The good, the bad and every selection from The Phantom’s SuperCoach Draft
Playing SuperCoach Draft this year? Here is the full re-cap of The Phantom’s SuperCoach Draft night, including every selection, analysis and what the coaches said
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- The Phantom’s Top-50 Draft rankings
JLT Series Week 2 Standouts: Midfielders | Defenders
JLT Series Week 1 Standouts: Midfielders | Defenders | Ruckmen | Forwards
If you haven’t played SuperCoach Draft before, you’re missing out.
Arguably, it’s a fun, more-exciting way to play our favourite fantasy game.
Take part in a league with your mates — or join any available public league — and select a unique SuperCoach team through a live draft where each player is only available once.
Last week, The Phantom assembled 11 SuperCoaches from The Advertiser to take part in the inaugural Phantom Draft League.
It was a night full of laughs, banter and serious SuperCoach.
Here is how it unfolded.
Liz Walsh
Sport Reporter, The Advertiser
The good
The luxury of the first pick allowed Walsh to secure last season’s top-scorer in Grundy, while Merrett and Witherden could both be top-eight scorers in their respective positions. Tiger Kane Lambert looks a steal in the 10th-round.
The question mark
With a number of other standout midfielders still available, the selection of Brad Crouch at pick No. 49 turned a few heads. At his best, he could become the top SuperCoach scorer at the Crows but will his body hold up?
What they said
“As the official expansion team for this season’s SC Draft comp, I was pleased to somehow be gifted the No. 1 pick and get Brodie Grundy - the gun. But I was equally pleased to get Brad Crouch who everyone else was ignoring, but he’s fit and firing.”
Draft selections
Pick No. 1: Brodie Grundy (Ruck)
24: Zach Merrett (Mid)
25: Alex Witherden (Def)
48: Tom McDonald (Fwd)
49: Brad Crouch (Mid)
72: Jack Gunston (Fwd)
73: Harris Andrews (Def)
96: Tom Doedee (Def)
97: Luke Shuey (Mid)
120: Kane Lambert (Fwd)
121: Jared Polec (Mid)
144: Izak Rankine (Fwd)
145: Zak Butters (Mid)
168: Shaun Burgoyne (Mid)
169: Jordan Lewis (Def)
Graham Cornes
Inaugural Crows coach, The Advertiser columnist
The good
Cornes couldn’t go wrong at Pick No. 2, securing Dangerfield, who is every chance of leap-frogging Grundy for total points this year. Star midfielders Rory Sloane at pick No. 47, Sidebottom at No. 50 and dual-position forward Mitch Robinson at No. 98 were the other highlights of Cornes’ draft haul. Gold Coast co-captain David Swallow with his final selection could also prove to be bargain.
The question mark
Was No. 23 too high for young Bomber Andrew McGrath? Maybe not on potential, given the 20-year-old has shown all the traits of an elite AFL midfielder, but is 2019 his year?
What they said
“I was out of my comfort zone, surrounded by the young SuperCoach nerds but they guided me through. I slipped Patrick Dangerfield in as a forward with pick No. 2 and it was important to get a ruckman early so I was lucky to get Stefan Martin in the third round. I was really happy with Steele Sidebottom - I’ve always been a fan.”
Draft selections
Pick No. 2: Patrick Dangerfield (Fwd/Mid)
23: Andrew McGrath (Def/Mid)
26: Stefan Martin (Ruck)
47: Rory Sloane (Mid)
50: Steele Sidebottom (Mid)
71: Dyson Heppell (Mid)
74: Bryce Gibbs (Mid)
95: Jason Johannisen (Def)
98: Mitch Robinson (Fwd/Mid)
119: Shane Edwards (Fwd/Mid)
122: Zach Tuohy (Def)
143: Touk Miller (Mid)
146: Hugh Greenwood (Mid)
167: Brad Ebert (Mid)
170: David Swallow (Mid)
Josh Money
Fox Sports
The good
Took Macrae, this season’s likely top-midfielder, with the third-overall selection and then utilised his following three picks to load up at either end of the ground with Josh Dunkley, Sam Menegola and Jack Crisp. Demon James Harmes would’ve been much higher than No. 118 on Money’s pre-draft list and once injured Docker Connor Blakely returns, other coaches will be asking themselves why they didn’t jump earlier than No. 142.
The question mark
After taking him in the seventh round, Money will be hoping Jeremy Cameron can return to his match-winning best this season.
What they said
“Overall pretty happy with my efforts. Obviously delighted to have Macrae leading my team this year. I was very surprised Brayshaw slipped to No. 51 but I was happy to take him! Dom Sheed at No. 146 was a good bit of business too, while my biggest risk was backing Lachie Weller to have a breakout year.”
Draft selections:
Pick No. 3: Jack Macrae (Mid)
22: Josh Dunkley (Fwd)
27: Sam Menegola (Fwd/Mid)
46: Jack Crisp (Def)
51: Angus Brayshaw (Mid)
70: Jayden Short (Def)
75: Jeremy Cameron (Fwd)
94: Lachie Weller (Def/Mid)
99: Sam Jacobs (Ruck)
118: James Harmes (Mid)
123: Marc Murphy (Mid)
142: Connor Blakely (Def)
147: Dom Sheed (Mid)
166: Pearce Hanley (Def)
171: Kyle Langford (Fwd/Mid)
The Eradicator
The Phantom’s Lair SuperCoach Podcast
The good
Snapped up Max Gawn, who is likely to be well ahead of the third-ranked ruckman despite the recruitment of Brayden Preuss, with his first selection and still secured two star midfielders in Matt Crouch (No. 21) and Seb Ross (No. 45).
The question mark
The Eradicator is firm in his belief 2019 is the year of Jack Billings but his selection in the fifth round drew a number of gasps, while Gary Ablett (no. 76) the permanent forward is still an unknown SuperCoach quantity.
What they said
“I grabbed Gawn with my first pick, so it was great to have the rucks locked away early. Happy with the three other lines, even if I took a bit of a risk on Ablett at No. 76. I think I would’ve handled my bench a little differently if I had my time again after seeing what the others did.”
Draft selections
Pick No. 4: Max Gawn (Ruck)
21: Matt Crouch (Mid)
28: Zac Williams (Def)
45: Seb Ross (Mid)
52: Jack Billings (Fwd)
69: Jack Martin (Fwd)
76: Gary Ablett (Mid)
93: Jarrod Harbrow (Def)
100: Alex Rance (Def)
117: Jarryd Lyons (Mid)
124: Jack Ziebell (Fwd)
141: Jacob Hopper (Mid)
148: Rhys Stanley (Ruck)
165: Blake Acres (Fwd/Mid)
172: Dale Thomas (Def)
Patrick Keam
Sports Reporter, Messenger
The good
The midfield. Keam has assembled one of the strongest engine rooms in the league after picking up Patrick Cripps (No.5), Adam Treloar (No. 29), Lachie Hunter (No.92) and Jaeger O’Meara (No.125) in a well-balanced draft haul.
The question mark
Will Toby McLean return to his SuperCoach best in 2019? Keam is showing plenty of faith in the 23-year-old, despite Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge’s constant rotation of his midfielder-forward hybrids.
What they said
“I was pretty set on getting Gawn in the first round and hoped he would fall to me at No. 5. But getting Cripps is a great consolation. Took McLean as my first forward in round four and along with Hogan and Petracca, it makes for an unpredictable line. If it pays off, I would have got them at great value.”
Draft selections
Pick No. 5: Patrick Cripps (Mid)
20: Kade Simpson (Def)
29: Adam Treloar (Mid)
44: Toby McLean (Fwd)
53: Luke Ryan (Def)
68: Jesse Hogan (Fwd)
77: Michael Hurley (Def)
92: Lachie Hunter (Mid)
101: Christian Petracca (Fwd/Mid)
116: Tom Bellchambers (Ruck)
125: Jaeger O’Meara (Mid)
140: Tom J. Lynch (Rich)
149: David Zaharakis (Mid)
164: Charlie Curnow (Fwd)
173: Adam Kennedy (Def)
Antimo Iannella
Adelaide Confidential, The Advertiser & The Phantom’s Lair SuperCoach Podcast
The good
Iannella gets a top-five midfielder in Oliver (No.6), while also landing a top-scoring forward in Devon Smith (No. 19). Bomber recruit Dylan Shiel was a draft slider but Iannella was happy to swoop with his ninth selection – and rightly so. Bulldog Tom Liberatore at pick No. 139 could be the steal of the draft.
The question mark
Toby Greene’s name on GWS’ teamsheet for the second JLT Series match was enough to convince Iannella but can the match-winning Giant return to his best straight away? An intriguing selection.
What they said
“Very happy with the balance of my squad, pleased with my midfield. Just need Greene and Mills to fire. “
Draft selections
Pick No. 6: Clayton Oliver (Mid)
19: Devon Smith (Fwd/Mid)
30: Toby Nankervis (Ruck)
43: Luke Parker (Mid)
54: Callum Mills (Def)
67: Dayne Zorko (Mid)
78: Jeremy McGovern (Def)
91: Toby Greene (Fwd)
102: Dylan Shiel (Mid)
115: Dylan Roberton (Def)
126: Rory Lobb (Ruck/Fwd)
139: Tom Liberatore (Mid)
150: Luke Dahlhaus (Fwd/Mid)
163: Mark Blicavs (Def)
174: Dion Prestia (Mid)
Matt Turner
Sports Editor, Messenger & The Phantom’s Lair SuperCoach Podcast
The good
Turner went bang with his first two selections and locked in two elite SuperCoach midfielders in team-mates Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio, while dual-position ruckman Callum Sinclair could prove a good get in the seventh round.
The question mark
While they’ve got the runs on the board, how many games will Turner get from experienced duo Heath Shaw and Jarrad McVeigh in 2019?
What they said
“Apparently all Supercoach Draft participants are meant to be happy with their choices. I’m bucking the trend because I’m not thrilled at all. Old defence, flaky forward line, Sydney’s potential no.2 ruckman. Finishing higher than bottom will take a monumental effort.”
Draft selections
Pick No. 7: Josh Kelly (Mid)
18: Stephen Coniglio (Mid)
31: Mitch Duncan (Mid)
42: Tom Hawkins (Fwd)
55: Mitch Wallis (Fwd/Mid)
66: Heath Shaw (Def)
79: Callum Sinclair (Ruck/Fwd)
90: Wayne Milera (Def/Mid)
103: Jarrad McVeigh (Def)
1 14: Jack Redden (Mid)
127: Brandan Parfitt (Fwd/Mid)
138: Aaron Francis (Def)
151: Bachar Houli (Def)
162: Bradley Hill (Mid)
175: Will Setterfield (Fwd/Mid)
Adam Langenberg
Political reporter, The Advertiser
The good
Langenberg went into the draft with a clear strategy and executed it perfectly, taking two likely top-six defenders in Jake Lloyd and Lachie Whitfield, star forward Lance Franklin and the fourth-highest averaging ruckman last season in Ben McEvoy with is first four selections. And then he got Joel Selwood at No. 65.
The question mark
Given his inconsistent form, injury and suspension history, was Docker Michael Walters a stretch at pick No. 56?
What they said
“I loaded up down back as a first priority as the midfield options run deep. I think Lloyd, Whitfield and Suckling could be the best defence in the league. I’ve made some risky forward selections which will make or break my season.”
Draft selections
Pick No. 8: Jake Lloyd (Def)
17: Lachie Whitfield (Def)
32: Lance Franklin (Fwd)
41: Ben McEvoy (Ruck)
56: Michael Walters (Fwd)
65: Joel Selwood (Mid)
80: Matthew Suckling (Def)
8 9: Callan Ward (Mid)
104: Jade Gresham (Fwd)
1 13: Trent Cotchin (Mid)
128: Jack Steven (Mid)
137: Ed Curnow (Mid)
152: Josh Caddy (Fwd)
161: Tom Hickey (Ruck)
176: Luke Hodge (Def)
Andrew Capel
Sports reporter, The Advertiser
The good
Capel walked out of the draft with a very balanced squad after drafting a top-scoring player in each position with his four selections. The fourth, Cat Tim Kelly, was a great get at pick No. 40.
The question mark
He posted a big score in the first week of the JLT Series – and he’s done it on occasion in the past – but pick No. 88 appears early for Kangaroo Jamie Macmillan. Time will tell.
What they said
“Satisfied with my draft haul. My old mate Cornesy snatched a few players from right under my nose, which was frustrating, but overall I think I’ve got a solid midfield, a good, reliable ruckman (Justin Westhoff) and some big ball-winners in attack and defence.’’
Draft selections
Pick No. 9: Rory Laird (Def)
16: Elliot Yeo (Mid)
33: Justin Westhoff (Fwd/Ruck)
40: Tim Kelly (Fwd/Mid)
57: Dayne Beams (Mid)
64: Jack Riewoldt (Fwd)
81: Travis Boak (Fwd)
88: Jamie Macmillan (Def)
105: Josh P. Kennedy (Mid)
112: Ollie Wines (Mid)
129: Michael Hibberd (Def)
136: Ben Cunnington (Mid)
153: Caleb Daniel (Fwd)
160: Tom Jonas (Def)
177: Trent Dumont (Mid)
The Phantom
The Advertiser
The good
Compiled a strong midfield, led by proven stars Dustin Martin and Andrew Gaff followed by breakout contenders Jack Steele and Tim Taranto. Taylor Adams, who is set to miss the opening few rounds, might prove a great pick in the 11th round. While Tiger Jack Higgins might finish 2019 much higher than his draft selection of No. 178 suggests.
The question mark
Paddy Ryder? Even if you put the recent injury aside, what was The Phantom thinking? The pressure got to him. Took Tom Mitchell for keeper league reasons but he might not have the depth to carry him through the entire season.
What they said
“Very happy to walk away with that midfield and still get the second-best forward, in my opinion, Isaac Heeney. But it’s true. I cracked under pressure when reaching for a ruckman”
Draft selections
Pick No. 10: Isaac Heeney (Fwd)
15: Dustin Martin (Mid)
34: Shannon Hurn (Def)
39: Andrew Gaff (Mid)
58: Tim Taranto (Mid)
63: Nic Newman (Def)
82: Jack Darling (Fwd)
87: Jack Steele (Mid)
106: Paddy Ryder (Ruck)
111: Christian Salem (Def)
130: Taylor Adams (Mid)
135: Orazio Fantasia (Fwd)
154: Tom Mitchell (Mid)
159: Bailey Williams (Def)
178: Jack Higgins (Fwd)
Reece Homfray
Chief Sports Writer, The Advertiser
The good
Secured Brisbane’s new gun midfielder Lachie Neale with his second selection and found some value with Tom Stewart in the eighth round and Collingwood ball magnet Tom Phillips at No. 158. In a keeper league, picking Sam Walsh is also a big tick.
The question mark
He’s a future SuperCoach hall-of-famer but can Scott Pendlebury justify his selection at No. 38?
What they said
“Rapt to get a decent ruckman with Todd Goldstein at Pick 11, snared Lachie Neale at 14 and Brodie Smith was a steal at 35. And we stuck to our philosophy of chasing blokes from country Victoria with Scott Pendlebury so very happy.”
Draft selections
Pick No. 11: Todd Goldstein (Ruck)
14: Lachie Neale (Mid)
35: Brodie Smith (Def)
38: Scott Pendlebury (Mid)
59: Robbie Gray (Fwd)
62: Luke Breust (Fwd)
83: Shane Savage (Def)
86: Tom Stewart (Def)
107: Chad Wingard (Fwd)
110: Jack Viney (Mid)
131: Sam Walsh (Mid)
134: Ben Brown (Fwd)
155: Scott Lycett (Ruck/Fwd)
158: Tom Phillips (Mid)
179: Daniel Rich (Def)
Liam Phillips
The Phantom’s SuperCoach Podcast
The good
Phillips used his first back-to-back selections to take Nat Fyfe and defender James Sicily, while assembling a great ruck department with Jarrod Witts and Shane Mumford. Collingwood star Jordan De Goey was a great selection at pick No. 108.
The question mark
All signs point to a move back into the midfield for Docker veteran David Mundy but will coach Ross Lyon keep it that way for 22 games?
What they said
“I was pumped to land Bontempelli and Mundy at the Round 3-4 turn, and getting De Goey and McCluggage both later than expected was a nice bonus. I choked on the Higgins pick after I accidentally sorted by last years’ averages, meaning I missed out on players I rated higher - Dayne Zorko and Joel Selwood. in particular.”
Draft selections
Pick No. 12: Nat Fyfe
13: James Sicily (Def)
36: David Mundy (Fwd/Mid)
37: Marcus Bontempelli (Mid)
60: Jeremy Howe (Def)
61: Shaun Higgins (Mid)
84: Jarrod Witts (Ruck)
85: James Worpel (Fwd/Mid)
108: Jordan De Goey (Fwd/Mid)
109: Jimmy Webster (Def)
132: Liam Shiels (Mid)
133: Shane Mumford (Ruck)
156: Sam Docherty (Def)
157: Darcy Parish (Fwd/Mid)
180: Hugh McCluggage (Mid)
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