AFL SuperCoach: Who should you trade Dustin Martin to after Richmond star’s one-week suspension

More than 40,000 SuperCoaches are this week dealing with a Dustin Martin-sized hole in their midfields. Tom Liberatore is set for a huge price rise and looms as an ideal replacement. TOP TRADE OPTIONS.

Dustin Martin is facing a two-week ban for striking in Richmond’s loss to GWS. Picture: Image/James Ross.

More than 40,000 SuperCoaches are this week dealing with a Dustin Martin-sized hole in their midfields.

Martin was last night suspended for one week for striking in Richmond’s loss to GWS.

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The Brownlow medallist has been ruled out for this weekend’s clash with Port Adelaide and the time has arrived to trade Martin and bolster your side with a player in form.

Martin has averaged 78.3 in the opening three rounds, battling to shake tags from Levi Greenwood and Matt De Boer in the past two weeks.

Here are some options to consider this week unless you’re brave enough to hold Dusty through his suspension and form slump.

Lachie Neale is shaping as one of the top midfielders of 2019. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

PREMIUM UPGRADES

Lachie Neale or Patrick Cripps

These two speak for themselves. Neale ($646,300, Mid) has scored 45 points more than any other player, pumping out 177 against Port Adelaide on Saturday.

He’ll cost you about $125,000 on top of Martin but appears a lock to finish as a top midfielder, averaging 148 to Round 3.

Cripps ($656,300, Mid) is averaging a slightly more subdued 133 and will cost about $136,000 once you factor in Martin’s price tag.

It’s a high price to pay but he comes with the certainty of a 100-point score every week and has a sky-high ceiling.

Rory Sloane is back averaging premium numbers in Adelaide’s midfield. Picture: Sarah Reed.

SLIGHT UPGRADE

Lachie Whitfield, Matt Crouch or Rory Sloane

Whitfield ($569,600, Def) has started the campaign in red-hot form and while he’s been susceptible to a tag in the past, having Josh Kelly back and Stephen Coniglio by his side should be beneficial.

Hard to see Whitfield finishing outside the top-three defenders come the end of the season and he has a three-round average of 126.7.

You’re laughing if you have him and Jake Lloyd leading your defence as their ability to rack up possessions sets them apart.

Crouch ($564,200, Mid) is a ball magnet who consistently pumps out triple-figure scores.

He hasn’t suffered from the return of his brother Brad, showing his quality with 138 despite the Crows going down against Geelong in Round 3. He only dipped below 80 once last year, forgiving an injury early in the season.

Sloane ($550,700, Mid) has opened 2019 with three hundreds and a massive 155 in Round 1. His price has already jumped by more than $25,000 and the early signs are he’s primed to return to elite midfield scoring.

Zach Merrett is building into the season after his pre-season was hampered by injury. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images.

STRAIGHT SWAP

Tim Kelly or Zach Merrett

Don’t bring Kelly ($517,700, Fwd-Mid) in unless he overcomes an ankle injury which has him in doubt for Round 4. Kelly has scored 106, 111 and 107 so far and that average will likely rank him as the No. 2 forward this year behind teammate Patrick Dangerfield. Considering the lack of forward rookies, adding another premium forward by trading Martin to Kelly could be a winner.

Merrett ($533,400, Mid) was destined for a slow start to the year due to an interrupted pre-season but has rebounded from a 67 in Round 1 with 108 and 120. He’s twice averaged 109 or better and his scoring should increase as Essendon’s win-loss ratio improves.

Dom Sheed continues to produce top scorers for reigning premier West Coast. Picture: Paul Kane.

DOWNGRADE TARGETS

Tom Liberatore, Dom Sheed or Brad Crouch

Three popular starting selections who have justified the hype. Liberatore ($379,600, Mid) soared to within reach of $400,000 after amassing 150 against Gold Coast and still has a breakeven of -55. If you don’t bring him in this week you’re effectively conceding you’ll go the season without him.

Sheed’s ($449,500, Mid) scoring was not hampered by Andrew Gaff’s return to West Coast’s side as he finished with 111 in the grand final rematch. He costs $70,000 more than Liberatore but is in 15 per cent less teams.

Crouch’s ($446,400, Mid) durability will always be a question mark but all signs have been positive so far. He’s averaging 103, has a breakeven of 45 and is still in less than 30 per cent of teams.

Sam Menegola bursts through a pack at Geelong training. Picture: Alan Barber

POINT OF DIFFERENCE MOVES

Sam Menegola, Andrew Gaff or Josh Kelly

Menegola ($528,100, Fwd-Mid) was always likely to fall under the radar due to the popularity of Patrick Dangerfield and Tim Kelly.

There’s only so many Cats you can have in your forward line before their Round 13 bye, but Menegola is a proven forward who can average more than 100 and well worth investing in.

Gaff ($587,400, Mid) has just returned from a lengthy suspension but announced he was back with 103 against Collingwood. The extra space provided by the 6-6-6 rule should suit his hard-running style and he has a point to prove. Don’t be shocked if he builds on his 108.2 average from last year. He only features in 1146 sides.

Josh Kelly ($617,800, Mid) is also just back after an injury-delayed start to 2019 but has averaged 114.3 and 113.8 in the past two years. He’s only in 6444 teams.

Originally published as AFL SuperCoach: Who should you trade Dustin Martin to after Richmond star’s one-week suspension