The Phantom’s Take: How every player traded fits into their new club and the world of SuperCoach in 2020
It was a huge AFL trade period with some big — and some not so big — names moving clubs. The Phantom looks at the numbers, big questions, SuperCoach price and gives his verdict on how every traded player fits in for 2020.
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The Phantom gives his analysis on how every player traded fits into their new side and the world of SuperCoach in 2020.
Tom Cutler
Brisbane to Essendon
The deal: Cutler and pick No. 64 for pick No. 73 and 2020 fourth-round selection
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 3, SuperCoach average: 78
Average 2015-2018: 54, 76, 71, 81
In his past 43 senior appearances, the Brisbane ball magnet has tallied 20 disposals or more in 24 of them and finished with at least 70 SuperCoach points on 31 occasions.
But this is dating back to the midway point of 2016, highlighting the 24-year-old’s lack of consistent opportunity — through form and injury — at the Lions.
Cutler, pick No. 33 in the 2013 draft, played 18 games in 2018, and averaged 20 disposals and 81 points per game, on the back of five SuperCoach tons.
But the 192cm Cutler battled a foot injury in 2019, playing just 10 games, with seven of them coming in the NEAFL as a result of the strength of the senior side.
His ball-winning ways continued, however, averaging 24 disposals per game in the reserves.
And there’s likely to be opportunity for him at the Bombers, given his strengths.
“He is a wingman with a lot of upside, speed and endurance. He suits the way we play,” Essendon list boss Adrian Dodoro said on the club’s website following the completion of the deal.
Importantly, given the Bombers ranked 12th for kicking efficiency in 2019, Cutler is a long, accurate right-footer, who rates above-average for disposal efficiency, effective kicks and kicking efficiency across his 66-game career.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he earn a consistent senior spot?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$300,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
I’ll be watching very closely over summer.
Aiden Bonar
GWS to North Melbourne
The deal: Bonar and 2020 fourth-round selection (via Melb) for 2020 third-round selection
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 2, SuperCoach average: 41
Average 2018: 57
Given the strength of the Giants’ midfield stocks, the 188cm Bonar was used as a forward in six career games at GWS.
But his strengths as a big-bodied midfielder is what will excite North fans.
The 20-year-old was a highly-rated junior, despite suffering two knee reconstructions prior to being drafted at pick No. 11 in 2017.
In his first year on the GWS list, Bonar ranked second in the NEAFL side for clearances, tackles and contested possessions.
This season, Bonar averaged 18 disposals, 10 contested possessions, six tackles and 94 SuperCoach points from 16 matches.
After being on the fringes at the Giants, there’s room for the 188cm Bonar at the Kangaroos.
“There’ll definitely be opportunities for Aiden to play, and we are really excited to see what he can bring to the table,” coach Rhyce Shaw said.
“You cannot pass up on bringing in someone of his skill level and talent, and we will be a better team with him on the list.”
Let’s hope that opportunity comes in the midfield.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he force his way into the Kangaroos’ Round 1 side?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$160,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
A big-bodied, rookie-price midfielder with two pre-seasons under his belt? Yes, please.
Alex Keath
Adelaide to Western Bulldogs
The deal: Keath and 2020 third-round selection for pick No. 45 and 2020 second-round selection
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 18, SuperCoach average: 76
Average 2016-2018: dnp, 54, 73
After playing just 12 games in his first two years on the list, Keath made his mark at the Crows in 2019, taking on the intercepting role after Tom Doedee’s season-ending knee injury in Round 1.
Keath didn’t just fill in, either, he starred.
Of all key-defenders, the 197cm Keath, who won a Showdown medal in his 20th career game, ranks first for contested possessions (7), fourth for intercept possessions (8.3) and fifth for disposals (16.3), rating elite in all three categories.
On average, only Jeremy McGovern, Dane Rampe, Phil Davis, Sam Frost and Aliir Aliir won more possession from an opposition disposal than Keath in 2019.
And, despite missing four matches with a leg injury, Keath’s 49 intercept marks was nine more than any Crow.
The 28-year-old is a great addition to Luke Beveridge’s side and one which allows young star Aaron Naughton to remain forward.
Keath won 18 disposals or more in nine of his 18 matches in 2019 but it’s unlikely he increases his possession count next year given the number of ball-winners already stationed in the Bulldogs’ defence and the fact he will become the No. 1 key defender.
THE BIG QUESTION
Keath boasts a terrific defensive one-on-ones record but how does he go without a Daniel Talia alongside him in 2020?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$415,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Will he improve the Bulldogs? Absolutely. Will he improve my SuperCoach team? No.
Jack Steven
St Kilda to Geelong
The deal: Steven for pick No. 58
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 7, SuperCoach average: 75.3
Average 2015-2018: 104, 103, 91, 95
A fit-and-firing Jack Steven is a highly-valuable asset in a general footy sense and from a SuperCoach point of view.
Steven has played all 22 games in four of the past seven seasons and he’s averaged 100 SuperCoach points or more in three of them.
And the fourth was in 2018 when two scores of 52 or less — under heavy opposition attention — reduced his averaged to 94 points per game.
In 2013, thanks to three scores of 150 or more, Steven finished the year as the sixth-ranked player in the competition.
Across his 183-game career, the gun midfielder rates elite for disposals, uncontested possessions, inside 50s, clearances, metres gained and score launches.
There’s no arguing he’s a star.
But Steven played just seven games in 2019 after taking time away from the club to deal with mental health issues.
In three of those matches, Steven posted a score of 90 or more but the 10-disposal, 32-point performance in Round 22 was the low-point.
The silver lining of Steven’s interrupted campaign for SuperCoaches is his price, which will based off his 74-point 2019 average.
The potential value is obvious and, in good news, Saints footy boss Simon Lethlean said “he’s feeling good, he’s back in a good space” when quizzed on the 29-year-old at the start of trade period.
THE BIG QUESTION
He’ll be 30 early next season, can he get back to his best?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$400,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Watchlist, especially if he’s a DPP.
Bradley Hill
Fremantle to St Kilda
The deal: Hill and 2020 third-round selection for Blake Acres, pick No. 10, 58, 2020 second-round selection and 2020 fourth-round selection
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 22, SuperCoach average: 85
Average 2015-2018: 79, 65, 79, 79
Numbers-wise, the star wingman arrives at St Kilda following a career-best year at the Dockers, which saw him finish third in the club’s best-and-fairest behind Nat Fyfe and Michael Walters.
In his third season at Fremantle, the 26-year-old averaged a career-high 25 disposals per game and rated elite for kicks, effective kicks, uncontested possessions, rebound 50s, metres gained and goal assists as a midfielder, despite battling a knee complaint for most of the year.
Beside goal assists, a stat he would’ve ranked equal-second in, Hill — who missed most of 2018 with a knee injury — tallied more numbers in each of these key areas than any St Kilda midfielder in 2019.
He’ll add to coach Brett Ratten’s mix immediately with the St Kilda satisfying its desire for a long-kicking line-breaker in the midfield.
The elite runner — who won the Doig Medal in his first year at Fremantle in 2017 — ranked sixth for kicks and ninth for metres gained in the competition in 2019, while Seb Ross was St Kilda’s best, finishing the year as the 42nd and 53rd-ranked player in each category respectively.
Hill will be good for the Saints but, in an awkward price bracket, will he be good enough to be SuperCoach relevant?
THE BIG QUESTION
Is he completely over the knee troubles?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$460,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
A nice fit for both parties with Hill adding some immediate class to the St Kilda engine room but a three-figure average in SuperCoach still appears unlikely.
Blake Acres
St Kilda to Fremantle
The deal: Acres, pick No. 10, 58, 2020 second-round selection and 2020 fourth-round selection for Bradley Hill and 2020 third-round selection.
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 19, SuperCoach average: 71
Average 2015-2018: 48, 75, 75, 88
The 24-year-old returns to Western Australian as part of a trade to get Hill to the Saints. Whether Acres was for the trade or not, the end result could be a win for SuperCoaches.
The consistency hasn’t been there and that could be attributed to injury and the lack of a defined role. But there’s been patches — very impressive ones, too.
In the first five rounds of 2018, Acres averaged 24 disposals, 10 contested possessions, eight score involvements, four intercepts, four marks and 106 SuperCoach points per game, playing as a pure wingman.
And that’s where the 191cm Acres is best utilised, as he also showed at the back-end of 2016, in a four-game stretch that is almost identical.
From Round 19, the long-kicking right-footer averaged 24 disposals, nine contested possessions, seven score involvements and 105 points per game.
This season, he posted three SuperCoach tons from 19 senior appearances, also playing the role of a lead-up target and running-half-forward.
Hill’s wing at the Dockers is up for grabs, can he take it?
THE BIG QUESTION
How will new coach Justin Longmuir use the versatile recruit?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$390,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Expect a spike in Acres numbers in 2020 — add him to the watchlist.
Callum Ah Chee
Gold Coast to Brisbane
The deal: Ah Chee for 2020 second-round selection and 2020 fourth-round selection
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 1, SuperCoach average: 82
Average 2016-2018: 60, 53, 55
Blistering speed, huge vertical leap, great hands and elite skills — all traits the exciting 20-year-old possesses.
And, while he’s yet to put it together consistently, due to injury and his endurance through the early part of his career, Ah Chee has all the tools to become a matchwinner at AFL level.
The No. 8 pick from the 2015 draft has played 45 games in his four years on the Gold Coast list but only one this season after ankle surgery ended his year in July.
Ah Chee finished with 82 SuperCoach points, on the back of 17 disposals — at 94 per cent efficiency — nine contested possessions, four clearances, four score involvements and three inside 50s.
But in the previous 44 matches, Ah Chee scored 82 points or more just four times.
THE BIG QUESTION
He could be a future star but where does he fit in to a full-strength Brisbane side in 2020?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$310,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
If Ah Chee keeps his dual-position status as a defender-forward and wins a spot in Chris Fagan’s Round 1 side — maybe at half-back — he could surprise.
James Aish
Collingwood to Fremantle
The deal: Aish, pick No. 69 and 2020 third-round selection for 2020 second-round selection (via StK) and 2020 fourth-round selection (via StK)
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 13, SuperCoach average: 65
Average 2015-2018: 51, 63, 57, 68
Rewind to April 2014 and in his sixth game of senior football, Aish finished with 25 disposals, eight score involvements, eight marks, four clearances, one goal and a team-high 144 SuperCoach points.
The performance wasn’t a surprise given Aish played in back-to-back senior premierships for Norwood in the SANFL in the previous two seasons. He was so damaging during his final year at the Redlegs, he was tagged as a 17-year-old.
And then seven games later, the No. 7 pick from the 2013 draft, tallied 23 disposals, nine marks, nine tackles, two goals and 120 points.
Aish would finish an impressive debut season at the top-level with 21 games to his name, winning 20 disposals or more in nine of them.
But Aish, who moved to Collingwood after two seasons at the Lions, would achieve this feat in just six of the next 31 matches of his career, as he battled form and injury issues.
As an outside ball-winner, Aish struggled to have a consistent impact in the AFL, despite his prolific junior career in the role.
The Magpies tried him forward before shifting Aish to half-back in the second-half of 2018 and it’s there where the skilful right-footer reinvented himself as a player.
But despite impressing in defence, where he highlighted a tough edge to his game, Aish found himself in and out of the side in 2019 and when former Collingwood assistant and new Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir came calling, it was an offer Aish couldn’t refuse.
And with the departure of wingmen Bradley Hill and Ed Langdon, it might be time for Longmuir and Aish to wind back the clock
THE BIG QUESTION
Where does he play?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$300,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
The move could revitalise the attacking side of Aish’s game but will it be enough to put him back into SuperCoach contention? Not likely at the price.
Josh Jenkins
Adelaide to Geelong
The deal: Jenkins and 2020 third-round selection (via GC) for pick No. 37
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 11, SuperCoach average: 68
Average 2015-2018: 70, 86, 79, 81
What does Jenkins have in common with Jeremy Cameron, Josh Kennedy, Tom Hawks, Tom Lynch (Richmond) and Lance Franklin?
They are the six players to average two or more goals in every season since 2014. That’s some very decent company.
So, deficiencies aside, Jenkins does what he gets paid to do better than most and that’s kick goals.
Across his 147-game career, the 30-year-old rates above-average for goals, score involvements, inside-50s and disposals as a key-forward but below-average for contested marks, marks-on-lead, total tackles, forward-50 tackles and contested possessions.
In a Geelong attack, however, which features stars Gary Ablett and Tom Hawkins and groundball, pressure players Gryan Miers, Brandan Parfitt, Luke Dahlhaus and Tom Atkins, they are deficiencies his new side can cover.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he maintain his impressive goalkicking record?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$370,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Expect more goals from the former Crow in 2020 but no more SuperCoach love.
Zak Jones
Sydney to St Kilda
The deal: Jones, pick No. 56 and 2020 fourth-round selection for pick No. 32, 76 and 2020 third-round selection (via Fremantle)
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 17, SuperCoach average: 86
Average 2015-2018: 48, 56, 83, 80
The explosive 24-year-old arrives at the Saints following a career-best year at the Swans.
Jones tallied 20 disposals or more in 12 of his 17 matches in 2019, scoring 80 SuperCoach points or more on 13 occasions.
Along with Hill, Jones, who rated above-average for inside 50s, disposal efficiency, metres gained, effective kicks and rebound 50s, adds much-needed line-breaking run and damaging foot-skills to the St Kilda line-up.
But can he elevate himself into the top-bracket of SuperCoach scorers?
He’ll need to have more of an impact forward of centre — particularly on the scoreboard — to do so.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he had another six points - like he did in 2019 - to his SuperCoach average with greater responsibility at the Saints?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$470,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
A good SuperCoach scorer at the Swans and probably still just a good one at the Saints.
Josh Bruce
St Kilda to Western Bulldogs
The deal: Bruce for pick No. 32 and 51
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 22, SuperCoach average: 66
Average 2015-2018: 68, 56, 68, 71
In his past four full-seasons — he played just three games due to a back injury 2018 — Bruce has booted 36 goals or more in each of them.
The strong-marking 27-year-old finished with 36 majors in 2019, placing him 18th in the Coleman Medal race but it’s his 2015 campaign the Bulldogs will be hoping for a repeat of.
In his fourth year in the competition — and second at the Saints after crossing from the Giants — Bruce took 40 contested marks and kicked a career-best 50 goals.
Bruce posted four SuperCoach tons in that year but also 12 scores of 62 or less. Like most key forwards, he needs a bag of goals to score well.
And that’s why he’s unlikely to be SuperCoach relevant at any stage of his career, despite the fact he will help young key-forward Aaron Naughton and Luke Beveridge’s side immediately.
THE BIG QUESTION
Does the addition of another marking target release star Marcus Bontempelli from any forward-line duties?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$360,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
It might be good for Bontempelli but that’s where Bruce’s SuperCoach relevancy starts and finishes.
Marc Pittonet
Hawthorn to Carlton
The deal: Pittonet and pick No. 61 for pick No. 54 and 63.
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 2, SuperCoach average: 72
Average 2015-2018: dnp, 39, dnp, 54
The 23-year-old played just seven games in five seasons on Hawthorn’s list after serving as back-up to Ben McEvoy and Jon Ceglar.
But ruckmen often take time to develop and a move to Carlton, following Andrew Phillips’ departure, will see Pittonet become the No. 2 man behind Matthew Kreuzer.
The same Matthew Krezuer who has missed 49 games through in the past six years.
And he’s coming off a dominant season in the VFL where he averaged 17 disposals, 38 hitouts and 114 SuperCoach points per game.
THE BIG QUESTION
How many games will the Blues get out of Kreuzer in 2020?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$280,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Pittonet could flourish with more opportunity but his likely starting price is off-putting.
Andrew Phillips
Carlton to Essendon
The deal: Phillips and pick No. 61 and 72 for pick No. 57 and 70.
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 5, SuperCoach average: 93
Average 2015-2018: 68, 56, 51, 64
Phillips played five games for the Blues in 2019 and, again, showed he is more-than-capable at the top-level.
The 28-year-old, who spent four years the Blues after being drafted by GWS ahead of its inaugural season in 2012, tallied 11 hitouts-to-advantage or more in each match this season, posting SuperCoach scores of 98, 79, 75, 114 and 98.
But while the numbers are encouraging if he was to gain more senior opportunity — and even that seems unlikely with Tom Bellchambers in his way — they will also result in an awkward starting price in 2020.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he play in the same side as Tom Bellchambers?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$350,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Adds some great depth to Essendon’s ruck brigade while young big man Sam Draper recovers from a knee injury. But that’s about it.
Lewis Taylor
Brisbane to Sydney
The deal: Taylor for pick No. 48
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 5, SuperCoach average: 71
Average 2015-2018: 72, 59, 80, 72
In 2014, Taylor won the AFL Rising Star award by one vote after averaging 17 disposals, four marks and two tackles, while also booting 12 goals from 22 games in his debut season. The player who polled the second-most votes in the award was Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli.
Taylor then played every game in his second season, tallying more disposals, score involvements and goals than he did the previous year.
The 174cm Taylor, who boasts serious speed, played 107 out of a possible 110 games in his five seasons in the competition but as a result of Brisbane’s rapid rise, has managed just five senior games in 2019.
As a junior, Taylor was a prolific midfielder, averaging 31 disposals at TAC Cup level in his draft year, but there’s no room for him in the Lions’ now star-studded engine room.
THE BIG QUESTION
Will Taylor, who averaged 110 SuperCoach points in the NEAFL, get the opportunity he craves with Tom Papley staying?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$280,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
On the watchlist given likely 2020 starting price.
Zac Smith
Geelong to GC
The deal: Smith for pick No. 58.
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 3, SuperCoach average: 67
Average 2015-2018: 79, 77, 91, 68
“Wittsy (No. 1 ruckman Jarrod Witts) has been brilliant over the past three seasons, however we thought it was important to add some depth to our ruck stocks and Zac will provide Jarrod with some healthy competition and more importantly cover where required.”
That’s what Gold Coast list boss Craig Cameron said on the club’s website following Smith’s return to the club.
That’s about all we need to know, too.
While Smith, who was part of the Suns’ inaugural side, averaged 91 points per game in 2016, after posting eight SuperCoach tons from 18 matches, he’s battled for his spot in the past two years at the Cats, managing just six senior appearances.
And, unless Witts goes down with injury, is unlikely to be any different in 2020.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he get a game?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$260,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Unless Smith can knock the Suns’ co-captain off his perch, it’s a no from me, despite the 29-year-old’s potential.
Dan Butler
Richmond to St Kilda
The deal: Butler for pick No. 56
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 7, SuperCoach average: 48
Average 2015-2018: dnp, dnp, 61, 58
Recruited for a purpose and, as a speedy pressure forward, who rates elite for tackles inside-50 and goal assists across his career, the 2017 premiership player is likely to be a terrific role player for St Kilda in 2019
But, after scoring less than 60 SuperCoach points in 25 of his 45 career games at the Tigers, Butler, who booted 21 goals in 15 VFL games las season, won’t be relevant in fantasy circles.
THE BIG QUESTION
Does he have any more strings to his bow?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$220,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Butler can’t do it.
Hugh Greenwood
Adelaide to Gold Coast
The deal: Greenwood for 2020 third-round selection and 2020 fourth-round selection.
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 14, SuperCoach average: 85
Average 2016-2018: dnp, 85, 86
Of all players in the competition to average 17 disposals or more in 2019 — and there are 225 of them — Greenwood’s contested possession rate of 64.1 per cent is the highest.
And across his 51-game career, it’s higher with 11.3 of the 27-year-old’s 16.9 possessions per game won in a contest.
The 191cm midfielder not only rates elite for contested possession but also groundball gets, clearances, tackles, pressure acts and contested marks.
Put simply, there’s not many better at what Greenwood does and it’s resulted in 31 SuperCoach scores of 80 or more in his 51 AFL matches.
The Suns swooped and Greenwood is ready to do some heavy lifting on the Gold Coast and help protect the highly-rated young draftees.
THE BIG QUESTION
After spending plenty of time forward at the Crows in 2019, will he gain dual-position status?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$465,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
There’s every chance Greenwood pushes his average in excess of 90 in 2020 with greater responsibility in a young Gold Coast side.
Billy Frampton
Port Adelaide to Adelaide
The deal: Frampton for 2020 fourth-round selection (via GWS)
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 2, SuperCoach average: 43
A verage 2018: 44
He’s only played three AFL games in five seasons on Port’s list but the 200cm big man has shown enough to suggest he can slot into Adelaide’s forward line next season, especially with Sam Jacobs’ free-agency move and the likely departure of Josh Jenkins.
And Adelaide list manager Justin Reid agrees.
“We have been watching Billy for a while now and we believe he can have a real impact with us over the years to come,” Reid said in a club statement.
“Whether it’s up forward or helping out in the ruck, Billy will add some real competitiveness to the team.”
In Frampton’s second senior appearance, against Gold Coast in Round 9 this year, he took three contested marks and booted three goals, finishing with 64 SuperCoach points, in the Power’s 48-point win.
He struggled the following week in the clash with the Hawks, however, and spent the rest of 2019 in the SANFL.
But in the state league, Frampton posted four SuperCoach scores of 140 or more in 2019.
And further opportunity awaits the strong, aggressive 23-year-old next year in a new-look Adelaide side under coach Matthew Nicks.
Billy Frampton had scores of 141, 145, 167 and 175 in the SANFL. Will get opportunities to play at the Crows. #AFLTrade #SuperCoach #2020AFLProspectus
— Fantasy Freako (@FantasyFreako) October 15, 2019
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he take his chance?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$180,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
A mature-age cash cow who is a chance to gain dual-position status as a ruckman? Yes, please.
Darcy Cameron
Sydney to Collingwood
The deal: Cameron and pick No. 62 for pick No. 56.
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: N/A, SuperCoach average: N/A
Average 2017-2018: dnp, 25
He was starved of opportunity at the Swans and, while that’s unlikely to change from a ruck point of view at Collingwood with Brodie Grundy around, the club like Cameron’s potential as a forward.
“We like his marking ability and think that, apart from time spent on the ball, he can develop into a presence in front of the ball. Darcy has the instincts of a natural footballer. I think he will give Nathan and the coaching group real flexibility,” Collingwood list manager Ned Guy said on the club’s website.
And the optimism is warranted.
In 2016, prior to being drafted, Cameron took 43 contested marks — the most in the competition — and booted 36 goals for Claremont in the WAFL.
And in 2018 — a year when Callum Sinclair took over the No. 1 ruck duties at the Swans — Cameron finished runner-up in the NEAFL’s MVP award, after booting 23 goals and averaged 21 disposals, 39 hitouts and seven marks per game, spending majority of time in the ruck.
He made his senior debut in Round 18 but was dropped a week later after tallying just three disposals and 25 SuperCoach points.
The 24-year-old battled injury in 2019 but still manage to score 100 SuperCoach points or more in each of his 11 NEAFL games as a ruckman.
But it might be a forward line role which brings the mature-age cash cow right in to the SuperCoach frame.
THE BIG QUESTION
There’s potential and there’s been glimpses, but is he up to the top-level?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$123,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Do SuperCoaches a favour please, Bucks.
Dougal Howard
Port Adelaide to St Kilda
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 15, SuperCoach average: 69
Average 2015-2018: dnp, 46, 73, 72
Howard played at both ends of the ground during his time at Alberton, as well as in the ruck.
With co-captain Tom Jonas and Tom Clurey the key pillars in defence, however, the Power’s preference was to play Howard as a permanent forward. It’s understood it was a decision he was disappointed with and one which kick-started his move to the Saints.
The numbers say Howard’s greatest influence during his 45-game career has come as a defender. In 2018, Howard established himself in the Power side, recording 216 spoils — the most in the competition.
The athletic Howard, who boasts terrific speed, was overlooked for senior selection in the opening two rounds of 2019, however, before winning back his place in defence for the clash with the Lions at the Gabba.
Between Round 3 and Round 10, when he played 91 per cent of game-time in defence, Howard rated elite for spoils (10) and above average for intercept possessions (6.8) and intercept marks (2.6) as a key-defender.
In the Round 6 win over North Melbourne, Howard tallied 12 disposals — 11 of them effective — 11 spoils, five intercept marks and 90 SuperCoach points.
It followed his 20-disposal, 110-point performance in the upset victory over the Eagles a week earlier.
He was moved forward a week later against the Hawks and that’s where he played for the next seven matches before being dropped to the SANFL.
New @stkildafc swingman Dougal Howard rated elite for spoils (10) and above average for intercept possessions (6.8) and intercept marks (2.6) as a key-defender in 2019#AFLTrade
— The Phantom (@ThePhantomSC) October 15, 2019
THE BIG QUESTION
Will he settle in defence in 2020?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$380,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
A great acquisition for the Saints and there could be a significant spike in Howard’s SuperCoach scoring. But it’s unlikely to be enough to catapult his name into SuperCoach relevance at the price.
Paddy Ryder
Port Adelaide to St Kilda
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 17, SuperCoach average: 83
Average 2015-2018: 85, dnp, 103, 90
At his best, Paddy Ryder is a SuperCoach star. He’s averaged 83 points or more 10 of his 13 seasons in the time, finishing with a three-figure average on three occasions.
The most-recent was in 2017, Ryder’s second proper season at the Power, following the 2016 suspension.
After averaging 91 points per game through the first 12 rounds, the athletic big man stormed home, posting SuperCoach tons in nine of the final 11 rounds of the year — five of them in excess of 120.
Even in an inconsistent 2019 season when he shared ruck duties with Scott Lycett, Ryder managed to pass the 80-point mark in 10 of his 17 senior appearances.
Can the 31-year-old have a big enough impact at his new club to put himself back in the SuperCoach frame?
Maybe not directly — although potential dual-position status and his ability as a forward would help — but Ryder’s arrival might have an effect on 2019 ruck sensation Rowan Marshall.
Marshall averaged 111 points per game last season after attending the sixth-most ruck contests per game. When Ryder is there, there’s little doubt that number will decrease.
At it appears likely St Kilda will let it, given the club initially wanted to play Marshall as a forward anyway.
Rowan Marshall ranked 6th in the AFL for ruck contests attended. The addition of Ryder clearly affects his fantasy appeal in 2020. #AFLTrade #2020AFLProspectus #SuperCoach #AFLFantasy
— Fantasy Freako (@FantasyFreako) October 15, 2019
THE BIG QUESTION
How much of an affect will Ryder have on Marshall?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$450,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Although he may post number of impressive scores, it’s hard to trust a 31-year-old Ryder.
Sam Jacobs
Adelaide to GWS
The deal: Jacobs for 2020 fourth-round selection
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 5, SuperCoach average: 80
Average 2015-2018: 108, 87, 96, 84
Albeit against an inexperienced Tim English, the 31-year-old tallied 15 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 25 hitouts-to-advantage and 125 SuperCoach points in the Round 23 clash with the Bulldogs.
It was just his fifth game in 2019 after understudy Reilly O’Brien took the reins as Adelaide’s No. 1 ruckman after Jacobs’ early-season knee injury.
But it showed he’s still more than capable at the top level.
At GWS, a healthy Jacobs, who said he was feeling “refreshed”, is likely to be the man to lead the Giants’ ruck brigade with Shane Mumford set to play a modified role in 2020.
“Next year, if I roll more into that sort of coaching role and playing here and there as a back-up or something like that,” Mumford said during grand final week.
As his ability to work over the opposition ruckman appeared to wane, Jacobs’ output has fallen away gradually since the 2014 season when he averaged 115 points per game, finishing the year as the third-ranked player in the competition,
But his tap-work remains elite and, prior to this year, he’s proven as durable as any big man in the game.
Between his Adelaide debut in Round 5, 2011 and the injury in Round 2, 2019, Jacobs played 181 of a possible 185 games for the Crows.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can a “refreshed” 32-year-old Jacobs get around the ground like he used to in 2020?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$390,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
There’s unlikely to be a return to the 2014-15 form but Jacobs will give the Giants’ midfield a great first-look and could mirror the output of his last full-season with the Crows in 2018 — 10 scores of 90 or more with three SuperCoach tons. And with his 2020 price based on his 2019 average of 80, there could be plenty of value in his selection.
Jonathon Patton
GWS to Hawthorn
The deal: Patton for a 2020 fourth-round selection.
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 0, SuperCoach average: N/A
Average 2015-2018: 48, 64, 81, 78
Tom Scully was still in rehab for a nasty, early-season ankle injury when he was traded by the Giants last year.
But, despite concern about the ongoing effects of the injury at the time, Scully made his debut for Hawthorn in Round 2 and played every game for the rest of the year.
While the path is similar, Patton’s injury history is very different. The 26-year-old suffered his third knee reconstruction at training midway through 2018 and missed the entire 2019 season as a result.
But the strong-marking key-forward is fit — and has been for some time — and will be ready to go for day one of pre-season.
“Jon’s obviously had some injury issues in the past but he’s been in full training at the Giants for the back-half of season 2019; he’ll be ready to begin pre-season training once our group come back after the break,” Hawks foot boss Graham Wright told the club’s website.
And that’s great news for the Hawks and for SuperCoaches because his ability has never been questioned.
Patton booted 130 goals in 89 games for the Giants, including 45 in a career-best season in 2017.
He played 19 games, ranking sixth in the competition for total contested marks and, as a result, recorded a SuperCoach average of 81 — the highest of his eight-year career.
An injury-free Patton, who posted seven SuperCoach tons — two inexcess of 150 — in 24 games between Round 22, 2016 and Round 3, 2018, is one to watch over summer.
And, unlike in the back-half of 2018 at the Giants, he won’t be needed in the ruck.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he get back to his best after a horrible injury run?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$290,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Awkward middle-range price but there might be some value in Patton as a stepping-stone in SuperCoach, depending on his pre-season.
Eddie Betts
Adelaide to Carlton
The deal: Bettsfor a 2020 fourth-round selection
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 21, SuperCoach average: 62
Average 2015-2018: 86, 88, 79, 67
It’s fair to say the mercurial small-forward’s best footy is behind him but there’s no arguing the fact Betts booted 37 goals and played a direct hand in 18 others in 2019.
And, in what is now becoming a regular occurrence, one of those earned him his fourth AFL Goal of the Year award.
Betts returns to his former club in 2020 and there’s little doubt the 32-year-old, who kicked 244 majors in his first four seasons at West Lakes, will excite Carlton fans for a while longer yet — even if it’s not during every game next year.
You could put your house on Betts walking out on the MCG in the season opener against the Tigers but will he be on the park every week?
He’ll be a fan favourite — and terrific mentor — regardless.
In the twilight of his career, however, there’s no such excitement from the SuperCoach community.
THE BIG QUESTION
How many games does Betts play in 2020?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$340,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
I’ll happily watch Betts wherever plays but that’s where the interest stops.
Ed Langdon
Fremantle to Melbourne
The deal: Langdon, pick No. 26, and a 2020 fourth-round selection for pick No. 22, 79 and a 2020 second-round selection.
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 22, SuperCoach average: 86
Average 2015-2018: 53, 54, 65, 82
After showing glimpses in the early part of his career, the hard-running Langdon burst onto the scene in 2018, adding 17 points to his SuperCoach average and tallying 54 more disposals than he did combined in his first three years.
As a 22-year-old, Langdon ranked first at the Dockers for uncontested possessions, second for kicks and inside 50s and third for total disposals, finishing fourth in the best-and-fairest.
The upward trend continued in 2019 with Langdon winning more possession — in a contest and away from it — increasing his disposal average by three.
It resulted in a SuperCoach average of 86 — a four-point increase on 2018.
If you narrow it down further to his final four games at Fremantle, Langdon could be in for another big spike 2020.
The right-footer averaged 28 disposals, six score involvements and 108 points per game from Round 20 onwards and late-season form has proven vital in identifying the following year’s breakout candidates.
But in 11 of his 22 games this year, Langdon hit the target with 60 per cent or less of his kicks.
A low percentage was not uncommon in season 2019 at the Dockers and it’s a similar story at his new club.
Fremantle’s kicking efficiency of 60.9% was the worst in the league while the Demon’s percentage of 62.3 was ranked 14th.
It’s an area of his game which might restrict the size of the next jump and one Melbourne — and SuperCoaches — need him to improve, given its current midfield issues.
THE BIG QUESTION
The trend is an upwards one but can he become a star?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$470,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
A 24-year-old ball-winner, who has improved in each year he’s been in the game, heading into his fifth season after an impressive final month of the previous year. And he’s joining, arguably, a better team. It’s got breakout written all over it.
Sam Frost
Melbourne to Hawthorn
The deal: Frost, picks No. 42, 61 and a 2020 fourth-round selection for pick No. 50 and a 2020 second-round selection.
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 22, SuperCoach average: 64.3
Average 2015-2018: 40, 51, 65, 61
Of all key-defenders in the competition, there is only a select-few who are SuperCoach relevant.
And Frost isn’t one of them, despite the athletic 194cm defender cementing his spot in the Demons’ side this season.
For the first time in his career, the 26-year-old, who played 21 matches in three seasons at the Giants before returning to Victoria, played every game in 2019.
The addition of Frost to the Hawks’ defence could still, however, be a big win for SuperCoaches.
Popular Hawk James Sicily is an elite scorer on his day but, on a number of occasions this year, played a more defensive role on the opposition’s best forward.
With Frost, who can play tall or small, there, hopefully it’s not such a regular occurrence in 2020.
THE BIG QUESTION
Will Clarko be kind to SuperCoaches?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$350,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Nah — but it could be good news.
Grant Birchall
Hawthorn to Brisbane (free agency) with the Hawks receiving no compensation.
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 3, SuperCoach average: 77
Average 2015-2018: 86, 84, 63, dnp
In his prime, there was no more influential half-back flanker in the game.
Between 2011 and 2016, the damaging left-footer averaged 23 disposals or more and at least 84 SuperCoach points in seven consecutive seasons.
In a career-best year in 2012, Birchall averaged 95 SuperCoach points after tallying 25 disposals or more in 11 of his 20 home-and-away matches.
It was a season which saw the four-time premiership Hawk post nine SuperCoach tons.
But after playing just eight of a possible 68 games since the 2016 semi-final loss to the Bulldogs, that form seems a lifetime ago.
In a reminder of his scoring power, the 31-year-old tallied 87 SuperCoach points in his first two games this season, before succumbing to injury during his third appearance in Round 20.
If he can get back on the park consistently, there’s little doubt the veteran can have an impact across half-back.
And it’s something the Lions are confident about.
“We felt the assessment of his PCL was really solid. Then probably the soft tissue was something our guys felt they could manage,” Lions football boss David Noble said on AFL Trade Radio.
It’s an assessment shared by Birchall’s manager Shane Casley.
“The plan is to go up there for two or three years and Grant certainly thinks he’s got that amount of footy (left) in him, so he’s very, very excited about the opportunity,” he said.
It all sounds positive but there’s plenty of water to go under the bridge.
THE BIG QUESTION
Even if he can stay injury-free through the pre-season, how many games can he play?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$330,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Despite the obvious value, at this early stage, I’m not betting on a happy ending for the SuperCoaches who take the risk.
Tim Kelly
Geelong to West Coast
The deal: Picks 14, 24 and 37, plus West Coast’s 2020 first-round selection for Kelly, pick No. 57 and Geelong’s 2020 third-round selection.
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 22, SuperCoach average: 103
Average 2018: 93
In his second year in the competition, the classy midfielder finished runner-up in Geelong’s best-and-fairest and fifth in the Brownlow Medal, after averaging 25 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six clearances and a goal per game.
Kelly can win possession at the contest and away from it but the 25-year-old’s ability around goal is what sets him apart from most other midfielders in the competition.
The mature-age revelation rates elite for goals, goal assists and shots-at-goal per game, booting 24 majors and playing a direct hand in 18 others this season.
Of the AFL’s top 50 ball-winners, only Kelly (1), Dustin Martin (1.4), Patrick Dangerfield (1.1) and Stephen Coniglio (1) average one goal or more per game.
These numbers saw Kelly post SuperCoach tons in 12 of his 22 home-and-away matches in 2019, capping off his time at Geelong with a brilliant 31-disposal, three-goal, 138-point performance in the preliminary final loss to the Tigers.
But, in a scary thought for the 17 other sides, Kelly can be even better at the Eagles and make an already-strong engine room the competition’s best.
He’ll have Nic Naitanui — who is a huge upgrade on the inconsistent and ever-changing Geelong ruck brigade — hitting to him at the centre bounce, as well as one of the game’s best defensively-minded midfielders Elliot Yeo there to support.
And on the spread, Kelly will have two of the AFL’s finest field-kicks, Shannon Hurn and Lewis Jetta, looking for him on the rebound.
There’s likely to be a spike in his uncontested numbers, given the way the Eagles retain possession so well.
Sure, there are plenty of ball-winners in the Eagles’ midfield already but the same can be said for the Cats and Kelly had no trouble winning his fair share alongside Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett and Sam Menegola over the past two years.
Even if Kelly loses his dual-position status as a forward in SuperCoach, there might be enough improvement to warrant selection in a crowded midfield pool.
It will be his third-year breakout, after all.
THE BIG QUESTION
How much better can he get?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$560,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Everyone’s a winner here, including SuperCoaches — and maybe even Geelong with Stephen Wells in charge of its draft hand.
Adam Tomlinson
GWS to Melbourne (free agency) with the Demons receiving an end-of-second-round compensation pick (currently No. 40)
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 22, SuperCoach average: 72
Average 2015-2018: 59, 58, 58, 71
Athletically, players don’t come more gifted than Tomlinson, who played 140 games at GWS, including the Giants’ first game in 2012.
At 194cm and 98kg, Tomlinson boasts elite endurance and has played a key-position at either end of the ground, as well as in the ruck and in the midfield.
But where is the 26-year-old best utilised?
Tomlinson spent most of the 2019 season on the wing — as he did for most of the previous year — and averaged a career-high 17 disposals and 72 SuperCoach points per game.
But he still helped plug holes in the Giants’ side at times, rating elite for spoils and hitouts-to-advantage and above-average for marks-on-lead and intercept marks as a midfielder.
From a numbers point-of-view, Tomlinson’s standout game came in Round 1 — a performance which, again, highlighted his ability to impact a game in numerous ways.
In the 72-point win over the Bombers, the versatile Tomlinson tallied 23 disposals, nine contested possessions, eight marks, seven score involvements, five intercepts, four inside 50s, two goal assists and 111 SuperCoach points.
But it was his only SuperCoach ton for the year and one of only six times Tomlinson finished with 20 disposals or more.
Does he play as a lead-up forward for the Demons, who missed the presence of Jesse Hogan in 2019, or does he remain on the wing in a side with an unbalanced midfield, weighted in-favour of inside ball-winners?
“I’ve said this my whole career, I’ll play wherever the coach needs me to play and I’ll give them my all, but he (coach Simon Goodwin) did specify spending most of the time in the midfield,” Tomlinson told SEN on Tuesday morning.
“Goody was really pushing for me to spend more time in the midfield and cement myself in one role but at the same time if there’s an opportunity where I’m needed to fill a hole somewhere I’ll be able to do that.”
With a kicking-efficiency of 66 per cent, Tomlinson’s disposal by foot won’t fix Melbourne’s issues in that area but there’s no doubt he slots straight into Goodwin’s best side.
If he is to have a real impact through the middle of the ground, however, his ball-winning needs to become more consistent.
THE BIG QUESTION
Can he become a weapon for Simon Goodwin’s side — or will he continue to just be a good, versatile role player?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$390,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
I’d like to see the Demons get more out of Tomlinson but I’m not sure they will. And that is likely to see him on the SuperCoach fringes for another year.
BRANDON ELLIS
Richmond to Gold Coast (free agency) with the Tigers receiving a second-round compensation pick (currently No. 39)
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 20, SuperCoach average: 87
Average 2015-2018: 100, 85, 91, 71
The hard-running Tiger was dropped in April last year after 111 consecutive games in the senior team.
But the 26-year-old leaves Punt Road a two-time premiership player after a resurgent 2019 season, on the back of a return to the midfield.
As a 21-year-old in 2014, Ellis averaged 97 SuperCoach points and finished second in the Jack Dyer medal. The following year, he broke the three-figure mark, averaging 100 for the season, scoring 90 or more in 17 of his 22 games. He was well on his way to becoming one of the league’s most damaging wingmen.
But in 2017, after an underwhelming 2016 campaign, Ellis was re-cast as defender.
Despite a strong finish to the year as the Tigers roared into the finals, Ellis’ influence in the new position wavered, leading to his omission the following season.
But this year, after being overlooked in Round 1, Ellis again highlighted his strengths — with the backing of coach Damien Hardwick — as a two-way running wingman, who helps out in defence and distributes efficiently going the other way.
While Ellis, who averaged 21 disposals at 77 per cent efficieny in 2019, won’t win games off his own boot, they are traits which will be welcomed — and maybe given even more time to shine — on the Gold Coast.
THE BIG QUESTION
Unlikely to go backwards but how big will the jump be?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$470,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
As he showed early — and then late — in his career at the Tigers, Ellis is great SuperCoach prospect when allowed to play his preferred role in the midfield. Price will be a concern but he’ll feature on the watchlist if he keeps his status as a defender.
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CAM ELLIS-YOLMEN
Adelaide to Brisbane (free agency) with the Crows receiving a third-round compensation pick (currently No. 47)
THE NUMBERS
2019 — Games: 10, SuperCoach average: 93
Average 2015-2018: 74, 80, DNP, 83
Best-and-fairest Lachie Neale was the only Lion to average more contested possessions per game than Ellis-Yolmen — who dropped a hand grenade on his way out of West Lakes this week — in 2019.
The strong-bodied midfielder’s average of 12.3 was second-only to Rory Sloane at the Crows and his year-on-year SuperCoach-points increase of 10.7 was the biggest differential at West Lakes.
With Ellis-Yolmen in the side, Adelaide’s win-loss count was 7-3.
After his injury, the club just won two of its final nine home-and-away matches after the Round 14 bye as its contested-ball numbers declined.
Prior to a season-ending shin injury, the 26-year-old — who was in and out of the side last year after tearing his ACL in 2017 — was in career-best form, averaging 23 disposals, five clearances and five tackles in 10 senior appearances.
It’s these numbers which should see Brisbane’s want for another bullocking midfielder to help ease the load on its stars come as no surprise.
“We felt over the journey they got worn down physically, (so we want) to have another person in there that can buffer those loads,” Lions’ football chief David Noble said on AFL Trade Radio.
“He will bring clean clearances, he has got some power to get through the stoppages and we like that.”
THE BIG QUESTION
With another pre-season into Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry and after the late-2019 form of Jarryd Lyons, just where will Ellis-Yolmen sit in the midfield rotation of a fully-fit Brisbane side?
ESTIMATED 2020 SUPERCOACH PRICE
$507,000
THE PHANTOM’S EARLY VERDICT
Similar to Noble, I like it. But I don’t love it. Ellis-Yolmen’s game-style is a perfect fit for SuperCoach but, while it appears to be a move which should benefit his new side immediately, his 2020 starting price tag will be too high to warrant serious consideration ahead of a number of others in the bracket.