KFC SuperCoach 2020: How the teams affect Round 2 trade plans and which rookies to target
The Round 2 teams have thrown KFC SuperCoach trade plans into chaos. We look at who’s in, who’s out and what all the big news means for your team. Plus the top 5 rookies to target over the next two weeks.
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Howe good was footy’s return last night!?
I promise it’s the only time I’ll make that joke.
But, seriously, it was great to have the AFL and, of course, KFC SuperCoach back.
The best thing, however, was the two-hour distraction from the carnage of Round 2 team selection.
With the second lockout fast approaching, it’s time to face the news head-on.
Hopefully you only executed the moves which involved Collingwood and Richmond players on Thursday night, giving you more time to make the big decisions on Friday.
Here’s what it means for your SuperCoach team.
THE ROOKIES
Let’s start at the top. The Phantom’s No. 1 trade target in the forward line for the past two months, Sam Sturt, has failed to overcome a back injury and won’t play against the Lions. Yep, the second-year Docker, whose $40k price rise we were all banking on, is off the table – for this week anyway.
Round 1 starters Deven Robertson (Bris), Billy Frampton (Adel), Ben Davis (Adel) and Toby Bedford (Melb) have all been omitted, while Port Adelaide’s Mitch Georgiades will miss through injury.
They join Bomber Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, who was suspended for breaching COVID protocols, on the sidelines.
Popular Bulldog Ben Cavarra has been culled amid a host of changes for the Bulldogs and is another you could offload.
But, with the return of former skipper Callan Ward, the outlook isn’t as positive for young GWS midfielder Tom Green, in nearly 100,000 teams, is another notable omission, with his inflated rookie price serving little purpose on the bench.
I did warn you, nothing ever goes to plan in SuperCoach.
Georgiades, who may only miss one week, aside, these are the guys who should be making way for the rookies on the bubble and the new batch of potential cash cows, who were named on Thursday.
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And that crop is led by Demons Harley Bennell ($123k MID) and Trent Rivers ($117k DEF) and second-year Crow Ned McHenry ($123k MID).
Take advantage of Justin McInerney’s incoming price rise, following the $123k midfielder’s 81 points in Round 1, rise first but those three need to be in your plans.
Sturt might only miss one round, too.
I know you may not have enough trades this week but that’s why you need to be thinking about a two-week, seven-trade plan.
The prices of Bennell, Rivers and McHenry won’t change this week but they will following Round 3, if they keep their spot.
But Bennell and McHenry could score well above their rookie-pricing from the get-go.
Bennell is fit, starred in the Demon’s intra-club hitout and averaged 23 disposals, one goal and 97 SuperCoach points in his final 67 games at the Suns. Sure, he’s only played two games since 2015, both at the Dockers, but if Bennell gets through, it’s likely he scores 85 points or more, given how damaging he is with the ball.
And McHenry isn’t a player who needs much of the footy to have an impact, either. The running machine applied five more tackles than any other player at the under-18 champs in 2018 and is as competitive as they come. The 19-year-old is also clever around goal as his four-goal, 123-point performance in the SANFL semi-final last year proves.
Then there’s Luke Jackson (Melb, $198k RUCK), Thomas Berry (Bris, $123k FWD) and Latiham Vandermeer (WB, $123k FWD-MID) to watch closely on debut.
The experienced former Magpie Ben Crocker will also make his first appearance as a Crow in Showdown 48 and, given his likely role across half-forward and rookie price-tag of $152k, is another who will need to be considered.
Former Hawk Marc Pittonet will play his first game for Carlton in the absence of Matthew Kreuzer but his $236k price tag is hard to justify, especially after Darcy Cameron’s 73-point debut for the Magpies on Thursday night.
Oh, yeah, he’s another who might almost become a must-have, given his basement-price and dual-position status, next week.
ROOKIE TARGETS BEFORE ROUND 3
THE PHANTOM
1. Harley Bennell (Melb, $123k MID)
As mentioned above, I’m all in on Harley Bennell, despite the chance the former Sun might be on reduced minutes against the Blues. My No. 1 given his scoring potential from the get-go.
2. Justin McInerney (Syd, $123k MID)
With no Sturt in Round 2, McInerney’s price rise, on the back of a -34 breakeven, is something every KFC SuperCoach needs to take advantage of. Who knows what will happen with this week’s debutants at selection in Round 3.
3. Ned McHenry (Adel, $123k MID)
Tackling machine, who boasts elite endurance, will be in the face of any one that comes near him in Showdown 48 and, despite a forward-heavy role in the absence of Tyson Stengle, these traits should ensure some good SuperCoach numbers. Could be one for next week, if you have other priorities.
4. Trent Rivers (Melb, $117k DEF)
The Round 2 bolter starred at last year’s national under-18 championships, averaging 22 disposals – at 77 per cent efficiency – and 94 points per game. His ball-use and speed from halfback was a highlight. And these assets should see him given plenty of opportunity at the Demons. Have no hesitation in bringing him in this week, given the lack of rookie-price options in defence.
5. Darcy Cameron (Coll, $123k RUCK-FWD)
After an impressive first appearance for the Magpies, given his dual-position status, Cameron might become a must-have next week if he can hold Mason Cox out of the Collingwood side. The former Swan supported Grundy in the ruck and took a number of big marks at either end of the ground.
DAN BATTEN
1. Justin McInerney (Syd $123k MID)
Sturt’s injury means young Swan Justin McInerney has the second lowest behind Marlion Pickett – and could generate the biggest price rise of any rookie after Pickett’s meagre outing on Thursday night. McInerney has been named on an extended bench and should feature, but be sure to pull the trigger after Friday teams are named later this afternoon.
2. Harley Bennell (Melb, $123k MID)
This comes with a disclaimer: not this week. Given Bennell’s injury woes, the speedster is likely to play less gametime in his comeback game and isn’t worth the risk. If, as hoped, he gets through his remarkable return unscathed, he becomes the No.1 trade target for Round 3.
3. Trent Rivers (Melb, $117k DEF)
We haven’t seen him play at AFL level – missing out during the Marsh Series – but the worrying lack of rookie defenders makes him a high priority. With Michael Hibberd named emergency, it may be best to wait a week on Rivers. However many team - like my own - have no choice but to bring him in a week early and hope for the best.
4. Darcy Cameron (Coll, $123k RUCK-FWD)
Should get at least another week after an impressive 73-point Magpies debut. Cameron clunked three contested marks and spent some time in the ruck, both factors boding well for his scoring going forward.
5. Ned McHenry (Adel, $123k MID)
Ned McHenry has a four-week block to prove himself with Tyson Stengle’s suspension, and expect the tackling-machine to make the most of it. Will play forward so scores may be inconsistent, especially in a Crows side that is likely to struggle.
*Sam Sturt shoots up both lists if he is named for Round 2.
THE OTHER NEWS
In great news for Nic Naitanui owners, second ruckman Tom Hickey won’t play against the Suns on Saturday, meaning – hopefully – the star Eagle’s game-time will increase.
Another positive for KFC SuperCoach is the selection of Adelaide defender Tom Doedee ($273k), who will make his long-awaited return from injury against the Power on Saturday night.
At a similar price, with the injury to Adam Kennedy, Giant Isaac Cumming ($245k) looks to have held his spot at half-back, despite the return of star Zac Williams.
And thank the SuperCoach gods for that because Saint Dylan Roberton ($260k DEF) has been omitted and Docker Stephen Hill ($190k DEF-FWD) isn’t ready.
Have no issue with putting Doedee straight on-field and give Cumming another go after a quiet Round 1.
Doedee’s new teammate Ben Keays ($266k FWD) is another to watch closely in Showdown 48. The former Lion will play his first game in the tri-colours and has been a great SuperCoach scorer in the NEAFL over the past few seasons.
MORE SUPERCOACH:
KFC SuperCoach rookie bible: Every cheapie rated ahead of Round 2 price changes
The 10 must-have players in KFC SuperCoach for Round 2
SuperCoach Round 2 trade guide: Melbourne solves defensive rookie crisis
SuperCoach Investor: How to win on the KFC SuperCoach stock market
Doctor’s Orders: Which KFC SuperCoach stars will benefit from the unique 2020 season?
It’s not too late to win big in KFC SuperCoach AFL and take on your mates