SuperCoach AFL 2017: Dan Begala reveals which traded players have most upside

LAST year’s trade period threw up some unusual player movements but, as always, there will be players that offer great SuperCoach upside. Here are Dan Begala’s “Trady Bunch”.

THERE’S one word to describe last year’s AFL Trade Period — Frenetic.

It happens every year, but in 2016, we experienced some peculiarities.

Household Hawks flew the nest, while many trades, big and small, left the loyal pundits bamboozled.

But there are a handful of traded players from last year who offer the greatest SuperCoach upside in 2017.

This is my “Trady Bunch”.

Jaeger O’Meara ($318,900, mid)

Arguably the biggest fish, this former AFL Rising Star oozes class, but he’s unfortunately spent the past two seasons hampered by persistent patella and knee injuries.

Yet, in his 44-game career, O’Meara has demonstrated outstanding SuperCoach potential, averaging 90 and 98 during his first two seasons in the game. Then came the injuries, which has stopped him taking to the field at AFL level since Round 23, 2014.

He’s cheap. He’s making progress. So will you be taking the risk?

Jaeger O'Meara is a cheap price after being out of the game for two years. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Pearce Hanley ($471,600, mid)

I genuinely believe Pearce Hanley has the attributes to become one of the best Irish exports to hit our game. Blessed with speed, agility and an unbelievable level of precision from both feet — he’s the complete package.

He’s a proven SuperCoach scorer, and many will recall his breakout season (2014) where he averaged 103 points as a defender, and scored more than 130 points fives time, including a 191 against Collingwood.

Josh Caddy ($488,600, mid/fwd)

His inclusion is a very astute trade by the Tigers. Caddy loves to pepper the goals and, as we’re led to believe, will finally have the opportunity to test his wares as a bona fide midfielder in 2017.

Despite a number of injuries and the arrival of the Brownlow medallist, Patrick Dangerfield, Caddy averaged 93 (19 games) and 89 (16 games) points, respectively, across the past two seasons at the Cattery.

THE SUPERCOACHES BOX PODCAST IS BACK. GIL GARDINER, BEN HIGGINS AND DAN BEGALA TALK PLAYERS TO WATCH AND TEAM REVEALS

Michael Hibberd ($402,200, def)

It’s not the first and it definitely won’t be the last time that we discuss the prospects of the former Bomber before Round 1.

I’ve got him in my team — he’s too cheap — but can he wind the clock back to the halcyon days of 2013-14 where on both occasions he averaged north of 91 points per game?

Time will tell, but I anticipate this man to assume the quarterback role, akin to Heath Shaw at GWS, where he’ll be responsible for most of the distribution and forays from the Melbourne defensive arc.

Michael Hibberd is a must-have in defence. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Dion Prestia ($508,700, mid)

A prolific ballwinner ready to explode in Richmond’s engine room.

Chaperoned by the little master, Garry Ablett, Prestia built an uncanny knack for accumulating 30-plus disposals a game, before injury struck.

His breakout season, 2014, saw Prestia chalk up 22 games, rack up 596 disposals and average 106 SuperCoach points — all as a 22-year-old.

Prestia is a worthy consideration for your starting midfield.

Dion Prestia is ready to explode. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Tom Mitchell ($565,600, mid)

Out with the old and in with the new as the Hawks welcomed ball magnet, Tom Mitchell, at the expense of favourite son and former captain, Sam Mitchell.

A big decision, but if anyone was paying attention during the first half of the Grand Final, he along with JPK (Josh Kennedy), were the only reason Sydney was still in the contest.

On the big stage, Mitchell chipped in with 26 disposals, two goals and showed his thirst for the contest with 13 tackles.

I expect Mitchell to deliver week-in-week-out to become, statistically, the best recruit from the Trade Period.

Jordan Lewis ($540,600, mid)

The four-time premiership player was traded to the Dees in exchange for a set of steak knives. He mounts a compelling case in SuperCoach, however, I feel as though his ultra premium days — in 2014 he average 110 points — are most likely behind him.

Lewis, renowned for his outside work, has a point to prove and will share his leadership experience with his young Demons teammates in their finals quest.

He’s hard and tough, but unlikely to feature in the top eight midfielders which I anticipate will be Fyfe, Dangerfield, Pendlebury, Josh Kennedy, The Bont, Neale, Sloane and Gaz.

Dan Begala is a footballing tragic, finance nerd and has finished inside the SuperCoach top 100 overall the past two seasons