SuperCoach AFL 2017: we review the SuperCoach stock market after Round 12

SAM Docherty has elevated his game to another level and his scoring seems to have no barriers. There’s one more bye week but plenty of players to buy and sell.

Gary Ablett is officially back. Picture: Steve Holland

THERE’S light at the end of the tunnel and we’ve now surpassed the middle, most hearty section of the byes, with smooth sailing likely to ensue in Round 13.

Most, if not all coaches, would have been hard-pressed with selection “headaches” aplenty as we welcomed back an abundance of SuperCoach stars for Round 12.

STUDS AND DUDS: ANOTHER ABLETT MASTERCLASS

BAROMETER: YOUR CLUB’S INJURY LIST

THE TACKLE: ROBBO’S LIKES AND DISLIKES FROM ROUND 12

It’s time to shift our focus, blow the cobwebs from our chequebooks and embrace the SuperCoach buyers’ season on the eve of Round 13.

Bye, Bye, Buy?

So you’ve navigated the byes successfully and you’re looking to launch your side into SuperCoach immortality with a string of well-timed acquisitions.

Look no further than The SuperCoach Investor’s must-have Blue Chip stocks for this week:

Isaac Heeney (131, Fwd)

Average: 103 Breakeven: 72

The blond-bombshell was sublime in the Grand Final rematch, kickstarting the unlikely Swans victory and reiterating to the competition of his vast playing potential. His ability to win the contested football, a hallmark of SuperCoach, suggests Heeney will be an essential ingredient for the back half of the year and the added benefit is that he’ll still be available for less than $500,000 this week.

Isaac Heeney price has dropped. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Marcus Bontempelli (92, Mid)

Average: 111 Breakeven: 128

The Bont is a beacon of SuperCoach scoring and the definition of arbitrage given his discounted price, $525K. Thursday night’s fixture against the Swans wasn’t one for the Bontempelli show-reel, however despite the trying circumstances, the young bulldog almost raised the SuperCoach bat with 92 points. His performance was very un-Bont like and included five free kicks against, 38% disposal efficiency and 6 clangers. The SuperCoach Investor expects The Bont to respond against the Demons and it’s time to hop aboard.

Dylan Roberton (83, Def)

Average: 103 Breakeven: 135

The general of the Saints backline had only his second blemish of Season 2017, 83 points, but remains an attractive defensive option on the eve of Round 13. It’s appearing more-and-more likely that the price boat’s sailed on Sam Docherty, but if you’re looking for a point-of-difference (X% of teams) and similar scoring output, Roberton’s the man for the job. He’s currently boasting a kick-to-handball ratio in excess of 3-to-1 and this bodes well for SuperCoach scoring.

Gary Ablett (145, Mid)

Average: 115 Breakeven: 64

The GOAT is back and there’s no denying it following a string of performances that have elevated him into the mix for a staggering ninth All-Australian honour. It’s a match made in heaven, Hawthorn and Gary Ablett, with the little master tormenting the Hawks for eternity with SuperCoach tons aplenty and an average of 127 points against them. His price, $595K, oozes value and with a string of games scheduled for Metricon Stadium, a venue where’s he averaged 125 points, it’s time to acquire a fit-and-firing Gaz.

Sam Docherty (144, Def)

Average: 116 Breakeven: 87

His 2016 season was seamless, however in 2017, Sam Docherty has elevated his game to an unrivalled level of excellence reserved only for the uber elite of our competition. He’s a shoe-in for the All-Australian side and is now becoming a viable captaincy selection given his scoring seems to know no barriers. He’s costly, no doubt, but if you’re positioning yourself to make your assault on the overall rankings, Docherty is an essential ingredient.

Sam Docherty is now a captaincy option. Picture: Regi Varghese

Matthew Kreuzer (132, Ruc)

Average: 106 Breakeven: 54

The heart-and-soul of Carlton Football Club was exceptional in his 150th game, taking ascendancy against in-form ruckman, Shane Mumford, with his gut-busting running and dominance around the stoppages. His last five matches have yielded some outstanding dividends — 127, 104, 121, 146 and 132 — and continue to reiterate his status as the best big man in the competition. Open up the chequebook, lock-in his price and revel in some sizeable scores to come.

In the coming weeks, it’s also essential that you keep your eyes on the likes of Max Gawn (B/E 211) and Jake Lloyd (B/E 162) who will exhibit extreme value in coming weeks as their prices plummet. The SuperCoach Investor has both of these men firmly entrenched in his wish list.

Going, Going, Gawn?

SuperCoach is a game built on the art of buying and selling.

You’ve got know when to hold them, but most importantly, you’ve got know when to fold them.

The best SuperCoach players in the land are those who can expertly time the removal of rookies, underperformers and injured players from their sides.

Forget all emotional attachment and biases; it’s time to get aggressive on those rookie and mid-priced players that more likely than not, will not warrant a position in your starting 22 at the business end.

Jack Steele (53, Mid-Fwd)

Average: 89 Breakeven: 124

It would take an ambitious coach to part ways with Jack Steele, however his recent foray against the Crows suggests he may not have the hallmarks of a “keeper”. For most coaches, however, there is some respite with his score, 53 points, unlikely to be included in their overall weekly tally. If you’re short of top-tier talent, i.e. Elliot Yeo (Average: 108), Steele could serve as the perfect stepping stone to facilitate the acquisition of the explosive Eagle. The SuperCoach Investor’s preference is to hold Steele noting the Saints still have six games left at Etihad Stadium, a venue where’s he’s averaged 93 points in Season 2017.

Jack Steele has an excellent at Etihad Stadium this year. Picture: Michael Klein

Sam Powell-Pepper (60, Mid)

Average: 68 Breakeven: 46

Salt & Powell-Pepper has been solid and provided some relief throughout the byes, however his reliability and scoring potential has reached its crescendo. With the abundance of star players returning from their byes, i.e. Selwood and Dustin Martin, it’s essential you look to upgrade SPP at your earliest convenience. If you’re strapped for cattle this week, it’s a “hold” scenario, but if you’re searching for rankings glory it’s time to cull SPP.

Tim Taranto (45, Mid-Fwd)

Average: 68 Breakeven: 82

Taranto has been an exceptional cash cow, but the “mooing” has come to an abrupt halt and with GWS’ bye, it’s essential that you part ways with the smooth-moving midfielder. He’s reached the peak of his price curve, $362K, and it’s time you reap the benefits of his labour with an astute upgrade. If you’re seeking a blue chip midfielder, Joel Selwood ($586K, 116) appears the best option with his rich vain of recent form. At the other end of the spectrum, Tom Lynch (Average: 92) looms as a discount selection within the forward line ranks and will only set you back $446K.

Will Hoskin-Elliot (62, Fwd)

Average: 79 Breakeven: 67

WHE has been an exceptional source of consistency and cash this season, however the time has now arrived for coaches to part ways with flashy wingman. It’s the perfect scenario. The Pies are destined for the bye; Hoskin-Elliot’s price has peaked at $375K and the SuperCoach Stock Exchange is replete with discounted premium options. Breakups are always hard, but you can take head that WHE played a major role as a cog and building block of your final SuperCoach side.