Early Mail: Teams news, SuperCoach whispers for round 21
Who will rise in the spotlight of SuperCoach finals? Dive into the data to find this week’s best captain picks, plus Champion Data trade intel and latest teams news.
SuperCoach
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Getting the captaincy right has never been more important in SuperCoach.
A big C or VC score – or a captaincy flop – could decide head-to-head finals. Timing will also be crucial, with leaving your final choice in the air until Sunday when you can make a call based on how your match-ups are tracking.
Who will rise to the occasion? Here’s deep dive into the best options across round 21 – scroll down for more Champion Data intel and the latest teams whispers.
Friday – Western Bulldogs v Melbourne, Marvel Stadium 7.15pm
The first match of a rare Friday double-header (take note!) throws up some terrific options for an early vice-captain, starting with the No.1 scoring player in the game this year. Marcus Bontempelli averages 129.7 at Marvel Stadium in 2024 and faces the fourth-easiest midfield to score against. In just the past two weeks big midfield scores against Melbourne include James Peatling (133), Finn Callaghan (122), Caleb Serong (140) and Andy Brayshaw (137). Expect the Bont to rise to the occasion and add his name to that list.
The Demons match-up also opens the door for Adam Treloar owners to make a huge finals play by sticking the VC on the player with the best three-round average in the competition (141).
If you think Max Gawn will be better for the run after his return from injury last round, he boasts a an average of 149 in his past three against the Dogs, including 162 in round 1 this year.
Friday – West Coast v Gold Coast, Optus Stadium 8.30pm
Sam Flanders has been criminally overlooked in captaincy discussions despite failing to fall under 100 in 18 rounds. Last week’s 141 was his second-best score of the year and this week he has the second-easiest match-up for midfielders. It’s unfortunate he plays at almost the same time as Bontempelli.
NOTE: Popular loophole player Coen Livingstone will be locked out at 8.30pm – before halftime in the Bulldogs v Demons game.
Saturday - North Melbourne v Richmond, Marvel Stadium 1.45pm
Coaches who glanced at the round 21 fixture as Nick Daicos run rings around Richmond last week were all hit with the same revelation – Harry Sheezel is a captain (or vice-captain) lock. The Kangaroos gun is fresh off a 160-point game and the Tigers have conceded more points to midfielders and defenders than any other team this year – including Daicos’s 147 last round. In his only career meeting against Richmond in 2022, Sheezel scored 136 points.
One potential note of caution – after a rampant first quarter Richmond tried young forward Seth Campbell in a run-with role and he had some success reducing Daicos’s impact, so watch for Adem Yze to try the same tactic against Sheezel.
The friendly Tigers match-up could also deliver big returns for Luke Davies-Uniacke and Colby McKercher – if he plays.
Saturday – Geelong v Adelaide, GMHBA Stadium 4.35pm
Tom Stewart owners should keep him in their plans. Stewart has hit form in a new midfield role, averaging 121.7 over his past three games, and loves playing the Crows. He averages 139 in his past three against them, including scoring 174 points in 2022.
The 1503 coaches with Reilly O’Brien should make him captain or vice-captain based purely on this match-up. Geelong is giving up massive scores to opposition rucks on a weekly basis, with Tristan Xerri (151) the latest to cash in.
Saturday – Collingwood v Carlton, MCG 7.30pm
A Saturday night blockbuster is the perfect stage for a Nick Daicos special – the last time these teams met he kicked the matchwinner and scored 150 points. But that was before Alex Cincotta started tagging the opposition’s best midfielder, which is a huge red flag here.
It’s hard to be confident in any of Carlton’s SuperCoach stars right now; Sam Walsh scored 193 against the Magpies in 2021 but has a five-round average of 101.6.
Saturday – Port Adelaide v Sydney, Adelaide Oval 7.30pm
Port Adelaide has been a good match-up for opposition rucks – recent scores include
Tim English 137, Ned Moyle 110, Rowan Marshall 111, Oscar McInerney 126 – and Brodie Grundy averages 109 in nine career matches at Adelaide Oval. He should improve on his five-round average of 93, but enough to invest the captaincy in him? Not for me.
The Power has been good at restricting opposition midfielders all season, so I would also steer clear of Isaac Heeney (five-round average 95.6) and Errol Gulden.
Zak Butters’ career average of 82 against Sydney (from three games) is his second-worst against any team, so he’s another name to avoid this week.
Sunday – GWS Giants v Hawthorn, Sunday 1.10pm
Not many standout options here – Tom Green averages 83 in his past three against the Hawks. Yuck.
If you love a POD, Will Day top-scored against GWS in round 13 with 137 points and almost matched that last week against the Crows.
If you need a Sunday captain, better to look at the next two matches.
Sunday – Essendon v Fremantle, MCG 3.20pm
Last week six St Kilda players scored 113 or more against Essendon. What will the Bombers dish up this week?
Caleb Serong is always a strong captain candidate, but his average of 85 in his past three against Essendon is some cause for concern. On the other hand, he scored 137 in his only visit to the MCG this year.
Luke Ryan has been forced to play a more defensive role lately, but could you take a flyer on Luke Jackson? Last round Essendon gave up 129 points to Cooper Sharman, 135 to Rowan Marshall and 98 to Anthony Caminiti – and Jordan Ridley is out this week. In his most recent clash against the Bombers, Jackson kicked three goals and scored 134 points playing alongside Sean Darcy.
Zach Merrett has burnt our captaincy trust of late but he did score 126 against the Dockers last year.
NOTE: The 36,000 coaches who have held Zach Reid all year could be rewarded this week with a late loophole player. Could he be captain in a SuperCoach final?
Sunday – St Kilda v Brisbane Lions, Marvel Stadium 4.40pm
SuperCoach finals could come down to the final game of the round, and if you need to take a big swing at a winning captaincy score, there are some very good players to pick from.
St Kilda has given up some big scores to defenders this season, including 141 points to Dayne Zorko in round 14. Zorko is in great form, with a three-round average of 120.
Lachie Neale scored only 70 in that round 14 encounter, but he copped a heavy tag from Marcus Windhager, who is still a week or two away from returning from a hamstring injury. He should have a much easier time on Sunday.
The Saints’ top scorer that night was Jack Sinclair (135).
Al Paton’s top 3 captains:
1. Harry Sheezel
2. Marcus Bontempelli
3. Sam Flanders
FANTASY FREAKO’S ROOKIE FORMGUIDE
Matt Roberts was the standout cash cow last round as close to 16,000 SuperCoaches enjoyed his 161 points – a round-high return. He became just the 11th player, and the youngest ever, to have 35-plus disposals, 10-plus contested possessions, 10-plus intercepts, and 800-plus metres gained in a game. He enjoyed a price rise of $91,300, which was the biggest by any player for the round.
Interestingly, just a touch over 800 SuperCoaches have traded Roberts in this week, which could be a knee-jerk reaction as he faces Port Adelaide on the road this round. Irrespective, he looks like a great shout for the run home especially if you own Zac Fisher, who doesn’t look as assured as he was.
Elsewhere, plenty of SuperCoaches are cashing in Billy Dowling and Shaun Mannagh after both have risen by over $210,000. It’s the perfect time to make such a move as SuperCoaches are looking to strengthen their team ahead of the first round of head-to-head finals.
Some may even be looking to move them up to a fallen premium to loop their score, with Jordan Dawson ($473,800) and Nic Newman ($479,400) two standout options under $500,000. Dawson has scored 104, 122 and 96 in that order in his past three games against the Cats, while Newman has racked up 137 and 148 respectively in his past two outings against the Magpies.
Finding rookies that are playing is no longer a pre-requisite as SuperCoaches are looking to anyone for a cash dump. It might be wise to look at the fixture before making such moves as having a non-playing player that plays as late in the round as possible is a great option to have.
Hawthorn plays three Sunday games in a row, which could even be four should the AFL fixture its round 24 clash on a Sunday as well. The likes of Ethan Phillips (DEF), Cooper Stephens (MID), and Joshua Bennetts (FWD) should be looked at if you’re looking to make the most of your VC options.
If you’re after someone that is playing, then your options are limited. Joe Fonti was an unused sub last week for the Giants while Hugh Bond (56), Corey Warner (58) and Bailey Laurie (75) were among the few to get a decent run. Wil Parker (43) also played for the Magpies.
Archie Roberts is one player that has been pushing for an AFL debut after four consecutive tons in the VFL for the Bombers. Essendon has had just three debutants over the past two seasons, which is clearly the fewest of any team, but it could look to reward Roberts after last week’s dismal result.
Pick you VC and C wisely and best of luck for the upcoming round!
Save him for 2025 Jarrad!
— Al Paton (@al_superfooty) July 31, 2024
#supercoachhttps://t.co/IazYZjvWxu
SUPERCOACH NEWS: CLARKO RULES OUT FISHER
Zac Fisher won’t play against Richmond on Saturday but Colby McKercher remains a chance.
North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson said on Thursday morning that Fisher is still suffering from soreness in his foot.
McKercher, who also missed last week’s clash against Geelong, will play if he gets through a week of training.
Alastair Clarkson says Zac Fisher is carrying soreness in his foot as he deals with plantar fasciitis. Unavailable for this week. Colby McKercher set for a recall if he pulls up well from training @FOXSportsNews@FOXFOOTY#AFL
— Drew Jones (@DrewJonesFOX) August 1, 2024
McKercher was ruled out last week with general soreness.
“Colby pulled up from the Carlton game with high levels of soreness in his legs off the back of some big games at AFL level following his return from bone stress,” Kangaroos head of performance Kevin White told the club website.
“During main training last week, he still had restrictions around his ability to produce speed and high-level function, (so) the decision was made to give him active recovery and rest across the weekend to re-load once again this week.”
Charlie Comben will also have to prove his fitness after he “tweaked his groin” in a marking contest against the Cats.
GRUNDY ALARM BELLS?
Sydney coach John Longmire says he is considering resting Brodie Grundy over the final four home-and-away rounds.
With the Swans sitting six points clear on top of the ladder, managing players is being discussed at match committee and 30-year-old Grundy is top of the list. The star recruit has carried the ruck load for 20 rounds, averaging 110 points for his more than 86,000 owners in SuperCoach.
“We talk about it all the time, what’s the best thing for all of our players?,” Longmire said on Tuesday, according to the AFL website.
“We manage them during the week, he’s one that we’ve looked after at different times.
“If he hits that patch or time where he might need a spell, we’ll consider that. We rely upon heavily what he feels and his feedback, he’s an experienced 200-game player. He knows what his body’s feeling like. I’m sure if he feels like a rest, he’ll tell us that.”
Midfielder James Rowbottom will return for the Swans this week against Port Adelaide while Lewis Melican is also a chance to play after being subbed off against the Bulldogs with a hamstring injury.
SAINT SET FOR SURPRISE RETURN
Mattaes Phillipou could make an early return from a hip injury against the Lions on Sunday.
The young St Kilda star was expected to miss a month after pulling up sore following the Saints’ round 18 loss to Adelaide.
But just two weeks later he is set to provide a boost for a team that is surging in the back end of the season, winning three of its past four games.
“It’s a real credit to our rehab staff and to Mattaes’ professionalism that he’s even close to being in a position to return to play,” football manager David Misson said.
“There are still a few boxes to tick at training this week, but we’re hopeful that barring any surprises he’ll play this weekend.”
The No.10 draft pick had been arguably the Saints’ best player in the two matches before reporting the injury, scoring 112 and 101 SuperCoach points, after being injected into the midfield by coach Ross Lyon.
The Saints have also reduced the time frame on Marcus Windhager’s hamstring injury. He could be available to play in round 23.
GOODWIN BACKS IN GAWN
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin says Max Gawn will be limited at training this week but “is just going to get better” as he leads the Dees’ increasingly desperate finals bid.
In his speedy return from a chipped fibula, Gawn had 12 contested possessions and kicked an important goal but was well held around the ground by in-form GWS ruckman Kieren Briggs in the Demons’ two-point loss on Saturday night.
Goodwin said Gawn would be managed carefully during the six-day break but would improve each week he was back as the Demons’ finals chances hinge on stoppage domination.
“ (Gawn) has pulled up well. He won’t do a lot this week, obviously it’s a short turnaround for us,” Goodwin said on Tuesday.
“He’s really about getting his body right … it was just great to have him back out there, he has a great presence for us and obviously gives us a good look at the ball.
“He’s just going to get better for us over the next few weeks.”
Goodwin said he himself felt “really healthy and fine” after he was discharged from hospital on Monday following a week-long battle with an infection that required IV treatment with antibiotics.
He was able to leave hospital briefly on Saturday night to coach the game, which he did entirely from the bench despite the temperature dropping as low as 5C during the game.
“When you think about having a week in hospital, people probably think the worst,” he said.
“Untreated can be quite dangerous, so I needed to just get it treated, and the hospital was fantastic in having me in there and also the ongoing treatment I’ll get.”
GOV ON TRACK FOR RETURN
Jeremy McGovern should play against Gold Coast on Friday night after missing three matches with a collapsed lung.
The star West Coast defender had to drive back to Perth from Melbourne after he was hurt in round 17.
He was named in the Eagles’ squad last weekend but pulled out the day before the game.
“Gov didn’t get up for last week, unfortunately. He’ll train again on Wednesday and assuming he gets through training on Wednesday he’ll play,” Eagles high performance Manager Mat Inness said.
“He’s still got a couple of boxes to tick but we’re hopeful he’ll get up this weekend.”
Zane Trew faces a fitness test after being subbed out early against Port Adelaide with a neck concern.
“He’s had the scans, there’s no structural damage, so we’re hopeful he’ll be out there on the track on Wednesday but he’s a test for this week.”
More Coverage
Jeremy McGovern and Liam Duggan set to return for @WestCoastEagles on Friday night.
— Ryan Daniels (@FootyRhino) July 30, 2024
But - Tom Barrass is in concussion protocols, having experience delayed symptoms. He’ll miss the clash with the Suns.
Originally published as Early Mail: Teams news, SuperCoach whispers for round 21
Five moves that won me $50,000 in SuperCoach
The 20-year-old winner of SuperCoach AFL 2024 reveals the tactics that led him to the game’s top prize, beating out more than 180,000 players across the country.
SuperCoach wrap: Norm-worthy stars and grand final flops
Who stood up on the biggest SuperCoach stage and who disappointed when it counted most? Check out round 24’s heroes and villains – and some hot tips for 2025.