The Phantom’s take: Every traded player and how they will fit into their new side and the world of SuperCoach in 2019
IT was a huge AFL trade period with some big — and some not so big — names moving clubs. The Phantom gives his analysis on how every traded player fits into their new side and the world of SuperCoach in 2019.
- Buckenara: Every club’s trade period rated
- Betts fears protege Rankine will land at Power
- Bickley: Top draft picks mean nothing
THE Phantom gives his analysis on how every player traded fits into their new side and the world of SuperCoach in 2019.
Dayne Beams
Brisbane to Collingwood
The deal: Beams and picks No. 41, 44 for picks No. 18, 56 and 2019 first-round pick
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 21, SuperCoach average: 103
Average 2014-2017: 115, 113, 79, 101
Beams is a star in every sense of the word.
And there’s not too much else to say.
The 28-year-old has averaged 113 SuperCoach points or more in three seasons.
The midfielder averaged a huge 123 points at Collingwood in 2012 after averaging 31 disposals, 19 uncontested possessions, six clearances, and five inside 50s per game.
Beams booted 28 goals and ranked No. 1 in the competition for total disposals, effective disposals and uncontested possessions.
Some year.
Injury interrupted his time at the Lions but his final season at Brisbane was his best with Beams tallying 612 disposals — the second-highest tally of his career.
And he came storming home, averaging 33 disposals and 117 SuperCoach points in his final 10 games for the year.
These are numbers which he’s every chance of replicating back alongside his old midfield team-mates at the Magpies.
THE BIG QUESTION
How does the return of Beams affect the SuperCoach scoring spread in the Collingwood midfield?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$570,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Like Magpie fans, I’m excited.
Dylan Shiel
GWS to Essendon
The deal: Shiel and 2019 second-round pick for pick No. 9 and 2019 first-round pick
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 21, SuperCoach average: 90
Average 2014-2017: 95, 103, 99, 98
Despite the commentary around Shiel’s position in the pecking order of GWS midfielders, the 25-year-old has won more disposals than any other Giant over the past three seasons.
And 1335 — or 71 per cent — of Shiel’s 1890 disposals were effective.
While he might not possess the absolute class of a Josh Kelly or Lachie Whitfield — not many do — the left-footer is a huge addition to the Essendon midfield.
From a SuperCoach point-of-view, Shiel has been solid, averaging 90 points or more in five of his seven seasons in the game, but his scoring is yet to reach an elite level.
In 2015, Shiel averaged 103 points per game — the only time he’s averaged three figures in his career — after posting nine SuperCoach tons from his 14 games before a knee injury ended is year early.
But in 2018, despite passing the 100-point mark on eight occasions, Shiel failed to score 80 points in seven games in his last season as a Giant.
He’ll have a target on his back in 2019 so it will be interesting to see whether Shield can eliminate the consistency which crept into his game in 2018.
Either way, it might help free-up team-mate — and popular SuperCoach midfielder — Zach Merrett next season.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he become elite?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$490,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Will he improve the Bombers? Absolutely. Will he improve my SuperCoach team? I don’t think so.
Nic Newman
Sydney to Carlton
The deal: Newman for 2019 fourth-round pick
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 21, SuperCoach average: 73
Average 2017: 83
SuperCoaches rejoice; Newman has a new home, which should mean more opportunity in 2019.
And, going by the numbers in his short career, it might mean a spike in SuperCoach scoring, too.
In his 28 home-and-away matches, the neat-kicking left-footer scored 80 or more points in 16 of them, with four career SuperCoach tons to his name.
After dominating in the NEAFL, Newman earned a senior debut in Round 2, 2017 and by Round 3, he had passed the 100-point mark for the first time.
Only three weeks later, the 25-year-old tallied 35 disposals — at 82 per cent efficiency — 11 marks, 13 contested possessions and a game-high 151 SuperCoach points.
The last ball magnet coach John Longmire made bide their in the NEAFL was Tom Mitchell.
Just saying.
THE BIG QUESTION
How long do I have to wait to pick him?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$400,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Locked and loaded.
Rory Lobb
GWS to Fremantle
The deal: Lobb and picks No. 14, 43 and 47 for picks No. 11 and 19.
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 17, SuperCoach average: 76
Average 2014-2017: 41, 62, 75, 72
The SuperCoach community would know I’m a fan of the former GWS big man, who makes his way home to the Docker for 2019.
After watching Lobb score consecutive SuperCoach tons in the 2017 finals series, when Shane Mumford was injured, I traded him in during the 2018 season after Lobb passed the 100-point mark twice in three weeks after returning from injury in Round 8.
But, after a rib injury, the 25-year-old failed to score more than 68 in six of his next seven games.
In the ninth game, the 205cm Lobb scored 150 points as he dominated Sam Jacobs and the Crows.
And that’s been the story of his career; brilliant at times but the gap between his best and worst is far too great.
However, a move to Fremantle, where Aaron Sandilands is the No. 1 ruckman, followed by his understudy Sean Darcy, Lobb will line up in his preferred position as a forward.
In his 74 careers games, Lobb has booted 64 goals and taken 153 contested marks so he’ll be more than handy inside 50 alongside fellow recruit Jesse Hogan.
But his SuperCoach scoring potential is far greater as the No. 1 ruckman.
THE BIG QUESTION
After missing out in 2018, will he be a dual-position ruck-forward in 2019?
ESTIMATED 2019 STARTING PRICE
$420,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
The dual-position status will be tempting but a predominantly-forward role is not.
Steven May
Gold Coast to Melbourne
The deal: May and Kade Kolodjashni for pick No. 6
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 17, SuperCoach average: 82
Average 2014-2017: 75, 75, 87, 84
Yes, May really did average 82 or more points in each of the past three seasons.
I was surprised, too.
On average, the former Gold Coast skipper ranked eighth for marks and third for rebound 50s in competition this season.
The 26-year-old has scored 76 points or more in 35 of his past 52 matches, highlighting his scoring consistency.
But, while he might add another key pillar to a strong Melbourne defence, there’s too many other ball winners in the Demons’ back six for May to improve on these numbers in 2019.
THE BIG QUESTION
Has he reached his SuperCoach ceiling?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$450,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
A good get for the Demons but not for me.
Chad Wingard
Port Adelaide to Hawthorn
The deal: Three-way deal. Port receive Ryan Burton, Sam Mayes pick No. 5 (via Brisbane), pick No. 15, 2019 fourth-round pick. Hawthorn receive Wingard, 2019 third-round pick. Brisbane receive pick No. 6, pick No. 35 (via Hawthorn), 2019 third-round pick.
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 21, SuperCoach average: 89
Average 2014-2017: 80, 98, 81, 93
While he’s been inconsistent in the past, Wingard is a star.
There is no doubt about it.
At his peak, he was, arguably, Port Adelaide’s second-best player, behind Robbie Gray.
So, even if it did cost them young gun Ryan Burton, Alastair Clarkson and the Hawks will be happy.
The 25-year-old left-footer is a mercurial forward, booting 232 goals and directly assisting 111 others in 147 games at Alberton.
But he’s also a creative and dangerous midfielder as he’s shown at different stages during his career at the Power.
No more so than in the second half of 2018.
After a quiet start to the year, Wingard moved into the midfield in Round 12 and averaged 24 disposals, 12 contested possessions, five clearances, five inside 50s, five tackles and 103 SuperCoach points per game, while also booting 11 goals.
He ranked No. 1 for inside 50s and No. 2 for goal assists at the Power this year.
Burton might become a star but he’s not single-handedly winning games off his own boot like Wingard has done — and will continue to do so — numerous times.
And if Clarkson persists with Wingard further up the ground, he might just develop into the SuperCoach premium he’s threatened to become for so long.
THE BIG QUESTION
Where does Wingard spend majority of his time at the Hawks?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$490,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Could go to another level in 2019.
Ryan Burton
Hawthorn to Port Adelaide
The deal: Three-way deal. Port receive Ryan Burton, Sam Mayes pick No. 5 (via Brisbane), pick No. 15, 2019 fourth-round pick. Hawthorn receive Wingard, 2019 third-round pick. Brisbane receive pick No. 6, pick No. 35 (via Hawthorn), 2019 third-round pick.
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 21, SuperCoach average: 66
Average 2016-2017: 52, 84
After recovering from a badly broken leg in his draft year, Burton made just three senior appearances in his first year as a Hawk in 2016.
But he exploded onto the scene in 2017, averaging 21 disposals, six marks, four rebound 50s and 84 SuperCoach points per game, to finish runner up in the Rising Star award.
The highly skilled right-footer, who played across half-back, despite starring as a forward in just junior days, found a target with 81 per cent of his disposals, ranking him eighth in the competition of players who won more than 400 disposals.
In comparison, Jack Hombsch was the only Port Adelaide player to record a efficiency of 81 or more in 2018 — but he only had 127 total disposals.
However, in 2018, the 21-year-old failed to build on his breakout season, recording 37 less disposals, despite playing three more games, than he did the previous year.
Burton’s SuperCoach average fell by 18 points per game and, after finishing fourth in 2017, the young gun could only managed an 18th place finish in Hawthorn’s best-and-fairest.
But we’ve seen young players, who have enjoyed an early breakout season, fall away the following year.
The good ones always bounce back.
And Burton will do that at Alberton, maybe even on Jared Polec’s vacant wing in 2019.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he recapture 2017 form?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$360,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Burton will add much-needed class to a Power midfield that is now without Wingard and Jared Polec and is very high on the SuperCoach mid-price watchlist.
Lachie Neale
Fremantle to Brisbane
The deal: Neale and pick No. 30 for picks No. 6, No. 19 and No. 55
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 22, SuperCoach average: 112
Average 2014-2017: 87, 104, 113, 109
This is huge from the Lions.
After assembling a group of talented youngsters over the past few seasons, they add one of the competition’s best ball-winners to a midfield that already includes Dayne Zorko.
In home-and-away matches since 2016, the 25-year-old ranks No. 1 in the competition for contested possessions and clearances and only Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell has won more disposals.
Although it’s still likely to be Zorko, if a tag does he come his way, Neale has shown the capacity to deal with it in the past, winning 25 disposals or more in 54 of his past 65 matches.
And the fact that Neale is a South Australian with no family ties in Brisbane is a win in itself.
THE BIG QUESTION
In the coming years, with the development of a number of young stars at the Lions, will the ball be shared around more evenly that it was at Fremantle?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$615,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
A super premium at Fremantle, a super premium at Brisbane.
Kade Kolodjashnij
Gold Coast to Melbourne
The deal: Kolodjashnij and Steven May for pick No. 6
2018 — Games: 8, SuperCoach average: 67
Average 2014-2017: 68, 89, 69, 72
As 2018 draws to a close, Kade Kolodjashnij is a bit of a forgotten man.
While twin brother Jake played every game in 2018, cementing his spot in Geelong’s back six, Kade has only managed 19 appearances in the past two seasons after battling concussion issues.
But, after receiving positive news — a weakness in his neck was the primary source of the ongoing issue, rather than the concussion itself — late in the season, Kolodjashnij returned to the senior side in Round 18 and has done enough to convince Melbourne he is right to go.
And, if that’s the case, the Demons have done very well, given ability has never been questioned.
In 2015, as a 19-year-old in just his second season in the competition, the classy left-footer averaged 22 disposals — 17 effective — and 89 SuperCoach points per game.
Kolodjashnij ranked No. 1 at the Suns for metres gained and No. 12 in the competition for intercept possessions.
The No. 5 selection at the 2013 National Draft struggled with an abdomen issue the following season and is yet to recapture the form of his sophomore year.
But, if he can get a clear run at it in 2019, expect Kolodjashnij to bounce back in a big way in a team that wins plenty of the football.
It might not take him long to remind everyone just how good he can be.
THE BIG QUESTION
Has he regained his confidence after the battle with concussion? Fingers crossed
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$370,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
I’m a huge fan so if Kolodjashnij can have a good pre-season, I’ll be very interested.
Jesse Hogan
Melbourne to Fremantle.
The deal: Hogan and pick No. 65 for picks No. 6 and 23.
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 22, SuperCoach average: 92
Average 2014-2017: DNP, 78, 77, 70
The Docker finally get their man.
If it happened last year, Hogan’s SuperCoach credentials might have been a short conversation.
But, after overcoming a tough year on and off the field, the talented Hogan posted eight SuperCoach tons to finish with a season average of 92 — a 15-point increase on his last full season in 2016.
The most impressive part of the 23-year-old’s year was his ability to win the ball further up the ground.
In the first 10 rounds of the season, Hogan tallied at least 20 disposals in seven of them and showed he can have a big impact, even if he’s not kicking goals.
While Hogan took fewer contested marks and marks inside 50 than in 2015 and 2016, the 195cm, 100km big man recorded more disposals, contested possessions, uncontested possessions, clearances, inside 50s and goal assists in 2018.
In saying that, the Dockers, who ranked 14th for contested marks and 15th for marks inside 50 in the competition this year, need Hogan as their main forward target, despite the addition of Giant Rory Lobb.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he kick enough goals to make up for a more stay-at-home role?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$500,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Not sure Hogan can do enough to surpass a number of other SuperCoach forwards.
Sam Mayes
Brisbane to Port Adelaide
The deal: Three-way deal. Port receive Ryan Burton, Sam Mayes pick No. 5 (via Brisbane), pick No. 15, 2019 fourth-round pick. Hawthorn receive Wingard, 2019 third-round pick. Brisbane receive pick No. 6, pick No. 35 (via Hawthorn), 2019 third-round pick.
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 6, SuperCoach average: 56
Average 2014-2017: 69, 58, 70, 80
After a career-best year in 2017, when the athletic 24-year-old averaged 21 disposals, eight marks, four rebound 50s and 80 SuperCoach points per game, Mayes struggled to hold his spot in the Brisbane side, after a the rapid development of a number of young Lions.
And, with the return of Hamish Hartlett and inclusion of Hawk Ryan Burton, it’s likely to be a similar story at his new home to start 2019
THE BIG QUESTION
Is he in the best 22 at Alberton?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$280,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Price might keep him in the picture but only if he can get a game.
Jackson Thurlow
Geelong to Sydney
The deal: Thurlow for pick No. 70
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 6, SuperCoach average: 59
Average 2014-2017: 57, 70, -, 54
After posting three SuperCoach tons in the opening five rounds of 2015, the running half-back threatened to breakout in his third season in the game.
However, Thurlow only scored more than 79 points in one the next 14 matches for the year to finish with a disappointing season average of 70.
And then it got worse.
The 24-year-old ruptured his ACL in the following pre-season and missed the entire year.
Thurlow has battled for his spot in Geelong’s side since, playing only 17 games in the past two seasons.
But it appears the Swans have targeted him for a reason.
The Swans need to replace Dan Hannebery in an ageing midfield and moving Callum Mills or Nathan Jones into the middle, from half back, looks the right move.
This trade could be a big win for SuperCoaches but not directly because of Thurlow himself.
THE BIG QUESTION
Does he slot straight in across half-back?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$300,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Thurlow? No. Mills? Yes.
Jordan Roughead
Western Bulldogs to Collingwood
The deal: Roughead for pick No. 79
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 12, SuperCoach average: 70
Average 2014-2017: 61, 64, 70, 71
The premiership Bulldog makes his way to the Magpies as Brodie Grundy’s back-up but, given he’s averaged between 60 and 71 in the past eight seasons, Roughead is still not SuperCoach relevant in 2019.
THE BIG QUESTION
Does he play at all?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$380,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Nah.
Travis Colyer
Essendon to Fremantle
The deal: Colyer for 2019 fourth-round pick
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 8, SuperCoach average: 52
Average 2014-2017: 75, 68, -, 63
The 27-year-old, who booted 54 goals and assisted 42 others in 87 games at the Bombers, might turn out to be a more-than-handy role player at the Dockers but, like Roughead, the SuperCoach conversation stops here.
THE BIG QUESTION
Is he more than just a role player?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$280,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Could be available for a decent price for a player with his experience but it’s unlikely to be enough.
Jack Hombsch
Port Adelaide to Gold Coast
The deal: Hombsch for 2019 fourth-round pick
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 14, SuperCoach average: 51
Average 2014-2017: 67, 72, 70, 55
The athletic defender hasn’t played more than 14 games in the past three years at Alberton but, after a move to the Gold Coast to help replace the loss of key defender Steven May that should change in 2019.
The 25-year-old could again average in excess of 70 but that’s not quite enough to justify his price tag and his selection over a ready-made rookie.
THE BIG QUESTION
Is he more than just a role player?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$280,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Could be available for a decent price for a player with his experience but it’s unlikely to be enough.
Marcus Adams
Western Bulldogs to Brisbane
The deal: Adams for pick No. 32 and 2019 third-round pick
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 6, SuperCoach average: 69
Average 2016-2017: 81, 79
The 192cm, 98kg defender has had plenty of trouble with injury throughout his three-year career.
But he’s had plenty of decent SuperCoach scores, too.
In his 28 career games, Adams has scored 78 points or more in half of them and posted two scores in excess of 120.
THE BIG QUESTION
Will his body hold up?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$330,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
If Adams’ finds consistency in his body, he has to appear on the mid-price watchlist — even if at the bottom.
Jack Scrimshaw
Gold Coast to Hawthorn
The deal: Scrimshaw and 2019 fourth-round pick for 2019 third-round pick
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 0, SuperCoach average: —
Average 2017: 46
From pick No. 7 in the 2016 draft to, basically, a late third-round selection.
Going by the trade deal between the Hawks and Suns that’s the value of the highly talented left-footer.
But in a few years time, we could look back on this deal as the best trade of the entire period.
While Scrimshaw, who never really settled on the Gold Coast despite signing an early contract extension, has only played four senior games, the 20-year-old has star potential written all over him.
In 2018, the rebounding defender failed to make a senior appearances and played just seven games in the NEAFL after breaking his cheekbone and suffering concussion late in the year.
When he’s ready, expect Alastair Clarkson to deploy Scrimshaw at half-back and utilise his damaging left-foot and intercept ability.
But, in time, he has the qualities to turn himself into a Marcus Bontempelli-like midfielder.
Well played, Hawks.
THE BIG QUESTION
How quickly can he come on at the Hawks?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$180,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
A future SuperCoach star and likely 2019 cash cow if he can win a spot in the best 22 over the pre-season.
Aaron Hall
Gold Coast to North Melbourne
The deal: Hall for pick No. 68
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 6, SuperCoach average: 80
Average 2014-2017: 59, 79, 95, 92
The 27-year-old’s offensive power has never been questioned.
It’s what he does without the ball that’s come under the spotlight and it’s the major reason Hall found himself in the reserves on a number of occasions in the past two seasons.
But, with a more sound defensive structure in place, does he have to worry about defending at the Kangaroos?
Of course he has to; team defence is part of the modern game but the playmaking midfielder might get more of a license to thrill at his new home.
And if he does, we could see a return to the form that saw he become a popular SuperCoach name in 2016 and 2017.
Hall started 2016 with a bang, polling three Brownlow Medal votes in each of the first three games after a blistering run of form.
The speedy midfielder averaged 36 disposals, seven marks, six inside 50s and 129 SuperCoach points in the opening three rounds.
He went on to average 5.3 inside 50s — the equal-second highest in the competition — and 19.7 uncontested possessions (equal 7th) per game.
While Hall still sat inside the top 10 for both statistics the following season, an inconsistent year saw his average fall from 95 to 92 in 2017.
Inconsistent is another tag Hall is yet to shake after posting scores of 76, 21, 84, 110, 137 and 50 in his six games in 2018 before suffering a season-ending pectoral injury in Round 12.
THE BIG QUESTION
Will he become more than just a ‘what if’?
ESTIMATED 2019 STARTING PRICE
$400,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
His best his brilliant but will his price be too awkward?
George Horlin-Smith
Geelong to Gold Coast
The deal: Horlin-Smith for pick No. 59.
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 4, SuperCoach average: 62
Average 2014-2017: 67, 55, 43, 76
The Suns get another player who has struggled to cement a spot in a best 22 but shown he can be a solid contributor at AFL level.
There is no better example than Horlin-Smith’s first game for 2018.
The midfielder was very late replacement for forward Tom Hawkins, who pulled out during the warm up, against the Power in Round 5.
Horlin-Smith, who was preparing to watch the game from the stands only minutes before the first bounce, was the best man on the ground by the final siren.
The 26-year-old tallied 26 disposals, 14 contested possessions, eight tackles, two goals and 120 SuperCoach points in 73 per cent game time.
In his seven seasons at Geelong, Horlin-Smith played 51 games — 21 of them in 2014 — averaging 16 disposals, three tackles and three clearances in an injury-interrupted career.
Horlin-Smith’s move to the Gold Coast comes on the back of a brilliant VFL season, which saw him finish second in the J.J. Liston Trophy count — posting 15 votes in just 11 games — after averaging 26 disposals, nine handball-receives, and seven clearances per game.
THE BIG QUESTION
With a number of similar-type midfielders at the Suns, what role does he play?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$300,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Looming as a tempting mid-price stepping stone if he’s in Suns’ starting midfield.
Tom Scully
GWS to Hawthorn
The deal: Scully for 2019 fourth-round pick.
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 1, SuperCoach average: 19
Average 2014-2017: 79, 84, 97, 88
The former No. 1 draft pick makes his way to Hawthorn for a future fourth-round selection.
Yes, it’s an interesting one.
And one the football world is still trying to get its head around.
At the peak of his powers, the running machine is a star, averaging 25 disposals, 16 uncontested possessions, five inside 50s and 97 SuperCoach points per game, while also booting 23 goals and assisting in 21 others, in a career-best year in 2016.
Scully finished second in the Giants’ best-and-fairest that year and was included in the All-Australian squad of 40.
The 27-year-old played every game in 2016 and 2017 but only managed a quarter of football in 2018 after suffering a horrific broken ankle against Collingwood in Round 2.
The Hawks are backing their medical team but, given he’s still more than a month away from jogging, just how quickly they can get Scully up-and-going remains to be seen.
And, when they do, will his running power ever be the same?
Did the Giants share this concern?
All these questions make it a hard move to judge at this stage.
THE BIG QUESTION
The one everyone wants to know; how is the ankle?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$430,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
It’s a NO from me given the questions marks and the fact Scully has never averaged more than 97. But, then again, the Hawks don’t get too many wrong.
Tyson Stengle
Richmond to Adelaide
The deal: Stengle for pick No. 68 (on-traded from Gold Coast)
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 0, SuperCoach average: —
Average 2017: 38
Stengle is another victim of Richmond’s plethora of small forwards, managing just two senior games in the past two seasons, despite impressive VFL form.
In 19 games in the reserves this season, the 20-year-old booted 33 goals — ranking him equal-seventh in the league — and averaged 12 disposals and four tackles per game.
Stengle, who was drafted from Woodville-West Torrens in the 2016 rookie draft after ranking elite in forward-50 groundball-gets and tackles, score assists and score involvements at Under 18 level, returns home to South Australia in hope of more opportunity at the Crows.
And, while the Crows might see Stengle as the long-term replacement for star Eddie Betts, the skilful goalkicker should see plenty of game time next year in an Adelaide forwardline that looked too tall and slow, at times, last season.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he do enough for a regular spot?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$150,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
While his scoring ceiling may not be high, Stengle, who will have completed his third pre-season, will be at rookie-price and is a chance of early action in 2019.
Sam Lloyd
Richmond to Western Bulldogs
The deal: Lloyd for pick No. 64
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 7, SuperCoach average: 79
Average 2014-2017: 61, 51, 70, 63
With the emergence of Daniel Rioli, Dan Butler, Jason Castagna and Jack Higgins over the past two years, the 28-year-old has struggled to find a spot in Richmond’s forward line since 2016.
In that season, Lloyd played 22 games — the only time he’s played more than 12 in his five-year career — and booted 35 goals to rank second on the club’s goalkicking list behind only Jack Riewoldt.
Lloyd laid more forward-50 tackles than any other Tiger and ranked second for marks inside 50.
But he’s only played 15 games since.
Seven of them came in 2018 and he scored more than 90 points in three of them.
While Lloyd was great in the VFL this season, averaging 112 SuperCoach points per game, he’s been starved of senior opportunity at Punt Road.
A move to the Bulldogs is good for his career.
And it should be positive for his SuperCoach output, too.
The negative will be his awkward price.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he do enough to justify his price tag?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$390,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Lloyd should get more opportunity in the Bulldogs’ forward setup — maybe even in the midfield — but it won’t be enough to make him SuperCoach relevant in 2019.
Taylor Duryea
Hawthorn to Western Bulldogs
The deal: Duryea for a 2019 fourth-round pick.
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 16, SuperCoach average: 63
Average 2014-2017: 62, 75, 70, 64
Lucky the neat-kicking left-footer doesn’t play cricket.
The skilful Duryea has six SuperCoach scores of 99 to his name but is yet to pass three figures in 108 home-and-away matches.
Although the two-time premiership Hawk will add valuable experience to the Bulldogs, he’s unlikely to add much from a SuperCoach point-of-view in 2019.
THE BIG QUESTION
Given he’s never averaged more than 18 disposals in any season, can he find more of the ball at his new home?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$340,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Would need a dramatic role change to be considered.
Dan Hannebery
Sydney to St Kilda
The deal: Hannebery & pick No. 28 for Pick No. 39 & 2019 second-round pick
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 14, SuperCoach average: 60
Average 2014-2017: 101, 114, 113, 97
At this time in 2016, Hannebery had just recorded his second-consecutive SuperCoach season average of 113 or more and earned this third All-Australian jacket in four years.
The midfielder had also tallied more disposals than any other player in the competition at an average of 31.
But at the same time, a collision with Easton Wood in the Grand Final kick started his battle with injury.
Two years later, Hannebery has limped through a season which saw him play just 14 games and fail to win more than 18 disposals in seven of them.
The 27-year-old’s SuperCoach price fell to a staggeringly low $279k by Round 23.
And, while Hannebery has left the club he thought he would finish his career at, his last game as a Swan resulted in 24 disposals, 10 contested possessions, eight marks and 96 SuperCoach points in the elimination final loss to the Giants.
Is it enough to pick him in 2019?
If he’s fit and enjoys a decent summer at his new home, it’s going to be hard to ignore the left-footer, who will be priced at an average of 60.
At worst, he’s a great mid-price stepping stone, because he will step straight into a midfield crying out for star power.
THE BIG QUESTION
It’s a simple one; can he get back to his best?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$330,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Bargain alert.
Dom Tyson
Melbourne to North Melbourne
The deal: Preuss and pick No. 62 for Dom Tyson
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 14, SuperCoach average: 76
Average 2014-2017: 94, 80, 91, 81
The inside midfielder was drafted by the Giants at pick No. 3 in the 2011 draft but, after two years and 13 games, Tyson was traded back home in exchange for Melbourne’s prized No. 2 selection in 2013.
And the 186cm left-footer had an immediate impact at the Demons, ranking second at his new club for contested possessions, clearances and goals in 2014.
Tyson posted nine SuperCoach tons — four in excess of 120 — and averaged 24 disposals, five marks, five clearances and 94 points per game to finish second in Melbourne’s best and fairest.
Injury halted his progress the following season but in 2016, Tyson was, again, a key contributor on the inside, averaging 25 disposals, 11 contested possessions and four clearances per game.
But as the young midfield stars started to develop around him — Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney and Christian Petracca, in particular — Tyson was slowly pushed to more of an outside midfield role.
By the end of 2018, Tyson was averaging just 8 contested possessions per game, three less than in 2016.
And his scoring dried up, too.
After booting 33.23 in his first three years at the Demons, Tyson has contributed 7.15 in the past two seasons.
It’s been an obvious decline for the once-prolific goal-kicking midfielder.
But with his new club trading for some quality on the outside in Jared Polec and potentially Aaron Hall, the 25-year-old should get the opportunity to bolster an on-ball brigade that ranked 18th for clearances in 2018.
As Tyson told North Melbourne’s website, it was a major reason why he joined the club.
“This year at Melbourne, my opportunities to play inside were limited, so part of what made me want to come to North was that role of playing as an inside-mid more often.” he explained.
And his numbers should rise on the back of it.
THE BIG QUESTION
Will Brad Scott give him a the inside-midfield role he wants?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$420,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Expect a significant spike in numbers.
Braydon Preuss
North Melbourne to Melbourne
The deal: Preuss and pick No. 62 for Dom Tyson
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 0, SuperCoach average: —
Average 2015-2017: DNP, DNP, 63
This trade could have big ramifications for the SuperCoach community.
And it may not be Preuss who is the main player affected.
With the 23-year-old big man heading to the Demons, just how coach Simon Goodwin uses Preuss with star ruckman Max Gawn remains to be seen.
If the Demons go with a two-ruck setup, it could affect the output of Gawn, who was the third-highest SuperCoach scorer in the game this season.
The other frustrating aspect of the deal is Preuss, who has only played eight senior games after being stuck behind Todd Goldstein at the Kangaroos, is ready to be the No. 1 man.
The 206cm, 109kg giant has been dominant in the VFL, averaging 110 and 118 SuperCoach points in the past two years
Preuss enjoyed a big finish to the 2018 season, averaging 135 points in the final seven games.
The combination will be one of the biggest talking points of the SuperCoach pre-season.
THE BIG QUESTION
Will Preuss and Gawn play in the same team?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$250,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
A would-be lock as a No. 1 ruckman at a new club, just not the Demons.
Dean Kent
Melbourne to St Kilda
The deal: Kent for pick No. 65
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 5, SuperCoach average: 64
Average 2014-2017: 53, 43, 72, 60
The speedy half-forward can play.
But, unfortunately, a number of injury issues over his six-year career has severely restricted his development.
His first three games of 2018 just about sums up his career.
After overcoming a shoulder injury during the off-season, Kent tallied 20 disposals, five marks, three goals and 113 SuperCoach points against the Kangaroos in Round 3, before following up with a three-goal, 105-point performance a week later against the Hawks.
But in Round 5 against the Tigers, Kent was on the bench by half time with ice on his hamstring.
The 24-year-old returned to the side in Round 22, recording 14 disposals, six tackles and 73 SuperCoach points but, again, left the ground earlier against the Giants in the final round of the year.
The Saints like his speed and foot skills and have provided the tough left-footer, who has only played 35 games in the past four seasons, with a fresh start in 2019.
Hopefully his body does the same.
THE BIG QUESTION
He’s only played more than 5 games once in the past four years. Will he get some luck with injury?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$320,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Injury history is a concern but will still feature on the pre-season watchlist.
Will Setterfield
GWS to Carlton
The deal: Setterfield and pick No. 71 for pick No. 43 and 2019 second-round pick
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 0, SuperCoach average: —
Average 2017: 44
Before rupturing his ACL during a pre-season trial against the Swans, the No. 5 selection from the 2016 national draft was a popular SuperCoach season last summer.
And, after a move to Carlton, it’s likely to be a similar story in 2019.
The tall midfielder, who was rated as one of the most complete in his draft year, has only two AFL games to his name after battling injury in his first year at the Giants.
But his debut against the Tigers in Round 18 was an impressive one.
The 190cm Setterfield tallied 12 disposals, six tackles and 63 SuperCoach points, rotating through half-forward and the midfield, on debut.
In that draft year of 2016, Setterfield averaged 121 points in the TAC cup and was the only midfielder in the competition to rate elite for goals, score assists and tackles per game.
Like fellow ex-Giant Matthew Kennedy, Setterfield should get an opportunity in Carlton’s developing midfield next season.
And he will still be rookie price in SuperCoach.
THE BIG QUESTION
How is his knee?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$180,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Firming as a SuperCoach lock if all goes well over summer.
Tom Hickey
St Kilda to West Coast
The deal: Hickey for pick No. 39 and an exchange of fourth-round selections
THE NUMBERS
2 018 — Games: 13, SuperCoach average: 89
Average 2014-2017: 88, 69, 84, 74
After sharing ruck duties with Billy Longer for the past few seasons, with Scott Lycett heading home to Port Adelaide, Hickey looks set to be the No. 1 man at the Eagles while Nic Naitanui recovers from a knee reconstruction.
While fellow premiership big man Nathan Vardy will be there, it’s likely Hickey does majority of the ruck work when the new tandem play together.
And this is good news for SuperCoaches because the 27-year-old has shown he can score when given the opportunity.
In 13 games this season, Hickey scored 80 points or more in 11 of them, registering two SuperCoach tons.
The 201cm big man averaged 15 disposals, 10 contested possessions, three tackles and 89 points per game.
Rewind back to the start of 2016 and Hickey threatened to breakout in a big way.
In Round 1 against Port Adelaide, Hickey tallied 20 disposals, 22 hitouts-to-advantage, 13 contested possessions and a career-high 157 SuperCoach points in a dominant display.
While he posted three more SuperCoach tons for the year — one of them a 139-point performance against the Blues — Hickey failed to break the 70-point mark on eight occasions, including the following week against the Bulldogs.
THE BIG QUESTION
Does opportunity, in the first half of the year at least, mean a bigger output?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$490,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
An awkward price but one to keep an eye on.
Alex Fasolo
The deal: Collingwood to Carlton (Free agency)
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 1, SuperCoach average: 11
Average 2014-2017: 68, 76, 76, 66
It was a year to forget for the talented forward.
After hurting his shoulder during the pre-season, Fasolo suffered a season-ending ankle injury in his first game of the year in Round 9.
But in the previous three seasons, Fasolo proved his worth as a dangerous mid-sized forward.
The 26-year-old, who has also played across half-back in his time at the Magpies, booted 81 goals and recorded 42 goal assists in 48 games between 2015 and 2017.
The 101-game Fasolo, who boasts a career-high SuperCoach score of 137, will add another dynamic to a young, developing Carlton forward line that should now also feature Mitch McGovern.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he put 2018 behind him?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 STARTING PRICE
$250,000 — $300,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Fasolo might surprise a few in the navy blue.
Jared Polec
Port Adelaide to North Melbourne
The deal: Polec, Jasper Pittard and Pick No. 48 for Pick No. 11 and 2019 fourth-round pick
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 22, SuperCoach average: 95
Average 2014-2017: 81, 70, 75, 81
The dashing wingman’s final season at Alberton was his best.
The once injury-prone Polec played 22 games for the first time in his eight-year career and averaged 95 SuperCoach points, eclipsing his previous high by 14 points per game.
After increasing his disposal average from 19 to 22 in 2017, Polec lifted this number to 25 in 2018, ranking him second behind only Ollie Wines at the club.
The 25-year-old, who recorded the equal second-most goal assists at the Power, ranked 8th in the AFL for kicks and 9th for metres gained.
All very good numbers if you are a North Melbourne fan.
But will it be good news for his SuperCoach output?
There is no question Polec is predominantly an outside player — and a very good one — but he is slowly improving his inside game, averaging two more contested possessions per game in 2018 than he did the previous year.
And that number is going to have to continue to increase if Polec is going to work his way into the premium bracket next season because the stats show the ball might not come to him as much as it did at the Power.
While the Kangaroos have a number of known inside ball-winners, they ranked 16th for clearances in 2018.
It’s a stark contrast from Port Adelaide, who were the No. 1 clearance side last year.
THE BIG QUESTION
A great get for the Kangaroos but does he have another level to go to?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$520,000
EARLY VERDICT
Price might be an issue but an injury-free Polec, coming off his best season to date, still has to feature on the point-of-difference watchlist, especially in the draft format.
Mitch McGovern
Adelaide to Carlton
The deal: Three-way trade with Sydney. Crows receive pick No. 13, 2019 fifth-round selection and state-league player Shane McAdam, Carlton receive McGovern and 2019 third-round selection, Sydney receive picks 26 and 28.
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 12, SuperCoach average: 68
Average 2016-2017: 58, 69
McGovern exploded onto the scene in 2016.
The No. 43 pick in the 2014 National draft, who debuted in Round 1 and went on to play every game for the year, booted 32 goals and took 28 contested marks — the third-most at the club.
However, injury and inconsistency has seen McGovern only tally another 35 goals and 32 contested marks in the past two seasons.
At his best, the 23-year-old is a high-marking, match-winning forward.
But, as he showed late in 2018, McGovern has the potential to follow the path of older brother Jeremy as an intercepting defender.
In round 23, McGovern played in defence against his new side, recording a team-high nine intercept possessions and three intercept marks.
While McGovern has kicked all of his goals in a high-scoring Adelaide outfit, Carlton fans should still be excited; there is plenty to work with.
SuperCoaches not so much.
Well, not yet anyway.
In 45 career games, McGovern has only scored 90 points or more in four of them, with just the one SuperCoach ton to his name.
THE BIG QUESTION
Which end will he play?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$370,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
McGovern will strengthen the Blues’ spine but, at that price, won’t feature in many SuperCoach teams at all.
Ryan Clarke
North Melbourne to Sydney
The deal: Clarke for Pick No. 61
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 19, SuperCoach average: 65
Average 2016-2017: 56, 67
Ball magnet alert.
After an underwhelming start to his sophomore year as a high half-forward, Clarke moved to half-back at the end of 2017, averaging 27 disposals, seven marks and 84 SuperCoach points in the final five rounds of the year.
But, although he started with 25 disposals and 80 points against the Suns in Round 1, inconsistency stopped Clarke from building on this form in 2018.
The 21-year-old, who averaged 136 SuperCoach points in the TAC Cup during his draft year, tallied 26 disposals or more on six occasions but also recorded less than 20 disposals in nine of his 21 matches.
His ball-winning ability is obvious but at North Melbourne his role wasn’t.
While the uncontested nature of his game is still holding back his SuperCoach scoring slightly, if Clarke can find a spot in the Swans’ line-up, he’s one to watch in 2019.
And, with the pending departure of Dan Hannebery, the Swans need another hard-running midfielder.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he cement a spot in the best 22?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$360,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Big fan. If he gets a chance, Clarke can flourish at the Swans.
Shane McAdam
Carlton to Adelaide
The deal: McAdam (state league pre-draft selection) to Adelaide in McGovern deal
There is plenty to like about this one.
And not just for Crows fans.
SuperCoaches love mature-age recruits and, after an impressive year in the SANFL, which resulted in 31 goals from 17 games, the high-marking McAdam is ready to step into the top level in 2019, in a similar way to premiership Eagle Liam Ryan this year.
The 23-year-old speedster, who was overlooked in the 2015 draft despite equalling Nic Naitanui’s running vertical jump record at the WA state combine, impressed at league level this season, averaging 11 disposals, three tackles and 77 SuperCoach points per game.
So much so that McAdam, who was playing amateur football in South Australia in 2017, would’ve likely been selected inside the first two rounds of November’s draft if Carlton didn’t nominate him as one of its two pre-draft selections.
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE:
$117,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT:
If all goes to plan, McAdam could be in Don Pyke’s Round 1 side and become a popular SuperCoach name.
Gary Rohan
Sydney to Geelong
The deal: Three-way deal. Sydney receive Clarke, North Melbourne receive pick No. 61, Geelong receive Gary Rohan.
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 11, SuperCoach average: 48
Average 2014-2017: 85, 93, 88, 83
Unlike McAdam, apart from — maybe — the price, there’s not much to like about this one from a SuperCoach point-of-view.
Although he will add speed and x-factor to the Cats’ side, Rohan has never averaged more than 69 points in his nine-year career.
In fact, the 27-year-old, who has been unlucky with injury, has finished the season with an average of 55 or less on six occasions.
Although Rohan doesn’t win enough of the ball, recording 20 disposals only once in 101 senior games, a late run of form in 2017, when he posted three SuperCoach tons in the final seven rounds of the year, shows he can score,
But it’s unlikely to be enough.
THE BIG QUESTION
Two questions here. Can he find more footy and where does he best fit in?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$260,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
A pretty big NO at this stage.
Scott Lycett
West Coast to Port Adelaide (Free agency)
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 22, SuperCoach average: 81
Average 2014-2017: 78, 72, 83, 63
It’s been an unbelievable 2018 for the athletic big man.
Not only did Lycett play every game — after overcoming a horrible run with injury — for the first time in his seven-year career, the 26-year-old won a flag and earned himself a pay rise to come home to South Australia.
In the previous six seasons, Lycett played a total of 50 games, as he battled injury — including reconstructions of his PCL and shoulder — while also playing second fiddle to star ruckmen Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui.
But, given his ability to play forward, Lycett has always shown scoring potential.
In 71 home-and-away matches, Lycett has scored 80 points or more in 35 of them, while also posting 17 SuperCoach tons.
After Naitanui went down in Round 17 this season, Lycett, again, showed us what he can do as a No. 1 man.
In the following four games, he averaged 15 disposals, 11 contested possessions, eight hitouts-to-advantage and 106 SuperCoach points.
But, at this new home, if Paddy Ryder is fit, Lycett, who booted 10 goals and took 14 contested marks in 2018, will again be the second ruckman.
A good one? Sure.
A more-than-handy forward? Yes.
But, although he will form dynamic ruck tandem with Ryder at the Power, his scores are likely to be too inconsistent — or reach a high enough ceiling — for Lycett to be SuperCoach relevant in 2019.
Let’s re-assess in a few years time — or if Ryder, again, struggles with injury over summer.
THE BIG QUESTION
How is Ryder’s achilles?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$445,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
As a recruit it get’s a tick but not as ruck-only in SuperCoach. A dual-position status would change everything.
Tom Lynch
Gold Coast to Richmond (free agent)
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 10, SuperCoach average: 78
Average 2014-2017: 85, 93, 88, 83
Any player who boasts a career-high score of 180 is always SuperCoach relevant.
But when you are a key-forward playing in a team which averaged 47 inside 50s per game — the second lowest in the competition — in 2018 and only one more in 2017, it’s tricky.
Still, Lynch kicked more than 40 goals in four consecutive seasons from 2014 to 2017 and booted 66 goals and a took a league-high 62 contested marks in a standout 2016 campaign.
After stagnating in 2017, the 25-year-old only managed 10 games in his final season on the Gold Coast before a persistent knee injury ended his year after Round 14.
While Lynch posted that career high in Round 2 against the Blues, the star forward failed to score more than 71 in six of the next eight games, recording his lowest season average since 2013.
But 2019 is a different story.
Richmond is next year’s flag favourite, despite their preliminary final exit and, more importantly, put the ball inside 50 13 more times per game than the Suns last season.
This resulted in the Tigers taking, on average, 13 marks inside 50 per game — the second-most in the competition and five more than the 18th-ranked Gold Coast.
Sure, Richmond’s game isn’t built around dominant tall forwards but there is no doubt Lynch will get his hands on the ball more in 2019.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he fit in at Tigerland?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$430,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
If he can, a 90+ average is on the cards. And he will be priced below that figure. On the watchlist.
Anthony Miles
Richmond to Gold Coast
The deal: Miles, Corey Ellis + 2019 third round selection for a 2019 third round selection.
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 1, SuperCoach average: 90
Average 2014-2017: 100, 97, 90, 71
This trade will good for everyone.
Good for Miles, good for the Suns and great for SuperCoaches.
The 26-year-old makes his way to the Gold Coast, where he should, once again, feature in the first-choice midfield, after 71 senior appearances in seven years at Punt Road.
In 51 of those matches, the tough inside-midfielder tallied 20 disposals or more and scored at least 80 SuperCoach points in 46 of them.
While he only played six games in the past two seasons, Miles played 53 out of a possible 54 matches between Round 12, 2014 and Round 21, 2016.
And his numbers rank him as one of Richmond’s best performed midfielders during this time.
In 2015, Miles ranked third at the club for disposals, 2nd for contested possessions, 2nd for tackles and 2nd for inside 50s while also recording 25 more clearances than any other Tiger.
With the arrival of Dion Prestia and the rise of Kane Lambert, Jack Graham and Jack Higgins, in particular, Miles has struggled to command a spot in the midfield in the past two years and his lack of pace has seen him unable to fit in elsewhere.
But he couldn’t have done anymore in the VFL, averaging 29 disposals, eight clearances and 121 SuperCoach points at the level since 2014.
The Suns, who ranked 18th for disposals, 12th for contested possessions and 17th for inside 50s, need ready-made midfielders who can win the ball and get it forward.
And they’ve got one.
THE BIG QUESTION
Will Stuart Dew pick him?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$440,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
While it seems obvious that he should, he didn’t pick Will Brodie until Round 11 and Michael Barlow, who was eventually delisted, only played three games. But I think Miles will be different. Lock him in.
Lincoln McCarthy
Geelong to Brisbane
The Deal: McCarthy + Picks 54 and 57 for Picks 42 and 60
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 2, SuperCoach average: 57
Average 2014-2017: 52, DNP, 55, 61
The former Glenelg junior has shown glimpses but his body has let him down far too often.
After being drafted at pick No. 66 in the 2011 National Draft, the small-forward has managed just 29 senior appearances in his seven years on Geelong’s list.
Only once has the 25-year-old played more than four games in a season and that was in 2016.
In that year, McCarthy booted 17 goals from 17 games, while averaging 11 disposals and three tackles.
But, after tallying 45 clangers, McCarthy averaged just 55 SuperCoach points.
In Round 11 this year, the talented McCarthy, who is good in the air and creative around goal, played his first senior game in 18 months but, after, again, succumbing to injury, wasn’t seen again after Round 13.
The Cats have been very patient with McCarthy, who played basketball and state cricket in his younger days, so they thought he had something.
A move to Brisbane, where he hopes to join close friend and Docker Lachie Neale, could be his chance to show the rest of the football world why the Cats showed so much faith.
A fit McCarthy would also add another element to the Lions’ developing — and exciting — forward line.
And given the midfield Chris Fagan is assembling, they soon might see plenty of action.
THE BIG QUESTION
It’s an obvious one; will his body hold up?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$280,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
If he’s fit, he should get a crack in Brisbane’s side but that’s a big if.
Nathan Kreuger
Carlton to Geelong
The deal: Kreuger (state league pre-draft selection) to Geelong for pick No. 42)
After impressing with 16 disposals, eight marks, five inside 50s and a goal in his only full game in the 2017 Under 18 Championships, many expected the athletically-gifted Kreuger to be drafted last year.
Instead, the versatile 19-year-old was overlooked and remained with South Adelaide, where he made his SANFL league debut this season.
The 196cm Kreuger, who played forward for the Panthers, took 21 contested marks and booted 22 goals in 13 league appearances in 2018.
Geelong recruiting and list manager Stephen Wells doesn’t get too many wrong.
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$117,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
The Cats aren’t afraid to play the kids, especially the older ones. Watchlist.
Luke Dahlhaus
Western Bulldogs to Geelong (free agency)
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 17, SuperCoach average: 77
Average 2014-2017: 91, 96,104, 92
Prior to the trade period, The Phantom believed a new club could bring back the old midfield-first Dahlhaus.
But that was before the 26-year-old found his way to the Cattery.
How does the premiership-winning Bulldog fit into Geelong’s already overcrowded midfield?
He doesn’t.
Just like Toby McLean — and then Josh Dunkley — did at the Bulldogs, it’s unlikely Dahlhaus’ midfield minutes increase with new team-mates Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett, Mitch Duncan, Sam Menegola and maybe Tim Kelly — depending on his own potential move west — in the engine room.
Even though, as a SuperCoach prospect, we need Dahlhaus in the middle, the Cats aren’t after another midfielder.
They will hope Dahlhaus can fit in nicely at half-forward in 2019.
In his breakout year of 2015, Dahlhaus averaged 26 disposals, five tackles and 104 SuperCoach points per game, while also booting 16 goals.
The former Geelong Falcon ranked No. 1 at the Bulldogs for disposals, contested possessions, tackles and goal assists.
Dahlhaus averaged more than 25 disposals in the next two years before being pushed into the forward line in 2018.
But he had little impact, finishing outside the top 10 in the Bulldogs’ best-and-fairest count for the first time since his debut season of 2011 and posting just one SuperCoach ton.
The 26-year-old kicked 2.4 from 15 shots at goal and, while he laid 72 tackles — the fourth-most at the Bulldogs — only 11 of them were inside 50.
Tom Hawkins (30), Brandan Parfitt (22), Dangerfield (21), Lachie Fogarty (20) and Menegola (18) laid more.
THE BIG QUESTION
Is he now more just a role player or can we forget 2018?
ESTIMATED 2019 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$420,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
While The Phantom believes Dahlhaus will have a bigger impact in his first season at the Cattery, as long as he remains more a forward than a midfielder, I won’t be picking him.
Reece Conca
Richmond to Fremantle (free agency)
THE NUMBERS
2018 — Games: 16, SuperCoach average: 72
Average 2014-2017: 78, 58, 88, 83
Ignoring the elimination final against the Blues, when he tore his hamstring in the opening minutes, between Round 22, 2013 and Round 11, 2014, Conca showed exactly why the Tigers picked him at No. 6 in the 2010 national draft.
The 26-year-old averaged 22 disposals, six tackles and 93 SuperCoach points in an eleven-game stretch that had both Perth-based clubs interested in luring him home by the end of the year.
But he failed to build from there.
Conca played just 21 of the next 77 home-and-away matches, scoring 80 SuperCoach points or more on just three occasions, as he endured a horrible run with injury.
After overcoming a foot issue late in 2017, Conca returned to feature in the Tigers’ VFL finals campaign but, ultimately, failed to regain his spot in a senior side that would go all the way.
Just as it looked like the luck had turned his way after playing the first 13 games of 2018 — posting two SuperCoach tons along the way — the luckless midfielder suffered a broken angle in the Round 15 clash with the Swans.
Fingers crossed the bad luck doesn’t follow him West, where, with the pending departure of ball magnet Lachie Neale, a bigger role in a young midfield beckons.
But is there still time for him to become the player many thought he would be?
It would seem, with the memories of 2013 and 2014 still in their mind, the Dockers think so.
The Phantom doesn’t share the same optimism.
THE BIG QUESTION
If he can stay fit, does he offer more than any of Fremantle’s young midfield stars?
ESTIMATED SUPERCOACH 2019 PRICE
$395,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
While, in the absence of Neale, Conca might help reinforce Ross Lyon’s inside-midfield brigade, he would have to have a huge injury-free pre-season to get near The Phantom’s radar.