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- Thread starter Presto
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Given most MID only rookies would not spend 35% of their time at CBs it seems a given that most/many will get DPP. I wonder if that’s what will actually happen.
Also what does the bolded comment mean? You certainly can reposition DPPs without using trades and they have even made it easier by specifically allowing the trade loophole this season.
Also what does the bolded comment mean? You certainly can reposition DPPs without using trades and they have even made it easier by specifically allowing the trade loophole this season.
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Yeah I get it, one area which is hard for us to monitor and rarely any stats as non CBA's could be on the wing.
Stringer interesting, had 4 games at 12%, 15%, 24%, 29% and an average of 68.5%.
This is the comment from AFL Fantasy
Before round 6, 12 and 18, the gang at AFLFantasy team up with Champion Data to add some new DPP into the game. After round 5, the first list of names and positions will be released. Historically, AFLFantasy has said that players need a minimum of 35% to be considered for a new allocation in a new position.
Stringer interesting, had 4 games at 12%, 15%, 24%, 29% and an average of 68.5%.
This is the comment from AFL Fantasy
Before round 6, 12 and 18, the gang at AFLFantasy team up with Champion Data to add some new DPP into the game. After round 5, the first list of names and positions will be released. Historically, AFLFantasy has said that players need a minimum of 35% to be considered for a new allocation in a new position.
Historically in AFL Fantasy the rookies make up about half the position changes. From last year I recall Berry, Campbell, Gulden, Warner, Kosi, Connolly and Farrar all gained positions and I'm sure there were others.
The bolded part means moving a D/F from one to the other without needing a second D/F, you can currently do it via trades if you have a F/M and D/M in your team and just work them around but there's no good reason to force this into the trade screen.
The trades staying open might fix this but generally it's required you to execute a trade to do it so still has a significant cost.
Would be great to just be able to move them, especially in byes or big injury weeks (which covid is going to cause for sure given our government approaches to it). Basically as it is the DPP guys are only useful if you've got the same DPP type to change it with outside trades where you can reposition.
The bolded part means moving a D/F from one to the other without needing a second D/F, you can currently do it via trades if you have a F/M and D/M in your team and just work them around but there's no good reason to force this into the trade screen.
The trades staying open might fix this but generally it's required you to execute a trade to do it so still has a significant cost.
Would be great to just be able to move them, especially in byes or big injury weeks (which covid is going to cause for sure given our government approaches to it). Basically as it is the DPP guys are only useful if you've got the same DPP type to change it with outside trades where you can reposition.
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Not a massive issue however for the record last year you it didn‘t cost you a trade to triangulate your 3 DPPs. However the limitation was that you needed to have 2 trades in hand to do it.
The process was
The process was
- Trade any 1 of the 3 out.
- Move your first DPP
- Move you second DPP
- Trade in anybody to the vacated position.
- Trade the player you just traded in back to the first player you traded out which refunds your trade. (This part only worked though if you have another trade in hand at this point).
Yeah, it was doable but an absolute pain and why make a feature require so many steps to achieve when it just makes too much sense to just have the feature easy and obvious to use.
Will also be interesting if the trade boost is reversable in the above scenario as getting the extra trade obviously makes this possible.
Will also be interesting if the trade boost is reversable in the above scenario as getting the extra trade obviously makes this possible.
KFC SuperCoach 2022: 11 biggest bargains
Everyone loves a bargain and this year some of the biggest scorers in KFC SuperCoach are available for low, low prices. Let’s go shopping!
The Phantom and Al Paton
5 min read
January 27, 2022 - 6:00AM
It’s a big time of year for bargain hunters.
KFC SuperCoach is back for 2021 and we can now enjoy the summer sunshine scrolling through the full list of available players searching for the gold nuggets the SuperCoach bankers have buried for us.
We’ve saved you the time by highlighting 11 players who are massively underpriced for 2022 based on their scoring potential.
There is also potential value on offer from rookies and breakout players, both covered in depth elsewhere, but the 11 players listed below have shown the ability to post big KFC SuperCoach scores in the past when injury-free and given the right role.
If they can return to that level this season you effectively get a bonus premium while leaving cash in the bank to spend on other parts of your team. But all come with an element of risk. Should we take the punt? See our expert verdict and have your say.
DEFENDERS
James Sicily (Haw) $448,100 DEF
In his last full season Sicily ranked fourth in the competition for intercept possessions and won a spot in the All-Australian squad. He posted premium-level scores from 2018-20, averaging 105.1, 93.8 and then 102.9, which included an injury-affected score of 50 when he wrecked his ACL against the Eagles in Round 12 – before that he had put up four 120-plus totals including a 149 and a 164. Hopefully the departure of Alastair Clarkson ends the occasional experimentation of Sicily as a forward, the biggest watch will be how the points are shared between all the Hawks’ rebounding backmen – Jack Scrimshaw, Jarman Impey and Changkuoth Jiath have all emerged since Sicily was a regular member of the back six.
Phantom’s verdict: “He’d be available to play if we were playing now,” Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said recently. Probably enough for me at this point, considering the price
Caleb Marchbank (Carl) $209,300 DEF
In his second most recent game Marchbank posted 113 KFC SuperCoach points from 22 disposals and eight marks. The catch is that was in Round 15, 2019. Since then he has been plagued by knee, back and calf injuries, so durability is obviously a major concern. But if he can make it to Round 1 in one piece (he’s currently on a modified program) Marchbank should have a safe spot in the Blues’ best 22.
Al Paton’s verdict: Don’t expect big scores but he’s a get-out option if defensive rookies don’t turn up.
Braeden Campbell (Syd) $293,900 DEF
The Swans Academy graduate and No.5 draft pick’s talents were on full display when he scored 118 KFC SuperCoach points in just his second AFL game. But he didn’t get much more of a look-in during his debut season, registering eight matches and a SuperCoach average of 54. But after a second AFL pre-season the 19-year-old is ready to become a regular and, crucially, there is a vacancy in the Swans backline for an elite distributor after the departure of Jordan Dawson. Campbell is a leading candidate as “one of the best kicks that we’ve ever seen” according to junior talent scouts.
Al Paton’s verdict: Watch his role in pre-season and if he gets Dawson’s job, seriously consider.
MIDFIELDERS
Stephen Coniglio (GWS) $261,300 MID/FWD
He’s been dropped, played forward and just flat-out struggled to win the ball over the past two years. But the fact is Coniglio averaged 108, 101 and 98 in the three years before an injury-ravaged 2021. And his average last season isn’t even as bad as it looks, with scores of 26 and 14 coming in injury-affected games.
Phantom’s verdict: He’s available as a forward. Lock him in.
Lachie Neale (Bris) $543,200 MID
Can all the coaches burnt by Neale in 2021 forgive and forget? A new season means a fresh start and you can’t look past Neale’s elite scoring history. Even if you take out his incredible Brownlow year, Neale averaged at least 109 points a game in the four seasons before that. And he scored 133, 152 and 93 in his final three appearances last year after battling calf, back and ankle injuries since the pre-season.
Phantom’s verdict: The bloke who averaged 134 in 2020 priced at an average of 99.8 after an injury-plagued year? Yes, please.
Matt Rowell (GC) $342,900 MID
Rowell is flying on the track, and reportedly blitzed the Suns’ recent match-simulation session. Most importantly, he looks set to complete a full pre-season – something he couldn’t do last summer. After averaging an extraordinary 124 points in the opening four games of his career in 2020, we raved about Rowell at $495k ahead of Round 1 last year. So $342k could be a steal, if he can get back to his best.
Phantom’s verdict: Locked-ish. Looming as a player we just won’t be able to pass up.
Jarrod Berry (Bris) $268,500 MID
He may have played 11 games, but Berry’s 2021 season was hampered by injury – first a hamstring, followed by a persistent groin issue and then a strained calf. And when he was out there, the 23-year-old spent plenty of time forward. But he posted six KFC SuperCoach scores of 120 or more in 15 games in 2020 – his fourth season in the competition – and will be priced at a 49-point average next year.
Phantom’s verdict: Numbers are there, it’s all about his body and role now.
Jye Caldwell (Ess) $266,700 MID
The young midfielder showed plenty of promise in his first pre-season at the Bombers, and posted scores of 74 and 66 in his first two senior games for the club. But he played just 42 per cent of that second match, after being struck down by another hamstring injury, which wiped out the rest of the minor rounds.
Phantom’s verdict: If Caldwell is fit, he’s in the Bombers’ midfield rotation, meaning he has to be one to watch.
RUCKS
Braydon Preuss (GWS) $204,700 RUC
Like Rowell, we – OK, I may have had a bit to do with starting it – were raving about Preuss at an elevated price tag last year ($303k) after he joined the Giants, looking for more opportunity, during the trade period. For those who missed my rambling, in the three games he played without Max Gawn at the Demons, Preuss posted scores of 84, 85 and 140. In his two at North Melbourne without Todd Goldstein, he scored 111 and an injury-affected 39.
Phantom’s verdict: Injury ruined the cheap R2 dreams of KFC SuperCoaches last year, but it’s time to dream again, my friends.
FORWARDS
Jade Gresham (StK) $299,000 FWD/MID
After gradually moving into the midfield, the Gresham breakout has been on for a while now. But, unfortunately, injury just keeps getting in the way. His body is still a question mark, but his potential in KFC SuperCoach as a full-time midfielder is undeniable. Gresham, who was an elite scorer as a junior, tallied a combined 47 disposals, 17 inside-50s and 14 clearances in the opening two rounds of last season before injury struck in Round 3. The talented Saint is priced at 55 for 2022. At his fully-fit best, he doubles that. Even if he’s not at his best, but out on the park, it’s hard to see him dropping below 80.
Phantom’s verdict: The value is undeniable and long-time readers will know I like him.
Charlie Curnow (Carl) $224,300 FWD
Another Blue with major injury baggage – playing just four games in the past two seasons – but with a much higher ceiling than Marchbank. Back in 2019 Curnow scored 154 KFC SuperCoach points in a seven-goal game against the Bulldogs. As a key forward he’ll have his fair share of quiet games but we only need him to get through the first 6-8 rounds to be a great stepping stone – last year Joe Daniher added $150k to his starting price in that time with an 81 average (including a 121 and a 34).
Al Paton’s verdict: I started Daniher last year and Curnow is $9k cheaper. The lesson I learnt was to trade him out around the byes to make the most of the price gain.
Everyone loves a bargain and this year some of the biggest scorers in KFC SuperCoach are available for low, low prices. Let’s go shopping!
The Phantom and Al Paton
5 min read
January 27, 2022 - 6:00AM
It’s a big time of year for bargain hunters.
KFC SuperCoach is back for 2021 and we can now enjoy the summer sunshine scrolling through the full list of available players searching for the gold nuggets the SuperCoach bankers have buried for us.
We’ve saved you the time by highlighting 11 players who are massively underpriced for 2022 based on their scoring potential.
There is also potential value on offer from rookies and breakout players, both covered in depth elsewhere, but the 11 players listed below have shown the ability to post big KFC SuperCoach scores in the past when injury-free and given the right role.
If they can return to that level this season you effectively get a bonus premium while leaving cash in the bank to spend on other parts of your team. But all come with an element of risk. Should we take the punt? See our expert verdict and have your say.
DEFENDERS
James Sicily (Haw) $448,100 DEF
In his last full season Sicily ranked fourth in the competition for intercept possessions and won a spot in the All-Australian squad. He posted premium-level scores from 2018-20, averaging 105.1, 93.8 and then 102.9, which included an injury-affected score of 50 when he wrecked his ACL against the Eagles in Round 12 – before that he had put up four 120-plus totals including a 149 and a 164. Hopefully the departure of Alastair Clarkson ends the occasional experimentation of Sicily as a forward, the biggest watch will be how the points are shared between all the Hawks’ rebounding backmen – Jack Scrimshaw, Jarman Impey and Changkuoth Jiath have all emerged since Sicily was a regular member of the back six.
Phantom’s verdict: “He’d be available to play if we were playing now,” Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said recently. Probably enough for me at this point, considering the price
Caleb Marchbank (Carl) $209,300 DEF
In his second most recent game Marchbank posted 113 KFC SuperCoach points from 22 disposals and eight marks. The catch is that was in Round 15, 2019. Since then he has been plagued by knee, back and calf injuries, so durability is obviously a major concern. But if he can make it to Round 1 in one piece (he’s currently on a modified program) Marchbank should have a safe spot in the Blues’ best 22.
Al Paton’s verdict: Don’t expect big scores but he’s a get-out option if defensive rookies don’t turn up.
Braeden Campbell (Syd) $293,900 DEF
The Swans Academy graduate and No.5 draft pick’s talents were on full display when he scored 118 KFC SuperCoach points in just his second AFL game. But he didn’t get much more of a look-in during his debut season, registering eight matches and a SuperCoach average of 54. But after a second AFL pre-season the 19-year-old is ready to become a regular and, crucially, there is a vacancy in the Swans backline for an elite distributor after the departure of Jordan Dawson. Campbell is a leading candidate as “one of the best kicks that we’ve ever seen” according to junior talent scouts.
Al Paton’s verdict: Watch his role in pre-season and if he gets Dawson’s job, seriously consider.
MIDFIELDERS
Stephen Coniglio (GWS) $261,300 MID/FWD
He’s been dropped, played forward and just flat-out struggled to win the ball over the past two years. But the fact is Coniglio averaged 108, 101 and 98 in the three years before an injury-ravaged 2021. And his average last season isn’t even as bad as it looks, with scores of 26 and 14 coming in injury-affected games.
Phantom’s verdict: He’s available as a forward. Lock him in.
Lachie Neale (Bris) $543,200 MID
Can all the coaches burnt by Neale in 2021 forgive and forget? A new season means a fresh start and you can’t look past Neale’s elite scoring history. Even if you take out his incredible Brownlow year, Neale averaged at least 109 points a game in the four seasons before that. And he scored 133, 152 and 93 in his final three appearances last year after battling calf, back and ankle injuries since the pre-season.
Phantom’s verdict: The bloke who averaged 134 in 2020 priced at an average of 99.8 after an injury-plagued year? Yes, please.
Matt Rowell (GC) $342,900 MID
Rowell is flying on the track, and reportedly blitzed the Suns’ recent match-simulation session. Most importantly, he looks set to complete a full pre-season – something he couldn’t do last summer. After averaging an extraordinary 124 points in the opening four games of his career in 2020, we raved about Rowell at $495k ahead of Round 1 last year. So $342k could be a steal, if he can get back to his best.
Phantom’s verdict: Locked-ish. Looming as a player we just won’t be able to pass up.
Jarrod Berry (Bris) $268,500 MID
He may have played 11 games, but Berry’s 2021 season was hampered by injury – first a hamstring, followed by a persistent groin issue and then a strained calf. And when he was out there, the 23-year-old spent plenty of time forward. But he posted six KFC SuperCoach scores of 120 or more in 15 games in 2020 – his fourth season in the competition – and will be priced at a 49-point average next year.
Phantom’s verdict: Numbers are there, it’s all about his body and role now.
Jye Caldwell (Ess) $266,700 MID
The young midfielder showed plenty of promise in his first pre-season at the Bombers, and posted scores of 74 and 66 in his first two senior games for the club. But he played just 42 per cent of that second match, after being struck down by another hamstring injury, which wiped out the rest of the minor rounds.
Phantom’s verdict: If Caldwell is fit, he’s in the Bombers’ midfield rotation, meaning he has to be one to watch.
RUCKS
Braydon Preuss (GWS) $204,700 RUC
Like Rowell, we – OK, I may have had a bit to do with starting it – were raving about Preuss at an elevated price tag last year ($303k) after he joined the Giants, looking for more opportunity, during the trade period. For those who missed my rambling, in the three games he played without Max Gawn at the Demons, Preuss posted scores of 84, 85 and 140. In his two at North Melbourne without Todd Goldstein, he scored 111 and an injury-affected 39.
Phantom’s verdict: Injury ruined the cheap R2 dreams of KFC SuperCoaches last year, but it’s time to dream again, my friends.
FORWARDS
Jade Gresham (StK) $299,000 FWD/MID
After gradually moving into the midfield, the Gresham breakout has been on for a while now. But, unfortunately, injury just keeps getting in the way. His body is still a question mark, but his potential in KFC SuperCoach as a full-time midfielder is undeniable. Gresham, who was an elite scorer as a junior, tallied a combined 47 disposals, 17 inside-50s and 14 clearances in the opening two rounds of last season before injury struck in Round 3. The talented Saint is priced at 55 for 2022. At his fully-fit best, he doubles that. Even if he’s not at his best, but out on the park, it’s hard to see him dropping below 80.
Phantom’s verdict: The value is undeniable and long-time readers will know I like him.
Charlie Curnow (Carl) $224,300 FWD
Another Blue with major injury baggage – playing just four games in the past two seasons – but with a much higher ceiling than Marchbank. Back in 2019 Curnow scored 154 KFC SuperCoach points in a seven-goal game against the Bulldogs. As a key forward he’ll have his fair share of quiet games but we only need him to get through the first 6-8 rounds to be a great stepping stone – last year Joe Daniher added $150k to his starting price in that time with an 81 average (including a 121 and a 34).
Al Paton’s verdict: I started Daniher last year and Curnow is $9k cheaper. The lesson I learnt was to trade him out around the byes to make the most of the price gain.
The expected big improvers at every AFL club for the coming season
Some were limited by injury, others found their feet late in 2021 – all caught our experts’ eyes as the player to watch at your club in 2022.
Simeon Thomas-Wilson, Matt Turner, Jay Clark, Rebecca Williams, Nick Smart, Chris Honnery, Will Hogan, Scott Gullan and Marc McGowan
6 min read
January 27, 2022 - 12:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
As the AFL season approaches every club will be searching for their own Nick Hind – a lesser-known player ready to explode out of the blocks.
Hind went from unsung recruit to one of the Bombers best week-in, week-out last year as he continually showed dash and carry off halfback.
Our team of AFL experts have shone a light on who might be breakout star at your club in season 2022.
ADELAIDE
Harry Schoenberg is now 30 games into his career and is showing signs that he will become a top-line player. After featuring eight times during his debut campaign in 2020, the 20-year-old did not miss a match in 2021. He gathered at least 20 disposals in all bar one of the last seven games, ending the campaign around the ball more, rather than at half-forward, where he started it.
BRISBANE.
Gun halfback Brandon Starcevich showed just how devastating he can be in defence in 2021. The 22-year-old was on the cusp of All-Australian selection and was arguably unlucky to miss out. Starcevich has proven to be one of the most stubborn lockdown defenders in the competition playing key roles on the oppositions’ most dynamic forwards. If he starts to get more of the ball he will be a force to be reckoned with.
CARLTON
Those behind the scenes at Ikon Park have always been big fans of Tom De Koning and he still has plenty of scope to become better. He started to show promising glimpses in 2020 before injuries ruled out the first half of 2021. If he can put in a full pre-season and start to string consistent games together the sky is the limit for De Koning. He is big, mobile and has impressive aerial skills.
COLLINGWOOD
Isaac Quaynor was unquestionably Collingwood’s breakthrough player of 2021, but who will be the Magpies’ 2022 version? It looks like being a battle between youngsters Trent Bianco, Caleb Poulter and Finlay Macrae, with all three battling for the final midfield spots this summer. All three showed promising signs in season 2021 and appear poised for a big 2022. Fellow youngster Reef McInnes is another who looms as a big prospect in 2022. Yet to make his debut, the former NGA product has some big wraps on him.
ESSENDON
Harrison Jones looms as the key figure in the Bombers’ ascension up the ladder. Late in 2021, coach Ben Rutten moved away from relying on veteran Cale Hooker — who is now retired — and challenged Jones in tandem with the towering Peter Wright to be tall targets up forward. At just 20, some would argue there is too much reliance on a developing key forward but the positives are that he’s already showing signs he can be what the Bombers desire.
FREMANTLE
Injury has meant that the AFL hasn’t seen too much of talented Fremantle youngster Hayden Young. But if he gets a sustained run in the side he can easily show why he is so talented with his classy kicking.
GEELONG
Tyson Stengle will be the big watch next season. The skilful small forward was cast on to the AFL scrap heap after some off-field indiscretions at Adelaide after a brief stint at Richmond. But the goal kicker appears to have turned it around playing a starring role for Woodville West Torrens in the SANFL premiership last year, reviving his AFL aspirations. The Cats are expected to slot him straight into their forward line to add another genuine goalkicking option. Not sure if Luke Dahlhaus and Shaun Higgins are in the best 22, anymore.
GOLD COAST
Noah Anderson is already an elite player in the competition despite the off-Broadway status the Suns occupy. Anderson will always be known as the sidekick to Matt Rowell to the general punter but internally Anderson is as highly rated as they get. Had four games in 2021 in which he managed 30 disposals and a goal and polled eight Brownlow Medal votes to finish second to Touk Miller in the Suns’ leaderboard. The scary thing is Anderson still has plenty of scope for improvement and as his younger teammates in Alex Davies and Elijah Hollands start to lift, it’ll only elevate Anderson’s ability to dominate through the engine room.
GIANTS
Tanner Bruhn is an elite young talent who was the No. 12 pick in last year’s draft. He played 13 senior games in his debut season and was even trusted in the centre on occasion, with his decision-making and poise among his strengths.
HAWTHORN
We only saw a glimpse of Will Day in 2021 due to a nasty ankle injury which limited him to only five games, but this man can become Hawthorn’s best player in a few years. A great find with pick 13, Day is the classy and versatile ball winner who will quickly become a go-to man either off half back or in the middle. The South Australian is one who always has time with the ball and it is that trademark polish and composure which can help him become a genuine star of the competition. Only played 16 games in total but now that Shaun Burgoyne has retired Day, who is still only 20, will become the new silk and, potentially, face of the next generation Hawks.
MELBOURNE
After playing just the seven senior games in 2020, Alex Neal-Bullen solidified his place in the Melbourne line-up to play every game for the Demons in their premiership charge. The forward kicked 15 goals for the year and had 24 disposals and one major in the Grand Final. Arguably the Demons’ biggest improver, Neal-Bullen rated elite as a forward for disposals, contested possessions, forward-half pressure points and tackles and above average for forward 50 ground ball gets.
NORTH MELBOURNE
After showing promising signs in his debut season, youngster Will Phillips will be set for a big 2022. The man wearing the famous No. 29 of club legend Brent “Boomer” Harvey played 16 games in his debut season after being snapped up at pick No. 3 in the 2020 national draft. He showed good signs in his debut season, but there is still huge upside and a big summer in the gym should see him reach new heights in 2022. One to watch in 2022.
PORT ADELAIDE
Zak Butters made the All-Australian squad in 2020 but injuries hurt his 2021 campaign, just when it looked like he would move into the midfield. With the Power looking within to fix its need of midfield depth, Butters is one of the youngsters primed to get more time in the Port engine room. This could elevate him to elite status in the competition, which we have seen in bursts so far.
RICHMOND
Liam Baker was the one Tiger who took a step forward in 2021. The ever-reliable Baker was thrown to all parts of the ground to fill holes in Damien Hardwick’s side and showed his versatility through the midfield and across half-forward. Baker’s year was one of the silver linings following the Tigers torrid injury run. Had always been a reliable contributor at half back but it was through the midfield where his ball winning ability and decision-making really shone. A settled position, wherever that is, and the rookie-draft steal from 2018 can continue to improve his stocks.
ST KILDA
A broken jaw following a brutal collision with David McKay stopped short a season in which Saints’ smooth mover Hunter Clark took another step forward. Has looked at home at half back but it’s in the midfield where he really could be the player the Saints need. His Round 1 2021 effort against the Giants in the wet was a glimpse of what he is capable of. All he needs now is to force his way into the middle of the ground and continue his rise.
SYDNEY
Dylan Stephens might be the big winner from Jordan Dawson leaving for the Crows. Stephens was the No. 5 draft pick two years ago but has played only 15 games since. He might be able to grab a wing spot with a strong summer – but either way his opportunities should spike significantly.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Going left-field here for a player who hasn’t even pulled on a Dogs jumper yet. Tim O’Brien arrived at the Whitten Oval from Hawthorn as an unrestricted free agent after eight seasons and 97 games, mainly as a key forward. However, in the second half of 2021 O’Brien, 27, played in defence and came into his own with his high leaping aerial skills shining out. The Dogs are crying out for another big tall to help out Alex Keath and O‘Brien’s athleticism fits into the way Beveridge likes his team to play. And the timing proved more than fortuitous given the surprise retirement of Easton Wood.
WEST COAST
Oscar Allen has the tools to become a star of the competition. The 22-year-old played all bar one match last season and finished 10th in the Eagles’ best and fairest. Further improvement can be expected next year. Josh Kennedy remains a major focal point but Allen can help share the load a little more especially with the possible omission of Jack Darling.
Some were limited by injury, others found their feet late in 2021 – all caught our experts’ eyes as the player to watch at your club in 2022.
Simeon Thomas-Wilson, Matt Turner, Jay Clark, Rebecca Williams, Nick Smart, Chris Honnery, Will Hogan, Scott Gullan and Marc McGowan
6 min read
January 27, 2022 - 12:00PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
As the AFL season approaches every club will be searching for their own Nick Hind – a lesser-known player ready to explode out of the blocks.
Hind went from unsung recruit to one of the Bombers best week-in, week-out last year as he continually showed dash and carry off halfback.
Our team of AFL experts have shone a light on who might be breakout star at your club in season 2022.
ADELAIDE
Harry Schoenberg is now 30 games into his career and is showing signs that he will become a top-line player. After featuring eight times during his debut campaign in 2020, the 20-year-old did not miss a match in 2021. He gathered at least 20 disposals in all bar one of the last seven games, ending the campaign around the ball more, rather than at half-forward, where he started it.
BRISBANE.
Gun halfback Brandon Starcevich showed just how devastating he can be in defence in 2021. The 22-year-old was on the cusp of All-Australian selection and was arguably unlucky to miss out. Starcevich has proven to be one of the most stubborn lockdown defenders in the competition playing key roles on the oppositions’ most dynamic forwards. If he starts to get more of the ball he will be a force to be reckoned with.
CARLTON
Those behind the scenes at Ikon Park have always been big fans of Tom De Koning and he still has plenty of scope to become better. He started to show promising glimpses in 2020 before injuries ruled out the first half of 2021. If he can put in a full pre-season and start to string consistent games together the sky is the limit for De Koning. He is big, mobile and has impressive aerial skills.
COLLINGWOOD
Isaac Quaynor was unquestionably Collingwood’s breakthrough player of 2021, but who will be the Magpies’ 2022 version? It looks like being a battle between youngsters Trent Bianco, Caleb Poulter and Finlay Macrae, with all three battling for the final midfield spots this summer. All three showed promising signs in season 2021 and appear poised for a big 2022. Fellow youngster Reef McInnes is another who looms as a big prospect in 2022. Yet to make his debut, the former NGA product has some big wraps on him.
ESSENDON
Harrison Jones looms as the key figure in the Bombers’ ascension up the ladder. Late in 2021, coach Ben Rutten moved away from relying on veteran Cale Hooker — who is now retired — and challenged Jones in tandem with the towering Peter Wright to be tall targets up forward. At just 20, some would argue there is too much reliance on a developing key forward but the positives are that he’s already showing signs he can be what the Bombers desire.
FREMANTLE
Injury has meant that the AFL hasn’t seen too much of talented Fremantle youngster Hayden Young. But if he gets a sustained run in the side he can easily show why he is so talented with his classy kicking.
GEELONG
Tyson Stengle will be the big watch next season. The skilful small forward was cast on to the AFL scrap heap after some off-field indiscretions at Adelaide after a brief stint at Richmond. But the goal kicker appears to have turned it around playing a starring role for Woodville West Torrens in the SANFL premiership last year, reviving his AFL aspirations. The Cats are expected to slot him straight into their forward line to add another genuine goalkicking option. Not sure if Luke Dahlhaus and Shaun Higgins are in the best 22, anymore.
GOLD COAST
Noah Anderson is already an elite player in the competition despite the off-Broadway status the Suns occupy. Anderson will always be known as the sidekick to Matt Rowell to the general punter but internally Anderson is as highly rated as they get. Had four games in 2021 in which he managed 30 disposals and a goal and polled eight Brownlow Medal votes to finish second to Touk Miller in the Suns’ leaderboard. The scary thing is Anderson still has plenty of scope for improvement and as his younger teammates in Alex Davies and Elijah Hollands start to lift, it’ll only elevate Anderson’s ability to dominate through the engine room.
GIANTS
Tanner Bruhn is an elite young talent who was the No. 12 pick in last year’s draft. He played 13 senior games in his debut season and was even trusted in the centre on occasion, with his decision-making and poise among his strengths.
HAWTHORN
We only saw a glimpse of Will Day in 2021 due to a nasty ankle injury which limited him to only five games, but this man can become Hawthorn’s best player in a few years. A great find with pick 13, Day is the classy and versatile ball winner who will quickly become a go-to man either off half back or in the middle. The South Australian is one who always has time with the ball and it is that trademark polish and composure which can help him become a genuine star of the competition. Only played 16 games in total but now that Shaun Burgoyne has retired Day, who is still only 20, will become the new silk and, potentially, face of the next generation Hawks.
MELBOURNE
After playing just the seven senior games in 2020, Alex Neal-Bullen solidified his place in the Melbourne line-up to play every game for the Demons in their premiership charge. The forward kicked 15 goals for the year and had 24 disposals and one major in the Grand Final. Arguably the Demons’ biggest improver, Neal-Bullen rated elite as a forward for disposals, contested possessions, forward-half pressure points and tackles and above average for forward 50 ground ball gets.
NORTH MELBOURNE
After showing promising signs in his debut season, youngster Will Phillips will be set for a big 2022. The man wearing the famous No. 29 of club legend Brent “Boomer” Harvey played 16 games in his debut season after being snapped up at pick No. 3 in the 2020 national draft. He showed good signs in his debut season, but there is still huge upside and a big summer in the gym should see him reach new heights in 2022. One to watch in 2022.
PORT ADELAIDE
Zak Butters made the All-Australian squad in 2020 but injuries hurt his 2021 campaign, just when it looked like he would move into the midfield. With the Power looking within to fix its need of midfield depth, Butters is one of the youngsters primed to get more time in the Port engine room. This could elevate him to elite status in the competition, which we have seen in bursts so far.
RICHMOND
Liam Baker was the one Tiger who took a step forward in 2021. The ever-reliable Baker was thrown to all parts of the ground to fill holes in Damien Hardwick’s side and showed his versatility through the midfield and across half-forward. Baker’s year was one of the silver linings following the Tigers torrid injury run. Had always been a reliable contributor at half back but it was through the midfield where his ball winning ability and decision-making really shone. A settled position, wherever that is, and the rookie-draft steal from 2018 can continue to improve his stocks.
ST KILDA
A broken jaw following a brutal collision with David McKay stopped short a season in which Saints’ smooth mover Hunter Clark took another step forward. Has looked at home at half back but it’s in the midfield where he really could be the player the Saints need. His Round 1 2021 effort against the Giants in the wet was a glimpse of what he is capable of. All he needs now is to force his way into the middle of the ground and continue his rise.
SYDNEY
Dylan Stephens might be the big winner from Jordan Dawson leaving for the Crows. Stephens was the No. 5 draft pick two years ago but has played only 15 games since. He might be able to grab a wing spot with a strong summer – but either way his opportunities should spike significantly.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Going left-field here for a player who hasn’t even pulled on a Dogs jumper yet. Tim O’Brien arrived at the Whitten Oval from Hawthorn as an unrestricted free agent after eight seasons and 97 games, mainly as a key forward. However, in the second half of 2021 O’Brien, 27, played in defence and came into his own with his high leaping aerial skills shining out. The Dogs are crying out for another big tall to help out Alex Keath and O‘Brien’s athleticism fits into the way Beveridge likes his team to play. And the timing proved more than fortuitous given the surprise retirement of Easton Wood.
WEST COAST
Oscar Allen has the tools to become a star of the competition. The 22-year-old played all bar one match last season and finished 10th in the Eagles’ best and fairest. Further improvement can be expected next year. Josh Kennedy remains a major focal point but Allen can help share the load a little more especially with the possible omission of Jack Darling.
I think this is true, so long as there aren’t major Covid disruptions (or that we receive additional trades in that event).
I’d like a bit more clarity on whether that’s the plan, or that the extra trades are intended to provide us with cover for a risk that we will then need to manage for ourselves (which was my original expectation).
I’d like a bit more clarity on whether that’s the plan, or that the extra trades are intended to provide us with cover for a risk that we will then need to manage for ourselves (which was my original expectation).
I think they're fool's gold to be honest. The enable bad decisions.
Especially in a season where it seems inevitable that covid is going to have an impact.
AFL Fantasy it's actually harder to finish a side as you fall in love with silly trades on that exact rationale that you can profit earlier and then later in the year you run out of cash cows and that extra 200k you didn't milk comes back to slap you in face!
Especially in a season where it seems inevitable that covid is going to have an impact.
AFL Fantasy it's actually harder to finish a side as you fall in love with silly trades on that exact rationale that you can profit earlier and then later in the year you run out of cash cows and that extra 200k you didn't milk comes back to slap you in face!
KFC SuperCoach AFL: The 11 players every team should start with in season 2022
Get the spine of your KFC SuperCoach team right and you will go a long way to success. These are the 11 players every coach should build their side around.
Tim Michell , News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
31 Jan 2022, 6:00:00 am
The building blocks for KFC SuperCoach success start in January.
Of course, timely trades and cash generation after round 1 are crucial.
But if you can get your starting picks right, especially those you think will be season-long keepers, those trades can be used for all-important upgrades rather than sideways moves to correct mistakes.
Injuries, form and unfortunately Covid could of course derail even the best-laid plans.
However, by starting with players destined to rise in value, or those who are massively underpriced, KFC SuperCoaches can go a long way to league and rankings success.
Here are the 11 players you should build your team around in 2022.
Note: This list will be updated throughout pre-season based on form, injury and likely role.
Sign up to NRL SuperCoach 2022
1. Stephen Coniglio $261,300 FWD-MID
Anyone else feel like we talk about the GWS co-captain as an underpriced option every season? Last year, Congilio started at $528k and in 2020 he was $549k. Coniglio only managed five games last year for an average of 60 as his leadership and spot in the GWS side came under serious pressure. That 2021 form looks concerning, but three of his five scores were 80, 88 and 92 points. At that price and with DPP status, you simply can’t say no. Last year was the first time since 2014 Coniglio averaged less than 90. Imagine getting a potential F6 keeper for $261k.
2. Lachie Neale $543,200 MID
The Brownlow medallist could hardly have had more go wrong last season yet still willed his battered body through 15 games to average 99.8 points. He’s available for a discount of almost $180,000 on last year’s starting price, despite averaging between 104 and 134 every season between 2015 and 2020. Neale is sure to have a significant ownership and you would rather be on from round 1 at what appears a juicy price than paying $600,000 or more if you miss a red-hot start. Just lock him in as one of your four or five gun midfielders.
3. Jack Macrae $699,900 MID
In a world where few things are certain, you can lock Jack Macrae in for an average in excess of 120 in KFC SuperCoach. Some coaches will no doubt look at his price tag – the highest starting price of 2022 – and think they would prefer to look for better value elsewhere and maybe pick up Macrae later at a cheaper price. But even from the lofty heights of almost $700k, Macrae’s price is unlikely to fall significantly. He started last season at $650,100, had a season low of $621,500 and peaked at $670,800. Macrae hasn’t averaged less than 121 since 2017 and only scored less than 100 once last season, which was a score of 97. He’s a captaincy option every week and as consistent as they come.
4. Jack Crisp $571,000 DEF-MID
If KFC SuperCoach’s first female winner Emily Challis has marked the durable Magpie as a must-have, then who am I to argue? One thing which appears guaranteed about this year is KFC SuperCoaches will have to juggle a host of unavailabilities due to Covid, injury and suspension. That’s why a player who rarely, if ever, misses games, should be top of your shopping list. Crisp has dual-position status, has played 22 games in six of the past seven years and averaged 104.9 last season after being added to the Pies’ midfield mix. The only year he didn’t play 22 matches while at Collingwood was 2020 when the season was shortened. Of course, he featured in all 17. Crisp averaged 121.4 in the last five rounds of 2021, elite numbers for a KFC SuperCoach midfielder or defender.
5. Greg Clark $117,300 MID
Mature-age draftees are gold in KFC SuperCoach and Clark’s big WAFL numbers suggest he can have an immediate impact in a West Coast side in need of rejuvenation. He averaged 128 points in non injury-affected WAFL matches last season and posted 181 ranking points in the WAFL grand final. Have a look at the highlights of that game and Clark will no doubt be one of the first players you pick. The only spanner will be if he misses out on selection in round 1, but it seems unlikely the Eagles have drafted him to play WAFL for them.
6. Elijah Hollands $123,900 FWD-MID
The No.7 pick from the 2020 draft is building towards an AFL debut after he was held back last season due to a knee injury. Hollands was touted as the top talent in his draft pool before being injured, subsequently falling to the seventh pick two years ago and becoming a Sun. That could be a great outcome for KFC SuperCoaches in a season where forward rookies are few and far between. Hollands played three games in the VFL at the end of 2021, finishing the campaign with 27 disposals, five clearances, four tackles and 112 ranking points.
7. Jade Gresham $299,000 FWD-MID
The small forward-cum-midfielder has not opened a KFC SuperCoach season this cheaply since his debut campaign in 2016 and hasn’t been less than $300k since 2017. The Saints are desperate for more spark in the midfield and KFC SuperCoach teams will be hopeful Brett Ratten injects the returning Gresham into his engine room. Gresham started last year with scores of 82 and 104 before being injured and missing the rest of the season. The injury risk is there based on history, but he’s the sort of impact player Champion Data loves.
8. Jarrod Berry $268,500 MID
Perhaps one from left-field, but stick with me here. Berry battled calf and groin issues last year, which rings alarm bells when KFC SuperCoaches prioritise durability. But with three seasons of 80-plus averages already under his belt, can we really afford to dismiss Berry? He might be a safer bet than top draft picks Jason Horne-Francis and Nick Daicos, who aren’t all that much cheaper. Berry seemed ready to launch into elite KFC SuperCoach territory after he averaged 97.1 in 2020, including six scores of 121 points or better. If he’s named in round 1, the risk is well worth it.
9. Charlie Parker $102,400 FWD-MID
We know Luke Beveridge loves a state league success story and Parker gets the nod over fellow mature-age draftee Robbie McComb due to his DPP. An average of 68 ranking points from nine SANFL senior games doesn’t jump off the page, but most KFC SuperCoaches won’t pick Parker for his scoring. DPP can be so valuable on your bench and might be the difference between fielding a full team or not this year. The last thing you want is to have a player stuck on your forward bench and be short in your midfield. Few predicted Anthony Scott becoming a key part of the Bulldogs team yet he was a player many KFC SuperCoaches turned to last season in times of need. Luke Nankervis, Cooper Hamilton and Jack Peris are the other MID-FWDs at 102k but Parker seems more likely to play than that trio.
10. Josh Dunkley $558,200 FWD-MID
Hard to split Dunkley and Mitch Duncan for this spot as the must-have forward of 2022. Based on his scoring ceiling, Dunkley gets the nod – for now. Duncan might be No.12 on this list and you can make a very strong case to start both as your F1 and F2. Dunkley’s role and injury history are red flags – remember there have been times in the past two years where Luke Beveridge used him as a ruckman. But at his best he’s one of the premier scorers in KFC SuperCoach. He averaged 129 points in the first six rounds last year. Duncan’s best campaign has been 109.8 and he has only twice averaged more than 105 points.
11. Jack Williams $117,300 FWD-RUC
Have to be honest, I don’t know anything about Jack. In fact, the West Coast website doesn’t even have a picture on his profile. But with no $102k FWD-RUC available this year, it’s worth paying up. Imagine if Rowan Marshall becomes a DPP in Round 6 or 12 as part of the new mid-season position updates and you already have Williams on your bench. It will potentially open up a range of trade opportunities and could provide valuable cover by swinging Luke Jackson or Tim English into your rucks should a player miss. Both those big men are RUC-FWDs this year.
Get the spine of your KFC SuperCoach team right and you will go a long way to success. These are the 11 players every coach should build their side around.
Tim Michell , News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
31 Jan 2022, 6:00:00 am
The building blocks for KFC SuperCoach success start in January.
Of course, timely trades and cash generation after round 1 are crucial.
But if you can get your starting picks right, especially those you think will be season-long keepers, those trades can be used for all-important upgrades rather than sideways moves to correct mistakes.
Injuries, form and unfortunately Covid could of course derail even the best-laid plans.
However, by starting with players destined to rise in value, or those who are massively underpriced, KFC SuperCoaches can go a long way to league and rankings success.
Here are the 11 players you should build your team around in 2022.
Note: This list will be updated throughout pre-season based on form, injury and likely role.
Sign up to NRL SuperCoach 2022
1. Stephen Coniglio $261,300 FWD-MID
Anyone else feel like we talk about the GWS co-captain as an underpriced option every season? Last year, Congilio started at $528k and in 2020 he was $549k. Coniglio only managed five games last year for an average of 60 as his leadership and spot in the GWS side came under serious pressure. That 2021 form looks concerning, but three of his five scores were 80, 88 and 92 points. At that price and with DPP status, you simply can’t say no. Last year was the first time since 2014 Coniglio averaged less than 90. Imagine getting a potential F6 keeper for $261k.
2. Lachie Neale $543,200 MID
The Brownlow medallist could hardly have had more go wrong last season yet still willed his battered body through 15 games to average 99.8 points. He’s available for a discount of almost $180,000 on last year’s starting price, despite averaging between 104 and 134 every season between 2015 and 2020. Neale is sure to have a significant ownership and you would rather be on from round 1 at what appears a juicy price than paying $600,000 or more if you miss a red-hot start. Just lock him in as one of your four or five gun midfielders.
3. Jack Macrae $699,900 MID
In a world where few things are certain, you can lock Jack Macrae in for an average in excess of 120 in KFC SuperCoach. Some coaches will no doubt look at his price tag – the highest starting price of 2022 – and think they would prefer to look for better value elsewhere and maybe pick up Macrae later at a cheaper price. But even from the lofty heights of almost $700k, Macrae’s price is unlikely to fall significantly. He started last season at $650,100, had a season low of $621,500 and peaked at $670,800. Macrae hasn’t averaged less than 121 since 2017 and only scored less than 100 once last season, which was a score of 97. He’s a captaincy option every week and as consistent as they come.
4. Jack Crisp $571,000 DEF-MID
If KFC SuperCoach’s first female winner Emily Challis has marked the durable Magpie as a must-have, then who am I to argue? One thing which appears guaranteed about this year is KFC SuperCoaches will have to juggle a host of unavailabilities due to Covid, injury and suspension. That’s why a player who rarely, if ever, misses games, should be top of your shopping list. Crisp has dual-position status, has played 22 games in six of the past seven years and averaged 104.9 last season after being added to the Pies’ midfield mix. The only year he didn’t play 22 matches while at Collingwood was 2020 when the season was shortened. Of course, he featured in all 17. Crisp averaged 121.4 in the last five rounds of 2021, elite numbers for a KFC SuperCoach midfielder or defender.
5. Greg Clark $117,300 MID
Mature-age draftees are gold in KFC SuperCoach and Clark’s big WAFL numbers suggest he can have an immediate impact in a West Coast side in need of rejuvenation. He averaged 128 points in non injury-affected WAFL matches last season and posted 181 ranking points in the WAFL grand final. Have a look at the highlights of that game and Clark will no doubt be one of the first players you pick. The only spanner will be if he misses out on selection in round 1, but it seems unlikely the Eagles have drafted him to play WAFL for them.
6. Elijah Hollands $123,900 FWD-MID
The No.7 pick from the 2020 draft is building towards an AFL debut after he was held back last season due to a knee injury. Hollands was touted as the top talent in his draft pool before being injured, subsequently falling to the seventh pick two years ago and becoming a Sun. That could be a great outcome for KFC SuperCoaches in a season where forward rookies are few and far between. Hollands played three games in the VFL at the end of 2021, finishing the campaign with 27 disposals, five clearances, four tackles and 112 ranking points.
7. Jade Gresham $299,000 FWD-MID
The small forward-cum-midfielder has not opened a KFC SuperCoach season this cheaply since his debut campaign in 2016 and hasn’t been less than $300k since 2017. The Saints are desperate for more spark in the midfield and KFC SuperCoach teams will be hopeful Brett Ratten injects the returning Gresham into his engine room. Gresham started last year with scores of 82 and 104 before being injured and missing the rest of the season. The injury risk is there based on history, but he’s the sort of impact player Champion Data loves.
8. Jarrod Berry $268,500 MID
Perhaps one from left-field, but stick with me here. Berry battled calf and groin issues last year, which rings alarm bells when KFC SuperCoaches prioritise durability. But with three seasons of 80-plus averages already under his belt, can we really afford to dismiss Berry? He might be a safer bet than top draft picks Jason Horne-Francis and Nick Daicos, who aren’t all that much cheaper. Berry seemed ready to launch into elite KFC SuperCoach territory after he averaged 97.1 in 2020, including six scores of 121 points or better. If he’s named in round 1, the risk is well worth it.
9. Charlie Parker $102,400 FWD-MID
We know Luke Beveridge loves a state league success story and Parker gets the nod over fellow mature-age draftee Robbie McComb due to his DPP. An average of 68 ranking points from nine SANFL senior games doesn’t jump off the page, but most KFC SuperCoaches won’t pick Parker for his scoring. DPP can be so valuable on your bench and might be the difference between fielding a full team or not this year. The last thing you want is to have a player stuck on your forward bench and be short in your midfield. Few predicted Anthony Scott becoming a key part of the Bulldogs team yet he was a player many KFC SuperCoaches turned to last season in times of need. Luke Nankervis, Cooper Hamilton and Jack Peris are the other MID-FWDs at 102k but Parker seems more likely to play than that trio.
10. Josh Dunkley $558,200 FWD-MID
Hard to split Dunkley and Mitch Duncan for this spot as the must-have forward of 2022. Based on his scoring ceiling, Dunkley gets the nod – for now. Duncan might be No.12 on this list and you can make a very strong case to start both as your F1 and F2. Dunkley’s role and injury history are red flags – remember there have been times in the past two years where Luke Beveridge used him as a ruckman. But at his best he’s one of the premier scorers in KFC SuperCoach. He averaged 129 points in the first six rounds last year. Duncan’s best campaign has been 109.8 and he has only twice averaged more than 105 points.
11. Jack Williams $117,300 FWD-RUC
Have to be honest, I don’t know anything about Jack. In fact, the West Coast website doesn’t even have a picture on his profile. But with no $102k FWD-RUC available this year, it’s worth paying up. Imagine if Rowan Marshall becomes a DPP in Round 6 or 12 as part of the new mid-season position updates and you already have Williams on your bench. It will potentially open up a range of trade opportunities and could provide valuable cover by swinging Luke Jackson or Tim English into your rucks should a player miss. Both those big men are RUC-FWDs this year.
Thanks for the articles Presto! Could you post these two by any chance? Bloody legend
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KFC SuperCoach 2022: Experts Tim Michell and Matt Turner reveal their teams, debate big selection calls
Picking your KFC SuperCoach team but don’t know where to start? Two of our experts identify five players every side should be built around.
Tim Michell and Matt Turner
8 min read
January 27, 2022 - 10:10AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
SuperCoach
Resident experts Tim Michell and the KFC SuperCoach Hipster Matt Turner go head to head on their early seletion calls, reveal their best pre-seasonn mail, make some big predictions and spar on some big calls ... and somehow The Phantom comes out of it the worst.
Scroll down to see their full first draft teams for 2022 – then start picking yours!
Tim Michell: Welcome to another year of KFC SuperCoaching Hipster. But first, let me get something off my chest. Since Josh Dunkley was rubbed out for Covid reasons after visiting a cafe for an oat latte, I have been wondering what one tastes like. As our resident Hipster, can you fill me in?
Matt Turner: I may be left-field when it comes to my SuperCoach tastes, but I can’t confirm anything on the oat latte front – I don’t drink coffee. Caffeine makes me dizzy. I can confirm Dunkley isn’t in my starting team for 2022, though. I notice he’s part of your “Slam Dunklan” forward line with Slam of the Mitch variety. Are you confident Dunkley isn’t going to be a full-forward or back-up ruckman or back pocket, given how many mouths there are to feed on-ball at the Doggies?
TM: Now there’s the first shock of 2022. I might ask our good mate The Phantom to revoke your Hipster credentials! I guess I’ll just stick to Zinger burgers then. Duncan and Dunkley are hard to look past in the forward line, but there’s so much value this year. Great question about Dunks, who knows with Bevo lotto. I might end up going cheap up forward anyway with Coniglio, Curnow, Gresham and Rayner all under $300k. Mark my words Matty, Charlie Curnow is the Joe Daniher of 2022 in KFC SuperCoach.
MT: I didn’t get on the Daniher wagon last year and regretted it. Don’t mind the logic with Curnow, but I won’t be treading that path. I thought the first shock of 2022 was when I got a glimpse of your team and didn’t see Max Gawn in there. I’m the original Rowan Marshall fan in the SuperCoach world, but were you busy picking your SuperCoach BBL team in September and stopped watching footy, as Gawn scored 159 twice (in Round 23 and the prelim) on his way to Demons legend status?
Tim Michell is adopting a different strategy in 2022.
TM: I’m taking a different approach to things this year, Hipster. I’ve thrown everything I could at a top-1000 finish in the past few years and got close last year but just fell short. This year is all about picking guys I love watching and Rowan Marshall is someone I want to be on. I ran out of trades at the end of last season grabbing Dayne Zorko, although he’s a name I’d rather never mention again. Trust me, it’ll only lead to a long rant. Al Paton knows that all too well. There isn’t much crossover in our teams, but one player from yours I’m really warming to is Will Day from the Hawks. Where are the points going to go back there? Impey, Sicily, Jiath and Day all have claims.
MT: I was a huge Will Day fan in his draft year (2019) here in SA. He’s got Inspector Gadget arms, is a beautiful kick and a better dasher than the reindeer of the same name. There should be plenty of footy down there for the Hawks this year and two hundreds in just five games before his injury showed what he can do. Yes, there are other half-back types – Scrimshaw too – but I think he represents great value at $345,700. Speaking of defenders, are you comfortable with having Caleb Daniel as your best backman? And a guy who was a massive let-down to end last year, Lachie Whitfield, at D2? Feels a little thin.
TM: Comfortable would be stretching it, and the other player I’m considering is Luke Ryan. I think he will get more freedom this year and launch back into triple figures with a few injury-prone talls due back. But we’re going to have to sacrifice somewhere and maybe accepting a few second-tier premos might be it. On that, I’ve already heard KFC SuperCoaches say we’re going to need almost every bench rookie playing due to Covid and the likelihood players will be sidelined. How are you planning for Covid disruptions?
MT: A lot of finger-crossing, black cat avoiding and continuing to go to my triskaidekaphobia meetings. In all seriousness, my Phantom’s Lair podcast buddy The Eradicator has always been big on line-up flexibility. Dual-position players (DPP) are going to be more important than ever this year, and I’d ideally like to have a ruck/forward in my attack. Although I think not having Gawn might be a mistake, I don’t mind your Luke Jackson move for the reason I mentioned above, plus he’s a jet.
TM: All right, now some credit where’s it’s due. You were on Touk Miller long before almost anyone else. There’s no doubt he’s in the elite scoring category now, but how are we going to fit him, Jack Steele, Jack Macrae and Clayton Oliver under the salary cap? They’re all so consistent I doubt any of them will fall to under $600k this season. I can’t decide between Oliver and Steele for M1.
MT: All aboard the Touk train – it’s filling up. Phantom will confirm this, but I also had Oliver long before he was a popular premium, starting with him in his second season in 2017 when he jumped from a 70 average to 111. I love Clarry, but I love Steele, Macrae, Touk, Walsh – who I see you’ve picked – and they’ve all been in my team at some point in the past few years. I’m sticking with Macrae and Touk as my big guns. Would love another. I think there could be a reasonable gap in scoring between those guys and the next level down. I’ve gone Macrae and Touk with a bit of a smoky at M3, Luke Parker. I couldn’t go past Neale at M4, given his price, and I see you’ve got him, too.
TM: Speaking of The Phantom, I’m not getting sucked in by him spending hours each day talking about Will Brodie, but I do think he’s onto something with Caleb Serong. I’m paying up for Andy Brayshaw because he’s one of my favourite players, but Serong is primed to go to the next level. What about Matthew Rowell, do you think he can deliver the same heights this year as he did in those magical first few games?
MT: Tim, he’s not onto something with Caleb Serong. As usual, Phantom is following others and claiming it. Colleague Simeon Thomas-Wilson had him last year and I told Phant post-season I was starting with him this year. And now he’s spruiking him as if he’s just stumbled on him. Que Serong, Serong, I guess. As for Rowell, I’d love to see him fly out of the blocks like 2020, but his quieter 2021 means I will pass. You are loving a bit of mid-price madness, picking seven guys between $260,000 and $400K. Feels risky. I’ve got just three.
TM: OK, short question time. You can only have one of Nick Daicos and Jason Horne-Francis, who do you pick? I’ve gone Daicos.
MT: Horne-Francis. Two standout years of senior SANFL. Competitive beast. I have to go the South Australian. Make a case for your R2 – I’ve gone the Big O, Oscar McInerney, who had eight tons in his final 11 games last season.
TM: Braydon Preuss. Yes, Matt Flynn and Kieren Briggs showed a bit last year, but I’ll be stunned if he doesn’t start as the Giants’ No.1 ruckman in Round 1. He’s too cheap to ignore based on the numbers at Melbourne when Max Gawn didn’t play. Next question, who are your five locks of 2022? For me, it’s Walsh, Brayshaw, Gresham, Greg Clark and Bowey. Yes, Jake Bowey. This kid will be an elite SuperCoach scorer within years and scored 80 in a prelim final. Red-headed Caleb Daniel, as Mr POD Dan Batten likes to say.
MT: Gawn – it’s Max Gawn. Touk – I’m president of the Touk cheer squad in SuperCoach so have to start with him. Jack Crisp – I struggle to fathom why you (not you, specifically, but anyone) wouldn’t start with a bloke who is a DPP, will play midfield and had two 140s in his final five games last season. Macrae – has averaged at least 121 the past four seasons. Tom Stewart – he’s like Jake Gyllenhaal. He won’t win you any Oscars (get you any huge scores) but a stinker is incredibly rare.
TM: Matty, it’s been a pleasure. Last question – does Will Gould debut this season? It’s the time of year where we should all be optimistic, so I’m going to say yes. It’s been a punishing few years for us all but John Longmire could save us at selection in Round 1. There’s a Jordan Dawson-sized hole begging to be filled! Keep The Phantom honest over in SA and please don’t let him talk about Will Brodie anymore. It’s getting to Tom Green levels and I can’t handle another Phant man crush.
MT: Phantom’s been waiting for Will Gould to debut longer than I’ve been waiting for my chai latte at a local cafe I’m at. I think Gould does and I think with the teams we’ve picked, you and I are well placed to outscore Phantom this year. I’m getting dizzy just thinking about it.
TM: If by chai latte you mean Zinger Crunch burger, then I agree.
T
Picking your KFC SuperCoach team but don’t know where to start? Two of our experts identify five players every side should be built around.
Tim Michell and Matt Turner
8 min read
January 27, 2022 - 10:10AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
SuperCoach
Resident experts Tim Michell and the KFC SuperCoach Hipster Matt Turner go head to head on their early seletion calls, reveal their best pre-seasonn mail, make some big predictions and spar on some big calls ... and somehow The Phantom comes out of it the worst.
Scroll down to see their full first draft teams for 2022 – then start picking yours!
Tim Michell: Welcome to another year of KFC SuperCoaching Hipster. But first, let me get something off my chest. Since Josh Dunkley was rubbed out for Covid reasons after visiting a cafe for an oat latte, I have been wondering what one tastes like. As our resident Hipster, can you fill me in?
Matt Turner: I may be left-field when it comes to my SuperCoach tastes, but I can’t confirm anything on the oat latte front – I don’t drink coffee. Caffeine makes me dizzy. I can confirm Dunkley isn’t in my starting team for 2022, though. I notice he’s part of your “Slam Dunklan” forward line with Slam of the Mitch variety. Are you confident Dunkley isn’t going to be a full-forward or back-up ruckman or back pocket, given how many mouths there are to feed on-ball at the Doggies?
TM: Now there’s the first shock of 2022. I might ask our good mate The Phantom to revoke your Hipster credentials! I guess I’ll just stick to Zinger burgers then. Duncan and Dunkley are hard to look past in the forward line, but there’s so much value this year. Great question about Dunks, who knows with Bevo lotto. I might end up going cheap up forward anyway with Coniglio, Curnow, Gresham and Rayner all under $300k. Mark my words Matty, Charlie Curnow is the Joe Daniher of 2022 in KFC SuperCoach.
MT: I didn’t get on the Daniher wagon last year and regretted it. Don’t mind the logic with Curnow, but I won’t be treading that path. I thought the first shock of 2022 was when I got a glimpse of your team and didn’t see Max Gawn in there. I’m the original Rowan Marshall fan in the SuperCoach world, but were you busy picking your SuperCoach BBL team in September and stopped watching footy, as Gawn scored 159 twice (in Round 23 and the prelim) on his way to Demons legend status?
Tim Michell is adopting a different strategy in 2022.
TM: I’m taking a different approach to things this year, Hipster. I’ve thrown everything I could at a top-1000 finish in the past few years and got close last year but just fell short. This year is all about picking guys I love watching and Rowan Marshall is someone I want to be on. I ran out of trades at the end of last season grabbing Dayne Zorko, although he’s a name I’d rather never mention again. Trust me, it’ll only lead to a long rant. Al Paton knows that all too well. There isn’t much crossover in our teams, but one player from yours I’m really warming to is Will Day from the Hawks. Where are the points going to go back there? Impey, Sicily, Jiath and Day all have claims.
MT: I was a huge Will Day fan in his draft year (2019) here in SA. He’s got Inspector Gadget arms, is a beautiful kick and a better dasher than the reindeer of the same name. There should be plenty of footy down there for the Hawks this year and two hundreds in just five games before his injury showed what he can do. Yes, there are other half-back types – Scrimshaw too – but I think he represents great value at $345,700. Speaking of defenders, are you comfortable with having Caleb Daniel as your best backman? And a guy who was a massive let-down to end last year, Lachie Whitfield, at D2? Feels a little thin.
TM: Comfortable would be stretching it, and the other player I’m considering is Luke Ryan. I think he will get more freedom this year and launch back into triple figures with a few injury-prone talls due back. But we’re going to have to sacrifice somewhere and maybe accepting a few second-tier premos might be it. On that, I’ve already heard KFC SuperCoaches say we’re going to need almost every bench rookie playing due to Covid and the likelihood players will be sidelined. How are you planning for Covid disruptions?
MT: A lot of finger-crossing, black cat avoiding and continuing to go to my triskaidekaphobia meetings. In all seriousness, my Phantom’s Lair podcast buddy The Eradicator has always been big on line-up flexibility. Dual-position players (DPP) are going to be more important than ever this year, and I’d ideally like to have a ruck/forward in my attack. Although I think not having Gawn might be a mistake, I don’t mind your Luke Jackson move for the reason I mentioned above, plus he’s a jet.
TM: All right, now some credit where’s it’s due. You were on Touk Miller long before almost anyone else. There’s no doubt he’s in the elite scoring category now, but how are we going to fit him, Jack Steele, Jack Macrae and Clayton Oliver under the salary cap? They’re all so consistent I doubt any of them will fall to under $600k this season. I can’t decide between Oliver and Steele for M1.
MT: All aboard the Touk train – it’s filling up. Phantom will confirm this, but I also had Oliver long before he was a popular premium, starting with him in his second season in 2017 when he jumped from a 70 average to 111. I love Clarry, but I love Steele, Macrae, Touk, Walsh – who I see you’ve picked – and they’ve all been in my team at some point in the past few years. I’m sticking with Macrae and Touk as my big guns. Would love another. I think there could be a reasonable gap in scoring between those guys and the next level down. I’ve gone Macrae and Touk with a bit of a smoky at M3, Luke Parker. I couldn’t go past Neale at M4, given his price, and I see you’ve got him, too.
TM: Speaking of The Phantom, I’m not getting sucked in by him spending hours each day talking about Will Brodie, but I do think he’s onto something with Caleb Serong. I’m paying up for Andy Brayshaw because he’s one of my favourite players, but Serong is primed to go to the next level. What about Matthew Rowell, do you think he can deliver the same heights this year as he did in those magical first few games?
MT: Tim, he’s not onto something with Caleb Serong. As usual, Phantom is following others and claiming it. Colleague Simeon Thomas-Wilson had him last year and I told Phant post-season I was starting with him this year. And now he’s spruiking him as if he’s just stumbled on him. Que Serong, Serong, I guess. As for Rowell, I’d love to see him fly out of the blocks like 2020, but his quieter 2021 means I will pass. You are loving a bit of mid-price madness, picking seven guys between $260,000 and $400K. Feels risky. I’ve got just three.
TM: OK, short question time. You can only have one of Nick Daicos and Jason Horne-Francis, who do you pick? I’ve gone Daicos.
MT: Horne-Francis. Two standout years of senior SANFL. Competitive beast. I have to go the South Australian. Make a case for your R2 – I’ve gone the Big O, Oscar McInerney, who had eight tons in his final 11 games last season.
TM: Braydon Preuss. Yes, Matt Flynn and Kieren Briggs showed a bit last year, but I’ll be stunned if he doesn’t start as the Giants’ No.1 ruckman in Round 1. He’s too cheap to ignore based on the numbers at Melbourne when Max Gawn didn’t play. Next question, who are your five locks of 2022? For me, it’s Walsh, Brayshaw, Gresham, Greg Clark and Bowey. Yes, Jake Bowey. This kid will be an elite SuperCoach scorer within years and scored 80 in a prelim final. Red-headed Caleb Daniel, as Mr POD Dan Batten likes to say.
MT: Gawn – it’s Max Gawn. Touk – I’m president of the Touk cheer squad in SuperCoach so have to start with him. Jack Crisp – I struggle to fathom why you (not you, specifically, but anyone) wouldn’t start with a bloke who is a DPP, will play midfield and had two 140s in his final five games last season. Macrae – has averaged at least 121 the past four seasons. Tom Stewart – he’s like Jake Gyllenhaal. He won’t win you any Oscars (get you any huge scores) but a stinker is incredibly rare.
TM: Matty, it’s been a pleasure. Last question – does Will Gould debut this season? It’s the time of year where we should all be optimistic, so I’m going to say yes. It’s been a punishing few years for us all but John Longmire could save us at selection in Round 1. There’s a Jordan Dawson-sized hole begging to be filled! Keep The Phantom honest over in SA and please don’t let him talk about Will Brodie anymore. It’s getting to Tom Green levels and I can’t handle another Phant man crush.
MT: Phantom’s been waiting for Will Gould to debut longer than I’ve been waiting for my chai latte at a local cafe I’m at. I think Gould does and I think with the teams we’ve picked, you and I are well placed to outscore Phantom this year. I’m getting dizzy just thinking about it.
TM: If by chai latte you mean Zinger Crunch burger, then I agree.
T
IM MICHELL’S TEAM
DEFENCE
Caleb Daniel $510,900
Lachie Whitfield $502,600 DEF/MID
Changkuoth Jiath $459,300
James Sicily $448,100
Jake Bowey $265,600
Garrett McDonagh $117,300
Leek Aleer $144,300
Charlie Dean $102,400
MIDFIELD
Clayton Oliver $672,000
Sam Walsh $637,100
Andrew Brayshaw $584,300
Lachie Neale $543,200
Matt Rowell $342,900
Jade Gresham $299,000 MID/FWD
Jarrod Berry $268,500
Nick Daicos $193,800
Zac Taylor $117,300
Greg Clark $117,300
Charlie Parker $102,400 MID/FWD
RUCK
Rowan Marshall $536,800
Braydon Preuss $204,700
Jack Williams $117,300 RUC/FWD
FORWARDS
Josh Dunkley $558,200 MID/FWD
Mitch Duncan $540,000 FWD/MID
Zak Butters $443,600
Luke Jackson $389,800 RUC/FWD
Cam Rayner $278,600
Stephen Coniglio $261,300 MID/FWD
Elijah Hollands $123,900 FWD/MID
Jesse Motlop $117,300
MATT TURNER’S TEAM
DEFENDERS
Tom Stewart $585,700
Jack Crisp $571,000 DEF/MID
Sam Taylor $475,800
Will Day $345,700
Jacob van Rooyan $126,300 DEF/FWD
Charlie Dean $102,400
Will Gould $123,900
Garrett McDonagh $117,300
MIDFIELDERS
Jack Macrae $699,900
Touk Miller $677,800
Luke Parker $591,600
Lachie Neale $543,200
Caleb Serong $451,000
Jason Horne-Francis $207,300
Neil Erasmus $166,800
Matty Roberts $117,300
Josh Sinn $157,800 DEF/MID
Josh Goater $117,300
Greg Clark $117,300
RUCK
Max Gawn $657,400
Oscar McInerney $509,600
Jack Williams $117,300
FORWARDS
Mitch Duncan $540,000 MID/FWD
Tarryn Thomas $459,300 FWD/MID
Zak Butters $443,600
Cam Rayner $278,600
Stephen Coniglio $261,300 MID/FWD
Josh Rachele $184,800 MID/FWD
Elijah Hollands $123,900 FWD/MID
Jesse Motlop $117,300
DEFENCE
Caleb Daniel $510,900
Lachie Whitfield $502,600 DEF/MID
Changkuoth Jiath $459,300
James Sicily $448,100
Jake Bowey $265,600
Garrett McDonagh $117,300
Leek Aleer $144,300
Charlie Dean $102,400
MIDFIELD
Clayton Oliver $672,000
Sam Walsh $637,100
Andrew Brayshaw $584,300
Lachie Neale $543,200
Matt Rowell $342,900
Jade Gresham $299,000 MID/FWD
Jarrod Berry $268,500
Nick Daicos $193,800
Zac Taylor $117,300
Greg Clark $117,300
Charlie Parker $102,400 MID/FWD
RUCK
Rowan Marshall $536,800
Braydon Preuss $204,700
Jack Williams $117,300 RUC/FWD
FORWARDS
Josh Dunkley $558,200 MID/FWD
Mitch Duncan $540,000 FWD/MID
Zak Butters $443,600
Luke Jackson $389,800 RUC/FWD
Cam Rayner $278,600
Stephen Coniglio $261,300 MID/FWD
Elijah Hollands $123,900 FWD/MID
Jesse Motlop $117,300
MATT TURNER’S TEAM
DEFENDERS
Tom Stewart $585,700
Jack Crisp $571,000 DEF/MID
Sam Taylor $475,800
Will Day $345,700
Jacob van Rooyan $126,300 DEF/FWD
Charlie Dean $102,400
Will Gould $123,900
Garrett McDonagh $117,300
MIDFIELDERS
Jack Macrae $699,900
Touk Miller $677,800
Luke Parker $591,600
Lachie Neale $543,200
Caleb Serong $451,000
Jason Horne-Francis $207,300
Neil Erasmus $166,800
Matty Roberts $117,300
Josh Sinn $157,800 DEF/MID
Josh Goater $117,300
Greg Clark $117,300
RUCK
Max Gawn $657,400
Oscar McInerney $509,600
Jack Williams $117,300
FORWARDS
Mitch Duncan $540,000 MID/FWD
Tarryn Thomas $459,300 FWD/MID
Zak Butters $443,600
Cam Rayner $278,600
Stephen Coniglio $261,300 MID/FWD
Josh Rachele $184,800 MID/FWD
Elijah Hollands $123,900 FWD/MID
Jesse Motlop $117,300
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