Mr SuperCoach, Antimo Iannella, reveals his 2020 team for the KFC SuperCoach competition
It’s been a long pre-season for Mr SuperCoach on The Phantom’s Lair Podcast but he’s finally settled on his structure, including a big gamble in the ruck. SEE THE TEAM NOW
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Everything you need to know about my 2020 SuperCoach team begins and ends in the rucks.
Against my better judgment, I’m planning to ignore the tried-and-tested Grundy and Gawn combination, in favour of emerging Bulldogs big man Tim English at R2.
Am I mad? Am I reading too much into one pre-season match? Do I need a SuperCoach intervention?
Perhaps it’s “yes” to all three, but I can’t see how I can afford the expensive rookies I need without saying goodbye to Big Maxy.
It’s a huge risk, and I’m usually very risk averse, so it’ll be interesting to see how my season plays out.
There’s a few other PODs sprinkled across the field yet I’m happy with the overall balance of the squad.
As always, this is subject to change, in particular the rookies, though I don’t have much cash to play with so some manoeuvring might be required after round 1 teams are announced.
DEFENCE
I fully concede it looks a little trendy in defence.
I really wanted Swan Jake Lloyd at D1 but couldn’t afford to spend that much money on my top backman, given the pressing needs elsewhere.
So instead, the Crows’ gun small defender Rory Laird takes the mantle, and I expect him to return to his best with the ball set to spend plenty of time in Adelaide’s back 50.
I like Dan Houston as a DEF-MID who will play almost exclusively in the Power’s midfield. He’s a good user of the footy too.
It’s great to see Sam Docherty and Dylan Roberton return and while there are question marks after such long lay-offs, they’re too good to ignore at the price.
John Noble and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher are expensive but the options are scarce in this area..
MIDFIELD
With so much SC uncertainty, it’s nice to have some reliable faces leading the charge in the middle.
Jack Macrae, Lachie Neale and Patrick Dangerfield are the consistent scorers you need anchoring the midfield and are solid VC options as well.
Next, I’ve gone for a Demons double with Clayton Oliver and Jack Viney at M4 and M5. Oliver is a popular pick but I’ve taken a calculated punt on Viney, who’s obviously an injury risk and has never previously averaged 100. I just like his $439k price tag and free from the burden of the captaincy, I think he can boost his scoring to new heights in an improved Melbourne side.
The mid rookies pretty much pick themselves, except perhaps for Giant Tom Green, who I expect will get enough game time – in the absence of Tim Taranto – to justify his elevated cost.
RUCKS
I’ve already written too much on this subject so no need to elaborate here.
Conroy’s my loophole at the moment, which I realise isn’t ideal but cash is at a premium.
FORWARD
Giant Lachie Whitfield is a no-brainer at F1.
Despite his 60 per cent ownership, I honestly didn’t have Dusty in my squad until a couple of days ago. I’ve got queries over his game-to-game consistency but the fact is his 100-point average in 2019 was his lowest since 2014.
It’s hard to imagine him – in his prime and in a super team – going backwards again.
I considered cheaper options Hugh Greenwood and Christian Petracca, who represent good value, but I’ve gone for SC security. It’s hard to see Whitfield and Dusty averaging less than the ton while I’m just not as convinced about the other two.
After that it’s mid-priced madness with Smith, Brayshaw and Lukosius, who’s a smoky for me as a skilful third tall in the Suns’ defence. It looks weird but I don’t see a way around it.
The forward rookies are self-explanatory.