Key SuperCoach performances from JLT2 Series matches before Round 1
The AFL’s pre-season competition is over and SuperCoaches must now finalise their squad not only on exposed form, but also their gut feel. Doctor SuperCoach takes a detailed look at some of the key names from week 2 of the JLT Series.
Well, the pre-season is done and dusted.
With the completion of week two of the JLT Series, SuperCoaches were given their last good luck at AFL talent as they prepare to lock in their starting squad for the 2019 season.
But if you missed any of the action, don’t worry too much.
10 COMMANDMENTS: THE GOLDEN RULES OF SUPERCOACH
DOCTOR SUPERCOACH: WEEK 1 OF THE JLT
THE PHANTOM: STANDOUT DEFENDERS OF THE JLT SERIES
The expert team at Doctor SuperCoach had the binoculars on all the key SuperCoach players — see their detailed notes from the opening four matches of week two below — and stay tuned for homework from the rest of the JLT Series.
* Check back next week for the detailed analysis of the remaining matches from week two of the JLT Series.
GEELONG 101 DEF ESSENDON 73
After sitting out the entirety of the first quarter, Zach Merrett ($544,800, MID) entered the
contest full of energy and managed to accumulate 14 disposals in the second quarter alone. After nearly decapitating Patrick Dangerfield ($660,500, FWD/MID) in the second quarter, Devon Smith ($531,300, FWD/MID) showed us his best Toby Greene impression by giving away a free kick due to the new “studs up” rule in a marking contest.
MISSING IN ACTION
Geelong: Zach Tuohy, Nakia Cockatoo, Jake Kolodjashnij, Zac Smith, Scott Selwood, Jed
Bews
Essendon: Martin Gleeson, Jayden Laverde, Michael Hartley, Cale Hooker
TIM KELLY $505,800 FWD/MID — 110 POINTS
With Sam Menegola still being eased into game-time, Tim Kelly attended the second-most centre bounces for the Cats with 15. Finishing the night with 29 disposals, Kelly got his hands dirty at the coalface all night, repeatedly breaking away from stoppages to thrust the ball forward. Uncharacteristically, Kelly’s night was littered with exceptionally poor disposal by foot, with quite a few kicks simply hacked along the ground from a clearance. This certainly didn’t impact his thirst for the contest, however, as he applied the most pressure on the ground for the night. All indicators are pointing towards a sensational year for Tim Kelly in 2019, but it will be interesting to see how Sam Menegola’s role changes once he builds to full match fitness. It is likely these two will split their time 50/50 with each other from half-forward to midfield, yet with Kelly rated the slightly better clearance player, he might get a few rotations more than Menegola.
JOEL SELWOOD $570,500 MID — 153 POINTS
Geelong’s longest serving captain just keeps on keeping on. At 30 years of age, Selwood has taken to his new wing role with gusto and was unstoppable on his way to 38 disposals, 12 contested possessions, seven tackles and 541 metres gained (which ranked only behind Dangerfield). Rather than playing his typical inside midfielder role, Selwood was starting off a wing and rushing the centre bounce as the next man in. In general play, Selwood freely cruised around the ground virtually unopposed to help initial quick transitions of the ball and this is evident from his 11 marks, three rebound 50s and five inside 50s. Selwood is sure to spend his fair share of time in the guts, especially in tight games where an experienced hand is needed to generate a clearance. He is certainly a unique option and with proven scoring potential.
LUKE DAHLHAUS $418,300 FWD/MID — 118 POINTS
Coming off the back of his worse SuperCoach season since his debut in 2011, Dahlhaus looked fit and firing on his way to 25 disposals, eight tackles and a goal. When interviewed post-game about his 2019 role, Dahlhaus stated he had been specifically tasked with providing forward pressure — evident from his 21 pressure acts for the game. Prior to last year’s drop off, Dahlhaus averaged 96 SuperCoach points across an 82-game stretch going back four seasons. Priced at only 77 SuperCoach points to start the season, Dahlhaus could provide a ton of value heading into 2019. It would be silly to think that Dahlhaus will receive any significant amount of midfield time, considering the weapons Geelong has at their disposal, so his ceiling may be somewhat capped. However, after his performance against Essendon, Dahlhaus has put his hand up for the coaches that are game enough to take a risk on him.
TOM ATKINS $112,900 MID — 80 POINTS
Mature-aged recruit Atkins backed up a solid 69 SuperCoach points in his opening JLT match, with a 17 disposal and one goal performance. Renowned as a ferocious tackler, Atkins applied 17 pressure acts for the night which helped Geelong lock the ball in their forward half, while he also won his own ball with 12 contested possessions. Used more as an inside clearance winner in the VFL, Geelong’s stellar midfield means he will more likely find his home inside the Cats’ forward 50 in 2019, as a pressure forward. He looks likely to excel in this role as he rated elite for goal assists and above average for score involvements as a midfielder in the VFL last season. A worthwhile selection.
GARY ABLETT $580,600 MID — 74 POINTS
The little master has been touted for a more permanent forward role in 2019. Spending the entirety of his 85-minutes on ground in the forward half, Ablett showed how terrifying it will be for opposition coaches to find a match up for him during the year. Not only did Ablett lead Geelong for goal assists, but on numerous occasions he managed to spot up a target inside 50 out of nowhere. He went at 91.7% disposal efficiency for the night and while his days as a viable SuperCoach option appear officially over due to this role, he looks to be a valuable member of the Geelong forward line.
DYLAN SHIEL $487,000 MID — 81 POINTS
Essendon’s big-name recruit has toiled hard during his two JLT matches without really staking his claim for a starting position in our sides. Yes, there are multiple times per game where Shiel gathers the ball, turns a would be tackler inside out and skips away, but he rarely turns his football skills into SuperCoach points. Case in point: 25 disposals, seven tackles, six clearances and 11 contested possessions looks like a great night out, however, this resulted in only 81 SuperCoach points. These are virtually identical to the numbers he produced for GWS, and while he is clearly a great addition to Essendon’s midfield, it seems unlikely that he will take his game to the next level and justify a selection in starting SuperCoach squads. An important note to the eight per cent of coaches that currently have him in their sides, Shiel has only averaged above 100 once in his seven-year career.
JORDAN RIDLEY $233,100 DEF — 94 POINTS
JLT sensation Jordan Ridley backed up his impressive game against Carlton with an equally eye-catching performance against a dominant Geelong side. After top scoring with 97 SuperCoach points in JLT1, Ridley sat one kick behind every stoppage for most of the night, to gather 94 SuperCoach points and rank only behind captain Dyson Heppell. Despite his lighter frame, Ridley collected nine contested possessions from his 18 disposals, used the football well, finishing the night with a disposal efficiency of 83.3% and also kicked a goal. A few questions still hang over him as selection in our sides, as firstly his price is slightly elevated and secondly, the security of his position in the side is not yet know. He is someone to keep in mind, but it might be difficult to find a spot in your side for him with the wealth of value in defence that are currently on offer.
ANDREW McGRATH $384,300 DEF/MID — 71 POINTS
Mooted to finally graduate into a full-time midfielder in 2019, McGrath has had a JLT series that has left coaches with more questions than answers. Currently selected in 17 per cent of SuperCoach teams, the former No.1 pick took to the new centre role with aplomb against Carlton to gather 25 disposals and 2 goals but couldn’t have the same impact against a rampant Geelong side. Noticeably, McGrath attended fewer centre bounces than against Carlton with Shiel, Myers, Merrett and Heppell the common attendees. McGrath in no way had a poor game, however, it seems there are still some names ahead of him for pure midfield time. His 10 contested possessions from 22 disposals still indicates his SuperCoach average will improve in 2019, yet it seems less likely that he breaks out to be the 100-averaging defender many coaches are hoping for. Players around his price point, like Nic Newman ($394,100, DEF), might present better value.
ADELAIDE 10.15 (75) D GWS 7.15 (57)
Adelaide went through undefeated in this year’s JLT, while GWS split the difference. This game saw both teams struggle in front of the big sticks, but it was Adelaide’s midfield that made the difference in getting over the line.
MISSING IN ACTION
Adelaide: H Greenwood, M Poholke, D Mackay, A Otten, N McHenry
GWS: J Kelly, J Hopper, J Patton, N Haynes, Z Sproule, N Shipley, S Mumford, J Stein, Z Williams, C Ward
MATT CROUCH $551,300 MID — 150 Points
A complete performance for Matt Crouch in JLT2 has resulted in the gun midfielder scoring a monster 150 points! The Crow racked up 39 disposals to go with nine tackles and five clearances making it a total of 71 disposals in his two games played this pre-season. Currently sitting at just 19% ownership, Crouch isn’t a point of difference selection, but is still perhaps underrated considering he is somewhat underpriced after an injury affected 2018. If Matt Crouch is able to roam free as he did during this JLT series, you can fully expect him to challenge for a top ten midfield spot.
RORY SLOANE $524,300 MID — 115 Points
Newly appointed Crows co-captain has started his tenure off with a bang after gathering 28 disposals in each of his appearances in the JLT series. The most impressive stats for Rory weren’t just his disposals, as he was able to accumulate eight tackles and hit the scoreboard with a goal, it was that he was able to do this all in just 69% time on ground. A true point of difference in just 9% of teams thus far, for Rory to be a worthwhile selection he would need to wind the clock back to the 2014 or 2017 season, the only two times in his career he has been able to average 110 or more SuperCoach points. If Adelaide can return to their best form this year, you can expect Sloane to receive an uptick in average as well.
HEATH SHAW $492,400 DEF — 82 Points
Speedy defender Heath Shaw has come forward as an unlikely option this season with an average of 105 across both games this JLT series. Shaw has had consecutive years at a 90 average or lower which isn’t up to scratch with the top ten in his position, but if you look further back it’s easy to see that a 100+ average isn’t uncommon for Heater — he’s done it six times in his career! If the re-emergence of Zac Williams forces Lachie Whitfield further up the ground, then we could see Heater slot right into a flanking role beside Williams. If so, keep an eye on the savvy veteran as his best is clearly top eight material down back.
WAYNE MILERA $433,100 DEF — 123 Points
Newly turned defender Wayne Milera is looking to continue on from his late surge in 2018, in which he emerged as a potential SuperCoach option, averaging 92 points from Round 15 onwards. Milera’s contribution in this match exceeded anything he was able to muster in 2018, meaning we may be seeing the young gun still improving in his role — or that there is less pressure in the JLT than the season proper, lending to his 100% disposal efficiency. Unfortunately, Milera may be stifled by the log jam at his position with the return of Brodie Smith and the normal dominance of Rory Laird. This would be a high risk high reward punt, but certainly one to watch during the season if he continues on from this form!
BRAD CROUCH $418,000 MID — 124 Points
The injury prone Brad Crouch is putting forth a case like no other for a breakout 2019 season. Scores of 118 and 124 in the JLT, while averaging 77% time on ground provides an astoundingly high scoring potential for someone priced so lowly — so why isn’t he in more than 20% of teams? It is well documented that Brad struggles to stay on the park due to a poor injury history, but with six potentially easier matches in Adelaide’s opening nine games, Brad could start the year off hot. There won’t be a higher risk, higher reward pick this season, so buy him with extreme caution or avoid at your own peril.
TOBY GREENE $354,600 FWD — 39 Points
The wounds of those who started Toby Greene last year may still be healing, but Greene looks to be over his injuries in this his first hitout for the year. Not much was done to convince SuperCoaches beyond doubt that Greene would return to his premium status; with only 12 disposals, one goal and a lowly 58% disposal efficiency. But rust is to be expected early and the fact that Toby only played 32% time on ground for his score, shows that there is a chance he can hit the lofty heights of a 90+ average that he has achieved in over 50% of his seasons to date.
CHAYCE JONES $171,300 MID — 78 Points
Taken with pick nine in last year’s draft, Chayce Jones may have played himself in to Round 1 consideration, as he collected nine disposals but laid five tackles while booting two goals. Jones was a contested and tackling beast in the under 18 championships, however he doesn’t have the body to translate that play into the AFL just yet. This may result in some great moments this season, however, to justify his inflated price tag Chayce will need to average more than he may be capable of in his early years. It is a pass on Jones in favour of some other cheaper midfield selections.
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SUPERCOACH SCORES: ST KILDA v WESTERN BULLDOGS
SUPERCOACH SCORES: WEST COAST v FREMANTLE
SUPERCOACH SCORES: RICHMOND v HAWTHORN
SUPERCOACH SCORES: SYDNEY SWANS v GOLD COAST
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PORT ADELAIDE 123 D NORTH MELBOURNE 102
Port Adelaide and North Melbourne contested a high scoring, free-flowing affair down at Alberton. Both teams fought hard for most of the day despite missing key members of their respective teams. The absence of Goldstein was evident as his dominance throughout the centre contests was sorely missed.
MISSING IN ACTION
Port Adelaide: Charlie Dixon, Ollie Wines, Matthew Broadbent, Hamish Hartlett
Hawthorn: Todd Goldstein, Majak Daw, Robbie Tarrant, Jed Anderson, Ben Cunnington, Ben Jacobs, Taylor Garner, Will Walker
TOM ROCKLIFF $405,900 MID — 170 POINTS
Ladies and Gentlemen, the king of fantasy football has returned! Tom Rockliff turned back the clock and produced the standout performance of the JLT Series. He spent most of his time in the midfield with the occasional forward line stint and produced a phenomenal stat line; 41 disposals, 16 marks, nine clearances, five inside 50s and 2.2 on the scoreboard capped off a stellar day for a man who once averaged 132 across an entire season. If Rocky can carry this form into Round 1 he will be one of the best bargains of 2019. The question on everyone’s lips will remain the same — is he really back?
SCOTT LYCETT $441,200 RUCK/FORWARD — 122 POINTS
Scott Lycett looks right at home at Port Adelaide and is showing us why he commanded a lucrative contract. It appears he will be the number 1 ruckman at the club with Ryder spending a majority of his time up forward. He battled hard in contests and accumulated 16 disposals and five tackles to go along with a couple of goals. Given the health concerns of Ryder along with Lycett claiming the main ruck role, Scott could prove to be a handy POD in 2019, especially with that valuable ruck/forward swing. Keep in mind that the DPP itself is not worth spending $441,200 on; Lycett still needs to prove himself to be a top forward scoring option for him to be a worthwhile starting selection.
BAILEY SCOTT $117,300 MIDFIELDER — 89 POINTS
Jared Polec and Aaron Hall were the rave recruits over the off-season, but the Kangaroos have struck gold in the draft with Bailey Scott. Backing up his performance against the Saints, the young wingman was fantastic, eclipsing 89 points in just 58% time on ground. He picked up 19 disposals across the day and was a threat within the forward line, producing 2 goals. Competition is fierce for spots in the outside midfield at the Roos, but after impressing in two consecutive JLT games, Bailey Scott could be too hard — for his team and for SuperCoaches.
TRAVIS BOAK $478,000 FORWARD — 101 POINTS
After two years spent in the forward line, it looks as though the former captain will return to the midfield in 2019. He was prolific in the centre alongside Rockliff and Powell-Pepper and attended 18 centre bounces across the day. Boak amassed 28 disposals at 75% efficiency with 11 total marks and a goal. There’s a chance his role could be in jeopardy when Wines returns, but even so, he has proved to be a capable scorer as a forward. Given the limited options in the forward line, it may be worth taking a punt on a veteran like Boak.
XAVIER DUURSMA $130,800 DEFENDER/MIDFIELDER — 78 Points
Port Adelaide’s recruitment team deserve a pat on their back as all 3 of their top 20 picks are in line for an early debut. Xavier Duursma was handy in this contest, playing predominately on the wing. Although his disposal was shaky at times, he accumulated 24 possessions in 67% game time marking a solid outing for the 18 year old. The loss of Wingard and Polec is huge for the Power and their limited outside talent means Duursma should get early games. His dual position status is also an added bonus and he definitely remains one to consider for your teams.
ROBBIE GRAY $525,500 FORWARD — 92 POINTS
Robbie Gray is such a rare talent. He is one of the few players in the AFL that has a genuine case for being both an elite forward and midfielder. It looked as though he spent most of his time in the forward 50 in this game, but he was damaging in both positions. It wasn’t a standout game for Gray, but he managed to snare two goals in the opening quarter to go along with 20 disposals and 4 clearances at 80% efficiency for the match. Given the logjam in the midfield, Robbie will likely spend most of his time up forward -but this man will score regardless. He is priced quite high to start the year, but given his talent, Gray remains a nice player of difference for your forward lines.
BRISBANE 104 D MELBOURNE 97
Melbourne hosted the Lions at Casey Fields on Saturday afternoon, in a contest that unfortunately saw a number of injuries and a possible suspension -delaying a number of player’s seasons. The Lions continued their good preseason form against an undermanned Demons midfield. New recruit Jarryd Lyons starred once again and Stef Martin reminded us what he can do as the sole ruck, after Archie Smith went down with an early injury.
MISSING IN ACTION
Brisbane: Marcus Adams
Melbourne: Jack Viney, Nathan Jones, Jake Lever, Jake Melksham
CHRISTIAN PETRACCA $443,600 FWD/MID — 90 Points
The one thing that Petracca has always been lacking is to nail down a permanent midfield role to take that next step in his Supercoach scoring. Petracca got a taste of that in this game, spending a good chunk of the game playing as an inside midfielder. The young bull collected 20 possessions, half of those contested, three marks, six tackles and a goal. 90 points is a solid score for a forward option, but it remains to be seen if Petracca will continue to get a good run in the guts with Jack Viney and Nathan Jones still to return. Petracca is definitely one to add to the upgrade target watch list.
MAX GAWN $692,100 RUCK — 119 Points
With Brayden Pruess being dropped to the VFL for development and then suffering an injury, big Maxy has made his way right into our starting teams. Gawn comes at an elevated price, but he showed us why with 32 hit outs, 22 disposals and eight marks, which earned the big man 119 Supercoach points. If Gawn remains the sole ruck for the whole year, he will be the clear cut ruck option alongside Grundy. Therefore, if affording the big man does not destroy your entire team structure, he remains a highly recommended option for season 2019.
HARRIS ANDREWS $480,100 DEF — 106 Points
Harris Andrews was off to a great start last year before the incident with Jeremy Cameron derailed his season, ending with an average of over 88 points. The key defender had a big game with 21 disposals and eight marks to go with his standard 12 1%ers. Andrews was looking to break into the top 8 defenders last year and expect this season to be no different. It would take a big risk to start Andrews at his current price with so many value defenders around, so the smart play might be to wait and see how he goes and upgrade to him if the big man is producing the goods.
STEFAN MARTIN $573,700 RUCK — 92 Points
Stef took a back seat to Archie Smith in the first quarter but once the young ruck went down with a throat injury, Martin took control. The veteran ruck helped slow the dominant Gawn and put up some solid numbers himself. Many are looking for either a cheaper option at R2, or Gawn, but Stef still comes in at an expensive price as he was one of the highest averaging ruckmen of last season. While he does have high scoring history, it’s hard to see Martin being at worthwhile pick at his price. Additionally, with the Archie Smith factor always a possibility at any given round, there are too many cons to recommend starting Martin in season 2019.
DANIEL RICH $428,200 DEF — 98 Points
Yes, we are going to discuss Daniel Rich. The perennial burn man is once again dangling the carrot in front of our faces after putting up back to back 90s in his JLT outings. Rich appears to be the primary kick out taker with his booming left foot, which will help give him a score boost thanks to the new rules. In 2017 Rich put up a respectable average of 91.5 but failed to back it up in an injury affected campaign in 2018, with a lower average of just 79 points. Don’t be shocked to see Rich could put up similar numbers to his average in 2017, but that still wouldn’t be enough to warrant picking him in our starting sides given his price and other value options in the backline.
* Check back in coming days for the detailed analysis of the remaining matches of week two of the JLT Series.
Originally published as Key SuperCoach performances from JLT2 Series matches before Round 1
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