SuperCoach Investor: Why Carlton rookie Liam Stocker is the perfect bubble boy ahead of the byes

With rookie stocks thinning by the week, first-year Blue Liam Stocker represents the perfect trade target this week for a host of reasons. The SuperCoach Investor explains why.

He’s scoring well, but you need to be mindful Marty Hore has a bye in Round 13. Picture: Daniel Pockett.

The SuperCoach market was brimming with euphoria over the weekend, but for some, the enjoyment was only short-lived.

There were highs. There were lows. There were plenty of injuries.

Kudos to those coaches who managed to dodge some, if not all, of the carnage that ensued in the latter stages of Round 8.

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It was a challenging week, no doubt, but that’s the nature of the SuperCoach beast.

It’s time to batten down the hatches, free up some cash and diligently prepare our sides for the upcoming stock market crash better described as the byes.

Liam Stocker impressed in his second AFL game against Collingwood on Saturday. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images.

THE ROOKIE PIPELINE

The availability of penny stocks (or rookies) is starting to wear thin.

They are the lifeblood of our portfolios — but as of late — they have become scarce and difficult to acquire at the Stock (er) Exchange.

There is, however, one standout rookie who is yet to light the world on fire however looms as the only viable downgrade option.

Liam Stocker is the man, but with scores of 21 (against North Melbourne) and 57 (Collingwood) he hasn’t exactly sent the analysts into a flutter.

With the scarcity of viable downgrades a real concern, it’s time to consider Stocker — who will be given every opportunity to shine — as a bench option (M9-11).

The SuperCoach Investor has plans to jettison Jack Ross — who suffered ankle syndesmosis on Sunday, for the highly touted and contentious Carlton stock.

Stocker thrived on the big stage against the Magpies, registering 16 disposals (at 87 per cent efficiency), so it wouldn’t surprise most analysts if coach Brendon Bolton gives the youngster an extended opportunity to develop.

Jackson Hately — if the Giants swing the selection axe — could be another downgrade solution if you’re looking to inject cash into your side.

There’s a case of buyer beware with Hately given the depth of talent available at GWS’ disposal and the fact he’s been dropped after scores of 85 and 95.

We all want Jack Macrae, but could adding his in-form teammate Josh Dunkley as a forward be the bold move to make? Picture: Michael Klein.

UPPING THE UPGRADES

It’s time to up the ante and supercharge our sides.

Jack Macrae ($574K, break even 98), has caught the eye of thousands of coaches and looms as the most popular trade target for Round 9.

SuperCoach, however, is not a popularity contest.

We need to maintain upgrading momentum, but it’s vital every upgrade is considered and delivers the greatest balance to your overall side.

A vast majority of coaches will look to acquire Macrae this week, many at the expense of rookie revelation Sam Walsh.

There is undoubtedly merit in the trade, however Walsh (92, BE 101) is a more reliable and higher scoring option at M8 than any other rookie solutions you’re likely to have including Michael Gibbons (54), Will Hayes (57) and now, Stocker (39).

If I proceed with reinforcing my midfield this week, I suspect it may include the injection of Macrae at the expense of Ross and Gibbons with Walsh to ply his craft at M8.

If you’ve already got Macrae turn your attention to a red-hot Clayton Oliver ($568K, BE 66) and ultra point-of-difference, Josh Kelly ($595K, BE 83).

Another option — if you’re fed up with the ongoing scoring volatility of Matthew Parker and Jack Petruccelle — is to upgrade to Macrae’s midfield counterpart, Josh Dunkley (Mid-Fwd), who is on a rampage having assumed Tom Liberatore’s midfield role of late.

Dunkley would bring an immediate injection of experience to your forward line and limits all reliance (what reliance?) on two of the most unreliable rookies to date.

He’s scoring well, but you need to be mindful Marty Hore has a bye in Round 13. Picture: Daniel Pockett.

BYE, BYE, BYES?

The stock market crashes this time each and every year. It’s like clockwork.

It’s not a recession, but scores will undoubtedly be subdued with limited resources available at the selection table through Rounds 12 to 14.

Some coaches are more prepared than others, but sometimes, preparation can eventuate to nothing.

Balance is the key, but if you’ve had your head in the sand, don’t despair as there’s plenty of time (and trades) to prepare your side for the bumpy ride that is the byes.

Firstly, each and every trade you perform prior to Round 12 must include thorough consideration of your structure across all of the byes.

If, like most coaches, your cupboards are looking a little bare for Round 13, it’s vital that you upgrade rookies that will not feature in Round 13 (Petruccelle, Noah Answerth, Jordan Clark & Marty Hore) to premiums who will cover in their absence.

Yes, Elliot Yeo was cheap as chips in Round 5 ($511K, MID), but The SuperCoach Investor — despite pumping up his tires — couldn’t acquire his services given the glaring issues faced in Round 13 when the Eagles face the bye.

You will be, however, equipped with three trades and your goal — post byes — should be that your side is close to, if not fully, premium on each line.

Focus, more than anything, on getting as many players — rookies or premiums — to the starting line as only the best 18 will be considered.

That is why balance is the key.