KFC SuperCoach winner Jean-Paul Haigh’s trade advice after round 1

The temptation to overhaul our teams is real after a tough opening week in KFC SuperCoach. But is it the smart play? The 2022 winner shares his expert tips.

KFC SuperCoach is a funny game.

We have 36 trades sitting there in front of us, but we need them to get through the entire season. This can be the difference between raising the trophy at the mcg with a $50k novelty sized cheque or standing at the doughnut shop thinking what might have been.

In 2023 we have more trades than ever, so where does this leave us? The temptation to rage trade is real! We’ve had some of these players in our team for months and for all people let alone my captain Laird to fail in round 1, what a disappointment! Generally the rule of thumb in the past was to try and hold trades after round 1, however the landscape has shifted and aggression can be seen as a way to get a leg up on other coaches.

I didn't trade round one last year but then went 3, 3, 3 afterwards for context.

— Jay Peeterman (@JayPeeterman) March 20, 2023

Laird copped a little bit of attention but just looked way off the pace on Sunday. I think this was testament to GWS breaking down their midfield run and link. Was he carrying an injury or unwell? Was it due to the fact Adelaide had a heap more guys go through the centre bounces? Whatever the answer, when we pay up for 130s, we want them. I’ve lost faith to have him as my perma captain after pumping out his lowest score in nine years. Now that teams have seen his kryptonite, surely others are going to pay him attention. I think I will hold him for another week, but the temptation to trade him is surely there. If he bangs out another low score he will bleed cash and all but be gone from my team.

Liam Jones is touch-and-go for the Bulldogs’ clash against St Kilda this week. Picture: Michael Klein

If Luke Davies-Uniacke, Hayden Young, Nick Daicos or Jason Horne-Francis had pumped out these scores in pre-season, everyone would be on board. They didn’t and it just goes to show how up and down all of these choices can be from week to week. LDU looks a cut above in that North Melbourne midfield, but he’s yet to get much attention from opposition clubs. Nick Daicos is exactly in the same boat and Port Adelaide has already laid out its intention to blanket him this week. Young, like the whole Fremantle backline went huge, but is this an anomaly? He needs to be watched for another week, as does JHF, before people can comfortably jump on board.

Injured players are a different story. Tom Stewart is an easy sideways trade to another uber premo or Ridley/Daicos/Young. Liam Jones is likely a watch and wait, if he’s not named we can use the emergency loophole to get a look at Lachie Cowan and Darcy Wilmot, who a lot of players have on the bench. Trade options in defence include Connor McKenna, Liam Stocker or Tom Cole. Josh Kelly owners could either hold or trade, but LDU and Tom Green look very tasty options.

Josh Kelly is set to miss round 2 with concussion. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Of the rookies Harry Sheezel, Cam McKenzie and Rueben Ginbey look to be the must-haves, if you don’t have them, get on board! I don’t have any issues picking any of them this week, however I think any other rookies should be looked at a second time before making the plunge. Will Ashcroft was a slow burn in round 1 but he’s a class act and won’t take long to pick up the pace. Will Phillips being used as the sub saw him leave bulk of teams and we may just need a trade to get him back in next week.

Mid-priced madness has taken KFC SuperCoach by storm with mixed results. Players such as Tanner Bruhn, Sam Flanders and Jacob Hopper all looked average but probably need another look. Jack Ziebell looked back to his 2021 seagull best, while Ben Cunnington disappointed. Will Setterfield had a dominant second half and looked like he could be this year’s Will Brodie. Finn Callaghan looked great roaming the wing for GWS with a high disposal efficiency and ground covered. Errol Gulden backed up the pre-season hype – anyone who can average 85 without CBAs last year and kick like he can has got my interest!

I scored 2068 this week with Laird captain and an injured Jones. I was happy with 19 members of my team, so there plenty to work with! I would love to trade out Laird but probably need to calm a down (as Abdul would say) considering we picked him for a reason.

Just remember that KFC SuperCoach is a marathon, not a sprint, but there’s no issue trying to run at the front of the pack.

Originally published as KFC SuperCoach winner Jean-Paul Haigh’s trade advice after round 1