Why early bye planning is crucial for SuperCoach success in 2019

The AFL bye weeks are three of the most frustrating weeks in the SuperCoach season and with two big names missing in the same week it’s crucial to start planning now.

Pretty sure we say this every year but it’s never too early to set up your SuperCoach bye strategy.

As it has for the last few years the AFL will have three weeks of byes with a number of teams getting the week off.

In 2019, the byes fall in Rounds 12, 13 and 14.

WHISPERS: CAT’S HIGH PRAISE, RUCK BATTLES RAGE

DOCTOR: FOUR CRIMINALLY UNDER-RATED PODS

SUPERCOACH: DANGER, TWO BLUES MOST POPULAR

Yes, it’s a long way away but planning now can save a lot of frustration in the future.

The most glaring issue is top-priced and most popular ruckmen Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn have the same week off. The third most expensive big man, Brisbane’s Stef Martin will also be missing.

This won’t be an issue if your opponent also has the high-priced duo but it’s also an important reminder to keep trades up your sleeve.

Brodie Grundy marks at Collingwood training. Picture: Michael Klein

Max Gawn has a laugh at Melbourne training. Picture: Michael Klein

This strategy is pretty simple … when Round 13 rolls around trade Grundy or Gawn to a playing ruckman and - this is crucial - keeping any money spare to trade them back in the following week.

This idea would work perfectly for Todd Goldstein or Shane Mumford who have the bye the following week.

Of course, we should mention that only the best 18 scorers count toward your score during the three bye weeks, so if you’ve got the numbers you can cover both rucks being out.

While most cash cows will be transitioned out by this stage, it’s important not to overload a single week with “keepers”.

That is easier this year than in previous seasons with an even spread of SuperCoach stars across the three bye weeks.

2019 Bye Rounds

Round 12

Essendon, Fremantle, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, St Kilda, Western Bulldogs

Round 13

Brisbane, Collingwood, Geelong, Melbourne, Sydney, West Coast

Round 14

Adelaide, Carlton, Gold Coast, GWS Giants, North Melbourne, Richmond

Round 12 looks relatively premium free with Nat Fyfe, Devon Smith and Jack Macrae the biggest names having a rest.

The hardest week could be Round 13 with the aforementioned Grundy, Gawn and Martin unavailable as well as Patrick Dangerfield, Lachie Neale, Isaac Heeney, Adam Treloar, Clayton Oliver, Jake Lloyd and Elliot Yeo all off.

Finally, the likes of Rory Laird, Patrick Cripps, Josh Kelly and Dustin Martin will be missing in Round 14.

It’s important when trading in big names especially during the season you don’t leave yourself short.

The moral of the story is plan for the future.

Originally published as Why early bye planning is crucial for SuperCoach success in 2019