The SuperCoach points of difference to know if Patrick Dangerfield misses Round 1

SOMETIMES in SuperCoach it pays to take the road less travelled, and Patrick Dangerfield’s injury creates the perfect opportunity to find a unique midfield premium.

SOMETIMES in SuperCoach it pays to take the road less travelled.

Patrick Dangerfield devotees are now facing a tricky choice — keep or drop — and it presents the perfect opportunity to find a unique midfield premium.

Some of the game’s best scorers are in criminally few SuperCoach teams and there is a significant advantage to picking a point of difference.

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We’re not saying overlook Dustin Martin or Nat Fyfe — those guys are locks — but outside of them the field is wide open and often the $50,000 grand prize or league glory is decided by your unique picks.

Below we look at some of last year’s best who have largely been overlooked this season, from Melbourne dynamo Clayton Oliver (in 7.4 per cent of teams) to Carlton skipper Marc Murphy (in just 0.8 per cent).

With all the talk of “cookie-cutter” teams, are you brave enough to separate from the crowd?

Patrick Dangerfield and Mitch Duncan share a laugh together at training.

FELLOW CATS

MITCH DUNCAN - 2.1 per cent ownership

The fourth Musketeer, Duncan proved in JLT 2 that he remains a force to be reckoned with, scoring a massive 145. He dropped under 90 just twice in 2017, to underline his consistency and should remain a full-time mid while Ablett and Danger share forward duties.

JOEL SELWOOD - 3.4 per cent ownership

Much like Duncan, we don’t expect Selwood’s midfield minutes to decrease with the addition of Gary Ablett. Unlike last year, Selwood comes into Round 1 cherry ripe and should return to his natural scoring potential, in the previous four years he averaged 118, 120, 104 and 111.

NEW BLOOD

CLAYTON OLIVER - 7.4 per cent ownership

Oliver exploded in his second season with Melbourne, taking his average from 70 to 111. The midfield bull’s ability to get first hands on the ball in the contest makes him very SuperCoach friendly and with Max Gawn back at 100 per cent, he could even improve in 2018.

DAYNE ZORKO - 7.5 per cent ownership

While he’s far from “new blood”, Zorko has now entrenched himself as one of the AFL’s most damaging midfielders, especially with his ability to push forward and hit the scoreboard. The Lions are only going to get better in the future, which can only help Zorko’s scoring.

Dayne Zorko is one of the game’s most damaging midfielders.

Taylor Adams is a midfielder only in 2018. Picture: Mark Stewart

DPP LOST

TAYLOR ADAMS - 1.5 per cent ownership

Adams became a must-have after securing defender-midfielder status last year but is a midfielder only this season. However, that’s no reason to overlook a star who averaged 107 and scored 95-plus 18 times.

JACKSON MACRAE - 1.1 per cent ownership

Likewise, Macrae was a must-have last year as a midfield-forward. He finished 2017 as the Bulldogs No.1 scorer, averaging 106 and scoring 90-plus 17 times. If the Dogs return to form then expect Macrae to be a big part of that.

RETURN TO FORM?

SCOTT PENDLEBURY - 5.3 per cent ownership

“DePendlebury” had his worst season since 2008 last year, averaging 106 and scoring eight 100s in his 16 games before missing the final six weeks with a hand injury. Scores of 60 and 60 in Collingwood’s two JLT games don’t add any confidence.

RORY SLOANE - 4.7 per cent ownership

Fair to say Rory got on people’s nerves last year. The Crows star averaged 110 by scoring 120-plus 10 times but 80 or less seven times as well. While the big scores are great, we hope for more consistency in 2018.

Rory Sloane was inconsistent in 2017. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Marc Murphy returned to form in 2017. Picture: Michael Klein

SAFE AS HOUSES

MARC MURPHY - 0.8 per cent ownership

The Carlton skipper returned to full fitness and full SuperCoach form in 2017. After just 10 games in 2016, Murphy played all 22 in 2017 and averaged 108, his best since 2012. Carlton are looking to move up the ladder in 2018 and Murphy will be leading the charge.

LACHIE NEALE - 4.6 per cent ownership

There have been few midfielders in recent years who can find the pill as well as Neale and that’s reflected in his SuperCoach consistency. Since bursting onto the scene in 2015 he’s averaged 104, 112 and 109. He scored 90-plus 17 times in 2017.

JOSH KENNEDY - 3.2 per cent ownership

There have been fewer safer SuperCoach picks than the Sydney captain. Despite a “down year” Kennedy still scored 90-plus 14 times in 18 games. We’re not expecting a downturn after posting season averages of 113, 110, 113, 105 and 120 in the previous five years.

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Originally published as The SuperCoach points of difference to know if Patrick Dangerfield misses Round 1