SuperCoach investor: Trade tips, tactics and captain advice for preliminary final weekend

TRADES are running low but SuperCoach Investor Dan Begala says there are other tactics we can employ to get through to a league grand final. NEW PODCAST

Nat Fyfe has returned to his best form. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

WE’RE into the final stanza of the SuperCoach season and it’s vital that our sides, if possible, are firing on all cylinders for this week’s preliminary final action.

For most, if not all teams, our hopes will hinge on the ins and outs at the selection table and our ability to scamper together 22 scoring players for battle.

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If you’re reading this, Rory Sloane, I hope you’re icing that knee!

If you have trades left in the cupboard this is your moment to shine and revel in the spoils of your season-long patience.

Our resident expert, Daniel Begala, share his full-proof strategies for elevating yourself above the pack and into the halls of SuperCoach immortality.

PRELIMINARY PREDICAMENTS

The euphoria that is SuperCoach Finals is in full-swing and the cream has well and truly risen to the top of our leagues. We’re so close, yet so far away from all the ultimate SuperCoach glory.

It’s time to get excited as there’s only one final hurdle, a pesky preliminary final, between you and the “Big Dance”.

The SuperCoach Investor offers the following insight for the two types of teams likely to be facing off in this week’s do-or-die encounter.

TYPE 1: TRADES, TRADES, TRADES

Patience is a virtue, so if you’re arriving to the party with two or more trades, then the contest and league should be positioned heavily in your favour.

We saw first-hand the carnage that ensued last week, so don’t be surprised if there are more curve balls thrown in our direction.

If you’re one of the few bursting with trades (say 2-3), it’s time to seize the opportunity and add the finishing touches to your side with a little ounce of flair.

Trade decisions should not be taken lightly. Make sure you focus on the acquisition of players with favourable fixtures, low ownership levels and from teams that remain in the hunt for the AFL finals series.

The importance of separating yourself from the pack has never been more important. Look to acquire players in the ilk of Matthew Crouch (in 5 per cent of teams), Jack Billings (7.8 per cent) and Michael Hurley (DEF, 10.1 per cent), who are all relatively uncommon commodities yet remain entrenched in the top echelon of scorers for their respective positions.

Jack Billings could be the man to win you a preliminary final. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

TYPE 2: TRADE TRAGEDY

You’ve probably jumped the gun, but you’re not alone.

Don’t despair, your fate will now rest in the hands of the selection gods and the depth (and flexibility) you’ve managed to instil into your side throughout the season.

Forget the notion of fielding 22 premium stars as it is very likely that, just like AFL teams, your bottom four players will dictate your team’s performance on the grandest stage.

Leverage those loopholes and back the up-and-comers like Hugh Greenwood (MID-FWD) to conjure up a special performance that neutralises your opposition’s star power.

There will be a few sleepless nights for coaches sweating on the fitness and availability of their guns (Rory Sloane, are you listening?).

Nat Fyfe is hitting form at the right time. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

CAPTAIN’S CALL

With the permanent captain, Patrick Dangerfield, scheduled for an early fixture on Saturday there’s no doubt every man and his dog will bestow vice-captaincy duties on the Cats star.

If he does the unthinkable and fails to fulfil his duty, The SuperCoach Investor has identified a breadth of back-up players worthy of your consideration.

GARY ABLETT JR (V ESS)

Last 3: 156, Last 5: 132

What do you get when you cross a GOAT, Essendon and Metricon Stadium? Answer: an exorbitant SuperCoach score.

He’s the standout option this week and looms as a game-breaker for the 8 per cent of sides that still boast his lofty services.

The only issue, however, is his recent spate of soft-tissue niggles. If he fronts up this week, back the Little Master to crack the ton before three-quarter time.

DUSTIN MARTIN (V FREM)

Last 3: 112, Last 5: 117

The Tigers are chasing the top four and their greatest asset, Dustin Martin, is chasing history.

I expect Fremantle to rattle the selection cage and act promptly on a disastrous display against the Swans with a host of changes. Enter: YOUTH.

Richmond will be hellbent on redemption from its Round 8 capitulation against the Dockers and the man at the centre of it all, Dustin Martin, is ready to post a monster score.

NAT FYFE (V RICH)

Last 3: 114, Last 5: 112

Fyfe is one of the most in-form players of the competition who will be fixated on finishing the season with a flurry.

The only issue, though, is the likelihood of Damien Hardwick assigning tagging duties to Dion “Meatball” Prestia at the stoppages and across the ground.

He’s a contested ball machine, so even if it does eventuate, it’s unlikely to thwart the scoring potential of the great Nat Fyfe.

Originally published as SuperCoach investor: Trade tips, tactics and captain advice for preliminary final weekend