KFC SuperCoach 2020: The Phantom’s Round 1 Review

We won’t see the footy – and the second round of KFC SuperCoach – for at least two months. But there will still be some Monday morning rage. The Phantom looks at the highs and lows from a big weekend

• Every Round 1 SuperCoach score
• Analysis: Is half-back the new midfield?

For ruck’s sake.

We won’t see the footy – and the second round of KFC SuperCoach – for at least two months.

Of course, the hiatus of Australia’s favourite fantasy game is a very minor issue in comparison to what we are facing as a nation but that doesn’t mean SuperCoaches won’t spend the next three weeks – or longer - ruing the decisions they spent the entire summer making.

There will be no Monday morning rage trades. And that’s a good thing.

But there will still be rage.

Most of it will come from those who went with Tiger Tom Lynch (55) in the forward-line or star teenager Sam Walsh (55) as their value option in the midfield.

Josh Dunkley, right, failed to live up to the expectations of SuperCoaches in Round 1. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Or those who picked Josh Dunkley (67) or Marcus Bontempelli (76) over Jack Macrae (103).

And, of course, those who didn’t pick mid-price options Sam Docherty (117) and Devon Smith (105).

Yes, there were a few.

And just when SuperCoaches thought they didn’t have to curse at the TV when the Fremantle coaches box was on screen anymore, Andrew Brayshaw (66) plays just 65 per cent game-time.

Sorry, Justin. Actually, no, I’m not.

And I can’t forget about those SuperCoaches who traded in Brodie Smith on Saturday morning to free-up some much-needed cash for the right rookie bench options.

Oh, wait, that was probably just me.

But there were many who sacrificed an on-field player they were happy with on Thursday night to fill the bench with Fischer McAsey (16) and Brandon Starcevich (29) in defence after the final teams were named.

Just on rookies, those who went with Fremantle’s Sam Sturt, who scored 100 on debut, will be thrilled.

Those who didn’t will rush to trade him in, even with no footy until at least May 31.

But just remember, North Melbourne draftee Bailey Scott posted a SuperCoach ton in Round 1 last season.

He scored 24 points the following match and was dropped two weeks later.

There won’t be a lot of rage about ruckmen, however.

Brodie Grundy (179), Todd Goldstein (137), Sam Jacobs (134), Rory Lobb (133), Sam Naismith (121), Reilly O’Brien (107), Tom Bellchambers (101), Jon Ceglar (101), Nic Naitanui (100) and Ivan Soldo (100) all reached three figures on a huge weekend for the big men.

With so many cheaper options scoring well, Max Gawn (93) owners will start to question their selection.

But they shouldn’t. Not for now, anyway.

With Paddy Ryder doing plenty of ruckwork against the Kangaroos, it might be a different story with Rowan Marshall (90), though.

But let’s save that for a later date.

That and what the 16-minute quarters mean for SuperCoach scoring.

Jack Viney of the Demons speaks to Mark Visser and Trevor Hendy during a Melbourne training session at Gosch's Paddock. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

It’s time for those who took the punt on Jack Viney to enjoy their two months of bragging rights.

The former Melbourne skipper tallied 34 disposals, 20 contested possessions and a round-high 186 points.

To everyone else, take care of yourselves, your family and please follow the advice of the experts over the next two months.

Fingers crossed the next round review isn’t far away.

THE PHANTOM ROUND 1

Score: 2100

Studs: Brodie Grundy as C (179), Sam Docherty (117), Hugh Greenwood (116), Nat Fyfe (110),

Duds: Brodie Smith (55), Andrew Brayshaw (66), Marcus Bontempelli (76)

Originally published as KFC SuperCoach 2020: The Phantom’s Round 1 Review