KFC SuperCoach 2021: Trade period analysis, players to watch, new prices, value picks, rookies, position changes
More than 30 players changed clubs in the AFL trade period. But which ones will affect KFC SuperCoach next year? Our experts have their say on every move - good and bad.
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It’s only November but it’s never too early to plan in KFC SuperCoach.
Our experts have their say on every trade and free agency move and how they affect KFC SuperCoach in 2021.
Adam Treloar
The Phantom’s verdict: I can’t wait to see what Luke Beveridge does with all his magnets next year. Actually, I can. Think the existing KFC SuperCoach stars will be affected more than Treloar, though.
Tim Michell’s verdict: Won’t be considering any Dogs next year apart from Bont - KFC SuperCoach specialist - and Dunkley if FWD-MID. Far too many players in that team sharing points.
Al Paton’s verdict: How many premo midfielders can one team have? Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Josh Dunkley have all scored well in the same side but there has to be a limit at some point. Add the unpredictability of Luke Beveridge and all those guys have to be under a big SuperCoach cloud.
Dan Batten’s verdict: Six doesn’t go into three. Treloar, Bont, Macrae, Smith, Dunkley, Liberatore… Who gets the lions share of midfield time, and how many can average above 105?
Alex Witherden
TP: Can I pick him yet? What about now?
TM: Maybe in 2022 if Shannon Hurn retires. Not sure I can ever pick an Eagle again after Hurn this year
AP: Played just six games this year but averaged 94 in them including three tons, so he has no issue scoring. If he gets a regular gig in the Eagles backline, he’s nearly a lock.
DB: Might just be the new kick-in pig at the Eagles and I am certainly interested. The conditions at Perth Stadium will suit his distributing to a tee, as will West Coast’s chip-mark gamestyle.
Jeremy Cameron
TP: The Cats’ star signing is going to be a very interesting price in KFC SuperCoach 2020. Interesting enough to be considered? Maybe.
TM: Key forwards and KFC SuperCoach don’t mix. You can always get him for $300k at some point.
AP: Will present value but mid-priced key-position forwards are too risky for me ... I think.
DB: May be taking the second tall defender but there isn’t many points to go around at the Cattery. Don’t mind him as a later pick-up in Draft.
Brayden Preuss
TP: Preuss will be cheaper than Sam Jacobs was last year and, unlike Jacobs, isn’t at the end of his career. Looming as a very popular R2.
TM: A Gawn/Preuss ruck combination will be very appealing but set and forget is the way to go - Grundy and Gawn.
AP: Cheap R2 anyone? Sam Jacobs didn’t work out but Preuss could be the man after finally securing a job as the No.1 banana. Will come under serious consideration.
DB: Would have been an absolute lock as a RUCK/FWD but is likely to just miss out on DPP. Must be considered as a discount ruck option as the Giants’ new No.1 man.
Adam Saad
TP: Great KFC SuperCoach year for Saad but can he go to another level alongside Sam Docherty, and the returning Nic Newman, at his new side? It’s hard to be sure.
TM: Finished this year in my team but there’s too many players sharing points at the Blues.
AP: I picked Saad this year for the final half a dozen games and he didn’t let me down, but it’s not as exciting having someone who scores 90-105 every week in your starting team. Although maybe that’s a strategy I should reconsider!
DB: Was unhappy with being played in shutdown roles at the Bombers this year – could he be let off the chain even more at the Blues? I am picking Williams over Saad but don’t rule him out.
Jye Caldwell
TP: So much to like as a player, but not so much his likely 2021 price.
TM: I need to be convinced. Dunkley not getting there works in his favour but the price is going to be very awkward. Prefer Hately.
AP: An exciting prospect for the Bombers but won’t be cheap enough for SuperCoach.
DB: Will inject Essendon’s midfield with speed and X-Factor, but is unlikely to push a 100-average next year.
Jack Higgins
TP: Averaged 144 KFC SuperCoach points across his junior career, and had some big games as a forward at the Tigers. If the midfield role is there, I’m interested.
TM: Can see him playing as an impact midfielder but he won’t spend enough time on ball to pick him.
AP: His SuperCoach numbers as a junior were off the charts but he hasn’t shown that scoring ability at the top level. Love him as a player but highly unlikely to come into consideration.
DB: We know his insane SuperCoach numbers as a junior. I will be watching his mid-forward split very closely during the pre-season, as he is more than capable of pushing the 90-point barrier.
Lachie Fogarty
TP: A good get for the Blues, who showed plenty of KFC SuperCoach potential as a junior. Price is likely to be an awkward one, though.
TM: If he’s FWD-MID I’ll consider him but injury history and uncertainty about his role are a worry. Also will be an awkward price.
AP: Has shown he can score OK and could be one of the smartest pick-ups of the trade period if his body holds up. But he would have to be very cheap (under $250k) to get on my watch list and that’s unlikely.
DB: Is a manic tackler which boosts his SC stocks. Will be Interesting to see his role at the Blues and I look forward to seeing him in Tim’s 2021 mid-priced bible – the price may just be a bit too in-between.
Nakia Cockatoo
TP: Can we? If he has an injury-free pre-season - think Lincoln McCarthy’s move - then the price may be too hard to ignore for cash generation.
TM: Want to see him string some footy together before I’ll consider him.
AP: Who’s ready to take a gamble? Injury history is a massive red flag but he’ll be as cheap as chips and if forward rookie stocks are as thin in 2021 as they were this year, he’ll be a leading contender.
DB: Nah… Unless…?
Shaun Higgins
TP: Could be vital the Cats at times next year but not in KFC SuperCoach.
TM: Geelong showed this year with Joel Selwood they’ll manage players who are 30+. No thanks.
AP: His days as a SuperCoach premium are over so it’s a pass from me, but I can see him playing some very good footy for the Cats.
DB: IF he was mid-forward… THEN… I would be tempted. But likely to remain as a mid-only.
Ben Brown
TP: Price may keep him on the pre-season watchlist - but I don’t think we’ll get much further.
TM: Bargain trade for Melbourne but needs to kick a bag to score well. Pass.
AP: How cheap will he be? Normally would be a big fat no but he finished the year priced at $227k and if he’s in that ball park it would be crazy to cross him off. Worth noting his best season average is 83 but could make some money if he gets off to a strong start.
DB: Will turn his fortunes around but I don’t trust Melbourne’s midfield to hit him up on the lead enough.
Jaidyn Stephenson
TP: Will he play more in the midfield like he did as a junior? There’s KFC SuperCoach potential here. But given the price, he may be more of a draft selection.
TM: Like that he’ll play a more advanced role at North but he doesn’t get enough footy to rack up SC points.
AP: Probably too up and down for SuperCoach but I think the Kangas have a serious bargain here.
DB: Set to be pushed up the ground more often at the Roos but the risk outweighs the potential upside
Orazio Fantasia
TP: No, thanks.
TM: What did Al say about James Aish earlier this year? Nooooooo.
AP: Too injury-prone and too many Port players competing for points.
DB: No permanent small forwards in SuperCoach.
Tom Phillips
TP: One to put on your KFC SuperCoach Draft board.
TM: Andrew Gaff and Sam Menegola are the only wingmen I’d consider in KFC SuperCoach.
AP: If you’re in a deep draft he could be worth a late pick. Could average around 90 if he gets his wing role back.
DB: The gut-running wingman finds plenty of it but has never used the ball well enough to be considered in SuperCoach.
Nick Hind
TP: Can he do what Dan Butler did at the Saints? Probably not, but it’s something to keep in mind, given their similarities.
TM: Nice pressure player but that’s the worst possible role for SuperCoach
AP: Last-minute trade went under the radar, a lot like Nick, unfortunately. Not a SuperCoach player.
DB: Has had some high-end games. I can’t see him doing it enough in 2021, though.
Aliir Aliir
TP: If he plays 22 games in defence for Port, he’ll average far more than his 2021 price will suggest.
TM: Might depend on what position he gets. If he’s RUC-DEF I’ve heard worse ideas than picking him.
AP: Put him on the watch list. Was thrown everywhere at Sydney and put up some decent numbers (and some terrible ones). Price won’t be an issue and if he settles as an intercept defender it could be a lucrative role.
DB: Should play in a nice intercepting role but it probably won’t be enough to enter SC calculations
Stefan Martin
TP: Not anymore.
TM: His days of KFC SuperCoach relevancy are behind him. His arrival at Whitten Oval also rules out picking Tim English.
AP: Biggest impact is likely to be preventing me from picking Tim English which is probably a good thing.
DB: If 2020 is any guide, Martin has lost all SuperCoach relevance.
Lachie Young
TP: Might surprise, but not in a KFC SuperCoach sense.
TM: Think I’ve had him in my team the past two years so why not a third? Seems like he’ll have a good role but I’d be surprised if he averaged 60+.
AP: Pretty sure Gilbert Gardiner picked him in SuperCoach a year or two back but I’m still not sure I could identify him in a police line-up. Not for me.
DB: Looks like he could get games - only about eight North players will miss out on their best 22 at this stage – but has averaged under 50 from eight games. Will be better defensive rookies around.
Peter Wright
TP: Could be a nice late-round pick in KFC SuperCoach Draft, given his output should improve at the Bombers. But it would be a brave move to start him in Classic.
TM: His numbers actually weren’t that bad at Gold Coast but he’d need to be rookie priced before I’d consider him - and he won’t be.
AP: Looked up his numbers and was surprised to see he has scored 142 and 136 in a game, but that was back in 2016. I’m prepared to risk him doing it again after not picking him.
DB: I picked Wright up at $180,000 back in 2016 and he was a more than serviceable cash cow. Has talent as a former top ten selection and he could appeal if he is spending time in the ruck, but I suspect his price will be too awkward.
Tom Hickey
TP: His output will improve but will it be enough to make him a better value option that Preuss? Unlikely.
TM: Pick Preuss if you want a cheaper R2.
AP: Will be No.1 ruckman at Sydney but Braydon Preuss will be cheaper. Could you pick them both?!?
DB: Should be a similar proposition to Sam Jacobs during last pre-season and may fair better. However, he has never eclipsed a 90-average and his best footy appears to be behind him.
Shaun McKernan
TP: Goodluck to him.
TM: He’s at the Saints as cover. No thanks.
AP: Have to admire the fact he’s still going but not a SuperCoach option.
DB: Won’t play enough and his SuperCoach standard deviation isn’t for the faint-hearted.
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Mitch Hannan
TP: Nice get for the Dogs, but not for me in KFC SuperCoach.
TM: Think the Dogs got a good deal in this trade and he’ll play regularly. He just won’t score 80+ enough to make money.
AP: Not someone I’ll be looking at.
DB: At least his mates will pick him.
Rory Atkins
TP: The former Crow will improve his output with a greater role at the Suns, but he’s one that should only be considered late in KFC SuperCoach Draft.
TM: Will have a more prominent role at Gold Coast than Adelaide but can’t see him making the progression from a 75-80 average to premium numbers. Consider for KFC SuperCoach draft.
AP: Played three games this year and scored seven in one of them. Will get more opportunities as a Sun but not on my radar.
DB: Has never averaged more than 79 points across a season, which rules him out for Classic. Has been known to go big on the odd occasion, so he might be a cheeky POD off the bench in draft.
Isaac Smith
TP: Good for the Cats, but nah.
TM: The only relevance his move might have to KFC SuperCoach is if he takes points from Sam Menegola.
AP: Not a KFC SuperCoach option.
DB: Even in a strong Cats line-up it’s difficult to see him being a worthwhile selection at the age of 32.
Joe Daniher
TP: Unlike his deal at the Lions, Daniher will be cheap in KFC SuperCoach. And given his scoring potential - when fit - he’ll be in the conversation.
TM: You would need to be much braver than me to even consider him.
AP: Sounds crazy but he could be available for about $250k. If the Lions medicos work their magic and he dominates the pre-season comp, he’ll be up for discussion at least.
DB: Could be seriously cheap after an average of 48.3 from four games in 2020, but there are too many unknowns with Daniher to pick him with confidence. Now, watch him jump onto my watchlist if he has a strong pre-season.
Zac Williams
TP: Looming as one the pre-season’s early locks in defence, given his new midfield role at the Blues.
TM: I haven’t stopped smiling since his free agency move was made official. Just start with him at D3 next year without hesitation. Even if he gets injured, most other coaches will be in the same boat anyway.
AP: More midfield minutes will be very enticing although his body is always a worry. On the pre-season watchlist.
DB: A defender around the $470k mark playing purely as an inside midfielder. To quote Dwayne Russell, ‘That’s as good as it gets!’
Aidan Corr
TP: One of the KFC SuperCoach surprise packets of 2020, but his move to North is unlikely make his new price tag worth considering.
TM: Would have been a great selection this year when he became the kick-in taker at GWS Giants. I can’t see him being worth a much higher starting price though even though he’ll see plenty of ball at North.
AP: Next.
DB: Surprisingly burst into SuperCoach relevancy after taking the bulk of the kick-ins for the Giants, but will be more pricey entering 2021.
Zac Langdon
TP: I like him as a role-player at the Eagles, but not for KFC SuperCoach.
TM: He’ll be a borderline selection at the Eagles and small forwards are awful for SuperCoach (apart from Liam Ryan for the last six rounds of 2020). What did Al say about James Aish this year? Noooooooo.
AP: I picked him as a rookie in 2018 but that’s the last time he’ll be seen anywhere near my SuperCoach side.
DB: I can safely say 2018 will remain the only year that I pick Zac (Giles) Langdon.
Oleg Markov
TP: Depending on the cash cow stocks in defence, the former Tiger, who should see more game-time at the Suns and could gain dual-position status as a defender, may come into the frame as a stepping stone option.
TM: If he’s listed as a defender or a DEF-MID I’ll consider him. Will be cheap enough to be a factor at D5 or D6. I could see him averaging 80 and making enough cash to be flipped into a mid-season cash cow.
AP: Rebounding defenders are traditionally good picks and he’ll play more at the Suns, but he’s never shown huge SuperCoach scoring potential (career-high 89).
DB: Should get greater opportunity at the Suns. Will be priced awkwardly, though, which makes it tough to justify starting him with a bevy of options in defence.
Jesse Hogan
TP: If it all works out, Hogan could - and it’s just a could at this stage - be one of the steals of the trade period. It’s a similar story in KFC SuperCoach, too. I haven’t forgotten his 92-point average in 2018. But there’s a logn way to go.
TM: Still not really sure how he ended up in my team a few years ago. Too many question marks to pick him now.
AP: Will be cheap and has talent but if I was going to roll the dice I’d probably take Daniher (which I’m very unlikely to do!).
DB: Has such potential but appears unlikely to come close to his 2018 heroics at his third club.
Brad Crouch
TP: There’s no question he will be underpriced in KFC SuperCoach, so there’s value. But can he join the next level of premium midfielders?
TM: Jack Steele is the premium midfielder I’d consider from St Kilda. Crouch doesn’t crack the ton often enough.
AP: Capable of averaging 100 and price will be tempting, but if I have a spot for a mid-priced midfielder I might pick Matt Rowell instead.
DB: Presents value but his shaky ball use means he will never be a true midfield premium. A handy Draft player if you can snag him late.
Kyle Hartigan
TP: Clarko is a super coach, but no
TM: Will play regularly for Hawthorn but doesn’t score enough.
AP: In eight seasons his best SuperCoach average is 62. No thanks.
DB: Solid player, but not for SuperCoach
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Can Preuss be a bargain in 2021?
KFC SuperCoaches hoping to choose Braydon Preuss as a forward next season are set to be disappointed.
The Melbourne big man is set to request a trade to GWS Giants, where he is certain to take the No.1 ruck mantle with Shane Mumford as back-up.
Preuss — who scored 84, 85 and 19 in his three games this season — would have been one of the best forward cash cows of 2021 had he retained forward status.
But Champion Data stats show that is unlikely to happen, as he spent only 27 per cent of time in attack this year.
The threshold for dual-position eligiblity in KFC SuperCoach is 35 per cent.
Preuss could yet be a perfect R2 or R3 money maker as he becomes a first-choice ruck for the first time in his career after being stuck behind Todd Goldstein and Max Gawn.
He started this year priced at $329,500 and has been projected to be between $240,000-$270,000 according to stats guru Brice Mitchell.
2021 #supercoach Price Projection*-Braydon Preuss
— Brice Mitchell (@bricemitchell) October 12, 2020
2021 starting price could be approx $240-$270k depending on the discount https://t.co/8o3ZmdnlT3
HOMEBOUND HATELY SET TO BE SUPERCOACH STEAL
Where’s Jackson Hately?
It was perhaps the most asked KFC SuperCoach question of 2019 after the No. 14 draft pick burst onto the scene with scores of 95 and 85 in his first two games.
Hately wasn’t seen again until Round 15 after a 21-disposal, six-mark game in Round 7, leaving thousands of SuperCoaches scratching their heads.
The 19-year-old struggled for regular opportunities again this season, only managing five more games after a SuperCoach score of 108 in Round 3.
The South Australian has asked for a return to his home state after two seasons with the Giants and will be hoping for a trade to Adelaide for 2021.
Should free agent Brad Crouch depart the Crows — as expected — Hately looms as a direct replacement.
Champion Data statistics show Hately spent 91 per cent of his six games this year on a wing — averaging 89.7 points per 100 minutes in that role.
The likelihood of greater time in the engine room at Adelaide will make him an attractive option for next season at the lower end of the mid-price range.
READ THE PHANTOM’S THOUGHTS ON JACKSON HATELY BELOW
Stats guru Brice Mitchell (@bricemitchell) has Hately projected to start next season at $314k.
That would likely mean KFC SuperCoaches would have to settle for Hately at M5 or M6 unless they are willing to make huge sacrifices in other positions.
If he comes in at $314, Hately would be priced to average about 58 points.
He’s almost certain to eclipse that number, but by how much?
If he can get to a 100 average and into premium territory, Hately will be worth paying the extra money for.
But if his average lags in the 80s or 90s, coaches could be left with a player not generating money or hitting premium numbers.
Hately went to the top of the watch list when he requested a trade — but one thing many coaches learned this year is not to pick players based on the promise of more midfield time.
#supercoach reacts to Jackson Hately recall. Thank you @GWSGIANTS pic.twitter.com/M5E5oeECxy
— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) June 26, 2019
Jackson Hately 36 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles, 5 inside 50's and 3 rebound 50's in the NEAFL today. Get him in Leon. #SuperCoach
— Brodie (Dave Grohl thinks you're an idiot too) (@BJRussell95) May 25, 2019
WHY WILLIAMS WILL BE A BARGAIN IN 2021
KFC SuperCoaches can often be sucked into a new recruit or the prospect of more midfield time.
Just ask those coaches who started with pre-season fancies Dan Houston, Connor Rozee or Darcy MacPherson this year.
Zac Williams looms as the exception to the rule should his mooted free agency move to Carlton eventuate.
Williams has been one of the best KFC SuperCoach defenders in the past two years, averaging a career-high 101.6 points in 2019.
The 26-year-old was thrown into midfield with great success last year as the Giants negotiated a spate of injuries to key players including Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio.
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Williams averaged 107.7 points from Round 12 onwards, producing eight tons in 11 games and scores of 99 and 96.
Champion Data statistics show Williams spent 23 per cent of time in midfield in 2019, averaging 102.9 points per 100 minutes.
That was slightly down on his 107.7 points as a defender (67 per cent) but considerably more than 81.5 points as a forward (10 per cent).
Leon Cameron only used Williams in midfield for 8 per cent of his games this year, but his output was eye-catching.
He averaged the equivalent of 131.9 points per 100 minutes as a midfielder, only three points less than Lachie Neale.
Of course, it is difficult to project his output as a full-time midfielder from such a small sample size.
But when he’s likely to be available for about $460k, the value is undeniable.
Round 18 #supercoach Price Projection*-Zac Williams
— Brice Mitchell (@bricemitchell) September 18, 2020
2020StartPrice $552k
2019Av 102(20g)
2020Av 85(11g)
R1-R9Av:82(4g)
R10-R18Av:88(7g)
2020Scores /82/55/77/////112/105//111/94/70/66//101/66
R18Price $439k
Final Price $424k
2021Price* $464k ðŸ§
*approx https://t.co/TvF8AYcX9z
The question mark on Williams has always been his durability, although he played 20 games in 2016, 2017 and 2019.
This year he was restricted to 11 matches.
How he fits alongside Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh will be another factor, although the Western Bulldogs proved this year how many midfielders from one team can dominate SuperCoach.
Five Dogs on-ballers averaged 104 or more and Marcus Bontempelli’s (average 116) best form came when Lachie Hunter and Tom Liberatore returned.
Zac Williams the defender was an enticing SuperCoach option.
Zac Williams the midfielder looms as one of the most-popular players of 2021.
2021 WATCH LIST: WHO OUR EXPERTS ARE MONITORING
It’s never too early to start planning in KFC SuperCoach.
The final round of 2020 has only just concluded, but while late-season form is still fresh in your mind, it’s time to start work on your 2021 watchlist.
It’s not just the players who have finished the year strongly who you should be tracking, either.
There are a number of KFC SuperCoach-relevant players who will return from injury next year and with a trade and free agency frenzy expected in late October, many will find greater opportunity.
And, of course, there’s also the position changes to consider.
Our experts name the players on their early 2021 KFC SuperCoach watchlist.
*2021 price projections courtesy of Brice Mitchell.
TIM MICHELL
Sam Draper (Approx price: $382k)
The young Essendon ruckman will be primed to take on the No. 1 ruck responsibilities after featuring in eight games during his debut campaign. He showed encouraging signs during those matches, although an average of two free kicks against each game hindered his KFC SuperCoach scoring. He was a great cash cow for thousands of coaches, reaching $341,800 before most moved him on. His standout game was in Round 13 when he had 13 disposals, 14 hit outs and took six marks against Richmond. The ‘set and forget’ combination of Brodie Grundy and Max Gawn will be popular again next season — for good reason — but if I need to save money I’ll consider Draper as a stepping stone to one of the big two. Especially if he’s available for about $400,000 after a full pre-season.
Liam Stocker (Approx price $200k)
Assuming he gets the regular 30 per cent discount applied to players who miss a full season, the No. 19 draft pick will be available for about $170,000 next year. He was listed as a SuperCoach defender this year and is likely to retain that position due to a lack of action in 2020 — Stocker left the Blues hub to return to Victoria in July. He played five games in 2019, averaging 49.6 with a top score of 64. Carlton is crying out for midfielders to support Patrick Cripps and if Stocker can take the next step in 2021, he shapes as a great cash cow. $170k sounds like a lot to pay, but thousands of coaches paid $20k more than that to start with Brandon Zerk-Thatcher this season. As a Blues fan, I’ll have eyes on Stocker during pre-season for two reasons — SuperCoach and Carlton’s 2021 prospects.
Nic Newman (Approx price: $420k)
After scores of 39 and 8 in his two games of 2020, the Blues defender will come at a significant discount on his 2020 price of $524,800. Newman injured his knee in Round 2 and was ruled out for the rest of the year after surgery. If he’s fit for Round 1 in 2021 and shows promise in the pre-season, he needs to be considered. The ex-Swan averaged 96.7 two years ago and his importance to Carlton’s defence will only grow after Kade Simpson’s retirement. With Jake Lloyd and possibly a DEF-MID Rory Laird at D1 and D2, Newman could be a value D3 selection.
THE PHANTOM
Wayne Milera (Approx price $361k)
The highly-talented Crow played just two matches in 2020, after suffering a stress fracture in his foot. An inconsistent previous season – he wasn’t alone at West Lakes – meant Milera started the year at $408k. That appeared great value, too, given he averaged 95 points per game from Round 17 onwards in 2018 – his third year in the competition – and posted scores of 82, 105, 109 and 86 in the opening month of 2019 before a shoulder injury. And those numbers alone put Milera on the watchlist, regardless of whether he plans in the midfield or across halfback.
Jackson Hately (Approx price: $314k)
Adelaide is keen on Hately and if the young midfielder does make the move back home to South Australia in this year’s trade period, he’ll shoot straight to the top of KFC SuperCoach watchlists. It will mean consistent opportunity in the midfield, something he hasn’t had in his two years in the competition. Hately, who averaged 108 points at the 2018 national under-18 carnival, has played just 13 senior game since being drafted at pick No. 14 in 2018 and he was a late inclusion to the Giants side for three of them. But he still posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 95 and 85 in the opening two games of his career in 2019 and 108 in his first appearance in Round 3 this year. The smart, ball-winning midfielder wasn’t picked in Round 1, despite a standout pre-season, which saw him average 115 points in the Marsh Series. And in 2021, he’s likely to priced at $314k.
Round 18 #supercoach Price Projection*-Jackson Hately
— Brice Mitchell (@bricemitchell) September 21, 2020
StartPrice$302k
MinPrice$298k(final)
MaxPrice$340k(R6)
2019Av 62(7g)
2020Av 64(6g)
2020Scores 108/47/78/39/56/57
FinalPrice$298k
2021Price*$314k(10% discount included)
2021PricedAtAv 58
*approx
Hunter Clark (Approx price: $441k)
Maybe I went a year too early. In his second season, Clark, who averaged 126 KFC SuperCoach points in the TAC Cup in his draft year, settled across halfback following the bye and averaged 86 points – the seventh-most of any Saint – from Round 15 onwards. The 186cm left-footer couldn’t maintain this form consistently through 2020, but there were still plenty of signs. There was dash off halfback and clean hands at ground level as Clark posted five KFC SuperCoach tons, with his 124-point performance in Round 17 his best for the season. Is 2021 his year?
Tom Green (Approx price: $355k)
If you break Champion Data’s contested possession record at the under-18 championships in your draft year and then tally 30 disposals, 20 contested possessions and 119 KFC SuperCoach points in your fifth career game, you have to be on this list. Even if 2021 will be your dreaded second-year, and you’ll be awkwardly-priced at $355k. Remember Clayton Oliver’s 2017?
This T Green? https://t.co/VWfp9aBE5t
— Brice Mitchell (@bricemitchell) September 21, 2020
And just keep an eye on where Sturt midfielder Tom Powellgoes on AFL Draft night. He’s Tom-Mitchell like in his ability to win the ball and he’s posted two KFC SuperCoach double tons in the SANFL under-18s this year.
DAN BATTEN
Josh Dunkley (Approx price: $566k)
This man will be just about my first picked in 2021 in the likely event he earns FWD/MID/ (Ruck?) status. He started in my side this season with an unfortunate syndesmosis injury restricting him to 11 games. Of course there is the potential for magnet-man Luke Beveridge to play funny buggers – including his perplexing decision to play him in the ruck – but a forward with his scoring power available for less than $600,000 is a gift from the KFC SuperCoach Gods.
Zac Williams (Approx price: $464k)
Watch Zac Williams this trade period with interest, KFC SuperCoaches. The smooth-moving free agent is on the move this off-season with Carlton his likely destination. A move to the midfield beckons at a new club, having been starved of centre-square opportunities by Greater Western Sydney’s midfield logjam. Our minds cast back to his exploits as a midfielder during the later stages of 2019, registering impressive numbers and six 95-plus totals between Round 20 and the preliminary final. Should keep his DEF only status in 2021 and his price should be below $500,000 after another injury-affected campaign.
Liam Duggan (Approx price: $453k)
As the season has gone on, the passing of the baton from KFC SuperCoach stalwart Shannon Hurn to Liam Duggan has become evident. Duggan has regularly played the intercept and distributor role occupied by Hurn in previous season, benefiting from West Coast’s kick-mark style during the back-half of the season. He has even been taking more kick-ins – arguably the biggest sign of a Hurn handover. The defender’s finish to the season has been superb, amassing six scores of 95 or more in his last eight games and averaging 98 points. Poor scores to begin the season will see him present plenty of value at around the $450,000 mark.
AL PATON
Tim English (Approx price: $557k)
Picking a second ruckman to partner Max Gawn will be one of the toughest calls of the next KFC SuperCoach pre-season. Brodie Grundy has come back to a growing pack, with seven ruckmen averaging 100-plus to Round 17. English will be entering his fifth season off a rollercoaster year that has included a 204-point game and three scores in the 50s. Season 2021 might be the year to put in my chips on him putting up those big numbers on a consistent basis.
Adam Cerra (Approx price: $490k)
Justin Longmuir has provided a look into Fremantle’s future in the second half of the season and the former top-five draft pick has thrived on more midfield responsibility, averaging 104 since Round 11 (by comparison Patrick Cripps has averaged 102 over the same period). Cerra put up big numbers as a junior and should be ready to take the baton from the likes of David Mundy next year – but this is Fremantle we’re talking about, so buyer beware!
Jack Lukosius (Approx price: $435k)
I will be very interested in how much of a discount the SuperCoach bankers hand the likes of Dion Prestia, Ben Cunnington and Jeremy Howe – and Buddy will be insanely cheap – but it’s more fun to look for breakout contenders, and Lukosius definitely fits that bill. The former No. 2 draft pick will be entering his third season, which is early for a breakout, but a guy who can score 130-plus two weeks in a row in his second year is worth a closer look. Keep a close eye on his role – if it includes taking kick-ins and using his elite kicking out of the back half in a team likely to win a lot more games in 2021, I will be very tempted.
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Originally published as KFC SuperCoach 2021: Trade period analysis, players to watch, new prices, value picks, rookies, position changes
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