SuperCoach AFL 2025: Expert verdicts on most popular trades for round 9
Should SuperCoaches be trading Matt Flynn? How about Sam Davidson? And what do our experts think of trying to bring in Max Gawn or Marcus Bontempelli. See all the top trades rated.
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Wondering what to do this week? Unsure which rookies you should be holding or trading? Our experts give the verdicts on all your trade dilemmas.
TRADED OUT
Sam Davidson ($309,000 MID/FWD)
AP: SELL – Ready to go.
Tim Michell – SELL – Break-even has exploded to 84, he lost money on the weekend and has had one decent score in his last five matches. Thanks for your service Sam, but it’s time to go.
Patch: SELL – I foolishly held in the hope he might get a spike score, but he was subbed out late. Not a great sign going forward, he’s the top priority to ditch this week. Thanks for your service, Sam.
Tarquin Oakley:SELL – The final nail in the coffin was the sub vest on Saturday.
Matt Forrest: SELL – He’s been one of the best cash cows this season but his breakeven is now 84 and it’s time to let the winger go
Matt Flynn ($384,900 RUC)
AP: HOLD – Richmond is a much better match-up this week. Hope he holds his spot for one or two more than cash him in.
TM: HOLD – Pending team news. I can understand the temptation to turn Flynn into a premium this week after he was monstered by Max Gawn. But we know he can score, his breakeven is achievable and Toby Nankervis has been one of the easiest match-ups all season.
Patch: CONSIDER – I think you’re able to hold one more week … as long as he isn’t dropped. If he’s dropped then you gotta kick him to the kerb, but if you need his sweet, sweet cash to get to who you want to then trading him out is valid.
TO: HOLD – If he is picked this week, a definite hold. Still a low enough break even and you don’t want to be trading again for those who got him just two weeks ago.
MF: CONSIDER – What a rollercoaster Flynn has been. 68 breakeven means you could give him another week or two and see, he has Richmond this week and Toby Nankervis has given opposing rucks 73 (Meek), 174 (Gawn) and 113 (Witts) in his past three.
Riley Bice ($375,800 DEF)
AP: HOLD – We might be able to move him to Kiddy Coleman or Callum Mills for a profit in a couple of weeks.
TM: HOLD – Bice is averaging 102.5 away from the SCG and scored better than his 71 breakeven from rounds 4-7. He hit a wall on the weekend but is worth another chance before cutting ties.
Patch: HOLD – Nah dawgs, don’t do it. People were burned trading Levi, and you might be burned again this week. Hold.
TO: HOLD – Don’t think one bad week is enough to jump off. His breakout game was at Marvel against the Roos and he is back there this week.
MF: HOLD – His breakeven is climbing but he’s got Essendon this week and they concede decent points to half backs. I’d be holding, he’s easily capable of beating 71 and making a bit more cash.
Clayton Oliver ($468,100 MID)
AP: SELL – If he’s named this week you can hold but he isn’t a top-10 mid, so feel free to swap him to a top-liner.
TM: HOLD – As long as he’s named. Not sure why you would hold him when he didn’t play in round 8 only to trade Oliver when he (potentially) returns. He’s not going to be a season keeper but should get you through until the byes at least.
Patch: HOLD – If he’s named then Clarry is a hold this week, if he’s missing again it’s probably not worth taking chances. Of course if he’s missing again the main concern is that he’s doing okay.
TO: HOLD – If he is back this week hold Clarry. Focus on getting those rookies off field.
MF: HOLD – He’s not tearing it up like we came to expect from him in years gone by, but if he’s playing this week you have to hold. Surely there’s bigger problems in your team than a 96-averaging midfielder.
Christian Moraes ($204,100 MID)
AP: SELL – I’ve been trying to offload him for two weeks but that cash doesn’t get me anywhere. So he stays, again.
TM: TRADE – His replacement Will Lorenz excelled in Ballarat on the weekend, so it’s likely to be a while before we see Moraes at AFL level again.
Patch: TRADE – Well that didn’t work out as planned hey? Whoops. Time to cut ties, but prioritise guys like Davidson and Lalor who are going to lose more cash this week.
TO: TRADE – If he is still out of the side you can safely get rid of Moraes.
MF: TRADE – He didn’t play last week, so if he’s not named for the Showdown I think you’re pretty safe in punting him. But his breakeven is 35 and if he does get a run he can easily hit that
Sam Lalor ($301,700 MID/FWD)
AP: SELL – Should be able to get something decent with $301k.
TM: TRADE – Didn’t realise people still have him.
Patch: CONSIDER – Honestly with West Coast, North and Essendon you could almost hold … but coming off two 46s you’d be struggling. Might not be far off a rest, anyway.
TO: CONSIDER – That break even is high at 85. But could he dominate the MCG against West Coast and North Melbourne over the next two weeks?
MF: TRADE – Lalor is losing money now and his breakeven is 85, so that drop is coming again. Time to jump ship.
Murphy Reid ($302,000 MID/FWD)
AP. SELL – $302k even better!
TM: TRADE – There was a report from the west this week he’s sore, which hardly comes as a surprise when he’s in his first season of footy. Unlikely to be rested, but starting to lose value.
Patch: TRADE – Thanks for your service Murph. God bless and good luck on your race to the Rising Star.
TO: TRADE – He’s leaking cash. Time to go.
MF: SELL – His breakeven is 92 and he lost cash, he’s been great this year but it’s time to upgrade.
Sam Powell-Pepper ($397,700 FWD)
AP: HOLD – Reliable on-field option.
TM: CONSIDER – Crazy that he made more than $200k after starting the season with a score of 18. His average is still just above his breakeven this round, so you might squeeze one more week out of him. The aggressive play would be to cash in now while players such as Chad Warner and Christian Petracca are within reach.
Patch: CONSIDER – I’d be giving him one more week in the Showdown but if you gotta cull someone then he’s definitely a candidate.
TO: HOLD – Been a huge win for owners. Back at home this week in a big Showdown you feel he will get up for.
MF: CONSIDER – You could probably hold for another week, but he’s just about maxed out on cash gen and you can upgrade to Chad Warner for about $90k.
Jaxon Prior ($296,300 DEF)
AP: SELL – Ripe for trading.
TM: TRADE – Another rookie whose job is done. He’s only scored better than his breakeven of 74 twice, so the odds are against him making any more money.
Patch: TRADE – Think he’s the priority this week for owners after Davidson. He’s been far better than I thought he would be.
TO: TRADE – 43 and 57 in his last two means it is time to move on.
MF: SELL – He’s hit his breakeven twice this year, so I think it’s time to cash in and upgrade/downgrade.
Isacc Kako ($234,299 MID/FWD)
AP: CONSIDER – Can sell if it gets you something good or hold for a bit more cash and some bench cover.
TM: CONSIDER – Scored 60 for the third time this season in round 8, but that might be as good as it gets. Many have been patiently waiting for the spike game which just isn’t coming. Trade now if his value gets you a star.
Patch: CONSIDER – I mean like do what you want with Isaac at this point. He’ll keep burning along if you keep him but feel free to cut and run.
TO: CONSIDER – He’s still slowly making money but maybe that big spike game will never come.
MF: HOLD – He’s not far off selling, but there are more pressing rookies to get rid of and he’s just ticking over small rises each week.
TRADED IN
Henry Hustwaite ($121,200 MID)
AP: BUY. If you don’t have him already make sure you get on this week.
TM: BUY – More praise from Sam Mitchell after Hustwaite had 19 disposals and laid eight tackles against Richmond. I’m even more convinced than last week he’ll still be in the team after Conor Nash returns.
Patch: BUY – After being reluctant to go early I think he’s put as good a case forward as anyone could to be picked once Nash returns, and in the absence of anyone else – bar Riley Hardeman – with decent job security then he’s the guy this week.
TO: BUY – Missed his handy 82 on field last week but still worth jumping on now for his first price rise. A pair of 70s in his next two will net owners $115k – then if he stays in after Conor Nash returns that’s a bonus.
MF: BUY – I was worried he’d play four games, Nash would come back and Hustwaite would go out, but he’s playing well enough to stay in over a Finn Maginness type. Worth the punt.
Hugh Boxshall ($113,500 MID)
AP: BUY. I already have Hustwaite so Boxshall is my likely downgrade. Great VFL numbers make me feel better about going early.
TM: BUY – Ran out of petrol after halftime but still impressed on debut with 16 disposals and six tackles. More importantly he had 39 per cent CBAs – only Jack Steele, Jack Macrae and Hugo Garcia featured at more of St Kilda’s midfielders.
Patch: CONSIDER – I hate going early on rookies but he looked the part. Hoping he’ll be a gun and we can all trade him this week but if you’ve got an option on the bubble I like going there a bit more.
TO: CONSIDER – He looked good, but not as sold as I was on Hustwaite to go early. A lack of other options could force my hand.
MF: CONSIDER – I’ll change my tune next week after another four-quarter performance from the rookie, but we watched Ross Lyon sub Garcia out before half time not too long ago …
Chad Warner ($488,200 MID/FWD)
AP: BUY – Still expect some ups and downs but price is too good to ignore.
TM: BUY – There was absolutely no logic to him scoring 140 against GWS Giants, especially with the Toby Bedford tag. But I will begrudgingly say well done if you got on last week. If you didn’t, suck it up and get him in before he’s above $500k.
Patch: BUY – Lock. Him. In.
TO: BUY – In hot form now and is still great buying at under $500k.
MF: BUY – Playing 70+% in the mid again after a slow start to the season, now forward eligible and putting in big scores. Jump on.
Max Gawn ($687,400 RUC)
AP: PASS – It’s killing me not having him but can’t be paying that kind of money. He’s not playing Richmond or West Coast this week, thank god.
TM: BUY – There aren’t many players I would say yes to paying almost $700k for but big Max is one. It might be 4-5 weeks before his price is back under $650k and you could lose out on a lot of points between now and then if you wait.
Patch: PASS – He’s too expensive. You’re better off with a 550k premium and a spare 150k to go towards your next upgrade … as much as it sucksssssssssssss.
TO: CONSIDER – Soooo expensive but if you thought his run of huge scores might end against Hawthorn, he averages 130 against the brown and gold.
MF: PASS – He’s playing out of his skin and defying Father Time, but he’s almost $700k. I’ll wait for a bad game, if it ever comes, to consider.
Zach Merrett ($596,300 MID)
AP: CONSIDER – Great player, but he’s not all that cheap.
TM: PASS – The James Jordon tag has been less effective in the last month but he’ll saddle up next to Merrett this round. A break even of 89 should mean he isn’t too expensive next round – and might even come at a slight discount.
Patch: CONSIDER – I want him so bad man, you don’t understand. I need him in my side and by my side. But, I think there are better, cheaper options and we’re better to come back next week post-Jordon.
TO: AVOID – Wouldn’t bring Merrett in with James Jordon around the corner. But he is a great target to have ahead of his clash with Richmond in round 11.
MF: BUY – Merrett is super consistent at being at the top end of the scoring mids each year. Happy to get him for under $600k.
Will Lorenz ($119,900 MID)
AP: PASS – I’m off Port wingers. Definitely need to see another game before going there.
TM: CONSIDER – Took his opportunity on the wing in Ballarat, scoring 83 points from 15 disposals. But there are enough rookie options this week you don’t need to go early. Boxshall looks more trustworthy if you are going to pick a one-gamer.
Patch: CONSIDER – What Tim said.
TO: AVOID – His price won’t change for another week so I’d be waiting on Lorenz.
MF: CONSIDER – Similarly to Boxshall, wait a week. Could be a great double downgrade week, or even triple if Joe Fonti holds his place for a couple more weeks.
Izak Rankine ($520,500 MID/FWD)
AP: BUY – I keep saying to buy him and for some reason when I open my team he isn’t there.
TM: BUY – Still costs less than he did at the start of the season but that price tag is going up fast. Rankine had his highest CBAs (68 per cent) for a month in the first of 4-6 games Matt Crouch will miss through injury.
Patch: BUY – Should be your No. 1 priority if you’re trading in the forward line this week and don’t have him.
TO: BUY – It’s a big sample size now for us to know Rankine is a candidate to be F2 behind Macrae by the end of the year.
MF: CONSIDER – There’s a lot of really good forward options now, so where does he fit in the realm of Horne-Francis, Smith, Macrae, Warner, Petracca, Jackson, Daniel?
Christian Petracca ($523,900 MID/FWD)
AP: BUY – Not too late.
TM: BUY – Not a great time to be getting Petracca in, but it’s still worth it. He’s coming off two easy kills and has Hawthorn this week, which is a less easy match-up.
Patch: BUY – You’re two weeks late but he’s good value. Get him in.
TO: BUY – Missed his two easier match-ups but Petracca’s role is great for SuperCoach and he is a star.
MF: BUY – One of many good forward options. He’s currently 4th in total points and is starting to hit good form, and you can get him for $32k less than what you would’ve at the start of the year.
Marcus Bontempelli ($693,500 MID)
AP: PASS – See Gawn notes above.
TM: BUY – Stupidly thought Bontempelli might get cheaper when he made a slow start against Port Adelaide, only for him to still end up with 141 points. I think I said this last week but there’s no bad time to get the Bont in.
Patch: AVOID – He’s too expensive, go for someone else.
TO: CONSIDER – If you somehow had the cash to go from someone like Short to Bont, it’s an option to consider. But don’t blow up your team to get him in.
MF: AVOID – Too expensive for me, for now. But he’s a must have in the coming weeks when he hopefully dips down a bit.
Joe Fonti ($160,600 DEF)
AP: PASS – Took Connor Stone’s spot so he’s in my bad books. Could be one we look at on the bubble next week if he scores well again.
TM: PASS – Wait another week. I’m wary of jumping on any GWS defender when they’re all so desperate to have the footy. Lachie Ash’s scoring took a hit on the weekend (85) and there are only so many points left when Lachie Whitfield scores his weekly 110.
Patch: PASS – No thank you, not this week. Have another gander. I prefer Riley Hardeman if you’ve got another 30k.
TO: AVOID – Won’t be going early on Fonti, especially at an inflated price for a rookie.
MF: CONSIDER – Plays a great role, but there were a few out last week and it was his first game of the season. Job security might be a bit iffy, but watch this space and see if he can hold his spot for a few weeks.
Originally published as SuperCoach AFL 2025: Expert verdicts on most popular trades for round 9
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