The Phantom’s 2018 SuperCoach pre-season: Mid-price smokies for your watchlist
THERE is plenty of mid-price value out there if you look hard enough. But the question is, how different do you want to be? The Phantom looks at five left-field mid-price options.
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THERE is plenty of mid-price value out there if you look hard enough. But the question is, how different do you want to be? The Phantom looks at five left-field mid-price options.
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Jack Sinclair (StK) $459,500, midfielder
Sinclair is the best player at St Kilda.
No, that’s not one of The Phantom’s left-field statements, that’s how Champion Data - the AFL’s official statistician – see it.
Not only was the 22-year-old the single Saint to be ranked as elite by Champion Data, Sinclair was his club’s highest-rated player – and the highest-rated wingman in the competition – for AFL Player Rating points in 2017.
Sure, it’s surprising but Sinclair’s numbers prove he does it all.
The small-forward-turned-wingman averaged 21 disposals, eight contested possessions, three tackles, six score involvements and 1.4 score assists per game in 2017.
After breaking back into the side in Round 6, the clever Sinclair increased his SuperCoach average from 55 to 84 in his third-year in the game.
And, after averaging 95 in the final five games of the season, this number could rise again.
The Phantom’s verdict: Sinclair is awkwardly priced, just below the premium bracket. But if his upwards trend continues, he might become a premium scorer very soon.
Dom Sheed (WC) $459,500, midfielder
At exactly the same price after exactly the same average as Sinclair in 2017, the 22-year-old midfielder looks set to take on a bigger role in the Eagles’ engine room without Matt Priddis and Sam Mitchell.
Although he featured heavily through there last season, increasing his disposal average by more than five and his metres gained by 134 per game, Sheed, alongside Luke Shuey, becomes a leader in 2018.
After an encouraging second year in 2015 saw the 185cm left-footer score three SuperCoach tons and break the 90-point barrier four times, injury restricted his development in 2016.
But Sheed was back in 2017 and, even though he finished with a season average of only 84, enjoyed a strong run of form between Rounds 11 and 19.
Sheed posted five SuperCoach tons in eight games to average 95 during this period.
The Phantom’s verdict: Again, awkwardly priced but his numbers should improve with added responsibility.
Mitch Robinson (Bris) $406,400, forward
The returning Brisbane hardnut has averaged more than 80 points in seven of his nine seasons in the competition, with a career-high of 93 in 2015 – his first year at the Lions.
The former Blue, who missed the final 16 games of 2017 with injury, provides plenty of value at $400k given he will slot straight back into a midfield-forward role in 2018.
There were glimpses at Carlton but it was in his first season at Brisbane when the midfield enforcer really showcased his scoring power.
The 28-year-old averaged 28 disposals, 10 tackles and 111 SuperCoach points in the final 10 rounds of 2015.
Robinson’s scoring became a little inconsistent the following season as he was given a number of run-with roles but the two games prior to the Round 7 injury in 2016, Robinson posted consecutive SuperCoach tons.
The Phantom’s verdict: With plenty of young talent around him, as a leader, can Robinson return to the form of 2016? The JLT Series might give us a better indication.
Brayden Maynard (Coll) $394,800 defender
“I’d love to play midfield all year.”
Those were 21-year-old Maynard’s words as he signed a contract at the beginning of the pre-season.
While his numbers playing as defender failed to hit any great heights on a consistent basis over the past two seasons, Maynard’s 23 disposals, 13 contested possessions, five clearances and 109 SuperCoach points in the final game of 2017, playing through the midfield, was a glimpse into the future.
It was also reminiscent of Maynard’s TAC Cup days as an inside midfielder.
In his draft year of 2014, Maynard averaged 22 disposals, nine contested possessions, six tackles and 126 SuperCoach points
But, everyone wants to play in the middle over the pre-season and, with an already heavily-stocked midfield group, we’ll have to wait and see if a permanent move does eventuate.
The Phantom’s verdict: Would be a very left-field selection but he’s high on the JLT Series watchlist.
Nathan Wilson (Freo) $417,300 defender
During his time at the Giants, the 25-year-old rebounding defender had to bide his time behind Heath Shaw and then, last year, Zac Williams as the main go-to man out of defence.
Still, Wilson’s numbers have improved in an impressive rate over the past two seasons.
The long-kicking right footer increased his SuperCoach average from 51 to 67 in 2016 before climbing to 76 last year. This mirrored an increase in disposals per game; 12 to 17 in 2016 and up to 18 in 2018.
Wilson, who ranked sixth in the AFL for metres gained, posted two SuperCoach tons and eight scores of more than 80 in 2017.
But now, at Fremantle – a team crying out for more players who can kick the footy with precision – Wilson should become the No. 1 man behind the play.
Expect the trend to continue – maybe at an even faster rate – this season as the Dockers look to get the ball in Wilson’s hand whenever they can.
The Phantom’s verdict: Will it be a big enough spike to see him push into the top 6-8 defenders? It’s hard to be certain.
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