The players you need to axe or target in SuperCoach this week

AS we prepare for the first small taste of the upcoming bye rounds, we take a look at some of the best SuperCoach trade options following the conclusion of Round 9.

Jeremy Howe at Collingwood training. Picture: Mark Stewart

IT was make-or-break for many SuperCoaches this week, as the disparity between the contenders and pretenders begins to make itself apparent.

As we prepare for the first small taste of the upcoming bye rounds, with Port Adelaide and Gold Coast to sit out Round 10 following their Shanghai Showdown this week, our hands may become slightly tied.

PODS: SAINT A SNEAKY SUPERCOACH OPTION

TACKLE: WHO HAS AFL’S BEST ONE-TWO PUNCH

Chances are you’ll be looking to upgrade Riley Bonner and Nick Holman but at the same time find replacements for Robbie Gray or Paddy Ryder.

With thanks to the ability to reverse our trades later in the week however - should the need arise - here is a look at some of our impulse options following the immediate conclusion of Round 9.

BOOT HIM

There might be a few persistent gremlins in our SuperCoach sides, but there is one Demon who is once again on the chopping block.

Though Michael Hibberd has been on the outer from Round 1, he is still owned by 16 per cent of sides, and disappointed his loyal owners with a season-low score of 48 this week.

Carlton’s Cam O’Shea continues to slowly earn money for his sides but a score of just 22 this week will severely decrease that cash build.

Meanwhile at his old club, Riley Bonner failed to hit his breakeven of 61 this week, and will continue his drop in price.

The only real benefit he has to our sides is if you intend to hold him and play him throughout the upcoming bye rounds, which could be incredibly handy, if he can hold his place in the Power’s side.

And not to flog a dead horse, but Jack Billings still needs to go.

Jeremy Howe at Collingwood training. Picture: Mark Stewart

BUY HIM

Collingwood are on fire and there are a few hot pies on the menu.

Scott Pendlebury returned with another hundred after being a late withdrawal last week against the Hawks and Brodie Grundy still presents decent value at a tick over $610K.

However, it’s Jeremy Howe who might be a real value pick in defence where options are wearing thin.

Now with four hundreds for the year, the high flying Magpie is starting to string together some consistent games and at $526K, could be a good switch for those still stuck with Hibberd.

Patrick Dangerfield at Cats training. Picture: Alison Wynd

Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield scored well again this week, but just failed to hit his breakeven of 119 so will continue to drop in price, while Lachie Neale is starting to work himself into our midfield equations and Zach Merrett looks to be back to his best and could be a highly valuable pick-up, currently sub-$500K.

However, the No.1 must-have is Bulldog Jack Macrae.

Now with four scores in a row over 140, you may be looking to splash over $700K on him.

It’s always important not to waste trades chasing points in SuperCoach, but Macrae’s rich vein of form is something to be desired.

Jack Macrae at Bulldogs training. Picture: Michael Klein

CAPTAINS REPORT CARD

A+: Jack Macrae, Patrick Cripps, Tom Mitchell (140+)

A: Jeremy Howe, Max Gawn (120-139)

B+: Zach Merrett, Patrick Dangerfield, Lance Franklin, Lachie Neale (110-119)

B: Rory Laird, Dylan Shiel, Isaac Heeney, Dustin Martin (100-109)

C: Patrick Ryder, Nat Fyfe, Scott Pendlebury, Clayton Oliver (80-99)

D: Kade Simpson (70-79)

BENCH CALLS

Should have had on field: Ben Ronke, Bailey Fritsch, Tom Doedee, Jaidyn Stephenson

Should have left on the bench: Tom McCartin, Jarrod Garlett, Isaac Cumming, Ed Phillips, Tim Kelly, Brayden Crossley, Charlie Ballard, Darcy Fogarty, Billy Gowers, Matt Eagles, Andrew Brayshaw, Paddy Dow, Jack Henry, Cameron Rayner, Bailey Banfield, Jeremy Finlayson, Sam Murray, Tom Cole, Jake Waterman

Ben Ronke at Sydney training.

NAILED IT

Reviewing Thursday night’s predictions on the SuperCoaches Box Podcast (watch live on Facebook from 6:15pm (EST) every Thursday)

Al Paton: Nic Naitanui will be a good late Captaincy option this week.

Verdict: Failed It. While Naitanui still scored a highly respectable 118, we want more from our captains. A rough call, sorry Al.

Dan Begala: Nat Fyfe to get tagged in Sydney, still to score approximately 120.

Verdict: Nailed it. George Hewett did in fact go to Fyfe, but despite still managing 28 disposals, he only scored 101. Dan was spot on in not handing the Captaincy over to Nat this week.