SuperCoach jury: Expert verdict on Fyfe, Dangerfield, Buddy and more

WILL you pick Patrick Dangerfield, Nat Fyfe or Lance Franklin in your SuperCoach side? The experts have their say on those tough calls — and seven more.

Patrick Dangerfield in action at Geelong Cats open training session at Simonds Stadium on Monday, January 25th, 2016. Picture: Nathan Dyer

WILL you fork out the cash to get Nat Fyfe in your SuperCoach side this year?

What about Patrick Dangerfield or Lance Franklin? Can Heath Shaw repeat his 2015 heroics, and is Daniel Wells a huge bargain or a disaster waiting to happen?

These are just some of the tough calls we face as we ponder the 30 spots available in our SuperCoach sides. Luckily, the experts are here to help.

We asked five fantasy footy luminaries for their final word on 10 hot selection prospects for 2016.

The verdict from our SuperCoach jury is in, but you will have to be the judge of whether to take their advice.

Stay tuned for more SuperCoach jury verdicts throughout the pre-season.

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NAT FYFE ($670,600 mid)

@al_superfooty: Left him out based on injury reports but the fact he’s playing tonight scares me. Looking for cash to get him in.

@ThePhantomSC: Didn’t select him initially because he wasn’t training and now I can’t fit him in. Can we really afford to start without him, though?

@gilbertgardiner: Yes. Fyfe is training the house down after a pre-season back injury scare and worth every cent.

@KateSalemme: I love Fyfe but he’s just too expensive. Hoping he might suffer some low early season scores and can bring him in for a discount later on. Running the gauntlet.

@imjohnb (John Bruyn, 2013 SuperCoach champion): Based on what we saw last year I doubt a broken back would even lower his average anyway. Total lock.

PATRICK DANGERFIELD ($647.000 mid)

@al_superfooty: There is talk taggers will go to Danger, freeing up Selwood. But they couldn’t stop him at Adelaide so why now? Not in my starting side but he will be soon. Hope he starts slowly again.

@ThePhantomSC:Yes. He’s gone close before but this could be the year he joins the 200 club, don’t miss out.

@gilbertgardiner:No. Just yet, anyway. He burnt me last year for not having him in my side but Dangerfield might be vulnerable early doors with Selwood expected to miss the start of the season.

@KateSalemme: He hasn’t missed a beat so far this pre-season apparently but he might take a little bit of time to get used to playing with his new teammates. Like Fyfe, hoping for a price drop before considering him.

@imjohnb: It’s him on Pendles for my starting team and I’m going with Pendles. Upgrade target. A SC gun (you can’t have ‘em all).

LANCE FRANKLIN ($470,100 fwd)

@al_superfooty: I was on the Buddy rollercoaster even before the welcome news he’s set to play further up the ground. Priced to average under 90 and I expect him to comfortably top that.

@ThePhantomSC: No. All the talk is positive — and the midfield move exciting — but too many mid DPPs to fit him in.

@gilbertgardiner: Yes. At this price it’s ridiculous to even consider not having him in your side. Need only post 80s — which he can do in a half of football — to pull his weight.

@KateSalemme: Said to be in the best condition he has been since arriving at the Swans and murmurs of him spending more time in the midfield equals big tick, especially at this price.

@imjohnb: Very hard to ignore the value in his price but buyer beware — Buddy can be a frustrating player to own. In my team at present.

Lance Franklin is enjoying a stellar pre-season. Picture: Mark Evans

JAKE STRINGER ($425,000 fwd)

@al_superfooty: If he breaks out he could be an inspired pick but I’m not taking the plunge. Will score 120 one week and 30 the next.

@ThePhantomSC: No. Not yet anyway. Gun but only four SuperCoach tons in his career.

@gilbertgardiner: Maybe. Nice price and if the mail out of the Whitten Oval is correct that he’ll spend bursts in the midfield then get on.

@KateSalemme: No. Had an outstanding season last year but averaged only 78.8 points. With no Stewart Crameri up forward, The Package might need to spend more time inside 50 than the Dogs had originally planned.

@imjohnb: Would be a masterstroke if he started the year with a bang but I don’t think his role is conducive to a top-10 forward across 22 games.

MATTHEW LOBBE ($389,500 ruck)

@al_superfooty: No. Even in his one good year he only averaged 100.7 points a game. Would rather spend the cash to get two gun rucks I can trust.

@ThePhantomSC: Yes. Only have to look at his numbers the last time he was the No. 1 ruck. Perfect, value-for-money R2.

@gilbertgardiner:Yes. Thrived when allowed to carry the ruck load for Port Adelaide. Dirt cheap and proven scorer.

@KateSalemme: Tick. Didn’t have a great season last year but still managed to average 72.1 points. With Paddy Ryder suspended, he’ll reclaim the No. 1 ruck mantle and will hopefully get back to his best form. Likes the responsibility of being the sole big man.

@imjohnb: I don’t see a lot of downside in Lobbe but just don’t expect much more than a 90 average. Aim to upgrade him early.

DARCY PARISH ($202,800 mid)

@al_superfooty: Not in my team. Haven’t seen the kid play and by all reports he’s a gun, but there are plenty of other rookie mids who can produce similar scores for nearly $100k less.

@ThePhantomSC: Unusure. Certain cash cow that will see plenty of senior action but sub-$200k options will push their case in the NAB Challenge.

@gilbertgardiner: Maybe. Awkward price but expect he’ll get plenty of opportunities given Bombers’ list woes. Monitor during the NAB Challenge. Ask me again in 2019 and he’s a lock.

@KateSalemme: No. I know plenty will pick him and he might play well in his debut season but for me he’s missed the cut.

@imjohnb: There are far better options than Darcy at his inflated price when you consider the year Essendon is in for. Won’t be considered even if he wins the NAB by himself.

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Darcy Parish shows his talents at Essendon training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

DANIEL WELLS ($243,900 fwd)

@al_superfooty: In my team now but chances of him lasting to Round 1 are flimsy, just like his body. Price extremely tempting.

@ThePhantomSC: Yes. Does the name make me nervous? YES. But, at the price, if he’s still up and firing come Round 1, he’s in!

@gilbertgardiner: Maybe. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. If Wells gets through the NAB Challenge and is named for Round 1 get on. His best is $300k better than this price tag.

@KateSalemme: Tick. Surely things are about to turn around for him. Four goals in the intra-club, 6kg lighter and available for so cheap — definitely worth the risk. Averaged 104.2, 99 and 96.1 in his best years from 2011-13.

@imjohnb: If he looks fit and plays during the NAB you should pick him. Will average 85-90.

HEATH SHAW ($607,800 def)

@al_superfooty: Last year there was one standout defender and his name was Nick Malceski. How did that work out? Heath was great for me last year but this time he’s too expensive for a guy with a history of blowing up.

@ThePhantomSC: Yes. The only premium defender we can be certain about. Worth the extra cash.

@gilbertgardiner: Yes. Will be one of the most popular players in SuperCoach. Ultra-consistent and capable of monster scores.

@KateSalemme: He’s expensive but with the defence again being tough to pick he was the first player I selected. With the Giants sets to get even better, Shaw will surely keep up his top form.

@imjohnb: Won’t be starting for TheDimmaWits. If he was available as a midfielder I would baulk at his price so why pick him in defence is how I see it. Pass.

Heath Shaw took his game to a new level in 2015. Picture: Mark Evans

DANIEL RICH ($436,100 mid/def)

@al_superfooty: He averaged 86 in his first season (2009) and basically hasn’t improved on that since. Can’t see the breakout happening this year.

@ThePhantomSC: Not sure. Should slot back into the midfield this year and has only averaged below 80 once in his career. Can see him averaging low 90s but ceiling a concern.

@gilbertgardiner: No. Comes from the Jack Ziebell school of SuperCoach ... tremendous upside but delivers in spits and spurts.

@KateSalemme: Yes. But only because he has dual-position status. Has been training with the midfield group and still has that lethal left boot. Second year back from a knee reco and should improve on his output from last year.

@imjohnb: I’d rather go a smoky or an out-and-out premium. Will average 80-90 I expect, which ain’t bad — I just prefer others.

BRODIE SMITH ($415,500 def/mid)

@al_superfooty: I’ve drunk the Phantom’s Cool-Aid. Lock!

@ThePhantomSC: NO. Only kidding. Of course it’s a YES. He’s over the concussions and, at his best, The Phantom’s favourite is one of the Crows’ biggest weapons.

@gilbertgardiner: Yes. If he’s not one of your first picked defenders then give the game away.

@KateSalemme: Tick. Started last season with a bang but concussion seemed to really affect the Crow and his scoring suffered. Wants more midfield time and at that price is worth a gamble.

@imjohnb: If he was $30k more I’d pass but for now he’s in the mix for my fourth defender slot. Adelaide’s tough start has me a little concerned. Plan Bs are at the ready.