The Phantom’s Trade Talk: Hold fire this week but there are big price rises on the horizon

In the first edition of SuperCoach Trade Talk, The Phantom looks at the only two reasons you would need to make a change after Round 1 and the players to keep in mind for next week.

• The Monday Moment: Willem Drew
• Every Round 1 SuperCoach score
• Phantom’s Lair crew’s SuperCoach team reveals

In the first edition of SuperCoach Trade Talk, The Phantom looks at the two reasons you would after Round 1 and the players to keep in mind for next week.

Don’t trade. The End.

I could just leave it at that this week.

Unless you’ve got an injured player – Alex Rance or Tom Doedee, in particular – as I said in my Round 1 review, keep your hand of the trade button this week.

Don’t even think about trading your premiums, especially Brodie Grundy, Max Gawn and Clayton Oliver.

And, seeing as player prices won’t change until after Round 3, let’s give the high-scoring mid-price options another week.

The only other reason you would trade ahead of Round 2 is if you missed out on more than two of the standout rookie options. While we’re only going off one performance, you will only have two trades next week so bring one of these guys in before this weekend’s action, if you need.

Willem Drew (Port) $123,900

103 points

The third-year midfielder attended 10 centre bounces – the third-most for the Power – and tallied 21 disposals, 10 contested possessions and five tackles. Coach Ken Hinkley was rapt with Drew’s debut and, despite in the impending return of Ollie Wines, it’s hard to see him losing his spot. A must-have cash cow in the forward-line if you don’t have him.

Matthew Parker was brilliant on debut for the Saints.

Matthew Parker (StK) $117,300

87 points

Many SuperCoaches were put off by an underwhelming JLT Series but the mature-age recruit showed his scoring potential with 17 disposals, eight contested possessions and two goals against the Suns. In a forward-line where reliable cash cow options, at the bottom-price, Parker looms as another must-trade if he can follow-up against the Bombers on Saturday.

Bailey Scott (NM) $117,300

103 points

Scott, taken at pick No. 59 at last year’s draft, carried his JLT Series form into the season proper with a 103-point performance, on the back of 21 disposals, eight marks and two goals, earning him the first Rising Star nomination of the year.

Charlie Constable (Geel) $123,900

85 points

In just 66 per cent game-time, the second-lowest of any Geelong player, Constable tallied 21 disposals and kicked a big goal on debut. With an extra pre-season under his belt, the tall midfielder, who enjoyed a standout campaign against the big bodies in the VFL last year, is better prepared for senior footy than most draftees.

And, ahead of a potential big price rise, keep an eye on these mid-price options in Round 2.

Nic Newman (Carl) $394,100

134 points

Do I need to say anything about this guy? Newman was huge in his first-game against the Blues, giving my pre-season call that Newman will finish as a top-eight defender some credence. But let’s give it another week.

Tom Rockliff (Port) $405,900

138 points

I’m already tearing my hair out over the decision I’ll have to make if Rockliff can follow-up his 44-disposal, 138-point performance in Round 1 against the Blues on Saturday. He’s scored like this in the past so it should come as no surprise, now he’s fit.

James Worpel (Haw) $395,700

110 points

Upstaged the Crows midfield with a best-on-ground performance, on the back of 27 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six clearances, two goals and 110 points in Round 1. As a forward, he’s even more valuable at that price after living up to the pre-season hype. But, as a second-year player, there’s no guarantee he can maintain such a high-level of scoring.

Demon Christian Salem had 30 kicks against the Power in Round 1.

Christian Salem (Melb) $445,400

139 points

Salem took eight kick-ins in Round 1 – only Eagle Shannon Hurn took more – and played-on six times. The neat-kicking left-footer, who finished with 30 kicks, two handballs and 139 points, could be a big beneficiary of the new rules.

Dom Sheed (WC) $394,100

144 points

There’s no denying the numbers now. Big finals series last year, huge JLT Series and now a dominant Round 1 performance against the Lions. Sheed finished with 38 disposals, 21 contested possessions, 10 clearances and 144 points. But, like Rockliff, how do you get him in without dumping a premium? Ponder that question over the next few days.

Lincoln McCarthy (Bris) $247,500

86 points

He’s got the talent and if he can finally get some luck with injury, McCarthy could be a great SuperCoach option as a stepping stone this year. Does he have another four goals in him against the Kangaroos on Sunday? Watch closely.

I know they’re tempting but hold fire, SuperCoaches.

It’s never smart to chase last week’s points. Let’s give it another round.

It’s a long season.

Originally published as The Phantom’s Trade Talk: Hold fire this week but there are big price rises on the horizon