Doctor SuperCoach reviews the opening week of the pre-season Marsh Series
Who were the hits and misses from week one of the Marsh Series? The experts at Doctor SuperCoach were watching every game and name the best buys, bolters and key talking points.
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The first week of the Marsh Series is done and dusted and the KFC SuperCoach nuggets have resulted in thousands of changes to teams.
The expert team from Doctor SuperCoach has run a close eye over every fixture, providing the key information you need to help decide your starting side.
Here’s what they made of every game so far.
St Kilda 17.9 (111) def Hawthorn 13.12 (90)
MISSING IN ACTION:
St Kilda: Daniel Hannebery, Dylan Roberton
Hawthorn: James Sicily, Jack Gunston
THE LOCK: Tom Mitchell $630,900 MID – 89 SuperCoach points
The 2018 Brownlow medallist looked comfortable returning after his horrific leg break, recording 21 possessions including five tackles in 61 per cent time-on-ground (TOG). A three-possession second quarter left some coaches scrambling to remove him, but it took only 12 minutes into the third term for him to register his ninth touch. If Mitchell can spend more time on field in the second Marsh Series match against Melbourne, his 130-point average from 2018 should again be within reach.
THE SMOKEY: Jonathan Ceglar $417,000 RUC/FWD – 80 SuperCoach points
In 2020, there are not many players with RUC-FWD eligibility, so Ceglar presents an interesting opportunity. With Ben McEvoy flagged for a key defensive role — training and playing (albeit for only a few minutes before injury) in back six — Ceglar has been given the opportunity to be Hawthorn’s number one ruckman. He finished the final three matches in 2019 as sole ruck, averaging 96 points per game. Against the Saints, Ceglar scored 80 points despite five clangers in 66 per cent TOG. The risk of McEvoy moving back into the ruck will remain all season, however Ceglar remains a watch option in their next Marsh Series match.
THE BREAKOUT CONTENDER: Hunter Clark $402,200 DEF – 97 SuperCoach points
Clark only played three matches before the Saints bye last year, producing an average of 49 points. After the bye however, the dasher found himself charging off the back of the square, starting in the backline and being used through the midfield. This led to him averaging 81 post-bye and included a seven-game stretch where he managed an average of 92. Expect the former first-round draft pick to improve upon his 2019 average and make a case for selection as a Supercoach defender.
THE ROOKIE: Max King $123,900 FWD – 46 SuperCoach points
First-round draft pick Max King has had St Kilda supporters salivating since he was recruited. King was finally able to give those fans a glimpse of the player he could become, with some impressive footy smarts. However, just seven touches, four marks and a goal will likely be typical of a young key forward and as with most key position players, this does not translate well into SuperCoach points. King is a rookie that will play early games, but with his poor scoring potential, he is best left for a final forward bench spot.
THE ROLE CHANGE: Chad Wingard $412,300 MID/FWD– 56 SuperCoach points Chad Wingard has typically been a player who has always be on the verge of a big SuperCoach season and the first Marsh series match left many coaches excited. What they saw was Wingard playing predominantly through the middle with 18 CBAs (centre bounce attendances), the third most for the Hawks, in only 51 per cent game time. Priced at an average of 76, Wingard moved into the Hawks midfield in the last seven rounds of 2019, averaging 87 points per game along the way. If Wingard records a similar amount of CBAs with a full strength midfield named in Marsh game two, he could be a shrewd KFC SuperCoach forward option in 2020.
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Western Bulldogs 15.11 (101) def North Melbourne 9.3 (57)
MISSING IN ACTION:
Western Bulldogs: Aaron Naughton (Knee) Josh Bruce (back spasms), Tim English (concussion), Matt Suckling (managed), Easton Wood (hamstring) and Lin Jong (hamstring)
North Melbourne: Ben Brown (calf), Shaun Higgins (managed), Robbie Tarrant (foot), Jack Ziebell (calf), Jared Polec (foot), Luke Davies-Uniacke (groin), Aaron Hall (back spasms) and Ben Jacobs (concussion-related symptoms).
THE RELIABLE RUCK: Todd Goldstein $609,400 RUCK – 100 SuperCoach points
Todd Goldstein had the best year of his career since 2015. Post-bye, the big man averaged 128, which put him in the same conversation as Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy. He rucked a 60-40 split with youngster Tristan Xerri and was dominant against Jordon Sweet, with 47 hit-outs, 14 possessions and a goal. When it comes to rucks, coaches are wise to set and forget the two big names, but Goldstein is the clear third -est option. However, if Xerri is named Round 1, tread with caution.
THE STAR: Marcus Bontempelli $623,000 MID – 195 SuperCoach points
The Bont was a man possessed against the Kangaroos. He was simply sublime notching up a game-high 37 disposals, 10 clearances, eight tackles and two goals. Despite pushing forward late he led the team in centre bounce attendances and looks set to build upon the best SuperCoach season of his career. Don’t be afraid to select all three Bulldogs midfielders!
THE YOUNG GUN: Josh Dunkley $632,400 MID – 103 SuperCoach points
Dunkley burst onto the scene last year and staked his claim as an emerging star. He averaged 117 across 22 games but what’s most interesting is he averaged 128 as a full-time midfielder from Round 7 onwards. Dunkley looks like another great option to consider.
THE LOCK: Jack Macrae $668,900 MID – 124 SuperCoach points
How good is Jack Macrae in KFC SuperCoach? In just 78 per cent game time he notched 32 disposals, nine tackles and nine clearances. There isn’t a better-scoring midfielder in the game and he should be one of the first picked players in your team.
THE POD: Caleb Daniel $537,900 DEF – 92 SuperCoach points
Daniel made the switch to defence last season and became one of the best scorers in the game. He averaged a career-best 99 and his game against the Kangaroos suggests he’s set to continue the streak. Daniel played his customary role in defence providing elite distribution off the half back flank, eclipsing 5 marks and 20 possessions at 90 per cent efficiency.
THE ROOKIE: Aiden Bonar $202,800 FWD/MID – 76 SuperCoach points
All eyes were on Aiden Bonar as he took the field for the first time as a Roo, and he did not disappoint. The inside bull had 15 touches (10 handballs) and nine tackles in 61 per cent of game time. He was impressive playing predominantly out of the centre and had 11 attendances throughout the night. Although signs are positive, his high price tag along with the imminent return of Jack Ziebell and Shaun Higgins, means coaches must tread with caution.
THE BOLTER: Tristan Xerri $123,900 RUC/FWD – 98 SuperCoach points
Not many people knew who Tristan Xerri was before this game, but he is knocking on the door for a Round 1 debut. In the absence of Ben Brown, the 20-year-old was impressive in both ruck and attack. He had 24 hit-outs, 11 disposals, five tackles and kicked two goals.
Melbourne 15.13 (103) def Adelaide Crows 10.10 (70)
MISSING IN ACTION:
Melbourne: Angus Brayshaw, Max Gawn,
Adelaide: Taylor Walker, Tom Doedee, Darcy Fogarty, Paul Seedsman
THE BREAKOUT CONTENDER: Christian Petracca $441,300 FWD - 188 SuperCoach points
There was no bigger SuperCoach talking point out of Saturday afternoon’s match than the statement made by Petracca. The big-bodied bull has long been touted as a breakout contender and coaches got the best indication yet that Petracca’s arrival to premium status is imminent. The question has always been about Petracca’s midfield time, when will he become a more permanent fixture in the Demons’ engine room? On Saturday, we saw what impact he can have when given that opportunity. Petracca looked lean yet powerful and torched the Crows in the contest, winning six clearances and 27 contested possessions on his way to 188 SuperCoach points.
THE QUESTION MARK: Wayne Milera $402,500 DEF/MID - 103 SuperCoach points
Milera was at his dynamic best off the halfback flank on Saturday, racking up 29 disposals and 103 SuperCoach points. His pace and creativity is something the Crows have been eager to unleash and coaches got a great insight into what he is capable of, taking a number of kick-ins. At $402,500, Milera looks set to improve on his 2019 average of 74.1, but the question remains will it be enough to be a keeper?
THE COMEBACK: Tom McDonald $387,000 FWD - 139 SuperCoach points
McDonald is a bit of a left-field option, but two per cent of coaches have picked him. The key forward’s numbers soared in 2018 with his switch to attack, averaging 97.6, regularly hitting the scoreboard and taking contested marks. But much like the Demons, 2019 did not go to plan for McDonald, as he averaged 71.3 during an interrupted season. On Saturday, he started his 2020 campaign in positive fashion, kicking three goals from his 17 touches.
THE CHALLENGER: Reilly O’Brien $517,400 RUCK - 95 SuperCoach points
O’Brien is one of a number of ruckmen in the conversation for the second ruck slot. He had 13 disposals and 31 hit-outs from his 69 per cent time on ground, resulting in an impressive 95 SuperCoach points. After blossoming last campaign, the number one ruck position at Adelaide belongs to O’Brien given Sam Jacobs has left for GWS.
THE STAPLE: Rory Laird $525,800 DEF – 49 SuperCoach points
In his opening practice game, albeit on limited gametime, Laird showed he still has the happy knack of compiling a high possession count. The small defender, who averaged 96.8 last season, notched up 13 possessions and 49 SuperCoach points from 41 per cent time on ground.
THE YOUNG GUN: Chayce Jones $271,500 FWD - 74 SuperCoach points
The No. 9 pick from 2018 is giving the SuperCoaches something to think about. The young gun showed his class, gathering 16 touches and booting with a nice goal, amounting to 74 SuperCoach points from 69 per cent TOG. Coaches are going to need to see a bit more from the highly-rated youngster to select him at such an awkward price though.
Gold Coast 17.20 (122) def Geelong 7.12 (54)
MISSING IN ACTION:
Gold Coast: Jarrod Witts, Pearce Hanley, Jarrod Harbrow
Geelong: Jack Steven, Sam Menegola, Joel Selwood, Mitch Duncan
THE BREAKOUT CONTENDER: Hugh Greenwood $463,100 MID/FWD – 108 SuperCoach points
In what is one of the toughest positions to identify premiums with any confidence, Greenwood has given coaches a lot to think about. The question marks over his position and time on ground were both answered in Marsh game one, as the former Crow racked up 82 per cent time on ground, predominantly playing through the heart of the Gold Coast midfield.
THE QUESTION MARK: Patrick Dangerfield $625,500 MID – 65 SuperCoach points
It only took one quarter for those without Dangerfield in their team to get a scare. Dangerfield was in the heart of the Geelong midfield for 91 per cent of his time on ground in the first quarter and scored 41 points. Dangerfield played forward more than in midfield in the second term though, scoring four points. Coaches were left with as many questions over Dangerfield’s role as they had come into the match with.
THE ROOKIE LOCK: Matthew Rowell $207,300 MID – 100 SuperCoach points
Who had doubts over this kid? With a ready-made AFL body, he secured a game-high 15 contested possessions to go with his seven tackles.
THE POD: Quinton Narkle $396,600 MID — 112 SuperCoach points
An awkward price and awkward position has Narkle in just 2 per cent of teams. It took 65 per cent TOG for Narkle to impress in this game — just as he did late last season. After averaging of 104 in three games at the end of the last season, Narkle has given all indications he’ll have a more prominent role for the Cats this year.
THE MID-PRICER: Jack Lukosius $274,600 DEF/FWD – 70 SuperCoach points
Priced similar to popular picks Tom Doedee and Dylan Roberton, Lukosius is owned by six per cent of teams. He had a 28-point opening quarter and 31-point third term, which accounted for most of Lukosius’ points. The most-promising factor was his usage exiting the defensive 50. Lukosius went at 72 per cent efficiency from 18 disposals and should be a player to watch in Gold Coast’s second Marsh Series match.
THE BOLTER: Connor Budarick $106,900 MID/FWD – 74 SuperCoach points
All things considered, there weren’t many more impressive players in this match than Connor Budarick. Playing as a defender who was seen at stoppages on the wing, Budarick was composed with the football by hand and foot, going at 78 per cent efficiency. Budarick showed his forward smarts by creeping up and snapping a tough goal from 40 metres out in the third quarter to further lock himself into our teams. Being named in the 18 players on field and playing 85 per cent time on ground are both great indicators that Connor is in line for round 1 selection and if so, he should be a popular selection at a basement price.
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Port Adelaide (14.14.98) def Brisbane Lions (12.5.77)
MISSING IN ACTION:
Port Adelaide: Ollie Wines, Robbie Gray, Jackson Mead, Scott Lycett, Jack Watts, Miles Bergman
Brisbane Lions: Devon Robertson, Allen Christensen, Rhys Mathieson
THE MAGNE T: Lachie Neale $658,600 MID — 168 SuperCoach points
Neale did “Neale things”, putting on a clinic, amassing 47 disposals with 26 of those being contested, which resulted in a score of 168 KFC SuperCoach points. Now 26 years of age and entering his prime, Neale averaged over 30 disposals a game last season and had seven scores of 140 of more. Lachie is an out and out premium player and well worth having in our sides.
THE ROLE CHANGE: Dan Houston $484,800 DEF/MID – 95 SuperCoach points
Houston had 22 touches and nine tackles from 71 per cent TOG playing solely as a midfielder. He is looming as a great option in defence. Houston averaged 106 when playing as a non-tagging midfielder last year, albeit from a very small sample. If Houston can go 95+, the savings picking him over premium defenders will be extremely valuable.
THE BREAKOUT CONTENDER: Hugh McCluggage $510,700 MID - 127 SuperCoach points
Hugh was terrific early and ended up posting some very impressive numbers – including 21 disposals, six tackles and three goals to score 127 KFC SuperCoach points. McCluggage should play as a pure wingman this season, although where he fits into coaches structures is difficult to see. As a midfielder only, it probably isn’t worth forking out that much money for a player who most likely is not quite in the top echelon of midfielders scoring wise just yet.
THE ROCK: Travis Boak $582,300 MID - 120 SuperCoach points
Boak was a gift for coaches when he was FWD eligible last year, but unfortunately, he is MID only in 2020. He had 33 touches, seven tackles and 120 points from 67 per cent game. Travis was terrific at the coalface and will continue to be for Port, however, he just won’t rival the likes of the super premium midfielders.
THE YOUNG GUN: Connor Rozee $422,100 FWD - 108 SuperCoach points
The second-year player has been touted as a player with the quality to take another step in 2020 and his performance against Brisbane was promising. Owned by less than three per cent of teams, Rozee could be a good POD, especially at F3. Rozee had 19 touches, two goals and eight tackles.
MORE SUPERCOACH NEWS:
KFC SuperCoach Rookie Bible: Every potential cash cow for season 2020
Seven selection strategies you can use to build a winning KFC SuperCoach team
Every KFC SuperCoach score from week one of the AFL’s pre-season Marsh Series
KFC SuperCoach winner Dwayne Delmenico reveals his tactics to go back-to-back in 2020
The 10 must-have KFC SuperCoach players to build your starting team around
KFC SuperCoach: The case for and against Dan Houston as midfield role beckons
THE VETERAN: Grant Birchall $292,700 DEF — 46 SuperCoach points
Birchall has averaged as high as 94.7 (2012) before, although Sunday’s game didn’t fill coaches with much confidence he will deliver that again. Birchall had 13 touches from 67 per cent game time and will be better for the run, but it appears that it may be a smarter option to invest in players like Sam Docherty or Dylan Roberton.
THE ROOKIE WATCH: Brandon Starcevich $147,700 DEF/MID - 40 SuperCoach points
After being one of the stars of the Lions pre-season, Starcevich is looking to add to his five career games in 2020. He only scored 40 points, but keep in mind that was from 45 per cent game time and he went at 100 per cent efficiency for his 8 disposals.
THE BOLTER: Mitch Georgiades $130,800 FWD - 35 SuperCoach points
After being one of the stars of the intraclub last week, the young key forward’s ownership has risen to just under 10 per cent. Georgiades started the game reasonably well with a couple of nice marks and looked really clean, but he only had nine touches. There’s big questions marks over his scoring potential.
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Originally published as Doctor SuperCoach reviews the opening week of the pre-season Marsh Series