The Phantom’s SuperCoach pre-season: Mid-price madness

Returning stars, second-year players and breakout contenders are risky but the temptation is always there. Here is mid-price week of The Phantom’s pre-season all rolled into one mega SuperCoach mid-pricer guide.

The Phantom: Ultimate mid-price guide

• Every JLT Series score
• The Phantom’s JLT Week 3 standouts: Midfielders
• The Phantom’s JLT Week 3 standouts: Forwards
• The Phantom’s Ultimate cash cow guide

Returning stars, second-year players and breakout contenders are risky but the temptation is always there. Here is mid-price week of The Phantom’s pre-season all rolled into one mega SuperCoach mid-pricer guide.

DEFENDERS

Riley Bonner is looking to cement is place in the Power’s best 22 in 2018.

THE KIDS

Riley Bonner (Port) $257,300

In the cutthroat, high-pressure elimination final between Port Adelaide and West Coast last season — a game which was riddled with mistakes — only two players finished with no clanger to their name.

One was Eagle forward Josh Kennedy. The other was 20-year-old fourth-gamer Bonner.

The dashing defender, who sits just above the rookie-price bracket in 2018, was clean and composed with the ball in hand, tallying 19 disposals — at 84 per cent efficiency — and 74 SuperCoach points.

And he produced similar numbers in the previous two matches.

Bonner recorded 17 disposals at 82 per cent and 81 points in Round 23 after 18 disposals at 88 per cent and 75 points in his first game for the year against the Bulldogs in Round 22.

After an impressive debut in the final round of 2016, which resulted in 22 touches and 76 points, the long-kicking left-footer was forced to wait majority of 2017 before his second senior appearance came.

But, with his impressive late-season form and the injury to fellow rebounding defenders Matthew Broadbent and Jasper Pittard, Bonner, who has not missed a beat over summer, is ready to cement his spot in the Power’s best 22 in 2018.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: After an impressive final JLT Series performance against the Crows, when the Power looked to give him the ball whenever they could, the original verdict still stands here. A breakout year is well-and-truly on the cards and Bonner could be worth every bit of his high price tag.

Andrew McGrath (Ess) $388,400

SuperCoaches don’t usually pay $388k for a second-year player. But first-year performances aren’t usually as impressive as McGrath’s.

The 19-year-old, who displayed the poise of a veteran, averaged 20 possessions and 71 points per game playing in defence in his debut season.

But, although McGrath was great defensively, as we saw in glimpses during the JLT Series, the Bombers look set to unleash the Rising Star winner into the midfield full-time in 2018.

In his draft year, playing predominantly as a midfielder in the TAC Cup, McGrath averaged an enormous 32 disposals and 144 SuperCoach points.

So expect his numbers to spike when the midfield move eventuates.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: We did see McGrath play further up the ground in his two pre-season appearances and, although he could only manage scores of 65 and 79, the signs were good. Good enough to start with him, though? The Phantom isn’t so sure.

THE VETERAN

Pearce Hanley (GC) $428,000

Unlike the kids, Hanley has been there and done it before.

The 29-year-old experienced an injury-interrupted 2017, playing just 13 games in his first season at the Suns after crossing from the Lions.

Despite a final season average of 77, his lowest return since 2010, Hanley sent a subtle reminder of his scoring power, averaging 100 in the final five rounds of the year after getting his body right.

For those who did forget, at his best, Hanley was a prolific SuperCoach scorer.

Over his career, Hanley, who has been earmarked for a greater midfield role by new coach Stuart Dew, has passed the 140-point mark on eight occasions and boasts a career-high of 191.

Any player with that scoring history needs to be consider, especially at $428k.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Disappointing in the first JLT Series game but was far more impressive against the Lions. Unfortunately, though, a dislocated shoulder early in the second half ended his day early and will see him miss between four and six weeks. Cross him off your list.

IS IT TIME?

Christian Salem (Melb) $437,100

Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin had this to say as part of the club’s list update series; “Christian came back for pre-season in great shape. He had a really big off-season in getting his body attuned to playing AFL footy. Christian continues to prove that at training — the quality of what he can produce at full fitness has been impressive.”

So, after a career riddled with injury and inconsistent flashes of brilliance to date, is this the year the 22-year-old puts it all together?

After a solid, yet unspectacular, JLT Series campaign, it’s hard to say.

After only managing 18 games in the previous two seasons, the classy half-back flanker played 16 games in 2017, scoring than 90 points in six of them, including a 31-disposal, 134-point effort in Round 2.

But the inconsistency was still there with Salem failing to score more than 63 points on six occasions.

The attacking defender has all the weapons to become a great SuperCoach scorer. Is 2018 the year it eventuates?

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: An interesting pre-season for Salem. Although he only posted scores of 73 and 50, Salem attended the most centre bounces for the Demons and recorded the most clearances over the two JLT Series games.

ROLE CHANGE

Jack Crisp (Coll) $455,300

In the first nine rounds of 2017 — just as he had in the first five years of his career — Crisp played predominantly in the midfield, spending 73 per cent of his time there.

In the second-half of the year, he was recast as a defender, playing an attacking role at halfback.

And this is great news for SuperCoaches; Crisp is a defender in 2018.

The former Lion’s average fell from 86 to 83 last season but this can be put down to a slow start to the year with three scores of 52 or less in the opening eight games.

Crisp’s numbers following the role-change paint a better picture. Crisp, who averaged 89 points in his first year at Collingwood in 2015, averaged 91 after the bye, scoring 88 or more points in eight of the final 10 games of the year.

The 24-year-old is a proven ball-winner and has already turned himself into an influential rebounding defender, rating elite for intercept possessions and ranking second for score launches at Collingwood from Round 10.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Hit is average in Collingwood’s first JLT Series game but only tallied 17 disposals against the Bulldogs as recruit Sam Murray became the go-to man out of defence.

Ryan Clarke (NM) $369,100

After struggling to have an impact as a high half-forward, the 20-year-old was moved to halfback towards the end of last season.

And what a successful move it was.

Clarke, who failed to win more than 21 disposals in his first 10 games, averaged 27 disposals, seven marks and 84 SuperCoach points in the final five rounds of the year.

While the uncontested nature of his game is still holding back his SuperCoach scoring slightly, Clarke’s junior numbers show he’s got the potential. The No. 31 draft pick averaged 136 points — the fourth-highest in the competition — in the TAC Cup during his draft year of 2015.

If we can believe teammate Luke McDonald, who said Clarke “is in for a bloody big year”, then there is some genuine value to consider here.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Clarke had 21 disposals for just 44 SuperCoach points in North Melbourne’s second JLT Series match against the Tigers and, if that wasn’t a big enough warning, Clark didn’t feature in the ball-winning half-back role that saw him score well at the end of last season.

Callum Mills, centre, is still too important for the Swans across half-back for a midfield move to happen.

Callum Mills (Syd) $403,100

Speaking of role changes, surely this is the year the young Swan moves into the midfield. Coach John Longmire teased us last summer, playing Mills through the midfield during the JLT Series but, once Round 1 came around, the academy product was back in defence.

Mills — along with fellow young gun Isaac Heeney — has been working with midfield coaches during the pre-season but, given he’s so important to the Swans in the back half, a role change is far from a certainty.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Again, showed he can still be a good SuperCoach scorer across half-back but, as The Phantom said earlier in the year, please, Horse, release him.

THE SMOKIE

Nathan Wilson (Freo) $417,300

During his time at the Giants, the 25-year-old rebounding defender had to bide his time behind Heath Shaw and then, last year, Zac Williams as the main go-to man out of defence.

Still, Wilson’s numbers have improved in an impressive rate over the past two seasons.

The long-kicking right footer increased his SuperCoach average from 51 to 67 in 2016 before climbing to 76 last year. This mirrored an increase in disposals per game; 12 to 17 in 2016 and up to 18 in 2018.

Wilson, who ranked sixth in the AFL for metres gained, posted two SuperCoach tons and eight scores of more than 80 in 2017.

But now, at Fremantle – a team crying out for more players who can kick the footy with precision – Wilson should become the No. 1 man behind the play.

Expect the trend to continue – maybe at an even faster rate – this season as the Dockers look to get the ball in Wilson’s hand whenever they can.

The Phantom’s MARCH verdict: Will it be a big enough spike to see him push into the top 6-8 defenders? It’s hard to be certain. Although 19 disposals - at 84 per cent efficiency – six marks and 93 SuperCoach points against the Eagles in the final JLT Series game shows there is a chance.

Brayden Maynard (Coll) $394,800

“I’d love to play midfield all year.”

Those were 21-year-old Maynard’s words as he signed a contract at the beginning of the pre-season.

While his numbers playing as defender failed to hit any great heights on a consistent basis over the past two seasons, Maynard’s 23 disposals, 13 contested possessions, five clearances and 109 SuperCoach points in the final game of 2017, playing through the midfield, was a glimpse into the future.

It was also reminiscent of Maynard’s TAC Cup days as an inside midfielder.

In his draft year of 2014, Maynard averaged 22 disposals, nine contested possessions, six tackles and 126 SuperCoach points

But, everyone wants to play in the middle over the pre-season and, with an already heavily-stocked midfield group, we’ll have to wait and see if a permanent move does eventuate.

The Phantom’s MARCH verdict: It didn’t really eventuate during the JLT Series but it’s something to keep an eye on going forward.

THE LATE CHARGE

James Sicily (Haw) $402,800

Given the SuperCoach Hipster first mentioned his name in the first episode of The Phantom’s Lair podcast back in December, it’s taken a while but The Phantom has finally come around; Sicily is a great SuperCoach option.

After switching ends towards the end of last season, the 24-year-old announced himself as a premier intercepting-defender, taking more intercept marks than any other player from Round 14 onwards. Sicily is also precise by foot coming out of defence as he showed throughout the JLT Series.

The Phantom’s MARCH verdict: Sicily’s 24 disposals — at an elite 91 per cent efficiency — six marks and 114 points in the Hawks first JLT Series finally won The Phantom over.

Marley Williams (NM) $396,300

The 24-year-old, who averaged 85 points in 2015, has rocketed into 2018 SuperCoach calculations after an impressive JLT Series across half-back.

After 78 points in the first game, the left-footer finished with 22 disposals – at 81 per cent efficiency – six marks, five tackles, nine rebound 50s and 114 points against the Tigers.

There was plenty of play in North Melbourne’s defensive 50 but that might happen more often than not in 2018.

The Phantom’s MARCH verdict: Plenty of value at less than $400k and there is every chance he pushes his 2015 average of 85 but that doesn’t make him a top 6 defender.

MIDFIELDERS

Dion Prestia failed to appear in the JLT Series after an injury setback.

UNDER-PRICED PREMIUMS

Dion Prestia (Rich) $456,000

Prior to landing at Punt Rd last season, when on the park, Prestia was a great SuperCoach scorer at the Suns.

After increasing his average from 79 to 97 in 2013, the hard-running midfielder enjoyed a breakout season in 2014 — his fourth year in the game — averaging 106 points.

The following year, Prestia, who passed the 120-point barrier nine times in 2014, raced out of the blocks, posting five SuperCoach tons in the first seven rounds, before succumbing to a season-ending knee injury in Round 8.

The 25-year-old would go on to play just 14 of the Suns’ next 36 games as the knee issue lingered.

And, while he scored 115 points in Round 1 of last year, Prestia took a while to find his groove at the Tigers, scoring more than 87 points just once in the next 16 games.

But a late-season surge saw the ball-winning midfielder average 26 disposals and 111 in the final seven matches, including finals.

Expect to see more of these numbers in 2018.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Unfortunately a hamstring injury that saw Prestia take no part in the JLT Series, will also see him miss Round 1.

Stephen Coniglio (GWS) $452,400

Another young star who was on the fast track to elite status before injury got in the way.

In his second year in the competition in 2013, Coniglio averaged 74 SuperCoach points before increasing that number to 83 the following year.

And that trend continued.

Coniglio pushed his average to 92 — a figure which looks a lot better if you exclude a sub-affected 19 — in 2015 before making his mark as a genuine A-grader in 2016.

The 24-year-old led the way for the Giants, ranking No. 1 at the club for disposals, contested possessions and clearances, finishing the season with a SuperCoach average of 106.

Unfortunately, due to a serious re-occurring ankle injury, Coniglio never got the opportunity to really build on his breakout year, playing only 10 games last season, including three finals.

But, even though his preparation was limited, Coniglio scored more than 88 points in seven of the 10 games, breaking the 120-point barrier three times — twice in the finals.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Again, leave him out at your peril. Coniglio’s scores of 129 and 92 in the Giants’ two pre-season fixtures confirmed his status as a mid-price lock.

Tom Liberatore was back to his best in the JLT Series.

Tom Liberatore (WB) $437,900

Sure, Prestia’s numbers were good in 2013 and 2014 but they weren’t as impressive as Liberatore’s.

After averaging 75 and 83 in his first two seasons at AFL level, the clearance machine exploded in 2013, averaging 107 for the year and 117 in the final 13 games. Liberatore carried the form into 2014, posting 14 SuperCoach tons — five of them in excess of 130 — to finish the year as the seventh-ranked player in the game and the Bulldogs’ best-and-fairest, with an average of 110.

But, in a cruel twist, Liberatore tore his ACL in the first pre-season match the following year.

On return in 2016, at $352k, the tough midfielder was one of the most popular SuperCoach players come Round 1.

And he didn’t disappoint, scoring 89 points or more in 9 of the opening 12 games, posting five SuperCoach tons in a fast start.

Liberatore’s form fell away from that point but the 25-year-old, after returning from a late-season ankle injury, played a major role in his side’s successful finals campaign, starring with 112 points in the elimination final victory over the Eagles.

But in what has to be one the biggest premiership hangovers of all time, Liberatore, fresh off some pre-season footy in the AFL Asian Championships in Vietnam — look it up if you don’t know what I’m talking about — scored 100 points or more only three times in 2017 to finish with a season average of 79.

Liberatore, who was dropped last season, has been a standout on the track over summer and appears to be hungry to make amends for 2017.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Liberatore carried his impressive form on the track into the JLT Series, posting scores of 98 and 122 playing, once again, as an inside midfielder. Just like he did during his career-best year of 2014, Liberatore attended the most centre bounces of any Bulldog against the Magpies, registering 16 contested possessions and seven clearances. The signs are good but can you fit him in alongside Coniglio?

RETURN TO FORM?

Jack Redden (WC) $437,900

With the departures of midfield stars Sam Mitchell and Matt Priddis, is it finally time for the former Lion to make his mark in the West?

Despite posting season averages of 103, 103, 98, 103, and 95 in his final five years in Brisbane, the inside midfielder has only recorded three SuperCoach tons in his 32 games as an Eagle.

When trying to determine which players might take a step forward, it’s always important to assess late-season form from the previous year.

And Redden’s best form — by a considerable margin — came in his final eight minor-round games of 2017.

The 27-year-old, who also scored 95 in the semi-final loss to the Giants, averaged 24 disposals and 97 points during this stretch.

A greater role will come and Redden is a proven scorer.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Redden was all the rage after a huge 162 SuperCoach points in the Eagles’ opening JLT Series fixture but came crashing back to earth with 57 points against the Dockers. The Phantom prefers Libba.

THE FIVE-GAMER

Jack Graham (Rich) $268,800

The 19-year-old has played five games for five wins and a premiership. You couldn’t ask for a better start to your career.

But they are not the only impressive numbers Graham has to show.

Graham, who joined the Tiger brigade of pressure-applying smalls in round 22 after a fractured ankle early in his debut year, scored 87, 76, 73 and 62 prior to the Grand Final. Then on the big day against the Crows, Graham took his scoring to another level, finishing with 16 disposals, five clearance, three goals and 108 SuperCoach points, while also blanketing Adelaide star Rory Sloane.

Yes, it’s only a small sample but Graham, who won the Larke Medal as the best player in division 1 at the 2016 Under 18 championships, is priced just above some of the first-year players who are yet to take the field.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Even at the elevated price, Graham will be a good cash cow in 2018 but there are a number of cheaper rookie-priced players who provide better value.

NEW HOME

Lachie Weller (GC) $394,300

The 21-year-old, who rotated through the midfield and defence, added 11 points to his SuperCoach average in 2017.

Weller, who finished the year with an average of 72, won 20 or more disposals in 12 of his 22 games, posting two SuperCoach tons as he cemented a spot in the Dockers’ best 22.

But that doesn’t matter anymore.

After requesting a move home to the Gold Coast, Weller is now a Sun.

And, in a Suns midfield which is now without Gary Ablett, after the club gave up pick No. 2 for him, Weller is set to play a major role in the engine room in 2018.

Expect Weller to win more footy and to increase his average by at least another 10 points this season.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Scores of 39 and 76 did little to dispel The Phantom’s concerns over Weller’s high price tag.

THE SMOKIE

Jack Sinclair (StK) $459,500

Sinclair is the best player at St Kilda.

No, that’s not one of The Phantom’s left-field statements, that’s how Champion Data - the AFL’s official statistician – see it.

Not only was the 22-year-old the single Saint to be ranked as elite by Champion Data, Sinclair was his club’s highest-rated player – and the highest-rated wingman in the competition – for AFL Player Rating points in 2017.

Sure, it’s surprising but Sinclair’s numbers prove he does it all.

The small-forward-turned-wingman averaged 21 disposals, eight contested possessions, three tackles, six score involvements and 1.4 score assists per game in 2017.

After breaking back into the side in Round 6, the clever Sinclair increased his SuperCoach average from 55 to 84 in his third-year in the game.

And, after averaging 95 in the final five games of the season, this number could rise again.

The Phantom’s MARCH verdict: Quiet against the Blues in the first week but was better against the Demons with 18 disposals, two goals and 84 points. But, given the Saints’ array of small midfielders, Sinclair spent majority of both matches in the forward line

RUCKS

Nic Naitauni in action during a WAFL practice game.

Nic Naitanui (WC) $465,900

Do do we even need Naitanui at 100 per cent to pick him?

Even if his game-time is low, Naitanui’s scoring power could still see him score well.

Just like he did in Round 10, 2016.

Against the Suns, Naitanui played 62 per cent of game-time and recorded just eight disposals, yet still scored 112 points, largely on the back of 15 hit-outs-to-advantage. And it’s not the only time he’s done it during his career.

Naitanui can influence a game like no other player.

The athletic big man averaged 106 points in that season, the same year he ruptured his knee in Round 22.

In 2015, Naitanui averaged 104 but it was in 2012 when he really imposed his dominance on the competition.

In his fourth season in the game, Naitanui recorded 15 SuperCoach tons — four in excess of 150 — including a career-high 185 against the Blues to finish the year as the All-Australian ruckman.

Not that you would’ve needed any more convincing that he can score.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: It’s been a rollercoaster; the news on Naitanui and The Phantom’s feelings. Naitanui will still score well even if he’s not 100 per cent but, even though he’s again on track for Round 1 after getting through a WAFL practice match, The Phantom has to admit the risk is just too great at this point.

Scott Lycett (WC) $277,100

After pre-season surgery on his shoulder, the 25-year-old returned in Round 16 but only lasted one game as the issue flared up again, requiring another bout of surgery.

But, after not missing a session over summer, the 202cm big man is primed to kickstart his promising, yet injury-interrupted, career.

If Naitanui isn’t ready, Lycett could find himself as the Eagles’ No. 1 ruckman in Round 1.

But even if Naitanui is in, Lycett has shown he can score well alongside his star teammate.

In 2016, Lycett played 20 games — eight more than he has in any other season of his career — and posted eight SuperCoach tons, to finish with an average of 83.

In six of the games Lycett scored 100 points or more, Naitanui was there and the two worked well together, with Lycett starting forward.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: With the uncertainty still surrounding Naitanui and the injury to Nathan Vardy, Lycett has become even more SuperCoach relevant. At $277k, with the ability to average in the 80s, Lycett could prove a valuable stepping stone to a premium ruck if you are spending your money elsewhere to start with. However, if it back fires, it won’t be easy getting out of the hole.

Sean Darcy (Freo) $432,900

Aaron Sandilands is still the No. 1 man at the Dockers but, after an impressive first-year display in 2017, 19-year-old Darcy is getting ready to take over.

If you ignore the Round 15 clash, when Sandilands was injured early in the first quarter, the two have never shared ruck duties.

However, coach Ross Lyon recently told the AFL website it’s something “we’ll have to have a look at it and give it an opportunity for a period of time to see how it works”.

The solidly built Darcy averaged 79 SuperCoach points in his debut season, scoring 87 points or more in four of his eight games. These numbers are even more impressive when you take into consideration how long it usually takes young ruckmen to have an impact in the competition.

But can he replicate these numbers with Sandilands in the same side?

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Big Sandi is still the man.

Dawson Simpson (GWS) $290,300

In his first year at the Giants, Simpson didn’t play a game but the journeyman got his chance in the absence of Shane Mumford on two occasions in 2017.

And he scored well.

Simpson, who averaged 123 SuperCoach points in the NEAFL, tallied 91 and 85 points in his two senior appearances last season.

With Mumford retiring, does the door open for Simpson to make a play for No. 1 ruck spot? Unlikely.

At the moment, it’s Rory Lobb’s to lose, meaning Simpson may again see limited game time.

But, just like with Darcy, if Lobb struggles or the Giants need him forward, Simpson, who scored 131 and 148 in consecutive weeks while at Geelong in 2013, may become SuperCoach relevant quickly.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Got his chance in the JLT Series but Lobb is on his way back.

FORWARDS

Devon Smith was a prime-mover in the Essendon midfield during the pre-season.

THE MIDFIELD MOVE

Devon Smith (Ess) $439,100

Even with some injury issues, Smith’s numbers have always been good.

He played the half-forward role at the Giants superbly, averaging 80 or more points in four of his six seasons in the game.

Smith scored at least 90 SuperCoach points in nine of the first 13 games last season and, in another impressive run of form — the best of his career — he averaged 22 disposals, five tackles and 98 points as a 21-year-old between Round 11, 2014 and Round 8, 2015.

But, as good as some of those numbers are, Smith’s time as predominantly a forward looks set to come to an end.

Smith’s off-season move to the Bombers should see him transition into a full-time midfielder with the 24-year-old declaring this week that he would like to spend up to 70 per cent of game-time in the middle in 2018. This means an increase in numbers is almost inevitable.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: After an impressive JLT Series campaign in the Essendon midfield with scores of 117 and 82, the verdict hasn’t changed. Lock him in, people.

Christian Petracca (Melb) $433,300

Over at the Demons, another highly talented forward is gearing up towards a greater midfield role in 2018.

Petracca, who has knocked 10 seconds off his personal best time trial over summer, has always been a midfielder-in-waiting, averaging 21 disposals, 13 contested possessions, two goals and 129 SuperCoach points over his TAC Cup junior career playing in the middle.

After a knee reconstruction wiped our his debut season in 2015, Petracca averaged 72 points in 2016, before increasing that number to 78 last season.

In 2017, Melbourne teased us with Petracca the midfielder as the 22-year-old attended 29 per cent of centre bounces, up from 7 per cent the previous year.

But the strongly-built Petracca, who, out of the top-80 targets, won the second-most offensive one-on-ones last year, behind only Patrick Dangerfield, is ready to increase that number again.

Expect to see the numbers Petracca posted in Round 23 last season — 23 disposals, 11 contested possessions and 105 points — on a more regular basis in 2018

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: We saw the midfield move with our own eyes in the JLT Series and Petracca had a big influence. A breakout year is almost a sure-thing.

THE YOUNG BLUES

Charlie Curnow (Carl) $408,100

Blues fan are excited. They’ve already dubbed 21-year-old Curnow the second-coming of club legend Anthony Koutoufides.

While The Phantom won’t quite go that far just yet, they should be excited.

In 2017, his second year in the game, Curnow made his mark as one of the best young key forwards in the game, averaging 92 SuperCoach points from Round 14 onwards.

During this period, the strong, athletic Curnow won more contested possessions than any other key forward and averaged 16 disposals and seven marks per game, while also booting 14 goals.

But the scary part for opposition teams is Curnow, just like Koutoufides, has the ability to play multiple positions.

A move up the ground into the midfield might not be too far away.

Now I’m excited, too.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Will be in SuperCoach teams for years to come but The Phantom asked earlier in the pre-season just how quickly does the spike come? After an underwhelming pre-season showing, it might not come as quickly as we were all hoping.

Sam Petrevski-Seton (Carl) $371,900

While the hype may not be quite as big, there is every chance we’ll see a spike in the exciting 19-year-old’s output in his second year.

Petrevski-Seton is on a modified training program, which is a concern only weeks out from the JLT Series, but the smooth-moving midfielder-forward missed most of last summer.

Yet it didn’t take him long to have an impact.

In Round 3, Petrevski-Seton tallied 17 possessions — 12 of them contested — eight tackles and 116 SuperCoach points before delivering a best-on-ground performance in his side’s victory over Collingwood in Round 7.

The No. 6 pick from the 2016 draft finished with 21 disposals, 10 contested possessions, two goals and 134 points, highlighting his enormous talent.

While there were a number of low scores — 11 of 60 or less — as expected in a debut season, Petrevski-Seton still scored 92 points or more in a further four games for the year.

Expect the gap between his best and worst to close significantly in 2018.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Hard to judge after injury stalled his pre-season progress.

RORY THE RUCKMAN

Rory Lobb (GWS) $396,500

This man could’ve saved all of our Nic Naitanui-related ruck problems.

But no, there is no dual-position status for Lobb in 2018; he is available as a forward only.

However, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t consider picking him.

Shane Mumford is gone and, if he can overcome a groin complaint that has put him on a modified program over the pre-season, the No. 1 ruck role at the Giants is his.

And, given his history as a part-time ruckman in the past, this could bring an influx of points.

Since 2015, Lobb has a hitout-to-advantage rate of 33.6 per cent – the highest of all top-70 hitout winners in the competition.

Lobb showcased his potential as the No. 1 man in the finals last season. The 24-year-old took charge in the absence of Mumford in the semi-final against the Eagles, recording 11 disposals, 39 hitouts – 13 to advantage - and 108 SuperCoach points.

He backed it up the week later in the loss to the Tigers, finishing with nine disposals, 30 hitouts – 15 to advantage – and 129 points.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Lobb featured for the Giants’ reserves last weekend and is still very much in contention for Round 1. However, it would be a brave call to select him from the get-go after an interrupted pre-season.

THE FORGOTTEN MEN

Brett Deledio (GWS) $339,800

It really was a year to forget for Deledio in 2017.

After leaving Richmond, the 30-year-old managed only seven games, battling a calf injury for most of the season, and scored more than 64 points in just two of them.

To top it all off, his former side defeated his new side in the preliminary final on their way to a drought-breaking premiership.

But 2018 is a new year and with the departure of Nathan Wilson and injury to Zac Williams, there is a spot open for a smart, long-kicking half-back flanker, who makes good decisions.

Deledio completed a modified pre-season program given his history but, if his body holds up, it has his name written all over it.

The other concerning aspect is Deledio’s lack of leg speed, which is something the Giants might look to replace back there.

But, if he does get a chance, at $339k, Deledio provides plenty of value, given his scoring power.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: It’s unlikely Deledio gets the first crack after just 8 disposals in his one pre-season hitout.

The injury-plagued Allen Christensen got through the JLT Series unscathed.

Allen Christensen (Bris) $267,300

Remember this guy? I’ll forgive you if you don’t because he hasn’t played in the AFL since Round 11, 2016.

Christensen broke his collarbone in that game, before re-injuring it on the eve of the 2017 season.

And then, in his return game in the NEAFL, cracked the plate that was inserted to strengthen the area.

Talk about unlucky.

But he’s back and ready to play as much footy as his body will allow him through the pre-season.

The 26-year-old is in the leadership group and should feature through the midfield and at half-forward in 2018.

At $267k, the former Cat could prove to be one of the year’s best – although expensive – cash cows if he can replicate some of his scoring prior the injury.

In his final two years at Geelong in 2013 and 2014, the skilful Christensen averaged 93 and 91 in each year respectively before dropping to 85 in his first year at the Lions in 2015.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Got through both JLT Series games unscathed and that’s all The Phantom was hoping.

Tom Bell (Bris) $287,000

While all the talk throughout the pre-season has been about fellow under-priced team-mate Christensen, the former Blue has been flying under the SuperCoach radar. Bell, who averaged 90 points in his final season at Carlton in 2015, only managed six games last season after a serious ankle injury mid-year. But, in just 50 per cent game-time in the Lions’ opening JLT Series game against the Swans, the tough midfielder tallied 17 disposals, 11 contested possessions – the second-highest for the Lions – and 79 SuperCoach points. Bell then backed it up against the Suns, recording 104 points.

The Phantom’s MARCH Verdict: Can you start both Bell and Christensen? With a lack of sure-thing forward rookies, you most definitely can.

THE SMOKIE

MITCH ROBINSON (BRIS) $406,400

The returning Brisbane hardnut has averaged more than 80 points in seven of his nine seasons in the competition, with a career-high of 93 in 2015 – his first year at the Lions.

The former Blue, who missed the final 16 games of 2017 with injury, provides plenty of value at $400k given he will slot straight back into a midfield-forward role in 2018.

There were glimpses at Carlton but it was in his first season at Brisbane when the midfield enforcer really showcased his scoring power.

The 28-year-old averaged 28 disposals, 10 tackles and 111 SuperCoach points in the final 10 rounds of 2015.

Robinson’s scoring became a little inconsistent the following season as he was given a number of run-with roles but the two games prior to the Round 7 injury in 2016, Robinson posted consecutive SuperCoach tons.

The Phantom’s MARCH verdict: With plenty of young talent around him, as a leader, can Robinson return to the form of 2016? It’s hard to be sure after scores of 56 and 85 in the JLT Series. His team-mates Christensen and Bell provide more value at more than $100k cheaper.