AFL SuperCoach 2018: Experts review week two JLT Series pre-season games
MISS a moment of the JLT Series? Don’t panic. The SuperCoach experts were watching. Here’s the lowdown on all the players you need to know.
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BUDDY blitzed the Lions, the Blues bolted out of the blocks and Isaac Heeney bombed — but don’t panic.
The race for Round 1 spots is heating up after five more JLT Series matches that helped SuperCoach players refine their starting squads — or threw up a lot more questions, depending on your perspective.
Miss a minute of the action? Don’t panic. The team from the Doctor SuperCoach podcast had a close eye on every game — here are the players you need to know about.
CATS ROOKIE FIRES: GOLD COAST v GEELONG SUPERCOACH SCORES
BUDDY GOES BIG: LIONS v SWANS SUPERCOACH SCORES
MID-PRICE MADNESS: EVERY BULLDOGS v HAWKS SUPERCOACH SCORE
FORGOTTEN PIE: GIANTS v COLLINGWOOD SUPERCOACH SCORES
BLUE BOLTERS: CARLTON v ST KILDA SUPERCOACH SCORES
GOLD COAST v GEELONG
The Suns were hot against an undermanned Geelong, streaming to a 56-point victory. Gold Coast’s pressure was a feature from the first bounce; this area is greatly improved under new coach Stuart Dew.
The Cats were without their big name trio in Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood and Gary Ablett, which gave prime opportunity for some of their new recruits to make a name for themselves.
While there can be no underestimating the loss of Ablett to the Suns’ midfield, Aaron Hall, Darcy MacPherson, Brayden Fiorini and Jarryd Lyons all starred in positive signs for the year ahead.
Tim Kelly ($117,300 MID) 73 points — Money Maker
Kelly’s versatility and hardworking attitude has seen him win the praise of Coach Chris Scott, and is the reason he’s definitely in the frame for a Round 1 debut. A return of 73 SuperCoach points from 60 per cent game time points to promising money-making potential, and he attended a game-high 15 centre bounces. He limped off the ground in the third term and was on ice for the final quarter with a corked thigh, but looked to be moving fine after the game.
Aaron Hall ($507,200 MID) 117 — Promising Signs
After an indifferent 2017 season, Hall’s experience showed in a dominant Suns midfield. The 27-year-old was back to his damaging best, finishing with 17 disposals and 2 goals, all from just 66 per cent game time. He has gone on big-scoring runs before but can he be trusted? No Ablett means more responsibility.
Nick Holman ($102,400 MID) 87 — Basement Bargain
The former Blue earnt 87 SuperCoach points thanks to his intense forward pressure, finishing with a game-high eight tackles and a goal. Holman’s tackling was a feature of his game in the SANFL last year and his second chance at AFL level presents us with a bargain cash cow.
Charlie Constable ($117,300 MID) 74 — Surprise Packet
A late inclusion in the side following the withdrawal of Brandan Parfitt, Constable is another versatile, ready-made midfielder who has a good chance of seeing some AFL action in 2018. He offered a strong performance against the Suns in a losing side, including 22 touches and a game-high 11 contested possessions, in all just 65% game-time. Could he be a Round 1 smoky?
Missing In Action
Gold Coast: Michael Barlow, Jesse Lonergan, David Swallow, Peter Wright.
Geelong: Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett, Harry Taylor, Scott Selwood, Lachie Henderson, Nakia Cockatoo.
— James Nice
BRISBANE LIONS v SYDNEY
This one-sided affair showed that Sydney won’t allow a repeat of the disastrous start to its 2017 season in which the Swans lost their fix six matches.
It was the usual suspects, Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker and Buddy Franklin that did the most damage in the front half of the ground, and Dane Rampe looked in All-Australian form.
Isaac Heeney ($536,300 MID/FWD) 45 — Don’t Panic
Heeney played through the midfield but recorded a lowly 42 per cent disposal efficiency from 14 touches in his 64 per cent time-on-ground. While the score may not have been there, the role (10 centre bounce attendances) was very enticing and after blowing off the cobwebs, he will be one to watch in JLT 2.
Jake Lloyd ($479,900 DEF) 103 — The Safe Selection
The reliable defender is a little bit underpriced due to an early concussion leaving him with just four points in Round 10 last season. Lloyd played his usual sweeper role, accumulating another 26 possessions. Discounting his injury affected game, it took 18 weeks for the consistent Lloyd to drop below 80 points last year and 2018 should be no different.
Stef Martin ($540,000 RUC) 125 — Add To Your Watchlist
The Lions ruckman is in just over 5 per cent of teams but that might jump this week. Martin dominated the ruck duals as well as putting in a handy performance around the ground, recording a team-high 21 disposals. Martin has had previous SuperCoach pedigree above the 110 average mark and he will be one to watch in JLT 2 against a ruckman more challenging than Dean Towers.
Cameron Rayner ($202,800 MID/FWD) — One More Chance
The No. 1 draft pick looked bright early before disappearing for the rest of the match. From 61 per cent time on ground, Rayner managed a dismal five touches at 40 per cent disposal efficiency. At his inflated price, he would need to average 15 more points per game compared to other cheaper rookies to make a similar amount of money. Looking unlikely to be worth the extra investment.
Alex Witherden ($478,900 DEF) 38 — The Question Mark
Witherden burst onto the scene last year, recording an incredible average of 87.1 points in his nine matches playing at halfback. Witherden was pushed further up the field in the first half to little success. He settled later in the game into his usual role in defence so watch him carefully in JLT 2.
Allen Christensen ($267,300 FWD) 66 — Money Maker
The former Cat missed the entire 2017 season but finds himself in over 20 per cent of teams. Rotating between the midfield and forward line, Christensen used the ball poorly at only 43 per cent disposal efficiency but still managed a decent score of 66 in just 69 per cent time-on-ground. He’s only going to get better.
Dane Rampe ($427,400 DEF) 148 SC — The Pre-Season Bolter
Rampe has never been a premium SuperCoach selection with a career-high average of 86.1. However, he backed up a great AFLX series with 148 points from 66 per cent time-on-ground, with his exceptional foot skills, intercept play and marking on full show. His pre-season form has been exceptional in all competitions and he’s certainly someone to survey carefully in JLT 2.
Missing In Action
Brisbane: Luke Hodge, Dayne Beams, Dayne Zorko.
Sydney: Dan Hannebery, Jarrad McVeigh, Heath Grundy, Zak Jones.
— Peter Guss
WESTERN BULLDOGS v HAWTHORN
After a close first half the Bulldogs took control in the third quarter, striding to a fairly comfortable win. The real story was in the games’ major protagonists — the electric ball winners and SuperCoach scorers we would expect nothing less of. Keep an eye on Marcus Bontempelli, Tom Mitchell and Jack Macrae, who surprised absolutely no one by racking up both the possessions and the SuperCoach points.
Marcus Bontempelli ($577,800 MID) 125 SC — He’s Back
The Bont rotated through the midfield and forward line and looked sharp in his 2018 debut, picking up 25 touches, 10 of them contested, and 10 score involvements. He was an inconsistent pick in 2017, so here’s hoping this hot start doesn’t cool.
Tom Mitchell ($653,500 MID) 123 — Lock Him In
The ball magnet was atop many of the stats charts and our watch lists. He tallied the game’s most possessions (30), easily the most contested possessions (16), the most centre clearances (10) and a goal. We wager it won’t be the last time he ranks first in these categories in 2018, and considering just how often he finds the footy, it’s hard to envision our Supercoach sides without him.
James Sicily ($402,800 DEF/FWD) 114 — The Educated Punt
The Great James Sicily Debate rages on. In his favour this week was a strong defensive performance that included kick-in responsibilities and 24 touches at 91 per cent efficiency. Those worried about his fiery temper would have seen glimpses of it, even in a practice match. Still, 114 SuperCoach points speaks for itself.
Tom Liberatore ($434,600 MID) 99 — Add To Your Watch List
Rotating forward and through the midfield, Libba’s 18 touches came at 88 per cent efficiency, and included four score involvements and a goal. Available at a sizeable discount after a poor 2017, the signs are good he will return to his best in 2017. Liberatore averaged 110 points a game in 2014, can he reach those heights with more time inside forward 50?
Jaeger O’Meara ($315,800) 79 — One More Chance
After an injury-interrupted start to his tenure at the Hawks, Jaeger is actually experiencing a proper pre-season, playing a very promising 85 per cent of game time in JLT 1. Still, a stagnant fourth quarter, three frees against and a modest SuperCoach outing present concerns for his prospects as a mid-price option.
Toby McLean ($470,200 MID/FWD) 98 SC — Breakout Contender
McLean is coming off a 95 SuperCoach average in his last 10 rounds of 2017, and his performance in JLT 1 fit comfortably on that level. Finding space on the wing and moving the ball through the midfield and forward line, McLean’s clean possessions, tackling ability and score involvements make him one to watch.
Jack Macrae ($587,800 MID) 113 — Promising Signs
Playing on the ball in a strong start to 2018, Macrae’s consistent performance included an important role delivering the ball inside 50, 23 touches and two goals. Macrae burst out of the blocks, dominating the first quarter with 66 SuperCoach points when the game was at its most contested. Quarters like that always pique our interest.
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Aaron Naughton ($166,800 DEF) 63 — Rookie Watch
At an elevated rookie price, we’re expecting a lot from newcomers like Naughton if they’re to find a spot in our side. His 63 SuperCoach points would be fine for his price, but we’re watching to see if he can replicate it next round given he went at an impressive 92 per cent disposal efficiency.
Missing in Action:
Bulldogs: Mitch Wallis, Clay Smith, Dale Morris.
Hawthorn: Grant Birchall, Cyril Riolo, James Frawley.
— Shannon Gaitz
GWS GIANTS v COLLINGWOOD
A dour affair early, but the Giants split the match open in a blistering third quarter, which showed the competition how dangerous they are when given space to run and spread.
With Zac Williams out for a significant chunk of the year and Nathan Wilson now at Fremantle, it was over to running machine Lachie Whitfield to provide an outlet at halfback. Scott Pendlebury answered some questions about his role in 2018 by attending the most centre bounces for a Collingwood player with 16. On the other end of the spectrum, Taylor Adams spent all night across halfback, not attending a centre bounce all match.
Stephen Coniglio ($452,400 MID) 130 — Promising Signs
Coniglio took the game by the horns early and finished the night with 28 disposals and a match-high 13 contested possessions. Attending the second-most centre bounces for GWS for the night, he cooled in the second half but still finished with a game-high 130 SuperCoach points. If he plays a similar role in JLT 2, coaches will have the hard task of trying to fit Coniglio into their midfield.
Heath Shaw ($458,100 DEF) 114 — Add To Your Watch List
He may be on many “never again” lists but Shaw returned to his 2016 form playing primarily as if it was a non-contact training run. Shaw was used as an outlet across halfback and led his team for rebound-50s along with Jeremy Finlayson. His 512m gained was well up on his 2017 average of 444m.
Jeremy Finlayson ($123,900 DEF/MID) 86 — Money Maker
The 196cm Giant showed poise in defensive contests and was entrusted with the kick-in duties throughout the night. His intercept work was impressive, cutting off a number of Collingwood forward-50 entries and his booming left foot looks like a weapon GWS will take advantage of. On top of that, he recorded an immaculate 100 per cent disposal efficiency. With many coaches searching for rookies in defence, he was the night’s SuperCoach success story.
Brodie Mihocek ($102,400 DEF) 50 — Money Maker
Collingwood’s mature-age recruit had a solid if unspectacular introduction to AFL football. His body is ready-made for the AFL and he finished with 14 disposals, four marks and four rebound-50s. Mihocek impressed with his ability to stay calm under pressure, even with the Giants’ repeated forward 50 entries. Watch this space in JLT 2.
Missing In Action
GWS: Toby Greene, Rory Lobb, Brett Deledio, Tom Scully, Jacob Hopper, Zac Williams, Nick Haynes, Will Setterfield, Ryan Griffen.
Collingwood: Daniel Wells, Adam Treloar, Jamie Elliott, Darcy Moore, Jeremy Howe, Jordan De Goey, Alex Fasolo, Levi Greenwood.
— Dylan Pettingill
CARLTON v ST KILDA
The dominant duo of Matthew Kreuzer and Patrick Cripps sparked Carlton’s impressive performance, combining for a matchwinning 239 SuperCoach points. Carlton kicked the first five goals of the game and were rarely threatened by the lacklustre Saints.
But there were some positives in the form of top-10 draft picks Nick Coffield and Hunter Clark, while Carlton’s top selection Paddy Dow had plenty of highlights. All three teenagers looked capable of competing immediately at AFL level — fantastic news for all SuperCoaches!
Shane Savage ($479,700 DEF) 145 — The POD
This hidden gem is quickly looking like a tantalising point of difference choice for our defence, as he currently sits in just 2 per cent of teams. Savage was simply sublime for St Kilda off the halfback flank with his precise decision-making and intercept work. It is clear Savage is the preferred user when rebounding the ball out of defence.
Dylan Roberton ($509,000 DEF) 28 SC — Cross Him Off
The emergence of Savage was a revelation for St Kilda but unfortunately Roberton will be the one that suffers most. After being a dominant force in 2017, averaging 92.6, it looks increasingly likely he will play more defensive roles this season. The Saints veteran was limited to just seven disposals from 84 per cent time on ground.
David Armitage ($310,000 MID) 129 — Mid-Price Temptation
In 2015 Armitage was one of the premier midfielders in the competition and he averaged an impressive 109 SuperCoach points. Finally putting injuries behind him, Armitage was the Saints’ dominant inside midfielder with 24 disposals, including 14 contested. At the heavily discounted price of $310,000, if he produces a similar game in JLT 2 it’s time to lock him in!
Hunter Clark ($175,800 MID) 83 — Money Maker
It’s very unusual that a first-year player shows as much composure and class as Clark did against Carlton. Drifting through the midfield and forward line, he accumulated 12 possessions and kicked two goals. Hunter looked strong in traffic and had an elite disposal efficiency of 91 per cent. Can he maintain it? Watch this space in JLT 2.
Paddy Dow ($193,800 MID) 66 — Rising Rookie
Despite breaking a tooth late in the game, Dow would have excited Blues fans with 13 disposals and two goals. The No. 3 draft pick interchanged between the midfield and forward line and showed glimpses of his pace and game-breaking ability that seem certain to earn him a Round 1 debut. He is one of the more expensive rookies this year so he will need a bigger score in JLT 2 to justify his price tag.
Patrick Cripps ($537,300 MID) 120 — Lock Him In
Cripps is one of the AFL’s brightest young stars and after completing his first full pre-season, he looks set for a big year. He spent most of his time in the middle of the ground picking up 20 disposals, but he also pushed forward and added a couple of goals. He starts the year underpriced due to injury and combined with his great bye round, he looms as an excellent starting choice.
Matthew Kreuzer ($603,700 RUC) 119 — Lock Him In
In 2017 Kreuzer was the standout SuperCoach ruckman, averaging 109.8 points. He looks set to continue that form into 2018 after dominating around the ground with 15 disposals and, like his buddy Cripps, pushing forward to kick goals. His price tag and injury history will likely scare people off, but in terms of scoring potential and consistency you can’t go past Big Kreuz.
Missing In Action
St Kilda: Jack Billings, Tom Hickey, Josh Burce, Nathan Freeman.
Carlton: Darcy Lang, Sam Docherty, Sam Rowe, Sam Kerridge, Jacob Weitering.
— Kane Utano
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