The midfielders who will make or break your AFL SuperCoach side

THE mid-price bracket in the midfield is filled with value. But there is no guarantee that the players who present this value, take the field in round one. Who can we trust?

THE mid-price bracket in the midfield is filled with value.

But there is no guarantee that the players who present this value, take the field in round one.

Who can we trust?

Marc Murphy in action at Carlton training.

Marc Murphy (Carlton) $432,500

With the Blues’ skipper fit and ready to go after missing the majority of 2016 with an ankle injury, it would seem Murphy is one we can trust.

Before last season’s tally of 10 games, the 29-year-old has played more than 19 games in all but one season since his debut year, averaging more than 110 four times.

Even if he cannot elevate himself into the super-premium bracket, where he’s shown he belongs in the past, there is every chance Murphy adds more than $100k to his price tag quickly.

Dayne Beams at Brisbane Lions training at QEII stadium.

Dayne Beams (Brisbane Lions) $432,500

The unlucky Lion sits on the other side of the story.

While there is no doubting Beams’ position among the competition’s elite when’s he’s fit, the 26-year-old has only played 44 of a possible 88 home-and-away fixtures in the past four years.

In saying that, the goalkicking midfielder scored more than 80 points in 40 of those 44 matches and posted 31 SuperCoach tons.

Dayne, we all want you back in our sides but it has to be a wait-and-see approach for now.

David Swallow trying to cool down at Gold Coast Suns training.

David Swallow (Gold Coast Suns) $280,200

The 24-year-old is in a similar boat to Beams.

Swallow, who averaged 104 points in his fourth season at the Suns in 2014, only made six appearances in the past two seasons as he battled a persistent knee injury.

However, all reports suggest the talented midfielder is on track to play in the JLT series.

Let’s make an assessment then.

Steve Motlop tackles Scott Selwood at Geelong training.

Scott Selwood (Geelong) $281,800

In his past 18 games, dating back to round 10, 2014, the injury-plagued midfielder has only scored more than 100 points once.

It’s hardly anything to get excited about. But in his breakout years of 2012 and 2013, Selwood played a total of 40 games, scoring more than 80 points in 33 of them, breaking the 100-point barrier on 22 occasions.

With Josh Caddy departing and Patrick Dangerfield and brother Joel needing more help, the 26-year-old is ready to pounce.

At $280k, while expensive, he could be one of the year’s best cash cows.

Blake Acres at St Kilda training at Moorabbin.

Blake Acres (St Kilda) $410,100 FWD

The versatile midfielder has always been highly rated and last year, he began to show why.

The 21-year-old, who won a Rising Star nomination after his 28-disposal, 124-SuperCoach point effort against the Demons in round six, posted three SuperCoach tons in the final five rounds.

The 190cm Acres boasts an all-round game as highlighted by his 10 contested possessions, 12 score involvements and five intercept possessions against the Swans in round 21.

Trent Dumont in action during North Melbourne Kangaroos training at Arden Street.

Trent Dumont (North Melbourne) $415,000

There are spots up for grabs in a new-look North Melbourne outfit and, after playing the last seven games of 2016, including the elimination final against the Crows, the inside-midfielder is the first cab off the rank.

The 21-year-old, who showed strong VFL form over a number of seasons, scored more than 70 points in his 11 games last season, with his 24-disposal, 121-point performance against the Hawks the highlight.

Originally published as The midfielders who will make or break your AFL SuperCoach side