St Kilda SuperCoach study guide: best premium picks, mid-price risks and cash cows

St Kilda desperately needs its second tier players to step up and that could mean SuperCoach gold for us with a host of mid-price risks on offer. Plus, the best premiums picks and cash cows.

St Kilda SuperCoach AFL preview.

St Kilda desperately needs its second tier players to step up and that could mean SuperCoach gold for us

The likes of Jack Billings, Jade Gresham and Blake Acres are awkwardly priced while Dylan Roberton and Dan Hannebery loom as fallen premiums.

We’ve analysed the Saints’ SuperCoach premium picks, biggest mid-price risks and top cash cows ahead of the new season. How many will you be picking?

DEFENCE: ROBERTON BACK FIT AND FIRING FOR ROUND 1

PHANTOM: ST KILDA SUPERCOACH BEST 22, FORMGUIDE

PREVIEW: CAN HANNEBERY, KING TAKE SAINTS TO FINALS?

PREMIUMS

Seb Ross ($558,400, Mid)

St Kilda’s chief ball-winner has been a reliable SuperCoach scorer for three seasons, missing just one game in that time and averaging 94, 101 and 103. But it’s his finish to last year that makes him relevant as a potential point-of-difference starting selection in 2019. From Round 18 Ross scored 129, 79, 158, 152, 103 and 129. If he can carry that form into this season his price will be a lot higher very quickly.

St Kilda ball-winner Seb Ross in action at training. Picture: Ian Currie

Jack Steven ($513,500, Mid)

Makes this list because we know what he’s capable of, illustrated by a score of 154 in his final game of 2018. Where has that been for the past two years? If the Saints are better, Steven should be too.

MID-PRICE RISKS

Dan Hannebery ($326,100, Mid)

A player who averaged 113 three years ago for just $326k? Where do we sign up? Hannebery fell off the proverbial cliff last year, his SuperCoach average dropping by an astonishing 37 points. The “banged up” former Swan has a new lease of life at Moorabbin, turning up in super shape for pre-season training and relishing a new role as a club leader. Will that translate to bigger SuperCoach scores?

Jack Billings ($437,600, Fwd)

The long list of names in this section illustrates the Saints’ biggest problem, they have a lot of players who could be stars, and need some of them to make the jump now. Billings burnt plenty of coaches last year when he burst out of the blocks with 133 points in Round 1 then didn’t score another SuperCoach ton until Round 17. But his finish to the year was pretty good and he’s $80,000 cheaper than he was this time last year.

Jade Gresham ($429,600, Fwd)

The Phantom’s hot tip for a breakout year in 2019. After spending the first three years of his AFL career playing mainly as a small forward, Gresham is ready to transition into a full-time midfielder, a position where he averaged 29 disposals and 146 SuperCoach points in the TAC Cup. Showcased his potential with 24 touches, seven clearances, two goals - and 110 SuperCoach points - against Richmond in Round 18.

Jade Gresham could play in the midfield in 2019. Picture: Michael Klein

Blake Acres was in form before injury last year. Picture: Michael Klein

Blake Acres ($480,000, Mid-Fwd)

Made a bright start to 2018, averaging 99 until a groin injury struck after Round 8. Missed the next 10 games, not quite enough to earn a discount from the SuperCoach banker. But dual-position status keeps him on the watch list.

Dylan Roberton ($297,500, Def)

The defender’s dramatic collapse against Geelong in Round 4 shocked fans and led to a battery of heart tests. But Roberton is back in training and could be a steal in SuperCoach, he averaged 93 points a game in 2017 and while he seemed to have a less attacking role last season, a repeat of his 80 average in the first three rounds would be a great return on a modest investment.

Billy Longer ($260,900, Ruck)

We’re pretty sure this is the first time Longer’s name has appeared in any kind of SuperCoach article. His scoring history is modest, to put it kindly, but he’s included here for coaches who want to partner one of the top-priced ruckmen with a bargain at R2 on the theory that any ruckman who plays games will score some points. It would be a very brave move, and we need to be sure Longer has edged out Lewis Pierce for the No.1 ruck job before even contemplating it.

Nick Hind in action for Essendon’s VFL team before being drafted. Picture: Hamish Blair

ROOKIES

Nick Hind ($117,300, Mid)

The Saints invested heavily in mature-age recruits in the draft, which is great news for SuperCoach. Hind, 24, played for Essendon’s VFL team last year, averaging 22 disposals, four marks and 87 SuperCoach points a game and providing plenty of dash out of defence.

Matt Parker ($117,300, Fwd)

An explosive forward inspired to follow his AFL dream by friend and SuperCoach sensation Tim Kelly. Parker is a 22-year-old explosive forward who kicked 27 goals and laid 84 tackles for South Fremantle in the WAFL last year.

Robbie Young ($117,300, Fwd)

A clever forward from North Adelaide who joined the Saints via pick No.67 in the draft. Not a big possession-winner but can make a big impact, with a six-goal game against Norwood a season highlight.

Callum Wilkie ($124,900, Def)

The last of the Saints’ mature-age recruits could be the best of the lot, at least in SuperCoach, if he can break into the best 22. Wilkie, 22, is a playmaking defender who averaged 26 disposals and nine marks a game in the SANFL.

St Kilda draftee Callum Wilkie. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

NO-GO ZONE

Max King ($193,800, Fwd)

The Saints have invested heavily in the towering key forward, parting with their No.4 draft pick and handing the lifelong St Kilda fan Nick Riewoldt’s old No.12 jumper. But young key forwards are a huge red flag in SuperCoach and King might not play in Round 1 as the Saints manage his return from a knee injury.

David Armitage ($423,400, Mid)

The midfield veteran has copped a battering over a 12-year career and his main role now is to cop some punishment on behalf of his younger teammates.

Logan Austin ($412,500, Def)

Scoring isn’t a problem for Austin, who put up some impressive numbers when given a chance in the second half of 2018. But you just can’t trust Richo to keep him in the team, and that price is a lot more than we paid last year.

DRAFT SMOKIES

Shane Savage (Defence)

Don’t hold out hope of regular 100-plus scores but if you want a safe 85-95 man, look no further.

Jack Steele (Midfield)

Has developed into a very handy player, making the most of his greater role since moving from GWS to average 91 and 94 in the past two seasons.

Josh Bruce ($268,500, Forward)

Fell off the radar after a back injury restricted him to just three games last year. Could kick off the season with a bang against Gold Coast in Round 1.