SuperCoach AFL opening round scoring explained

SuperCoaches will have access to scores from eight teams before locking in their sides this year in a first for Australia’s favourite fantasy game. Here’s how to take advantage of Opening Round.

Taylor Adams during Sydney Swans training at Bat and Ball oval on December 8, 2023 Photo by Phil Hillyard (Image Supplied for Editorial Use only - **NO ON SALES** - ©Phil Hillyard )

The AFL’s opening round in NSW presents an opportunity for the AFL to make inroads into rugby league heartland, sneaking into Peter V’Landys’ backyard while he takes the family on holiday to Las Vegas.

For SuperCoachers, we get our own chance to make inroads into our 2024 season - a free hit at guys from the eight clubs who’ll line up before round one.

With unlimited trades until the start of Round 1 and no players locked out, it’s free real estate.

While Opening Round scores do not count and will not be included in your SuperCoach scoring (with the real stuff starting Round 1) you can still make the most out of the four games - Sydney v Melbourne on March 7, Brisbane v Carlton on March 8 then Gold Coast v Richmond and GWS v Collingwood on March 9.

Here’s how to take advantage of the unique season start.

PREMIUMS

Wondering what Taylor Adams’ split between midfield and forward will be?

Want to know if Finn Callaghan will take a step up on the inside?

Want to know what role Zac Williams will play as he slides back into Carlton’s side?

How will the Blues play Zac Williams? Get a sneak peek in their season opener against Brisbane on March 8. Picture: David Crosling

Normally, we have to read the tea leaves from practice matches, navigating how much coaches are experimenting with their best 23, and how much of the gameplay will carry over to the real season.

For these eight sides, there’s no guesswork: they’re playing for four points.

There’s no dealing with dodgy camera angles from regional centres, or being unsure if someone like James Harmes is in the best 23.

We’re playing for points. We know. And all for free.

ROOKIES

This has always been the biggest conundrum for SuperCoachers.

If the Suns rest Touk Miller from a practice match, it’s hard to gauge if Jake Rodgers is playing in his spot or Gold Coast will fit them both in.

They won’t rest Miller in Opening Round.

So we know which rookies are locked in from nearly half the competition before SuperCoach officially kicks off, and we don’t need to use precious trades to bring them in.

But that’s not all.

We’ll see price rises from these bargain basement guys a week earlier, as price changes will still be impacted by Opening Round, even if scores aren’t.

This mean upgrade season can begin a week earlier and that cash flow starts sooner than it ever has.

BYES

All things have balance and the downside to this boon we’ve been granted is a week off.

All eight clubs from Opening Round will have a bye scattered in the first few weeks of the season and SuperCoach will slim down to counting your best 18 scores across those rounds.

With four rounds of top 18 scorers only, can we take more risks with players who have a high variation in scores - like key forwards?

Does taking on someone like Tom Lynch become more attractive knowing for four rounds early on, when we want him to generate cash, if he stinks it up on the field we may not even have to cop his score?

TINKERERS

For those who love to tinker with their sides from pre-season time trials all the way through to the first lockout, this round is your gift.

Jesse Hogan kicks a goal and pushes further up the ground in the first quarter of the season?

You can see how he fits into your side in real time, and then not be committed to actually picking him by trading him out after he scores three points in the second half.

Get your side set up early and get tinkering.

If you get your leagues set up early, you can use Opening Round as the reminder to the stragglers in the office - there’s always one - to get themselves together and put together a team.

DRAFTS

New team, new Brodie Grundy? Picture: Phil Hillyard

The real winners out of the round zero change could be SuperCoach Draft players.

Not only do we have in-depth knowledge into all eight sides lining up in Opening Round, the AFL’s obsession with Thursday night football will play into the hands of SuperCoachers for once.

Games will be finished by Saturday night, making March 10 the perfect day to get your mates over for a barbecue, pies, beer or Evians for the mother of all draft days - where spreadsheets that took months to compile were blown apart in mere hours.

If Brodie Grundy comes out and scores 150 in Opening Round do you take him in the first round instead of the second?

If Darcy Cameron has an off week, do you look to target him a bit later and “punt” your ruckmen, focusing on gobbling up pointscoring captaincy options in the midfield?

This is information we’ve never had before and will make your drafts that little bit spicier.

Originally published as SuperCoach AFL opening round scoring explained