The Phantom’s ultimate guide: All the tempting mid-price options, their history and pre-season form
The Phantom has rolled the mid-price week of the SuperCoach pre-season into one complete and updated guide. See all the value options to consider and the ones you need to avoid.
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The Phantom has rolled the mid-price week of the SuperCoach pre-season into one complete and updated guide. Here are all the value options to consider and the ones you need to avoid.
DEFENDERS
THE TOP-END
JAYDEN SHORT (RICH) $465,600
JLT Series scores: 100, 69
After missing out on the Tigers’ flag in 2017, the 23-year-old turned himself into one the AFL’s premier rebounding defenders in a breakout 2018 season.
The long-kicking right footer ranked No. 1 in the competition for metres gained and recorded the 10th-most rebound 50s for the year.
Short, who averaged 20 disposals per game — 16 of them effective — added a huge 28 points to his SuperCoach average after scoring 86 points or more in 13 of his 22 games.
As Richmond’s go-to man at the kick-ins — Short took 90 of a possible 166 in 2018 — his average could increase even further with the new stat ruling this season.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: The original verdict still stands. While his numbers are likely to increase, will it be enough to make him a Top 8 defender?
ALEX WITHERDEN (BRIS) $455,000
JLT Series scores: 66, 76
At 20 years of age, Witherden is already one of the best ball-winning defenders in the competition.
In the first 30 games of his career, the skilful right-footer has won at least 20 disposals in 23 of them, tallying 27 or more on 11 occasions.
And it’s translated into SuperCoach scoring with the young Lion passing the 85-point mark 16 times.
Despite an inconsistent start, Witherden lead Brisbane for kicks, rebound 50s and marks in 2018 and, per game, ranked inside the top 16 in the competition for all three categories.
While he won less than four per cent of his 23 possessions per game in a contest — a number which would be holding back his SuperCoach scoring slightly — Witherden’s ball use and potential to impact the game forward of centre should see a spike.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: A slightly underwhelming pre-season for Witherden but I’m still expecting a big spike in 2019.
CALLUM MILLS (SYD) $428,900
JLT Series scores: 106, 93
Will this be the year it finally happens?
With the departure of Dan Hannebery and Josh Kennedy turning 31 in June, the long-awaited permanent midfield move for Mills could eventuate.
While we’ve heard it before — and on more than one occasion — the 21-year-old, who has played across half-back for most of his 55-game career, trained with the midfield group over summer.
Sure, you can’t read too much into it but Mills, who only managed nine games last season after a foot injury, even dominated in the Swans’ first JLT Series match, playing in the midfield.
The problem is, the dominant junior midfielder has been so effective and reliable for the Swans in the back half.
Despite his role not often being a ball-winning one, Mills’ SuperCoach scoring has been impressive, with the Swans Academy product scoring 84 points or more in 10 of his past 17 matches.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: It will happen but it’s just hard to be sure when — that line has been accurate for some time. Mills impressed in the midfield in the first week of the JLT Series before moving back in the Swans’ second match in the absence of Jake Lloyd. We still can’t be sure.
WAYNE MILERA (ADEL) $433,100
JLT Series scores: 76, 123
After Brodie Smith suffered an ACL injury in the qualifying final against the Giants in 2017, the Crows were forced to go into 2018 without him.
Enter Wayne Milera.
The sublimely-skilled 21-year-old made his mark on the competition, proving almost impossible to catch dashing from defence.
From Round 17, Milera averaged 23 disposals, six marks, four rebound 50s and 95 points per game.
Milera, who added 22 points to his SuperCoach average in this third season, is great in the air, recording seven intercept possessions and 19 intercept marks last season.
But he’s even better by foot, hitting the target with 133 of his 158 disposals during the impressive seven-game stretch to finish the year.
With Smith back and Rory Laird going nowhere, will Milera remain across half-back to form a dynamic trio of running defenders or will he push further up the ground in 2019?
The Phantom’s March Verdict: If the pre-season competition is anything to go by, it looks like all three will be coming off half-back for the Crows. And they showed they can all score well together. For Milera, either way, he’s only getting better.
NEW COLOURS
NIC NEWMAN (CARL) $394,100
JLT Series scores: 97, 46
While Newman’s scoring has never been a problem, a lack of opportunity has.
In 28 home-and-away matches, the neat-kicking left-footer has 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.
With no Sam Docherty, Newman should finally find that opportunity in Carlton’s defence.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: While he was quiet in the Blues’ second JLT Series match, Newman showed in the first week he should feature in the SuperCoach-friendly role in 2019. I’m still backing him in.
KADE KOLODJASHNIJ (MELB) $363,700
JLT Series scores: dnp, dnp
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.
Since then the new Demon, who played 40 out of a possible 44 games in his first two years in the competition, has managed just 38 appearances after battling a number of injury issues.
His form hasn’t been the same, either, with Kolodjashnij scoring 80 SuperCoach points or more just four times.
But after receiving good news regarding the concussion issues he carried most of 2018, the 23-year-old — whose talent is undeniable — could bounce back in a team that wins plenty of football in 2019.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: A pre-season injury means, unfortunately, we are yet to see Kolodjashnij in a Melbourne jumper.
RETURNING STARS
ZAC WILLIAMS (GWS) $407,800
JLT Series scores: 82, dnp
In a breakout 2017 season, the dashing Giant defender averaged 94 points per game — a six-point increase on 2016 — after scoring 82 points or more in 16 of his 20 matches.
The long-kicking Williams averaged 22 disposals, eight contested possessions, four tackles and three rebound 50s per game, while also booting seven goals from 15 scoring shots from half-back.
The 24-year-old missed most of 2018 with an Achilles injury but returned to have a significant impact in both of the Giants’ finals.
In the elimination final against the Swans, Williams tallied 23 disposals — 20 of them kicks — nine marks and 117 points, before following up with 19 disposals and 77 points in the semi-final loss to the Magpies.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: Missed the Giants’ last pre-season match but he’s still The Phantom’s best value-for-money option, in any position, this season.
BRODIE SMITH (ADEL) $332,500
JLT Series scores: 103, 97
After recovering from an ACL injury, the running defender made his long-awaited return in Round 20 last season.
And it didn’t take him long to remind us all of his SuperCoach scoring power.
In his second game back, Smith tallied 29 disposals, 14 contested possessions, six marks and 129 points against the Giants in Round 21.
But, let’s be honest, it’s hard to forget his All-Australian season in 2014.
In his fourth year in the game, Smith, who possesses clean hands and elite foot skills, posted nine SuperCoach tons, six of them in excess of 125, to finish with an average of 93.
While multiple headknocks and a more-defensive role at times haven’t allowed the 27-year-old to recapture that SuperCoach form since, there’s no doubting he’s capable.
And he should take majority of the kick-ins at the Crows this season.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: After a standout pre-season campaign, lock him in — there’s too much upside at the price.
THE SMOKIE
BAILEY WILLIAMS (WB) $441,600
JLT Series scores: 49, 65
In an injury-interrupted season, the 21-year-old, who tallied 56 disposals in a SANFL Under-18 game back in 2015, scored 79 points or more in 10 of his 14 games in 2018.
Williams, who ranked elite for metres gained and averaged two intercept marks per game, posted a career-high 139 points, on the back of 26 disposals — at 92 per cent efficiency — and 12 marks, against the Bombers in Round 3.
The 21-year-old, who recorded 20 disposals or more on nine occasions, added 23 points to his SuperCoach average in his third year in the game.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: The February verdict stands. While he might be hard to start at the price, expect the young defender to win even more football this season, resulting in another scoring spike. A great SuperCoach Draft selection.
MIDFIELDERS
TOP-END
JACK VINEY (MELB) $449,500
JLT Series scores: dnp, dnp
The Melbourne co-captain is a frustrating SuperCoach prospect.
A persistent foot injury meant Viney could only manage 10 games last season, including the Demons’ three finals.
But in six of those, the 24-year-old posted SuperCoach tons.
While he’s averaged 92, 97, 90 and 92 in the past four seasons, he just can’t find the consistency to break the three-figure mark.
In his career-best year of 2014, the tough midfielder, who ranked fourth in the AFL for clearances and seventh for tackles, posted 10 SuperCoach tons, seven of them in excess of 115.
But he also failed to score 75 points or more on six occasions.
While he’s not yet back in full training, he’s done more work than he did last summer.
Can he finally do more in SuperCoach?
The Phantom’s March Verdict: Unsighted in the JLT Series but is still hoping to be a Round 1 starter. Hard to pick ahead of the other mid-price value.
BEEN THERE BEFORE
BRAD CROUCH (ADEL) $418,000
JLT Series scores: 118, 124
In his 61 games, Crouch has passed the 80-point mark in 44 of them and posted 22 SuperCoach tons — six more than younger brother and All-Australian Matt to the same point of his career.
The 25-year-old played 14 games in his debut season and averaged an impressive 87 points per game before increasing that number to 95 in his second year.
Crouch’s on-field performance has never been an issue but, after only playing 36 games in the past four years, his body has.
The tough, all-round midfielder posted scores of 99, 110, 120 and 138 in is past four matches.
But that was at the end of 2017.
It’s been a positive pre-season for Crouch who has ticked every box in his comeback from injury, posting SuperCoach tons in both of Adelaide’s JLT Series games.
Numbers say Hawk is a SuperCoach steal
The Phantom’s March Verdict: Crouch couldn’t have done any more to convince SuperCoaches he’s worth the risk in 2019. I’m on board. Fingers crossed he gets some luck.
TOM LIBERATORE (WB) $300,400
JLT Series scores: 111, 87
Liberatore’s career has been a rollercoaster.
In 2013, his third season in the game, the clearance machine recorded 13 SuperCoach tons — eight of them in excess of 120 — to post a season average of 107.
The following year, he was even better, adding a further three points to his average after 14 SuperCoach tons, including a career-high 171-point performance against the Demons.
Liberatore recorded more tackles and clearances than any other player in the competition and his 14 contested possessions per match ranked him seventh in the game.
The 26-year-old didn’t play a game in 2015 after a pre-season ACL injury but returned in 2016 to play in the Bulldogs’ drought-breaking premiership.
Then in 2017, a year which included a stint in the reserves, Liberatore could only reach the 100-point mark on three occasions to finish with a season average of 79.
And last year was wiped out by another ACL injury in Round 1.
Will we be going up or down in 2019?
The Phantom’s March Verdict: Going by an impressive JLT Series, back in the centre square for the Bulldogs, we’re going up. A great option, given his potential ceiling, if your structure allows.
TOM ROCKLIFF (PORT) $405,900
JLT Series scores: 49, 170
In comparison to his first year at the Power, Rockliff is fit-and-firing.
“I’ve got more confidence in the body and have completed the whole pre-season through the midfield, ’’ he told The Advertiser earlier in February.
“I see myself playing the majority of this year as an inside midfielder.’’
Do. Not. Give. In. Phantom.
While I’m trying my best not to, it’s hard to ignore the 30-year-old’s scoring history.
Rockliff has averaged more than 110 points in four seasons with a career-best 132-point average coming in 2014 — a year which featured six scores in excess of 150.
With his body letting him down, the 30-year-old struggled through his first season at Alberton, posting just four SuperCoach tons and recording seven scores of 66 or less.
But with Wines set to miss the early part of the season, the Power need Rockliff’s ball-winning ability in the midfield.
And he showed he’s still got it, too, winding back the clock with a 41-disposal, 170-point performance in the second week of the JLT Series.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: Unbelievably tempting given his scoring history and current fitness level. But it might be best to wait and see what Rockliff does in the first two rounds.
DAN HANNEBERY (STK) $326,100
JLT Series scores: dnp, dnp
In 2016, Hannebery tallied more disposals than any other player in the competition, recording his second-consecutive SuperCoach season average of 113 or more.
Fast forward to 2019 and the former Sydney midfielder limped through a season which saw him play just 14 games and fail to win more than 18 disposals in seven of them.
While he reported to pre-season training at his new club in great shape late last year, it didn’t take long for an injury concern to arise — this time a hamstring.
And, despite being cleared of any serious damage at the time, it’s been an ongoing concern ever since.
If he’s fit and ready to go, the value is undeniable.
Despite averaging 95 points or more between 2013 and 2017, the 27-year-old is priced at an average of 60 this season.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: The star recruit is unlikely to be ready for Round 1 — at least it makes the decision easy for SuperCoaches.
THE LION CUBS
HUGH MCCLUGGAGE (BRIS) $416,800)
JLT Series scores: 103, 47
JARROD BERRY (BRIS) $434,300
JLT Series scores: 62, 71
There’s plenty of talent being assembled at the Lions.
And McCluggage and Berry, albeit very different players, sit near the top of the tree.
In Round 20 last year, McCluggage tallied 26 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven marks, five tackles, three goals and two goal assists to post a career-high 140 SuperCoach points and earn his first Brownlow vote.
While he struggled for consistency in a predominantly half-forward role, the 20-year-old recorded 26 disposals or more in six games last year.
He reached the 20-disposals mark just once in his debut season of 2017.
In his draft year of 2016, as a midfielder, McCluggage averaged 28 disposals and two goals per game — a combination of numbers Champion Data had never seen at any level during their time covering the game prior to this.
A big spike is coming for McCluggage, who doubled his contested possession count in 2018, and, after another pre-season, it could be very soon.
His team-mate, Berry, a tough inside midfielder, boasts numbers which are even more impressive to date.
In the last nine games of his second year, Berry averaged 21 disposals, 10 contested possessions, four tackles and 93 SuperCoach points per game.
The 193cm Berry booted 12 goals and directly assisted 20 others in his 21 matches for the season.
While, on numbers, Berry has McCluggage covered to this point, once he assumes a full-time midfield role, McCluggage should soon go past him — and many others in the competition, for that matter.
Not many possess his talent and skill.
The Phantom’s March verdict: If you’re taking a punt on unique mid-price option, McCluggage gets the nod after showcasing the develipement of his all-round game, winning half of his possession in a contest, in the first week of the JLT Series. However, it’s hard to justify his selection ahead of a Brad Crouch or Tom Liberatore.
NEW COLOURS
ANTHONY MILES (GC) $342,000
JLT Series scores: 68, 35
In 71 senior matches at the Tigers, Miles tallied 20 disposals or more in 51 of them, scoring at least 80 SuperCoach points on 46 occasions.
It’s fair to say, numbers have never been his problem.
Where he’s been getting them is.
Miles has averaged 29 disposals and 121 SuperCoach points per game in the VFL since 2014 but that’s no use to SuperCoaches.
After ranking first at Richmond for clearances, second for contested possessions, tackles and inside 50s and third for disposals in 2015, the tough inside-midfielder fell out of favour as a number of other players — Dion Prestia, Kane Lambert and Jack Higgins, just to name a few — went past him.
But at the Gold Coast, a team that ranked 18th for disposals, 17th for inside 50s and 12th for contested possessions in 2018, he’s a valued commodity.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: Miles will play a big role — and play it well — in his first season at the Suns but The Phantom cannot see him producing a three-figure average.
AARON HALL (NM) $389,200
JLT Series scores: 16, 60
Hall’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 the speedy midfielder found himself in the reserves on a number of occasions in the past two seasons at the Suns.
But, while team defence is part of the modern game, Hall looks set to get more of a license to thrill at the Kangaroos.
And his attacking best is brilliant.
In the first three rounds of 2016, Hall polled three Brownlow votes in each fixture after averaging 36 disposals, seven marks, six inside 50s and 129 SuperCoach points per game.
Sure, that was some time ago and he’s been inconsistent since but the 27-year-old has already turned heads at his new club over summer.
In recent match simulation at North Melbourne training, Hall showed his ability to break the lines in an impressive outing through the middle.
Is this the year he becomes more than just a ‘what if’?
The Phantom’s March Verdict: Huge scope for improvement at that price but, again, failed to put his name at the top of the mid-price list over the pre-season.
DOM TYSON (NM) $411,000
JLT Series scores: 82, 56
In his career-best season of 2014 — and first as a Demon after being traded by the Giants — the former No. 2 draft pick averaged 24 disposals, five marks and five clearance and posted nine SuperCoach tons — four of them in excess of 120.
The 186cm left-footer battled injury the following year but in 2016 was, again, a key contributor on the inside for Melbourne, averaging 25 disposals, 11 contested possessions and four clearances per game.
But as a number of young midfielders developed around him — Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney and Christian Petracca in particular — Tyson was moved to more of an outside-midfield role and by the end of 2018 was averaging just eight contested possessions per game.
Tyson’s scoreboard impact has dried up, too with the once-prolific goalkicking midfielder contributing just 7.15 in the past two seasons after booting 32.23 in his first three at the Demons.
His role will change again at his new club in 2019 with Tyson set to assume his preferred duty as an inside-midfielder at North Melbourne.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: I’m a fan and he posted some great numbers, despite limited game-time, in the JLT Series. It’s just hard to fit him in at the price.
PRE-SEASON STAR
DOM SHEED (WC) $394,100
JLT Series scores: 144, 134
In the absence of star Andrew Gaff in the back-half of last season, the 23-year-old really made his mark on the competition.
Sheed averaged team-highs of 28 disposals and 18 uncontested possessions from Round 19 onwards.
And the grand final hero lifted again in the major round, averaging 110 SuperCoach points per game.
In the JLT Series, Sheed picked up where he left off, despite the inclusion of Gaff, who won’t be available for selection in the premiership season until Round 3.
The left-footer posted scores of 144 and 134 in the Eagles’ pre-season hitouts to add his name to the long list of serious SuperCoach mid-price options
The Phantom’s March Verdict: The numbers are hard to deny and, after an impressive finals series, he’s done more than just dominate the practice matches. A great mid-price alternative.
THE SMOKIES
JORDAN DAWSON (SYD) $260,600
JLT Series scores: 60, 86
The 21-year-old has dominated in the NEAFL over the past two seasons, averaging a huge 133 SuperCoach points per game.
After playing one senior game in 2017, Dawson was recalled in Round 19 last season after a huge, 29-disposal, 23-tackle, three-goal performance in the reserves.
While he couldn’t replicate these numbers immediately — it would’ve been unfair to have expected him to — the long-kicking left-footer’s 85 SuperCoach points against the Demons, on the back of 15 disposals, nine marks, nine contested possessions and three tackles, suggests he might just need to consistent opportunity to do so.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: I’m a big fan and he impressed during the JLT Series in a variety of roles. Expect a spike in scoring but he might be too awkwardly priced to start this year.
JAMES HARMES (MELB) $453,800
JLT Series scores: 101, 40
In his first 44 games for the Demons, the 23-year-old struggled to have a major influence in a variety of positions.
But, after Simon Goodwin assigned him to a number of run-with roles throughout 2018, Harmes quickly became one of the Demons’ most-improved players.
Harmes, who added 11 points to his SuperCoach average, ranked second at Melbourne for tackles, third for handballs and contested possessions and fifth for total disposals and clearances last season.
While trying to quell the influence of the most-damaging opposition midfielders, Harmes — who restricted Cat Joel Selwood to eight disposals in the 51 minutes he was matched up on him in Round 18 — was prolific himself.
In the final seven matches of the year, including finals, the hard-working midfielder averaged 25 disposals, 10 tackles and 108 SuperCoach points per game, while also booting seven goals.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: I’m still asking myself the same question. The numbers are impressive but can you pick Harmes, who should be right for Round 1 despite a finger injury, over a number of other cheaper mid-price options?
RUCKMEN
DON’T DO IT
MATTHEW KREUZER (CARL) $432,900
JLT Series scores: dnp, dnp
Kreuzer’s 2017 season was brilliant with the Carlton big man playing 21 games and posting 14 SuperCoach tons, 11 of them in excess of 120. But, after another injury-riddled season in 2018 which resulted in just 12 games — and recent pre-season knee surgery — don’t do it to yourself, even at the discounted price.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: He’s unlikely to be ready for Round 1 after being sidelined by a knee injury earlier in the pre-season.
MAYBE DO IT
SHANE MUMFORD (GWS) $320,200
JLT Series scores: dnp, dnp
In his past four seasons, the 32-year-old ruckman has averaged 114, 106, 99 and 98, recording 18 scores of 120 or more in 69 home-and-away matches.
A foot injury then forced him into retirement at the end of the 2017.
But he’s back.
Back to help the Giants, who lost big man Rory Lobb to Fremantle, and he might be back to help SuperCoach teams, too.
On scoring history, Mumford is a lock but by the time he’s available for selection in Round 3 — after serving a two-game suspension — it would’ve been 576 days since his last game.
With that in mind, as well as a pre-season hamstring injury, can we pick him?
The Phantom’s March Verdict: At the start of the pre-season, there were a number of rookie-price ruckmen in line for Round 1 selection. But, now, besides Zac Clarke at the Bombers — who is by no means a lock — we’re struggling for options to cover Mumford for the first two rounds. The way you could do it is with Scott Lycett and his dual-position swing.
NEW COLOURS
RORY LOBB (FRE) $411,600
JLT Series scores: 114, 61
After returning from injury in Round 8 last season, Lobb passed the 100-point mark twice in three weeks. 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, at the Dockers in 2019, 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 Phantom’s March Verdict: Despite having to ruck more than he might have expected in the absence of Aaron Sandilands and Sean Darcy in the JLT Series, there’s not enough value in Lobb as predominantly a forward in 2019.
NEXT IN LINE
SEAN DARCY (FRE) $361,500
JLT Series scores: dnp, 60
In the first 15 matches of his career, the 20-year-old has averaged 77 SuperCoach points per game — significantly better than Brodie Grundy (68), Max Gawn (68) and Todd Goldstein (49) at the same point of their careers.
The 201cm 20-year-old, who weighs in at 111 kilograms, is ready to go.
He just has to force his way past No. 1 ruckman Aaron Sandilands first.
And while it won’t be long before he does, if Sandilands is fit, he will continue to lead the ruck for the Dockers in 2019.
Numbers say Hawk is a SuperCoach steal
The Phantom’s March Verdict: If Sandilands — who has played 100 out of a possible 176 games in the past eight seasons — isn’t fit, however, Darcy would immediately become one of the best R2 candidates in SuperCoach
FORWARDS
THE SAINTS
JACK BILLINGS (STK) $437,600
JLT Series scores: 100, 80
After averaging 109 points in the final five rounds of 2017, The Phantom thought 2018 was going to be Billings’ year.
To those who followed my lead last summer, I’m sorry.
The skilful 23-year-old exploded out of the blocks with a 133-point performance in Round 1 but it was all downhill from there — for the first half of the year anyway.
Billings spent most of his time inside 50 and failed to have any real impact in the following 10 rounds, posting seven scores of 65 or less and losing almost $200k from his starting price tag.
He was sent back to the reserves after the Round 11 clash with the Eagles but, after 53 disposals and three goals for Sandringam, Billings was recalled in Round 13.
From that point, the creative left-footer was used predominantly as a midfielder, posting three SuperCoach tons and averaging a more-respectable 93 points per game.
The big question heading into 2019 is how will coach Alan Richardson use the game-breaker?
The Phantom’s March Verdict: Billings won 58 per cent of his possession in the defensive half of the ground in the JLT Series — up from 43 per cent in the regular season last year. The midfield move is happening, SuperCoaches.
JADE GRESHAM (STK) $429,600
JLT Series scores: 60, 67
After three years playing predominantly as a small forward, St Kilda’s Jade Gresham, who Champion Data ranks as the Saints only elite player, believes he is ready to transition into a full-time midfielder.
“(I’ve been) mainly playing forward the last three years and pinch hitting in the midfield … hopefully this year I’ll do a lot of work in the midfield,” Gresham said at the start of St Kilda’s 2019 campaign.
And The Phantom thinks he’s ready, too.
In his draft year of 2014, the Northern Knights captain averaged 29 disposals, 12 contested possessions and 146 SuperCoach points per game.
On numbers, he was the best-performed midfielder in the TAC Cup.
But in his first two seasons in the competition, the creative Gresham was used in the forward line. And with a good effect, booting 41 goals and assisting 28 others in his first 40 games.
In 2018, despite being the only general forward in the competition to rank elite for disposals, goals and goal assists per game, Gresham’s midfield minutes increased and he tallied 22 more clearances and 72 more disposals than the previous season.
His potential as a full-time AFL midfielder — who can be damaging forward of centre — became obvious late in the season. In his first 56 games, Gresham tallied 24 disposals or more on just two occasions.
The first-round draft pick reached that mark in four of the final six games of 2018.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: I’m a huge fan but the price makes it hard to squeeze him in. And, after Gresham spent plenty of time forward in the JLT Series, as does the make-up of St Kilda’s best 22.
NEW COLOURS
TOM LYNCH (RICH) $425,600
JLT Series scores: dnp, dnp
When you are a key-forward playing in a team which struggles to get the ball to you on a regular basis, it’s hard work.
In 2018, Gold Coast averaged 47 inside 50s per game — the second-lowest in the competition — and only one more in 2017.
Still, Lynch posted some impressive numbers during his time at the Suns.
The 26-year-old kicked more than 40 goals in four consecutive between 2014 and 2017 and took a league-high 62 contested marks in a standout 2016 campaign.
Last season, Lynch recorded a huge 180 points against the Blues in Round 2 before failing to score more than 71 in six of the next eight games and then succumbing to a persistent knee injury in Round 14.
But it’s a different story at Richmond in 2019.
The Tigers put the ball inside 50 13 more times per game than the Suns last season and took, on average, 13 marks inside 50 per game — the second-most in the competition.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: Despite a limited pre-season, if he can fit into Richmond’s structure — and pinch-hit in the ruck as has been slated — an average of 90 or more is almost a given.
BIGGER ROLE
BRANDAN PARFITT (GEEL) $425,600
JLT Series scores: 89, 59
In 2018, the 20-year-old added a huge 26 points to his average after posting five SuperCoach tons, including a 168-point performance against the Saints in Round 4.
The tough midfielder-forward was averaging 104 points per game in the opening five rounds before a foot injury saw him miss the following four weeks.
And, although he posted three more scores in excess of 100 in his final 13 games, Parfitt couldn’t recapture the same form and finished with an 80-point season average.
But it was still an outstanding season for a 20-year-old in his second year in the competition.
In a star-studded Geelong side, Parfitt ranked second for tackles inside 50, third for goal assists and fourth for total tackles and marks inside 50, despite missing a month of football.
And going by the pre-season, Parfitt’s midfield time could increase in 2019.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: Still plenty of time spent forward for Parfitt in the JLT Series but I still think another spike will come in 2019.
SECOND-YEAR SPIKE
JACK HIGGINS (RICH) $392,700
JLT Series scores: 79, 99
Despite spending most of his debut season forward, Higgins posted six scores of 87 or more, including two SuperCoach tons, in 18 home-and-away matches.
Then, in his first final, the 19-year-old tallied 20 disposals, 10 contested possessions, six inside 50s, two goal assists, one goal and 108 SuperCoach points.
With the Tigers winning the clearance 56 per cent of the time Higgins attended the centre bounce, expect him to feature more through the midfield in 2019.
After all, Higgins averaged 144 SuperCoach points across his entire junior career — breaking Tom Rockliff’s longstanding record — playing in the midfield.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: My heart says yes but my head says there might not be enough value at the price, despite a very impressive JLT Series.
J AMES WORPEL (HAW) $395,700
JLT Series scores: 85, 73
The second-year Hawk is hoping to step up in the absence of injured star Tom Mitchell in 2019 and he made a good start with an impressive showing in the engine room during the JLT Series.
The 20-year-old, who averaged 88 SuperCoach points per game and won third-most disposals at the Hawthorn from Round 18 last season, tallied 18 clearances in the two pre-season games — comfortably ranking No. 1 at the club.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: The opportunity is there, as is the tough midfielder’s game style. But can he handle the extra responsibility in just his second season? Might prove me wrong but I won’t be taking the punt at that price to start.
THE INJURY RISK
TOBY GREENE (GWS) $354,600
JLT Series scores: Dnp, 39
There is no question Greene is a great SuperCoach scorer.
As a ball-winning midfielder, Greene averaged 94 points or more in two of his first three seasons in the game.
In an unbelievable run of form, the 25-year-old averaged 128 points in the final seven games of 2014.
He then moved forward in 2015 and became a match-winner.
While his scoring never reached the same heights, he recorded impressive averages of 83, 90 and 96 over the next three years, despite winning less possession.
Greene booted 104 goals in 64 home-and-away matches during this time and in 2016, the star Giant ranked first in the AFL for goal assists, third for inside 50s and fourth for score involvements.
But it’s his fitness and suspension history that’s come under question.
Over the past two seasons, Greene has missed a total of 21 matches and failed to play more than four games in a row last year.
A serious foot injury was the major concern in 2018 and, after ankle surgery prior to Christmas, he’s only recently joined the main group at training.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: In a good sign, although he only played 32 per cent of the game, Greene featured in the Giants’ final JLT Series hitout and is on track for Round 1. But how quickly will his minutes — and then his scoring — increase? I’m happy to give it two rounds before jumping on, if absolutely necessary.
JOE DANIHER (ESS) $277,800
JLT Series scores: 35, 40
The star Bomber only managed seven games, scoring 58 or less four times, in 2018 after being put on ice after an ongoing battle with the dreaded groin injury osteitis pubis.
But in 2017, Daniher was All-Australian after a huge breakout year saw him add 19 points to this SuperCoach average.
The 200cm key forward, who finished third in the Coleman Medal, scored more than 85 points in 11 of his 22 games and posted six SuperCoach tons.
Daniher ranked sixth in the competition for marks inside 50, seventh for contested marks and ninth for score involvements.
If he can get back to anywhere near this type of form, he’s great buying at a heavily-discounted starting price.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: Daniher got the hopes of SuperCoaches — and Bomber fans — up with his appearance in both JLT Series matches but, unfortunately, he’s been struck down by a calf injury and set to miss at least a month. Avoid.
LINCOLN MCCARTHY (BRIS) $247,500
JLT Series scores: 105, 75
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 45 clangers resulted in an average of just 55 SuperCoach points.
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 Phantom’s March Verdict: After an impressive pre-season campaign, which saw him post scores of 105 and 75, playing a half-forward role, McCarthy has to be in the SuperCoach conversation, especially given the lack rookie-price forwards we can trust.
THE SMOKIES
BEN AINSWORTH (GC) $333,200
JLT Series scores: 98, 53
“I want to progress into an almost full-time midfielder. I look up to the likes of Devon Smith who plays a variety of roles in terms of on the wing, midfield and forward and also Toby Greene with his forward craft.”
That’s what Ainsworth told the Gold Coast Bulletin earlier in the year.
Fingers crossed he gets what he wants because, as he showed in a five-game stretch in the middle of last season, the 20-year-old has great scoring potential.
Although he’s spent majority of his first two seasons in the competition as a forward, the strong-bodied Ainsworth, who averaged 119 SuperCoach points per game in the TAC Cup, pushed further up the ground in Round 7.
In the following five games, Ainsworth averaged 20 disposals, nine contested possessions, five clearances, four tackles and 90 points per game, in a sign of what we might be able to expect in 2019.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: We saw glimpses of the midfield role during the JLT Series but it wasn’t enough for Ainsworth to be considered as a starter this year.
AARON VANDENBERG (MELB) $283,400, MID
JLT Series scores: Dnp, 97
In his first season in the game in 2015, vandenBerg — taken in the rookie draft as a mature-age recruit by the Demons — played 15 matches and, if you exclude the two sub-affected scores, averaged 82 SuperCoach points per game.
The tough 26-year-old has battled injury ever since but returned to the Melbourne side in Round 20 — 708 days after his previous senior appearance.
In seven games, including the Demons’ three finals, vandenBerg scored 72 points or more in four of them.
The Phantom’s March Verdict: Showed his important to the Melbourne side with 16 tackles in the final JLT Series match against the Lions. Like McCarthy, vandenBerg might be worth the extra cash, deep in your forward line.
Final word: How to deal with SuperCoach rookie blow
There was more KFC SuperCoach carnage at team selection this week. But there was some good news, too. The Phantom looks at all the Round 4 teams, how to deal with new rookie blow and all the weekend’s best captain options
SuperCoach: Simpkin, Petracca or Smith – who do you take?
Jy Simpkin, Bailey Smith and Christian Petracca all present tremendous value in the KFC SuperCoach forward line ahead of Round 4. But, if you’re trading Josh Dunkley or cashing out on Lachie Whitfield, which one do you choose?