KFC SuperCoach 2020: First take on SuperCoach defenders
The backline offers the best selection of bargains in SuperCoach. With plenty of top-line scorers and promising rookies, who should you pick? Here’s our quick guide.
Supercoach
Don't miss out on the headlines from Supercoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Ask any AFL coach and they will tell you premierships are built from defence. It’s no different in KFC SuperCoach.
Players like Jake Lloyd, Shannon Hurn and Tom Stewart provide the building blocks of a solid SuperCoach team, while the likes of James Sicily and Luke Ryan are less stable but capable of huge spikes in scoring.
Last year the backline produced some of the best rookies of the season including Marty Hore, Xavier Duursma and Sydney Stack.
In 2020 we are set for a shake-up with dual-position changes and some very tasty bargains on offer. Here’s our fast take on the defensive crop.
HIGH ROLLERS
Jake Lloyd (Syd) $591,400
The topscoring SuperCoach defender for the past two years is safe as houses, although his numbers dipped a bit in the back half of last season. Can he keep the crown?
Stream over 50 sports Live & On-Demand with KAYO SPORTS on your TV, computer, mobile or tablet. Just $25/month, no lock-in contract. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >
Bachar Houli (Rich) $571,600
A career-best season at age 31 was a surprise, backing it up this year would be an even bigger shock. But he absolutely loves the MCG.
Zac Williams (GWS) $551,700
Enjoyed a superb 2019 season as an attacking defender who could also play through the midfield, averaging 24 disposals a game. May find opportunities there limited this season if all the Giants big guns stay fit, but still one of the top choices.
Rory Laird (Adel) $525,800
Like his team, he had a somewhat disappointing 2019 season but a SuperCoach average of 97 is nothing to sneeze at. Priced a lot more attractively this year especially if he can return to his 2018 heights (108 average).
Shannon Hurn (WC) $562,200
Sent a thankyou letter to the AFL rules committee for the new kick-in rule that helped him boost his average from 96 to 104 last year. Should be safe for a 100-point average even after stepping down as Eagles captain, but there may be better value options out there.
Luke Ryan (Frem) $520,400
Often overlooked Docker defender was better last year than his 96 average suggests after suffering an untimely injury in Round 19. His scores before then included 131, 145 and 156. Could benefit from Fremantle’s friendly fixture.
James Sicily (Haw) $509,500
Scored the fifth-most points among defenders last season based largely on his durability, playing every game for the first time in his career. The arrival of ex-Demon Sam Frost should free him up to play as an intercepting defender where he does his best work.
BARGAIN BUYS
Sam Docherty (Carl) $436,100
On the comeback trail from two knee reconstructions which is a big red flag, but one most SuperCoach players will happily ignore given his scoring potential. Docherty averaged 109 and 115 in his past two full seasons (2016-17). The Blues say he’ll be there in Round 1.
Tom Doedee (Adel) $273,700
Crows interceptor wrecked his knee in Round 1 last year but should at least match his numbers from his breakout 2018 season when he averaged 82 points a game.
Grant Birchall (BL) $292,700
We can say with confidence that if Birchall plays, the four-time premiership Hawk will score about 80 points a game. The issue has been getting out there — he’s managed eight matches in the past three years.
MORE SUPERCOACH DEFENCE ANALYSIS:
The Phantom’s SuperCoach Pre-Season: The best premium options in defence
AFL SuperCoach 2020: The Phantom looks at all the mid-price value in defence
SuperCoach 2020: The Phantom names six premium smokies to add to your watchlist
Dylan Roberton (StK) $260,400
Averaged 93 points a game in his last full season, but sadly that was in 2017. Everyone is barracking for him to get back out there after frightening heart issues, good SuperCoach output would be a bonus.
ROOKIES
Stephen Hill (Frem) $190,600
Looks like a misprint but the smooth-moving Dockers wingman is priced as cheaply as a rookie after another injury-cursed season. Hamstrings are a massive worry but if he’s there in Round 1 he’s going to be hard to resist.
Tom Williamson (Carl) $146,300
Hard to know exactly what to make of Williamson, who has played only 15 games since he was selected in the 2016 draft due to a series of injuries. The Blues like him a lot. If he gets a clear run at it, keep him in mind.
MORE SUPERCOACH TIPS:
KFC SuperCoach 2020: First take on SuperCoach midfielders
KFC SuperCoach expert Al Paton reveals his 2020 team
The case for and against three KFC SuperCoach breakout contenders
10 SuperCoach champions available for the lowest price in years
Golden rules: The 23 do’s and don’ts of KFC SuperCoach AFL
Will Gould (Syd) $117,300
The No.26 pick in the draft is ready to go after playing regular senior footy in the SANFL last year, where he averaged 19 disposals and 89 SuperCoach points. Has been likened to a young Shannon Hurn.
Originally published as KFC SuperCoach 2020: First take on SuperCoach defenders