took 11 kick-ins and debutant Seamus Mitchell took two. Sicily had one. With his monopoly on kick-in duties gone and being required to play key defensive roles, Sicily remains a watch rather than someone to jump on now.

Stephen Coniglio $485,600 MID-FWD

Coniglio looked set to repeat his heroics from the second half of last year when he blazed a score of 143 in the opening round. But his form since has been mixed with scores of 107, 58, 71 and 102 causing a price drop of more than $70k. Coniglio is averaging a career-high 29.2 disposals, four tackles and six clearances a game. A kicking efficiency of 57 per cent goes some way to explaining Coniglio’s dip after averaging 109 in the second half of last season playing as a full-time midfielder. His break even of 108 is achievable this week, but even if he repeated his round 1 score Coniglio wouldn’t rise significantly. This could be a great opportunity to pick off a fallen premium for you forward line and swing Harry Sheezel or Jack Ziebell into defence.

THE ROOKIES
Matt Roberts $129,800 MID-FWD

Breakeven: -22

The second-year Swan came on as the sub in the opening three rounds of the year, scoring a combined 41 KFC SuperCoach points and losing money off his starting price tag of $123k. But Roberts was in Sydney’s 22 for Gather Round, and impressed on a wing, tallying 14 disposals, eight contested possessions, four marks, four tackles and 93 KFC SuperCoach points. The Swans raved about his running over the pre-season, and he showed glimpses as he worked up and down Adelaide Oval on Friday night. The left-footer averaged 96 points per game in the VFL last year, playing multiple midfield roles after posting KFC SuperCoach scores of 175, 188 and 240 in his three SANFL under-18 games in his draft year.

Matt Johnson $138,000 MID

Breakeven: -1

A bit like Roberts, Johnson’s first two games this season – and of his career – were as the sub. But in his first full game on Friday afternoon, the second-year Docker showed why he was a popular KFC SuperCoach pick early in the pre-season, booting an important late goal against the Suns and finishing with 15 disposals and 67 points. The classy, 192cm midfielder, who was drafted at pick 21 in 2021, averaged 85 points in 14 state-league matches last year and posted a huge 143 points against East Perth. Johnson’s breakeven may only be -1 in round 6 but another similar score on the weekend will result in that figure plummeting past -30.

Dylan Williams $123,900 FWD

Breakeven: -43

A move to defence in the SANFL late last year has not only saved his career, but kickstarted his surge into KFC SuperCoach contention. Despite, tallying 64 points in an impressive display against the Swans in round 4, there were some doubt about Williams spot in the side with Ryan Burton returning. But Williams stayed, scored another 51 points in the Gather Round clash with the Bulldogs and assistant coach Chad Cornes talked him up during a press conference on Monday.

 

[THCLT]

Dylan Williams $123,900 FWD

Breakeven: -43

A move to defence in the SANFL late last year has not only saved his career, but kickstarted his surge into KFC SuperCoach contention. Despite, tallying 64 points in an impressive display against the Swans in round 4, there were some doubt about Williams spot in the side with Ryan Burton returning. But Williams stayed, scored another 51 points in the Gather Round clash with the Bulldogs and assistant coach Chad Cornes talked him up during a press conference on Monday.

By virtue of Jonas' injury just to complete that piece.

 

[Merv Neagle]

New positions
Sorry about the format but I had an eye operation and I find it difficult using the computer
New DPPs Club Existing position New position
Ben Keays Adelaide MID MID/FWD
Jake Soligo Adelaide MID MID/FWD
Jordan Dawson Adelaide DEF DEF/MID
Josh Rachele Adelaide FWD MID/FWD
Wayne Milera Adelaide FWD DEF/FWD
Cam Rayner Brisbane FWD DEF/FWD
Darcy Wilmot Brisbane DEF DEF/MID
Dayne Zorko Brisbane FWD MID/FWD
Lochie O'Brien Carlton MID MID/FWD
Taylor Adams Collingwood MID MID/FWD
Will Hoskin-Elliott Collingwood FWD MID/FWD
Jye Caldwell Essendon MID MID/FWD
Andrew Phillips Essendon RUC RUC/FWD
Callan Ward GWS MID MID/FWD
Cooper Hamilton GWS DEF DEF/MID
Lachie Ash GWS MID DEF/MID
Lachie Whitfield GWS MID DEF/MID
Adam Kennedy GWS DEF DEF/FWD
Cam Mackenzie Hawthorn MID MID/FWD
Finn Maginness Hawthorn MID DEF/MID
Lloyd Meek Hawthorn RUC RUC/FWD
Will Day Hawthorn DEF DEF/MID
Curtis Taylor North Melbourne MID MID/FWD
Harry Sheezel North Melbourne FWD DEF/FWD
Jack Ziebell North Melbourne FWD DEF/FWD
Kayne Turner North Melbourne DEF DEF/FWD
Will Phillips North Melbourne MID MID/FWD
Kane Farrell Port Adelaide MID DEF/MID
Miles Bergman Port Adelaide MID DEF/MID
Rhyan Mansell Richmond DEF DEF/FWD
Trent Cotchin Richmond MID MID/FWD
Hunter Clark St Kilda DEF DEF/MID
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera St Kilda MID DEF/MID
Zaine Cordy St Kilda DEF DEF/FWD
Harry Cunningham Sydney DEF DEF/FWD
Matt Roberts Sydney MID MID/FWD
Jayden Hunt West Coast DEF DEF/MID
Bailey Smith Bulldogs MID MID/FWD
Caleb Daniel Bulldogs DEF DEF/FWD
Jason Johannisen Bulldogs FWD DEF/FWD
Josh Bruce Bulldogs FWD DEF/FWD

So your clearly a one eyed Hawks supporter. Get well.

 

[Presto]

Much appreciated, saves me searching for this info. Hope you get better very soon!

Thank you

 

[Presto]

So your clearly a one eyed Hawks supporter. Get well.

Hehe. thank you

 

[Peter56]

KFC SuperCoach round 7 trade guide: Top targets and rookies ready to go
Another week, more KFC SuperCoach chaos. How do you get your team ahead? Cashing in one of this year’s top rookies could be the answer. See all this week’s top targets.

Tim Michell, Dan Batten and Al Paton

11 min read
April 24, 2023 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

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Where there’s a Will, there’s a way – to fallen premiums.
KFC SuperCoach has never been about sentiment, and ruthless calls must be made if you want your team to reach full premium status quickly.
Will Ashcroft has done nothing wrong to start his AFL career, scoring at least 72 points in his last five games to reach almost $350k.
But as other rookie cash generation runs dry, KFC SuperCoaches need to weigh up whether trading Ashcroft this week could be the only path to a star such as Marcus Bontempelli or Clayton Oliver.
After a weekend of SuperCoach carnage, the Ashcroft trade may only be one available to a select group of coaches. But it could be a fast track to full premium that puts you one big gun ahead of the pack.
You can mount a strong case for holding Ashcroft to the byes and upgrading around him.
But as many coaches found out last week, that means burning through boosts if you want to turn $250k rookies into the best players in KFC SuperCoach.
Speaking of rookies, a host of standout options have arrived at the perfect time including Corey Wagner, Seamus Mitchell and Sam Sturt.
Alex Cincotta also debuted for Carlton on Sunday but won’t be on the bubble until at least round 8.
And if you don’t want to part with Ashcroft just yet, a host of other starting rookies are just about ready to cash in.
Harry Sheezel’s first quiet game will have some SuperCoaches planning a get-out strategy, but that’s an issue for next week – at the earliest. It was concerning to see Sheezel spend time forward after being closely checked by Nick Holman, but he’s been so good it seems hasty to overreact to one quiet match.

Will Ashcroft could be a ticket to a fallen premium this week. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
But when it comes to the likes of Oskar Baker, Darcy Wilmot and Lachie Cowan, it’s a different story. And there’s no shortage of fallen premiums to consider with the cash this week, headlined by Stephen Coniglio and James Sicily.
Coniglio was immense in the absence of Tom Green against Brisbane, confirming his status as one of the best underpriced gems in KFC SuperCoach.
Sicily’s role has been frustrating for those who started him, but coaches who held off could grab a huge bargain if he returns to uber premium scoring soon.
Those fallen stars – in particular Coniglio – is where most KFC SuperCoaches are likely to focus their attention this week.
Missing the likes of Bontempelli, Oliver, Miller or Rory Laird can have a huge impact on your overall rank, but so can pulling apart your team structure to fit them in.
This round represents the start of the true upgrade season for many coaches but with some already starting their premium push, you don’t want to be left behind.
Check out our advice on the best bubble boys, fallen premiums and must-have stars below.
TOP TARGETS
Stephen Coniglio MID/FWD
Coaches who started Coniglio have endured a bumpy ride, which has included four tons as well as scores of 71 and 58. Many of his key stats are up on 2022, when Coniglio was one of the bargain buys of the year and averaged 109 from mid-season when he returned to midfield. He looked more likely to cost $600k than $500k when he opened this season with a score of 143 against Adelaide, but those two low returns have given KFC SuperCoaches the perfect buy to kickstart upgrade season. It should be noted his big score at the weekend was without Tom Green in the side, but Coniglio’s centre bounce numbers were actually higher when Green was playing (84 per cent in round 5 to 79 per cent in round 6). A likely top-six forward at this price can’t be ignored. If you’re still stacked in the forward line, you can get away with using Coniglio as a midfielder for 3-4 weeks should you plan on trading Ashcroft to him.

You can get Stephen Coniglio this week at a big discount. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Seamus Mitchell DEF/FWD
A third-year rebounding defender who is at basement $123,900 rookie price with DEF-FWD status? Sign me up. With our starting rookies dropping stinkers and our round 6 downgrades providing us with misery, Mitchell is a must-have this week after scores of 67 and 79 in his first two matches. Mitchell — no relation to Tim — had been cruelled by injury since joining the Hawks with pick 29 in the 2020 draft, managing just 11 matches for Box Hill in three years, but he has made a seamless transition to senior footy. The 20-year-old has the line-breaking speed and ball-use – he took two kick-ins in his AFL debut – that the Hawks sorely need, and they should keep pumping games into him given they are in rebuild mode. Along with the cash, Mitchell will give you extra flexibility with North Melbourne DEF-FWDs Jack Ziebell and Harry Sheezel. A downgrade from the likes of Conor McKenna or Kade Chandler will net you around $150k.
Corey Wagner DEF/MID
A double downgrade of Mitchell and Wagner looks to be the play this week. Wagner was in stacks of teams when KFC SuperCoach first opened, but two separate injury setbacks saw him start 2023 behind the eight-ball. However, all it took was one official WAFL match for the mature-age draftee to secure a start at his third AFL club, and now he shapes a popular downgrade option ahead of round 7. His second game was promising after some butterflies in his Dockers debut, where he scored 38 points with six clangers. Wagner was regularly used in link-up play out of defence against the Bulldogs, hitting the target with 11 of his 14 kicks and scoring 64 points from 18 disposals. And he even took a couple of kick-ins. Wagner ticks plenty of boxes as a KFC SuperCoach cheapie: he has DEF-MID status, he is 26, he loves to kick the footy (of his 30 disposals, 26 have been kicks) and he plays in a side that is incapable of moving the ball forward. His job security probably isn’t as high as Mitchell, though, so if you’re after just one downgrade, Mitchell is the man.

Seamus Mitchell of the Hawks. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Corey Wagner (right) is making the most of his chance at the Dockers. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

 

[Peter56]

James Sicily DEF
Sicily has been one of the most curious cases of KFC SuperCoach so far this year. Forced to play as a key defender in recent weeks and having surrendered kick-out duties, his scoring has dropped significantly from 2022 levels. His 105 against Adelaide on Sunday was Sicily’s third hundred of the year and fifth score between 91-112. That isn’t what thousands paid $624k for at the start of the year, but is well worth a look now he’s lost about $100k off his starting price. He might not be the same player who averaged 113 last year, but anything in the 95-105 region should put him in the mix to be a top-six or top-eight defender, and he’s every chance to get on a run of bigger scores at some stage. He’s likely to have his hands full again against the Bulldogs tall defence this week though, so you can afford to prioritise other targets first.

James Sicily has been good without dominating this season. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Luke Ryan DEF
The Dockers intercept star continues to be one of the unsung heroes in defence, producing his fifth 105 plus score in six rounds against the Western Bulldogs. Ryan has not dropped below 93 points this year and has three scores of 120 points or higher after tallying 30 disposals (of which 25 were kicks) against the Dogs. Fremantle allows Ryan to largely play a kick behind play in a dream role for KFC SuperCoach scoring, where he can use his kicking and intercept prowess without much pressure being applied. He has dominated kick-in duties for the Dockers, too. There’s been reports in recent weeks from the west that he is carrying knee and back issues, so tread carefully. But as long as he’s out there, Ryan is playing like a top-six defender who has shown no signs of slowing down. And he’s still available for well under $600k.
Marcus Bontempelli MID
Bontempelli’s past two weeks have been extraordinary, stuffing the stat sheet with 33 contested possessions, 54 disposals, 13 inside-50s, 20 clearances and three goals across games against Port Adelaide and Fremantle. Oh, and a combined 327 KFC SuperCoach points. Bontempelli has four scores of 122 points or higher in his past five matches and has become one of the top captaincy choices for many coaches. Those who went with the Bulldogs skipper as vice-captain or captain in round 6 were rewarded with 364 points, giving them a massive advantage. Bontempelli was available for a discount of about $28k on his starting price last week but you can forget about that now. He smashed his 87 Break Even by almost 100 points and is only going to get more expensive in coming weeks. Bont has Hawthorn next. His last three games against the Hawks have been 115, 136 and 114. It could be a long Saturday afternoon for non-owners considering the sort of destructive form Bontempelli is in.

Marcus Bontempelli is in red-hot form for the Bulldogs. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Josh Kelly MID
With so few elite midfielders under $600k, Kelly needs to at least be considered. The prolific Giant has two 80s and three tons so far this year, two of which have been scores of 139 and 148. After averaging 47 per cent CBAs last year, Kelly has jumped to 74 per cent this year after the departures of Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto to Richmond. His clearance numbers are only slightly up from 3.8 to 4.4, but Kelly’s elite ball use and effective disposal rate are key to his huge points ceiling. He’s averaging about 22 effective disposals a game this year, is coming off 41 against Brisbane and has tons in his past two Sydney derbies.
Rory Laird MID
If you’ve been waiting for last year’s top midfielder to bottom out, this might be it. Laird went into Sunday’s game against Hawthorn with a Break Even of 137 and managed 126 points, dominating the second half and finishing with 12 tackles. There’s no doubt he’s a must-have midfielder, but it’s likely you might need to settle for a cheaper option this week unless you’re willing to boost. You could go for Seamus Mitchell, Corey Wagner and Laird, effectively offloading three rookies for one premium and two cash cows. The other option would be double downgrading this round, building a bank and then grabbing Laird ahead of round 8. But that means another week without Laird – and his last three scores against Collingwood are 154, 144 and 185. If he goes close to any of those scores, you’d regret not using a boost. Just monitor his fitness this week. He left the field with a knee issue late against Hawthorn but did return for the final exchanges.
Tom Stewart DEF
The Cats star will drop back below $600k despite a score of 111 against Sydney. Stewart has produced scores of 167, 92, 135 and 111 since returning from a knee injury, averaging 126 (although this is inflated by his huge score against Gold Coast). The fact Stewart is averaging more than 100 despite a round 1 score of 18 tells you all you need to know about his importance to your KFC SuperCoach defence. His score of 92 on Easter Monday drops out of Stewart’s price cycle this week and this might be as cheap as you will be able to get him for months. His next two matches are against Essendon (last three 103 points, 107, 123) and Adelaide (174, 113 and 117). You’re well placed if you have a defence built around Jordan Dawson, but one with Dawson and Stewart will take your team to another level. He’s worth boosting for if that’s what it takes to turn three rookies into Stewart. His consistency and ceiling are enough to justify burning three trades for.

Tom Stewart is great value for his potential output. Picture: Michael Klein
Caleb Serong MID
Just as we assumed Andrew Brayshaw was about to break into the elite KFC SuperCoach scorers, his teammate Serong has gone past him. Serong has had 35 disposals or more in three of his past four games and is averaging an elite 17 contested possessions in the past month. Serong was the seventh ranked midfielder in KFC SuperCoach before his 130 against the Bulldogs, which his fifth consecutive ton and third score in five rounds of 130 points or more. He would have been an amazing starting pick at $498k but his price is starting to get into uber premium territory. Serong is certainly scoring in that echelon, but the question remains whether you would pick him off five brilliant weeks or a fallen premium with past history of top KFC SuperCoach scoring. Serong is in less than 5 per cent of teams, making him one of the topscoring POD picks.
Will Day DEF/MID
A somewhat forgotten man after spending the last two weeks on the sidelines due to suspension. Day would have been a popular round 5 buy had he not been rubbed out after scoring 107 against Geelong in round 4 when he had 22 disposals and eight tackles on Easter Monday. Day has gone 98, 139 and 107 in his last three games and picked up MID status after round 5 in the first batch of DPP updates. With a Break Even of 16, he’s projected to be almost $500k after round 7. He might have already jumped by more than $90k, but if you’re confident Day can continue scoring 90-plus as a midfielder, paying $450k shouldn’t be an issue. Day looms as the sort of player who could end up as a finishing M9/D7 swing, covering two lines thanks to his added DPP status. He was Hawthorn’s main centre bounce midfielder against the Cats, recording 82 per cent CBAs. That bodes well for his strong scoring continuing well beyond the first month of the season. Those who doubted whether he could score well playing as an inside midfielder have quickly been silenced. Day could easily be $550k-plus had he not been suspended. That decision by the MRO/tribunal has given KFC SuperCoaches another opportunity to jump on before it’s too late.

 

[Peter56]

WATCHLIST
Brynn Teakle RUC
Ousted Scott Lycett from the Port Adelaide side, returning with 14 disposals, 34 hit-outs and 85 KFC SuperCoach points against West Coast. Bailey Williams won the ruck battle and scored 133, which probably isn’t a great sign for Teakle’s long term job security. But he’s under $200k and if he scores 80+ again in round 7, KFC SuperCoaches will have a big call to make. Would you consider moving on Rowan Marshall with the ultimate aim of getting a bottomed out Max Gawn? That would mean running Teakle at R2 for several weeks. The other option is either upgrading your ruck loophole or using the RUC-FWD swing of a player such as Nick Madden to trade a forward rookie to Teakle. In theory, you could trade Alwyn Davey to Teakle as a straight swap, swing Madden to F8 and let Teakle make money as R3 cover.
More Coverage
Superstar on crutches in brutal SuperCoach blowThe Tackle: Second-gear Blues at risk of dismal failure

Harry Himmelberg could be sent to defence for the Giants. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Harry Himmelberg DEF/FWD
Maybe the toughest round in recent KFC SuperCoach memory will have a silver lining. Himmelberg found himself playing in defence (and even the ruck) against Brisbane on Saturday after Adam Kingsley was forced to shuffle his side when Sam Taylor went dow with injury. The Giants have since revealed Taylor will miss about 10 weeks with a hamstring injury. That could open the door for Himmelberg to be recast in the defensive role in which he became a KFC SuperCoach star last season. Jake Riccardi looms as a possible inclusion after featuring in the VFL at the weekend, but he has been used more in attack than defence. Himmelberg seems a more logical replacement, although that would likely mean he or Nick Haynes might need to play a more defensive role in the absence of Taylor. Either way, it’s a big watch for this week as Himmelberg could be a mid-season steal at under $400k if he’s locked in for at least two months playing in the backline, where he averaged 112 in the last 12 matches of 2022.

 

[Peter56]

• 
  SuperCoach

KFC SuperCoach round 7 trade guide: Top targets and rookies ready to go
KFC SuperCoach upgrade season officially gets underway this week with several great bargains to boost your team. See who you should be targeting in this week’s trade guide.

Tim Michell, Dan Batten and Al Paton

14 min read
April 25, 2023 - 8:56PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

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At halftime on Anzac Eve, 47,000 Brodie Grundy owners were looking for an emergency exit.
With Max Gawn back early from a knee injury, Grundy had spent large chunks of the first half on the bench and had just 13 KFC SuperCoach points to his name.
Calculators were deployed as owners tried to figure out how much cash their prime ruckman was about to lose and how much it would cost to turn him into Tim English ASAP.
The second half made things a little more complicated. Gawn went forward and Grundy took over in the middle, overpowering Richmond’s undermanned ruck stocks.
“They were gallant early but I thought Brodie Grundy was a difference-maker in the end,” Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said. “I thought he just dominated that ruck battle and we had to make a change.”
Grundy finished with 81 points (and Gawn 98) to again showcase his scoring power in the No.1 ruck role.
The full breakdown for Grundy was 77 per cent ruck time and 23 per cent forward, while Gawn spent 56 per cent of his game time in the ruck and 46 per cent forward. Gawn took a game-high six contested marks won 13 contested possessions – also the most on the ground. But six of his hitouts were sharked and only five were to the advantage of a teammate
The question for Grundy owners – including more than 30,000 who jumped on in the past three weeks – is what that role will be each round with Gawn back in the team.
The numbers are stark. In three games this year playing alongside Gawn Grundy averages 74.7 KFC SuperCoach points. In three games without the Dees captain, his average jumps to 138.3.
In that three-game stretch his price spiked by more than $84,000 – he is projected to be valued at roughly $593,000 after a modest price rise this week – but his Break Even will be over 130.
In short, it’s time to take the money and run.
The clear No.1 target is Tim English, who is the No.1 scoring player in KFC SuperCoach and putting roughly 20 points a week on the next-best ruckman – and potentially 50 points a week on Grundy from here.
Incredibly his price is still going up after beating his Break Even again in round 6, so the move from Grundy will cost about $90,000.
Fortunately, there are two excellent bubble boy options this week in Seamus Mitchell and Corey Wagner (more on both below) and number of rookies ready to cash in, with Oskar Baker, Darcy Wilmot and Lachie Cowan among those to have almost exhausted their cash generating potential.
A more ambitious move could involve more expensive rookies, and potentially a Trade Boost, to bring in both Mitchell and Wagner along with English, or to try to nab a fallen premium as well.

Brodie Grundy creates a trade dilemma for 26 per cent of KFC SuperCoach teams. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
KFC SuperCoach has never been about sentiment, and ruthless calls must be made if you want your team to reach full premium status quickly.
Will Ashcroft has done nothing wrong to start his AFL career, scoring at least 72 points in his last five games to reach almost $350k.
But as other rookie cash generation runs dry, KFC SuperCoaches need to weigh up whether trading Ashcroft this week could be the only path to a star such as Marcus Bontempelli or Clayton Oliver.
After a weekend of SuperCoach carnage, the Ashcroft trade may only be one available to a select group of coaches. But it could be a fast track to full premium that puts you one big gun ahead of the pack.
You can mount a strong case for holding Ashcroft to the byes and upgrading around him.
But as many coaches found out last week, that means burning through boosts if you want to turn $250k rookies into the best players in KFC SuperCoach.
Speaking of rookies, a host of standout options have arrived at the perfect time including Corey Wagner, Seamus Mitchell and Sam Sturt.
Alex Cincotta also debuted for Carlton on Sunday but won’t be on the bubble until at least round 8.
And if you don’t want to part with Ashcroft just yet, a host of other starting rookies are just about ready to cash in.
Harry Sheezel’s first quiet game will have some SuperCoaches planning a get-out strategy, but that’s an issue for next week – at the earliest. It was concerning to see Sheezel spend time forward after being closely checked by Nick Holman, but he’s been so good it seems hasty to overreact to one quiet match.

Will Ashcroft could be a ticket to a fallen premium this week. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
But when it comes to the likes of Oskar Baker, Darcy Wilmot and Lachie Cowan, it’s a different story. And there’s no shortage of fallen premiums to consider with the cash this week, headlined by Stephen Coniglio and James Sicily.
Coniglio was immense in the absence of Tom Green against Brisbane, confirming his status as one of the best underpriced gems in KFC SuperCoach.
Sicily’s role has been frustrating for those who started him, but coaches who held off could grab a huge bargain if he returns to uber premium scoring soon.
Those fallen stars – in particular Coniglio – is where most KFC SuperCoaches are likely to focus their attention this week.
Missing the likes of Bontempelli, Oliver, Miller or Rory Laird can have a huge impact on your overall rank, but so can pulling apart your team structure to fit them in.
This round represents the start of the true upgrade season for many coaches but with some already starting their premium push, you don’t want to be left behind.
Check out our advice on the best bubble boys, fallen premiums and must-have stars below

 

[Peter56]

TOP TARGETS
Stephen Coniglio MID/FWD $499,200

Coaches who started Coniglio have endured a bumpy ride, which has included four tons as well as scores of 71 and 58. Many of his key stats are up on 2022, when Coniglio was one of the bargain buys of the year and averaged 109 from mid-season when he returned to midfield. He looked more likely to cost $600k than $500k when he opened this season with a score of 143 against Adelaide, but those two low returns have given KFC SuperCoaches the perfect buy to kickstart upgrade season. It should be noted his big score at the weekend was without Tom Green in the side, but Coniglio’s centre bounce numbers were actually higher when Green was playing (84 per cent in round 5 to 79 per cent in round 6). A likely top-six forward at this price can’t be ignored. If you’re still stacked in the forward line, you can get away with using Coniglio as a midfielder for 3-4 weeks should you plan on trading Ashcroft to him.

You can get Stephen Coniglio this week at a big discount. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Seamus Mitchell DEF/FWD $123,900

A third-year rebounding defender who is at basement $123,900 rookie price with DEF-FWD status? Sign me up. With our starting rookies dropping stinkers and our round 6 downgrades providing us with misery, Mitchell is a must-have this week after scores of 67 and 79 in his first two matches. Mitchell — no relation to Tim — had been cruelled by injury since joining the Hawks with pick 29 in the 2020 draft, managing just 11 matches for Box Hill in three years, but he has made a seamless transition to senior footy. The 20-year-old has the line-breaking speed and ball-use – he took two kick-ins in his AFL debut – that the Hawks sorely need, and they should keep pumping games into him given they are in rebuild mode. Along with the cash, Mitchell will give you extra flexibility with North Melbourne DEF-FWDs Jack Ziebell and Harry Sheezel. A downgrade from the likes of Conor McKenna or Kade Chandler will net you around $150k.

Corey Wagner DEF/MID $117,300

A double downgrade of Mitchell and Wagner looks to be the play this week. Wagner was in stacks of teams when KFC SuperCoach first opened, but two separate injury setbacks saw him start 2023 behind the eight-ball. However, all it took was one official WAFL match for the mature-age draftee to secure a start at his third AFL club, and now he shapes a popular downgrade option ahead of round 7. His second game was promising after some butterflies in his Dockers debut, where he scored 38 points with six clangers. Wagner was regularly used in link-up play out of defence against the Bulldogs, hitting the target with 11 of his 14 kicks and scoring 64 points from 18 disposals. And he even took a couple of kick-ins. Wagner ticks plenty of boxes as a KFC SuperCoach cheapie: he has DEF-MID status, he is 26, he loves to kick the footy (of his 30 disposals, 26 have been kicks) and he plays in a side that is incapable of moving the ball forward. His job security probably isn’t as high as Mitchell, though, so if you’re after just one downgrade, Mitchell is the man.

Seamus Mitchell of the Hawks. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Corey Wagner (right) is making the most of his chance at the Dockers. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
James Sicily DEF $533,700

Sicily has been one of the most curious cases of KFC SuperCoach so far this year. Forced to play as a key defender in recent weeks and having surrendered kick-out duties, his scoring has dropped significantly from 2022 levels. His 105 against Adelaide on Sunday was Sicily’s third hundred of the year and fifth score between 91-112. That isn’t what thousands paid $624k for at the start of the year, but is well worth a look now he’s lost about $100k off his starting price. He might not be the same player who averaged 113 last year, but anything in the 95-105 region should put him in the mix to be a top-six or top-eight defender, and he’s every chance to get on a run of bigger scores at some stage. He’s likely to have his hands full again against the Bulldogs tall defence this week though, so you can afford to prioritise other targets first.

James Sicily has been good without dominating this season. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Luke Ryan DEF $565,900

The Dockers intercept star continues to be one of the unsung heroes in defence, producing his fifth 105 plus score in six rounds against the Western Bulldogs. Ryan has not dropped below 93 points this year and has three scores of 120 points or higher after tallying 30 disposals (of which 25 were kicks) against the Dogs. Fremantle allows Ryan to largely play a kick behind play in a dream role for KFC SuperCoach scoring, where he can use his kicking and intercept prowess without much pressure being applied. He has dominated kick-in duties for the Dockers, too. There’s been reports in recent weeks from the west that he is carrying knee and back issues, so tread carefully. But as long as he’s out there, Ryan is playing like a top-six defender who has shown no signs of slowing down. And he’s still available for well under $600k.

Jordan De Goey is averaging 111 points.
Jordan De Goey MID $534,500

The Collingwood star is the ninth-ranked midfielder for average points (111.8) after scoring at least 107 points in four of his five matches this year. Despite this, De Goey is the 28th most expensive midfielder this week. He’s not going to stay this cheap for long though with a break even of 67. Playing fulltime midfield, De Goey is averaging a career-high 24.2 disposals, five marks, three tackles and six clearances a game. Although his efforts have been largely overshadowed by Brownlow Medal favourite Nick Daicos, De Goey has been one of the most influential attacking players in the league this year, recording 44 score involvements in five matches. It is his ability to impact big moments, be involved in scoring chains and finish which attract significant KFC SuperCoach points. De Goey has never averaged more than 87.8 points, but finished 2021 with a flourish when playing as a midfielder. All signs point to this being the year he breaks through to average 100+ for the first time.

Marcus Bontempelli MID $656,000

Bontempelli’s past two weeks have been extraordinary, stuffing the stat sheet with 33 contested possessions, 54 disposals, 13 inside-50s, 20 clearances and three goals across games against Port Adelaide and Fremantle. Oh, and a combined 327 KFC SuperCoach points. Bontempelli has four scores of 122 points or higher in his past five matches and has become one of the top captaincy choices for many coaches. Those who went with the Bulldogs skipper as vice-captain or captain in round 6 were rewarded with 364 points, giving them a massive advantage. Bontempelli was available for a discount of about $28k on his starting price last week but you can forget about that now. He smashed his 87 Break Even by almost 100 points and is only going to get more expensive in coming weeks. Bont has Hawthorn next. His last three games against the Hawks have been 115, 136 and 114. It could be a long Saturday afternoon for non-owners considering the sort of destructive form Bontempelli is in.

Marcus Bontempelli is in red-hot form for the Bulldogs. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Josh Kelly MID $579,200

With so few elite midfielders under $600k, Kelly needs to at least be considered. The prolific Giant has two 80s and three tons so far this year, two of which have been scores of 139 and 148. After averaging 47 per cent CBAs last year, Kelly has jumped to 74 per cent this year after the departures of Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto to Richmond. His clearance numbers are only slightly up from 3.8 to 4.4, but Kelly’s elite ball use and effective disposal rate are key to his huge points ceiling. He’s averaging about 22 effective disposals a game this year, is coming off 41 against Brisbane and has tons in his past two Sydney derbies.

Rory Laird MID $634,300

If you’ve been waiting for last year’s top midfielder to bottom out, this might be it. Laird went into Sunday’s game against Hawthorn with a Break Even of 137 and managed 126 points, dominating the second half and finishing with 12 tackles. There’s no doubt he’s a must-have midfielder, but it’s likely you might need to settle for a cheaper option this week unless you’re willing to boost. You could go for Seamus Mitchell, Corey Wagner and Laird, effectively offloading three rookies for one premium and two cash cows. The other option would be double downgrading this round, building a bank and then grabbing Laird ahead of round 8. But that means another week without Laird – and his last three scores against Collingwood are 154, 144 and 185. If he goes close to any of those scores, you’d regret not using a boost. Just monitor his fitness this week. He left the field with a knee issue late against Hawthorn but did return for the final exchanges.

 

[Peter56]

Tom Stewart DEF $597,800

The Cats star has dropped back below $600k despite a score of 111 against Sydney. Stewart has produced scores of 167, 92, 135 and 111 since returning from a knee injury, averaging 126 (although this is inflated by his huge score against Gold Coast). The fact Stewart is averaging more than 100 despite a round 1 score of 18 tells you all you need to know about his importance to your KFC SuperCoach defence. His score of 92 on Easter Monday drops out of Stewart’s price cycle this week and this might be as cheap as you will be able to get him for months. His next two matches are against Essendon (last three 103 points, 107, 123) and Adelaide (174, 113 and 117). You’re well placed if you have a defence built around Jordan Dawson, but one with Dawson and Stewart will take your team to another level. He’s worth boosting for if that’s what it takes to turn three rookies into Stewart. His consistency and ceiling are enough to justify burning three trades for.

Tom Stewart is great value for his potential output. Picture: Michael Klein
Caleb Serong MID $594,700

Just as we assumed Andrew Brayshaw was about to break into the elite KFC SuperCoach scorers, his teammate Serong has gone past him. Serong has had 35 disposals or more in three of his past four games and is averaging an elite 17 contested possessions in the past month. Serong was the seventh ranked midfielder in KFC SuperCoach before his 130 against the Bulldogs, which his fifth consecutive ton and third score in five rounds of 130 points or more. He would have been an amazing starting pick at $498k but his price is starting to get into uber premium territory. Serong is certainly scoring in that echelon, but the question remains whether you would pick him off five brilliant weeks or a fallen premium with past history of top KFC SuperCoach scoring. Serong is in less than 5 per cent of teams, making him one of the topscoring POD picks.

Will Day DEF/MID $454,000

A somewhat forgotten man after spending the last two weeks on the sidelines due to suspension. Day would have been a popular round 5 buy had he not been rubbed out after scoring 107 against Geelong in round 4 when he had 22 disposals and eight tackles on Easter Monday. Day has gone 98, 139 and 107 in his last three games and picked up MID status after round 5 in the first batch of DPP updates. With a Break Even of 16, he’s projected to be almost $500k after round 7. He might have already jumped by more than $90k, but if you’re confident Day can continue scoring 90-plus as a midfielder, paying $450k shouldn’t be an issue. Day looms as the sort of player who could end up as a finishing M9/D7 swing, covering two lines thanks to his added DPP status. He was Hawthorn’s main centre bounce midfielder against the Cats, recording 82 per cent CBAs. That bodes well for his strong scoring continuing well beyond the first month of the season. Those who doubted whether he could score well playing as an inside midfielder have quickly been silenced. Day could easily be $550k-plus had he not been suspended. That decision by the MRO/tribunal has given KFC SuperCoaches another opportunity to jump on before it’s too late.

WATCHLIST
Brynn Teakle RUC $198,500

Ousted Scott Lycett from the Port Adelaide side, returning with 14 disposals, 34 hit-outs and 85 KFC SuperCoach points against West Coast. Bailey Williams won the ruck battle and scored 133, which probably isn’t a great sign for Teakle’s long term job security. But he’s under $200k and if he scores 80+ again in round 7, KFC SuperCoaches will have a big call to make. Would you consider moving on Rowan Marshall with the ultimate aim of getting a bottomed out Max Gawn? That would mean running Teakle at R2 for several weeks. The other option is either upgrading your ruck loophole or using the RUC-FWD swing of a player such as Nick Madden to trade a forward rookie to Teakle. In theory, you could trade Alwyn Davey to Teakle as a straight swap, swing Madden to F8 and let Teakle make money as R3 cover.

Harry Himmelberg could be sent to defence for the Giants. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Harry Himmelberg DEF/FWD $385,700

Maybe the toughest round in recent KFC SuperCoach memory will have a silver lining. Himmelberg found himself playing in defence (and even the ruck) against Brisbane on Saturday after Adam Kingsley was forced to shuffle his side when Sam Taylor went dow with injury. The Giants have since revealed Taylor will miss about 10 weeks with a hamstring injury. That could open the door for Himmelberg to be recast in the defensive role in which he became a KFC SuperCoach star last season. Jake Riccardi looms as a possible inclusion after featuring in the VFL at the weekend, but he has been used more in attack than defence. Himmelberg seems a more logical replacement, although that would likely mean he or Nick Haynes might need to play a more defensive role in the absence of Taylor. Either way, it’s a big watch for this week as Himmelberg could be a mid-season steal at under $400k if he’s locked in for at least two months playing in the backline, where he averaged 112 in the last 12 matches of 2022.

Jack Steele MID $555,800

The Saints skipper was rusty on his return from injury, rallying in the second half after being on just 8 points at halftime against Carlton on Sunday. Steele finished with 54 points, recording eight disposals, three tackles and three marks in the last quarter. His score was 109 fewer than his 163 Break Even and is set to send his price crashing toward $500k. That was Steele’s lowest score since round 21, 2019, when he also scored 54. Coaches now have an opportunity to assess Steele in the next 2-3 weeks before deciding whether to jump on at his lowest price. You might even get away with waiting until after St Kilda’s round 12 bye. Steele has been one of the premier KFC SuperCoach midfielders in recent years, averaging 122 and 120 in 2020 and 2021. Even if he replicates his 2022 average of 109.8, anything close to $500k – and potentially less – would be crazy value.