AFL SuperCoach: Glenn McFarlane rates 33 players that changed club during trade and free agency

THIRTY-three players changed AFL clubs during the trade and free agency period last year, but how many of those players have changed their SuperCoach spots?

THIRTY-three players changed AFL clubs during the trade and free agency period last year, but how many of those players have changed their SuperCoach spots?

Does new opportunity translate to optimum scoring for those seeking a second chance? Are the ageing legs of champions going home enough make them too good to refuse?

GLENN McFARLANE rules the SuperCoach magnifying glass over those 33 players — who needs to be in; who is worth the risk; and who should be cast aside heading into the season.

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1. Tom Rockliff (Port Adelaide), via free agency

Mid, $539,400

A ‘must have’ at the price. Knee soreness stopped him playing JLT1, but he’ll be back soon. Forget that last year was his lowest average — all you need to remember he was averaging more than 120 before injuries hit in Round 8. Great value for money — his peak last year was almost 100k more — and it won’t hurt the Power will likely win three times as many games as the Lions did last year.

2. Devon Smith (Essendon), via trade

Forward, $439,100

If you haven’t got him, revise your strategy — now. Scored 118 in the first JLT game and tore up the Bombers’ intra-club. Injuries have always been a concern, but if he blossoms as we expect at his new club, you will be laughing all the way to the bank. Has been likened to the “next” Robbie Gray, so we want a piece of that action.

Adam Saad in full flight for the Bombers. Picture: Getty

3. Adam Saad (Essendon), via trade

Defender $399,800

Looks set to be a big mover in the SuperCoach sphere. His numbers have been modest in three seasons to date — his best season average is 77 — but we are tipping he can push that to 90 this year. Elite mover of the ball in a dud team in recent seasons, so expect him to surge with Essendon. Showed a glimpse of that in JLT1 under a Tigers’ avalanche.

4. Gary Ablett (Geelong), via trade

Mid, $631,100

When Paul McCartney comes out to town, you go and see him. When Gary Ablett is available in SuperCoach, you know — at some stage of the year — you will buy him. It’s just a matter of when. Yes, the hammy knick is a worry before Round 1, and he has only played 49 games in the past four season. But he is to SuperCoach what Roger Federer is to trophy cabinets — a filler. When he plays, he scores heavily. That won’t change as a rising 34-year-old on a ground he knows so well.

5. Matt Kennedy (Carlton), via trade

Mid, $356,000

Matt who, you might say? Doubt you will be saying that for long. The former Giant will be a starting midfielder for the Blues. The coach is a massive fan of his contested ball work, which might ease the burden on Patrick Cripps. A few concerns over his kicking efficiency, but is a nice price for someone who is likely to play 20 games this season.

6. Nathan Wilson (Fremantle), via trade

Def, $417,300

Jack Dyer used to say ‘there’s no point being where the ball ain’t’. The good news for those considering former Giant is that he will be in the eye of the storm — aka the Dockers’ defence. His graph has consistently risen each year and the metres-gained defender could prove exceptional value. Could he push his average to 100? He’ll be knocking on the door, we reckon.

7. Jake Lever (Melbourne), via trade

Def, $434,300

Last week’s JLT match showed why the Demons chased Lever so hard. The best young defender in the game right now and one of the AFL’s intercept kings will surely take his game to a new level. Can’t leave him out.

8. Bryce Gibbs (Adelaide), via trade

Mid, $563,000

One of the safest of SuperCoach selections. Imagine what Gibbs can do without a hard tag, with the attention being on Rory Sloane and Matt Crouch. Expensive, but worth it.

9. Jake Stringer (Essendon), via trade

Fwd, $356,000

It will be like riding the Hypercoaster at Movie World - there’ll be some thrills, some spills and at some stage some stomach-churning moments. But, at the price, the Bomber has to be considered, especially if he runs through the midfield at times.

10. Sam Murray (Collingwood), via trade

Def, $123,900

One of the best speculative picks on offer. A dashing rebound defender (and raking left-footer) who the Pies targeted out of some standout performances in the NEAFL last year. Didn’t get a look at the Swans. Worth a punt.

11. Brendon Ah Chee (West Coast), via trade

Mid/Fwd, $255,100

Was injured in JLT1, but has been earmarked for a role with the Eagles. Has never been a big SuperCoach numbers cruncher, but dominated in the SANFL last year.

12. Brandon Matera (Fremantle), via trade

Fwd, $417,800

Yes, we know he has teased us before, but he will get plenty of opportunities with the Dockers and he is coming off a career-best season (albeit scoring only 76).

13. Hayden Crozier (Western Bulldogs), via trade

Fwd, $341,400

With Bob Murphy and Matthew Boyd retired, the Dogs targeted the former Dockers as a player who could fill a void.

14. Charlie Cameron (Brisbane), via trade

Fwd, $372,500

We’re hoping the Charlie Cameron of the 2017 finals series is the Charlie Cameron of 2018 in different colours. Not a massive scorer, but could be on the improve.

15. Luke Hodge (Brisbane), via trade

Def $461,800

Probably paying overs because he won’t play every game, but he’s Luke Hodge. When he is out there, he will give it everything as he knows no other way.

16. Lachie Weller (Gold Coast), via trade

Mid, $394,300

Might finally settle down to the one position this year and could relish the fresh opportunities. Given what the Suns gave up for him, they’ll be hoping he does.

17. Aaron Mullett (Carlton), via trade

Def, $440,700

Someone who could slot into a defence hit by the loss of Sam Docherty. Experienced player who could be worth a look.

18. Aaron Young (Gold Coast), via trade

Fwd, $313,400

Not oozing confidence here, but might be able to take over Matera’s role and could push back to his 2016 career-best form.

19. Jarman Impey (Hawthorn), via trade

Fwd, $335,700

Not a big SuperCoach accumulator, but the Hawks traded for him for a reason. Maybe a fresh start might help.

20. Steven Motlop (Port Adelaide), via free agency

Mid/Fwd, $403,500

Has often been a SuperCoach tease, but maybe, just maybe, the change of environment might make a difference. At his best, he should be averaging 85-plus.

21. Jack Watts (Melbourne), via trade

Fwd, $416,500

Would love nothing better than to prove the doubters wrong about his trade, but hard to have at the price. Will be fascinating viewing this year.

22. Darcy Lang (Carlton), via trade

Fwd, $356,800

Good pressure player who will get more opportunities with the Blues.

23. Sam Gibson (Adelaide), via trade

Mid, $447,800

Can he keep the streak up? Has played 130 consecutive games, and is determined to make his presence felt with the Crows. Possible run-with role won’t make for big scores

24. Harley Balic (Melbourne), via trade

Mid/Fwd, $252,900

Tempting price, but will he be good enough to push into the strong Melbourne team?

25. Josh Schache (Western Bulldogs), via trade

Fwd, $232,600

Good price, but young key forwards are rarely SuperCoach material. Wait and see.

26. Jackson Trengove (Western Bulldogs), via free agency

Fwd, $344,900

Likely to get a better crack at it with the Dogs, but has never been a big SuperCoach performer.

27. Jack Trengove (Port Adelaide), via delisted free agency

Mid, $162,700

Cheaps as chips, but hard to see him putting together a full season, unless the Power have an injury-hit year.

28. Trent McKenzie (Port Adelaide), via delisted free agency

Def, $347,800

Is his body reliable enough any more? Elite kick with super metres-gained record, but a risk given Port’s depth.

29. Harrison Wigg (Gold Coast), via trade

Mid, $123,900

Might be worth an extra look as he could finally get his chance after three years in the SANFL. Can win his own ball and had super year in state league last year. Cash cow?

30. Matt Lobbe (Carlton), via trade

Ruc, $253,000

Can the former Power ruckman recapture his 2014 form (average of 97)? Hard to see that happening.

31. Lachlan Keefe (Greater Western Sydney), via delisted free agency

Def/Fwd, $123,900

Will be hard to see him breaking into a regular spot in the strong GWS team when he hasn’t played a senior game for three seasons.

32. Logan Austin (St Kilda), via trade

Def, $159,700

Champion Data reckon he might be more ‘Golden Fist’ than SuperCoach gold.

33. Alex Morgan (North Melbourne), via delisted free agency

Def, $123,900

Former Bomber yet to play an AFL game, but could find more opportunities at North. Has pace and is a decent kick.