Champion Data looks at the key SuperCoach players for the 2018 season

IF YOU read one SuperCoach preview this week, make it this one. The stats gurus at Champion Data have run the rule over every team after the pre-season. See who to pick and avoid.

IF YOU read one SuperCoach preview this week, make it this one.

With Round 1 kicking off tonight, stats gurus Champion Data have cast their eyes over the big SuperCoach names after the JLT Community Series.

EXPERT TIPS: ULTIMATE MID-PRICE RECRUITING RATINGS

EVERY SCORE: SEE THE JLT SERIES STARS AND FLOPS

SIGN UP: HOW TO PLAY SUPERCOACH DRAFT

Who are the players you should be picking or more importantly ... avoiding?

The pre-season can be a key indicator of the season to come, see who are the must-have cash cows, the mid-price risk worth taking and the premiums ready to explode.

ADELAIDE CROWS

Tom Doedee ($123,900, Def) – Tick

Doedee ‘s intercept play is a major weapon and this has been more than evident, ranking equal-second at the club for intercepts across the JLT. In 2017, he led the SANFL for intercept marks and intercept possessions per game of any general defender. A debut in the season opener is now a near certainty.

Matt Crouch ($608,300, Mid) – Tick

With all the opposition attention going to Rory Sloane, Crouch is the go-to midfielder at Adelaide. Considering only Tom Mitchell won more disposals than him last season, there is every chance he can replicate this in 2018. Crouch led the Crows for points per minute across the pre-season.

Lachlan Murphy ($102,400, Def) – Tick

Murphy is the pre-season bolter at the Crows. Named as a defender in SuperCoach, he has been deployed as a pressure forward, ranking second at the club for forward-half pressure points per 100 minutes. There is a spot up for grabs after the departure of Charlie Cameron and he’s in the box seat.

Matt Crouch is a SuperCoach ball magnet. Picture: Sarah Reed

Allen Christensen is extremely cheap in SuperCoach 2018.

BRISBANE LIONS

Allen Christensen ($267,300, Fwd) – Tick

Despite missing 32 matches through injury across the past two seasons, Christensen is hard to overlook at a heavily reduced price. He struggled in his final appearance against the Suns in the wet, finishing with 12 disposals and just 46 points, but he did enough in the opening game to earn our trust.

Alex Witherden ($478,900, Def) – Tick

Witherden took the equal second-most kick-ins of any player in the competition during the pre-season and looms as a unique choice for defence. He hit the ground running in his debut year, averaging the second-most disposals in the defensive 50 of any player in the competition across the season.

Tom Bell ($287,000, Fwd) – Tick

Bell is an alternative to Allen Christensen and No.1 draftee Cameron Rayner, albeit slightly more expensive. He leads the club for points per minute during the pre-season and is coming off a strong showing against Gold Coast, finishing with 19 disposals, nine clearances and nine tackles from just 68 per cent game time.

Can Kade Simpson pick up Sam Docherty’s slack?

CARLTON

Paddy Dow ($193,800, Mid) – Question Mark

Carlton’s top-pick at last year’s draft has shown glimpses of his talent, but in terms of output alone, he ranks fourth-last at the Blues for points per minute and may struggle to post decent scores as a cash cow. He ranks fourth at the club for centre bounce involvements and should get opportunities during the year.

Kade Simpson ($516,300, Def) – Tick

There is plenty of responsibility on the shoulders of evergreen Simpson this season in the wake of Sam Docherty’s injury. His appeal is boosted by the addition of permanent kick-in duties, taking 20 across the pre-season – eight more than any other player in the AFL. Just pick him and throw away the key.

Ciaran Byrne ($229,300, Def) – Tick

Without stating the blatant obvious, Sam Docherty is irreplaceable in Carlton’s defence. There is an opportunity for someone to step up and fill part of the void and that player looks to be Byrne. Based on pre-season numbers, he ranked No.1 at the Blues for defensive half handball-receives and uncontested possessions.

UNIQUE: UNLOVED STARS TO SET YOU APART

PHANTOM: SUPERCOACH MID-PRICE GUIDE

COLLINGWOOD

Scott Pendlebury ($586,500, Mid) – Tick

After averaging his fewest SuperCoach points since 2009, Pendlebury starts the year at his lowest price for some time. He is one of the most reliable scorers in the competition, averaging at least 28 disposals in every year since 2011. His pre-season numbers haven’t been flash, but he doesn’t need to prove anything to us.

Josh Thomas ($357,400, Fwd) – Question Mark

Thomas’ awkward price make him a risky proposition. His performances across the pre-season though have been eye-catching, ranking fourth at the Magpies for points per minute and centre bounce attendances. He leads the club for contested possessions during the pre-season and should play in Round 1.

Brodie Grundy ($534,700, Ruck) – Question Mark

The likelihood of sharing the ruck duties with Mason Cox may turn plenty of SuperCoaches away from Grundy. He has been outperformed by Cox based on points per minutes across the pre-season, despite attending 72 more ruck contests than the developing ruckman in Cox.

Brodie Grundy’s scoring potential is under a cloud.

Devon Smith looks ready to have a breakout season.

ESSENDON

Devon Smith ($439,100, Fwd) – Tick

Smith’s impact has been immediate at Essendon and all indications are that he’s on track to eclipse his previous best average of 91 points from 2014. He’s the only Bomber to average three figures this pre-season, ranking No.1 for disposals and fourth for his centre bounce involvement.

Jake Stringer ($356,000, Fwd) – Cross

Stringer’s inconsistency makes him a speculative pick in SuperCoach, despite starting at his lowest price since his debut year. He hasn’t lived up the hype and has struggled

to get points on the board despite attending the most centre bounces of any Essendon player.

Zach Merrett ($600,600, Mid) – Tick

Merrett’s first match was a write off after a heavy head clash. He responded with 30 disposals, one goal and 140 points against the Cats to remind everyone just how prolific he can be. Merrett ranks third among midfielders for points per minute behind Nat Fyfe and Patrick Dangerfield during the JLT.

FREMANTLE

Bailey Banfield ($123,400, Mid) – Tick

Banfield has come from the clouds and is every chance to debut in Round 1. He ranks fourth at the club for points per minute and forward-half pressure acts.

Michael Walters ($478,300, Mid-Fwd) – Tick

Walters earns dual position status after spending time in the midfield last year. He enjoyed a purple patch from Rounds 7-18 before getting injured, averaging 23 disposals, two goals and 103 points. He’s one of four Dockers to average 100 points across the pre-season and enters the year in terrific form.

Andrew Brayshaw ($198,300, Mid) – Tick

Prized draftee Brayshaw has done everything right and is in the frame for a Round 1 debut, ranking third at the club for centre bounce involvements behind Nat Fyfe and Lachie Neale. He has applied 15 tackles as well which ranks equal No.1 in the competition.

Geelong’s SuperCoach stars Joel Selwood and Gary Ablett. Picture: Peter Ristevski

GEELONG

Gary Ablett ($631,100, Mid) – Question Mark

Ablett’s return to Geelong will no doubt be the headline act of the year, but from a SuperCoach perspective, he’s no longer a ‘lock’ like he once was. He has only played one match after Round 18 since 2014, with his durability really letting him down. Ablett will enter the season opener under a fitness cloud after failing the play a match in the JLT Series.

Tim Kelly ($117,300, Mid) – Tick

History says that mature-age rookies are the most fruitful cash cows, and this brings Kelly into the mix after he starred in the WAFL last year, finishing runner-up in the

Sandover Medal. With scores of 71 and 68 already, he’s a must-have to start with in the midfield.

Mitch Duncan ($603,700, Mid) – Tick

Duncan continues to fly under the radar at Geelong. His final match was excellent, scoring 144 points against Essendon which was the fourth-biggest of any player in the final week of the JLT Community Series. He’s coming off a career-best year and is a point-of-difference worth considering.

GOLD COAST

Tom Lynch ($467,600, Fwd) – Question Mark

Key position forwards can be fickle SuperCoach picks, and Lynch definitely proved that last season, posting five scores under 60. His best is exhilarating, finishing with seven goals and 161 points in a win over Carlton in Round 4. If you’re a fan of roller-coasters, then he’s the player for you.

Nick Holman ($102,400, Mid) – Tick

Holman has ticked all the boxes at the Suns and now looks set to return to AFL level. He ranks fourth at the club for his centre bounce involvement and has posted respectable scores of 83 and 71 points. He’s a no-brainer to start with if named in Round 1.

Brayden Fiorini ($387,400, Mid) – Question Mark

As a junior, Fiorini was a ball-magnet and there has been glimpses of this at AFL level. He has impressed over the summer and scored 105 and 95 points from his two matches and leads the Suns for tackles. If you’re after a mid-price punt, then he’s your man.

Nick Holman in action for Central District. Picture: Dylan Coker

Heath Shaw could return to SuperCoach premium status.

GWS GIANTS

Heath Shaw ($458,100, Def) – Question Mark

Shaw suffered a dip in most KPI’s last season, averaging his fewest points since his debut year in 2005. However, an injury to Zac Williams and the departure of Nathan Wilson has him firmly in the selection mix again. With scores of 113 and 61 already, he has to come under consideration despite an indifferent year.

Rory Lobb ($396,500, Fwd) – Cross

Lobb was expected to carry the ruck load after the retirement of Shane Mumford, but a groin injury has kept him sidelined for much of the summer. He failed to play at all during the JLT Community Series, with Dawson Simpson leading the ruck division. Even if he is named in Round 1, he’s unlikely to be at peak fitness.

Stephen Coniglio ($452,400, Mid) – Tick

Coniglio is the Marc Murphy of 2018 as the best under-priced premium. Murphy went on to average an equal career-high 111 points, and Coniglio definitely has the potential to match him. He attended the second-most centre bounces across the pre-season behind Callan Ward and posted scores of 129 and 92.

HAWTHORN

Cyril Rioli ($317,400, Fwd) – Question Mark

Injury kept Rioli to a career-low seven matches and as a result his price has been heavily discounted. An interrupted pre-season has kept him out all summer, but the Hawks are confident that he’ll be there for their Round 1 clash against Collingwood. If anyone can come straight in without a game it’s Rioli.

James Sicily ($402,800, Def-Fwd) – Tick

A switch of ends last year could be the making of Sicily. Only Alex Rance won more intercept possessions from Round 14, averaging 24 disposals, two contested marks and 91 points. We saw the best and worst of Sicily against Carlton in the final JLT match, scoring 42 points in the first half and 16 after halftime.

Jaeger O’Meara ($315,800, Mid) – Question Mark

Will lighting strike twice with O’Meara? This time last year he was in everyone’s team, but it soon fell apart after he succumbed to injury yet again. His final match of the pre-season was the more productive, finishing with 23 disposals, 13 contested possessions and nine tackles from 78% game time.

MELBOURNE

Christian Petracca ($433,300, Mid-Fwd) – Tick

All roads lead to a Petracca breakout season. Now a DPP in SuperCoach, he was introduced into the midfield late in 2017, and this has continued in the JLT, ranking fourth at the club for centre bounce attendances. He also ranks second for contested possessions behind Clayton Oliver.

Bayley Fritsch ($117,300, Fwd) – Tick

Fritsch is Melbourne’s answer to filling the void left by the departure of Jack Watts. A mature-age fantasy prospect, Fritsch dominated in the VFL last year with 42 goals. He’s a definite starter in Round 1 after ranking equal No.1 at the club for score involvements and fourth for scoreboard impact.

Max Gawn – ($503,700, Ruck) – Tick

If there were any fitness doubts about Gawn, then he dispelled them with an outstanding pre-season, ranking No.1 for points scored among ruckmen. His 58 per cent ownership shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone, boasting a score of 128 points in Round 1 last season before injury derailed his season not long after.

Has Luke Davies-Uniacke done enough to prove his SuperCoach credentials?

NORTH MELBOURNE

Todd Goldstein ($521,400, Ruck) – Question Mark

Mixed messages from Brad Scott about the Kangaroos’ ruck set-up has placed a question mark on Goldstein. He was well below his best in 2017, averaging just 94 points, his fewest since 2012. He and Braydon Preuss played one half each in the final pre-season clash which isn’t ideal.

Luke Davies-Uniacke ($189,300, Mid) – Question Mark

Davies-Uniacke is likely to get plenty of opportunities in a developing Kangaroos midfield, but Brad Scott will be cautious with his development, suggesting he will be rested throughout the year. He played in both matches and attended eight centre bounces in each game, ranking third at the club for handballs and sixth for handball-receives.

Shaun Higgins ($505,000, Mid) – Tick

If you’re looking for a point of difference in the midfield, then Higgins is a definite option to consider. Coming off a career-best 23 disposals per game, he scored 95 points in four of his final five games to finish the year full of steam. Higgins tallied an equal team-high 118 points in the final pre-season hitout.

PORT ADELAIDE

Travis Boak ($467,800, Mid-Fwd) – Tick

Boasting impeccable durability (played in 107 of the past 110 H&A games), Boak’s dual position status ensures he’s in the selection mix in SuperCoach. He missed the final match with a minor hamstring problem, but he should be cherry ripe for the season opener against Fremantle.

Patrick Ryder ($566,500, Ruck) – Tick

A Round 10 bye could turn some SuperCoaches away from Ryder, but for those that pick him, you can once again expect decent returns. In 2017, only Sam Jacobs and Shane Mumford won more hitouts-to-advantage than Ryder, while Matthew Kreuzer was the only ruckman to win more contested possessions.

Dom Barry ($117,300, Mid) – Tick

With Port Adelaide improving its list depth over the summer, Barry may not be a walk-up starter in Round 1. Regardless, he should be given a chance at some stage during the season, ranking ninth at the club for points per minute, scoring 98 and 57 points from his two matches.

RICHMOND

Josh Caddy ($419,600, Fwd) – Tick

Caddy was Richmond’s top-ranked player across the pre-season and was involved in 29 per cent of all scoring chains – ranked No.1 at the club. He ranked second for disposals

won in the midfield zone behind Dustin Martin and also attended the second-most bounces behind the latter. He’s well under-priced based on his pre-season numbers.

Brandon Ellis ($502,500, Def) – Tick

Ellis has slowly made the transition to defence, with his ability to find the ball on the outside ensuring he’s always in the play, ranking No.1 at the Tigers for uncontested

possessions and effective kicks last year. His pre-season numbers have been indifferent though, but he’s a safe option regardless, playing 106 games in succession – the third-longest streak in the AFL.

T oby Nankervis ($488,300, Ruck) – Tick

A popular selection last year as a DPP, Nankervis looms a nice alternative in the ruck. He finished with a game-high 132 points in his final match, despite recording just five

hitouts-to-advantage. His defensive play is his greatest strength, ranking third in the AFL for tackles among rucks last year.

David Armitage is injury free. Picture: Michael Klein

Josh Caddy could move into the midfield. Picture: Michael Klein

ST KILDA

David Armitage ($310,100, Mid) – Tick

Armitage’s 2017 season was ruined by injury. He has enjoyed a faultless pre-season and has two decent hit-outs under his belt and now looms as an alternative to Jaeger O’Meara at a similar price. Armitage averaged a career-high 28 disposals and 109 points back in 2015.

Jack Billings ($509,500, Fwd) – Tick

A minor hamstring injury kept Billings sidelined for St Kilda’s opening pre-season game, but he returned in it’s final clash to collect 24 disposals from 76 per cent game time. He played in every game last year and was prolific in the final month, averaging 27 disposals, two goals, four tackles and 110 points.

Nicholas Coffield ($171,300, Def-Mid) – Tick

Coffield has put his best foot forward for a debut in the season opener against Brisbane. He led the Saints for disposals won in the defensive 50, also ranking equal No.1 for handball-receives in that zone. He provides flexibility as a DPP and is a decent bench option to start with.

SYDNEY SWANS

Isaac Heeney ($536,300, Mid-Fwd) – Tick

Heeney’s dual position status adds to his appeal. He barely got out of first gear against the Giants, finishing with 18 disposals, four tackles and three inside 50s. Last year he was one of five Swans to average 100-plus points in wins and won at least 18 disposals in all but two games.

Darcy Cameron ($123,900, Ruck) – Tick

The retirement of Kurt Tippett and pre-season injuries to Sam Naismith and Callum Sinclair boosts the chances of Cameron forcing his way into the side. He posted three scores of 130+ points in the NEAFL last season, but has struggled across the pre-season. He’s worthy of a bench spot.

Luke Parker ($546,000, Mid) – Tick

Parker is under-priced and has to come under consideration, especially with Dan Hannebery likely to miss the early rounds through injury. He’s one of just 10 midfielders to score 100-plus points in both pre-season matches, finishing with 26 disposals and two goals against the Giants.

Luke Parker is available at a big discount. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Nic Naitanui is set to make his long awaited return from injury.

WEST COAST EAGLES

Nic Naitanui ($465,900, Ruck) – Question Mark

Naitanui’s fitness has been a hot topic for discussion the entire summer. His last match at AFL level was back in Round 21, 2016, missing all of last year through injury. He has failed to appear in the JLT Community Series, but he did play for feeder side East Perth in a pre-season hitout.

Liam Ryan ($117,300, Fwd) – Tick

Excitement machine Ryan has done enough to earn a place in West Coast’s Round 1 side. He ranked equal No.1 at the club for inside 50 targets and won 12 disposals inside the forward 50, the most of any Eagle. Ryan has an obvious eye for goal after booting 73 goals in the WAFL last year.

Jeremy McGovern ($498,800, Def) – Tick

McGovern is one of the best swingmen in the competition, but he’s at his best when playing in defence where his intercept play can shine. He finished with 18 disposals and nine intercept possessions against the Dockers, scoring 107 points from 82 per cent game time.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Aaron Naughton ($166,800, Def) – Tick

Naughton is a ready-made defender with seven senior games in the WAFL already under his belt. He’s also an interceptor and this has stood out, recording 15 intercept possessions from his two JLT games – ranked equal-second at the club. Naughton is likely to get plenty of opportunities this year and is the ideal bench pick.

Jack Macrae ($587,800, Mid) – Tick

Don’t let the loss of dual position status deter you from picking Macrae. He plays the game with very little fanfare and is one of the most-reliable scorers in the game, ranking equal-eighth in the AFL for handball-receives since 2014. Macrae has scores of 113 and 82 from his two matches.

Tom Liberatore ($434,600, Mid) – Tick

Liberatore is at his best when he’s in the thick of the action and that’s where he has been this pre-season. He finished with 28 disposals, 16 contested possessions seven clearances and one goal against the Magpies to remind all SuperCoaches of his dominance.