The Phantom’s Trade Talk: What to do with Michael Walters, Heath Shaw and Josh Kelly

AFTER 21 rounds of SuperCoach injury mayhem, most coaches are down to their last trade — if they’re lucky. With more injured premiums this week, BLOG RECAP.

GWS defender Heath Shaw has been ruled out for up to six weeks with a knee injury. Picture: Getty

MICHAEL WALTERS

After it was said Walters would miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury, The Phantom went over all of the trade options on every budget for all of the SuperCoaches out there.

But, now, two days later, Fremantle are saying the 27-year-old is a chance to play against the Cats after scans revealed no tear in the hamstring.

“At the moment we have an open mind with Michael and will see how he responds during the week,” Fremantle’s senior physiotherapist Dr Jeff Boyle told the club’s website on Tuesday.

I should be happy but I’m a little confused.

Let’s wait and see.

HEATH SHAW

Shaw is one who will definitely miss the rest of the year after the Giants confirmed the veteran defender torn his medial ligament in his knee against the Crows.

If you’re an owner, there are four great options all within $4k of Shaw’s $451k price tag.

Brodie Smith (Adel) $452,100

Round 21 score: 129

Adelaide’s Brodie Smith has made an impressive return from long-term injury. Picture SARAH REED

The Phantom’s favourite is back, posting a team-high 129 points in just his second senior appearance since tearing his ACL in last year’s qualifying final. The rebounding defender looks in terrific shape and the Crows host the Kangaroos this week before travelling to take on the Blues in SuperCoach Grand Final week. And only 418 teams have the 26-year-old.

Alex Witherden (Bris) $451,000

Round 21 score: 110

After a season-high 131 points against the Crows in Round 18, Witherden was quiet in the following two matches, posting scores of 73 and 78. But he bounced back against the Magpies, tallying 31 disposals, 11 marks and 110 SuperCoach points. It’s the Q Clash on Saturday so expect the damaging playmaker to, once again, find plenty of the ball.

Jack Crisp (Coll) $449,900

Round 21 score: 111

Between Rounds 8 and 17, the Collingwood defender scored 92 points or more in every game, posting six SuperCoach tons along the way. Crisp then struggled to have an influence against the Kangaroos and Tigers in the following two weeks but is back on track of back-to-back scores of 100 or more in the past two weeks.

Tom McDonald (Melb) $447,900

Round 21 score: 103

After some big numbers on his return to the side in Round 6, McDonald’s 39-point performance in Round 15 sent his price nose diving and it’s yet to recover. The strong-marking forward is available for less than $450k for the first time this season, despite posting scores of 107, 89, 80 and 103 in the past month. But he’ll need to build on those scores if the Demons are to make the finals, especially with the loss of forward-line sidekick Jesse Hogan for the season.

JOSH KELLY

While Giants Head of Athletic Performance David Joyce seemed a little more open, stating Kelly has “improved every single day” and that they will “just see how the week plays out”, coach Leon Cameron was less optimistic.

“He’s probably more unlikely than likely.” Cameron told the media on Tuesday.

I’d start preparing for a preliminary final without Kelly this week, SuperCoaches.

The good thing is you’re not short of options.

Bulldog Jack Macrae is the No. 1 option if you don’t have him, while the form of Clayton Oliver, Zach Merrett and Lachie Neale has been terrific. The Phantom prefers Oliver ahead of the other two but only just.

If you want — or need — to be different, consider Docker Nat Fyfe who is a chance to return this week. While the star midfielder hasn’t played since Round 15, we all know the scoring power he possesses. Keep your eyes on the Fremantle team sheet as Fyfe just has to get through training on Thursday to be considered.

Saint Seb Ross, who has posted consecutive scores of more than 150, is another left-field option to consider. Ross is averaging 118 points per game at Etihad Stadium this season and the Saints are there for the final two weeks.