The Phantom’s Round 5 Trade Talk: The forward-line role that’s killing Power veteran Justin Westhoff’s SuperCoach scoring

After a career-best season in 2018, a clear role change is affecting the SuperCoach scoring of Justin Westhoff. The Phantom looks at the numbers and who can replace him. Plus Q&A re-cap

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After a career-best season in 2018, a clear role change is affecting the SuperCoach scoring of Port Adelaide’s Justin Westhoff. The Phantom looks at the numbers and who can replace him.

More than 23,000 SuperCoaches started with Port Adelaide veteran Justin Westhoff.

And you can’t blame them.

The 32-year-old averaged a career-best 101 points per game last season and is available as a dual-position forward-ruck in 2019.

Justin Westhoff is playing as permanent forward in 2019.

Westhoff’s ownership climbed by more than 30 per cent after a huge five-goal, 149-point performance leading the Power’s attack in Round 1.

But in the past three matches, Westhoff has posted scores of 47, 39 and 49 to lose more than $110k off his starting price tag.

Despite the impressive start, the forward-line role is killing Westhoff’s SuperCoach scoring.

Last year, Westhoff didn’t have a permanent position, splitting his time all over the ground.

2018 POSITION SPLITS

FORWARD: 37%

RUCK: 34%

WING: 23%

2019 POSITION SPLITS

FORWARD: 71%

RUCK: 0%

WING: 28%

DEFENCE: 1%

Spending 57% of time in the midfield in 2018 allowed Westhoff to average career-highs in disposals, tackles, hitouts, clearances, contested possessions and rebound 50s.

But with Westhoff not spending any time in the ruck so far in 2019, Champion Data numbers reveal his midfield percentage has fallen by 29 per cent.

And the fall is mirrored in his key numbers.

Westhoff is averaging four less disposals, two less tackles, three less contested possessions, two less clearances and one less rebound 50 per game this year.

And with the Paddy Ryder-Scott Lycett combination working well in the ruck and key-forward Charlie Dixon unlikely return until the second half of the year, Westhoff will remain forward for the time being.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to trade, SuperCoaches.

THE OPTIONS

FORWARD

Travis Boak is a must-have SuperCoach forward in 2019.

Travis Boak (Port) $561,300

Average: 128, Breakeven: 58

If you’ve got the money, trading Westhoff to Boak is absolutely the best way to go. The former Power skipper is the fourth-ranked scorer in the game and appears a must-have forward this season.

Jack Billings (StK) $473,100

Average: 101, Breakeven: 43

He started the year with back-to-back in the 80s but Billings has gone bang with two SuperCoach tons in the past two rounds. The 23-year-old’s 126-point performance against the Hawks was on the back of 34 disposals and 10 contested possessions.

Caleb Daniel has won plenty of football in a SuperCoach-friendly role at half-back so far this year.

C aleb Daniel (WB) $471,900

Average: 103, Breakeven: 87

The sample is now too big to ignore. After posting three SuperCoach tons in the final four rounds of 2018, Daniel has shown his new half-back role is a very SuperCoach-friendly one. The skilful right-footer is averaging 26 disposals, six rebound 50s and 103 points as the Bulldogs’ playmaker from defence.

J ames Worpel (Haw) $429,000

Average: 93, Breakeven: 79

If you’re short on cash, the young Hawk is worth some thought. Don’t worry about the fact he’s already had two price increases, the 20-year-old leads Hawthorn for disposals, contested possessions and clearances and has scored 85 points or more in the each of the opening four rounds.

Rowan Marshall (StK) $406,100

Average: 115, Breakeven: 7

Speaking of price rises, Marshall, who has been leading the Saints’ ruck brigade in the absence of Billy Longer is set to rise again — after a $65k increase last week — on the back of three consecutive SuperCoach tons. Can he keep it up?

RUCK

Shane Mumford (GWS)

Average: 101, Breakeven: -15

If you can’t get to Max Gawn or Brodie Grundy then Mumford, who has posted scores of 91 and 111 since returning from suspension in Round 3, is your man.