SuperCoach buzz: Check out the players to watch in the upcoming JLT Series matches

WE are edging closer and closer to Round 1. Now is the time to seriously ramp up your SuperCoach scouting. From Libba to Jaeger and Rayner to Parker, here are the must-watch players this weekend.

WE are edging closer and closer to Round 1. Now is the time to seriously ramp up your SuperCoach scouting.

Another three JLT matches will be played over the weekend with the Western Bulldogs taking on Hawthorn, Brisbane hosting Sydney and Geelong battling Gold Coast.

But which of these players need to be on your SuperCoach radar? Get the lowdown on all three games heading into the weekend.

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WESTERN BULLDOGS V HAWTHORN

Saturday 3 March, Mars Stadium Ballarat, 2.05pm EDT

BULLDOGS

AARON NAUGHTON $166,800 DEF

Taken at pick nine in last year’s draft, Naughton received a taste of senior footy in 2017, playing for Peel in the WAFL. He was rated as one of the best intercept marks in the draft but will need to show plenty during the JLT Series to secure a Round 1 debut. Keep him in your memory bank for later in the season.

JASON JOHANNISEN $450,800 DEF

Has J.J learnt how to handle a tag? That is the big question heading into 2018. Before the Sydney Swans went at him last year, Johannisen was averaging 90 SuperCoach points. However, from that game on his average dropped to 72. That’s not enough for someone of his price. Keep an eye out to see how closely he is watched by the Hawks.

Can Jason Johannisen return to his best in 2018? Picture: Wayne Ludbey

HAYDEN CROZIER $341,400 FWD

Keep a close eye on Crozier. At the Dockers, he spent most of his time as a forward but he is expected to play across half back for the Doggies. The likes of Bob Murphy and Matthew Boyd spent years posting big SuperCoach numbers while playing a similar role at the kennel. Can Crozier do the same?

TOM LIBERATORE $434,600 MID

Have you forgiven Libba for last year’s disaster? In 2017 his scoring average dropped from 90 to 79 and a number of SuperCoaches felt the pain. All the talk out of the Dogs is that he has enjoyed a brilliant pre-season and is ready for a big 2018. This is the first test. Libba is currently in six per cent of teams.

LUKE DAHLHAUS $498,500 MID

Another Dog whose scoring average dropped in 2017, Dahlhaus averaged 99 through the first 12 weeks of the season but only scored 90-plus twice in the run home. Like Libba, we’d like to see the old Luke back in 2018. At this price, and as a midfielder/forward option, he needs to be looked at closely.

HAWKS

JAMES SICILY $402,800 FWD/DEF

Which James Sicily will we see in 2018? Up until Round 16 last year, he had broken the 100 point barrier just once in his career. In the final eight games of the season, he did it five times. Now that is a serious jump. At this price, he must be considered. He is currently in 12 per cent of teams and could be this year’s biggest improver.

JAEGER O’MEARA $315,800 MID

Just about every SuperCoach player had Jaeger last season and it wasn’t exactly a fun ride, with the midfielder playing just six games. As for 2018, he is coming off a strong pre-season and is set to finally get back to his best. At this price you need to consider him but it is still a risk. Watch very closely.

Jaeger O’Meara was a popular SuperCoach pick last year. Picture: Michael Klein

JACK GUNSTON $474,800 FWD

After averaging over 90 for the previous three seasons, Gunston dropped to 86 in 2017. He was great when the Hawks were a powerhouse but will that continue? This price is too risky for me.

TOM MITCHELL $653,500 MID

Tom Mitchell was a good SuperCoach scorer while he was at the Sydney Swans. But he became elite at the Hawks. The midfield star thrived as the No. 1 midfield option last year, averaging 118.9 points across the season. There is no reason why he can’t do that again. Granted, his price is high but if you’re going to spend top dollar, he is your man.

DAVID MIRRA $102,400 DEF

A mature age rookie draft selection, Mirra was captain of Box Hill in the VFL last year. He brings experience on the backline and leadership but will likely have to wait for an injury to get his crack at senior football. At this price, keep a very close eye on his progress.

BRISBANE LIONS V SYDNEY SWANS

Saturday 3 March, Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex, 3.30pm EST

LIONS

STEFAN MARTIN ($540,000) RUC

With Nic Naitanui no guarantee to play Round 1 and uncertainty around how he’ll return from a knee reconstruction, SuperCoaches need another premium to partner Max Gawn — the most picked player in SuperCoach for 2018 so far. Martin is vying with the likes of Matthew Kreuzer, Paddy Ryder, Brodie Grundy, Todd Goldstein and Sam Jacobs for the role. The Lion averaged 98.2 points per game last year, ranked No. 3 for ruckmen behind Kreuzer and Ryder. A big JLT Series will see his ownership numbers rise.

MITCH ROBINSON ($406,400) MID/FWD

There is plenty of value up north and Robinson presents exactly that in his return from injury. The former Blue played just seven games last year but hasn’t average less than 80 SuperCoach points per game since his debut season in 2009. With no real standout premiums to pick up forward, Robinson could be good value. Averaged 92.6 in 2015.

Mitch Robinson has returned to Brisbane in good shape. Picture: Getty Images

ALLEN CHRISTENSEN ($267,300) FWD

Impressed in the AFLX tournament in his return from collarbone injuries and if he posts big scores across the JLT Series then Christensen should be in everyone’s team. Is more expensive than a rookie but has great job security and has been a good scorer in the past. Let’s hope he can stay fit.

CAMERON RAYNER ($202,800) MID/FWD

The Lions say the No. 1 draft pick isn’t guaranteed a game in Round 1 but surely Chris Fagan unleashes Rayner early. Is the most expensive of last year’s draftees and we’ll want to see scores of 65-70+ at least to pick him at that price.

JACK PAYNE ($117,300) DEF

Drafted from the Lions’ academy, Payne turned his back on an athletics career to pursue football. He’s a key defender but moves really well for his size. The Lions have already extended his contract, which is a good sign. Could be one to watch as a surprise pick or downgrade option later in the year.

SWANS

LUKE PARKER ($546,000) MID

Was down on his usual output last year so the star Swan is available for cheaper than the price we’re used to. Sydney should again be one of the flag contenders and a good season from Parker will be important. In the mix as fourth midfielder. Can he post some big scores in the JLT?

ISAAC HEENEY ($536,300) MID/FWD

Heeney’s pre-season was slowed down by knee surgery but the fact he’s been picked for the first JLT match is a great sign. Has dual position status but is the first picked forward in most teams. Posted some big scores last year despite battling glandular fever, so he’s hopefully set for an even bigger year in 2018.

Isaac Heeney will play for the Swans in the JLT. Picture: Getty Images

JAKE LLOYD ($479,900) DEF

Had a consistent SuperCoach season last year, averaging 87.3 points per game. Can he find an extra 10-15 points to propel him into the upper echelon of SuperCoach defenders?

ALIIR ALIIR ($218,100) DEF

Was out of favour at the Swans last year but there is definitely a spot for him if he can find form. Has averaged 67 and 56.7 SuperCoach points in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Reads the ball well and earns intercept possessions, while also creating off halfback.

RYLEY STODDART ($117,300) DEF

The Swans have been looking to inject more pace into their line-up and dashing halfback Stoddart could provide just that. John Longmire hasn’t been afraid to throw draftees straight into the deep end if they fill a need. One to watch. Can he do a Nic Newman?

GOLD COAST SUNS V GEELONG

Sunday 4 March, Riverway Stadium Townsville, 3.35pm EST

SUNS

PEARCE HANLEY $428,000 MID

The talk out of the Gold Coast is that Hanley will have a greater role in the midfield this year. If that is the case, and at this price, sign us up. He holds duel position status and could post some seriously big scoring numbers. Currently in less than 10 per cent of teams, Hanley could be a solid point of difference.

KADE KOLODJASHNIJ $398,300 DEF

Kolodjashnij has been a SuperCoach yoyo since entering the AFL in 2014. His scoring average has gone from 68 to 89, then back down to 69 before rising to 72. Where is the consistency, Kade? His past scores indicate this could be a down year for him and at a tick under $400,000, be very careful.

Lachie Weller trains with teammates. Picture: AAP Images

LACHIE WELLER $394,300 MID

The Suns paid a high price to get Lachie Weller, giving up pick two in last year’s draft, and the former Docker hasn’t exactly indicated he is ready to become a SuperCoach stud. He has broken three figures in four of his 47 AFL matches and his average last year was 71.7. He may get a greater role in the Suns’ midfield and with that, big points could come.

NICK HOLMAN $102,400 MID

A former Blue turned Sun via the SANFL, Nick Holman is ready for his second chance. He averaged 26 disposals a game for Central District last year and received an elite contested possession rating from Champion Data. At the rebuilding Suns, he will get every chance to shine.

WILL BRODIE $187,700 MID

Get your cash cow notepad ready and write down the name Will Brodie. His price could skyrocket in 2018. The 2016 No. 9 draft pick played just three games in his debut season but with the Suns clearly looking to youth and in the post-Ablett era, he will get plenty more chances this year. The Suns have been rapt with his pre-season and he will be given every chance to make a midfield spot his own.

CATS

ZACH TUOHY ($484,600) DEF

The Irishman has hinted he could be set to spend more time in the midfield this year as the Cats look to inject more pace and that can only mean good things for his scores. Averaged 88.1 in his first year at Geelong and would be another solid pick. With Andrew Mackie and Tom Lonergan retired, is there more points to be gained by Tuohy? Food for thought.

TIM KELLY ($117,300) MID

Is currently the 12th-most popular player in SuperCoach and if you don’t have the mature-age recruit in your side yet, then get him in. Will likely make his debut in Round 1 and add a bit more speed and x-factor. Let’s hope his scores justify the hype.

Cory Gregson is back in action for the Cats. Picture: Peter Ristevski

CORY GREGSON ($211,200) FWD

An important player in Geelong’s structure as someone who can apply pressure and push up the ground, Gregson missed all of last year through injury but is now back fit. Hasn’t set the SuperCoach world on fire yet but keep an eye on him, there is potential.

LACHLAN FOGARTY ($117,300) MID

Fogarty has already impressed coach Chris Scott in his first pre-season and the Cats coach has forecast a debut for last year’s No. 22 pick in 2018. Is a midfielder who could start his career as a small forward and we know the Cats are crying out for pressure players to create a bit of chaos. Could be a mid-season downgrade option.

CHARLIE CONSTABLE ($117,300) MID

Like Fogarty, Constable has impressed Scott over the summer, so much so the Cats coach is keen to have an early look at him. Has a strong body already and can win his own ball. Is the prototype for the modern-day midfielder at 191cm.