Fantasy Freako’s SuperCoach formguide for Round 10
Even the most seasoned SuperCoach experts make mistakes. That includes Champion Data’s Fantasy Freako, who has one huge trade regret this season — and a word of warning on this week’s rookies.
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It’s the Friday before the start of Round 3 and you’re about to make your first corrective trade of the season.
You’re finger is poised over the “confirm trade” button, but it’s not a rookie who hasn’t played a game that’s about to get the chop. It’s a 296-game veteran that has just scored 35 points against Gold Coast Suns. This is on the back of 73 points in the season opener.
You paid over $520,000 for this player and you had every intention of keeping him in your team for the entire season. But in SuperCoach, the urge to improve your team and score well early often overrides all rational thoughts.
That player is David Mundy.
My favourite word in fantasy is hindsight, and in hindsight trading out Mundy is an almighty clanger.
In saying that, the player I replaced him with, Tim Kelly, hasn’t put a foot wrong, with the exception of a tag-affected 39 points against the Giants. Irrespective of Kelly’s numbers, it was a wasted trade.
Since Round 3, Mundy ranks fifth in the competition for total points scored, boasting averages of 30 disposals, 17 contested possessions, eight clearances, five tackles and 120 points. They’re elite numbers for a midfielder.
If we normalise all players’ scores based on 100 minutes game time, then Mundy’s average of 124.1 points across the year is the highest of any player in the league to have played at least three games. That’s a remarkable effort for an almost 34-year-old.
Mundy aside, Zach Merrett has flown under the radar, averaging 120.7 points per 100 minutes game time. The No.1 scorer in the competition, Lachie Neale, is a close third with 118.8 points. The in-form Brodie Grundy ranks fourth (118.3), while teammate Adam Treloar (117.7) rounds out the top-five.
There is a genuine urge to trade Mundy back into my team, but in doing so, it would further highlight my clanger.
ROOKIE WATCH
SuperCoaches must look past Jackson Hately as he continues to be overlooked by GWS coach Leon Cameron.
With more than 33,000 SuperCoaches already flocking to the talented youngster, he was lacklustre against Southport in the NEAFL last week, managing just 68 points from 26 disposals (53 per cent kicking efficiency) and two clearances. If the Giants do make a change in the midfield, then it’s Stephen Coniglio who is likely to return from a finger injury instead of Hately.
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Looking ahead to Round 10, there is very little to get excited about from a “bubble boy” perspective, with Jonathon Marsh (-16 break even) and Declan Keilty (-1 BE) the only two players that featured in Round 9 that are set to play their third match this weekend.
There are quite a few one-gamers to consider if you’re desperate for a quick cash grab, with the Port Adelaide duo of Joe Atley (-58 BE) and Joel Garner (-56 BE) atop of the list. But there is a major caveat with both players – job security. Neither player is assured a spot this weekend or beyond, especially with Tom Jonas and Robbie Gray both likely to return from injury this round. Then there’s Willem Drew. He was dropped from the side for Round 9 but responded with 32 disposals and 108 points in the SANFL.
Brisbane’s Mitchell Hinge (-38 BE) is a defensive option, while in attack Saint Robert Young (-68 BE) is firming as a possibility.
Owners of Reilly O’Brien also face a major decision this week, despite the Adelaide ruckman having a reachable break even of 84 points. He has already spiked by $261,600 this season, which is the biggest increase of any player in the league.
A potential downgrade option has surfaced in Darcy Fort. He looked right at home on his AFL debut, finishing with nine disposals, three goals and 105 points. He doesn’t have great job security either, but even if he lost his place in the side, he’s a nice cash grab and he also gives you another “floating doughnut” option.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sydney v Collingwood
George Hewett stepped up in the absence of Josh P. Kennedy last round, scoring 129 points from 29 disposals and 20 contested possessions. Adam Treloar was workmanlike as always, finishing with 38 disposals and 113 points.
Hawthorn v Port Adelaide
Ricky Henderson is averaging a career-high 27 disposals, 19 uncontested possessions and 102 points. Travis Boak is also enjoying a career-best season, averaging 32 disposals, seven clearances and 114 points.
Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne
With scores of 58, 72 and 76 points in his past three games, Tom Liberatore’s value has fallen by $81,400. Jared Polec enjoyed his first price rise of the season last round after scoring 108 points in the loss against the Swans.
Adelaide v West Coast
Brad Crouch lifted in the absence of brother Matt against the Lions, scoring a season-high 119 points from 32 disposals and 13 contested possessions. Elliot Yeo racked up a season-high 136 points against Melbourne – having 26 disposals and 16 tackles.
Gold Coast v Geelong
Sam Collins could manage only 36 points in last round’s loss to Port Adelaide – his lowest score since Round 1. Mitch Duncan is currently in career-best form – scoring a season-high 144 points against Western Bulldogs.
Richmond v Essendon
Bachar Houli has been excellent in Richmond wins this season, averaging 107 points – ranked second at the club behind Dustin Martin. Zach Merrett has been a barometer for Essendon, averaging 133 points in wins – ranked second in the AFL.
Melbourne v GWS Giants
Angus Brayshaw’s season has hit a low – falling in price for the fifth round in a row after scoring 78 points against West Coast. Lachie Whitfield’s price also dropped despite scoring a season and round-high 170 points.
St Kilda v Carlton
Sebastian Ross scored 126 points from 31 disposals when he last faced Carlton in Round 8, 2017. Charlie Curnow finished with 16 disposals, one goal and 114 points in the most recent clash between these sides in Round 17 last season.
Fremantle v Brisbane Lions
David Mundy continues to pile on the scores, averaging 31 disposals, six tackles and 127 points since Round 6. Lachie Neale has averaged 127 points of his own over these rounds from 32 disposals and seven clearances.
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