KFC SuperCoach 2021: Experts rate the big trade moves for Round 9
There is rare agreement from our experts on a rookie this week, but The Phantom is going in a very different direction for a premium upgrade. See all our Round 9 trades.
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Trades this week are simple, right?
Trade in a cashed-up rookie for one of the top cheapies on the bubble in Round 9, and use the cash to turn another cheapie into a gun like Tom Mitchell.
Except nothing is ever simple in KFC SuperCoach, especially in 2021.
Which rookie should we grab? Which rookies should we trade out? Are there better value options than Mitchell? Maybe you need to trade out an injured player or get off the Taylor Walker train before it heads off a cliff in Perth this weekend.
And one totally left-field option has appeared on this week’s list of targets.
Our experts rate the most traded players this week.
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AL PATON
My trades: Chad Warner and Sam Berry to Caleb Poulter and Tom Mitchell
I’m following the pack on Mitchell this week, hoping he can have more games like his 147-point return against the Eagles but confident that even if this pick ‘fails’ he’s unlikely to average less than his current 107 points a game. That’s good buying for $525k. I would be happy to keep Warner for a bit longer but I’m running out of rookies that are (a) worth anything in a trade and (b) aren’t Tom Powell or James Jordon, who are safely ensconced in my midfield. Poulter was an easy pick after I went early on Riley Collier-Dawkins last week.
TIM MICHELL
My trades: Chad Warner and James Rowe to Caleb Poulter and Tom Mitchell
Looks like I’ll have to reluctantly trade Warner this week to fund a move for Mitchell, who is a must-have ahead of Hawthorn’s clash against North Melbourne. That is unless I get the inclination to trade Shai Bolton, who only came into my team last week. If I do that it will probably mean I have to roll with Warner at F6 for most of the season, which isn’t ideal. But the extra cash from offloading Bolton would help grab Jack Steele at his lowest price next week. Warner is more expendable than Tom Powell and James Jordon and I’m not sure James Rowe will back up his 81 against West Coast this week. I was very lucky to have him on field last week, but don’t have much hesitation moving him on despite his score in the Showdown.
THE PHANTOM
My trades: Liam Duggan to Caleb Poulter (Via Rory Laird), Errol Gulden to Josh Kelly
I like Riley Collier-Dawkins and Ryan Byrnes — in fact, I have the trio on a very similar level when talking downgrade options — but it’s time to keep the upgrade momentum going. It was the value of Tom Mitchell last week and now it’s going to be Kelly ... at this stage anyway. I almost settled on Clayton Oliver earlier in the week, given he’s more of a sure-thing (if that exists in KFC SuperCoach) but his inclusion would make my Round 14 bye situation even more dire. Especially if I want to take advantage of Jack Steele’s price soon.
There’s risk with the Giants star, sure, but he’s back in the midfield — that’s three weeks now — and his scoring ceiling is as high as any. Remember his 195 in his last meeting with Richmond? Duggan’s injury gives me a good excuse to trade him, otherwise he was looming as a great D7 option for the run home. Moving him on now, though, allows me to strengthen the on-field 22 quicker.
LATE MAIL: GOOD NEWS FOR FORWARD ROOKIE SAVIOUR
DAN BATTEN
My trades: Chris Burgess and Sam Berry for Tom Mitchell and Caleb Poulter
I am parting ways with my failed rookie POD Burgess this week (who resides in just 2200 teams – probably a sign, hey) and turning him into Tom Mitchell. It is worth remembering we flocked to Patrick Cripps off a limited pre-season for a higher price than Mitchell is at right now. The Hawks ball magnet has North Melbourne, Carlton and Gold Coast in his next three, and posted 130-plus scores against the trio in 2020. An injury to recent trade-in Shai Bolton forces me to bring in Poulter over Riley Collier-Dawkins, but I feel Poulter is the better buy with dual-position flexibility and the lowest break even ahead of Round 9.
TRADE GRADES: MOST TRADED OUT
TAYLOR WALKER $419,200 FWD
Al Paton: TRADE — Tex has dropped $70k in two weeks, and in another couple of weeks he’ll be almost back to his starting price unless he can kick a bag against the Eagles in Perth.
Tim Michell: TRADE — The bubble has well and truly burst. Tex was brilliant for the opening six rounds but you always sensed when the draw got a bit tougher, his premium KFC SuperCoach numbers would dry up.
The Phantom: HOLD/TRADE — An interesting one. From a money perspective, jumping off now is the right call, given last week’s score and the Crows’ tough run. But consider riding it out and upgrading your rookies first. If Adelaide can address its entries, he might still get a few looks.
Dan Batten: TRADE — The midfield-forward connection issues, lack of supply and Adelaide’s next three against West Coast, Melbourne and Richmond means Tex will hurtle back towards his starting price.
ERROL GULDEN $282,900 MID
AP: TRADE — Has failed to hit his break even three weeks in a row. Use his value to trade up to a reliable 100-plus gun like Tom Mitchell or Josh Kelly.
TM: TRADE — But not with any urgency. If you can use his value to get up to Tom Mitchell or Josh Kelly, then great. Otherwise, I don’t mind holding onto the Swans rookies until Round 14 for bye cover.
TP: TRADE — Has lost $30k over the past three weeks. Upgrade if you can.
DB: TRADE/HOLD — Has a favourable match-up against the Pies this week, but move him on if he is your only path to a premium.
CHAD WARNER $329,400 FWD
AP: HOLD — Still has a good role and you can bank on 60-plus points each week which in the forward line this year isn’t too bad. I’d be very nervous having to play a rookie like James Rowe on field instead.
TM: HOLD — If you can. KFC SuperCoach is all about getting full premium ASAP but with the forward line being an absolute mess for most coaches, holding Warner seems wise. His centre bounce attendances are still high enough to post 60-70 most rounds.
TP: HOLD/TRADE — Money-wise, trading Warner is the easiest way to a premium for some. But if you’re trading him to a forward, can you be sure of a better score? Probably not, given he’s still a big part of the Swans midfield. He’s staying on field for me.
DB: TRADE/HOLD. See my Gulden response, but I’d be trading Gulden before Warner considering the state of the forward premiums.
BRAEDEN CAMPBELL $235,800 MID/FWD
AP: TRADE — Not much point hanging onto him if he’s not playing, or if he is given his break even (66) is higher than his average (54.7).
TM: TRADE — Surprised people still have him.
TP: TRADE — We might see him again soon but upgrade him if you have the cash. Down to Caleb Poulter is probably just worth it.
DB: TRADE — Looks to be out of favour and has a high break even to contend with once he returns.
JACOB KOSCHITZKE $276,400 DEF
AP: HOLD — He kicked six against the Kangas in the pre-season. Can he go big again?
TM: HOLD — Plays North Melbourne this round and only needs one big score to get to $350k by the Hawks’ Round 12 bye. Cash in then.
TP: HOLD — Has a break even of 60 after last week’s score of 38. But he’s back in Tassie, where he kicked five in Round 6, against the Kangaroos. So there might be more money in him just yet.
DB: HOLD — I’d be tempted to see how Kozi goes against North Melbourne this weekend, who he slotted six against in the pre-season.
JORDAN CLARK $275,000 DEF/MID
AP: TRADE — What a frustrating player to own. Cashing him in with a profit of $33,000 is far from ideal but if he’s not getting a game, what can you do?
TM: TRADE — Thought he’d be back in the Geelong team last round but he’s clearly on the outer. Might get another chance now with Sam Simpson is injured. Even if he does, the job security just isn’t there.
TP: TRADE — Don’t keep doing it to yourself. He could be the one you downgrade this round.
DB: WAIT — Scored a whopping 165 points in the VFL last week, so wait until teams are named before making the call.
MATT FLYNN $273,000 RUC
AP: HOLD — Mummy has played the past two games so he’s due for a rest in the next week or two. Let’s get at least one more price rise out of Flynn (break even 3) before cashing him in to Josh Treacy.
TM: TRADE — Shane Mumford is No.1 at the Giants and Flynn isn’t playing enough to generate the cash we need. I’d trade him before I trade Koschitzke.
TP: HOLD — There’s a chance he plays this week, so fingers crossed for one more big cash hit.
DB: HOLD — Shane Mumford has played the last two games. We know he struggles to back up for three, so let’s hope the Giants tell him put the feet up for their clash with the Tigers.
HEATH CHAPMAN $250,500 DEF
AP: TRADE — An easy call. Not many defensive rookies around but you can go up to a player like Jordan Ridley.
TM: TRADE — Ruled out for the rest of the season. Use some DPP to grab Riley Collier-Dawkins, Caleb Poulter or Ryan Byrnes before their prices jump.
TP: TRADE — He should’ve become Steven May last round. But May is still a decent buy, as is Bulldogs star Caleb Daniel.
DB: TRADE. — Will miss the remainder of the season after undergoing shoulder surgery.
TOM POWELL $381,300 MID
AP: HOLD — I can see why people are trading, with his value enough to grab a rolled gold midfield star. But resist the urge if you can, he’s still scoring well and will be reliable cover over the byes.
TM: HOLD — At this rate he’ll be my M8 come the end of the season the way the injuries are mounting up. North Melbourne’s injury crisis is so bad they won’t have the option to rest Powell and he keeps churning out 70-plus scores. Hold until at least his bye.
TP: HOLD — Like Warner, he’s one of the easier rookies to upgrade, given his price. But Powell boasts a five-round average of 89. I’m happy playing him on field a while longer.
DB: HOLD — You have bigger fish to fry than Powell, who is averaging 88 points in his past five matches.
TYLER BROCKMAN $172,700 MID/FWD
AP: TRADE — You won’t get much for him but I’d turn him into Poulter or RCD before getting rid of higher-scoring on-field players like Powell or James Jordon.
TM: HOLD — Get the feeling he might be back this round.
TP: HOLD — We might see him again shortly, after some impressive VFL performances, so hold on again.
DB: TRADE/HOLD — May be a sneaky chance to return but turning him into a bubble boy looks a shrewd move.
MOST TRADED IN
CALEB POULTER $117,300 MID/FWD
AP: BUY — Ticks all the boxes for a rookie with a good role, dual-position status and strong junior numbers.
TM: BUY — Looks accomplished playing in the back half for the Magpies and should be one of the best mid-season cash cows.
TP: BUY — Zero clangers against North. 130-point average as a junior. Dual-position status. Collingwood struggling. Poulter is the No.1 downgrade option this week.
DB: BUY — The top rookie option this week as a promising scorer with handy mid-forward eligibility.
TOM MITCHELL $525,800 MID
AP: BUY — Still a bit nervous about his huge disposal numbers translating into SuperCoach points every week but at that price there’s very little downside.
TM: BUY, BUY, BUY — Mitchell will get tagged the next two rounds by Kayne Turner and Ed Curnow but I’m not concerned. The only reason not to buy him this week is if you’re double downgrading.
TP: BUY — Was back to his best last week, recording season-highs for disposals, contested possessions and clearances. Get on.
DB: BUY — Will have the ball on the string against North Melbourne and has Carlton and Gold Coast up in Darwin after that.
RILEY COLLIER-DAWKINS $123,900 MID
AP: BUY — Close to Richmond’s No.1 midfielder with all the Tigers’ injuries. Should get a decent run of games and has a SuperCoach-friendly game.
TM: BUY — Job security is through the roof with Shane Edwards and Shai Bolton the latest Tigers midfielders to be injured. Should get some strong CBA numbers, too.
TP: BUY — Has a game style suited to KFC SuperCoach scoring and his job security has increased with injuries to Shane Edwards and Shai Bolton. Not far behind Poulter.
DB: BUY — Short-term job security is through the roof with Richmond’s midfield injury carnage.
CALLUM MILLS $558,700 DEF
AP: MAYBE — If you picked him at the start of the year I tip my hat to you. Check your Round 14 bye situation before bringing in another premium who will have that week off.
TM: BUY — Everything is pointing to him being the No.1 defender this year — yes, even ahead of teammate Jake Lloyd.
TP: BUY/PASS — Never a bad time to buy the No.1 scorer in a position for less than $560k. But if you’ve got one spot left, could Ridley be a better buy next round?
DB: BUY — The top-ranked defender in KFC SuperCoach remains very affordable.
JORDAN RIDLEY $488,200 DEF
AP: PASS — I paid top-dollar for Ridley when he was the top-scoring player in the game and since then he has scored 31, 0, 87, 84. Still tipping him to be one of the top defenders but I’d wait to see a return to form especially since he’s only getting cheaper.
TM: PASS — for now. Ridley’s role has changed and Mason Redman took twice as many kick-outs against GWS Giants. No urgency about buying Ridley now based on that.
TP: WAIT — Mason Redman (6) took three more kick-ins than Ridley last week and Jayden Laverde has taken seven more intercept marks in the past two matches. With a break even of 119, give it another week.
DB: PASS — For now. With a break even of 119, you can afford to wait a week or two to assess his role with teammates pinching his intercepts and kick-ins.
DARCY MOORE $365,900 DEF
AP: PASS — Could be a great get-out-of-jail option if you need a cheap defender who can score well, but too risky for me.
TM: BUY — Really like this one, apart from his Round 14 bye. Moore started the season with scores of 118 and 119 in defence and scored 130 when thrown back against North Melbourne. A cut-priced D6 option.
TP: PASS — Scored 73 and 79 before he went forward in Round 5.
DB: WAIT — That’s three 115-plus scores in five games as a defender. Could still be a nice value buy, but it may be worth watching him for another week.
JAMES HARMES $344,700 DEF
AP: PASS — Needs more than one big game to convince me,
TM: PASS — Liked his performance against Sydney but I wonder about the midfield minutes once Jack Viney returns.
TP: CONSIDER — A huge return from injury in the midfield on Saturday night. Averaged 95 in the role in 2019, so there’s history. I’d prefer seeing one more and buy in the low-$400k range, though.
DB: PASS — A very encouraging return, but can he Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver all score well in the same side?
JARMAN IMPEY $451,100 FWD
AP: BUY — after spruiking him all pre-season I left him out in Round 1 and have been kicking myself ever since. At some point I’ll have to bite the bullet and pay up for one of the top-scoring forwards.
TM: BUY — One of the most likely top-six forwards left standing. Keeps churning out big numbers at halfback for the Hawks.
TP: BUY — The second-ranked KFC SuperCoach forward is the real deal. He just keeps winning the ball in the back half.
DB: BUY — Should go big against North Melbourne this week and looks to be a top-six lock up forward.
TOM CAMPBELL $241,300 RUC/FWD
AP: PASS — Here’s a name I never expected to see, but that’s one of the great things about SuperCoach. Can’t knock his 101 last weekend but that was just his fourth ton in a decade-long career. Points for originality, though.
TM: PASS — Played well against Collingwood but has three scores of 50 or below including a 21.
TP: PASS — What?
DB: PASS — In an unreliable second ruck/forward role, so his price rises will likely be short-lived.
RYAN BYRNES $123,900 MID
AP: BUY — Could prove a smart investment. Not a huge scorer but playing an important role at the Saints and finding plenty of it.
TM: BUY — Was never going to get the fanfare of Poulter (who has DPP) or Collier-Dawkins (strong job security) but has efficiency by foot is a big plus. A great option before his price jumps.
TP: BUY — I’ve got him behind Poulter and RCD but not by much. Saints rate him and he’s been playing the outside midfield role very well.
DB: BUY — Flying under the radar as a rookie option this week. Good job security and seems to be finding enough of it on the outside.
Originally published as KFC SuperCoach 2021: Experts rate the big trade moves for Round 9
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