SuperCoach Investor: Market moves and best buys for Round 14

THE bye rounds are over, now it’s a question of bye, bye, buy? The SuperCoach Investor presents one of the bargains of the season and what to do with Scott Selwood. NEW PODCAST

Jake Lloyd during Sydney Swans training. Picture: Gregg Porteous

THEY say in SuperCoach folklore that the bye period takes no prisoners.

Be prepared or be prepared to fail. That’s my motto, or so I thought.

Many coaches, even the meticulously prepared, would have struggled to rustle a side of 18 players in Round 13, let alone post a respectable score.

HE’S BACK: THE PHANTOM’S ROUND 13 REVIEW

MARKET WATCH: HOW TO BOUNCE BACK FROM THE BYES

If you’ve successfully managed to navigate your way through the byes, pat yourself on the back and revel in the spoils of a certain rankings surge.

If not, don’t worry, as we can finally bid good riddance to the byes.

So now it’s a question of bye, bye, buy?

The SuperCoach Stock Market’s brimming and it’s time to take advantage of some of the obvious price discrepancies that have developed.

Jake Lloyd (100, MID-DEF)

Average: 91, Breakeven: 50

He’s been a picture of consistency and fast-developed into the quarterback of the Swans defence with his lethal kicking skills. Disregarding his Round 10 score (4), where he was knocked unconscious in the opening minutes of play, Lloyd is averaging upwards of 99 points per week. He’s all-but certain to be entrenched in the top five defenders at the end of the year, so it’s essential you take advantage of the SuperCoach phenomenon known as “arbitrage”.

Jake Lloyd is a reliable scorer in defence. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Bachar Houli (129, DEF)

Average: 95, Breakeven: 48

There’s no doubt Sam Docherty is the most in-form defender in the competition, but Houli’s jostling for the mantle with a three-week purple patch that’s yielded scores of 127, 139 and 129. If you’re looking for a point of difference, look no further than Houli who at the conclusion of Round 13, is owned by a mere 2.3 per cent of coaches. The caveat, however, is that Houli’s best statistical season (2015) saw his average reach a ceiling of 94.8 SuperCoach points.

Lachie Neale ($564k, MID)

Average: 115, Breakeven: 100

He’s currently a point of difference for 4.9 per cent of teams, but Neale’s popularity is set to ratchet up the ranks following Fremantle’s Round 13 bye. The little ball magnet is averaging a whopping 115 points, priced at $564k and looms as a SuperCoach steal this week. The SuperCoach Investor considers Scott Selwood ($372k) and Jake Barrett ($350k) as suitable trade candidates if you’re keen to acquire his services.

Luke Ryan ($117k, DEF)

Average: 62, Breakeven: -55

He was all the pre-season rage, so it’s exciting to finally see a mature-aged cash cow released into the SuperCoach wilderness. His second-game performance of 87 points (versus Brisbane Lions), will ensure Ryan is one of the most-traded players in Round 14. You can lock Ryan into your side, but definitely don’t throw away the key as we’re all well aware of the selection antics that have become synonymous with the Dockers.

Declan Mountford (59, MID)

Average: 51, Breakeven: -29

With the dearth of rookie options of late, Mountford is a sight for sore eyes and could prove a solid addition to your side. His scoring wasn’t prolific last round (59 points), however Brad Scott tasked the teenager with an inside tagging role which saw Mountford opposed to St Kilda speedster Jack Steven for most of Friday’s match. Will be given every opportunity to shine in the reconfigured Roos outfit. Consider.

Bachar Houli is one of the most in-form players in the competition.

Scott Selwood has done his job for SuperCoach owners. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

SELL, SELL, SELWOOD?

Breakups are always hard, but as always, The SuperCoach Investor is here to share his words of wisdom in conducting the seamless “cleave”.

Scott Selwood ($372k, MID)

Average: 89, Breakeven: 73

SuperCoach is a ruthless world and with a hamstring tear confirmed, despite being on the minor end, it’s time to part ways with Scott Selwood. It was fun while it lasted, and in Jake Lloyd ($412k) we have a perfect replacement. Given “Scooter’s” injury history, Geelong will take a highly conservative approach to his return. Sayonara Scooter.

Tom Williamson (29, DEF)

Average: 53, Breakeven: 72

The youngest player selected in the 2016 AFL draft has been a surprise of sorts, playing every game since his debut in Round 3. He has the hallmarks of a future star, however Williamson is bleeding cash and continues to deliver sporadic scoring that’s to be expected of an 18-year-old rookie. Bid him farewell, thank him for his service and revel in the spoils of an additional $110k of “liquidity” by downgrading to Luke Ryan.

Jake Barrett (54, MID)

Average: 67, Breakeven: 55

With Mountford and a host of rookie options available this week, it’s essential that you consider parting ways with Jake Barrett — albeit prematurely. Given his rich vain of form over the past month (87, 77 and 97), we’ve seen Barrett’s price skyrocket to $350k and despite boasting an achievable break-even, 55, it could be an opportune time to cull the Lions cub. The SuperCoach Investor wouldn’t hesitate to hold Barrett, but if you can free up sufficient cash to acquire the likes of Neale ($564k), Rory Sloane ($594k) or Zach Merrett ($568k), it’s time to get aggressive.

Sam Powell-Pepper (85, MID)

Average: 69, Breakeven: 59

SPP has been the perfect servant across the byes, stepping up to the plate and scoring admirably in his first season in the big smoke (88, 60 and 85). Like Barrett, he’s boasting an achievable break-even (59) but could serve as the perfect stepping stone for the acquisition of a bona fide midfield star. He’s still held by 42 per cent of SuperCoach teams, but if you’re looking to supercharge your starting 22, why not downgrade SPP and turn the injured Scott Selwood into your pick of the premium litter? The SuperCoach Investor likes this move a lot.