Herald Sun footy writer Scott Gullan reveals his starting SuperCoach squad for 2018

HE’S missed all the pre-season matches and is on the outer with most SuperCoach players, but Scott Gullan says not picking Gary Ablett is a huge mistake. See his full squad.

IT’S all about loading up the midfield with superstars. Get that mix right from the start and it will carry you a long way.

Patrick Dangerfield, Dustin Martin and Gary Ablett are obvious locks but the next three midfield stars picks in the $500,000-$600,000 range are critical.

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Don’t be spooked by this pre-season scare for Gazza, he has a point to prove and will be leading the Brownlow after six rounds. A lock with a capital L.

While a lot of JLT Series form can be chucked out the window, the look of Nathan Fyfe just said “pick me”. Marcus Bontempelli will lead a resurrection of the Dogs and play a mix of forward and mid while Patrick Cripps is the predicted bolter.

Scott Gullan didn’t hesitate to pick Gary Ablett in SuperCoach. Picture: Peter Ristevski

In saying that, it’s not like Cripps is a surprise to anyone but if he stays fit — which he hasn’t been able to do in recent times — his value will soar way past the $537,300 he is now.

All of the obvious rookies are included across all lines with the theory to quickly upgrade them inside the first six weeks.

The biggest risk is Isaac Heeney, who is quite expensive as a forward ($536,300) but we’re predicting a breakout midfield year for the Swans young gun.

SCOTT GULLAN’S SUPERCOACH SQUAD

DEFENCE

Rory Laird, Brandon Ellis, Zach Tuohy, Nick Coffield, Aaron Naughton, Sam Murray (Tom Doedee, Lachlan Murphy)

MIDFIELD
Patrick Dangerfield, Dustin Martin, Gary Ablett, Nat Fyfe, Marcus Bontempelli, Patrick Cripps, Paddy Dow, Luke Davies-Uniacke (Hunter Clark, Tim Kelly, Dom Barry)

RUCK

Max Gawn, Mason Cox (Joel Armetey)

FORWARDS

Lance Franklin, Isaac Heeney, Toby Greene, Darcy Fogarty, Bayley Fritsch, Cam Rayner (Liam Ryan, Daniel Venables)