Fantasy Freako’s SuperCoach formguide for Round 8
Don’t forget about Collingwood jet Adam Treloar. See the numbers that make him a top trade target plus Champion Data’s fantasy expert rates this week’s rookie options.
Supercoach
Don't miss out on the headlines from Supercoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Upgrading in the midfield? Look no further than Adam Treloar.
With Taylor Adams sidelined with a groin injury, the onus will be on Treloar to pick up the slack. He has definitely done this in the past when Adams has been out of the team, scoring 102, 136, 117, 127 and 149 points respectively in the past five games Adams has missed through injury. The numbers are definitely on Treloar’s side – averaging 126 from these games.
WHISPERS: WILL DANGERFIELD FACE NORTH?
COMEBACK: FIVE REASONS FOR SUPERCOACH HOPE
PHANTOM: TEAR UP ROOKIE TRADE PLANS
If we look at Treloar’s output this season, he ranks sixth among permanent midfielders in the AFL for points per game in wins of anyone to play in at least three games (116.2). He has dropped below 30 disposals in just one win, reaching 35 in three other matches.
And he has been a consistent scorer regardless of results, finishing in the top-three ranked Collingwood players in four games alongside Brodie Grundy and Scott Pendlebury.
If you already own Treloar, then Zach Merrett has to be in the mix. He has been integral in Essendon wins, averaging 137.3 points – with only Lachie Neale more prominent. Merrett averages 33 disposals, 15 contested possessions, seven clearances and seven tackles in these matches. He also has strong numbers against his next two opponents, Sydney and Fremantle, scoring 114 and 123 points against them in his most recent matches.
Merrett has been a reliable scorer from Round 8 onward in each of the past two seasons, averaging 29 disposals and 109 points in each year.
ROOKIE WATCH
A decision is nigh. Do SuperCoaches hold on to young-gun Sam Walsh any longer now his break even score is nudging 100 points? It’s a question that more than 144,000 coaches will ask themselves this week.
We should be looking to upgrade the likes of Jordan Clark, Jack Petruccelle, Sam Collins and Zak Butter this week. Trading Walsh ahead of those players isn’t the way to go, as Walsh is more than capable of pumping out 100 points against Collingwood – a figure he has exceeded three times in his seven games. He may not end up being a keeper, but in the short term at least, he’s a player I would be holding on to.
As we look to the bubble boys, there are three to seriously consider, led by Jackson Hately (-93 BE). He has slotted into the Giants team seamlessly, scoring 95 and 85 points. But his SuperCoach fate is in the hands of Leon Cameron. Hately was dropped after his AFL debut against Fremantle, but considering that was in a loss, he may hold his place in the team after another strong performance against the Saints. Team selections on Thursday night will be interesting, as both Josh Kelly and Lachie Whitfield are chances to return.
Noah Answerth (-72 BE) is another player to consider, with his DPP status adding to is appeal. A switch from Clark will be a popular one, especially as Clark’s break even has reached 55 points. Answerth has had five tackles in each of his two games and scored a respectable 72 against Sydney last round.
Josh Corbett (-41 BE) is the third option, with a move down from the out-of-favour Chris Burgess a move to consider, even though it won’t make you a lot of cash. Corbett has two scores in 50s and leads the Suns for scoreboard impact over the past two rounds.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sydney Swans v Essendon
Josh P. Kennedy has dominated at the SCG this season, posting scores of 137, 95 and 115 points. Michael Hurley has scored 124, 112 and 122 in his past three games against the Swans at the venue.
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions
A forward in SuperCoach, Caleb Daniel is dominating as a defender, averaging a career-high 29 disposals and 104 points. Daniel Rich has also reached new heights, averaging 24 disposals and 101 points.
Carlton v Collingwood
Marc Murphy had 29 disposals, eight tackles and 127 points when these sides last met in Round 3 last year. Scott Pendlebury finished with 29 disposals and 134 points in the most recent clash between the sides in Round 14 in 2018.
Gold Coast v Melbourne
Jack Bowes has led the way for the Suns this season with an average of 110 points per game. Only Max Gawn has scored more points than James Harmes in wins for the Demons, averaging 99.
St Kilda v West Coast
Jack Billings suffered his first price fall of the season last round after scoring a season-low 76 points against GWS Giants. Jack Darling suffered a $16,00 price drop despite scoring a season-high 132 points against the Suns.
Port Adelaide v Adelaide Crows
Justin Westhoff has averaged 15 disposals and 84 points from the 22 Showdowns he has played in. Rory Laird has only reached three figures in one of nine games against the Power, averaging 85 points.
North Melbourne v Geelong
Todd Goldstein is averaging under 100 points at Marvel Stadium (97) this season for the first time since 2012. Mitch Duncan scored 116 points from 27 disposals in his only match there in 2018 (v Bulldogs in Round 15).
Hawthorn v GWS Giants
James Worpel scored a season-low 70 points last round as his price fell marginally by $3600. Tim Taranto reached his break even score of 96 points against the Saints in the comfortable win in Canberra.
Fremantle v Richmond
Michael Walters’ 71 points in the loss to the Crows last round is his second-lowest score for the year. Tom J. Lynch was unsighted in the loss against the Bulldogs – scoring a season-low 26 points.
The AFL trades set to deliver big SuperCoach bargains
Bailey Smith and Clayton Oliver could be huge SuperCoach steals at a new club in 2025. Which other names should be on the watch list? Here are the moves to watch.
AFL obsession to NBL addiction: How SuperCoach hooked me on hoops
I hadn’t watch the NBL since the Andrew Gaze and Shane Heal days. Now I’m taking my son to United games and watching Phoenix on Kayo because of one reason.