Proven stars the key to a winning team says Mr. SuperCoach
THIS has been one of the toughest SuperCoach pre-seasons in memory. There’s so much good intel floating about these days, so much expert opinion, it’s easy to pick a good team but harder than ever to select a winning one. Here’s my attempt.
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- The Phantom’s team reveal: Midfielders
- The Phantom’s team reveal: Defenders
- The Eradicator team reveal
- Every JLT Series SuperCoach score
- Ultimate mid-pricer guide
THIS has been one of the toughest SuperCoach pre-seasons in memory.
But also one of the more memorable ones with the launch of The Phantom’s Lair SuperCoach podcat.
There’s so much good intel floating about these days, so much expert opinion, it’s easy to pick a good team but harder than ever to select a winning one.
I’ve decided to spend up big on proven premiums and the likely top scorers in each section of the ground.
With such a fine line between glory and mediocrity, I need my most expensive players to regularly deliver big scores – and make up for the inconsistent rookies and mid-pricers.
On the mid-pricers, I’ve taken some judicious risks but there’s big upside attached to each of them. And if they falter, it’s a simple downgrade to the next best performing rookie.
There’s still a couple of days until the first match, however, and with a rolling lockout, my team is obviously very much subject to change.
DEFENCE
Michael Hurley $563,500
An easy choice. Hurley racks up possessions in the back-half and uses the footy well.
Rory Laird $550,800
See above. Barring injury, they should be the top two scoring defenders in SC this season.
Callum Mills $403,100
Taking a bit of a punt here but Mills - now into his third year - is all class and I think he can bump his average up into the 90s. Should get some midfield time during a long season.
Riley Bonner $257,300
Perhaps I was seduced by a super half of footy against the Crows in the JLT Showdown but Bonner is silky smooth and Port Adelaide will look to use his skill and pace coming out of their defensive 50.
Aaron Naughton $166,800
Demonstrated his intercept ability in the JLT series and will debut in Round 1
Sam Murray $123,900
Performed impressively in round 2 of the JLT and Bucks has already revealed the former Swan will make his Pies debut against the Hawks on Saturday.
BENCH
Tom Doedee $123,900
Toying with starting the Crows promising defender but leaving him on the pine for now. Like Naughton and Murray, Doedee is a confirmed Round 1 starter.
Lachie Murphy $102,400
The rookie has come from the clouds and if named in the Crows’ round one team, will also earn a spot in my side. He’s skilful and a perfect fit for the Adelaide forward line, at a bargain basement price.
MIDFIELD
Patrick Dangerfield $749,800
He apparently has a hammy strain but I’m pretty sure Dangerfield’s actually made from nuts and bolts; no way he’s missing more than a game (at most). More than any other player, not having him in your side will HURT.
Matt Crouch $608,300
After Round 9 last season, only once did he fail to crack the ton. About to turn 23, Crouch should only get better in a quality Crows midfield.
Nat Fyfe $597,900
Enough said.
Marcus Bontempelli $577,800
A disappointing 2017 campaign makes him an underpriced elite premium in 2018. Bulldogs will be better and the ‘Bont’ will be a key part of that. Hopefully he finds his kicking boots in front of goal.
Stephen Coniglio $452,400
Too good to turn down at this price.
David Armitage $310,100
I’m not convinced on the scoring potential of the midfield rookies, and don’t want to play three on-field. A fit Armitage will score consistently and will have a big role to play in a resurgent Saints outfit. Will hopefully be my first midfield upgrade.
Andrew Brayshaw $198,300
Looks the best of the top-price rookies; calm, composed and good with the footy. Playing alongside the likes of Fyfe and Lachie Neale will help.
Tim Kelly $117,300
A popular pick, mature-ager Kelly looks ready to go for the Cats.
BENCH
Bailey Banfield $123,400
Hard to argue with his pre-season, will play in Round 1 and make some cash.
Dom Barry $117,300
Port need his pace and skill through the midfield. JLT performances were impressive and deserves another go at this level.
Nick Holman $102,400
Dirt cheap, a hard nut, loves to tackle and should get another chance in a developing Suns midfield.
RUCKS
Matt Kreuzer $603,700
The rolled ankle is a concern - when coupled with his general injury history - but I’m backing him to pick up where he left off last season. Worth the extra cash due to his high-scoring potential.
Max Gawn $503,700
No explanation needed. Maxy’s like one of those bridges in Paris with all the padlocks attached. Completely and utterly secured... with love.
BENCH
Tony Olango $102,400
The game’s cheapest ruck and a good loophole option with the Eagles having ten Sunday games. Wish he was dual position but happy to bank the extra cash instead.
FORWARDS
Lance Franklin $540,500
He looks cherry ripe after a solid pre-season and while he’s expensive, Buddy’s worth every penny. Tall forwards are risky due to their inconsistency but the Sydney superstar generally bucks that trend and the Swans will bounce back after last year’s slow start. Just needs a monster score or two early to pay dividends – and I like his match-ups in the first seven rounds.
Isaac Heeney $536,300
Heeney’s been up-and-down during the JLT series but the young gun is all-class and ready to step up in the Swans midfield.
Devon Smith $439,100
A very popular pick but with good reason. The new Bomber will get plenty of midfield opportunities at his new club and is set to go to the next level with Essendon expected to climb the ladder.
James Sicily $402,800
I was sceptical at first but have seen enough to put Sicily in. Impressive finish to last year backed up with a solid pre-season, there’s every reason to think the young Hawk will become an elite intercept defender by year’s end.
Allen Christensen $267,300
The former Cat is coming from a long way back, not having played senior football since 2016. But his best football is pretty decent, and in an improving Lions side, I can see him averaging in 80s which is good enough at his price, and slightly ahead of teammate Tom Bell, who’s 20k more expensive.
Liam Ryan $117,300
Bayley Fritsch $117,300
Zac Giles-Langdon $117,300
You can raffle these last three. Each have looked promising without setting the world on fire. Job security appears solid enough to generate cash - let’s just hope they score well when played on-field.
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