SuperCoach AFL 2025: Experts’ verdicts on most traded players in Round 1
Is Sam De Koning a must have? Should we hold Elijah Tsatas? The SuperCoach experts deliver their verdicts on who to buy and sell this week, and who deserves another chance.
SuperCoach
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The 2025 SuperCoach season is off and racing, and people are looking to fire trades off left, right and centre after one week.
People who missed Bailey Smith, Tom De Koning and Levi Ashcroft are scrambling to bring them in, while Sam Powell-Pepper, Lachie Neale and Harry Perryman are being shown the door by coaches.
Should they? We put the 10 most traded in, and 10 most traded out, players to our panel of experts.
MOST TRADED OUT
Harry Perryman $417,500 DEF
Al Paton: HOLD: Unless a trade gets you a must-have player you missed somewhere else (ie, Bailey Smith).
The Phantom: SELL. His versatility and ability to play a role would delight Craig McRae. But it might result in SuperCoach inconsistency, as we saw on Saturday night.
Dos: SELL: He’s not looking like a keeper. I’d prefer to go right down to a rookie if a candidate emerges (hopefully Riley Bice).
Patch: HOLD. Give him one more week for mine – I think the focus should be on rookies this week, and I’d want one more look at Sam De Koning if he’s the one you’re looking for.
Chloe Williams: SELL. A Ned Long breakout game, who was at 71 per cent of centre bounces, the return of JDG and a tagging role have me worried.
Simeon Thomas-Wilson: SELL: Jordan De Goey is back and he has the bye coming up. Better options out there.
Tim Michell: SELL: What good is it having a bloke with a ceiling of 90 when the best defenders are regularly scoring 115 or more? Not going to be the quick cash grab we wanted, either.
Matt Forrest: HOLD: His defensive mindset makes him a rollercoaster, but Collingwood’s midfield is far from settled. Will get chances.
Dan Batten: SELL. The tagging role and 60 in a big win was a concern, and Jordan De Goey is back this week. There are also some good options at his price.
Tarquin Oakley: HOLD – Happy to have one more look. De Goey is back so if Perryman’s role changes for the worse he can go next week.
VERDICT: Sell 6, Hold 4
Sam Powell-Pepper $180,500 FWD
AP: SELL Will take ages to make money even if his scoring recovers.
The Phantom: SELL. He won’t be dropped anytime soon, but you don’t want that score in the three-round rolling average of a player in his price range.
Dos: SELL: Plenty of other rookie options around who are making money.
Patch: SELL. Pack up your 18 points and get the hell out of here, buddy.
CW: SELL. Why did you buy him (Tim).
Sim: SELL: Plays Richmond but he is playing as a pressure small forward
first order of business pic.twitter.com/azguBVIAHO
— patch (@PatchToTheMax) March 16, 2025
TM: SELL: Couldn’t get near it against Collingwood and although the Power faces Richmond, his $180k can be better used on almost any other rookie.
MF: SELL: Might’ve been first game back rust but it hurts his cash-generating ability. Plus played as a small forward.
DB: SELL. I may have started him if Levi was sub and consider it a big bullet dodged.
TO: HOLD: 18 points is a dreadful start but he could bounce back along with his teammates against the Tigers.
VERDICT: Sell 9, Hold 1
Elijah Tsatas $191,200 MID
AP: HOLD. Deserves another game before being cut loose, but I’m expecting a trade next week. Prove me wrong, Elijah!
The Phantom: HOLD. Better in the second half and should hopefully increase his game-time. Give him another chance.
Dos: SELL: Full faith in Tsatas, zero faith in Brad Scott. Expecting the time on ground to stay the same (just 57 per cent in round 1).
Patch: HOLD. One more week, but if you desperately need someone to chop to bring in a big rookie then he’s probably the one I’d move on. Also keep an eye out for him being named sub on Saturday.
CW: HOLD. As long as he’s named.
Sim: HOLD: If you don’t have Levi Ashcroft then this can be a sell. Needs more minutes so give him one more week.
TM: HOLD: Let’s have one more look before jumping ship. Second half against Hawthorn was promising.
MF: HOLD: 57 per cent game time but had 18 disposals. Efficiency is an issue but if he can up his minutes, he can score us 70s easily.
DB: HOLD… Unless he is the sub, and fortunately he plays in the third game of the round.
TO: HOLD: Only played 74 minutes and had 18 touches. Like a lot of these players, give him a chance.
VERDICT: Sell 1, Hold 9
Ryley Sanders $339,100 MID/FWD
AP: HOLD. Another on notice in round 2 after saving his score with two late goals.
The Phantom: HOLD. Got the role we hoped for, just not the numbers. I’d have another look.
Dos: SELL: For once we can’t blame Bevo. He’s gotten the opportunity, but isn’t quite ready. One for the future.
Patch: SELL: Was nowhere near the centre bounce action and that’s what we were banking on. Move him on and bring in someone with more scoring potential.
CW: HOLD. His score was saved by his goals … but, give him one more chance.
Sim: HOLD: Role is good enough to give him one more week.
TM: SELL: If you missed a better mid-pricer, jump off Sanders now and save next week’s trades for rookies on the bubble.
MF: HOLD: His price won’t change this week, and his role is good for now. But another average score and you can swing to a better performer.
DB: HOLD… For now. A decent amount of CBAs so I’m going to have one last look at him, but he will probably get me to De Koning next week.
TO: HOLD: The role was OK with 14 CBAs. Bont and Treloar are still a while away so keep him for now.
VERDICT: Sell 3, Hold 7
Lachie Neale $645,900 MID
AP: HOLD. HOLD. HOLD. He has the Eagles this week.
Dos: HOLD: Hard tag by Jordon in round 1 but up against my beloved (and currently putrid) Eagles this week.
The Phantom: HOLD. What?
Patch: HOLD. What are you people d o i n g?? You’ve started him for his games against West Coast and Richmond, and the West Coast game is this week. Utter madness to be trading him now, despite being blanketed by James Jordon.
CW: HOLD. He has the Eagles, Geelong and then the Tigers.
Sim: HOLD: Back in your premos, they are premos for a reason.
TM: HOLD: You’re taking the p*** right? He plays West Coast this week.
MF: HOLD: Worst game of recent history, but has West Coast and Richmond in his next three. He’ll make up for those missed points.
DB: HOLD. We didn’t pick him for round 1. We picked him for his mouth-watering match-ups from round 2-4.
TO: HOLD: Tagged by Jordon. Can’t see him getting that attention every week
VERDICT: Hold 10
Hugo Garcia $245,800 MID/FWD
AP: HOLD. Man, this one is a lot tougher. If you can get one of the gun midfield rookies then go for it, but I wouldn’t use a trade to turn him into Corey Warner.
The Phantom: HOLD. He took awhile to get going but some of his teammates didn’t even get that far on a tough day. Have another look.
Dos: SELL: Low time on ground and not enough pill to go around with Macrae and Steele.
Patch: SELL: Similar to Sanders, he looms as a bust due to low time on ground. Won’t make as much cash as we’d hoped. Get him to another mid-pricer.
CW: SELL. I’m probably alone here, but their CBA mix was very set and I’m not confident on the role.
Sim: SELL: Low game time and there’s better options out there.
TM: SELL: Barely played 55 per cent of game time against Adelaide. Not going to be a quick cash grab anymore.
MF: SELL: Didn’t get the role we were promised, and he’s overpriced for the production he offered.
DB: HOLD. You picked him for a reason, and a midfield match-up against Geelong should be more favourable.
TO: SELL: A difficult one given his awkward price of $245k. Not as prepared to give him another crack as some of the other sub-$200k rookies.
VERDICT: Sell 7, Hold 3
James Leake $119,900 DEF
AP: HOLD. Not going to be the high-scoring rookie we hoped for but there aren’t many other options in this spot. Sit him on the bench through the best 18 rounds and hope one turns up.
The Phantom: SELL. Sub vest or the twos probably loom for the Giant who we once pinned cash cow dreams on.
Dos: HOLD: Burning trades on basement rookies this early is not a good idea. If he’s dropped post-bye, he’s your captain loophole
Patch: HOLD: Who are you trading him to? If you’ve got a better rookie I’m all ears - I think we wait a week on Riley Bice.
CW: SELL. Well, I’m considering it. His cash gen won’t be amazing, but there’s not many options to replace him.
Sim: HOLD: Pray and pray he is named next week and can actually make some money
TM: HOLD: Not sure you’re going to achieve much sideways trading a $119k rookie.
MF: HOLD: Got the bye this week but I’m nervous about a sub vest after the break - if he’s the 23rd in round 3 then ship him off.
DB: HOLD. Can use him as a loophole this week and move him on the week after if (when) he is dropped.
TO: HOLD: Can use him as a loop this week and hope he stays in the team and brings you some cash after his bye.
VERDICT: Sell 2, Hold 7
Finn O’Sullivan $199,000 MID
AP: HOLD. If you missed a Levi Ashcroft, Nathan O’Driscoll or Mitch Knevitt and a rookie has to go, he’s an option. But ideally give him more time, he did some nice things on Saturday night and has great job security.
The Phantom: HOLD. Guys, please.
Dos: HOLD: Job security for days. Could still hit a spike score to get the cash gen moving.
Patch: HOLD: Unless you’ve got no-one else to trade, give Finn another week to find his feet.
CW: HOLD. Give him one more chance, too – has the best security out of any non-Richmond rookies.
Sim: HOLD: Stats and role are fine. Keep the faith
TM: HOLD: Score wasn’t great but his stats and role were fine. Finished with 16 disposals and four rebound-50s. Happy to trade to Xavier Lindsay next week if it comes to it.
MF: HOLD: We’ve come to expect way too much from debutants. 16 disposals is a decent return, he’ll be a slow burn but he’s guaranteed footy each week.
DB: HOLD. You’d be kicking yourself if he went 90+ this weekend as he did in the pre-season.
TO: HOLD: Showed he can score well in pre-season so don’t jump off after his debut.
VERDICT: Hold 9
Harvey Langford $181,000 MID
AP: SELL. Drew the short straw as the Demon debutant to cop the sub vest, cruelling his money making potential.
The Phantom: SELL. Cash generation will be affected by that sub-affected score.
Dos: SELL. If you missed a Levi or NOD, this is your chance to make amends. Sub vest could stick around.
Patch: SELL. I reckon he’ll be sub again – if not next week then into the future.
CW: SELL. It’s not his fault he was the sub, but not ideal for the $$.
Sim: HOLD: If you have him just hope he gets a full game
TM: HOLD: But only if he’s not sub again this week.
MF: HOLD: Not sure why you started him as the sub, but now you’ve got him, you’ve got to hold a week and hope he gets a full game.
DB: HOLD. Was solid enough in limited game time as the sub and I’d be waiting it out to see if he is in the 22 this week. But they do play in the second-last game of the round.
TO: HOLD: There’ll be some changes this week with Aidan Johnson out through suspension. Hopefully he can pinch a spot in the 22.
VERDICT: Sell 5, Hold 4
Sid Draper $190,000 MID
AP: SELL – if you need a Levi Ashcroft type.
The Phantom: HOLD. Cash generation will be affected too, but he might get more opportunity this week.
Dos: HOLD: Slow burn. Too good to stay in the vest for too long, would rather hold the trade.
Patch: HOLD: Looked goooood coming off the bench, I’m not sure how many more sub vests he’ll get.
CW: HOLD. He should make some slow cash at the very least.
Sim: HOLD: Same situation as Langford.
TM: HOLD: See above.
MF: HOLD: See my response for Harvey Langford.
DB: HOLD. Similar case to Langford, and at least he plays in the third game of the round, so you’ll know if he’s the sub earlier this time.
TO: HOLD: Looked good when he came on, but so did his side which will be hard to break into. Hold and hope.
VERDICT: Hold 8, Sell 1
MOST TRADED IN
Bailey Smith $389,200 MID/FWD
AP: BUY. Price won’t change for another week but who cares.
The Phantom: BUY. And take a good hard look in the mirror.
Dos: BUY: Get on immediately.
Patch: BUY: The mullet. The headband. The abs. I can’t believe I ever considered not starting him, and even if that’s his highest score for the year, he’s a must-have.
CW: BUY. He was everywhere … a hard watch for non-owners.
Sim: BUY: If you got spooked by the bandage on his knee I feel sorry for you. Get him ASAP.
Tim Michell: BUY: Still reeling from Al Paton sledging me about the Richmond-Carlton result and jumping off Bailey Smith when I saw a mattress on his knee. Might get tagged this week but is a top-six forward.
Matt Forrest: BUY: Mid price madness in the forward line this year, and Bailey is a must-have. Get him in.
DB: BUY: The only off-putting thing is a potential Marcus Windhager tag but the Cats should win big against the Saints.
TO: BUY: Almost everybody will own Baz after his magnificent start to his Geelong career.
VERDICT: Buy 9
Sam De Koning $361,900 DEF
AP: WAIT. Who knows what Chris Scott is doing with Geelong’s rucks. His role looked amazing in round 1 and will likely be up against Harry Boyd this week – but run gets a lot harder after that.
The Phantom: BUY. The way he moved around the ground and won the ball, it might not matter if he gets beaten in the ruck.
Dos: BUY: TDK plus SDK is A-OK! The ruck role is here to stay, so jump on and don’t delay… okay?
Patch: BUY: I think I’ll wait for one more week of data but jeez the weird hybrid role is there. Not sure he’ll be top eight but he’ll be better on field than Zach Reid.
CW: BUY. Join the fun while the role is there … higher scoring defenders are becoming hard to come by at his price.
Sim: BUY Still cheap enough to make money from someone like Perryman and he has the role.
TM: BUY: Especially if he’s got Harry Boyd as opposition this week. He’s essentially playing as an extra midfielder rather than a ruckman.
MF: WAIT: Doesn’t have an elite record as a SuperCoach scoring ruck. But the role is there and he collects a fair bit of the ball. One more showing and I’ll get him.
DB: BUY. A potential match-up against Harry Boyd is very juicy.
VERDICT: Buy 7, Wait 2
Xavier Lindsay $158,500 MID
AP: WAIT. Looked fantastic but no need to rush especially with best 18 scoring this week. Another good score will make him a must-have for round 3.
The Phantom: WAIT. Running machine was great, but let’s assess - and most likely - jump on next week on the bubble.
Dos: BUY: Phantom keeps telling me good kicking is good SuperCoach.
Patch: BUY: Either this week or next week, this guy looms as a must-have. I’d be waiting a week though.
CW: WAIT. Loved his game - but if you don’t need to use the trade yet, give your rookies one more chance so you don’t regret moving one on too soon and can make the informed choice.
Sim: WAIT: Loved the look of him but we do get the opportunity to wait one more week
TM: WAIT: Always best to have a second look at rookies - but he was damn impressive.
MF: BUY: Showed absolute class, really smart footballer. He’s the biggest must-have rookie outside of the obvious ones almost everyone started.
DB: BUY. Flew under the radar as a higher-priced rookie and his debut showed he can score well even with an outside role.
TO: WAIT: A great pick if you started him. Still another week to see if he is the real deal before his price rises.
VERDICT: Buy 4, Wait 6
Max Hall $119,900 MID/FWD
AP: WAIT. Forwards are notoriously volatile in SuperCoach and if he scores 40 this week it wouldn’t be a surprise. On the watch list, though.
The Phantom: WAIT. Had a crack - and an influence - when many other Saints didn’t. But I think we can wait.
Dos: WAIT: Small forward role could be volatile but if you’ve got a Powell-Pepper type, I’d be happy to go early.
Patch: WAIT: He’s a small forward at a pretty average St Kilda side. Looked really good, but I want to see another week before bringing him in.
CW: WAIT. Same as Lindsay – but if you need to secure one, I would choose Lindsay over Hall. Both should be great money makers.
Sim: WAIT: Close to an avoid given he is a small forward at St Kilda but another solid week could change my mind
TM: WAIT: Not sure a pressure forward playing for St Kilda is going to score 70+ every week.
MF: WAIT: Small forward but he was super smart around goals. He’ll have terrible games, he’ll have good games. Wait one week to see if he’s a one-hit wonder.
DB: WAIT. Scored well from limited opportunities but did drop a 40 in the pre-season.
TO: BUY: With an 86 in his cycle the rookie should make some nice cash for coaches.
VERDICT: Buy 1, Wait 9
Levi Ashcroft $185,500 MID
AP: BUY. The one rookie I missed that I’m very confident I’ll need for round 3, so I’m making the move now. Did I mention Brisbane plays West Coast this week?
The Phantom: BUY. Despite how good he was, the sub vest concern is still there. Could wait one more week to be sure – but just know he might score well.
Dos: BUY: The threat of a vest threw us off, but jump back on ASAP!
Patch: WAIT: I know he plays the hapless Eagles this week but I want to see what’s the go with the sub vest. Surely he won’t end up in it, but I’ve been spooked.
CW: BUY. He started slow, but his last quarter was immense. A star in the making. The sub vest lingers but he’s right on the cusp, and if he keeps damaging, should all but cement a spot.
Sim: BUY. Yes, the Lions wanted to start him as the sub but he was very impressive. Next two fixtures are juicy.
TM: BUY: Showed what we already knew in the last quarter against Sydney. He’s a mighty fine footballer.
MF: BUY: I traded him out when he was sub, then traded him in late when he was named for a full game. You have to get him in now.
DB: WAIT. He was going to be the sub until a late in, and while he was very impressive, it may be best to hold fire for a week.
MH: WAIT: A solid score first up. Let’s see what he can bring against the Cats.
TO: BUY: Looks a must-have after 25 touches on debut.
VERDICT: Buy 7, Wait 3
Josh Dunkley $602,300 MID
AP: PASS. That’s a silly thing to say about a proven gun who just scored over 170, but we shouldn’t be sideways-trading premiums after one round.
The Phantom: PASS. SuperCoach star and a great POD, no doubt, but let’s not go chasing last week’s points.
Dos: BUY: I’m not shopping for premiums at this time of year, but if you are – power to you!
Patch: PASS. He’s good at footy but remember the ancient proverb: man who run behind car get exhausted. Josh Dunkley is the car. It’s no bueno.
CW: BUY. If you’re able. An easy draw to come, and tags going to Neale, make Dunkley even more formidable than he already is - a forgotten man in SuperCoach no more.
Sim: BUY: Looks set to be a great POD.
TM: BUY: If he is scoring 170 against Sydney he might put up 200+ against West Coast.
MF: BUY: If you don’t have Neale and the Ashcrofts, then get him in. Richmond and West Coast in the next three weeks.
DB: BUY. Dunkley could go close to his round 1 exploits against West Coast, Geelong and Richmond over the next few rounds.
TO: PASS: Not sure who you would trade out to get him. Hold onto your premiums at this early stage.
VERDICT: Buy 6, Pass 4
Nathan O’Driscoll $198,000 MID
AP: BUY. Has a great role with plenty of centre bounces at the Dockers. Safe on-field option.
The Phantom: BUY. Forget the sub vest. Forget the win. This guy is playing onball - and doing it well. Get on.
Dos: BUY: Big midfield minutes was a surprise, but even if that drops off should be safe in the 22.
Patch: BUY: Come on down, either this week or next.
CW: BUY. The role is there, his CBAs were great - I spy a breakout.
Sim: WAIT: Role was good but Fremantle were so poor. If he does it again this week, bring him in.
TM: BUY: Great role spending time on the inside as well as on a wing. Looks one of the safer best of the higher-priced rookies.
MF: WAIT: Elevated price, but had a good role and scored well. I’m waiting one more week and if Tsatas stinks it up again, O’Driscoll is an easy swap.
DB: BUY. CBAs were always a chance but no one expected him to be the third banana behind Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong.
TO: BUY: Scored really well in a side that was thumped.
VERDICT: Buy 8, Wait 2
Corey Warner $148,700 FWD
AP: PASS. Looks good but not worth burning a trade on unless you have a forward rookie you need to get rid of (hello, Sam Powell-Pepper owners).
The Phantom: BUY. Good cash cow option on the bubble - one who’s taken his opportunity to lock down a spot in the Swans’ side.
Dos: BUY: The recent two year deal gives us confidence in job security. Another option to get off a failed forward pick and on the bubble.
Patch: BUY: I won’t be calling the Corey hotline this week but I think he’ll be a decent buy. Perfect SPP downgrade.
CW: BUY. I don’t like buying rookies who are actually forwards, but he’s going well and should hold his spot for a while longer, and is also on the bubble. Could be a worthy investment.
Sim: PASS: Small forward with the bye coming up
TM: BUY: Role isn’t great for SuperCoach scoring but he’s a favourite of Dean Cox’s.
MF: PASS: Small forwards, wingers and sub risks are typically players to avoid. Warner is all three. Plus he’s got the bye.
DB: BUY. On the bubble and has a locked in role, but certainly not an absolute must with the likes of Hall, Jacob Konstanty and Ethan Read to come.
TO: BUY: Looks a solid option with good job security and two games under his belt.
VERDICT: Buy 7, Pass 3
Tom De Koning $547,100 RUC
AP: BUY. Not sure how this trade is happening - maybe Tim English is getting shown the door, which is fair enough (ignore what I said about sideways premo trades).
The Phantom: BUY. Should’ve started him.
Dos: BUY: A genuine caption option every week he plays solo ruck.
Patch: BUY: See Dunkley. Who are you giving up for him? It’s probably not worth what you’re giving up.
CW: DEPENDS, BUT AVOID. I’ve made my own category ... it depends on your structure. If you have Xerri and/or Gawn, it’s much of a muchness. Pitto will be back soon and coaches may have to pivot anyway, I’d save the trade. Chase value elsewhere.
Sim: BUY: We need Marc Pittonet to stay away and if he does then TDK could be a guy you have all year.
TM: BUY: Started with a 148 against Richmond and as long as Marc Pittonet doesn’t come in and spoil the fun, he’s a contender for R1 this year.
MF: WAIT: Great score, elite role. But Michael Voss loves Marc Pittonet and he’s due back in 2-3 weeks. Wait and see.
DB: WAIT. Can afford to see how he goes in round 2 before jumping on.
TO: BUY: He’s a season keeper so every time his name is mentioned I will tell you to buy.
VERDICT: Buy 7, Wait 2, Avoid 1
Ned Long $200,900 MID
AP: PASS. I like Levi Ashcroft (this week) and Xavier Lindsay (next week) and can’t fit in another $200k rookie.
The Phantom: BUY. Unless he isn’t named. No. 1 centre-bounce midfield for Collingwood last week and on the bubble. But what does Jordan De Goey’s inclusion mean?
Dos: BUY: The threat of De Goey makes me hesitate, but I think I’m willing to go there. Was too good to get kicked out of the midfield mix and there’s cash to be made.
Patch: BUY: He’s the guy I’m looking to bring in this week - already on the bubble and with a 113 in his average. Load up.
CW: BUY. He could randomly be swapped again for Ed Allan … but he’s just what the Pies have been crying out for. I’ll be surprised if he doesn’t hold his spot. Beware the sub vest, though ..
Sim: PASS. If you are going to buy him this is the week but the sub risk is there, and there’s cheaper midfielders I would prefer.
TM: BUY: If you’re going to take a punt on Long it has to be this week. Paying $200k feels a bit gross but he had more CBAs than any Pie against Port Adelaide.
MF: PASS. Starred, but is a weekly sub risk and we watched Craig McRae drop Ed Allan for no real reason. Could be an expensive mistake.
DB: PASS. See where he is named with Jordan De Goey back. Nathan O’Driscoll and Levi Ashcroft are bigger priorities, but Long does have a promising SuperCoach game, as he showed last week.
TO: AVOID: On the edge of the team despite a strong showing and with De Goey back this week I wouldn’t bring Long in.
VERDICT: Buy 5, Pass 4, Avoid 1
Originally published as SuperCoach AFL 2025: Experts’ verdicts on most traded players in Round 1
SuperCoach dossier: CBAs, kick-ins, must-read match-up intel
All the key numbers, exclusive from Champion Data, to help you make the right SuperCoach selection and captain calls.
SuperCoach Plus: Your secret weapon in fantasy AFL
Ready to up your game? Unlock the full potential of SuperCoach Plus and make this fantasy season your best yet.