The key SuperCoach performances from the first five JLT Series matches of 2019
The JLT Series is our first chance to see SuperCoach stars, recruits and rookies in action. Didn’t see every game? Don’t panic — our experts were taking notes. Here’s everything you need to know.
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The JLT Series is here and SuperCoach just got serious.
After our first real look at draftees, recruits and how the new rules impact scoring, we have a mountain of research to help pick the best possible starting squad.
If you didn’t see every minute of every game, don’t panic. The expert team at Doctor SuperCoach had the binoculars on all the key SuperCoach players — see their detailed notes from the first five matches below, and stay tuned for homework from the rest of the JLT Series.
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CARLTON 100 d ESSENDON 91
It’s a new season with new rules. But that’s not all, there’s potentially a new team in navy blue. With both teams naming almost full-strength sides, it was the Blues that came of the blocks like Usain Bolt, showing great signs for an improved 2019. The Bombers, in contrast, appeared slow and sloppy with their disposal and for the most of the match were playing catch-up.
Coaches have been patiently waiting to see how new Blue Nic Newman ($394,100, DEF) would affect the scoring power of veteran Kane Simpson ($570,300, DEF) and it was interesting viewing. Sharing the kick-in duties during the game, Newman definitely fit right in across the half-back line for the Blues and was used as the main conduit escaping their defensive 50.
Patrick Cripps ($648,200, MID) was unstoppable against the undermanned Essendon midfield as stars Zach Merrett ($544,800, MID) and Devon Smith ($531,300, MID/FWD) played alternating halves, and Dylan Shiel (50, $487,000, MID) was put on ice after copping a knock to his knee.
MISSING IN ACTION
Carlton: Sam Docherty, Alex Fasolo, Matthew Kreuzer, Caleb Marchbank, Matthew Kennedy, Levi Casboult, Hugh Goddard, Darcy Lang, Jarrod Pickett, Tom Williamson, and Liam Stocker.
Essendon: Martin Gleeson, Cale Hooker, Tom Bellchambers, Orazio Fantasia, and David Myers.
SUPERCOACH: EVERY SCORE FROM BLUES v BOMBERS
PATRICK CRIPPS 648,200 MID — 124 SUPERCOACH POINTS
Cripps flew home after the bye last season, averaging 127 SuperCoach points, and seems to carrying on his amazing form. From start to finish, Cripps was the pivotal player on the ground, completely monstering his way to game-highs of 33 disposals and 20 contested possessions. The ever-growing threat up forward, Cripps also slotted two goals, sending a warning to opposition coaches that he is very close to becoming the ultimate midfielder as he increases his scoreboard impact. His ownership should increase to above 50 per cent before Round 1.
SAM WALSH $207,300 MID — 102 POINTS
There has been plenty of hype been built around the 2018 No.1 pick, it it seems justified. Showing composure, hunger for the contest and endurance beyond his years, Walsh seemingly validated his elevated price tag collecting 28 disposals, 11 contested possessions, and five marks while running at 75 per cent disposal efficiency playing as a midfielder. However, the most impressive aspect of his game was his pressure on the ball carrier, with 24 pressure acts and four tackles for the match. The only thing that could have made Walsh’s debut any more spectacular would be if he had converted either of his shots on goal into majors. Another showing like this and it will be impossible to leave him out of your midfield.
WILL SETTERFIELD $144,900 MID/FWD — 113 POINTS
Is 2019 the year that Setterfield gets a break from injury? That’s what many coaches are asking themselves as they saw a fantastic return to competitive football from the former Giant. After expecting to see Setterfield spend more time up around the ball, his role was that of a dedicated half-forward, only venturing up the ground late in the game. Whether this role continues into the season proper remains to be seen, however, his big-bodied midfielder traits hold him in good stead to keep his position in the side, as he produced 20 pressure acts, eight tackles and nine contested possessions. His scoring potential will be reduced slightly if he keeps this role, but at only $144,900 and having dual-position status, he is almost essential for your SuperCoach side in 2019.
MICHAEL GIBBONS $102,400 MID — 68 POINTS
Finally getting his chance at the big time after dominating as a VFL player, Gibbons was another to play exclusively as a forward in his first JLT hitout. He clearly has a wealth of football knowledge and multiple times used clever positioning to find space and snag a goal. He finished the game as Carlton’s leading goalkicker with three majors. The first name that comes to mind when describing Gibbons’ performance was that of fellow VFL graduate Kane Lambert at Richmond. Over time he should push further up the ground and gather more than his nine disposals from his JLT debut, but at the bargain basement price of $102,400 he seems like a no-brainer for a spot on your midfield bench.
NIC NEWMAN $394,100 DEF — 97 POINTS
After heading south from Sydney to join the Blues, many coaches were interested to see where Newman would play, as he has the ability to play as a genuine winger or half-back. After his first JLT match it seems that he is destined to fill the latter position, spending the entire match as Carlton’s go-to man to clear the defensive 50. Newman gathered seven uncontested marks and six handball-receives in his defensive 50, leading his team in both statistics, further indicating his potential 2019 role. He also shared kick-in duties with Kade Simpson and played on each time he brought the ball back into play, contributing to his 509 metres gained for the match. It will be hard to ignore his scoring potential if he puts in another eye catching performance in JLT 2.
ZAC CLARKE $142,600 RUCK — 89 POINTS
Drafted from the WAFL, Clarke missed only four centre bounces for the entire match, taking on Carlton duo Andrew Phillips and Matthew Lobbe to produce some impressive statistics. He finished the match having spent the most time on ground for Essendon, while collecting 15 disposals, 37 hit-outs and a goal on his way to 89 SuperCoach points. The only question surrounding Zac Clarke is the potential for him to play alongside Bomber’s No.1 ruckman Tom Bellchambers. If it appears he will get game time, he will certainly be hard to turn down as a genuine cash cow.
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DEVON SMITH $531,300 FWD/MID — 54 POINTS
Only playing the second-half, Smith showed exactly why he’s owned so highly in 2019 SuperCoach teams, as he accumulated 12 disposals, 19 pressure acts and five contested possessions. Additionally, he was one of the main catalysts for Essendon’s late comeback. Importantly, Smith played exclusively as a midfielder which should hopefully calm coaches concerned at reports he may spend more time as a forward in 2019. Keep in mind that Essendon was without stars Dyson Heppell, Zach Merrett and eventually Dylan Shiel in the second half so this could have contributed to his role during the match. Smith should definitely should be in your considerations for your starting side after being unaffected by his recent bicep injury.
ZACH MERRETT $544,800 MID — 27 POINTS
Returning from a recent syndesmosis injury to his ankle, Merrett was always going to be on limited game time and he sat out the entire second half, along with captain Dyson Heppell. However, when he did get the opportunity on-field he seemed rushed and fumbled the ball repeatedly. The recruitment of Dylan Shiel also seems to have impacted his role slightly as he was noticeably more of an outside midfielder during the match. This could also be the product of slowly building his match fitness from his recent injury, however, seven disposals and two marks from 36 per cent time on ground is sure to trigger some coaches into replacing him in their side. He still holds great value after coming home with a wet sail in 2018, averaging 113 after Essendon’s bye.
WEST COAST 99 d GEELONG 65
Geelong’s ruck set-up was the focus for many serious SuperCoach players at Leederville Oval, with Darcy Fort ($117,300) vying for the No.1 role. Patrick Dangerfield proved a standout, establishing himself as the easiest premium forward line selection in recent history. Others on the comeback trail from interrupted pre-seasons included Elliot Yeo ($585,500) and Sam Menegola ($543,100), who were both eased into action but still looked a class above the rest. A number of rookie-priced selections also put their hands up as viable options heading into the season.
MISSING IN ACTION
West Coast: Josh Kennedy, Nic Naitanui, Jamie Cripps
Geelong: Zach Tuohy, Nakia Cockatoo, Zac Smith, Scott Selwood, Jed Bews, Gary Ablett
SUPERCOACH: EVERY SCORE FROM EAGLES v CATS
SHANNON HURN $523,400 DEF — 111 POINTS
Hurn is one of the main premium defenders who is worth closely looking at due to his major role as a kick-in taker. The West Coast captain took six of the Eagles’ 17 kick-ins, playing on from three of them. Hurn was actually demoted to the secondary option to take kick-ins on Friday night, with Lewis Jetta taking nine. The veteran defender still put up a solid stat line with 17 kicks, 7 handballs and 9 marks, with 95 per cent disposal efficiency. Not much has changed for Hurn, so expect a similar output to last year with a minor point-scoring increase thanks to the change in kick-in rules.
SAM MENEGOLA $543,100 MID/FWD — 76 POINTS
Menegola is the point of difference that should never be a point of difference. Coming off an interrupted pre-season, he put up 76 Supercoach points in just 50 per cent of the game, with 18 disposals and eight marks. Not much seems to have changed in terms of role for Menegola despite the arrival of Luke Dahlhaus, who played all game as a small forward. Menegola has averaged over 99 points the past three seasons and is currently in only 3 per cent of teams. It’s hard to find a safe player of difference, but Menegola is one of the few to fit that category.
JORDAN CLARK $144,300 DEF — 87 POINTS
The 15th overall pick of last year’s draft looked great out of defence for Geelong, racking up 16 kicks and five handballs. The 18-year-old looked comfortable in his first taste of AFL action, but he will have tough competition for his spot with Zach Tuohy and 2018 regular Jed Bews missing on Friday night. He will also be competing for a Round 1 spot with Zach Guthrie, who also put in a very good game for the Cats. Add Clark to your watch list — if he can perform in JLT2 then he will certainly be a worthwhile selection down back.
CHARLIE CONSTABLE $123,900 MID — 92 POINTS
Constable was banging on the door for selection for all of 2018, but just couldn’t break into the strong Geelong side. Rotating between the midfield and forward line, the second-year player made the most of his opportunity, collecting 26 disposals, with eight of them contested. The Young midfielder certainly has scoring potential, but job security may be his biggest issue with Gary Ablett to return to the side. The Geelong engine room is star-studded, but with Duncan playing a midfield and half-back role, Ablett set to play larger stints up forward and talks of Joel Selwood having an altered role; there may be a spot for Charlie in the near future. Watch him closely in JLT2.
FRANCIS WATSON $123,900 DE -76 POINTS
There has been a bit of buzz about the mature-age defender in the West Coast camp this pre-season. Watson looked a ready-made player, standing at 187cm, the tall rebounding defender looked confident taking the game on by foot offensively and wasn’t afraid to get dirty defensively, with 10 tackles to go along with his 17 disposals. There will be strong competition for Watson to crack the West Coast side after solid outings from regulars Tom Cole and Liam Duggan. Round 1 may be a stretch, but expect Watson to play sooner rather than later.
DARCY FORT $117,300 RUCK — 21 POINTS
A lot of early ruck plans revolved around mature-aged recruit Fort playing as Geelong’s starting ruckman in Round 1. Realistically, things look grim for Fort as an early SuperCoach option. He attended roughly a third of centre bounces and spent a lot of time up forward or on the bench. Fort did win a decent amount of taps (12) for his limited amount of time in the ruck, but he wasn’t effective enough to score well. Esava Ratugolea took ruck duties inside the forward 50 all game, so even if Fort manages to crack the Round 1 side with Rhys Stanley, it looks highly unlikely that he will have the scoring potential to be worth a spot in our starting sides. Monitor in JLT2.
ST KILDA 102 d NORTH MELBOURNE 77
Both clubs were missing key midfield stars at Werribee in Ben Cunnington and Jack Steven and opted to fill the void with their up and coming youngsters. Each team suffered opening-quarter injuries, as Lewis Pierce went down with concussion and Aaron Hall suffered a minor knee knock.
MISSING IN ACTION
North Melbourne: Majak Daw, Robbie Tarrant, Jed Anderson, Ben Cunnington, Ben Jacobs, Taylor Garner, Scott Thompson, Sam Wright
St Kilda: Jake Carlisle, Jack Steven, Dan Hannebery, Blake Acres, Max King, Billy Longer
SUPERCOACH: EVERY SCORE FROM SAINTS v ROOS
TODD GOLDSTEIN $548,000 RUCK — 117 POINTS
After two sub-par SuperCoach seasons by his own lofty standards, Goldstein has rocketed into 2019 the fittest he has been in years. Todd moved around the ground with ease and was a dominant force throughout the day, picking up 19 disposals, 33 hit-outs and a goal in just 62 per cent of game time. Although his opponent was Josh Bruce for much of the game, it was clear to see that Goldstein’s superior fitness will hold him in good stead for this season proper. The only concern is the arrival of former Bulldogs ruckman Tom Campbell, who split ruck duties with Goldstein on Saturday. However, it’s hard to read to read too much into their performances given the lack of opposition ruckmen. Keep an eye out for the ruck situation in the Roos’ second JLT game.
JACK STEELE $512,600 MID — 117 POINTS
With the sad news that St Kilda’s four-time best-and-fairest winner Jack Steven has taken leave from the club, some wondered who would step up in his absence. Hello, Jack Steele! Steele picked up only 18 disposals but 10 were contested to go with seven tackles and two goals. Although he had a quieter second half, Jack has the type of game style to generate points from a handful of touches, due to his ability to thrive on the contested ball. If Steele can add more scoreboard impact to his game, he could take the next step and become one of the premium midfielders of the competition.
JAMIE MACMILLAN $440,200 DEF — 136 POINTS
Macmillan was the clear best on ground in this contest and is the perfect example of someone who is set to thrive with the new kick-in rules. The veteran Roo was sublime across half-back, amassing a career-high 40 disposals. He led all players on the ground in contested possessions as well as for marks to go along with an impressive 90 per cent disposal efficiency. Macmillan took five kick-ins for the Kangaroos, playing on four times with each of them an effective disposal. Considering teammate Jasper Pittard also took five kick-ins, but with four of them deemed ineffective, North Melbourne may decide to lean more heavily on Macmillan to take the kick-ins in the future. It would take a brave SuperCoach to consider starting Macmillan, but a performance like this is hard to ignore. Watch his second JLT game to see how he performs.
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JACK BILLINGS $437,600 FWD — 100 POINTS
When Billings is at his best, he is one of the classiest and damaging outside players in the AFL. This was on show against North Melbourne, as he looked superb splitting time on the wing and a half-forward flank. He racked up 20 disposals across the afternoon and was a constant scoring threat. He appeared to work in tandem with Jade Gresham, as both players would rotate going forward and providing a smaller option for the Saints alongside their trio of tall forwards. Billings’ disposal efficiency was high at 80 per cent and he managed to slot more goals than behinds, a problem he has struggled with in recent years. If he can improve his goal conversion rate and become a more consistent contributor, he will be a genuine premium forward option in season 2019.
DYLAN ROBERTON $297,500 DE — 103 POINTS
This was Roberton’s first official hitout since Round 4 last year, when he collapsed with what has now been diagnosed as an irregular heartbeat. He played a deep defensive role in the first half, managing to pluck two intercept marks to go along with just four disposals. With Callum Wilkie pushed into the ruck after Lewis Pierce’s concussion, Roberton was able to play much more freely in the second half. He finished the game as a rebounding defender and ended up amassing 21 disposals, eight marks and six rebound-50s. Although Shane Savage took most of St Kilda’s kick-ins for the game, Roberton took over in the second half as the designated kick-in taker. The main concern with Roberton is that his role can change mid-game, so be prepared for potential scoring inconsistencies if you choose to start him. Make sure to watch his second JLT game to see where he spends most of his time.
MATTHEW PARKER $117,300 FWD — 61 POINTS
The Saints snared the mature-aged recruit with Pick 47 in the 2018 draft. Parker was talked up as a dangerous, athletic forward who knows how to find the goals. He looked electrifying in the limited touches he had on Saturday and was a constant threat around the goals, slotting two majors. Despite giving away three free kicks and having only seven disposals, Parker still scored a very respectable 61 points. The most promising statistic is that he led all other players on the ground with a total of 33 pressure acts. With this type of impact in the forward half of the ground, Parker is almost a certainty to debut in Round 1. Lock him in!
ADELAIDE 16.10 (106) d PORT ADELAIDE 14.5 (89)
Adelaide was able to maintain its effort from siren to siren much better than Port, which was visibly tired between their hot start and flurrying finish to the match. Both teams were clean with the football despite the scorching 41C heat.
Patrick Ryder was the only injury concern post-match after sustaining an ankle injury in the final term. Please note that the game was played with 25-minute quarters and no time on due to the heat.
MISSING IN ACTION
Adelaide: Hugh Greenwood, Bryce Gibbs, Daniel Talia
Port Adelaide: Charlie Dixon, Ollie Wines, Matthew Broadbent, Hamish Hartlett
SUPERCOACH: EVERY SCORE FROM CROWS v PORT
MATT CROUCH $551,300 MID — 110 POINTS
Crouch played his usual inside midfield role and racked up an almost casual 32 possessions (14 contested) to go with two tackles and 110 SuperCoach points. This was in 77 per cent time on ground with limited match minutes due to the heat, so we saw exactly what accumulator numbers is to be expected of Crouch for 2019. Should Crouch put his injury-plagued 2018 season behind him, he may see himself once again average over 110, as he did in 2017 when Adelaide made the Grand Final. With a surprisingly low ownership of just 7 per cent, the underpriced Crow should see that number increase with an equally impressive JLT2.
RORY LAIRD $587,600 DEF — 94 POINTS
Laird came in to JLT1 with an already huge ownership and he did his selection chances no harm with 28 possessions, nine marks and three tackles. Despite failing to crack the SuperCoach ton, Laird showed that he would hold his position rebounding from Adelaide’s defensive 50 even with the return of Brodie Smith and the emergence of Wayne Milera. Laird was able to find extra touches hanging close to stoppages on the wing and being used as the Crows’ run and carry player higher up the ground as well. Despite tacking no kick-ins for the match, it’s clear that Laird will be more than capable of racking up possessions with ease and holding his status as a top-six defender for 2019.
BRODIE SMITH $332,500 DEF — 103 POINTS
To anyone who doubted Brodie Smith’s ability to be SuperCoach relevant after a knee injury ruled him out for most of the 2018 season, look no further than his performance in this match. Smith claimed two kick-ins and played on for an effective kick both times, but it was his deadly left-foot rebounding from defence that secured him a SuperCoach ton. Crows teammates clearly looked for Brodie and he used the ball by foot 19 times, which is what we would call “SuperCoach gold!” Limited to just 70 per cent time on ground due to the heat, Smith has the ability to improve on this score on a weekly basis, while being priced cheaply enough that you won’t break the bank trying to fit him in. Watch closely in JLT2, but if Smith is able to produce a performance similar to this one, he may quickly rocket up to an ownership that befits his price and scoring potential.
BRAD CROUCH $418,800 MID — 118 POINTS
The long-awaited return of Brad Crouch is here! Getting through the JLT uninjured was the largest hurdle for Brad, as his talent is evident when he is on the park. In 75 per cent time on ground, Brad was rated the best player on the ground with 118 SuperCoach Points. He accumulated 29 possessions (11 contested), plus five tackles and a goal. If a high score was all we needed to see from Brad, then he’d be in quadruple the amount of teams by now, however the fact of the matter is that he has played more than 14 games in a season just once in his career. If he gets through JLT2 unscathed and you can ignore the durability concerns for the scoring potential, then get on!
ZAK BUTTERS $157,800 MID — 91 POINTS
Newly drafted debutant Zac Butters showed up his teammates in 70 per cent time on ground, scoring a team-leading 91 SuperCoach points. Playing a mix of forward and midfield time, Butters showed how slick he is with the football. Drafted as an impeccable decision maker with ball in hand, Butters turned the ball over just once in his 25 possessions. He’s set the bar high for JLT2 and the season to come, but if named Round 1, at a slightly inflated price tag, Butters should see a strong ownership spike considering his clear ability to rack up SuperCoach Points.
WILLEM DREW $123,900 MID/FWD — 77 POINTS
The relatively unknown forward suffered injuries in 2018, managing just one game for SANFL affiliate Port Adelaide Magpies. However, after being taken at pick 33 in the 2016 draft, Willem finally looks poised to make an impact at AFL level. Selectable as a forward for SuperCoach this year, Drew looks the likely replacement for an injured Ollie Wines early in the season, managing a strong 16 possessions (11 contested) in his first hitout at AFL level. The contested bull scored 77 SuperCoach Points and with a similar performance in JLT2, he should be locked in as an on-field candidate for our forward lines.
GWS GIANTS 81 d SYDNEY 59
After started poorly against the Swans in last week’s practice match, GWS was out to prove a point with three goals in the opening 90 seconds. The Giants completely outclassed their opponent, even with star players Josh Kelly and Toby Greene on the sidelines. The Swans provided a small resurgence in the second half, likely due to GWS taking their foot off the gas, but it was not enough to get over the line.
MISSING IN ACTION
GWS: Josh Kelly, Toby Greene, Jacob Hopper
Sydney: Lance Franklin, Jarrad McVeigh, Nick Smith, Kieren Jack, Zak Jones, Tom McCartin
SUPERCOACH: EVERY SCORE FROM SWANS v GIANTS
ISAAC HEENEY $529,200 MID/FWD — 104 POINTS
Currently sitting in over 40 per cent of teams, the expectations of Heeney are clear — to be a top-six forward this season, and based on this match he will live up to the hype. Heeney played most of the game in the midfield with stints in the forward line, often switching with Callum Mills, so at least one of the young guns was on the ball. With Hannebery’s departure, it is time for the young Swan to step up as a leader in the Swans midfield. After averaging 97 in the past two seasons, Heeney is a safe pick for season 2019.
CALLUM MILLS $428,900 DEF — 106 POINTS
Playing in the midfield and rotating forward with Heeney, Mills looms as a breakout contender. Gathering 18 touches at 88 per cent disposal efficiency, Mills looked very comfortable in the Swans engine room. The departure of Dan Hannebery will allow Mills to play more throughout the midfield during the season proper, but so far the talented youngster has failed to showcase a ceiling that would make him a viable pick, with only three scores over 100 from 51 career starts, with a highest score of 105 points. Mills will surely outscore his starting price point — but will it be enough for him to finish in the top 10 defenders?
NICK BLAKEY $166,800 FWD — 31 POINTS
The Swans’ first-round draft pick covered a lot of ground, but unfortunately it didn’t lead to many points. Choosing a tall forward as a cash cow always comes with risks as they are heavily reliant on kicking goals, and Blakey is no different. At his inflated price, expect SuperCoaches to pay up for his job security but his scoring potential remains limited. Keep an eye on his second JLT match but at the moment, other forward rookie options appear more appealing for a cheaper price.
TIM TARANTO $481,600 MID — 120 POINTS
A standout in last week’s practice match with 33 possessions, Taranto backed up that performance with another 33 touches, 10 marks and seven tackles. Seemingly the major beneficiary of Dylan Shiel’s move south, Taranto attended a game-high 18 centre bounces and looks set for a full-time move to the midfield. Taranto had a breakout year last season with his average jumping to over 88 points per game. This was with an average of only 21 disposals, however, both times he reached the 30 possession mark, Taranto was able to crack the SuperCoach ton. Given his hot start to 2019, coupled with the fact that he finished last season averaging over 100 in his final six matches; could this be a sign of things to come? Carefully watch Taranto’s role in next week’s match when both Josh Kelly and Jacob Hopper return to the field.
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ZAC WILLIAMS $407,800 DEF — 82 POINTS
Scoring 82 in just 53 per cent time on ground, Williams is one of the biggest bargains in the game. A blistering 14-possession first quarter led to a quarter time score of over 50 SuperCoach points, an explosive reminder that Williams once averaged 94 points per game before an injury caused him to miss the entire 2018 season. Williams also took two kick-ins, playing on both times and kicking it long. He rotated forward in the second half after copping an ankle knock before being rested for the latter part of the match. Williams should be one of the first players picked in your squad this season.
JACKSON HATELY $148,800 MID — 101 POINTS
The big-bodied teenager looked comfortable at AFL level and amassed 14 disposals at 100 per cent disposal efficiency. A first-round draft pick, Hately is in line for an early season debut, however, with both Kelly and Hopper missing from the match, his role in the team will remain uncertain. Jye Caldwell also performed admirably, so the competition for spots in the GWS side will continue to be heated. Ultimately, if Hately is able to replicate his score in the next JLT match, look to lock him in to a starting position in your SuperCoach midfield.
STEPHEN CONIGLIO $588,600 MID — 140 POINTS
Coniglio was everywhere and finished with a game-high 35 possessions after a 15-disposal opening quarter. Last year’s bargain, Coniglio looms as an enticing low-ownership premium as more players flock to his teammate Josh Kelly. Although Coniglio may benefit from the departure of Dylan Shiel, it is the return of Shane Mumford that may have the largest positive effect on his scoring. Having a quality tap ruckman in the centre bounces, in combination with the 6-6-6 rule change, Coniglio may see an increased opportunity to get his hands on the ball first during stoppage situations. Another big performance next week from Coniglio with the Giants full-strength midfield will ensure Coniglio is locked into many midfields come Round 1.
LACHIE WHITFIELD $542,100 DEF — 93 POINTS
Whitfield certainly had an interesting role as he started among the forward six. Running back from the half-forward flank to meet the ball around stoppages, Whitfield still managed 23 touches and eight marks. While his score wasn’t poor, Whitfield wasn’t back into his damaging role off half-back until Zac Williams moved forward in the second half. He was still able to take two kick-ins (playing on once), but with his role seemingly focused to be outside of the defensive 50, Whitfield is definitely one to watch in JLT 2. Any positional uncertainty doesn’t bode well when trying to select starting premium players.
Originally published as The key SuperCoach performances from the first five JLT Series matches of 2019
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