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[Lost In The Sky]

The SuperCoach team you should have picked from the start: Lachie Neale, Travis Boak, Tom Stewart and more undervalued guns

Tim Michell, Herald Sun
April 18, 2019 5:00am
Subscriber only

We all think we have the perfect SuperCoach team when we lock our sides in before Round 1.

Whether you’ve gone with the popular guns and rookies strategy or backed a bunch of mid-pricers to prosper, seldom does any coach enter the season without optimism.

After a month, most coaches will have more certainty about how their season is going to pan out and how close they actually came to nailing their starting side.

This year has been one of the more unique seasons in recent memory, where a host of mid-priced options have fired and some of the most reliable premiums have flopped.

Of course, that could change quickly, but it’s hard to make up ground if you already find yourself hundreds of points behind the leaders.

If you’re regretting several of your starting selections, you’re certainly not alone.

Here’s a team you could have picked which would be sitting third overall, without naming a captain in any of the opening four rounds.

If you’d gone with the C on Lachie Neale each week, you’d be more than 500 points ahead of the pack.

As they say, hindsight is a wonderful thing.


DEFENCE

Shannon Hurn (West Coast) Starting price: $523,400 445 points

Lachie Whitfield (GWS) $542,100 517 points

Tom Stewart (Geelong) $463,000 447 points

Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide) $189,300 321 points

Jack Scrimshaw $149,800 297 points

Xavier Duursma $130,800 284 points

Marty Hore (Melbourne) $117,300 144

Callum Wilkie (St Kilda) $124,900 275

With a salary cap of $10 million, you need to sacrifice on one line if you’re going to be able to load up on premiums in others. Rozee, Scrimshaw and Duursma have not only provided cash generation but have more than held their own as on-field options in defence. Jake Lloyd is the obvious omission but his absence is o***et by spending top dollar on two gun midfielders, a host of elite-scoring mid-pricers and the standout ruck duo.


MIDFIELD

Patrick Cripps (Carlton) $648,200 568 points

Lachie Neale (Brisbane Lions) $607,300 584 points

Dom Sheed $394,100 (West Coast) 420 points

Tom Liberatore (Western Bulldogs) $300,400 459 points

Tom Rockliff (Port Adelaide) $405,900 430 points

Jack Bowes (Gold Coast) $348,100 424 points

Sam Walsh (Carlton) $207,300 386 points

Charlie Constable (Geelong) $123,900 328 points

Tom Atkins (Geelong) $112,900 213 points

Bailey Scott (North Melbourne) $117,300 175 points

Sydney Stack (Richmond) $102,400 148 points

You would have been laughed out of your league if you’d thought seriously about starting this many mid-priced on-ballers. The obvious question mark is how sustainable their scoring will be, but at the very least Dom Sheed, Tom Rockliff, Tom Liberatore and Jack Bowes will provide quick stepping stones to proven picks. Sam Walsh and Charlie Constable are far and away the top midfield rookies with strong job security, while Lachie Neale and Patrick Cripps are jostling for the mantle of the No. 1 SuperCoach scorer.

RUCK

Brodie Grundy (Collingwood) $708,200 510 points

Max Gawn (Melbourne) $692,100 442

Patrick Bines (West Coast) $102,400 0

They were called the ‘set and forget’ combination for a reason and while Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy had those who spent big worried in Round 1, they have rebounded spectacularly. They are averaging a combined 228 points per week, with Ben McEvoy (102) and Shane Mumford (101) the only other ruckmen in triple figures. Those who traded Gawn or Grundy after their slow starts will still be kicking themselves. Bines makes the cut for his loophole ability and Fwd-Ruc swing.



FORWARDS

Travis Boak (Port Adelaide) $478,000 512 points

Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong) $660,500 445 points

Jeremy Cameron (GWS) $441,100 423 points

Caleb Daniel (Western Bulldogs) $418,500 413 points

James Worpel (Hawthorn) $395,700 374 points

Darcy Moore (Collingwood) $239,400 314 points

Willem Drew (Port Adelaide) $123,900 290

Matt Parker (St Kilda) $117,300 255

Many coaches flirted with the idea of spending more money to dodge this year’s forward rookies and that plan has proven a masterstroke. If you have somehow got Darcy Moore sitting at F6, then you have dodged the carnage and low scores thousands of other coaches are dealing with weekly. Caleb Daniel has been one of the breakout players of the opening four rounds in a halfback role, while Travis Boak and Patrick Dangerfield appear safe bets to finish 1-2 in the forward points rankings. Boak was arguably the starting pick of the year, drastically undervalued with a four-round average of 128.

Bank: $14,500

Total points: 9,343 (equivalent of third overall without naming a C in any round)

 

[Professor]

a bit late

The Phantom’s Final Word: Round 5 captain analysis, on-field rookies and Reilly O’Brien, the next big SuperCoach cash cow

The Phantom, The Advertiser

April 18, 2019 3:18pm

Subscriber only

The Phantom’s Round 4 ReviewNumbers reveal Sheed’s role changeWesthoff’s SuperCoach downfallRound 5 Trade Guide

As the start of Round 5 nears, The Phantom delivers the final SuperCoach word on the best captain options, on-field rookies, Reilly O’Brien and more.

Find out if your SuperCoach team is in your state’s Top 50 ‘Battle of the Postcodes’ ladder

BANK ROB

With the news of Sam Jacobs’ knee surgery and extended stint on the sidelines, Adelaide’s second ruckman Reilly O’Brien has shot to SuperCoach relevancy as a money-making R3.

After scores of 85 and 84 in the past two weeks, the 23-year-old is facing a break-even of -89, the second-lowest in the competition.

Earlier in the week, the expectation was Jacobs would return for the clash with the Suns, sending O’Brien back to the SANFL.

Reilly O'Brien, left, with teammates Jake Kelly and Alex Keath at Crows training.

But with Jacobs to miss up to six weeks – and maybe more – O’Brien’s price is set to skyrocket while he leads the ruck for the Crows.

His job security is much stronger than any other rookie-price options on the bubble – Richmond’s Sydney Stack included – and, from what we’ve seen so far, so is his scoring potential.

In what appears to be a popular move within the SuperCoach community, The Phantom is looking to trade Carlton’s Will Setterfield, who miss two weeks through suspension, to O’Brien via Patrick Bines and his dual-position status.

The plan is to then downgrade O’Brien, who, if he maintains his average, will be worth in excess of $300k in a month’s time, to a rookie-price forward, when one pops up, and reinstate Bines as a non-playing R3 loophole.

For what it’s worth, out of the other rookie-price players to have played two games, with defender Jayden Short out for an extended period, The Phantom believes the job security of Stack is much stronger than that of Demon Marty Hore and Eagle Josh Rotham.

The latter were both late inclusions last week and, despite an impressive 86-point performance against the Swans, Hore will be sweating on the return of veteran Jordan Lewis and small-defender Neville Jetta.

CAPTAINSTHE BEST OPTIONS

Brodie Grundy (Coll)

Thursday night v Brisbane

It’s hard to avoid Grundy as VC in the first game of the round. The Collingwood big man, coming off a 160-point performance in Round 4, has posted scores of 121, 110 and 120 in his past three matches against the Lions.

Lachie Neale (Bris)

Thursday night v Collingwood

The only reason you would overlook Grundy as your VC is this guy. Neale is the top-ranked scorer in the competition after starting the year with scores of 127, 140, 177 and 140. And in his last meeting with the Magpies in Round 23 last year, the former Docker tallied 34 disposals and 140 points. You’d take another 140 on Thursday night.

L achie Whitfield (GWS)

Saturday v Fremantle

The former No. 1 draft pick is in blistering form, scoring 152 and 137 in the past two weeks to sit as the third-ranked scorer in game after Round 4. In the Derby last week, the Dockers gave up SuperCoach tons to three Eagle midfielders, Andrew Gaff, Jack Redden and Elliot Yeo, who all tallied more than 30 disposals. More of a VC option if you don’t have Grundy.

Max Gawn leads the way at Melbourne training ahead of its clash with the Saints.

Max Gawn (Melb)

Saturday v St Kilda

In Round 15 last year, Gawn finished with 25 disposals, 11 marks and a game-high 145 points against the Saints. Expect the Melbourne big man, who has posted three consecutive scores of 113 or more, to be far too good for the St Kilda ruck brigade.

Jake Lloyd (Syd)

Saturday night v Richmond

In his last six matches under the roof at Marvel Stadium, the playmaking Sydney defender has recorded scores of 130, 131, 118, 96, 136 and 106. And the 136-point performance, on the back 34 disposals – at 85 per cent efficiency – and eight marks was against the Tigers in the corresponding fixture last season.

Jack Macrae (WB)

Sunday v Carlton

The Bulldogs ball-magnet has to feature here every week, regardless of who he’s playing. Again, with a 125-point average in his past three matches against the Blues, he’s a great Sunday captain option.

Patrick Cripps (Carl)

Sunday v Western Bulldogs

With scores of 157 and 169, no player in the game has recorded more points than Cripps in the past two weeks. And, in his last two meetings with the Bulldogs, the star midfielder has finished with 106 and 143. Hard to look past.

Patrick Dangerfield (Geel)

Monday v Hawthorn

But then again, with Dangerfield taking on the Hawks on Easter Monday – a side he’s scored 160, 130 and 141 against in the past three meetings – maybe it’s worth looking past Cripps.

THE SMOKIES

Zach Merrett (Ess)

Friday v North Melbourne

After 67 points in Round 1, the Bomber midfielder has found form in a big way, posting 155 points, on the back of 35 disposals and 15 contested possessions, against the Lions last week. Merrett would be a very left-field VC selection Friday afternoon, given the other options in Round 4, but he’s scored 118, 98 and 130 in the past three matches against North Melbourne.

Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli is still flying under the SuperCoach radar.

Marcus Bontempelli (WB)

Sunday v Carlton

If you’re behind in a league match or just wanted something a little different, considered Macrae’s team-mate, Bontempelli, if you have him. The 23-year-old sits just two points behind Macrae for total points after scoring 124 points or more in three of the opening four rounds. And his 130-point three-match average against this week’s opponent is the third-highest in the competition.

THE PHANTOM’S CALL

There’s plenty of great options this week but it has to be Brodie Grundy as VC against the Lions. As hard as it is to look past Patrick Cripps, I think I will go with Patrick Dangerfield as Con Monday, if Grundy scores less than 130.

BY THE NUMBERSSuperCoach Captains Round 5 — By The NumbersON-FIELD ROOKIESDEFENCE

1. Sam Collins

2. Xavier Duursma

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3. Jack Scrimshaw

4. Jordan Clark

5. Connor Rozee

MIDFIELD

1. Sam Walsh

2. Charlie Constable

3. Tom Atkins

4. Sydney Stack

5. Zak Butters

I’d consider playing Bailey Scott ahead of Sydney Stack and Zak Butters if he’s recalled by Kangaroos coach Brad Scott.

Geelong’s Gryan Miers has been outstanding in his debut season.FORWARD

1. Willem Drew

2. Gryan Miers

3. Matthew Parker

4. Jack Petruccelle

5. Chris Burgess

To say we’re stretching for rookie-price forwards is an understatement. If Parker overcomes an injury concern, start him over Petruccelle, despite the 32-point performance last week. If you own him and you’re able to, swing Rozee forward to help out.

Originally published as Captains, rookies and banking on ROB

 

[stevedwards]

The SuperCoach team you should have picked from the start: Lachie Neale, Travis Boak, Tom Stewart and more undervalued guns...
Total points: 9,343 (equivalent of third overall without naming a C in any round)

I know its not a competition buuuuuuut the optimal ghost team after 4 rounds almost gets a 1000 points more than the "perfect team" written in the HS article, 10,239 points, and is way more interesting. Scott Lycett emergency, Reilly O'Brien, Jack Ross, Marty Hore, and Liam Baker on field. Just saying...

 

[Professor]

SuperCoach Rage Trades: Who needs to be punted after Round 5

Paul Dunn, Herald Sun

April 21, 2019 9:38am

Subscriber only

It’s a long weekend of footy and we have a very short turnaround at the conclusion of it, so we need to be thinking now about which trades we want to make this week.

We are starting to see some of our rookies get rests and a few of our stars that had slow starts have started to get going. But there are always going to be some players we wish we had in our sides and some players that we wish didn’t.

LATE MAIL: SUPERCOACH INJURY NEWS AND ANALYSIS

PLANNING: HOW TO SURVIVE THIS WEEK’S FIXTURE HELL

THE TACKLE: ROOS ON BRINK OF ‘FULL-BLOWN CRISIS’

Here is the look at this week’s heroes and villains.

BOOT HIM

STEFAN MARTIN (RUCK)

Martin struggled against Brodie Grundy and while Grundy didn’t score that well, neither did Stef and he doesn’t have the runs on the board like Grundy. This is now three of five under 100 for him, which is a big issue if you picked him as a point of difference in the ruck. If you can find the cash to get him to either Grundy or Gawn then it would be the move to make.

DOM SHEED (MID)

The great Sheed experiment appears to be over as he has had yet another low score since the return of Gaff. This is his second score in the 60s and that sees his price drop and his BE rise which is enough to look for alternatives to him.

ROBBIE GRAY (MID/FWD)

Gray was the lowest scorer for the Power this week and he had just 14 touches and 45 points, and didn’t kick a goal. He is still playing that forward role with very limited time in the midfield and his isn’t the role we were hoping for. Time to move him on.

Dom Sheed’s form has dropped off.Callum Mills is playing mainly in defence. Picture. Phil Hillyard

TOM J LYNCH (FWD)

Lynch’s much publicised move to Richmond may have delivered goals but one thing it isn’t delivering is SuperCoach points. He has just one score over 70 for the season and a return of 44 points this week means we can’t carry him in our teams. Averaging just under nine possessions a game means he must kick goals to score points, something he didn’t do on Saturday night.

CALLUM MILLS (DEF)

Just the one score over 80 this season for Mills as he put in another low score this week. He is not getting the midfield time we all hoped he would and his scoring is suffering because of it. If you started with him then it is time to look at what other options you have and trade him out.

TOBY NANKERVIS (RUC)

Apart from the first round Toby hasn’t had a great start to the season. Many saw him as a cheaper option in the ruck but he hasn’t been over 90 since round 1 and this most recent score of 52 leaves him a long way behind the other big name ruckmen. Unfortunately the experiment hasn’t worked and you need to trade him.

Toby McLean’s days as a premium SuperCoach forward are over. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images.

TOBY MCLEAN (FWD-MID)

McLean had a great start to the season with two 90s in the first two weeks but since then he hasn’t been able to fire with a 49, 71 and now a 67. His value is dropping and if you are still holding him he is a liability to your forward line at the moment. Move him out.

WAYNE MILERA (DEF)

Milera has suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder which will mean an extended stint on the sidelines. Given he will be out for a long time you will need to cash him in. Thankfully he won’t be too much different from his starting price.

BUY HIM

ADAM TRELOAR (MID)

We were worried about the impact that Taylor Adams was having on him but he shrugged that off and dominated this game with 35 touches and a massive 150 points. He is a guy that can put on points quickly and when he does you want him in your team.

Zach Merrett is in red-hot form ahead of Essendon’s Anzac Day meeting with Collingwood. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images.

ZACH MERRETT (MID)

We said to jump on him last week and this was just another reason to get him in! Another 39 touches for him but he also put on nine tackles. He was under an injury cloud in the pre-season, but he has certainly put that behind him.

View image on Twitter

SuperCoach AFL@Supercoach

Who traded Zach Merrett out after Round 1? Since then:

108
120
155
137

Full scores: http://bit.ly/2VVLET5 #supercoach #DonTheSash

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DYLAN SHIEL (MID)

Shiel has slotted into that midfield nicely. This was his best return (120 points) but importantly it was his fourth over 100 out of the five games in a team that hasn’t had the best start to the season. He is in only 7 per cent of teams and would be a handy unique.

SHANNON HURN (DEF)

Hurn appears here again this week as he posts another 100-plus score. He is in just under 10 per cent of sides but he should be in more. He is definitely benefiting from the new kick in rules as he plays on from fullback more often than not. Don’t discount him in your upgrading plans.

Michael Walters has made a great start to the season.

MICHAEL WALTERS (FWD/MID)

Walters has put his hand up yet again. This was his best score of the season and second over 120. We have all learnt in previous seasons not to trust him, but the scores just don’t lie to us and he is getting the job done. We may just have to give him another chance.

BRODIE SMITH (DEF)

With Milera out with a dislocated shoulder this could see him pick up some extra points. He has already been great in the last two weeks with 100+ scores but this could now see him become even more valuable to that Crows half back running brigade. He had already risen $50k but he will continue to rise with scores like this going forward.

Jackson Hately scored well on debut, but wait another week before trading him in.WATCH FOR ANOTHER WEEK

These guys aren’t buys or boots just yet but they are players that we should just keep a close eye on.

STEELE SIDEBOTTOM (MID)

Steele dropped back to his second score in the mid-60s this season after two good ones. This is a concern for his owners. He does love Anzac Day so don’t go dropping him just yet but the signs aren’t looking good at the moment.

ANGUS BRAYSHAW (MID)

This is now three scores in the 80s for Brayshaw which isn’t what we signed up for from him. He fell in price this week and is now close to his starting value again. So we haven’t lost anything yet except for a few points. But we do need him to turn things around quickly.

JACKSON HATELY (MID)

Hately was great in his first game for the Giants, scoring a 95 points from 22 touches (10 contested). Wait another week if you can as we always recommend getting a second score from a new rookie before we jump on.

TOP SCORERS OF THE ROUND

A look at the top 5 scorers for the week. How many did you have in your side?

1. Harry McKay 153

2. Adam Treloar 150

3. Michael Walters 139

4. Zach Merrett 137

5. Sam Petrevski-Seton 136

CAPTAINS SCORECARD

Here we grade the players that would have been in consideration for your captain role this week. So this isn’t necessarily the highest scorers of the round, but those who are in contention for the top job.

A++: Adam Treloar 150

A+: Zach Merrett 137, Max Gawn 126, Nat Fyfe 110, Patrick Cripps 110

A: Stephen Coniglio 104, Brodie Grundy 100

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B: Andrew Gaff 97, Jack Macrae 97, Lachie Neale 91, Tom Rockliff 90, Lachie Whitfield 86.

F: Dom Sheed 66

Adam Treloar was the top captain pick of Round 5 with 150 points. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images.ROOKIE WATCH

Rookies that may have reached their peak.

Matthew Parker (FWD)

R5 BE 46 and scored 51

Luke Davies-Uniacke (MID)

R5 BE 53 and scored 60

Chris Burgess (DEF-FWD)

R5 BE 27 and scored 24

Rookies on the bubble:

Jack Ross ($117,300 MID) — scores of 87 and 57

Liam Baker ($162,100 FWD) — scores of 91 and 87

Shai Bolton ($146,600 FWD) — scores of 75 and 58

START HIM

Sam Walsh 112, Willem Drew 105, Michael Gibbons 104, Jack Pettrucelle 100, Marty Hore 96, Jackson Hately 95, Rielly O’Brien 90, Liam Baker 87, Sydney Stack 80, Darcy Moore 79, Zak Butters 74, Will Hayes 70, Bailey Smith 70, Callum Wilkie 66, Connor Rozee 65, Xavier Duursma 64, Luke Davies-Uniacke 60, Jack Ross 57, Jordan Ridley 55, Matthew Parker 51

SIT HIM

Noah Balta 49, James Rowbottom 46, Sam Collins 45, Lachie Young 42, Bailey Scott 41, Eric Himmelberg 34, Corey Wagner 33, Chris Burgess 24

 

[Professor]

AFL injury list Round 5: Jarryn Geary has surgery, Daniel Wells pushes case for recall, Blues face tough Charlie Curnow call

Jay Clark, Mark Robinson and Glenn McFarlane, Herald Sun

6 minutes ago

Subscriber only

St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary faces more than a month out of the game after surgery overnight to release pressure in his leg.

He suffered the heavy knock in a bone-rattling collision with Melbourne’s Jayden Hunt in Saturday’s 40-point win at the MCG.

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Hunt was charging towards goal in the third quarter when Geary left his man and cannoned into the Demons speedster, forcing a rushed behind.

Geary felt fine immediately after the game, but reported to St Kilda doctors later in the night that he was suffering severe pain from bleeding in the muscle in his leg.

He was taken to hospital where doctors elected to operate to relieve the pressure.

SCROLL DOWN FOR LATEST INJURY NEWS FROM EVERY CLUB

The emergency operation for the warrrior-type backman was done to avoid possible onset of compartment syndrome.

Compartment syndrome is a condition in which increased pressure within one of the body’s anatomical compartments results in insufficient blood supply to tissue.

Mark Robinson

✔@Robbo_heraldsun

Jarryn Geary could miss up to five weeks after a corkie was sliced open in hospital on Saturday night. Corkie happened in the third quarter and he played out the game. #toughbastard @superfooty

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11:01 AM - Apr 21, 2019

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AFL.com.au

✔@AFLcomau

St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary underwent surgery overnight after receiving a corked thigh in this passage of play: http://afl.to/2VhChA1

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St Kilda coach Alan Richardson said Geary would spend most of the week in hospital after being “sliced open”.

“Unfortunately, he has ended up in hospital ... a lot of pressure from the leg so they have had to slice him open just to relieve the pressure,’’ Richardson said on the Sunday Footy Show.

“He’s probably going to be in hospital for a week and he won’t play for a while.”

Richardson praised Geary’s act as an inspiration for his teammates.

“That was going to be a certain goal to the Demons,’’ Richardson said.

“Gears, as we want to do, has left his man and just made body contact.

“That’s Geary. He’s an inspirational leader. His teammates love him, we all love him.

“He continues to put his body on the line for his football club and his teammates.”

Inspirational St Kilda skipper Jarryn Geary.

Meanwhile, forgotten Magpie Daniel Wells is pushing his case for a senior recall in the coming weeks after another strong performance in Collingwood’s VFL loss to the Northern Blues on Saturday.

Wells kicked two goals in the Magpies’ three-point loss, as well as setting up a number of scoring assists, including a late goal to Tim Broomhead.

Wells was named in the Collingwood best players, as was Rupert Wills and Ben Reid, who kicked a goal.

Daniel Wells is injury free and pushing his case for a recall to the Pies’ senior team. Picture: AAP

The former Kangaroos hasn’t played a senior AFL game since Queen’s Birthday last year when he suffered a Lisfranc injury in his left foot.

Yesterday was his second game back in the VFL this year.

Nathan Buckley might need the 34-year-old to put together a longer stretch of VFL games before he is recalled.

Buckley would be loathe to make many changes to the side that thrashed Brisbane last Thursday night.

James Aish will be monitored this week after being ruled out with concussion during the Lions’ game.

See every club’s injuries and analysis below.

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES

James Aish (concussion) test

Chris Mayne (bruising) TBC

Lynden Dunn (knee) indefinite

Will Hoskin-Elliott (knee) TBC

Will Kelly (ankle) TBC

Nathan Murphy (ankle) TBC

Matt Scharenberg (knee) 5-6 weeks

BRISBANE LIONS

You didn’t have to be in the Lions’ rooms on Thursday night to get a gauge on how unhappy the players were with how their rare blockbuster match against Collingwood panned out, all you needed was an Instagram or Twitter account. Several players took the unusual step of apologising for the performance.

Brisbane had a full house at the Gabba and they fluffed it. They will now be determined for redemption in the Q Clash against the Suns but are likely to have to do it without Harris Andrews and Rhys Mathieson who suffered hamstring injuries.

Scans won’t be done until Monday but they are long odds to play. Chris Fagan wants to drop players also to send a message but may have his hands tied with two forced changes. Brisbane won in the NEAFL and there were plenty of AFL listed players among the big ball winners so there are players knocking on the door.

— Andrew Hamilton

Jon Ralph

✔@RalphyHeraldSun

Can cop a beating and bounce back. For the Lions to lose Harris Andrews just a huge blow. There is a chance Marcus Adams might need another arthroscope on his knee after earlier surgery. Pulled up sore after ramping up his training

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INJURIES

Marcus Adams (knee) 1-2

Brandon Starcevich (hamstring) 3-4

Zac Bailey (hamstring) 3-4

Harris Andrews (hamstring) scan

Rhys Mathieson (hamstring) scan

Devon Smith is set to return to Essendon’s side on Anzac Day. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith.

ESSENDON

If there was still any lingering doubt, there isn’t now. The Bombers are back and building momentum heading into what shapes as one of the biggest Anzac Day clashes in recent years against Collingwood.

Essendon heads into the clash on the back of a 58-point thumping of North Melbourne, a third win on the trot after taking down Brisbane (47 points) and Melbourne (18 points) the previous two weeks.

Bombers coach John Worsfold said post-game on Friday that he was “really confident” midfielder David Zaharakis would return to take on the Magpies, despite failing a late fitness test on Friday morning following an infected cut on his knee which disrupted his training during the week.

Fellow onballer Devon Smith is also set to return after being managed and missing the clash with the Kangaroos.

And key forward Joe Daniher got through his first AFL game in 349 days against the Kangaroos in a positive sign, kicking two goals.

— Chris Cavanagh

INJURIES

Devon Smith (knee), test

David Zaharakis (knee) test

Shaun McKernan (hamstring) 6-7 weeks

Kobe Mutch (hamstring) 10-12 weeks

James Stewart (groin) 1-2 weeks

 

[Professor]

FREMANTLE

Is it time to start taking the Dockers seriously as a finals contender?

Fremantle sits third with three wins, its two defeats were by a total of 15 points, and this was by far the Dockers’ biggest scalp. With games against the Bulldogs (home) and Crows (away) to come, they are unlikely to drop out of the eight any time soon.

They will have something extra to play for next weekend, too, with David Mundy set to run out for game 300, becoming just the second Docker to crack the milestone after Matthew Pavlich.

The one likely change for that game is the return of Cam McCarthy, who pulled out yesterday with illness.

Hayden Ballantyne kicked one goal from six kicks in the WAFL in his return from injury, while Lachie Shultz whent goalless in Peel Thunder’s 12-point win against East Fremantle after being dropped. The standout was Bailey Banfield (31 disposals, two goals) while Brett Bewley gave hope to SuperCoach players with 29 touches with Tom North continues to push his case with 27.

- Al Paton

INJURIES

Cam McCarthy (ill) TBC

Brennan Cox (left) TBC

Harley Bennell (calf) TBC

Connor Blakely (hamstring) 1 week

Hugh Dixon (plantaris tendon) test

Stephen Hill (quad) 6 weeks

Shane Kersten (foot) TBC

Griffin Logue (hamstring) 1 week

Aaron Sandilands (calf) TBC

Phil Davis is helped off the ground.Brandon Matera celebrates the Dockers’ upset win.

GWS GIANTS

The Giants’ yo-yo season continued, backing up a huge upset in Geelong with a flat performance on their home “fortress” in Canberra. The loss was compounded by a late ankle injury to Phil Davis, who limped off after landing horribly in a marking contest.

Coach Leon Cameron was confident his co-captain be available to play against Sydney next Saturday: “We think it’s only a rolled ankle, we’ll see how it goes. We’ll find out in the next 48 hours.”

Cameron defended his decision to send master tagger Matt De Boer to Bradley Hill, letting Nat Fyfe off the leash.

“I thought De Boer did a really good job on Hill and you can’t tag them all ... sometimes you win some of those, sometimes you lose some of those but I don’t think that match-up was the difference.”

Who will De Boer target against the Swans? Isaac Heeney might be in the gun.

One major positive was first-gamer Jackson Hateley who had 22 disposals — put him on the SuperCoach watch list for game two. Academy graduate Zach Sproule was the standout in the Giants’ NEAFL win against Gold Coast with five goals.

- Al Paton

INJURIES

Phil Davis (ankle) TBC

Brett Deledio (calf) TBC

Toby Greene (calf) 1 week

Zac Langdon (foot) 1-2 weeks

Jonathon Patton (knee) TBC

Harry Perryman (lung) TBC

Tommy Sheridan (calf) 2-3 weeks

Callan Ward (knee) season

Top draftee Tarryn Thomas is in line to be recalled by North Melbourne. Picture: AAP Image/Hamish Blair.

NORTH MELBOURNE

Tarryn Thomas is likely to return for the Kangaroos’ Friday night clash with Port Adelaide, as coach Brad Scott expressed his intention of putting more time into the club’s next generation of players.

Thomas was rested for the Good Friday clash with Essendon, but his energy and spark could assist the club against the Power.

The Kangaroos could also consider Nathan Hrovat after his 28 disposal performance for the VFL side in their loss to the Bombers on Saturday, continuing his rich vein of form in the state league.

The club will regain Luke McDonald from suspension for Friday night’s trip to the Adelaide Oval.

Paul Ahern, who has been back for two weeks, could only muster nine disposals against Essendon, and will be under pressure to keep his spot.

Bailey Scott had only 11 disposals in the Good Friday game. The club will have to balance the need to make changes to a side that was not competitive this week, with the desire to keep getting more game time into its kids.

— Glenn McFarlane

INJURIES

Majak Daw (pelvis/hip) indefinite

Sam Durdin (finger) test

Ben Jacobs (head/neck) indefinite

Tom McKenzie (back) test

Tom Murphy (ankle) TBC

Ed Vickers-Willis (knee) season

Will Walker (PCL) indefinite

Marley Williams (ankle) test

Tristan Xerri (osteitis pubis) test

 

[Professor]

PORT ADELAIDE

After stunning the AFL premiers — and ending their long-running torment at the hands of West Coast — Port Adelaide has proven its new game plan and the manic “dirty footy” its players have adopted can stand up to any big-time rival.

At 3-2, the Power is well placed to start making a move to cement a spot in the top eight.

But the subdued tone of coach Ken Hinkley tells a story at Alberton. He — along with many others — have tired of the Power winning the improbable and then slipping up against lowly ranked rivals in matches Port Adelaide is expected to win. And that is the script this week in the Anzac Round. Port Adelaide plays lowly-ranked North Melbourne (1-4) at Adelaide Oval on Friday night when it will start as favourite and be expected to win.

Midfielder Sam Powell-Pepper did not finish the game against the Eagles after taking a knock to a calf. He is expected to be available for selection against the Kangaroos.

It will be difficult for Hinkley to change his 22 to make way for Geelong recruit Steven Motlop who was dropped from the West Coast line-up. Certainly there is no reason to dismiss any of the four first-year players — Connor Rozee, Willem Drew, Xavier Duursma and Zac Butters — who are giving new energy to the Port Adelaide game.

So it should be “unchanged” at selection — but Hinkley is hoping for a change in the script that has Port Adelaide stumble in the games it is expected to win.

— Michelangelo Rucci

INJURIES

Hamish Hartlett (hamstring) TBC

Karl Amon (knee) 1 week

Sam Hayes (knee) 3-5 weeks

Charlie Dixon (leg) TBC

Jack Watts (leg) Season

Jake Patmore (knee) season

RICHMOND

Richmond is in for a four-day weekend, though not the kind many across are enjoying across Australia this week.

There’ll be no chocolate eggs or camping trips away with mates - these Tigers mean business and recovery will be the strict agenda over the next few days with the beach, sleep and nutrition set to be key pillars.

One who staked his claim on Saturday at Punt Rd is forward Jack Riewoldt, who coach Damien Hardwick says is “highly likely” to return against the Demons on Wednesday night, but who makes way?

Until three-quarter time, you’d have said perhaps it was time to give Noah Balta a rest, but then he turned on that final term. Wouldn’t think it will be a case of any player being dropped due to performance after that showing, with the fleet of Shai Bolton, Jason Castagna and Kane Lambert all delivering, so it will be more about match-ups and who could do with a break.

“We’ve dealt with shorter breaks before and we’ve always played really well, so it’s a positive mindset from us,” Hardwick said.

“We’re really looking forward to the challenge. The Demons will come hard and they’ll be disappointed with their result today. We understand what a proud club they are, but I’m really confident our boys will come too and play the brand of footy Richmond people want to see, so we look forward to that challenge.”

Skipper Trent Cotchin remains another week away with that hamstring, while Richmond’s VFL team has a bye this week.

INJURIES

Oleg Markov (knee) 6-8 weeks

Shaun Grigg (knee) indefinite

Alex Rance (knee) season? Although after this week’s news, maybe sooner

Jack Riewoldt (wrist) test

Trent Cotchin (hamstring) 1 week

Jayden Short (elbow) 6-8 weeks

Jack Riewoldt is ready to return against Melbourne on Anzac Eve.

SYDNEY

Sydney coach John Longmire is still holding hope his side can turn around its fortunes and its season, as they have done so before.

The Swans came back from a 0-6 start to play finals in 2017, but that was with a different side than Longmire has now.

Sydney finds itself 1-4, its only win having come over a struggling Carlton.

And the immediate outlook does not look great, a clash with Greater Western Sydney next up.

The Swans’ inability to score remains their biggest problem.

It still appears to be Buddy Franklin or bust when it comes to avenues to goal.

Sydney kicked 10 goals against Richmond on Saturday night – four came from Franklin, with Isaac Heeney (two goals) the only other multiple goalkicker.

The Swans have kicked 12 or more goals in just three of 15 games dating back to Round 14 last year and hold a 5-10 record from those matches.

There are plenty of concerns, and plenty of challenges, facing Longmire and his coaching team.

It’s hard to see a 2017-style turnaround coming this year.

INJURIES

Jarrad McVeigh (quad) 5-7 weeks

Will Hayward (jaw) 3-5 weeks

Heath Grundy (back) 1-2 weeks

Jack Maibaum (knee) season

Daniel Menzel (groin) 1 week

Sam Naismith (knee) TBC

Nick Smith (hamstring) TBC

Durak Tucker (knee) indefinite

WEST COAST

Adam Simpson was as stunned as the rest of us at what happened at Optus Stadium on Friday night. “Where do I start really in terms of what we need to work on?,” he said.

Being “out-hunted” from the opening minutes and smashed 71-38 in the inside-50 count would be two places to start.

The Eagles just had a shocker — well into the third quarter they had just two goals on the board — with a breakout game from Jack Petruccelle the only positive.

“We’ve just come off winning three in a row, we’re 3-2, so we’re not in dire straits, but we’ve got some work to do, obviously,” Simpson said.

The loss knocked the Eagles out of the eight and with arguably the toughest road trip in footy to come — a trip to Geelong to face the Cats next Sunday. After that the draw gets a bit easier, at least on paper (but what’s that worth this season?) with fixtures against Gold Coast and St Kilda.

At least they got through the Port game without any injuries.

Young forwards Jarrod Brander (23 disposals, two goals) and Matthew Allen (21 disposals, eight marks) in the WAFL.

- Al Paton

INJURIES

Nic Naitanui (knee (indefinite)

Willie Rioli (foot) 5 weeks

Francis Watson (personal) TBC

Alex Neal-Bullen has been on the fringes of Melbourne’s team. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos.

MELBOURNE

The Dees’ season is on the line after a dreadful display on the hallowed MCG turf against St Kilda.

Melbourne were thoroughly outplayed by the Saints — who many pundits tipped to finish bottom four — with its leaky defence proving to be an issue yet again.

A must-win game awaits them in their blockbuster ANZAC Day eve clash off just a four day break.

They will be hoping to defy coach Simon Goodwin’s comments that they are “easy to play against”, and that man appears likely to swing the axe at selection.

Many Dees will be nervous, with several players in the gun.

Tom McDonald continued his poor start to the season and has booted just two goals in five games. A move back to defence might help his form and sure up the Demons’ back six.

Veteran Jordan Lewis didn’t look 100 per cent in his return from injury managing just 13 touches, and may be rested following the quick turnaround.

Corey Wagner — the Demons’ first selection via the pre-season supplemental period – won a lowly six disposals to go with six tackles, while forwards Charlie Spargo (11 disposals), Jayden Hunt (13) and Sam Weideman (12) will be others in the firing line.

Making matters worse, Casey were beaten by a team of 18-year-olds on Saturday.

Admittedly, a talented bunch of them.

The AFL Academy side were a class above Casey, but a number of Dees players were on reduced minutes ahead of Wednesday night.

Jeff Garlett, Tim Smith, Billy Stretch and Declan Keilty were managed in Casey’s 23-point-loss, with all a chance to come in.

Garlett looms as the most likely to make way for one of the out-of-form small forwards following a strong showing on Saturday and last weekend.

Omitted forward Alex Neal-Bullen may also be in line for a return despite playing out the full game on Saturday.

Recruit Steven May is still at least a fortnight away, while fellow defender Jake Lever may not be sighted until the backhalf of the year.

— Dan Batten

INJURIES

Jay Lockhart (back) test

Kade Kolodjashnij (injury) test

Steven May (groin) 2-3 weeks

Aaron vandenBerg (ankle) 3-4 weeks

Joel Smith (groin) 5 weeks

Mitch Hannan (knee) 5 weeks

Jay Kennedy-Harris (leg) 9 weeks

Guy Walker (shoulder) indefinite

 

[Professor]

ST KILDA

Captain Jarryn Geary’s weekend surgery could pave the way for axed midfielder Hunter Clark to earn an immediate reprieve for Saturday’s clash against Adelaide.

Clark lined up in in the VFL on Sunday and showed he was a class above in Sandringham’s 24-point victory over Williamstown at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

He was the Zebras leading possession winner with an equal game-high 28 touches and completed his day with a neat running goal in the final term.

Clark was omitted after the Round 4 win over Hawthorn, but Geary’s operation on a corked thigh could open the door for the No.7 pick from the 2017 draft to be recalled for this weekend’s clash at Marvel Stadium.

Sandringham coach Aaron Hamill said Clark was “very influential” in the 14.8 (92) to 9.14 (68) victory.

“I thought some of his inside stuff was outstanding as an inside mid and his transition was really evident pre and post stoppage,” Hamill said.

“Clearly there’ll be (selection) discussion around Hunter and a number of players.”

Mature-age draft pick Nick Hind kept himself in contention for an AFL debut with another 20-disposal effort off half-back after amassing 41 touches in Round 2.

Hind, 24, was playing for East Point in the Ballarat Football League as recently as August 2016 but could be on the verge of a call up.

“I thought he got a good balance about when to attack, when to defend,” Hamill said.

“His working really well for us at the moment and he’ll press for selection as a number of the boys will.”

Brandon White also stood tall in defence with 26 touches and seven marks.

“Some of his intercept work was very good and he’s building nicely for us,” Hamill said.

“He’s had a really good block and he’s going about it the right way.”

- Toby Prime

INJURIES

Jarryn Geary (leg) 4-6 weeks

Jack Bytel (back) season

Jake Carlisle (back) indefinite

Oscar Clavarino (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Dan Hannebery (hamstring/calf) indefinite

Max King (knee) 4-5 weeks

Paddy McCartin (concussion) TBC

Daniel McKenzie (concussion) test

Lewis Pierce (concussion) test

Dylan Roberton (heart) season

Logan Austin (shoulder) indefinite

Ben Long (corked thigh) test

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Chris Burgess could face the axe after two quiet weeks for Gold Coast. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images.

GOLD COAST

The Suns travelled to Adelaide full of confidence after a 3-1 start to the season but were comprehensively beaten by a vulnerable Crows side.

Gold Coast started strongly in a scrappy opening quarter but were outplayed from there, conceding 17 goals to six for the rest of the match.

The game had shades of the Suns that we have become accustomed to — allowing the Crows easy possessions on the outside and out of defence. Admittedly, it is a young Suns side and you can’t expect promising performances every week, but Gold Coast would have been hoping for a better result.

On the selection front, Chris Burgess is the most likely Sun to be dumped for the Q-Clash after winning just two disposals for the match. The mature-age swingman is running out of chances, after finishing with six touches in Round 4. Jesse Joyce (12 touches) and Jack Lukosius (10 and a goal) may be pushed out but the Suns appear likely to persist with the pair - particularly the latter.

In the twos, Aaron Young put his hand up for a recall collecting 38 touches and booting a goal in a dominant display. Veteran Michael Rischitelli was named among the best players in the NEAFL Suns’ 38-point loss to GWS, along with young midfielders Brad Scheer and Josh Schoenfeld.

After conceding nine goals to small forwards against Adelaide, the Suns may opt for a mature body in Rischetelli in defence. Forward Josh Corbett – signed to the club via the special assistance provided by the AFL commission – has played two NEAFL games after returning from injury and may also come into calculations, along with the young talent Callum Ah Chee.

Will Powell (concussion) could also be recalled after spending a week on the sidelines.

- Dan Batten

INJURIES

Will Powell (concussion) TBC

Sean Lemmens (ankle) 1-2 weeks

Brayden Crossley (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

Izak Rankine (hamstring) 2-3 weeks

Lachie Weller (hamstring) 3-4 weeks

Corey Ellis (ankle) 3-4 weeks)

Harrison Wigg (knee) season

Rory Thompson (knee) season

Wayne Milera (left) injured his shoulder in Adelaide’s commanding win over Gold Coast. Picture: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images.

ADELAIDE

Adelaide will have to find a replacement for star playmaker Wayne

Milera for Saturday’s clash against high-flying St Kilda in Melbourne.

Milera hurt the AC Joint in his left shoulder just prior to half-time

of the Crows’ commanding 73-point round five win against Gold Coast at

Adelaide Oval and will be sent for scans on Monday.

Coach Don Pyke described the injury as “relatively serious” and

expects speedy midfielder/half-back Milera to miss between four and

six weeks.

Adelaide, which snapped a two-game losing streak by crushing the Suns,

has a lengthy injury list.

Lead ruckman Sam Jacobs, key defender Tom Doedee, wingman Paul

Seedsman, small defender Luke Brown and veteran midfielder Richard

Douglas are currently out of its best side.

Several players shone in the Crows’ SANFL draw with South Adelaide to

put their hands up for AFL selection.

These included midfielders Myles Poholke (30 disposals, eight marks,

five clearances, four goals) and Patrick Wilson (33 disposals, nine

clearances, seven inside 50s) and small forward Tyson Stengle (14

disposals, three goals).

Dumped key forward Josh Jenkins struggled in the windy conditions with

just 11 disposals and no goals.

Speedy small forward Chayce Jones is expected to be available after

missing the Gold Coast match with concussion.

— Andrew Capel

INJURIES

Sam Jacobs (knee) 3-5 weeks

Wayne Milera (AC Joint) TBC

Luke Brown (ankle) 2-3 weeks

Paul Seedsman (knee) 2-5 weeks

Richard Douglas (ankle) 5 weeks

Tom Doedee (knee) season

Chayce Jones (concussion) test

Ned McHenry (concussion) test

Shane McAdam (calf) 1 week

Andrew McPherson (hamstring) test

Will Charlie Curnow come straight back into a winning team at Carlton? Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

CARLTON

Mercurial goalkicker Charlie Curnow should return against Hawthorn. Curnow knocked his knee at training on Thursday and stirred up some bone bruising, although who he replaces is a legitimate question. Late inclusion Levi Casboult bombed through three goals against the Dogs and Jack Silvagni showed glimpses in his first game for the season. Matt Kennedy and Liam Stocker shared 41 disposals in the VFL although weren’t named in the best. Hard to see many changes to a winning line up.

- Sam Landsberger

INJURIES

Will Setterfield Suspension 1 week

Charlie Curnow Knee Test

David Cuningham Bruised kidney Test

Tom De Koning Knee 5-6 weeks

Sam Docherty Knee Indefinite

Jarrod Pickett Knee Indefinite

WESTERN BULLDOGS

It was an untimely bye for Footscray given Luke Beveridge will surely look to make changes after a 44-point loss to Carlton. Does Josh Schache come back in without playing a VFL game? What about Pat Lipinski and Lin Jong? If Jackson Trengove can’t make the trip to Perth to take on Fremantle you have to wonder where the man brought in on about $1.5 million over three years is at. Tim English was better in the ruck against Matthew Kreuzer but the versatile Trengove has more positions than just the ruck.

— Sam Landsberger

INJURIES

Matthew Suckling TBC

Taylor Duryea TBC

Ben Cavarra Ribs 1-2 weeks

Fergus Greene Ankle TBC

Buku Khamis Knee 1 week

Dale Morris Knee Indefinite

Laitham Vandermeer Hamstring 1-2 weeks

 

[Professor]

SuperCoach Round 6 rookie guide: Which young guns are on the price bubble?

Dan Batten, Herald Sun

April 22, 2019 2:28pm

Subscriber only

At the time we are looking to make our first rookie downgrades, the options are few and far between.

Popular starting rookies like Matthew Parker and Chris Burgess appear to have hit the wall while Noah Balta is set to make money for the first time this season, but will barely be worth more than his Round 1 value.

So the hunt is on to find replacement rookies to take their spot on the bench and turbocharge cash generation to fuel our big trade plans.

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We will see latest prices and break evens when Round 5 lockout ends tonight — we already know how much these rookies cost before their prices start to move — but here’s an early look at the best available replacements this week — or next.

A pair of Richmond rookie forwards could tempt some SuperCoaches, while there’s a couple of debutants who impressed and will start rising from Round 7.

One in particular looks a prospect you could even risk trading in after just one game, which is normally a SuperCoach cardinal sin.

Jack Ross will be a popular midfield addition before Round 6.

ROUND 6 BUBBLE BOYS

Jack Ross (Rich) $117,300 MID

Avg: 72 (87, 57)

The youngster who missed out on Vic Metro selection last year is now firmly in SuperCoach calculations. While it wasn’t as fruitful as his debut game, Ross was solid against the Swans with 17 touches and 57 SuperCoach points. Premiership Tiger Jack Graham was dropped for Saturday night’s game, which says a bit about how highly-rated Ross is at Punt Rd. The only concern is Trent Cotchin’s return in the next fortnight, which could limit his price rise to 2-3 games and leave coaches with a bench doughnut if he’s sent back to the VFL. He still remains the No. 1 cash cow ahead of Round 6.

Liam Baker (Rich) $162,100 FWD

Avg: 89 (97, 87)

Liam who? Many footy fans wouldn’t know Liam Baker if he walked past them on the street, but the Tigers’ (very) small forward has produced two promising totals since replacing the out-of-form Dan Butler. He has been winning his fair share of footy around the ground, averaging 19 touches and a goal along with 89 SuperCoach points. Like Ross, his job security isn’t strong, with a bevy of small forwards at Richmond’s disposal. But with the lack of forward rookies on offer, he is a high priced rookie option to consider.

Shai Bolton (Rich) $146,600 FWD

Avg: 60 (72, 58)

The third of the Tiger trio on the bubble is dynamic small forward Shai Bolton. The 20-year-old has broken into the Richmond side after just nine games in two years. Bolton provides plenty of spark to the Tiger forward 50 so his spot in the side should be safe, but don’t expect consistent scoring. Baker appears to be the safer bubble boy option.

You might not know much about Liam Baker, but his SuperCoach scoring is winning attention. Picture: Michael Klein

Ben Paton (StK) $237,400 DEF

Avg: 73.5 (52,95)

Like the forward line, there aren’t many rookie defenders on the horizon, so a 95-point effort game sees Paton enter the equation. The young Saint collected 23 touches across half-back in just his fifth senior game, with injuries to St Kilda defenders giving him the opportunity to shine. In saying that, he is a pricey option and is unlikely to post these sort of numbers every week.

Braydon Preuss (Melb) $239,900 RUCK

Avg: 86.5 (76, 97)

While Melbourne struggled, Preuss performed strongly against the Saints on Saturday, winning 15 possessions, 16 hitouts and recording 97 SuperCoach points. It was the second straight week the former Roo has booted multiple goals and he looks to have a permanent spot as a tall forward who pinch-hits in the ruck. However, his price isn’t exactly inviting for a R3, with Adelaide’s Reilly O’Brien being a far more attractive cash cow. Unfortunately, if you didn’t grab O’Brien before Round 5 you’ve missed the boat.

Demon Braydon Preuss could be an option for those who missed out on Reilly O’Brien. Picture: David Crosling

NEXT WEEK

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Jackson Hately (GWS) $148,800 MID

Avg: 95 (one game)

It is frowned upon to go a week early on a rookie, but there isn’t a lot of danger in pulling the trigger on Hately. The first-round draftee is set to benefit from Callan Ward’s season-ending ACL injury and thrived in his AFL debut. Hately finished with 22 disposals, 10 contested possessions, six marks and 95 SuperCoach points, spending plenty of time in the centre square. That bodes well for his scoring potential long-term, and he looms as one of the more lucrative rookies on the horizon. Wait the extra week if you can afford to.

Will Hayes (WB) $117,300 MID

Avg: 70 (one game)

Hayes’ AFL dream finally became a reality and the 23-year-old put in a good showing against the Blues. The Bulldogs debutant collected 21 disposals and seven marks playing as an outside midfielder. Hayes has been a proven ball-winner at VFL level and it translated to the top tier on Sunday. He should be a player to keep on your radar.

Brayden Ham (Ess) $117,300 FWD

Avg: 44 (one game)

The former Geelong Faclon didn’t look out of place in AFL company on Good Friday, picking up a tidy 10 disposals, five tackles and a goal. He will face tougher opposition on Anzac Day but as a rare cheap forward rookie he’s worth keeping an eye on.

 

[Professor]

SuperCoach late mail: Late changes, team news and whispers from every Round 5 game

Sam Edmund, Dan Batten, Herald Sun

April 22, 2019 8:43pm

Subscriber only

SuperCoaches who stuck with Dustin Martin were rewarded in return, and Carlton star Patrick Cripps continued his excellent season.

Geelong left out Charlie Constable from its Easter Monday line-up in a surprise to many, but Cats pair Patrick Dangerfield and Tim Kelly bounced back to form.

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BRISBANE LIONS V COLLINGWOOD

Late changes: None

Heroes: Adam Treloar passed 100 for the first time since Round 2, reaching triple figures in the third quarter of a game where he had 35 disposals for 150 SuperCoach points. Four-goal Magpie Brody Mihocek also topped the ton with 117, along with POD defender Jack Crisp (116) and four other Collingwood players. On a night where the Magpies dominated for much of the game, 13 of their players scored 80 points or better. Only eight Lions managed the same feat, with Hugh McCluggage (105) their top scorer.

Villains: You won’t be able to take the VC score of either Lachie Neale (91) or Brodie Grundy (100) after the two SuperCoach guns failed to reach the normal captain threshold of 125. Neale had a break-even of 82 and might become affordable in a few weeks. Jeremy Howe started the season with three scores of 89 or better but has totals of 74 and 47 in the past two weeks. Lincoln McCarthy (33) features in more than 12,000 teams and if you’re one of those coaches it’s time to make plans to move him on quickly.

Adam Treloar racked up a huge SuperCoach score in the Pies’ win. Picture: Getty Images

LIONS

Hugh McCluggage 105

Jarrod Berry 100

Daniel Rich 99

Josh Walker 94

Dayne Zorko 93

Alex Witherden 92

Lachie Neale 91

Luke Hodge 85

Allen Christensen 72

Mitch Robinson 67

Nick Robertson 67

Stefan Martin 63

Darcy Gardiner 61

Harris Andrews 60

Cam Rayner 59

Jarryd Lyons 45

Eric Hipwood 45

Charles Cameron 43

Oscar McInerney 39

Lincoln McCarthy 33

Rhys Mathieson 31

Daniel McStay 19

MAGPIES

Adam Treloar 150

Brody Mihocek 117

Jack Crisp 116

Jaidyn Stephenson 105

Scott Pendlebury 103

Dayne Beams 101

Brodie Grundy 100

Tom Phillips 94

Jordan De Goey 93

Tom Langdon 91

Josh Thomas 87

Taylor Adams 85

Callum L. Brown 85

Darcy Moore 79

Mason Cox 74

Jamie Elliott 73

Steele Sidebottom 67

Brayden Maynard 52

Travis Varcoe 47

Jeremy Howe 47

Jordan Roughead 38

James Aish 37

NORTH MELBOURNE V ESSENDON

Late changes:

Essendon: Joe Daniher, Brayden Ham IN, Zac Clarke and David Zaharakis OUT

North Melbourne: No changes.

Heroes: If you traded Zach Merrett out after a poor Round 1, look away now. Since then he’s scored 108, 120, 155 and another 137 today. He finished with 39 disposals after having just three at quarter-time. Dylan Shiel has also proved a brilliant starting pick, adding another 120 today to make it four tons from five games (the other was a 92) and a 109 average. Todd Goldstein somehow got to 99 which you’d take in a big loss.

Villains: Popular rookie Bailey Scott returned after a week’s rest but failed to fire, scoring just 41, although he had plenty of mates at the Roos. Jack Ziebell scored just 43 from a team-low six disposals.

Essendon ball magnet Zach Merrett has bounced back notably. Picture: Getty Images

BOMBERS

Zach Merrett 137

Orazio Fantasia 130

Dylan Shiel 120

Dyson Heppell 118

Tom Bellchambers 105

Michael Hurley 102

Cale Hooker 96

Mitch Brown 93

Andrew McGrath 91

Conor McKenna 90

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti 82

Adam Saad 80

Mason Redman 75

Matt Guelfi 71

Jake Stringer 64

David Myers 62

Darcy Parish 58

Joe Daniher 55

Jordan Ridley 55

Brayden Ham 44

Mark Baguley 25

Patrick Ambrose 21

KANGAROOS

Ben Cunnington 101

Todd Goldstein 99

Shaun Atley 95

Robbie Tarrant 95

Scott D. Thompson 94

Trent Dumont 92

Jed Anderson 80

Jasper Pittard 79

Shaun Higgins 77

Jared Polec 70

Ben Brown 67

Mason Wood 64

Cameron Zurhaar 60

Luke Davies-Uniacke 60

Aaron Hall 54

Kayne Turner 51

Jack Ziebell 43

Sam Wright 42

Bailey Scott 41

Jy Simpkin 40

Paul Ahern 22

 

[Professor]

WEST COAST V PORT ADELAIDE

Late changes

West Coast: Tom Barrass (foot) out, replaced by Will Schofield.

Port Adelaide: No changes.

Heroes: Port’s young SuperCoach Fantastic Four Willem Drew (104), Zak Butters (74), Connor Rozee (65) and Xavier Duursma (64) all ensured they’d continue to make money by smashing their break evens, with Drew particularly fruitful producing his second ton of the season. Old reliable Shannon Hurn (121) continues to reward SuperCoaches who plumbed for him at the start of the season with a third straight ton and fourth in five matches.

Villains: The 45,000 SuperCoaches who had hoped Dom Sheed would become a solid cash cow after a blistering start to the season now have a big decision to make after he scored just 66, well-short of his 90 break even. Nope, that’s not a typo, Jack Darling, in more than 5000 SuperCoach teams, scored just nine points. It might have been wet, but is that really an excuse for such a low score? His forward mate Josh Kennedy — in over 3500 teams — was only slightly better with 24.

Shannon Hurn was a SuperCoach beast once again, despite the Eagles’ loss. Picture: AAP

EAGLES

Brad Sheppard 124

Shannon Hurn 121

Lewis Jetta 106

Jack Petruccelle 100

Andrew Gaff 97

Luke Shuey 92

Tom Hickey 91

Elliot Yeo 86

Will Schofield 75

Mark Hutchings 74

Tom Cole 68

Dom Sheed 66

Jeremy McGovern 65

Liam Ryan 59

Oscar Allen 57

Liam Duggan 55

Jack Redden 46

Nathan Vardy 36

Chris Masten 32

Josh J. Kennedy 24

Jamie Cripps 22

Jack Darling 9

POWER

Sam Gray 127

Dougal Howard 110

Ollie Wines 110

Paddy Ryder 108

Willem Drew 105

Brad Ebert 97

Travis Boak 95

Tom Rockliff 90

Sam Powell-Pepper 86

Dan Houston 83

Riley Bonner 82

Scott Lycett 75

Zak Butters 74

Tom Clurey 71

Ryan Burton 67

Justin Westhoff 67

Connor Rozee 65

Xavier Duursma 64

Darcy Byrne-Jones 59

Todd Marshall 57

Tom Jonas 57

Robbie Gray 45

FREMANTLE V GWS GIANTS

Late change: Cam McCarthy (illness), replaced by Brennan Cox for Fremantle. GWS unchanged.

Heroes: A third ton in a row — and four in five rounds — will have Michael Walters (139) owners smiling, especially given how big this one was. Nat Fyfe was straight back in the thick of it with 110, while those SuperCoaches who went early on Giants’ rookie Jackson Hately were rewarded with 94 on debut. Those who didn’t get another week to have a look at him, but we can already smell the cash.

Villains: Lachie Whitfield produced his worst return of the season — and his first under three figures — with just 83 points, mid-priced Giant Tim Taranto (65) fell one short of his break even and Josh Kelly (97) is set for a big price fall in a disappointing day for the Giants.

Michael Walters continued his red hot form against GWS. Picture: Getty Images

GIANTS

Stephen Coniglio 104

Josh Kelly 97

Jackson Hately 95

Adam Tomlinson 93

Zac Williams 91

Sam J. Reid 90

Shane Mumford 86

Lachie Whitfield 86

Jeremy Cameron 85

Jeremy Finlayson 84

Phil Davis 83

Brent Daniels 81

Jacob Hopper 68

Tim Taranto 67

Matt Buntine 63

Nick Haynes 63

Heath Shaw 60

Sam Taylor 59

Matt de Boer 59

Adam Kennedy 53

Daniel Lloyd 47

Harry Himmelberg 41

DOCKERS

Michael Walters 139

Ed Langdon 133

Matt Taberner 121

Nat Fyfe 110

Luke Ryan 100

Jesse Hogan 89

Ethan Hughes 84

David Mundy 83

Darcy Tucker 83

Brandon Matera 82

Rory Lobb 81

Travis Colyer 62

Bradley Hill 62

Nathan Wilson 60

Sam Switkowski 56

Reece Conca 54

Adam Cerra 53

Andrew Brayshaw 51

Brennan Cox 47

Alex Pearce 35

Joel Hamling 30

Taylin Duman 28

 

[Professor]

MELBOURNE V ST KILDA

Late changes: none

Heroes: It was a dirty day for the Demons but luckily the man in everyone’s SuperCoach team stood tall. Max Gawn posted a game-high 126 points while fellow popular premium Clayton Oliver finished on 108. Dean Kent, Tim Membrey, Blake Acres, Jack Steele and Shane Savage were the Saints to pass 100.

Villains: It was a big scoring day for many of his teammates but Seb Ross couldn’t cash in. He finished with just 66 points. Jordan Lewis (36) was one of five Demons who failed to break the 50-point barrier.

Max Gawn was back to his devastating best, but the Dees weren’t up to the task against St Kilda. Picture: Getty Images

DEMONS

Max Gawn 126

Clayton Oliver 108

Braydon Preuss 97

Marty Hore 96

James Harmes 91

Christian Salem 90

Sam Frost 83

Jack Viney 82

Angus Brayshaw 82

Christian Petracca 81

Michael Hibberd 72

Jake Melksham 69

Bayley Fritsch 66

Josh Wagner 65

Sam Weideman 59

Neville Jetta 58

Nathan Jones 56

Jayden Hunt 47

Jordan Lewis 36

Charlie Spargo 34

Corey Wagner 33

Tom McDonald 33

SAINTS

Dean Kent 123

Tim Membrey 110

Jack Steele 103

Blake Acres 103

Shane Savage 101

Ben Paton 95

Jack Billings 93

Jack Newnes 90

Jarryn Geary 87

Jack Sinclair 81

Jimmy Webster 74

Jack Steven 74

Josh Battle 71

Jade Gresham 69

Callum Wilkie 66

Sebastian Ross 66

Nathan Brown 65

Jack Lonie 62

Josh Bruce 56

Matthew Parker 51

Rowan Marshall 50

Ben Long 47

RICHMOND V SYDNEY

Late changes: None

Heroes: He’s back! Dusty’s back. Kicking goals, attacking the footy, taking grabs and working hard. Martin played like a man who owed his teammates and rewarded SuperCoaches who stuck with him with 115 points. Tigers’ cheapie pair Liam Baker (87) — sure to be a top trade target next week — and Sydney Stack (80) will both make bulk cash. Jake Lloyd was, as almost always, Sydney’s highest scorer with 111.

Villains: Are Lance Franklin’s (77) days as a viable SuperCoach prospect over? Still no score over 80 after five rounds and he could be under $400k soon. IT’S A TRAP! Any hope Callum Mills’ ton against Carlton two weeks ago would be a bounceback were gone with the wind, the mid-priced hopeful managing just 62 points, after 66 last week. If you happened to pick Toby Nankervis (52) over one of the big two rucks, we feel sorry for you.

Finally a bounceback from Dustin Martin. Picture: Tim Carrafa

TIGERS

Dion Prestia 121

Dustin Martin 115

Liam Baker 87

Nick Vlastuin 86

Shane Edwards 84

Sydney Stack 80

Daniel Rioli 76

Jack Higgins 76

Brandon Ellis 75

Josh Caddy 75

Bachar Houli 72

Kane Lambert 71

Kamdyn McIntosh 70

Nathan Broad 70

Dylan Grimes 65

Jason Castagna 64

Shai Bolton 58

David Astbury 58

Jack Ross 57

Toby Nankervis 52

Noah Balta 49

Tom J. Lynch 44

SWANS

Jake Lloyd 111

Josh P. Kennedy 110

Jordan Dawson 104

Tom Papley 104

Luke Parker 102

Dane Rampe 98

Isaac Heeney 98

Zak Jones 97

Jackson Thurlow 92

Harry Cunningham 92

George Hewett 84

Lance Franklin 77

Oliver Florent 76

Ryan Clarke 72

Callum Sinclair 67

Sam Reid 63

Callum Mills 62

Kieren Jack 54

James Rowbottom 46

Aliir Aliir 33

Tom McCartin 32

Ben Ronke 19

 

[Professor]

WESTERN BULLDOGS V CARLTON

Late changes: Charlie Curnow (knee) out for Carlton, replaced by Levi Casboult.

Heroes: Harry McKay (153) was the unlikely hero for the Blues in a coming of age performance. McKay tallied 18 disposals, clunked nine marks and booted 4.3 in a best on ground display from the emerging tall forward. Sam Petrevski-Seton (136) had his career best game for the club, finishing with 32 touches. But the real story from a SuperCoach perspective was Michael Gibbons (103). Owners rejoiced with the mature-age recruit notching his maiden SuperCoach ton. He is set for a monster price rise over the next few weeks after a slow start to the season. Cash cow gun Sam Walsh (112) also hit three figures, posting his second ton on the trot. Popular selection Tom Liberatore (98) worried SuperCoaches with a 11 point first quarter but he came home with a wet sail to be among the best for the Bulldogs, while Josh Dunkley (95) notched his best score for the season. POD defender Caleb Daniel (100) posted another strong score and mature-age debutant Will Hayes (70) looms as a popular downgrade target in the coming weeks.

Villains: SuperCoach beasts Jack Macrae and Patrick Cripps headline the villains despite solid outings after failing to deliver with the captain’s armband. Patrick Cripps (110) was at his dominant best in the coalface with a game-high 36 disposals — 25 of those coming in the first half — and 11 clearances. However, his handball happy nature (31 handballs) and quieter second half reduced his overall output. Macrae (97) posted his first sub-100 score for the season but you’d the Bulldog star to bounce back. The 1,196 teams with Cam Polson (12) wouldn’t be too thrilled with his score.

BULLDOGS

Marcus Bontempelli 104

Caleb Daniel 100

Tim English 99

Tom Liberatore 98

Jason Johannisen 97

Jack Macrae 97

Josh Dunkley 95

Hayden Crozier 78

Lachie Hunter 72

Bailey Smith 70

Will Hayes 70

Toby McLean 67

Billy Gowers 65

Ed Richards 64

Sam Lloyd 58

Mitch Wallis 57

Easton Wood 54

Tory Dickson 54

Lachie Young 42

Zaine Cordy 34

Bailey Williams 32

Aaron Naughton 21

BLUES

Harry McKay 153

Sam Petrevski-Seton 136

Sam Walsh 112

Patrick Cripps 110

Zac Fisher 110

Marc Murphy 106

Matthew Kreuzer 106

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Lachie Plowman 104

Michael Gibbons 104

Kade Simpson 92

Levi Casboult 91

Nic Newman 84

Jack Silvagni 83

Paddy Dow 75

Jacob Weitering 51

Caleb Marchbank 50

Lochie O’Brien 45

Dale Thomas42

Ed Curnow 38

Mitch McGovern 37

Liam Jones 32

Cameron Polson 12

ADELAIDE v GOLD COAST

Late changes: none

Heroes: As always, the Crouch brothers won plenty of the footy, gathering 72 touches between them. Matt (108) posted his third 110+ score for the season, while Brad (100) also raused the bat. Mid-priced defender Brodie Smith (110) amassed his highest total for the season and his second ton in a row, while Rory Sloane (104) also hit three figures. Just two Suns posted tons, with Pearce Hanley (100) returning to form with 29 touches across half-back. Popular cash cow Reilly O’Brien (90) is set to make a truckload of money after a promising outing against one of the best hitout ruckman in the competition in Jarrod Witts.

Villains: After three straight scores of 79 points or more, many SuperCoaches were burnt by rookie Sam Collins (45). The key defender went at 54 per cent efficiency from his 11 disposals which hurt his score. Fellow rookie Chris Burgess (26) is proving to be anything but a cash generator, failing to surpass his break-even of 27. His position in the side will be in jeopardy after winning just two disposals for the match. Those that invested in POD defender Wayne Milera (41) were also left hurting, with the running defender sighted in a sling after copping a bump in the first half. While perhaps a bit stiff to be in here, Rory Laird (93) posted his third sub-95 score — a disappointing result considering Adelaide’s overall dominance in the match.

Reilly O’Brien will be worth over $200,000 in SuperCoach after Round 5.

CROWS

David Mackay 121

Brodie Smith 110

Cameron Ellis-Yolmen 108

Matt Crouch 108

Rory Sloane 104

Rory Atkins 102

Lachlan Murphy 101

Eddie Betts 100

Brad Crouch 100

Rory Laird 93

Reilly O’Brien 90

Hugh Greenwood 88

Alex Keath 86

Taylor Walker 76

Bryce Gibbs 71

Daniel Talia 70

Riley Knight 69

Tom Lynch 68

Jake Kelly 66

Wayne Milera 41

Elliott Himmelberg 34

Kyle Hartigan 32

SUNS

Charlie Ballard 103

Pearce Hanley 100

Touk Miller 96

Jarrod Witts 95

Brayden Fiorini 87

Jordan Murdoch 80

Peter Wright 79

Jack Bowes 75

David Swallow 75

Will Brodie 73

Jack Martin 72

Nick Holman 65

George Horlin-Smith 62

Jesse Joyce 61

Jack Lukosius 57

Alex Sexton 45

Sam Collins 45

Jarrod Harbrow 44

Jack Hombsch 41

Darcy MacPherson 40

Ben Ainsworth 40

Chris Burgess 26

 

[Professor]

GEELONG V HAWTHORN

Late change: Ben Stratton out - replaced by David Mirra. The change means Jack Gunston will captain Hawthorn.

Heroes: For any SuperCoaches who left the captain tag on Patrick Dangerfield, it started out looking like a nightmare. The Geelong superstar was on 11 points at quarter-time and the prospect of back-to-back disasters was looming. But shame on us for doubting Danger. He stormed home to finish with a whopping 127 points. Tim Kelly also responded after a tough Round 4 with 129.

Villain: It wasn’t a great day for a couple of high profile Hawks, as Chad Wingard and Tom Scully both struggled. Wingard was in and out of the game, scoring just 59 points while Scully finished on 43. Meanwhile. Jordan Clark hit his breakeven so will still make money but if would have been nice if he topped more than 44. Go big, Jordan!

HAWKS

Ricky Henderson 133

James Sicily 117

Ben McEvoy 116

James Worpel 101

Jarryd Roughead 100

Jaeger O’Meara 76

Paul Puopolo 76

Isaac Smith 76

Blake Hardwick 73

Jack Gunston 70

Mitchell Lewis 69

Daniel Howe 65

Jarman Impey 63

Jack Scrimshaw 63

Chad Wingard 59

David Mirra 58

Luke Breust 47

Kaiden Brand 45

James Cousins 45

Tom Scully 43

Harry Morrison 33

Conor Nash 12

CATS

Tim Kelly 129

Patrick Dangerfield 127

Rhys Stanley 119

Gary Rohan 105

Gary Ablett 103

Joel Selwood 97

Harry Taylor 97

Mark Blicavs 94

Cameron Guthrie 87

Luke Dahlhaus 86

Mark O’Connor 85

Mitch Duncan 82

Tom Stewart 78

Gryan Miers 78

Tom Hawkins 73

Tom Atkins 63

Jake Kolodjashnij 53

Jack Henry 52

Sam Menegola 50

Jordan Clark 44

Brandan Parfitt 35

Esava Ratugolea 25

 

[Professor]

How to survive in SuperCoach with AFL matches on six of seven days this week

Al Paton, Herald Sun

April 22, 2019 9:12am

Subscriber only

The next two weeks present an unprecedented bonanza for footy fans, and some big challenges for SuperCoach players.

Starting last night there are 18 matches across the following 10 days thanks to Easter and Anzac Day, with only one footy-free day in that time — we recommend setting aside Tuesday for SuperCoach planning!

TRADE GRADES: EXPERTS RATE POPULAR MOVES

FANTASY FREAKO: WHO’S NEXT ON DE BOER HIT LIST?

HINDSIGHT: THE SUPERCOACH TEAM WE SHOULD HAVE PICKED

Given most of us don’t have that luxury, here’s a quick run-down of who’s playing when and how to manage your team to come out the other side ahead.

PLAN EARLY

Don’t wait for this round of footy to end to start thinking about your next SuperCoach trades.

Round 5 ends on Easter Monday and the first game of Round 6 is just two days later.

That doesn’t leave a lot of time to devise and execute trades, and presents issues for AFL clubs that could impact SuperCoach as well.

Teams dealing with short breaks — Richmond and Melbourne have just four days between matches — are likely to manage sore or inexperienced players. We all need to hope Max Gawn doesn’t pick up a niggle this week and keep a close eye on promising youngsters like Sydney Stack and Jack Ross. Nathan Buckley has flagged managing Darcy Moore, but Collingwood has a full week to prepare for Anzac Day so hopefully it won’t happen this week.

USE THE FIXTURE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

The rolling lockout means you can keep trading and substituting players all week as the games are played, with players locked in as their teams play.

This presents opportunities to get a scoring edge using the vice-captain and emergency loophole, but you need to stay on top of the game and know when players from each team will be locked in — unable to be traded in or out, moved on or off the field or made captain.

Remember that once the new round begins on Wednesday night trades can’t be reversed, so the smart move is to hold your trade moves until the last minute.

Max Gawn will back up on Anzac Eve four days after the Demons play St Kilda. Picture: David Crosling

With Richmond appearing in the first game of the round night we’ll know if likely bubble boy Jack Ross (who scored 87 on debut) is in the team, but making trades potentially days before other teams have even been named is fraught with danger — where possible, wait until final teams are in before trading a player from that match into your side.

The same applies to the vice-captain loophole. The good news is popular vice-captain loophole players Patrick Bines (West Coast), Will Setterfield (Carlton) and Jordan Sweet (Western Bulldogs) play late in the round. To set your team up to take advantage of the loophole — that gives you two shots at a top-scoring captain — make sure your guaranteed zero is on the field before the round begins. Move a member of your starting 18 to the bench and select them as an emergency (don’t forget that part!).

Choose a player early in the round as vice-captain, such as Gawn, Brodie Grundy or Lachie Neale, and place the C on your loophole player. If your VC scores big, leave everyone in place and you’ll get their score doubled.

If they fall short of a captain-worthy score, shift the C to a gun playing later in the round — like Patrick Cripps against Hawthorn or Patrick Dagnerfield against the Eagles.

Patrick Dangerfield plays in the final game of Rounds 5 and 6. Picture: Tim Carrafa

We should also be able to use the emergency loophole to get the best score from our bench rookies in the forward line, where we know suspended Blue Setterfield won’t be playing. To pull off that move, select a forward rookie who plays early in the round (such as Noah Balta or Matt Parker) as an emergency. If they score well (in this part of the ground that’s anything over 50) put Setterfield on the field and leave a player like Jack Petruccelle on the bench to have your emergency included in your team total. If they flop, swap Petruccelle and Setterfield and hope the Eagles forward kicks a bag against the Cats.

If Michael Gibbons doesn’t make the Blues’ team you could pull the same trick in the midfield, but things would be getting pretty complicated especially if you’re trying to use the vice-captain loophole as well.

Keep a close eye on SuperFooty and SuperCoach websites and social channels all week to ensure you aren’t caught out by late changes.

Here’s how the week will play out.

MONDAY

3:20pm: Hawthorn v Geelong, MCG

Round 5 lockout ends

WEDNESDAY

7.35pm: Richmond v Melbourne (MCG) First Round 6 lockout

Key players locked away: Max Gawn, Clayton Oliver, Marty Hore, Angus Brayshaw, Dustin Martin, Noah Balta, Sydney Stack, Jack Ross

THURSDAY (ANZAC DAY)

3.20pm: Essendon v Collingwood, MCG

Key players locked away: Brodie Grundy, Adam Treloar, Darcy Moore, Jamie Elliott, Zach Merrett, Zac Clarke, Dylan Shiel, Jordan Ridley

FRIDAY

7.50pm: Port Adelaide v North Melbourne, AO

Key players locked away: Tom Rockliff, Travis Boak, Zak Butters, Willem Drew, Xavier Duursma, Connor Rozee, Todd Goldsteink, Bailey Scott

SATURDAY

1.45pm: Gold Coast v Brisbane Lions, MS

Key players locked away: Sam Collins, Chris Burgess, Lachie Neale, Alex Witherden, Stefan Martin

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4.35pm: St Kilda v Adelaide, Marvel

Key players locked away: Matt Parker, Jack Billings, Brodie Smith, Rory Laird, Brad Crouch, Matt Crouch

7.35pm: Sydney v GWS Giants, SCG

Key players locked away: Jake Lloyd, Isaac Heeney, Zac Williams, Lachie Whitfield, Stephen Coniglio, Josh Kelly, Shane Mumford

8.10pm: Fremantle v Western Bulldogs, Optus Stadium

Key players locked away: Nat Fyfe, Jack Macrae, Tom Liberatore, Josh Dunkley, Jordan Sweet

SUNDAY

3.20pm: Hawthorn v Carlton, UTAS Stadium

Key players locked away: Jack Scrimshaw, James Worpel, James Sicily, Sam Walsh, Will Setterfield, Patrick Cripps, Michael Gibbons

4.40pm: Geelong v West Coast, GMHBA

Key players locked away: Patrick Dangerfield, Tim Kelly, Charlie Constable, Jordan Clark, Tom Atkins, Dom Sheed, Patrick Bines

Fortunately we have until the next Friday (Collingwood v Port Adelaide) to get our trades in order before Round 7.

 

[Professor]

@Maccas marvels

SuperCoach Round 6 rage trades: Jack Darling, Nic Newman, Robbie Gray lead list of players to cut

DAN BATTEN, Herald Sun

April 28, 2019 11:48pm

Subscriber only

It was a SuperCoach round that had many players pulling their hair out.

Everything from injured premiums to late withdrawals made it difficult to carve out a big score.

We are back to a four-day break until the next game, which will give SuperCoaches a bit more breathing space and greater time to mull over trades.

BAROMETER: SEE EVERY CLUB’S INJURY LIST

SUPERCOACH: WHO DOMINATED IN ROUND 6?

An out-of-form Eagle is top of the Rage Trades list, a defender appears back to his brilliant best and a star Giant should be at the top of your watchlist.

BOOT HIM

JACK DARLING (FWD)

The enigmatic forward is making Noah Balta look like a SuperCoach premium at the minute. An average of 15.5 SuperCoach points over the past fortnight is horrid reading for owners. While you could argue he can only go up from here, he is a SuperCoach headache you are better not having.

It’s been a tough few weeks for Jack Darling. Picture: Getty Images

NIC NEWMAN (DEF)

A leg injury in the final quarter saw Nic Newman fail to return to the field, finishing with just 58 SuperCoach points. After just one ton in the opening six rounds, it is time to look elsewhere — even if he gets up for this week.

ROBBIE GRAY (FWD/MID)

Gray is going in for surgery and is set to miss the next month of footy. No player is worth holding onto for more than three weeks, and Gray’s form isn’t exactly strong.

JACK VINEY (MID)

The news that Jack Viney is going in for shoulder surgery added insult to injury for those who have stuck with the Dees tough nut. Bump him out of your side like Sydney Stack did on Thursday night.

DAYNE ZORKO (MID)

No Touk Miller hard tag and Zorko still produced another poor score. It’s time to cut your losses with the former SuperCoach beast.

BUY HIM

RORY LAIRD (DEF)

The Crows defender is back after his best return of the season. At a reduced price tag he looms as an absolute bargain and a must-have SuperCoach defender.

TRAVIS BOAK (FWD/MID)

Speaking of must-haves, Boak sums that up in a nutshell. Boak is thriving without the captain duties and his price looks set to continuing soaring upwards.

BRODIE GRUNDY (RUCK)

If you don’t have him already, do everything in your power to get him. His ANZAC Day display might become the norm for his scoring.

ADAM TRELOAR (MID)

Brought up his second ton on the trot after a couple of down games. Wins a truckload of footy week in, week out and looms as a potential top eight midfielder.

BRODIE SMITH (DEF)

Three straight tons should have Brodie Smith right in your upgrade calculations. Has risen from his starting price, but is proving he may be a premium rather than a stepping stone.

Brodie Smith had been in hot form the last few weeks. Picture: Simon CrossWATCH FOR ANOTHER WEEK

These guys aren’t buys or boots just yet but they are players that we should just keep a close eye on.

JOSH KELLY (MID)

Here is the player who every SuperCoach should have his eye on. Kelly registered his second ton for the season and is underpriced considering what he can produce. Likely to fall in price again so hold fire for now.

TOBY NANKERVIS (RUCK)

Posted his second straight score in the 50s after being dominated by Max Gawn. Has a date with young ruckman Tim English, who he should beat. If he fails to deliver again, trade.

ANGUS BRAYSHAW (MID)

More than 36,000 SuperCoach teams invested in Angus Brayshaw after a breakout season, and now there are some question marks over his scoring. Just two tons in six games doesn’t cut the mustard, but it’s not panic stations yet.

BACHAR HOULI (DEF)

In his second game back from injury, Bachar Houli played a starring role against the Blues with 32 touches and 142 SuperCoach points. It isn’t wise to jump on after just one week, but with Jayden Short on the sidelines, he sure is tempting.

Bachar Houli is one to watch in the coming weeks. Picture: Tim CarrafaTOP SCORERS OF THE ROUND

1. Nick Vlastuin — 155

2. Gary Ablett — 148

3. Max Gawn — 145

4. Tom Hickey — 143

5. Bachar Houli/Lachie Neale — 142

CAPTAINS SCORECARD

Here we grade the players that would have been in consideration for your captain role this week. So this isn’t necessarily the highest scorers of the round, but those who are in contention for the top job.

A+: Max Gawn (145), Brodie Grundy (134), Lachie Neale (142),

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A: Travis Boak (129), Rory Laird (124), Nat Fyfe (128),

B: Clayton Oliver (105), Adam Treloar (113), Tom Rockliff (100), Matt Crouch (103), Jake Lloyd (107), Stephen Coniglio (103)

C: Zach Merrett (89), Patrick Cripps (93), Patrick Dangerfield (93)

D: Rory Sloane (78), Isaac Heeney (74)

F: Lachie Whitfield (45)

ROOKIE WATCH

Rookies on the bubble:

Will Hayes ($117,300, MID) — scores of 71 and 55

Lachlan Young ($120,400, DEF) — scores of 42 and 52

Mitch Lewis ($149,000, FWD) — scores of 69 and 49

James Rowbottom ($117,300, MID) scores of 46 and 32

START HIM

The rookies we should have had on field in Round 7:

Sydney Stack (72), Liam Baker (84), Darcy Moore (79), Willem Drew (62), Connor Rozee (102, Xavier Duursma (84), Noah Answerth (69), Sam Collins (66), Matthew Parker (63), Reilly O’Brien (88),

SIT HIM

Jay Lockhart (39), Zak Butters (46), Nick Blakey (29), James Rowbottom (32), Will Hayes (55), Lachlan Young (52), Jack Petruccelle (48), Tom Atkins (47)

 

[Maccas marvels]

@Maccas marvels

SuperCoach Round 6 rage trades: Jack Darling, Nic Newman, Robbie Gray lead list of players to cut

DAN BATTEN, Herald Sun

April 28, 2019 11:48pm

Subscriber only

It was a SuperCoach round that had many players pulling their hair out.

Everything from injured premiums to late withdrawals made it difficult to carve out a big score.

We are back to a four-day break until the next game, which will give SuperCoaches a bit more breathing space and greater time to mull over trades.

BAROMETER: SEE EVERY CLUB’S INJURY LIST

SUPERCOACH: WHO DOMINATED IN ROUND 6?

An out-of-form Eagle is top of the Rage Trades list, a defender appears back to his brilliant best and a star Giant should be at the top of your watchlist.

BOOT HIM

JACK DARLING (FWD)

The enigmatic forward is making Noah Balta look like a SuperCoach premium at the minute. An average of 15.5 SuperCoach points over the past fortnight is horrid reading for owners. While you could argue he can only go up from here, he is a SuperCoach headache you are better not having.

It’s been a tough few weeks for Jack Darling. Picture: Getty Images

NIC NEWMAN (DEF)

A leg injury in the final quarter saw Nic Newman fail to return to the field, finishing with just 58 SuperCoach points. After just one ton in the opening six rounds, it is time to look elsewhere — even if he gets up for this week.

ROBBIE GRAY (FWD/MID)

Gray is going in for surgery and is set to miss the next month of footy. No player is worth holding onto for more than three weeks, and Gray’s form isn’t exactly strong.

JACK VINEY (MID)

The news that Jack Viney is going in for shoulder surgery added insult to injury for those who have stuck with the Dees tough nut. Bump him out of your side like Sydney Stack did on Thursday night.

DAYNE ZORKO (MID)

No Touk Miller hard tag and Zorko still produced another poor score. It’s time to cut your losses with the former SuperCoach beast.

BUY HIM

RORY LAIRD (DEF)

The Crows defender is back after his best return of the season. At a reduced price tag he looms as an absolute bargain and a must-have SuperCoach defender.

TRAVIS BOAK (FWD/MID)

Speaking of must-haves, Boak sums that up in a nutshell. Boak is thriving without the captain duties and his price looks set to continuing soaring upwards.

BRODIE GRUNDY (RUCK)

If you don’t have him already, do everything in your power to get him. His ANZAC Day display might become the norm for his scoring.

ADAM TRELOAR (MID)

Brought up his second ton on the trot after a couple of down games. Wins a truckload of footy week in, week out and looms as a potential top eight midfielder.

BRODIE SMITH (DEF)

Three straight tons should have Brodie Smith right in your upgrade calculations. Has risen from his starting price, but is proving he may be a premium rather than a stepping stone.

Brodie Smith had been in hot form the last few weeks. Picture: Simon CrossWATCH FOR ANOTHER WEEK

These guys aren’t buys or boots just yet but they are players that we should just keep a close eye on.

JOSH KELLY (MID)

Here is the player who every SuperCoach should have his eye on. Kelly registered his second ton for the season and is underpriced considering what he can produce. Likely to fall in price again so hold fire for now.

TOBY NANKERVIS (RUCK)

Posted his second straight score in the 50s after being dominated by Max Gawn. Has a date with young ruckman Tim English, who he should beat. If he fails to deliver again, trade.

ANGUS BRAYSHAW (MID)

More than 36,000 SuperCoach teams invested in Angus Brayshaw after a breakout season, and now there are some question marks over his scoring. Just two tons in six games doesn’t cut the mustard, but it’s not panic stations yet.

BACHAR HOULI (DEF)

In his second game back from injury, Bachar Houli played a starring role against the Blues with 32 touches and 142 SuperCoach points. It isn’t wise to jump on after just one week, but with Jayden Short on the sidelines, he sure is tempting.

Bachar Houli is one to watch in the coming weeks. Picture: Tim CarrafaTOP SCORERS OF THE ROUND

1. Nick Vlastuin — 155

2. Gary Ablett — 148

3. Max Gawn — 145

4. Tom Hickey — 143

5. Bachar Houli/Lachie Neale — 142

CAPTAINS SCORECARD

Here we grade the players that would have been in consideration for your captain role this week. So this isn’t necessarily the highest scorers of the round, but those who are in contention for the top job.

A+: Max Gawn (145), Brodie Grundy (134), Lachie Neale (142),

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A: Travis Boak (129), Rory Laird (124), Nat Fyfe (128),

B: Clayton Oliver (105), Adam Treloar (113), Tom Rockliff (100), Matt Crouch (103), Jake Lloyd (107), Stephen Coniglio (103)

C: Zach Merrett (89), Patrick Cripps (93), Patrick Dangerfield (93)

D: Rory Sloane (78), Isaac Heeney (74)

F: Lachie Whitfield (45)

ROOKIE WATCH

Rookies on the bubble:

Will Hayes ($117,300, MID) — scores of 71 and 55

Lachlan Young ($120,400, DEF) — scores of 42 and 52

Mitch Lewis ($149,000, FWD) — scores of 69 and 49

James Rowbottom ($117,300, MID) scores of 46 and 32

START HIM

The rookies we should have had on field in Round 7:

Sydney Stack (72), Liam Baker (84), Darcy Moore (79), Willem Drew (62), Connor Rozee (102, Xavier Duursma (84), Noah Answerth (69), Sam Collins (66), Matthew Parker (63), Reilly O’Brien (88),

SIT HIM

Jay Lockhart (39), Zak Butters (46), Nick Blakey (29), James Rowbottom (32), Will Hayes (55), Lachlan Young (52), Jack Petruccelle (48), Tom Atkins (47)

Thanks Professor! Much appreciated

 

[Professor]

SuperCoach Round 6 market watch: Top scorers, which rookies to trade and hold
Al Paton, Herald Sun
6 minutes ago
Subscriber only
Welcome to the new footy season — trading season in SuperCoach.
Our cash cows have fattened up nicely and are ready to be sold, generating the cash to add more guns to our squad.
RAGE TRADES: THE FIVE STARS YOU MUST CUT NOW
THE PHANTOM: THIS WEEK’S TOP TRADE TARGETS
But which rookies are ready to go, who’s almost on the chopping block and who should we be holding? Scroll down for our take on the 16 most popular rookies, plus this week’s top-scoring team and Champion Data’s market watch.
TRADE NOW!
Sam Collins (GC) $311,600 DEF
Ownership: 25.7 per cent | Average: 65 | Break even: 70
Has crossed the threshold - his break even is now higher than his average. His BE will drop again next week but if there’s somewhere you can spend that $122k profit, do it.
Bailey Scott (NM) $172,800 MID
Ownership: 44.8 per cent | Avg: 54 | Break even: 12
Has more money to make but only if he can get a game. If he’s not selected this week it might pay to get a rookie who will make money like Bulldog Will Hayes.

Sam Collins (right) during Gold Coast training at Metricon Staidum. Picture: Jason O'Brien
Zak Butters (Port) $252,400 MID
Ownership: 30.3 per cent | Avg: 62 | Break even: 27
Has just about hit the wall after a super start. Projected to make $15k this week if he can hit 60 against the Pies but that’s a big if.
Jordan Clark (Geel) $240,900 DEF
Ownership: 44.8 per cent | Avg: 59 | Break even: 43
Chris Scott says he’s a likely inclusion against Essendon but he’s just about maxed out in price unless he can post a score well above his season-best 69 (Round 1). The problem is finding someone to trade him to.
Chris Burgess (GC) $172,100 DEF/FWD
Ownership: 31.7 per cent | Average: 38 | Break even: 44
Out of the team and went goalless in the NEAFL. We want more money from rookies but in this case cut and run.
GIVEN THEM ANOTHER WEEK
Jack Petruccelle (WC) $249,400 FWD
Ownership: 39.2 per cent |Avg: 57 | Break even: -3
Crashed to earth after last week’s 100 but hold for one more week — he plays Gold Coast on Saturday and will add another $30k if he can score at least 60 points.
Tom Atkins (Geel) $232,500 MID
Ownership: 30.5 per cent | Avg: 54 |Break even: 25
Not a high scorer but reliable on your bench and should make another $15k or so in the next two weeks.
Matthew Parker (StK) $225,100 FWD
Ownership: 47.4 per cent | Avg: 54 | Break even: 17
Just creeping up in value (added $9200 this week) but a low break even means there is more money to be made, although he might find the going tougher against GWS, West Coast and Collingwood in the next three weeks. Hold for another couple of weeks if you can.

Jack Scrimshaw has been a good addition to the Hawthorn backline.
Jack Scrimshaw (Haw) $314,500 DEF
Ownership: 40.3 per cent | Avg: 70 | Break even: 58
Looked set for another big total in Tasmania before a very quiet second half. Break even is rising so he won’t make a lot more cash, but getting rid of him isn’t an urgent priority.
Michael Gibbons (Carl) $233,200 MID
Ownership: 42.3 per cent | Avg: 53 | Break even: -19
Gained almost $45,000 even though his score yesterday was 50 down on the week before. Still has a negative break even and should go up another $35k if he can score more than 50 against the Kangaroos. Then he’s ready to cash in.
HOLD
Sam Walsh (Carl) $443,600 MID
Ownership: 72.8 per cent | Avg: 96 | Break even: 67
Walsh’s lowest score since Round 1 pushes his break even back up but he should continue to make cash for a while yet (to add to his phenomenal $236,300 profit so far). Still a safe on-field option.
Willem Drew (Port) $293,700 FWD/MID
Ownership: 64.8 per cent | Avg: 76 | Break even: 4
Has already made almost $170,000 and should add another $30k this week — and about $60,000 before Port’s Round 12 bye.
Xavier Duursma (Port) $297,100 DEF/MID
Ownership: 58.9 per cent | Avg: 72 | Break even: 25
Scored a season-high 84 against the Kangaroos. Start him on field with confidence.
Will Setterfield (Carl) $193,600 MID/FWD
Ownership: 52.7 per cent | Avg: 53 | Break even: 22
Will make a welcome return this week after a two-week suspension. If you’ve held him, you can’t get rid of him now.
Charlie Constable (Geel) $303,000 MID
Ownership: 51.2 per cent | Avg: 81 | Break even: 37
Resumed normal service after a week off. Could get to $400k by Geelong’s bye if he maintains his average.
Noah Balta (Rich) $138,800 FWD
Ownership: 24.7 per cent | Average: 29 | Break even: 1
A very slow burn but you don’t get much for trading him and he looks safe in the Tigers team. Fine as your last bench forward.

Sam Walsh has been a revelation in his first season.

Noah Balta hasn’t repeated his JLT Series SuperCoach scoring ... yet.
ROUND 6 STARS
155 Nick Vlastuin
148 Gary Ablett
145 Max Gawn
143 Tom Hickey
142 Lachie Neale
WEEKLY TOP SCORES
2415 Pauly’s, Paul
2390 Steve’s scrappers, Steven
2385 Tommy Thunder, Thomas
2383 nofreezone, David
2382 Jstan, Jackson
OVERALL LEADERS
13,805 Truck yeah, Tim
13,798 Ryder2Gray, Adam
13,766 Jordan de GOAT, Will
13,749 The Package, Theo
13,744 Froff, Alex
THIS WEEK’S WINNING TEAM
Coach: Paul
Team: Pauly’s
Score: 2415
DEFENDERS
Rory Laird 124
Brodie Smith 103
Zack Williams 121
Connor Rozee 102
Jack Scrimshaw 62
Marty Hore 86
Xavier Duursma 84
Jordan Clark 0
MIDFIELDERS
Lachie Neale 142
Nat Fyfe 128
Stephen Coniglio 103
Tom Rockliff 100
Patrick Cripps 93
Sam Walsh 79
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Charlie Constable 79
Michael Gibbons 51
Sydney Stack 72
Will Hayes 55
RUCKS
Max Gawn 290 (c)
Brodie Grundy 134
Nick Reeves 0
FORWARDS
Travis Boak 129
David Mundy 122
Darcy Moore 77
Gryan Miers 90
Patrick Dangerfield 94
Willem Drew 62
Will Setterfield 0
Jack Petruccelle 48

Melbourne couldn’t find a way past Nick Vlastuin on Wednesday night.PLAYER OF THE WEEK: NICK VLASTUIN
Vlastuin finished as the top-ranked player for Round 6 after racking up a career-high 28 disposals on his way to 155 SuperCoach points. Twenty-three of his disposals were effective and his reading of the play was unrivalled, recording a season-high 14 intercept possessions. Vlastuin also had 11 contested possessions, three contested marks and four spoils.
CHAMPION DATA MARKET WATCH
Scott Pendlebury
Pendlebury was a worthy winner of the Anzac Day Medal after collecting a season-high 38 disposals and 138 SuperCoach points against Essendon, of which 85 were recorded after halftime. No player on the ground won more contested possessions (16) while he also gained a game-high 573 metres.
Jaeger O’Meara
O’Meara led the Hawks to a come-from-behind win after collecting a career-high 42 disposals and 23 contested possessions. He also had nine clearances, six inside-50s and kicked a goal from 83 per cent game time. O’Meara helped himself to 133 SuperCoach points and a minor price rise of $4200.
Gary Ablett
It was vintage Ablett against the Eagles, recording a career-high five score assists. He also had 28 disposals, 12 contested possessions, eight inside-50s and two goals from 90 per cent game time. His score of 148 SuperCoach points was a game-high and his highest since Round 14 last season.
YOUNG GUN: SYDNEY STACK
Stack was relatively unsighted in the first half against Melbourne, but he was the sixth-ranked player on the ground after halftime to finish with 72 SuperCoach points from 69 per cent game time. His ball use was excellent, hitting the target with all 12 disposals, while his reading of the play was once again a highlight – winning eight intercept possessions.

 

[Professor]

Go for it Blues

Will Sam Lowson be the first pick in the May 27 mid-season draft?

Jon Ralph, Herald Sun

19 minutes ago

Subscriber only

Coburg small forward Sam Lowson is set to be on an AFL list by May 27’s mid-season draft as Carlton and North Melbourne clamour for the VFL bolter.

Only three years ago the carpenter from East Ringwood was playing local football as a former junior sprinter working on the tools.

But his brilliant VFL form — 13 goals in four VFL games this year — have the Blues and Roos considering him to fill a specific need as a pressuring goalkicker.

He kicked four goals in a 51-point loss to Box Hill on the weekend, his latest slashing performance.

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The Herald Sun understands the Blues will interview him and put him through a medical next week, with the Roos one of a handful of rival clubs also following his performances.

Clubs will choose players under reverse ladder order on the night of May 27 — after Round 10 — with Melbourne, North Melbourne, Sydney and Carlton currently having the first four picks.

Carlton is desperate for a goalkicking mid-sized forward like the 182cm, 84kg Lowson, while the Roos have been trying to find a small forward since Brent Harvey retired.

Sam Lowson in action for Coburg.

Lowson, 23, has thrived this year after a six-week foot injury hampered his 2018 season, and is desperate to get a crack at AFL football.

Coburg general manager Sebastian Spagnuolo said today if Lowson was selected it would be a short-term blow but a fillip for the club.

“If he was drafted it would be great for Sammy, great for Coburg, real recognition through getting a player drafted, but not great for the team,” he said.

“If we get a player drafted it hurts in the short-term, but we feel it also helps us get the next player in because they see the pathway.

“He is a great story of being persistent with his dream. He is explosive, very powerful for his size, has elite pressure, creates his own goals and opportunities by tackling and is also very unselfish.

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“He is a 23-year-old chippy who is on the tools every day and then comes to training.”

Clubs have until Round 10 to create a vacant spot on their list to replace retired players or those who have season-ending injuries.

There is speculation some clubs might push players into early retirement to ensure they have a pick in the mid-season draft given the value of a selection.

Clubs have the chance to retain those players on their list next year in the same way Carlton will secure Michael Gibbons on their list into the 2020 season.

 

[Professor]

SuperCoach Round 7 trade guide: Nat Fyfe, Rory Laird must-have targets, Caleb Daniel a POD you must consider

Tim Michell, Herald Sun

April 30, 2019 7:30am

Subscriber only

Consistency is one of the most valuable commodities in SuperCoach.

Players you can rely on for scores above 90 — or even better 100 — provide valuable piece of mind.

It’s those who yoyo between 140 and 60 who provide the most headaches for SuperCoaches, launching teams to league wins one week and causing scores under 2000 the next.

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There’s been no better example of reliability this season than Western Bulldog Caleb Daniel.

Moved into a role off halfback, Daniel’s precision by foot has resulted in six consecutive scores of 93 or better with four hundreds.

While fallen premiums such as Nat Fyfe and Rory Laird will be the rage this week, Daniel has a favourable bye and a perfect role to keep accumulating points.

He might have risen by about $70,000 from his starting price, but don’t let that deter you from one of the best picks available for less than $500,000.

Forward upgrades should be your first priority if you still have rookies stuck on field, Daniel must be among your targets.

Caleb Daniel's 2019

RoundDisposals (efficiency)SuperCoach score120 (80%)104232 (87.5%)120324 (79.2%)96430 (73.3%)93531 (83.9%)100630 (86.7)102

TOP TARGETS

Nat Fyfe $564,000 Mid Avg: 114.4 Breakeven: 90

A player with Nat Fyfe’s average and ceiling won’t come cheaper than this. The Fremantle skipper has scored 147, 124, 110 and 128 this season and the sole reason he’s under $600,000 was being knocked out against St Kilda when he tallied 63. If you don’t jump on this week, it has to be in Round 8. You’ll likely pay an extra $10,000-$20,000 next week, but Fyfe is worth it.

Nat Fyfe is the top SuperCoach target of Round 7 after dropping to what should prove his base price. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images.

Rory Laird $531,600 Def Avg: 99.7 BE: 92

With Wayne Milera out due to injury, Laird returned to the type of scoring we’ve become accustomed to when he amassed 124 against St Kilda and went up $8500 in price. With a break even of 92 he won’t rise considerably this week, but if you are chasing a defensive upgrade, the Crows halfback ball magnet should be your man.

Clayton Oliver $550,100 Mid Avg: 101.2 BE: 107

Much like Melbourne, Oliver hasn’t quite got going yet. He’s threatened a big score in the past two rounds, managing 108 and 105, but the Demons’ woes haven’t helped his scoring. When his form turns, you’ll want to be on board. But Oliver should be the No.2 midfield target behind Nat Fyfe heading into Round 7.

James Sicily is one of the in-form SuperCoach players. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images.

James Sicily $564,300 Def Avg: 106.5 BE: 84

Sicily was one of the heroes in Hawthorn’s nervy win over Carlton, mopping up possessions at will in defence to finish with 127 points. He’s gone 119, 117 and 127 in the past three rounds and looks every bit the top defender thousands paid premium money for at the start of the season. He’s still available for a slight discount on his starting price and has a favourable bye in Round 12 which avoids most of the popular premiums.

Caleb Daniel $486,100 Fwd Avg: 102.5 BE: 81

You can read the full case for Daniel above, but the Bulldogs halfback weapon ticks a lot of boxes. He’s one of the best ball users in the AFL, has a SuperCoach-friendly role and has been as consistent as any player this season. Don’t rule him out just because his price has climbed.

Caleb Daniel’s consistency has been a feature of the opening six rounds. . Picture: Michael Klein.

James Worpel $445,200 Fwd-Mid Avg: 92.8 BE: 76

Worpel is the best of the players available for under $450,000 if you’re desperate for an upgrade but don’t have the bank to fund reaching the likes of Fyfe and Oliver. The Hawks rising star showed his ceiling when he pumped out a 54-point quarter in Hawthorn’s victory over Carlton on Sunday. Only six players in the AFL have attended more centre bounces this year.

Tim Kelly $476,700 Fwd-Mid Avg: 96.3 BE: 62

With the spectre of a Mark Hutchings tag gone, now is the time to jump on Kelly at his cheapest rate for the season. If you disregard his 39 when he was carrying an ankle injury as well as Matt De Boer around Kardinia Park, Kelly has scores of 106, 111, 107, 129 and 86. An average in that region would guarantee he becomes a premium forward.

Lachie Whitfield’s break even has soared after he carried an injury during the Sydney derby. Picture: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts.HOLD OFF

Jack Macrae $614,300 Mid Avg: 115 BE: 175

Patrick Cripps $684,500 Mid Avg: 128.5 BE: 195

Lachie Whitfield $575,200 Def Avg: 108 BE: 204

Lachie Neale $675,200 Mid Avg: 136.2 BE: 160

Josh Kelly $585,700 Mid Avg: 105.5 BE: 128

SuperCoach shopping season has started, but you can afford to hold off for another week or two on some of the biggest guns. Cripps is already in 59.2% of teams, while Whitfield, Macrae and Neale have grown in popularity due to their stellar opening months. Kelly is the wildcard on this list due to his late start to 2019. He’s only in 3.4% of teams and is capable of matching Neale, Macrae and Cripps for points during the run home. Whitfield is going to be an absolute bargain in 2-3 weeks, depending on whether he plays in Round 7 after suffering a severe corkie against Sydney which limited him to 45 points.

Will Hayes battles with first-round draft pick Bailey Smith at Western Bulldogs training. Picture: Michael Klein.BUBBLE BOYS

Josh Rotham $123,900 Def Avg: 77 BE: -82

Will Hayes $117,300 Mid Avg: 62.5 BE: -57

Shai Bolton $146,600 Fwd Avg: 66.5 BE: -48

Lachlan Young $120,400 Def Avg: 47 BE: -24

Mitch Lewis $149,000 Fwd Avg: 59 BE: -31

James Rowbottom $117,300 Mid Avg: 39 BE: -10

Toby Greene $354,600 Fwd Avg: 78.5 BE: 49

Joe Daniher $277,800 Fwd Avg: 69.5 BE: 23

Rotham could come into calculations after West Coast’s capitulation in Geelong and with Tom Barrass out indefinitely will have a chance to stake his claim to lock in a defensive role for the reigning premier. Hayes will be the most popular downgrade option this week as coaches look to offload the likes of Zac Butters and Tom Atkins from their midfields. Young and Rowbottom haven’t scored enough to warrant a trade, while Lewis is tempting, although key forwards are always difficult to trust. Daniher and Greene aren’t typical bubble boys but if you’re after an experienced player to help build your bank, both should do the job.

Shane Savage has been in hot form for St Kilda in recent weeks. Picture: Hamish BlairBARGAIN BIN

Under 500k

Tim Kelly $476,700 avg: 96.3 High score: 129

Caleb Daniel $486,100 avg: 102.5 HS: 120

Dustin Martin $482,600 avg: 87.8 HS: 115

Tom Rockliff $480,900 avg: 103.3 HS: 140

Brayden Fiorini $492,800 avg: 102.7 HS: 118

Zak Jones $471,600 avg: 94.3 HS: 116

Shane Savage $479,300 avg: 89.5 HS: 121

Jaeger O’Meara $495,400 avg: 100.8 HS: 133

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Under 450k

Jarryd Lyons $395,800 avg: 75.8 HS: 114

Justin Westhoff $383,100 avg: 73.8 HS: 149

Toby Greene $354,600 avg: 78.5 HS: 79

Jack Gunston $408,500 avg: 77.2 HS: 110

Jeremy McGovern $433,100 avg: 88 HS: 134

Sam Menegola $425,500 avg: 78.7 HS: 115

Lance Franklin $435,400 avg: 70 HS: 80

Jeremy Howe $437,500 avg: 84 HS: 103

James Worpel $445,200 avg: 92.8 HS: 110

Brodie Smith $445,200 avg: 93.8 HS: 110

Gold Coast defender Sam Collins will face the chop from many SuperCoach teams this week. Picture: Supplied.CHOPPING BLOCK

Jack Darling $338,600 Fwd Avg: 56 BE: 166

Robbie Gray $419,400 Fwd-Mid Avg: 76.5 BE: 145

Jack Scrimshaw $314,500 Def Avg: 70.3 BE: 58

Sam Collins $311,600 Def Avg: 65 BE: 70

Tom Atkins $232,500 Mid Avg: 53.8 BE: 25

Zak Butters $252,400 Mid Avg: 61.5 BE: 27

Kade Simpson $458,900 Def Avg: 75.2 BE: 140

Gray (broken hand) is set to spend several weeks on the sidelines and Simpson (hamstring) appears certain to join him. Holding players of their value will only set your team back. Darling has scored 9 and 22 in the past two weeks and although he’ll be available for under $300,000 in a few rounds, he’s too risky to be considered as a bargain pick-up considering his recent form.

The time has arrived to start turning rookies into premiums where possible, with Collins the top priority to move on after his break even exceeded his average. Butters still has money to make but has been running out of steam, with scores of 23 and 46 in the past three weeks. Atkins will likely make another $10,000-$15,000, while Scrimshaw might need to be sacrificed to fund upgrades in more pressing areas such as up forward where rookie options are limited.