Dr SuperCoach’s ultimate Marsh Series week 3 review
The final weekend of practice matches offers the best information for picking our SuperCoach teams. Didn’t see every game? Don’t panic. The Doctor SuperCoach experts were watching every minute. Here’s who starred and who flopped.
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The final round of the Marsh Series is the best — and last — chance for KFC SuperCoach players to see their hopefuls in action before locking in our squads for the season.
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Team line-ups and tactics in their final practice match hitout are usually very similar to what we will see in Round 1, which means these games provide the most important SuperCoach intel of the pre-season.
Didn’t see every game? Don’t panic. The expert team from Doctor SuperCoach were watching every kick, mark and clanger. Who caught their eye on the weekend?
Note: This is part one of the Marsh week 3 review. Stay tuned for analysis of the final five matches.
BRISBANE LIONS 111 DEF CARLTON 66
THE RETURN: Sam Docherty $436,100 DEF - 105 SuperCoach points
The rust was shed and Sam Docherty of old returned! With 96 points to three-quarter time, he took it easy in the final term to cruise to a satisfying 105 points from 21 disposals and 10 marks. At a heavily discounted price given Docherty averaged 114.7 points in 2017, the question will be can you afford to not start the season with him?
THE BREAKOUT CONTENDER: Zac Bailey $263,200 DEF-MID - 74 points
The former first-round draft pick was touted as a breakout selection last season when he started off the half-back flank in the pre-season. After a few poor scores, including a -4, that train was quickly derailed. Bailey looked solid with 16 touches and 4 marks but it will take a lot more for him to be a viable SuperCoach starting selection.
THE BOLTER: Tom De Koning $123,900 RUC - 42 points
The listed ruckman played just 35 per cent time on ground and managed to score quite well with just six touches and a goal. Given the injuries to Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay, De Koning could play early games for the Blues, but he will definitely see some more time in the VFL to develop during the season.
THE ROOKIE HOPE: Deven Robertson $117,300 MID - 62 points
Could Robertson be the midfield rookie coaches have been crying out for? Just 11 possessions with five tackles in 62 per cent time on ground saw him end the day with a respectable 62 points. Given how thin the rookie bench options are looking in 2020, Robertson should most definitely be in contention for a bench slot, even with his seemingly poor job security.
GWS GIANTS 109 DEF RICHMOND 95
THE MID-PRICE TEMPTER: Sam Jacobs $348,400 RUCK – 111 SuperCoach points
Big sauce Jacobs is certainly giving coaches something to think about, and many are seriously
considering the veteran ruckman after another impressive display on Sunday. Jacobs gathered 18 touches to go along with 37 hitouts on his way to 111 SuperCoach points. If he
continues to muscle the GWS ruck load on his own, at $348,400 he could prove the perfect option to those wishing for a cheaper R2.
THE DISCOUNTED STAR: Stephen Coniglio $549,500 MID – 135 points
Coniglio is no stranger to big scores and he delivered the most SuperCoach points on the ground in Wagga. In typical Coniglio fashion, he found plenty of the ball (32 touches), doing it on the inside and out, as well as a couple of goals to give him 135 points. The newly-appointed Giants skipper nudged a 110 average in 2018 and finds himself slightly discounted at $549,500 after scoring 0 in his final match of the 2019 season due to injury, making him a tempting option.
THE RISING TALENT: Isaac Cumming $245,000 DEF – 111 points
The third-year half-back flanker may not be on too many people’s radars, but maybe he should be. Popular cheap option Stephen Hill went down with a quad injury on Saturday and Cumming may be a unique replacement option for just another $55,000. The 21-year-old collected 22 touches and took 10 marks to score 111 SuperCoach points, backing up his 23 touches and 86 points in the Giants’ first practice match. It’s worth noting Zac Williams didn’t play in either game but, nonetheless, this youngster is impressing.
THE LOCK: Marlion Pickett $123,900 MID – 61 points
Lock this man in. Not that anyone needed any more convincing, but Pickett promises to be one of the best cash cows on offer in 2020. The Grand Final hero did not look out of place as he notched 20 disposals and 61 SuperCoach points. The only knock on his game was five clangers and 55 per cent disposal efficiency, but while we struggle to find reliability on the rookie front nine days out from the first bounce, you can pick this Tiger with confidence.
ST KILDA 68 DEF COLLINGWOOD 57
THE BREAKOUT CONTENDER: Josh Daicos $259,000 MID - 83 SuperCoach points
This year has to be make or break for the son of Collingwood legend Peter Daicos. Entering his fourth season at the Pies, Daicos has played two matches starting mostly on the wing and in the forward line. Racking up 22 touches, nine marks and a goal, Daicos fell just shy of the 84 points he scored in Marsh 1. If he is named in Round 1, Josh could be someone to keep an eye on.
THE HIGH FLYER: Jeremy Howe $431,900 DEF - 134 points
Having had an average of less than 90 for the first time in four seasons last year, Howe still managed to end strongly with a 92 six-round average to end the season. This does not include a 116 and 130 in the finals as well. On Sunday Howe had 25 disposals with 11 marks to finish with a game high 134 SuperCoach points against the Saints and remains a cut-price option for those looking for some backline value.
THE ROLE CHANGE: Ben Long $283,100 FWD - 85 points
The former small forward has been reinvented in 2020 to run off the half backline, with a 24 touch and seven-mark showing against the Pies. This was a much improved performance compared to the first Marsh match when he scored just 64 points. Long remains at an awkward price, but he is worth considering if rookie options fall short of expectations.
THE RETURN: Dylan Roberton $260,400 DEF - 60 points
It was great to see Roberton back out on the field, as he managed to get through the game
unscathed for a modest 16 disposals, nine marks and 60 SuperCoach points. The expectation
for a selection like Roberton is that he will play most games until the bye, enjoying some decent price rises along the way. This game was a great springboard for Roberton to start his 2020 campaign.
NORTH MELBOURNE 90 DEF SYDNEY 79
THE FORGOTTEN STAR: Josh Kennedy $579,000 MID – 156 SuperCoach points
JPK is an amazing SuperCoach player and has been for a long time. He gave us a timely reminder in Marsh 2, accumulating 37 touches, 10 tackles and a goal in just 69 per cent game time. Having averaged 120 points per game before and 110-plus in three separate years, it’s remarkable that he is in only 0.8 per cent of teams.
THE ROOKIE SAVIOUR: Curtis Taylor $123,900 FWD – 95 points
Hallelujah. The rookies have dried up this pre-season and Taylor’s performance was refreshing. He was one of the Roos’ best on the day with an impressive stat line of 21 disposals (including 16 kicks), six marks and two goals. He’s probably in a head-to-head battle with teammate Jack Mahony for a spot in the 22, but with this performance it’s looking more and more likely Taylor will get the nod.
THE PREMIUM: Jake Lloyd $591,400 DEF – 98 points
Last year’s No.1 defender scored 98 points from 23 touches, six marks and a goal. There have been some concerns over the pre-season over whether or not Jordan Dawson may take points
off him, but a player like Lloyd will still score well anyway - it’s just a question of how well. Can he be an upgrade target instead once his price drops?
THE QUESTION MARK: Aiden Bonar $202,800 FWD/MID – 14 points
Bonar scored 76 in Marsh 1 and came out of the game with a slight hamstring injury but despite this, he still managed to play in Marsh 2. He came on in the second half but scored only 14 points, largely due to the fact he had six clangers. At over $200k, coaches need a little bit more certainty about his role, job security and his scoring potential.
THE GOLDEN BOY: Isaac Heeney $510,700 FWD-MID – 44 points
Fan favourite Heeney has had an interrupted pre-season with hand issues which have forced him to spend some time on the sidelines. He only had 11 disposals from 74 per cent game time against the Roos, kicking just the one goal. At that price; he looks to be more of an upgrade target rather than a starter.
ESSENDON 65 DEF GEELONG 61
REMEMBER ME: Jack Steven $361,700 FWD/MID – 96 points
SuperCoaches were waiting with baited breath for a glimpse at Steven in his new colours, and they would’ve liked what they saw. Steven attended 13 centre bounces and looked sharp through the Cats’ midfield, the former Saint gathering 26 touches, 14 of which were contested, and 96 SuperCoach points from 65 per cent time on ground. At $361,700, it’s hard to say no given his scoring history and midfield opportunity at Geelong. Strongly consider.
THE RETURN: Devon Smith $335,800 FWD/MID – 117 points
Smith had coaches scratching their heads after two vastly differing scoring halves in his first practice match appearance, but Monday showed a much more convincing display. His 22 touches, 10 tackles and 117 SuperCoach was a very 2018 Smith performance. He enjoyed a mix of midfield and forward time, but his characteristic tackling pressure would have warmed the hearts of prospective owners, rediscovering his best in that department.
THE CASH COW: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher $189,000 DEF – 104 points
At $189,000, Zerk-Thatcher could be the answer to what seems to be slim-pickings in the rookie
department down back. The 21-year-old was strong overhead against Geelong, but even more
impressive was his intercept work, with 12 of his 18 possessions won off the opposition. And this is no fluke - Zerk-Thatcher ranked No.1 over the past two years for intercept possessions at VFL level and took the fourth-most intercept marks last year. While he may not be a big ball-winner, he looks to be a safe option with Patrick Ambrose and Cale Hooker on the sidelines.
THE BREAKOUT CONTENDER: Darcy Parish $465,400 FWD-MID – 90 points
He’s in only 3 per cent of teams, but owners of Parish would have been torn by what they saw. On one hand, he looked sharp and dangerous around goal, kicking 3.3 on his way to 90 SuperCoach points. On the other, Parish did not see a great deal of midfield time, which will likely be a hindrance for his long-term scoring. There was no doubting his impact on the game, but if we are to see a true breakout from Parish, midfield time is key, and the percentages look to be weighing more towards time in the forward 50.
Gold Coast 71 def Adelaide 64
THE PREMO: Rory Laird $525,800 DEF – 132 SuperCoach points
Laird played his customary role across halfback, amassing 32 touches at 84 per cent efficiency, five marks and five tackles. One of the most reliable premium defenders of recent times, having averaged above 93 for the past five seasons, Laird will once again be a quality pick in 2020. Rory provides some value as well as he isn’t as expensive as some of the other top-tier defenders.
THE MID-PRICER: Darcy MacPherson $443,800 FWD/MID – 127 points
MacPherson looms as a possible option as a forward in SuperCoach this year after backing up his 132-point effort from Marsh 1 with another fantastic score. MacPherson had 31 touches and kicked 1.2 spending time in the forward line and through the midfield. He’s historically played closer to goals but this year looks to be the year where he could considerably improve his average of 81.7 from last season and become a real weapon for the Suns – and in SuperCoach.
THE ROOKIE LOCK: Matt Rowell $207,300 MID – 36 points
A guy who’s scoring 36 points is a lock? Stick with us! Don’t be alarmed by Rowell’s poor score. He only played the first half (41 per cent game time) before being rested in the second half. In his time on the ground Rowell had 14 disposals and looked the goods playing on ball. Given the lack of rookie options to this point in the pre-season, he is as big of a lock as they come.
THE ROOKIE BOLTER: Connor Budarick $106,900 FWD/MID – 37 points
It’s a similar story to Rowell, don’t write him off because his low score was from only 45 per cent game time. Connor had eight disposals and two tackles but it doesn’t take this kid a lot to score points. It was not a great sign that he only came on only in the second half, but his Marsh 1 was super impressive – and he didn’t disappoint in this game either! Only Rowell and young Giant Tom Green averaged more SuperCoach points in last year’s NAB League than Budarick, so if he is named for Round 1, put him in!
THE ROOKIE SMOKEY: Ben Davis $123,900 FWD – 43 points
Davis is looking like a bigger chance to play in the Crows’ season opener by the day. While 43 points doesn’t scream “pick me”, his possible selection in Round 1 could be enough for him to make his way into a number of SuperCoach sides. The excitement machine hits the scoreboard (he was the Crows’ SANFL team’s leading goalscorer in 2018) and could play senior footy this year. Keep an eye on the selection table.
Melbourne 81 def Hawthorn 49
THE BREAKOUT: Christian Petracca $441,300 FWD – 72 SuperCoach points
Petracca followed his mammoth Marsh 1 performance with a sub-par 72 SuperCoach points. His again played as a full-time midfielder, leading the Demons for centre bounce attendances and accumulating 23 disposals, three tackles and three marks in 89 per cent game time. His role remains fantastic, but there remains a question mark on his consistency.
MR RELIABLE: Clayton Oliver $593,00 MID – 84 points
Oliver copped a knee knock early and struggled throughout the game, notching 22 disposals and five tackles in 82 per cent game time. The emergence of Petracca, coupled with the knee knock, meant Oliver played forward at times, which put his scoring potential under threat. Oliver will always be a solid option but there may be better scorers available for only 50k more.
THE PROVEN STAR: James Sicily $509,500 DEF – 95 points
Sicily looks set to return to his best this season after starring in his only Marsh Series game of 2020. His score of 95 doesn’t seem spectacular, but a game-high nine clangers limited his output. Playing loose in defence, he racked up 29 touches, eight marks and three tackles. As long as his role remains the same, coaches can expect big things from the fiery redhead.
LOCK HIM IN: Max Gawn $697,100 RUCK – 68 points
Gawn played just 41 per cent of the game in his return from a knee injury, but the fact he scored 68 points in that time confirms just how good he is. He only played the first half and accumulated 14 hit-outs, seven disposals and four marks. There is no questioning Gawn’s scoring potential, but his recent injury means he is somewhat underdone. Despite this concern, he is almost guaranteed to be a top-two ruckman and a great pick.
Fremantle 55 def West Coast 54
NEW YEAR, SAME STORY: Stephen Hill $190,600 DEF-FWD – 36 SuperCoach points
Despite a rusty few moments, Hill looked solid in 56 per cent game time. Playing his customary role off half back, the speedster racked up nine disposals and two marks as he eased his way back into AFL football. Despite promising signs, it was later revealed the Docker actually injured his quadricep. It’s time to cut ties with Hill as his health is constantly an issue.
UNDERRATED PREMIUM: Andrew Gaff $583,200 MID – 133 points
This could be the year that Gaff takes his scoring to the next level. With the likes of Luke Shuey and Tim Kelly commanding more attention, the wingman will roam free doing what he does best. He dominated this game with 33 disposals (28 effective), five tackles and seven marks. Gaff looms as a genuine POD for your midfield.
THE MESSIAH: Nat Fyfe $651,600 MID – 115 points
The reigning Brownlow medallist will always be an elite scorer and you can count on him year in, year out. Although quiet by his standards, Fyfe accumulated 23 disposals, seven marks and four tackles in 84 per cent game time. His injury history is a cause for concern, but Fyfe will no doubt be one of the best scorers once again.
BUDDING STAR: Andrew Brayshaw $382,800 FWD-MID – 102 points
Mark this man down for a breakout year. Brayshaw has been phenomenal across his first two games playing as a permanent inside midfielder. The former No.2 draft selection racked up 25
disposals, five clearances and eight tackles in an impressive display. Brayshaw looks like a solid mid-priced option considering he still has forward status but will play a midfield role.
MORE KFC SUPERCOACH:
Experts rank the top KFC SuperCoach midfield premiums in 2020
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Port Adelaide 95 def Western Bulldogs 85
THE BREAKOUT RUCKMAN: Tim English $448,400 RUC – 123 SuperCoach points
This highly touted young ruckman is looking to continue his career progression in his fourth season. English improved his average to 83 points last season from 64 the year before, and has started this year taking it up a notch, scoring 123 in his only Marsh game. English was dominant against the Power, kicking two goals to go with his 37 hit-outs and 13 disposals, earning him a team-high 123 points – although it’s worth noting opponent Scott Lycett left the ground injured early in the game. If Tim English is able to improve again, an average of over 100 isn’t out of the question.
THE FAST FINISHER: Darcy Byrne-Jones $473,400 DEF – 94 points
Coming off of a career-high average of 87.2 in 2019, Byrne-Jones has the potential to improve again this season with fellow defender Dan Houston moving into the midfield. In Byrne-Jones’ final 14 games of last season he boasted an average of 95, and that includes a poultry seven points in Round 22. In this Marsh match, Byrne-Jones accumulated 26 disposals playing as a rebounding defender, a role that could see him challenge as a top-eight defender.
THE OLD STAR: Robbie Gray $453,000 FWD – 93 points
After a sub-par 2019 in which Gray averaged below 90 for this first time since 2013, this season could be a return to premium status for the small forward. It took just 19 disposals for Gray to rack up 93 points. Spending most of his time forward, Gray was impactful without directly hitting the scoreboard. With Port Adelaide having the fifth easiest draw in 2020, it could be a redemption season for Gray, who has shown himself capable of averaging alongside the top forwards several times already in seasons past.
MR RELIABLE: Justin Westhoff $435,500 FWD/MID – 108 points
Marsh 2 was kind to Westhoff as he started forward and pushed into the ruck in rotation with Lycett and Peter Ladhams at different intervals. A similar role saw Westhoff average over 100 SuperCoach points in 2018, if he can secure this role for the season proper coaches could have another underpriced premium to consider for our sides. In 70 per cent time on ground, Westhoff gathered 22 disposals to go with his 17 hit-outs and a goal, showing the competition that he is still more than a handful at his mature age. Watch this role carefully as it could have been a once-off due to the Lycett injury.
Originally published as Dr SuperCoach’s ultimate Marsh Series week 3 review