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KFC SuperCoach Round 3 trade guide: Todd Goldstein joins Brodie Grundy, Max Gawn in elite ruck bracket

Marc Pittonet and Max Gawn are top of the hit list for many KFC SuperCoaches this week. Should you be going for the value Carlton big man, Melbourne skipper or even North Melbourne’s Todd Goldstein to partner Brodie Grundy?

Brisbane Lions player Lachie Neale is seen during training in Brisbane, Tuesday, June 9, 2020. The AFL will resume its 2020 season on June 11. (AAP Image/Dan Peled) NO ARCHIVING
Brisbane Lions player Lachie Neale is seen during training in Brisbane, Tuesday, June 9, 2020. The AFL will resume its 2020 season on June 11. (AAP Image/Dan Peled) NO ARCHIVING

In a season billed as survival of the fittest, one player stands above all else after two rounds.

North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein has been the No. 1 ranked big man to Round 2, posting KFC SuperCoach scores of 136 against St Kilda’s Rowan Marshall-Paddy Ryder tag team and 164 against GWS’ Sam Jacobs.

Goldstein is the only player in the league to have played more than 210 minutes, featuring in a total of 211 minutes and 45 seconds against the Saints and Giants.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE ALL THIS WEEK’S TOP TRADE TARGETS

His teammate Robbie Tarrant (209 mins: 47 secs), Brisbane defender Harris Andrews (209:04), key forward Ben Brown (206:01) and Lachie Whitfield (205:08) round out the top five.

Since 2015, when Goldstein averaged a career-best 128.8, the KFC SuperCoach ruck stocks have been dominated by Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy.

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Goldstein played 15 more minutes than Gawn (95) and 29 more than Grundy (81) in Round 2, amassing 1.5 points per minute (PPM) against GWS.

While Grundy leads the competition in PPM at 1.82, Goldstein’s endurance has turned SuperCoach’s big-two ruckmen into a big three.

“We had a joke that he was going to play the whole game and he ended up playing the whole game,” Roos coach Rhyce Shaw said after Goldstein’s 51-hitout, 19-possession game on Sunday.

“He’s a superstar Goldy. He’s (been) one of the best ruckmen in the competition for the last decade.

“He was just amazing, the way he continues just to keep going. Not only in the ruck, but his follow up work and around the ground is exceptional.”

Todd Goldstein has played more minutes than any other player in the opening two rounds.
Todd Goldstein has played more minutes than any other player in the opening two rounds.

Goldstein’s performance against GWS resulted in a $31,100 price hike and at $640,500 he is closing the gap on Grundy ($717,800) and Gawn ($702,900).

The 31-year-old has averaged 132.1 KFC SuperCoach points since Round 15 last year and has favourable match-ups against Sydney, Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs in the next three weeks.

Marc Pittonet scored 134 in his first match for Carlton on Saturday against Max Gawn.
Marc Pittonet scored 134 in his first match for Carlton on Saturday against Max Gawn.

TOP TARGETS

Max Gawn (Melbourne) $702,900 RUC Average: 138.5 Break even: 119

Any hopes of getting Gawn cheaper than his starting quote of $697,100 were extinguished when he eclipsed his 172 break even against Carlton with a score of 184. The Demons skipper had 31 hit-outs and 21 disposals to remind SuperCoaches of his quality.

Marc Pittonet (Carlton) $236,200 RUC Avg: 134 BE: -44

Gawn’s inexperienced opponent from Saturday was hardly disgraced, managing 23 hit-outs and 14 disposals in his first game for Carlton. Former Hawk Pittonet is set for an extended run in the Blues’ side with Matthew Kreuzer injured and at $236,200 is the perfect get-out trade for an underperforming big man.

Harley Bennell and Trent Rivers are two of the best rookie cash cows to consider.
Harley Bennell and Trent Rivers are two of the best rookie cash cows to consider.

Harley Bennell (Melbourne) $123,900 MID Avg: 59 BE: -12

Comeback kid Bennell only played 50 per cent game time in his first outing as a Demon, making his score of 59 more impressive. There will always be some concern about his body considering his injury history, but when was the last time a player who has averaged 100 before was available this cheap?

Trent Rivers (Melbourne) $117,300 DEF-MID Avg: 62 BE: -18

An assured debut from the West Australian, who had 12 disposals at 83 per cent efficiency. Rivers has the bonus of being listed as a dual-position player in KFC SuperCoach and could be used in tandem with fellow DEF-MID Brandon Starcevich to swing between roles.

Darcy Cameron (Collingwood) $123,900 RUC-FWD Avg: 73 BE: -26

Cameron will have Mason Cox breathing down his neck when the American is fit again, however the ex-Sydney ruckman made a strong case to retain his spot against Richmond. Cameron took eight marks and finished with 13 possessions in his maiden appearance for the Magpies. Pick him in your forward line if you have North Melbourne’s Charlie Comben at R3 and you’ll be able to use the RUC-FWD swing to provide cover in the event of an injury.

Jeremy Howe (Collingwood) $485,100 DEF Avg: 141 BE: -9

If you missed out, you’ll have to pay $53,200 more than what other coaches got the high-flying Magpie for last week. Howe is the No. 1 ranked defender after two rounds with an average of 141. The next best is Sydney’s Dane Rampe, who is $58,400 more expensive than Howe and has an average of 117.5.

Young gun Connor Rozee is about to shoot above $500,000 after two standout games.
Young gun Connor Rozee is about to shoot above $500,000 after two standout games.

Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide) $471,600 FWD Avg: 135 BE: -4

Rozee is shaping as the KFC SuperCoach breakout star of 2020. The Power rising star has opened the campaign with scores of 125 and 145, albeit against last year’s wooden spooner and a struggling Adelaide. If you want him in your team, this is the week. He’ll cost more than $510,000 if he scores 90 or more against Fremantle.

Jye Caldwell (GWS Giants) $190,100 MID Avg: 73 BE: -1

Another of the bubble boys who impressed in his third game for the Giants. Bennell and Rivers have as much scoring potential and are available for about $70,000 less though. Caldwell had 15 disposals against North Melbourne, but the risk with picking GWS midfielders is the depth Leon Cameron’s side boasts. Who’s to say he isn’t squeezed out for Jackson Hately or Tom Green in a few weeks?

Christian Petracca has relished a move to midfield for Melbourne, scoring successive tons.
Christian Petracca has relished a move to midfield for Melbourne, scoring successive tons.

Christian Petracca (Melbourne) $470,000 FWD Avg: 115.5 BE: 34

Time to declare it — Petracca is the real deal. The Demons dynamo has teased SuperCoaches before and many were wary of being sucked in when he monstered 188 points in a Marsh Series game. But the promise of greater midfield time has been fulfilled and after scores of 105 and 126 to open the campaign, he’s a genuine contender to be a top-six forward in 2020.

Jordan Ridley (Essendon) $354,900 DEF Avg: 97 BE: 6

An awkward starting price put many coaches off, but Ridley has rewarded those who took the punt. A composed presence at halfback for Essendon and renowned for his disposal efficiency, Ridley had 17 disposals and four marks against Sydney, backing up his Round 1 effort of 16 disposals (at 100 per efficiency) against Fremantle. He’s a mid-pricer on the rise.

Lachie Neale has an eye-popping average of 164 after two rounds.
Lachie Neale has an eye-popping average of 164 after two rounds.

Lachie Neale (Brisbane Lions) $693,800 MID Avg: 164 BE: 63

The Brisbane ball magnet has played the most game time of any midfielder in the opening two rounds, featuring in 197 minutes. His incredible PPM ratio of 1.67 has led to an average of 164 points, 14 higher than second-ranked Goldstein. Neale jumped $35,300 this week and with a break even of 63 is projected to be close to $730,000 after three rounds.

AND DON’T FORGET

Sam Sturt (Fremantle) $123,900 FWD Avg: 100 BE: -53

The Dockers rookie missed Round 2 after kicking three goals on debut against Essendon. If he’s named, Sturt should be in your trade considerations as he’s projected to jump by $69,000 if he scores another SuperCoach ton.

MORE SUPERCOACH ADVICE:

Doctor’s Orders: Four KFC SuperCoach mid-pricers under the microscope for Round 3

KFC SuperCoach Round 2 rage trades: Big guns in firing line after slow starts to 2020

KFC SuperCoach 2020: The Phantom’s Round 2 review and Round 3 trade tips

Harley Bennell’s return even better than it looks, Carlton ruckman Marc Pittonet on KFC SuperCoach radar

SuperCoach Round 2 trade guide: Melbourne solves defensive rookie crisis

GOING DOWN?

Jack Macrae (Western Bulldogs) $642,900 MID Avg: 98 BE: 166 Price change: -$26,000

Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs) $593,200 MID Avg: 85 BE: 164 Price change: -$29,800

Josh Kelly (GWS Giants) $614,800 MID Avg: 95.5 BE: 155 Price change: -$22,900

Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong) $601,500 MID Avg: 92 BE: 155 Price change: -$24,000

Josh Dunkley (Western Bulldogs) $613,600 MID Avg: 99 BE: 148 Price change: -$18,800

Tom Mitchell (Hawthorn) $619,600 MID Avg: 107 BE: 135 Price change: -$11,300

Lachie Whitfield (GWS Giants) $593,700 FWD-MID Avg: 103 BE: 128 Price change: -$10,400

Dan Houston (Port Adelaide) $464,400 DEF-MID Avg: 69.5 BE: 123 Price change: -$20,200

St Kilda coach Brett Ratten would have been thrilled with Jack Steele’s start to 2020.
St Kilda coach Brett Ratten would have been thrilled with Jack Steele’s start to 2020.

KEY BREAK EVENS

PREMIUMS ($500,000 or more)

Jack Steele (St Kilda) $547,100 MID Avg: 132.5 BE: 43 Projected rise: +$30,100

Jack Billings (St Kilda) $536,500 MID Avg: 126.5 BE: 49 Projected rise: +$26,900

Dylan Shiel (Essendon) $555,400 MID Avg: 129.5 BE: 54 Projected rise: +$24,400

Todd Goldstein (North Melbourne) $640,500 RUC Avg: 150 BE: 61 Projected rise: +$35,700

Lachie Neale (Brisbane Lions) $693,800 MID Avg: 164 BE: 63 Projected rise: +$34,700

Michael Walters (Fremantle) $570,000 FWD-MID Avg: 129 BE: 63 Projected rise: +20,200

Taylor Adams (Collingwood) $544,800 MID Avg: 121.5 BE: 66 Projected rise: +16,200

Zach Merrett (Essendon) $597,300 MID Avg 135 BE: 66 Projected rise: +25,000

Josh Daicos played his best game for Collingwood in Round 2 against Richmond.
Josh Daicos played his best game for Collingwood in Round 2 against Richmond.

MID-PRICERS ($250,000-$500,000)

Josh Daicos (Collingwood) $299,000 MID Avg: 93.5 BE: -19 Projected rise: +39,400

Jeremy Howe (Collingwood) $485,100 DEF Avg: 141 BE: -9 Projected rise: +$49,000

Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide) $471,600 FWD Avg: 135 BE: -4 Projected rise: +$43,000

Jack Viney (Melbourne) $486,800 MID Avg: 136 BE: 2 Projected rise: +$45,400

Jy Simpkin (North Melbourne) $423,400 FWD-MID Avg: 117.5 BE: 3 Projected rise: +$28,600

Jordan Ridley (Essendon) $354,900 DEF Avg: 97 BE: 6 Projected rise: +$32,500

Lin Jong (Western Bulldogs) $260,700 MID Avg: 89 BE: 10 Projected rise: +$33,900

Bailey Smith (Western Bulldogs) $449,400 FWD-MID Avg: 116 BE: 21 Projected rise: +$34,600

Sam Jacobs (GWS Giants) $374,500 RUC Avg: 95 BE: 21 Projected rise: +$27,900

Andrew McGrath (Essendon) $426,200 MID Avg: 105.5 BE: 29 Projected rise: +27,900

Darcy Cameron scored 73 in his first match for Collingwood.
Darcy Cameron scored 73 in his first match for Collingwood.

ROOKIES (Less than $250,000)

Sam Sturt (Fremantle) $123,900 FWD Avg: 100 BE: -53 Projected rise: +69,000

Marc Pittonet (Carlton) $236,200 RUC Avg: 134 BE: -44 Projected rise: +58,800

Marlion Pickett (Richmond) $161,700 MID Avg: 65.5 BE: -40 Projected rise: +47,700

Darcy Cameron (Collingwood) $123,900 RUC-FWD Avg: 73 BE: -26 Projected rise: +33,800

Trent Rivers (Melbourne) $117,300 DEF-MID Avg: 62 BE: -18 Projected rise: +35,800

Harley Bennell (Melbourne) $123,900 MID Avg: 59 BE: -12 Projected rise: +26,600

Thomas Berry (Brisbane Lions) $123,900 FWD Avg: 58 BE: -11 Projected rise: $31,000

Jye Caldwell (GWS Giants) $190,100 MID Avg: 73 BE: -1 Projected rise: +20,300

BIGGEST OWNERSHIP CHANGES*

Trent Rivers +3.9 per cent

Jeremy Howe +3.9 per cent

Marc Pittonet +3.0 per cent

Brandon Starcevich +2.4 per cent

Harley Bennell +2.2 per cent

Connor Rozee +1.6 per cent

Darcy Cameron +1.6 per cent

Matthew Rowell +1.5 per cent

Lachie Neale +1.1 per cent

Jordan Ridley +0.9 per cent

Dan Houston -3.2 per cent

Tom Green -1.9 per cent

Dylan Roberton -1.5 per cent

Sam Jacovs -1.1 per cent

Brodie Smith -1.0 per cent

Rory Laird -0.8 per cent

Marcus Bontempelli -0.8 per cent

Brandon Zerk-Thatcher -0.8 per cent

Ben Cavarra -0.8 per cent

Jack Macrae -0.6 per cent

*Ownership changes current as of 9pm Tuesday

Originally published as KFC SuperCoach Round 3 trade guide: Todd Goldstein joins Brodie Grundy, Max Gawn in elite ruck bracket

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/afl/supercoach-news/kfc-supercoach-round-3-trade-guide-todd-goldstein-joins-brodie-grundy-max-gawn-in-elite-ruck-bracket/news-story/8ba8367ac10243a76b5e07a0e93d1970