SuperCoach AFL: Expert verdict on round 0 players, analysis of every game
A host of stars and potential bargains put up big SuperCoach scores in Opening Round. How many should we pick? Experts have their say on the 12 toughest calls.
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SuperCoach doesn’t start until round 1 this year – but opening round might be the most important weekend of the season.
It is essentially a ‘try before you buy round’ and a chance to have a look at players from eight of the clubs before your SuperCoach squad is locked in.
Scroll down to see our expert verdict on the biggest names from Opening Round and full analysis from every match.
SAM FLANDERS $494,200 FWD/MID
Al Paton: Yes. What we saw against Richmond (15 centre bounces, 26 classy disposals) was exactly why he’s been in my team almost the entire pre-season ... except during a brief flirtation with Isaac Heeney.
The Phantom: Yes. Averaged 110 in the run home last year, remember? Will still score well even as fourth-choice centre bounce mid.
Tim Michell: Yes. Won’t play Richmond every week but SuperCoaches saw exactly what we needed to. Destined to surge in price.
Dan Batten: Yes. The only concern was the midfield time with Hardwick at the helm and Flanders dispelled any doubt against the Tigers.
Tarquin Oakley: No. Not yet. By this weekend that might be a yes. Dimma lived up to his word- the role is great.
ISAAC HEENEY $483,700 FWD
Al Paton: No ... I think. Looked incredible against the Demons and the temptation is huge if he plays in the midfield. But for how long? It’s a 24-round season and Luke Parker and Co will be back in a month.
The Phantom: Yes. Can we overlook Heeney the midfielder with a 144 locked into his price cycle? I probably won’t now, especially with extra trades.
Tim Michell: Yes. Plays Richmond and West Coast in the opening month when he’ll be playing as a full-time midfielder. Have an exit plan for when the cavalry returns, though.
Dan Batten: Yes. But it’s a case of small margins between him, Jackson and Fisher for me as I’ll probably only be able to fit in two. I have some concerns that the Swans could shift him if their forward line fails to fire, and I’ll already have Daicos, Jordon and Grundy on the round 5 bye. I like it as a short term punt though as the upside without Adams and Parker is massive.
Tarquin Oakley: No. One huge Opening Round isn’t enough to tempt me. Midfield time has to go down when Adams and Parker get back.
MATT ROWELL $571,800 MID
Al Paton: Destroyed Richmond with 20 clearances, the most by a player in 25 years. Imagine how many points he’d score if he could find some cheap possessions as well? Gun player but not for me in SuperCoach.
The Phantom: No. He was huge, no doubt, and we know just how good a SuperCoach scorer he can be. But huge games aren’t rare for him, a consistent season at a high level is.
Tim Michell: No. Prefer Miller at a cheaper price. How good was he against the Tigers though?
Dan Batten: No. If he needs 20 clearances to get to 137, that’s a bit concerning. Will have spike games but am favouring Touk and Flanders.
Tarquin Oakley: No. He was awesome, but Tigers do give up big SuperCoach numbers to mids. Other round zero premiums are ahead of him.
SAM NAISMITH $123,900 RUC
Al Paton: If he makes way for Toby Nankervis next week I think I’ll prefer a $102k FWD-RUC.
The Phantom: No. I need a RUC-FWD to pair with Luke Jackson. But if Toby Nankervis is still out, pick him at R3. If he comes back a week later, worst case, there’s your loop.
Tim Michell: No if Nankervis is back. Yes if he isn’t. Great story but won’t score 90s with Nank in the side.
Dan Batten: No. If I go with Jackson I’ll need an R3 swing. But if I don’t go the Docker then I might just stick him R3 – even if his long-term job security is poor with Nank to come back.
Tarquin Oakley: Yes. If Richmond pick him, I will. Can’t say no given he has a 93 in his cycle. Only reason not to would be to loop a non-playing ruckman.
CALEB WINDSOR $180,300 MID/FWD
Al Paton: No. Nice player but I’m trying to limit the number of early bye players in my team and there is no shortage of good cheapies to choose from.
The Phantom: No. Had some nice moments again but I’m not sure he will win enough footy to justify the high price tag, and picking him ahead of a few others.
Tim Michell: Yes. He’ll only get better when he plays on bigger grounds and the SCG isn’t exactly suited to wingers. Trying to find a way to squeeze him in.
Dan Batten: No. Will be great to watch and I think he can hold his place even with Lachie Hunter back, but there are others around his price like Lazzaro and Mead who have more prominent inside midfield roles.
Tarquin Oakley: Maybe. 50/50 on him or Lazzaro in my forward line- likely as an F7.
CLAYTON OLIVER $674,100 MID
Al Paton: No to start, but keep an eye on his price – if he gets under $600,000 make him a trade-in priority.
The Phantom: No. Early upgrade target if he really gets going.
Tim Michell: No. Loved seeing him back playing well but have him earmarked as someone to target after the round 6 bye.
Dan Batten: No. Had some impressive moments but it’s a lot to fork out for a player with no pre-season under his belt.
Tarquin Oakley: No. Too much risk in such an expensive pick. Didn’t get the huge score that would’ve made many reconsider him as an option.
MAX GAWN $583,700 RUC
Al Paton: Yes. Not quite as clear-cut as it looked a week ago but I’ll back him in.
The Phantom: Yes. Conditions were tough and Brodie Grundy worked him over, but it’ll be a different story back at the MCG for the next two.
Tim Michell: Yes. Not writing off a player with a proven record of going large as a sole ruckman based on one poor game. Huge point to prove now vs English in round 1.
Dan Batten: Yes. Has English to contend with next but he could go 140-plus on Soldo, ROB and McInerney before his bye. That score against Grundy will likely be the outlier for the year.
Tarquin Oakley: Yes. Got to back in his work as a solo ruck over many years, rather than ditch him over one game against an excellent Grundy.
JARRYD LYONS $258,000 MID
Al Paton: Huge pre-season bolter, scoring 106 in his old midfield role. But he was subbed off in seven of his 10 appearances last year and I’m not brave enough to take that risk.
The Phantom: No. Not surprised to see Lyons do what he did against the Blues – he’s done it before. But is it enough to go on? I’ll have another look this week and see where Dev Robertson is at.
Tim Michell: No. Deven Robertson could push him back to sub in a few weeks.
Dan Batten: No. Great scoring potential but with Dev Robertson to come back in, he could be one bad game away from the subs vest. With an emphasis on speed in the modern game, Lyons could easily be squeezed out.
Tarquin Oakley: No. Just seven games last year, can’t trust him yet.
TOM GREEN $621,500 MID
Al Paton: Huge yes. Prepared to cop the round 3 bye for a player I expect to be a top five midfielder this year.
The Phantom: No. My man, but I still can’t pick him ahead of Bont and Butters to start. Great signs, though. Averaged 5.2 clangers last year and had at least three in every game. Recorded just one against the Pies. Early trade in?
Tim Michell: Yes. And I’ll probably captain him against North and West Coast in the opening two rounds as well.
Dan Batten: Yes. Hasn’t left my team for a while now and I was hoping he wouldn’t go too big in round zero, but now his popularity is set to surge. Will take the mickey against the Roos and Eagles.
Tarquin Oakley: Yes. An annoying bye, but plays Roos and Eagles before that. Looks a beast in the guts.
TOUK MILLER $545,500 MID
Al Paton: No. Clearly underpriced but given the standard of opposition on Saturday a score of 116 is good but not amazing. Too many other good midfielders to pick.
The Phantom: No. Looked good, but I’ll reassess after his bye. It’s the Noah Anderson-Matt Rowell show now.
Tim Michell: Yes. The value is undeniable. Proven 115-plus scorer for less than $550k and has the starting midfield spot back.
Dan Batten: Yes. Hardly left my side this pre-season despite the early bye. $545k for a guy with 120-plus averages under his belt? Yes please.
Tarquin Oakley: No. A super pick and would love to have him but there’s so many candidates for those M4 and M5 positions.
CONNOR BUDARICK $301,200 DEF
Al Paton: No. Dimma earmarked him for the Jayden Short role and he looked great on Saturday. But that price doesn’t really fit in my structure and I don’t think it will be a disaster if I leave him out.
The Phantom: Yes. Have been tracking him closely over summer after his late return last year. Smart, clean and efficient. And in for Kiddy Coleman.
Tim Michell: Yes. Not sure I’ll have a spot for him but I was impressed with what I saw. There should be more ball in defence for him when the Suns play better sides. Could easily make $150k.
Dan Batten: No. Can see the role there but my backline is settled.
Tarquin Oakley: No. An awkward price at just over $300k. Would be a good replacement for those who had Coleman and want a mid-pricer in defence.
MATT ROBERTS $156,600 MID
Al Paton: Maybe. Looks like a good scorer, but there are a lot of good midfield cheapies and he’s another round 5 bye player. Could go either way.
The Phantom: Yes. Just super efficient yet again. An absolute bench lock.
Tim Michell: Yes. Been hot on him all pre-season since the backline move was revealed and he vindicated the faith. Genuine on-field option at M8.
Dan Batten: Yes. A great role for a rookie and did more than enough to convince me against the Dees.
Tarquin Oakley: Yes. Great pre-season backed up with a solid outing in round zero.
GWS GIANTS V COLLINGWOOD
SUPERCOACH LIVE BLOG RECAP — CLICK HERE
LOCKS
NICK DAICOS — $650,000 DEF/MID, 131 points
There was a school of thought among some SuperCoaches that the smart move this year was to leave Daicos out of our starting teams, and aim to snap him up after Collingwood’s bye in round 5 – in the hope a likely tag from Finn Maginness the week before would deliver a cut-price superstar. That argument is getting harder and harder to sustain. Daicos looked in sublime touch against the Giants and if he scores like that over the first three rounds, he’s going to be even more expensive – and footy will be very hard to watch for any remaining holdouts. Just pick him.
TOM GREEN – $621,500 MID, 132 points
Green’s huge numbers – 30 disposals, nine clearances, six tackles and a goal – continued on from where he finished last season, when he put up SuperCoach scores of 126, 129, 119 and 145 in the last four home-and-away rounds. The man Toby Greene says will win the Brownlow (are umpires allowed to play SuperCoach?) looks certain to be one of this year’s topscoring midfielders. There are some very good players in that pool, and some don’t have an early bye like Green, but early fixtures against North Melbourne and West Coast could more than negate any round 3 pain.
QUESTION MARKS
LACHIE WHITFIELD — $519,000 DEF, 108 points
Speaking of fast finishers, Whitfield averaged 109 SuperCoach points in his last 10 games last year. That run largely went under the radar, and there’s a good reason many would be wary of backing in a player who has burned many SuperCoaches over the years through injuries and disappointing form. But he has settled at half-back under Adam Kingsley and Saturday night was a typical game – 33 disposals (most for GWS), 14 marks, 79 per cent disposal efficiency. He’s priced at 93 and can definitely beat that.
JACOB WEHR – $123,900 MID, 48 points
A popular rookie pick in 2022, Wehr is an option again this year after cementing a spot on the wing in the pre-season. His 77 per cent time on ground was encouraging and 48 points should be his floor in terms of scoring, but with so many other good cheapies on offer in the midfield he’s probably sliding down the list.
BOLTER
KIEREN BRIGGS — $608,800 RUC, 109 points
SuperCoach is about having fun, right? There are fewer players more fun to own than the Giants’ battering ram. Briggs, who loves to throw his weight around – he won four centre clearances himself against the Pies – was a revelation last year and doesn’t present the same value in 2024, but after averaging 109 in his first year as a full-time ruck, the only way is up. With Matt Flynn now at West Coast, there is no question about who is the Giants’ No.1 big man. He should also be one of the big winners from a rule change that allows rucks to push out opponents with a straight arm. Currently in just 1.8 per cent of teams, he would be a huge point of difference.
PASS
FINLAY MACRAE — $152,600 FWD, 0 points
The young Pie still sits in 19 per cent of teams despite not making Collingwood’s best 23 for Opening Round. He was listed as an emergency after a big pre-season and will surely get a chance at some stage. When that happens he will be a great downgrade option. Until then use the $152k to select one of the many other good forward cheapies on offer.
GOLD COAST SUNS V RICHMOND
SUPERCOACH LIVE BLOG RECAP — CLICK HERE
LOCKS
JOSH GIBCUS — $150,700 DEF, 76 points
ALEX SEXTON — $133,400 FWD, 73 points
Two of the easier rookie selections of the year confirmed why they should be in every SuperCoach team. Gibcus’ nine-disposal game doesn’t jump off the stats page but he had eight intercept possessions at went at 78 per cent disposal efficiency. Sexton wasn’t as prolific as in the practice match but still had 21 disposals despite most of the first half being played in the Suns’ forward half.
QUESTION MARKS
SAM FLANDERS — $494,200 FWD-MID, 124 points
SuperCoaches have spent all pre-season worrying about not having enough forward premiums. Now our problem is how to fit Luke Jackson, Isaac Heeney and Sam Flanders in. Flanders finished with 26 disposals, seven inside-50s, five score involvements and seven intercepts in a reminder of why SuperCoaches were so keen on him. He has now averaged 107.6 from his last 11 games.
SAM NAISMITH — $123,900 RUC, 93 points
Naismith shaded Jarrod Witts 25-22 in the hitouts and had seven clearances in an encouraging performance on his AFL return. The question mark now is what his role is once Toby Nankervs returns. Naismith has done enough to stay in the team, but a back-up ruckman is a lot less attractive in SuperCoach than one who is leading the rucks. It’s going to be interesting to see how Adem Yze uses the two Tiger talls.
BOLTERS
MATT ROWELL — $571,800 MID, 137 points
Arguably the best game of Rowell’s career as he bullied a Richmond midfield led by two contested-ball winners in Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto. Rowell amassed 33 disposals, a ridiculous 20 clearances and 26 contested possessions — 14 more than any other player on the ground. Rowell was only in 2.1 per cent of teams before round 0.
CONNOR BUDARICK — $301,200 DEF, 94 points
More than 38,000 coaches need a Keidean Coleman replacement and Budarick has thrust his name forward. He enjoyed a typically efficient outing against the Tigers, going at 81 per cent from 21 disposals which included 18 kicks. After coming close to hitting triple figures, he’s all but guaranteed to be a mid-price money-maker as well.
NICK VLASTUIN — $514,700 DEF, 118 points /JAYDEN SHORT — $551,200 DEF, 130 points
Richmond’s under-siege defence might be the place to be for bulk SuperCoach points this year. Jayden Short has headed back and cashed in with 23 disposals at 96 per cent, taking a host of kick-ins as well. Vlastuin had 20 disposals and took nine marks, while reeling in a game-high 12 intercepts. If you think Richmond is going to struggle this year, getting on its defenders is a smart move.
PASS
THOMSON DOW — $254,800 MID, 23 points
There’s been plenty of hype about the potential for a Dow breakout but he was overwhelmed by the bigger bodies of the Suns’ midfield, only managing six disposals. With such a low score in his price cycle, he’s going to find it hard to make any profit before Richmond’s round 6 bye.
BRISBANE LIONS V CARLTON
SUPERCOACH LIVE BLOG RECAP — CLICK HERE
LOCKS
ZAC WILLIAMS — $216,100 DEF, 73 points
Williams has gone from one of the most-popular players in SuperCoach to 18th on the list before round 0, featuring in 41.7 per cent of teams. That’s about to change again. He did everything SuperCoaches wanted to see in his first AFL game since round 24, 2022 and had 50 points to his name by halftime. Williams finished with 19 disposals (17 kicks) at 79 per cent, getting through 103 minutes. If you don’t plan on starting him, have a way to trade him in before round 3 (after Carlton’s bye) when his price will start rising.
QUESTION MARKS
HARRY MCKAY — $398,000 FWD, 130 points
McKay has been Carlton’s top scorer in pre-season (107) and round 0, emerging as a genuine mid-price option for SuperCoach forward lines. The issue is that in recent history, the Blues’ matchwinner from Friday night has averaged 71-79 and is priced around that mark. Unless you think he can lift his average to 90+, it’s probably worth looking elsewhere. But, there’s no denying his form.
JACK CARROLL — $123,900 MID, 65 points
Another midfield rookie has entered the discussion. Carroll was superb after coming on at halftime against the Lions, having 10 disposals, six contested possessions, kicking a goal and scoring more than 50 of his points in a third quarter where he was integral to turning the tide in Carlton’s favour. He would need to make the Blues’ 22 before being a SuperCoach option though.
BOLTERS
JARRYD LYONS — $258,000 MID, 106 points
Remember this guy? Lyons was one of the premier midfielders in SuperCoach in 2020 and 2021, averaging 112.5 and 117.6 points respectively. After playing 22 games in 2022, he was largely relegated to a sub role last season as Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft pushing Lyons down the midfield pecking order. But with Ashcroft sidelined until mid-season and Deven Robertson (wrist) missing, Lyons stood tall with 19 disposals, nine tackles and seven contested possessions against the Blues. The 106 in his price cycle guarantees at least one big jump after his third game.
DAYNE ZORKO — $480,600 FWD-MID, 105 points
Remember this guy (2)? While SuperCoaches have honed in on the form/role of Isaac Heeney and Luke Jackson’s ruck opportunity in the search for a forward premium, Zorko is flying. The former Lions skipper scored 133 in pre-season against Sydney and backed that up with 105 against the Blues, booting two goals from 19 disposals. Don’t dismiss him.
PASS
KEIDEAN COLEMAN — $398,800 DEF, 37 points
It was a sad sight for footy, let alone SuperCoach, to see Coleman on the bench with a knee injury on Friday. He was on track to push for a score in excess of 100 points after a first half where Coleman supplied two goal assists before rupturing his ACL in a freak kicking accident. More than 25 per cent of coaches have a big call to make on how to replace him.
ORAZIO FANTASIA — $175,900 FWD, 35 points
With so many frontline forward rookies available, Fantasia needed to score 80+ to enter the discussion as a possible starting pick. Small/medium forwards have rarely been big SuperCoaches scorers anyway.
KAI LOHMANN — $150,900 FWD, 33 points
Started as sub and although he did some nice things in the second half after coming on for Coleman, Lohmann’s shaky job security is reason enough to overlook him in SuperCoach.
SYDNEY V MELBOURNE
SUPERCOACH LIVE BLOG RECAP — CLICK HERE
LOCKS
BLAKE HOWES — $123k DEF, 91 points
The 20-year-old did everything SuperCoaches were hoping for on debut and Jake Bowey’s injury has increased his job security. Not that Howes has likely to come under any selection pressure after recording 16 disposals and seven marks on debut. Howes is guaranteed at least one hefty price rise after scoring 91 points against the Swans and will quickly surge above $200k if he can back up his round 0 effort. Start thinking about whether you’re going to sacrifice Nick Coffield, Ethan Phillips, Josh Gibcus or even Zac Williams.
Blake Howes ownership 3.7% #SuperCoach
— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) March 7, 2024
BRODIE GRUNDY — $481,900 RUC, 139 points
Those coaches who punted Grundy for Luke Jackson after the news of Sean Darcy’s injury would have felt vindicated when Max Gawn dominated the opening quarter at the SCG. But from that point on, Gawn’s former No. 2 was clearly the best ruckman on the ground. As Gawn limped to 72 points (more on that below), Grundy surged to 139 from 23 disposals, six tackles and 33 hit-outs. His 65 in pre-season is long forgotten.
QUESTION MARKS
MAX GAWN — $583,700 RUC, 72 points
Gawn started hot against his former teammate Grundy but faded badly after halftime, including losing four points during a disastrous third quarter. Post-match, the Demons skipper conceded Sydney’s humidity and the Swans’ decision to physically target him had taken a toll. “I don’t mind it. I let myself down today and the narrative will be I can’t do it (on his own) but bring it on,” he said. SuperCoaches have a big call to make now on whether to back Gawn in, upgrade him to his round 1 opponent Tim English or make $180k and pick Tristan Xerri instead. It’s not as clear cut as it sounds as Gawn is likely to lose value after his third game with a 72 in his price cycle.
ERROL GULDEN — $622,100 MID, 77 points
As good as he is, it’s going to be hard to pick Gulden after his 77-point outing against the Demons. Gulden stormed home with eight of his 20 disposals in the last quarter, which is when he also scored about half of his SuperCoach points. Those who planned on starting Gulden now face two tough questions — are you willing to go without him in the round 5 bye and are you willing to cop a price loss because he’s a keeper?
BOLTERS
ISAAC HEENEY $483,700 FWD, 144 points
Heeney’s chance as a full-time midfielder appears to have finally arrived. The Swans were missing injured trio Callum Mills, Taylor Adams and Luke Parker, but why would John Longmire be thinking about moving Heeney after his heroics against the Demons? He had an equal team-high 26 disposals, five marks, laid seven tackles and had an incredible 13 clearances. Maybe Heeney is the premium forward we have been looking for all along. Although, we have said that many times before and been left disappointed.
TOM PAPLEY $405,400 FWD, 120 points
Probably more one to note for draft players looking for a mid-range bargain pick in the forwards. Papley attended eight centre bounces, had nine score involvements, three clearances and 10 contested possessions in a performance which showed he’s much more than one of the AFL’s craftiest small forwards. He’s a huge POD in classic too, featuring in less than 1 per cent of teams.
PASS
BAILEY LAURIE — $125,200 FWD, 20 points
We needed to see more from Laurie to be confident of starting him in a stacked forward rookie pool. Eight disposals, 20 points and subbed out during the third quarter. Scrap him from your plans. Laurie could even be relegated to the sub next round, a role Simon Goodwin has used him in several times before.
JACK BILLINGS — $243,900 FWD, 11 points
Tens of thousands of coaches thought Billings would be a bargain after making a strong start in pre-season at his second club. But alarm bells were ringing when he was named as tactical sub and he failed to have much impact after he thrown into the game with two disposals in 50 minutes of footy. Save your money and pick someone cheaper instead.
Originally published as SuperCoach AFL: Expert verdict on round 0 players, analysis of every game
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