Former AFL coach Graham Cornes reveals his 2018 SuperCoach team

AS he unveils his 2018 team, Graham Cornes reveals how SuperCoach came to dictate his football week and impact on how he views footy matches and star players.

Graham Cornes in charge of the state team in 2016. Picture: Tom Huntley

• SuperCoach expert teams revealed
• The Phantom’s team reveal: Midfielders
• The Phantom’s team reveal: Defenders
• The Phantom’s team reveal: Ruckmen
• The Eradicator team reveal
• Mr SuperCoach team reveal
• SuperCoach Hipster’s team reveal

AT first I started playing SuperCoach simply to empathise with, and perhaps understand, a younger generation of footy fans. It also gave me the opportunity to maintain an appreciation of lesser-known players from other clubs.

However, it soon started to dictate my football week and impact on how I viewed footy matches and star players.

The greatest dilemma occurred when my son Kane was still playing for Port Adelaide in his customary tagging role. Too often his opponent was one of my premium midfielders. If he did his job, my score suffered. Those were the weeks when you were resigned to mediocrity because the key to a big SuperCoach score is always with your premium players.

I’ve loaded up with as many of the gun mid-fielders as I can, electing not to start with Patrick Dangerfield. I was doubting his value anyway given the need for Chris Scott to reinforce his midfield with Gary Ablett. I’m gambling that his value will decrease slightly at the start of the year.

It’s no secret any more that the key to SuperCoach success is with the premium players and those nominated forwards who run through the midfield, but I’ve still invested in Buddy. I’m predicting Sydney won’t waste their start like they did last year and he’ll be pivotal.

Defence pretty much picks itself but I’ve sacrificed Rory Laird for the lower-priced Adam Saad. Call me stupid. The other gamble I’ve taken is in the ruck with the big American, Mason Cox, because I need the money to spend on other premiums. However, I can’t finalise until I see the final teams and which of the rookie priced newbie’s and potential cash cows will be playing.

Essendon’s Adam Saad has been picked ahead of star Crow Rory Laird. Picture: Michael Klein

Mason Cox is likely to fill Cornesy’s second ruck spot. Picture: Nicole Garmston

The turning point for me last year was during the bye rounds, which I planned carefully for but I had a lot of luck towards the end and went into the grand final with no trades left.

I spend too long on this game every week and refer constantly to the head-to-head scores but it truly has enhanced my enjoyment of AFL footy.

After last year, there is no doubt the other guys at The Advertiser will be after me, hence the name change of the team to ‘The Hunted’. I’d like to say I’m ready for them but I’m still worried about that second ruck position.

Graham Cornes' SuperCoach team 2018