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. To help, we’ve taken a look at the must-watch players for the upcoming JLT clashes. Are these guys on your radar? They should be!

Patrick Cripps will return to footy in the JLT Series. Picture: Getty Images

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

Another two JLT Series matches will be played on Wednesday and Thursday nights, with St Kilda taking on Carlton and Collingwood heading to Greater Western Sydney.

Is star Blue Patrick Cripps in your team? Can you trust Jack Steven? How much money is too much money for Josh Kelly? Is Taylor Adams worth it?

Check out all the players we will be keeping a close eye on in the upcoming JLT Series matches.

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CARLTON

PATRICK CRIPPS $537,300 MID

It’s been far too long since we have seen Patrick Cripps. The Carlton star hasn’t played since a leg injury in Round 16 last year but he is now fully fit and ready to go for the JLT Series.

For many, Cripps is a midfield lock in 2018 and here is why. In the month before his injury, the star Blue was averaging 111 points per game. With no Bryce Gibbs, he could be set for an even bigger jump.

MATTHEW KREUZER $603,700 RUC

One of the surprise packets of the 2017 SuperCoach season, Kreuzer was ultra-impressive as he became the No. 1 ruck choice in the game. He scored over 120 in 12 matches and was a great point of difference for those who got him early. This year he plans on getting forward more and providing a marking option. What impact will that have on his scoring?

Matthew Kreuzer and Patrick Cripps at Carlton training. Picture: George Salpigtidis

CHARLIE CURNOW $408,100 FWD

Carlton fans love their boy Charlie. In fact, many will probably pick him just so they can cheer him on with double the amount of excitement. At this price, he is a risk. Remember though, from Round 14 last year, Curnow averaged 92.7 SuperCoach points per game. All the talk out of the Blues is that he is ready for a massive 2018.

JARROD GARLETT $117,300 FWD/MID

The biggest question going into the 2018 season for Garlett is, where is he going to play? The exciting talent started his career as a small forward for the Gold Coast Suns but then spent 2017 playing on the backline in the WAFL. Watch him closely against the Saints. At this price, he could be great value.

PADDY DOW $193,800 MID

This is a lot of money to spend on a rookie. But Dow could be worth the risk. We know that, as long as he is fit, he is going to play plenty of games in 2018. He has impressed throughout the pre-season, with the Blues so far thrilled with his progress. Watch him closely.

ST KILDA

SEB ROSS $555,300 MID

Seb Ross was arguably the most improved player in the competition last year, breaking the 100-point barrier on 13 occasions and having another two games in which he scored 99. But can he do it again in 2018? He is in less than one per cent of teams and could be a great point of difference.

DYLAN ROBERTON $509,000 DEF

Which Roberton will we see in 2018? He started last year with a bang, breaking the 100-point barrier six times in the first 13 rounds. However, some of the magic disappeared in the second half of the season and he managed just two scores over 100 in the run to the finish line.

Is Seb Ross set for another big year? Picture: Wayne Ludbey

HUNTER CLARK $175,800 MID

The Saints’ top pick in the draft, Clark averaged 26.8 disposals, 6.7 tackles and 6.2 clearances in the TAC Cup last year — at an average of 129 SuperCoach points. He has impressed throughout the pre-season and should be in the mix to play Round 1.

JACK STEVEN $498,600 MID

Jack’s back! Finally free of the injury concerns he faced last year, Steven is ready to get back to his best in 2018. He averaged just 90 last year but was over 100 in 2015 and 2016. While it might be a gamble, there is huge upside in Steven at this price in 2018. Keep a close eye on him.

NICK COFFIELD $171,300 MID

St Kilda’s other top 10 pick in last year’s draft, Coffield hasn’t had the same buzz as Clark. The Saints have a number of options in the “mid-sized defender” bracket so he will need to show plenty to be in the mix for Round 1.

GREATER WESTER SYDNEY

HEATH SHAW $458,100 DEF

Now that was a drop off! After averaging over 90 every year since 2006, Shaw’s SuperCoach output dropped dramatically in 2017. He broke 100 three times and averaged just 83.3 for the year. With Zac Williams and Nathan Wilson gone, will his scoring jump again?

STEPHEN CONIGLIO $452,400 MID

His 2017 season was mostly ruined by injury and Coniglio’s price has dropped accordingly. He started last year at a whopping $600,000 but is a much more affordable $452,400 in 2018. Fully fit and ready to go for Round 1, he is an intriguing prospect this year.

Stephen Coniglio will be ready to go for Round 1. Picture: AAP Images

JOSHUA KELLY $628,600 MID

It is a high price to pay but Kelly could be worth every cent. He was utterly dominant last year, averaging 114.3 points after starting the year costing less than $500,000. The star midfielder broke 100 in 13 of his last 15 matches to finish the home and away season. At just 22 years of age, Kelly will only get better.

DAWSON SIMPSON $290,300 RUC

Who is going to be the starting ruckman for the Giants? With Shane Mumford gone, will Simpson get the nod? In his two games last year he scored 85 and 91 and could be a smoky if given the chance at the top level.

LACHIE WHITEFIELD $536,600 MID

His SuperCoach average has jumped every year since 2015. Does this young Giant have another leap to make in 2018? After missing the start of last year with suspension, Whitfield returned to average 97.6 in 2017. The good was great, with multiple games over 130. However, there were some shockers in the 60s. At this price, you’d want to be sure you’re getting performances from the top shelf.

COLLINGWOOD

TAYLOR ADAMS $591,000 MID

Last year was a SuperCoach breakout for Adams, who lifted his scoring average from 97 to 107. By the end of the season he was one of the most consistent performers in the game, posting six back-to-back triple-figure scores from Round 17 to Round 22. At nearly $600,000 he is in only two per cent of teams. If you like him to improve again he could be a strong point of difference.

JAIDYN STEPHENSON $180,300

He has impressed throughout the pre-season and looked good in the AFLX competition. This young Magpie might be one good JLT game away from making his AFL debut.

Jaidyn Stephenson meets Magpies president Eddie McGuire. Picture: Getty Images

BRAYDEN MAYNARD $394,800 DEF

In the final match of 2017 the Magpies moved Brayden Maynard into the midfield, with the youngster scoring a season-high 109 points. The Magpies want him to spend even more time in the midfield in 2018. Does that make this mid-price risk worth it? Watch Maynard closely to see how much midfield time he could be looking at.

BRODIE GRUNDY $534,700 RUC

With Darcy Moore set to play in defence in 2018, does that mean Grundy will spend more time as a forward? After averaging just under 100 last year, the more time he spends around the footy the better. Hopefully Bucks doesn’t leave him one out in the goal square for too long.

BRODY MIHOCEK $102,400 DEF

A mature age recruit from Port Melbourne, Mihocek will be worth a close look. The Pies are a little thin down back and Bucks would love another stopper. Even if he doesn’t play Round 1, he will be in the mix throughout the year.