SuperCoach 2013 champion John Bruyn reveals his tips for 2017 players

FORMER SuperCoach winner John Bruyn has some advice for this year’s players that might be the difference between a mid-table finish and premiership glory.

SUPERCOACH 2013 champion John Bruyn isn’t feeling the pressure heading into the 2017 season.

But that’s no surprise — in the year he won the $50,000 prize, he ran out of trades with four rounds to go so he’s got a proven track record of flying by the seat of his pants.

But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t put plenty of time into his starting squad.

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1. How are you feeling with a week to go before Round 1 lockout?

Pretty calm. My team hasn’t change a whole lot now for a few weeks. So far I’ve able to keep away from the hype players of the pre-season. I’m starting to buckle though!

2 . How many changes will you make to your starting squad between now and Round 1?

I’d expect somewhere between 3-5 players will come and go from my current squad prior to Round 1. These will mainly be rookies or those fringe F5/D5 types where the occasional article or interview gives up some insight into their roles.

3. Are you starting with Gary Ablett?

No. If he’s the Gary of old I’ll have to wait until after his bye.

4. Who are the three must-have selections this year?

Max Gawn, Patrick Dangerfield, Taylor Adams

5. What is the biggest risk in your starting squad/strategy?

Guns and rookies up forward.

6. How many mid-pricers will be in your team for Round 1?

No more than two or three — including Aaron Sandilands and Dayne Beams.

Taylor Adams in action at training. Picture: Michael Klein

7. Is there a bolter or point of difference in your team that will set you apart from the pack?

This year my plan is to pick a pretty strong starting squad without too many “breakout candidate” risks. There’s so many available I think I might wait to see which are the real deal.

8. Any final words of advice for the rest of us mere mortals?

Don’t pick a guy purely on eye-catching JLT performances — especially players who have been around the block before. If a guy has averaged 80 for six years straight ... he’s probably going to average 80 this year too.