News Herald Sun SuperCoach Articles

[Bontempele]

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/a...8/news-story/4e14a65744e395e98333df14bd2d040d

This is hilarious:

TIM SMITH (Fwd, $123,900)

Played three games in his debut season. On the comeback trail after an injury-riddled season, Smith was earning plenty of praise for his recovery from a fractured leg. “He’s looking like the Joel Smith of old – really athletic and dynamic –so [we’re] pretty pleased with how he’s going,” Demons elite performance manager Dave Misson told the club website.

The description is about Joel Smith, not Tim!

 

[jarrad_]

the fact that their articles are subscriber only and therefore "better" than most articles is even more hilarious i.m.o

 

[Rickwood]

You could not pay me enough money in the world to go near this bloke ever again, completely and single handily ruined my season and led me to by far my worst ever rank.
.

Helping a young bloke out last year when picking his team, and as a Carlton supporter I suggested he pick Dock over Shaw. Took me 12 (?) rounds to bring Docherty in and 22 to trade Shaw out. One of the 5 or 6 poor moved I made last year that all contributed to "destroyation" as Foxtel has called it.

I think I just wanted to extend the pain a little longer.

Shaw's days of being the General down back are gone. NEVER AGAIN

 

[chels]

Pendlebury's stats didn't decline last year as far as I can tell but his kicking efficiency was probably down as he had more inside 50's and less rebound 50's. This indicates that he had not deteriorated and he has barely been injured throughout his career, so I expect him to go to the 110-115 area.

Year Games Average
2006 9 56.8
2007 20 88.7
2008 21 103.5
2009 20 106.5
2010 22 110.5
2011 22 129.2
2012 18 124.7
2013 22 126.6
2014 21 124.4
2015 22 116.2
2016 22 118.7
2017 16 106.7

Given the data above, I am not sure how you can assert "Pendlebury's stats didn't decline last year." Yes, he has not missed many games "throughout his career." However, I'd suggest that to then conclude he will average 110-115 is a leap of faith.

 

[Torress]

Personally Pendlebury is an absolute lock at that price. He still had big tons in 2017. I think Collingwood have a decent early draw too.
Cripps a certain starter for mine if fit.
Hanners /Parker both would make sense to bounce back, very poor from the swans early last year expect a big preseason and these guys firing early. I’d say Parker but hanners gets more in and under stuff, Parker kicks more goals.

Everyone will practically pick Gawn and nicnat and why wouldn’t you.

Dahl and gray look solid fwd picks.

Will we get Heaney and parish as fwds?

I haven’t started heater in last 2 seasons, got burnt one year and rejoiced the other. I find such a prick to pick. Thought he played more lockdown this year. They would be stupid to do that again, one of them he best kicks in the game. think I will pick him atm, he isn’t 600k!

 

[GoGeta]

Personally Pendlebury is an absolute lock at that price. He still had big tons in 2017. I think Collingwood have a decent early draw too.
Cripps a certain starter for mine if fit.
Hanners /Parker both would make sense to bounce back, very poor from the swans early last year expect a big preseason and these guys firing early. I’d say Parker but hanners gets more in and under stuff, Parker kicks more goals.

Everyone will practically pick Gawn and nicnat and why wouldn’t you.

Dahl and gray look solid fwd picks.

Will we get Heaney and parish as fwds?

I haven’t started heater in last 2 seasons, got burnt one year and rejoiced the other. I find such a prick to pick. Thought he played more lockdown this year. They would be stupid to do that again, one of them he best kicks in the game. think I will pick him atm, he isn’t 600k!

Heaney and Parish have dpp as fwds i believe.

 

[Drew]

He may be cheaper, but after burning me so bad last season... I'm not going anywhere near him ever again.

They used him less and less last season in the back half and at 32 years of age and even with Wilson departing... The odds aren't in his favor of improving. The likely reality is he continues to drop off, and his body starts breaking down.

If he burns me by not having him, then so be it... I can very happily live with that.

What LITS said and rep'd accordingly. I don't need Heater Shaw in my life. Ever. Again.

 

[Beg2Differ]

I don’t understand the vitriol directed towards Heath Shaw. Last 7 year averages as follows.

101 (14j, 101 (18), 97 (19), 93 (18), 113 (22j , 106 (22), 83 (22).

That record is Supercoach royalty for a defender and I think he deserves a bit more respect even if he isn’t in your plans for this year. Sure he was down last year as he ages and the younger talent at GWS takes over however I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he presents as a viable D5/6 again this year.

 

[Rickwood]

I don’t understand the vitriol directed towards Heath Shaw. Last 7 year averages as follows.

101 (14j, 101 (18), 97 (19), 93 (18), 113 (22j , 106 (22), 83 (22).

That record is Supercoach royalty for a defender and I think he deserves a bit more respect even if he isn’t in your plans for this year. Sure he was down last year as he ages and the younger talent at GWS takes over however I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he presents as a viable D5/6 again this year.

I loved watching Heater play, but he does polarise people. Aging, change in role and lower stats are to be expected. For me personally, it was that sliding doors moment in my defence that after picking him, I was not only hugely disappointed but behind the 8 ball straight away.

It was a dramatic fall from grace - I think anyone priced at D1 and performing below D6 would cop similar feedback here.

After the bye he averaged 77.7, including 1 ton, 2 90's some in the middle plus a 60 and 2 fifty's.

Don't disagree with your D5/D6 comment

 

[nath_99]

Jay Clark's First SC team for 2018.. via Herald Sun...

Deary me...

 

[1000litresgained]

Year Games Average
2006 9 56.8
2007 20 88.7
2008 21 103.5
2009 20 106.5
2010 22 110.5
2011 22 129.2
2012 18 124.7
2013 22 126.6
2014 21 124.4
2015 22 116.2
2016 22 118.7
2017 16 106.7

Given the data above, I am not sure how you can assert "Pendlebury's stats didn't decline last year." Yes, he has not missed many games "throughout his career." However, I'd suggest that to then conclude he will average 110-115 is a leap of faith.

https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/S/Scott_Pendlebury.html

Why did you post his supercoach scores when I said his stats? like I've said in other posts his scores have varied quite a lot with little change in stats or efficiency so I reasoned kicking efficiency was the cause. It's not a leap of faith its what I see happening if he stays in the same role, he only needs to gain 4 points a game to prove me right so it's not a big call.

 

[Santoz]

Hanners /Parker both would make sense to bounce back, very poor from the swans early last year expect a big preseason and these guys firing early. I’d say Parker but hanners gets more in and under stuff, Parker kicks more goals.

Not if they keep playing Hanners on a wing. The only bankable Swan onballer for mine going forward is JPK.

 

[Manikato1]

There were a few articles around before Xmas (including in the HS) about the Melbourne pre season camp being cancelled. Have no inclination to start a seething mass of arguments about the accuracy of what was reported. More interested if anyone thinks this reflects a possible disconnect between team management and players and if it could affect the MFC season. If the coach or team management lose the player group or parts of it are not on the same page it can cause all kinds of issues and that often IMO translates onto the ground on game day. I recall comments in 2017 about discipline issues, read on another site that the players supposedly didn't like the way Jack Watts was moved on (what you think of him as an actual player is irrelevant) and now the boot camp. The only MFC player I have at the moment is Gawn, like 90% of most other early SC teams, but others are in the mix.

 

[Lost In The Sky]

I don’t understand the vitriol directed towards Heath Shaw. Last 7 year averages as follows.

101 (14j, 101 (18), 97 (19), 93 (18), 113 (22j , 106 (22), 83 (22).

That record is Supercoach royalty for a defender and I think he deserves a bit more respect even if he isn’t in your plans for this year. Sure he was down last year as he ages and the younger talent at GWS takes over however I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if he presents as a viable D5/6 again this year.

By all means go ahead and lock him in then.

We are not talking about all his previous seasons... We are talking about LAST season, and for the majority of people who owned him... He was a complete and utter disaster. He was picked with a premium price at the start of the year and expected to score 105+ but delivered us a truly pathetic 83 avg. And for a lot of people he was picked instead of Docherty who increased his avg and went at 114.70 avg.

Why does he deserve respect for an avg of 83 last season?

Is SC now a respect game instead of a game to score the most points?

 

[Bomber18]

By all means go ahead and lock him in then.

We are not talking about all his previous seasons... We are talking about LAST season, and for the majority of people who owned him... He was a complete and utter disaster. He was picked with a premium price at the start of the year and expected to score 105+ but delivered us a truly pathetic 83 avg. And for a lot of people he was picked instead of Docherty who increased his avg and went at 114.70 avg.

Why does he deserve respect for an avg of 83 last season?

Is SC now a respect game instead of a game to score the most points?

I'm pretty sure his 83-85 odd average started from mid 2016. 1.5 seasons averaging 85, definitely finished as an SC prospect.

 

[1000litresgained]

Not if they keep playing Hanners on a wing. The only bankable Swan onballer for mine going forward is JPK.

He's always played a fair bit of time there but last year he spent even more. His clearances went down and his disposals went down by 5 and he just seemed to have lost some of his running ability (the result of that GF injury?). For those reasons I won't be picking him

 

[GoGeta]

Not if they keep playing Hanners on a wing. The only bankable Swan onballer for mine going forward is JPK.

Agree with Hannebury, but JPK is like 30 now, surely the Swans start planning for his decline sooner, rather than later?

I like Parker, not under priced much though, maybe 50k, he has a track history of good year, bad year, good year '' ''
107-110 seems reasonable if he follows that trend.

So do you think JPK will again shoulder all the brute clearance work this season? Some teams actually started putting time into him towards the end of last year and in finals.
I think they smelt blood as his age and work load catch up them him, i suspect he may start well then fade in the back half of the year in 2018.

 

[Rowsus]

Agree with Hannebury, but JPK is like 30 now, surely the Swans start planning for his decline sooner, rather than later?

I like Parker, not under priced much though, maybe 50k, he has a track history of good year, bad year, good year '' ''
107-110 seems reasonable if he follows that trend.

So do you think JPK will again shoulder all the brute clearance work this season? Some teams actually started putting time into him towards the end of last year and in finals.
I think they smelt blood as his age and work load catch up them him, i suspect he may start well then fade in the back half of the year in 2018.

From this, I'm gathering JPK's blood must be very high in iron!

 

[Santoz]

Agree with Hannebury, but JPK is like 30 now, surely the Swans start planning for his decline sooner, rather than later?

I like Parker, not under priced much though, maybe 50k, he has a track history of good year, bad year, good year '' ''
107-110 seems reasonable if he follows that trend.

So do you think JPK will again shoulder all the brute clearance work this season? Some teams actually started putting time into him towards the end of last year and in finals.
I think they smelt blood as his age and work load catch up them him, i suspect he may start well then fade in the back half of the year in 2018.

I'd say Kennedy will play forward at times to extend his career. They obviously don't have the younger bulls to roll through the middle yet, but give Heeney another year to develop and I reckon they'll be right with the others they have. I think that Kennedy will carry the load again. Mitchell, Priddis et al have all been able to do it into their mid 30's.

 

[Presto]

Latest (19/01/2018) HS subscribers only article

We look at the top picks to be the highest SuperCoach scorer at every club
Herald Sun
January 19, 2018 12:00pm
Subscriber only

THERE are some tantalising battles in store in SuperCoach 2018.

While we expect Danger and Dusty (with Tom Mitchell a dark horse) to go head-to-head for the No.1 SuperCoach season average, there are some tough choices at club level.
The TAB has framed markets for every club’s highest SuperCoach season average and we’ve looked at the top contenders.
Players must play a minimum of 10 games to be considered but surprises are rare in SuperCoach land.
Can Buddy Franklin upset gun midfield trio Kennedy, Parker and Hannebery at the Swans? Will Scott Pendlebury hold off young bucks Adam Treloar and Taylor Adam at Collingwood? What about the Battle of the Daynes? Zorko and Beams at Brisbane.
Who would you pick?

ADELAIDE
$1.60 Matt Crouch
$3 Rory Sloane
$6.5 Bryce Gibbs
$34 Brad Crouch, Sam Jacobs, Rory Laird

Matt Crouch ($1.6 — $608,300 Mid)
The younger Crouch brother averaged an incredible 121.9 over the last 16 matches of last season, including finals. With Bryce Gibbs’ arrival, Crouch is now even less likely to be tagged.
2017 average: 110.6 Best season: 110.6 in 2017

Rory Sloane ($3 — $605,800 Mid)
How do scores last season of 146, 168, 177, 169 and 151 sound? Opposition teams are likely to tag either Sloane or Bryce Gibbs, meaning one will get off the chain each week.
2017 average: 110.2 Best season: 114.8 in 2014

Bryce Gibbs ($6.5 — $563,000 Mid)
Similar to Sloane, if Gibbs is allowed to run free he can posts big scores with 208, 148, 147, 142 and 140 to his name from the past two seasons.
2017 average: 102.4 Best season: 107 in 2009

Rory Laird ($34 — $550,800 Def)
Likely to be the most popular defender this season, but though there are question marks over what Brodie Smith’s absence will mean for Laird’s output.
2017 average: 100.2 Best season: 100.2 in 2017

Gilbert Gardiner says: Not ready to write off Sloane just yet, especially as his contract status remains up in the air.

Ben Higgins says: Matt Crouch and Rory Sloane are the clear favourites but it won’t take much for prolific half-back Rory Laird to claim the crown.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: Matt Crouch ($1.60) went to a new level in the last half of 2017 and with Sloane and Gibbs likely to be tagged before him, he should win this market.

BRISBANE

$1.60 Dayne Beams
$2.50 Dayne Zorko
$21 Stefan Martin
$34 Daniel Rich

Dayne Beams ($1.60 — $557,600 Mid)
Beams showed some of the form late last season that made him the second highest scorer in the competition back in 2012. If you think he can stay fit next season, take the $1.60.
2017 average: 101.4 Best season: 122.9 in 2012

Dayne Zorko ($2.50 — $608,900 Mid)
An underrated SuperCoach jet that has averaged 109 and 110.8 across the past two seasons.
2017 average: 110.8 Best season: 110.8 in 2017

Gilbert Gardiner says: The only certainty here is the winner will be a Dayne. Both prolific scorers on their day, but Zorko the safe play.

Ben Higgins says: How Zorko is second favourite is beyond me. Beams’ injury history is well documented. Money for jam.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: It has been six years since Beams has played more than 19 games in a season and every time he finds some form he gets injured again so I’m tipping Zorko.

CARLTON

$2.25 Matthew Kreuzer, Marc Murphy
$4.50 Patrick Cripps
$34 Kade Simpson

Matthew Kreuzer ($2.25 — $603,700 Ruck)
The 2007 No.1 draft pick averaged 117.2 after Round 5 last season as he struck career-best form.
2017 average: 109.8 Best season: 109.8 in 2017

Marc Murphy ($2.25 — $595,000 Mid)
Murphy enjoyed a return form last season, notching his highest average since 2012. With Bryce Gibbs leaving, more opposition attention will go towards Murphy and Patrick Cripps.
2017 average: 108.2 Best season: 118 in 2011

Patrick Cripps ($4.50 — $537,300 Mid)
It seems a matter of time before Cripps posts a huge SuperCoach average. If he recaptures his late 2016 form, when he averaged 131.7 from Round 18 to 23, he will comfortably win Carlton’s market.
2017 average: 97.7 Best season: 107 in 2016

Gilbert Gardiner says: As long as he stays fit, Cripps is lengths ahead of his rivals. Value.

Ben Higgins says: The key to becoming the top SuperCoach scorer is playing games and in this Marc Murphy has Patrick Cripps and Matthew Kreuzer covered.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: Take the $4.50 while you still can for Patrick Cripps — a solid pre-season and Bryce Gibbs leaving should only help the untaggable Bluebagger.

COLLINGWOOD

$1.65 Taylor Adams
$2.25 Scott Pendlebury
$11 Adam Treloar
$34 Steele Sidebottom
$51 Brodie Grundy
$101 Jeremy Howe

Taylor Adams ($1.65 — $591,000 Mid)
Could be a unique selection in 2018 without dual position status. You’d expect at 24 he still has improvement in him, but a fit Daniel Wells hurt Adams on the scoring front.
2017 average: 107.5 Best season: 107.5 in 2017

Scott Pendlebury ($2.25 — $586,500 Mid)
SuperCoach royalty that had his worst average since 2009 last year. Injuries and a role across half-back saw Pendlebury post a 106.7 average but back the champion to return to form this year.
2017 average: 106.7 Best season: 129.2 in 2011

Adam Treloar ($11 — $557,600 Mid)
Treloar finds enough of the ball to post an average in the 110-115 range but is let down by sloppy ball use. If he fixes that, the $11 could be very tempting.
2017 average: 101.4 Best season: 111.3 in 2016

Gilbert Gardiner says: This time next year, Treloar all the way, but for now, Pendlebury is still the Magpies’ ace.

Ben Higgins says: Pendles has dominated SuperCoach for years so is hard to look past but Adam Treloar is coming with a bullet.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: I’m tipping Pendlebury to return to his best ... but Treloar does look value at $11.

ESSENDON

$1.50 Zach Merrett
$4 Michael Hurley
$8 Dyson Heppell
$11 Tom Bellchambers
$21 David Zaharakis
$51 Brendon Goddard

Zach Merrett ($1.50 — $600,600 Mid)
Still only 22, Merrett looks set to be a SuperCoach must-have for the next decade, after posting 111.5 and 109.2 in the past two seasons.
2017 average: 109.2 Best season: 111.5 in 2016

Gilbert Gardiner says: Let’s not over-complicate things, Zach Merrett.

Ben Higgins says: Looks a one-man field. Would take something extraordinary for Zach Merrett to get beaten here.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: Can’t see anyone beating Zach Merrett here, still has a lot of improvement left in him.

FREMANTLE

$1.15 Nathan Fyfe
$5 Lachie Neale
$17 Connor Blakely
$51 Michael Walters
$101 David Mundy

Nathan Fyfe ($1.15 — $597,900 Mid)
Did you see how Fyfe was moving during the International Series? Fyfe looked like he was back to his best and he did average 126 over the last eight matches of 2017.
2017 average: 108.8 Best season: 124.3 in 2015

Lachie Neale ($5 — $599,300 Mid)
When Neale hits form he can post some big scores — in 2017 he averaged 132.2 from Round 4 to 9 and in 2016 he went at 123.1 between Round 4 to 11.
2017 average: 109 Best season: 112.6 in 2016

Gilbert Gardiner says: Fyfe a moral but Mundy worth a saver, especially if injuries strike the more fancied Dockers.

Ben Higgins says: The accumulator Neale against the one-man wreaking ball Fyfe. The more, the merrier if you know what I mean.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: Nathan Fyfe finally looks over his leg injury and he could push back up into the 120-125 range.

GOLD COAST

$2.25 Aaron Hall
$3.75 Jarrod Witts
$5 Jarryd Lyons
$9 Tom Lynch
$11 David Swallow
$17 Steven May
$26 Michael Barlow, Jack Martin

Aaron Hall ($2.25 — $507,200 Mid)
Hall famously shot to prominence in SuperCoach circles in 2016 when he posted 129, 124, 134 and 114 to start the season. He has the highest ceiling of all the Suns midfielders but the question is with no Gary Ablett, does he now get more attention?
2017 average: 92.3 Best season: 95.5 in 2016

Tom Lynch ($9 — $467,600 Fwd)
With his contract expiring at the end of the season, Lynch will be keen to impress possible suitors.
2017 average: 85.1 Best season: 93.2 in 2016.

David Swallow ($11 — $468,500 Mid)
No.1 draft pick cruelled by injury, with luck could figure.
2017 average: 85.2 Best season: 103.2 in 2014

Michael Barlow ($26 — $462,700 Mid/Fwd)
With Gary Ablett departing the Suns, an experience midfielder will be needed to fill his shoes and Barlow fits the bill.
Last season: 84.2 Best season: 116 in 2010

Gilbert Gardiner says: Lynch in an even field, where 100 average could be more than enough to get the chocolates. Lottery.

Ben Higgins says: Harder to pick than a broken nose. I’ll be very interested to see how unpriced Lachie Weller and Pearce Hanley go.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: This looks like the toughest one to pick. I’m going with Jarryd Lyons at $5 but it wouldn’t surprise me to see Michael Barlow wind back the clock.

GEELONG

$1.05 Patrick Dangerfield
$13 Mitch Duncan
$17 Gary Ablett
$51 Joel Selwood
$101 Sam Menegola, Scott Selwood, Zac Smith, Zach Tuohy

Patrick Dangerfield ($1.05 — $749,800 Mid)
With Dangerfield it is more a question of why can’t he win. Gary Ablett’s inclusion could mean more time forward for the 2016 Brownlow Medallist, but he did score 135 and 141 last year in games where he was the key forward.
2017 average: 136.4 Best season: 136.4 in 2017

Gary Ablett ($17 — $631,100 Mid)
The SuperCoach GOAT, with season averages of 140.1, 138.4 and 136.7 to his name. Can still go big with scores of 210, 159, 146 and 139 in 2017.
2017 average: 114.8 Best season: 140.1 in 2009

Joel Selwood ($51 — $562,000 Mid)
The skipper has four seasons with between 117.7 and 120.9 to his name, which at any other club would be enough to win this market.
2017 average: 102.2 Best season: 120.9 in 2014

Gilbert Gardiner says: The new ‘Big Three’ could cut each other’s throats in the race for points but Dangerfield ticks all the boxes. Selwood the insurance play.

Ben Higgins says: The only reason Patrick Dangerfield doesn’t finish No.1 in the AFL — let alone Geelong — is injury.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: No surprises here tipping Dangerfield. Will be interesting to see how much time he spends forward but it shouldn’t matter, he could play at full-back and still average 120.

GWS GIANTS

$1.10 Josh Kelly
$7.50 Callan Ward
$26 Stephen Coniglio
$34 Dylan Shiel
$101 Toby Greene, Tom Scully, Lachie Whitfield, Zac Williams

Josh Kelly ($1.10 — $628,600 Mid)
He is a superstar who improved his average from 87.1 to 114.3 last season and is still only 22 years old.
2017 season: 114.3 Best season: 114.3 in 2017

Callan Ward ($7.50 — $548,300 Mid)
The Giants skipper finished 2017 impressively, averaging 114.1 after Round 12.
2017 season: 99.7 Best season: 112.8 in 2014

Toby Greene ($101 — $528,100 Fwd)
Since he became a full-time forward, Greene’s average has plateaued after peaking at 102.9 in 2014 as a midfielder.
2017 season: 96.1 Best season: 102.9

Gilbert Gardiner says: Kelly in a league of his own.

Ben Higgins says: Kelly is hard to look past as one of the AFL’s hottest young players.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: Kelly is at Winx-like odds at $1.10. You don’t tip against Winx and you shouldn’t tip against Josh Kelly.

HAWTHORN

$1.02 Tom Mitchell
$11 Ben McEvoy
$51 Jack Gunston
$101 Shaun Burgoyne, Ryan Burton, Jarryd Roughead, Isaac Smith

Tom Mitchell ($1.02 — $653,500 Mid)
Mitchell was a revelation last season and plays a game style that is hard to stop for opposition. Injury is the only thing that can stop Mitchell winning this market, and he has now played 52 games in a row, so that’s unlikely.
2017 season: 118.9 Best season: 118.9 in 2017

Gilbert Gardiner says: Mitchell is not without a chance of challenging Dangerfield and Martin for the overall prize. A goal or two a game would put him in the conversation.

Ben Higgins says: Tom Mitchell is the AFL’s metronome. Pick him and watch the scores tick, tick, tick tick in.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: If anyone gets within 15 of Tom Mitchell’s average it will be a surprise.

MELBOURNE

$1.50 Clayton Oliver
$4.25 Nathan Jones
$5 Max Gawn
$11 Michael Hibberd
$51 Cameron Pedersen, Christian Petracca
$101 Jordan Lewis, Jack Viney

Clayton Oliver ($1.50 — $612,800 Mid)
Oliver was the surprise of 2017, improving his average from 70.3 to 111.5. Posted a remarkable 17 tons last year after none in 2016.
2017 season: 111.5 Best season: 111.5 in 2017

Max Gawn ($5 — $503,700 Ruck)
The popular ruckman has put in a big pre-season, trimmed down and looks set to recapture his 2016 form in which he was the number one ruck in the league.
2017 season: 91.6 Best season: 118.5 in 2016

Gilbert Gardiner says: It is the chicken or the egg dilemma in SuperCoach, a strong season from Gawn will only benefit Clarry. Gawn in a blanket finish.

Ben Higgins says: Midfielders are usually the go and Clayton Oliver is the Demons’ best but what if Max Gawn repeats his 2016 heroics when he finished third overall.

TAB Nick Quinn says: Clayton Oliver to defeat Max Gawn in a close one. Gawn should get back to that 110 range but an improved Gawn could also help the clearance king Oliver improve his points.

NORTH MELBOURNE

$2.75 Ben Cunnington
$3 Shaun Higgins
$3.5 Todd Goldstein
$9 Jarrad Waite
$15 Jack Ziebell
$26 Luke McDonald

Ben Cunnington ($2.75 — $500,800 Mid)
The hard nosed midfielder can produce some big scores (137, 136, 129, 126 and 125 last year) but also throws in the occasional stinker (34, 44, 52, 52 and 62).
2017 season: 91.1 Best season: 95.8 in 2013

Shaun Higgins ($3 — $505,000 Mid)
Higgins finished last season strongly, with an average of 95 over the past eight matches.
2017 season: 91.9 Best season: 95.3

Todd Goldstein ($3.50 — $521,400 Ruck)
Three years ago Goldstein was the No.1 player in SuperCoach, averaging 128.8 — including an incredible mid-season run of 151.3 over 10 matches. Going to be tough holding out Brayden Preuss this season.
2017 season: 94.8 Best season: 128.8 in 2015

Luke McDonald ($26 — $461,100 Def/Mid)
McDonald ended 2017 strongly, with nine consecutive games with 20 possessions and 91.1 average. More midfield time beckons in 2018.
2017 season: 83.9 Best season: 83.9 in 2017

Gilbert Gardiner says: McDonald the most SuperCoach upside and loves kicking a goal.

Ben Higgins says: Throw a dart and hope for the best.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: Goldstein is good value here. He’s an incredible scorer at his best and North will want to play him regularly to increase any potential trade value.

PORT ADELAIDE

$2.75 Patrick Ryder
$3.5 Oliver Wines
$6 Tom Rockliff
$7 Brad Ebert
$9 Charlie Dixon
$11 Robbie Gray
$17 Chad Wingard
$51 Travis Boak
$101 Justin Westhoff

Patrick Ryder ($2.75 — $566,500 Ruck)
Ryder hit a rich vein of form last season, if he can go on with the job expect the Power to win a lot of games.
2017 season: 103 Best season: 105.5 in 2012

Oliver Wines ($3.50 — $543,500 Mid)
Has averaged 98.9, 98.1, 97.3 and 100.3 over the past four seasons, could this be the breakout season?
2017 season: 98.9 Best season: 100.3 in 2014

Tom Rockliff ($6 — $529,400 Mid)
Former Lion has produced some incredible SuperCoach games, with scores of 204, 182, 179 176, 175 and 170 to his name. The question is, will he play enough midfield at the Power?
2017 season: 96.3 Best season: 132 in 2014

Gilbert Gardiner says: Happy to risk Ryder for Rocky, a ball magnet with a point to prove.

Ben Higgins says: Paddy Ryder’s went to another level in 2017 and it’s hard to see anyone keeping pace with him.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: Tom Rockliff will be keen to prove a few doubters wrong at his new club and if the Power are to become a top four side they will need Rockliff on the inside pumping the ball out to Wingard, Polec and Co.

RICHMOND

$1.02 Dustin Martin
$13 Trent Cotchin
$51 Bachar Houli, Kane Lambert, Dion Prestia
$101 Brandon Ellis, Shaun Grigg, Alex Rance

Dustin Martin ($1.02 — $656,000 Mid)
The only thing stopping Dusty winning this market is an injury and he is as close as indestructible as you can get — he’s missed just four games in eight years.
2017 season: 119.3 Best season: 119.3 in 2017

Dion Prestia ($51 — $456,000 Mid)
Prestia was a big part in Richmond’s unbelievable finish to the season, averaging 110.7 over the last seven games.
2017 season: 82.9 Best season: 106 in 2014

Gilbert Gardiner says: For all of Dusty’s dominance, his 119 average looks a bit thin for a prohibitive $1.02 quote. Cotchin to cause a boilover.

Ben Higgins says: This one is done and Dusted. Pun intended.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: Dusty will win this, the interesting part is how close to Patrick Dangerfield can he get this year.
Jack Billings at St Kilda training.
Jack Steven at St Kilda training.

ST KILDA

$1.75 Seb Ross
$6 Jack Billings, Jack Steven
$8 Jack Steele
$9 Dylan Roberton
$15 Luke Dunstan
$26 Shane Savage
$101 Jack Sinclair

Seb Ross ($1.75 — $555,300 Mid)
With Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna retired, Ross will be one of the players that will need to step up his leadership for the Saints.
2017 season: 101 Best season: 101 in 2017

Jack Billings ($6 — $509,500 Fwd)
After being moved back to the forward line early in 2017, he averaged 97 for the rest of the year.
2017 season: 92.7 Best season: 92.7 in 2017

Jack Steven ($6 — $498,600 Mid)
Steven never really recovered after a punctured lung in Round 2, but the three-time best-and-fairest winner has the highest ceiling of all St Kilda players, with scores of 171, 170, 164, 161, 157 and 153.
2017 season: 90.7 Best season: 110 in 2013

Gilbert Gardiner says: With a clear run, Steven could average 115+. Should be enough.

Ben Higgins says: If St Kilda are to make finals, Jack Billings and Jack Steven must fire.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: Jack Steven to find his best form again though Luke Dunstan and even Jack Sinclair at $101 could surprise.

SYDNEY

$1.65 Josh Kennedy
$5 Lance Franklin, Luke Parker
$11 Daniel Hannebery
$13 Isaac Heeney
$51 Zak Jones
$101 Jake Lloyd

Josh Kennedy ($1.65 — $564,200 Mid)
Like many Swans, Kennedy had his worst season since 2011 last year. Class is permanent though and you’d expect Kennedy to get back close to his best this year.
2017 season: 102.6 Best season: 120.2 in 2012

Luke Parker ($5 — $546,000 Mid)
Parker’s 2017 form mirrored that of his side, posting two tons before the bye and 10 after.
2017 season: 99.3 Best season: 111.9 in 2016

Daniel Hannebery ($11 — $535,100 Mid)
For those that had him in their 2017 team, Hannebery was possibly the most frustrating player to watch. If he is played on the ball, and not on the wing, $11 represents good value.
2017 season: 97.3 Best season: 114.5 in 2015

Gilbert Gardiner says: Isaac Heeney could be ready to take the competition by storm, capable of big numbers, strong overhead and kicks goals. One to watch.

Ben Higgins says: If you like to play it safe Josh Kennedy is the obvious choice but Dan Hannebery is fully fit and ready to explode.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: Luke Parker for me, when the Swans are flying, he has become the main man in their midfield.

WEST COAST
$2.75 Nic Naitanui
$3 Elliot Yeo
$4.5 Luke Shuey
$8 Shannon Hurn
$11 Josh Kennedy
$17 Andrew Gaff
$21 Jeremy McGovern
$101 Jack Redden

Nic Naitanui ($2.75 — $465,900 Ruck)
The decision whether to select Naitanui or not is likely to be the biggest question facing SuperCoaches this year. How long will it take him to get back to his best?
2017 season: — Best season: 114.2 in 2012

Elliot Yeo ($3 — $561,230 Def)
If Yeo is played as an intercept defender, he will win this market. If he is played in the midfield, as he was in the last half of 2017, he won’t.
2017 season: 102.1 Best season: 102.1 in 2017

Jack Redden ($101 — $437,900 Mid)
The former Lion was moved into the midfield for the last seven games of 2017, where he averaged 97.3.
Last season: 79.6 Best season: 103.1 in 2014

Gilbert Gardiner says: Big Josh Kennedy well over the odds, Andrew Gaff could surprise should the Eagles deploy a more free-flowing attacking game in the absence of genuine inside midfielders.

Ben Higgins says: Wouldn’t touch Nic Nat with a 10-foot pole. The question you need to ask yourself is who replaces Matt Priddis.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: Believe it or not, I’m picking Jack Redden at $101. With Sam Mitchell and Matt Priddis retiring, Redden should spend the whole season in the midfield. He averaged 103 in 2014, could be enough to win the Eagles’ market.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

$1.6 Jackson Macrae
$2.25 Marcus Bontempelli
$34 Luke Dahlhaus, Mitch Wallis
$51 Toby McLean
$101 Lachie Hunter

Jackson Macrae ($1.60 — $587,800 Mid)
Macrae was one of the few Dogs to improve last season, getting better as the season went on and producing an average of 111.1 after the mid-season bye.
2017 season: 106.9 Best season: 106.9 in 2017

Marcus Bontempelli ($2.25 — $577,800 Mid)
The Bont started last season as many expected, with an average of 123.6 over the first seven matches before he tailed off.
2017 season: 105.1 Best season: 107.7 in 2016

Gilbert Gardiner says: At his best, Bontempelli has panels on this lot.

Ben Higgins says: There’s not much to write home about outside of Macrae and Bontempelli but if I were forced to pick an upset, Luke Dahlhaus is my man.

TAB’s Nick Quinn says: I’m tipping the Bont to win this. The addition of Josh Schache should mean that Bontempelli spends more time in the midfield where he does his best work.

TAB ODDS — correct at time of publishing