Herald Sun experts Sam Landsberger, Gilbert Gardiner reveal their early 2019 SuperCoach squads

SuperCoach is open for business and AFL reporters Sam Landsberger and Gilbert Gardiner haven’t wasted any time picking a team. Who will come out on top? SEE THEIR SQUADS

North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein.

SuperCoach is open for business and AFL reporters Sam Landsberger and Gilbert Gardiner haven’t wasted any time picking a team to shoot for glory in 2019.

The agree on some things — both are locking in Patrick Dangerfield, Carlton recruit Will Setterfield and GWS flyer Lachie Whitfield, and both have decided $708,200 is too much to pay for Brodie Grundy, last year’s No.1 SuperCoach scorer.

But there are some big differences, too. Who will come out on top?

SAM LANDSBERGER: Gil, you unceremoniously sacked Aaron Hall years ago from your SuperCoach team. And he’s in the first team you’ve picked for 2019. Talk about fickle …

GILBERT GARDINER: Yes, Sammy. He was one of my first picked. Not that anyone else will remember, but you’re right – I delivered scathing assessments of his work on our SuperCoach podcast. But now he’s at Arden St, all is forgotten. Forgive and forget, as they say.

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SL: He was dropped as often as MS Dhoni on Friday night at Gold Coast. And you’re backing him in at a team with a fight for spots? Righto. What other tactics have you rolled out this year?

GG: It’s the year of the mature-agers. I’ve gone Young, Cavarra, Brewley and Collins. Watch the state-league players light it up.

Gilbert Gardiner’s SuperCoach team as of January 22, 2019.

SL: I’m with you on Cavarra, he was one I pencilled in quickly. Talk about perseverance, and the Dogs need goalkickers, so surely he walks straight in. Why else would they have drafted him?

GG: I’ve also gone Matt Parker, another mature-ager, and that’s purely based on his neck tattoo. The only other bloke in the game with neck tatts is a Brownlow Medallist in Dusty Martin. Fool-proof theory?

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SL: I don’t mind it, but if it’s tatts you’re after you’ve gone the wrong bloke. My man has a gingerbread man inked on his calf, a chocolate bar on his right arm and a phone number on his leg. Plus, he wears black nail polish. His name is Tom Liberatore and you’re a fool if you omit him.

GG: Libba! Well, he hasn’t got a game in my team. I’ve spent a few more dollars and gone Anthony Miles, the former Tiger who is at the Suns.

Tom Liberatore is having a great summer on the track. Picture: Michael Klein

Can Todd Goldstein regain his crown as the top ruckman in SuperCoach?

SL: Ball magnet. Got him too. OK, give us a wildcard to finish.

GG: OK, my wildcard is Roos rookie Tom Wilkinson. He’s a midfielder-turned forward, dead-eye dick in front of the big sticks and I’m keen to see if he gets a crack in pre-season. Overlooked in four drafts, will be keep to make up for lost time.

SL: I like it. I’ve gone some trade targets – Chad Wingard will have a big year, particularly with Tom Mitchell sidelined, and Lachie Neale and Jarrod Berry will lead the Lions’ resurgence. They’re a smoky for finals and so I’m happy to pick a few of Chris Fagan’s men.

Sam Landsberger's SuperCoach team at January 22, 2019