SuperCoach AFL 2017: we look at some crucial trade decisions ahead of Round 17

SUPERCOACH INVESTOR: With SuperCoach finals on the horizon there are some tough decisions to make. We look at the key buy, hold and sell decisions.

Zach Merrett at Essendon training. Picture: George Salpigtidis

WE’RE fast approaching the business end of the SuperCoach season and it’s imperative that our sides are finals ready.

With only seven rounds remaining, it’s time to throw caution to the wind and make some hard decisions at the selection table to ensure your season (and ranking) finishes with a flourish.

Our resident expert, Daniel Begala, casts his eyes across the SuperCoach state-of-play and discusses some of this week’s key trade decisions.

MARKET WATCH: IS THE TIME RIPE FOR JOEL SELWOOD?

STUDS & DUDS: ZORKO MAGNIFICENT, TRELOAR MISSING

THE PHANTOM: WHO TO REPLACE AN INJURED CRIPPS

BUY NOW

DAYNE ZORKO ($586,700, Mid)

Average: 116 Breakeven: 34

The little magician was at his mercurial best against the Cats with one of the most damaging performances we’ve seen in 2017. With a breakeven of 173 last week, many would have forecasted acquiring the Brisbane speedster in Round 17 for a tick over $550,000, however, those plans were quashed by a haul that included 36 disposals, 12 tackles and 4 goals. The SuperCoach Investor sees opportunity in picking Dayne Zorko and notes his status as a point-of-difference (6.7 per cent ownership) and penchant for monster scores (120+ on six occasions) as integral factors for his consideration.

Dayne Zorko at Brisbane training. Picture: Steve Pohlner

MICHAEL HURLEY ($529,500, Def)

Average: 100 Breakeven: 100

The general of the Essendon backline has fast become the poster boy for consistency with the burly defender clocking up eight scores in excess of 100 points since Round 5. His added attraction, akin to Zorko, is that he remains a relatively unpopular commodity with a mere 5.6 per cent of players willing to take the plunge on the key position star. If you’re aspiring for rankings success then it’s essential you look to the likes of Hurley, Dylan Roberton (8.4 per cent) and Tom McDonald (2.2 per cent) at the business end of the season.

SAM DOCHERTY ($653,700, Def)

Average: 121 Breakeven: 125

Many, including The SuperCoach Investor, have been desperately awaiting a blemish in performance from Sam Docherty and as you’ll note by his price, $654k, this is still yet to materialise. The time has come, however, and it’s essential that you acquire the services of this SuperCoach scoring juggernaut with Patrick Cripps’ absence likely to create greater midfielder opportunity for “The Doc”. You’ll need to be ruthless at the selection table and The SuperCoach Investor considers Nic Newman and the underwhelming Heath Shaw as the prime candidates for upgrade.

Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood and Sam Simpson. Picture: Jay Town

HOLD FIRE

JOEL SELWOOD ($483,100, Mid)

Average: 105 Breakeven: 165

The courageous captain returned to the field following a nasty concussion and did so with aplomb. Patience, as The SuperCoach Investor has preached before, will continue to be your greatest ally as our resources (trades and cash) continue to become scarce. His price is undoubtedly tempting - $483k - but it’s integral that you wait an additional week to ensure your cash cows, for example, Hugh Greenwood, can blossom and help facilitate the trade with the greatest financial ease. This is SuperCoach arbitrage in its rarest form and Selwood will be ripe for acquisition in Round 18.

DUSTIN MARTIN ($596,700, Mid)

Average: 115 Breakeven: 160

The bullocking Tiger’s run of successive SuperCoach tons (seven) reached a bitter end with the Saints dishing out an old fashioned spanking. If you’re one of the 62 per cent of SuperCoaches that currently don’t boast the services of Dustin Martin, it’s integral that you clear your schedule and make a plan to land the Tiger’s star. He’ll dip as low as $550k (Round 18 or 19) but with fixtures against Brisbane and Gold Coast in the coming month, there’s no guarantee Martin’s price will plummet given his penchant for supercharged scoring.

ZACH MERRETT ($594,300, Mid)

Average: 112 Breakeven: 153

The lethal left-footer has elevated himself into the top echelon of SuperCoach talent, however, due to a minor blemish in Round 15 (91 points), could become a lucrative acquisition target albeit at a juicy price tag. “Zerrett” has announced himself as the architect of the Essendon engine room and currently sits as the sixth most prolific scorer across the SuperCoach competition. You’ll have a brief opportunity to pick-up the little maestro for around $570k, so free-up some salary cap space and revel in the spoils of some high-end scoring dividends.

Patrick Cripps at Carton training. Picture: David Crosling

SELL

PATRICK CRIPPS ($533,500, Mid)

Average: 98 Breakeven: 167

The young bull has had a wretched run with injuries and as a result of a fractured fibula will miss the remainder of 2017. There’s no other option other than to trade Cripps but if you’re looking for a suitable replacement then consider jumping the gun on Joel Selwood and reinvesting the cash into another section of your team. The SuperCoach Investor has a discounted Patrick Cripps etched firmly in his priority list for season 2018.

SAM POWELL-PEPPER ($361,100, MID)

Average: 69 Breakeven: 97

If you’re one of the 35 per cent of sides still boasting the services of SPP, it’s time to sever ties and upgrade the youngster into a bona fide star given his recent injury setback. There’s a litany of players available, so think carefully about the acquisition of a suitable point-of-difference or an under-priced star that can elevate your side to rankings or league glory. The SuperCoach Investor considers the lure of Tom Rockliff ($465k) and Rory Sloane ($487k) as very hard to resist despite their recent heroics (or lack thereof).