Top SuperCoach point of difference candidates after week one of the JLT Series

Forgotten SuperCoach heroes, breakout contenders and genuine stars who are being ignored by the masses — here are 16 form players who can set your team apart.

Finally, some footy to sink our teeth into.

It may not have been footy for premiership points, but at least we weren’t having to watch it off an AFL club’s live stream.

A smorgasbord of options have presented themselves across the first round of JLT Series matches, and there is still another week to go.

PHANTOM: RUCKMEN WHO CAUGHT THE EYE IN JLT1

SUPERCOACH WHISPERS: CRIPPS NEWS RINGS ALARM BELLS

FANTASY FREAKO: THE OTHER MAJOR KICK-IN CHANGE

In particular, SuperCoach points-of-differences (or ‘PODs’ as they are known) are important to keep an eye on during these pre-season games. These unique options are generally considered to be players with under 10 per cent ownership.

Here are the PODs who shone in JLT1, and who you should keep a close eye on this coming weekend.

CARLTON v ESSENDON

Not much POD action here, with high-ownership rookies Sam Walsh and Will Setterfield running amok. Nic Newman ($394,100, DEF) may have been a POD before this match, but is owned by 13 per cent off the back of 97 SuperCoach point performance.

WEST COAST v GEELONG

Shannon Hurn ($523,400, DEF)

2018 avg: 96.4 (22 games)

Ownership: 4 per cent

Surprisingly, one of the better defensive options is owned by only 4 per cent of teams. A strong showing from the Eagles skipper, collecting 24 disposals (including 17 kicks), nine marks and 111 SuperCoach points. Should continue to float under the radar with the plethora of defensive options available.

Shannon Hurn is a reliable SuperCoach scorer.

Dom Sheed ($394,100, MID)

2018 avg: 72.6 (15 games)

Ownership: 5 per cent

Sheed continued his outstanding form from last year’s finals with a dominant midfield game, amassing a game-high 39 disposals and 144 SuperCoach points from just 71 per cent game-time. However, it is worth noting Norm Smith medallist Luke Shuey played less than half a game. May not appeal as much as similarly priced Anthony Miles, Liberatore or Brad Crouch, but definitely one to monitor in JLT2.

NORTH MELBOURNE v ST KILDA

Jack Steele ($512,600, MID)

2018 avg: 94.4 (21 games)

Ownership: 1 per cent

Like Sheed, Jack Steele replicated his form from the final month of last season, posting a team-high 117 SuperCoach points from just 18 possessions. These numbers are what the big-bodied midfielder can produce due to his thirst for tackles and contested ball. One in every 100 SuperCoaches own him.

Can we trust Jack Billings?

Jack Billings ($437,600, FWD)

2018 avg: 80.6 (21 games)

Ownership: 4 per cent

Billings is back to tease us all over again. The former No.3 draft pick tallied 20 disposals, two goals and 100 SuperCoach points in a midfield friendly role. Has too much talent to ignore at that price tag and if he tons up again in JLT2, that ownership figure is sure to rise.

ADELAIDE v PORT ADELAIDE

Matt Crouch ($551,300, MID)

2018 avg: 101.6 (18 games)

Ownership: 7 per cent

All eyes were on his brother, Brad, while he went about his business, leading the game with 32 disposals and racking up 110 SuperCoach points. Had a down year in 2018 but could easily return to a 110 average this season.

Tom Doedee ($446,200)

2018 avg: 82.2 (20 games)

Ownership: 1 per cent

Our 2018 rookie hero was at his best at Port Pirie, with his intercept work across half-back as flawless as ever. Recorded a game-high 14 contested possessions on his way to 95 points. SuperCoaches will steer clear, but we could see Doedee’s game go to another level in 2019.

GWS GIANTS V SYDNEY

Heath Shaw ($492,400, DEF)

2018 avg: 90.7 (20 games)

Ownership: 3 per cent

Heath produced what is known as a ‘JLTease’. The veteran defender posted a characteristic 128 points from 28 disposals (23 kicks) and 12 marks. Hard to see how he can hit the ton on a consistent basis with Zac Williams and possibly Lachie Whitfield back there, but he’s a player with a noted scoring history.

Can Heath Shaw return to his SuperCoach glory days? Picture: Phil Hillyard

Tim Taranto ($481,600, MID)

2018 avg: 88.7 (21 games)

Ownership: 6 per cent

Taranto amassed 33 disposals and 120 SuperCoach points in his second emphatic outing in as many weeks against the Swans. The Phantom’s man is owned by 6 per cent of teams as it stands. Entering his third season and with no Dylan Shiel in the Giants midfield, is he destined for a breakout year?

BRISBANE v HAWTHORN

Jarryd Lyons ($502,000, MID)

2018 avg: 92.5 (19 games)

Ownership: Less than 1 per cent

A favourite at POD HQ, Jarryd Lyons went about his ball-winning ways with a formidable 110 points for his new side. The contested beast remains an uber-POD, owned by less than 1 per cent.

Cam Rayner ($327,700, FWD)

2018 avg: 60.4 (22 games)

Ownership: 6 per cent

Rayner put his name into the SuperCoach frame with an impressive display, tallying 16 touches, three goals and 105 points. The former No.1 draft pick has been compared to Dustin Martin, who averaged 95 points in his second season. Could Rayner do the same?

TACTICS: FIVE SUPERCOACH DEFENCE STRATEGIES

HOMEWORK: ULTIMATE JLT SERIES SUPERCOACH REVIEW

WALSH: DO NO.1 DRAFT PICKS SUCCEED IN SUPERCOACH?

RICHMOND v MELBOURNE

Jayden Short ($465,600, DEF)

2018 avg: 85.8 (22 games)

Ownership: 3 per cent

The new kick-in rules had many interested in the dashing Tiger during the pre-season and he racked up 29 touches and a ton despite sharing the duties with Bachar Houli. He’s a player with plenty of SuperCoach potential, with Richmond regularly getting the ball in his hands across half-back. Watch closely in JLT2.

Jack Ross ($117,300, MID)

2018 avg: N/A

Ownership: 1 per cent

It is rare that we find a rookie POD, but young midfielder Jack Ross is just that at the minute. A team-high 11 contested possessions, five clearances and 67 SuperCoach points from just 59 per cent of time on the park should raise his stocks for a Round 1 debut. Appears ready-made.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v GOLD COAST

Marcus Bontempelli ($564,600, MID)

2018 avg: 104 (19 games)

Ownership:4 per cent

After eye-catching performance from fellow midfielders Jack Macrae and Tom Liberatore, The Bont’s 116-point display hardly rated a mention. Bontempelli continues to slip under the radar, selected in just 4 per cent of teams. The worry of course is Luke Beveridge playing him in extended stints forward. Take another look in JLT2 before making the call.

Ben Ainsworth could be a surprise star for Gold Coast. Picture: Jerad Williams

Ben Ainsworth ($333,200, FWD)

2018 avg: 61.4 (16 games)

Ownership: Less than 1 per cent

It’s a matter of if – not when – Ainsworth becomes a SuperCoach gun. Ainsworth top-scored for the Suns with 98 points, spending time in the coalface and up forward in an encouraging outing for SuperCoaches. With very few prime midfield options at the Suns’ disposal, the youngster should spend more time in the guts. Breakout contender – and how about that ownership!

FREMANTLE v COLLINGWOOD

David Mundy ($520,900, FWD, MID)

2018 avg: 96 (22 games)

Ownership: 2 per cent

The Dockers veteran isn’t going out without a fight in SuperCoach, collecting 19 disposals with 14 of those contested. Significantly, Mundy attended a team-high 21 centre bounces, meaning Ross Lyon might just follow through on his promise of the veteran being a pure midfielder in 2019. Monitor his JLT2 with interest.

Michael Walters ($476,800)

2018 avg: 88.8 (18 games)

Ownership: 3 per cent

Walters is capable of both highs and lows, but there is no doubting his talent. A lazy 21 touches, seven clearances and a goal from just 55 per cent game-time makes him difficult to ignore at his price. Played most of his game in the guts, attending 16 centre bounces.

Originally published as Top SuperCoach point of difference candidates after week one of the JLT Series