The Phantom: Players to consider for SuperCoach 2018 after changing clubs

AFTER a quick look, these are the players who, after changing clubs during the trade and free agency period, have caught The Phantom’s attention for the 2018 SuperCoach season.

The Phantom takes a look at some players who have changed clubs.

AFTER a quick look, these are the players who, after changing clubs during the trade and free agency period, have caught The Phantom’s attention for the 2018 SuperCoach season.

FINAL DAY: RECAP ALL THE TRADE DEADLINE CRAZINESS

REPORT CARD: HOW DID YOUR CLUB RATE?

TRADE TRACKER: EVERY DEAL CONFIRMED

HARRISON WIGG (Gold Coast)

The neat-kicking left-footer has not only found himself a new home on the Gold Coast but a likely Round 1 debut. The Phantom has been a long-time fan of the 21-year-old and is surprised he never got a crack in 2017, after doubling his contested possession count in the SANFL in 2016. He was drafted as a half-back flanker but, as that stat shows, his inside game is developing nicely. Averaged 23 and 25 disposals in the past two SANFL seasons.

Harrison Wigg stared in the SANFL this year and should get more opportunities at Gold Coast. Picture: Stephen Laffer

MATTHEW KENNEDY (Carlton)

With Bryce Gibbs heading to the Crows, the former Giant should slot straight into the Blues midfield in 2018. The strongly-built Kennedy managed three games in his debut season before playing 16 matches on the fringes of a stacked Giants midfield in 2017, registering 20 or more touches in four of them. Starting price could be the only concern.

Matthew Kennedy will get more midfield time at Carlton. Picture: AAP

HAYDEN CROZIER (Western Bulldogs)

The Dogs see Crozier at half-back in 2018 and that is good news for SuperCoaches. The 23-year-old, who has spent most of his time in the West as a small-forward, played a similar role in the Docker defence in 2016. Crozier averaged 22 disposals, seven marks and 83 SuperCoach points between rounds 10 and 16 that year and ranked first at the club for effective kicks between rounds 10 and 20. Has a Lachie Hunter circa-2016 smell to it.

DEVON SMITH (Essendon)

The Phantom thinks Smith could end up being the best pick-up of the big three Bomber recruits. Smith scored 90 or more points in nine of the first 13 games last season and between Round 11, 2014 and Round 8, 2015, a 21-year-old Smith averaged 22 disposals, five tackles and 98 SuperCoach points. A greater midfield role beckons at Essendon but will his body hold up?

Tom Rockliff will be a juicy price next season.

TOM ROCKLIFF (Port Adelaide)

The ball magnet will be priced at an average of 96, which is well below his previous four season averages of 111 (2016), 102, 132 and 110. His shoulder was a concern last season but he’s just had surgery. If he’s cherry ripe come Round 1, Rockliff will be hard to ignore.

Originally published as The Phantom: Players to consider for SuperCoach 2018 after changing clubs