We look at the SuperCoach points-of-difference trade targets running hot ahead of Round 5

WITH a host of SuperCoach premiums underperforming, there is no better time to look at SuperCoach options flying under the radar. Dan Batten looks at this week’s best PODs.

With tried and true SuperCoach premiums are underperforming, there is no better time to look at SuperCoach options flying under the radar.

You would be laughing if you took our advice in moving Jack Billings to Robbie Gray last week, with the Power gun outscoring the fallen Saint by 80 points.

DISCOUNTS: SUPERCOACH STARS ON SALE

CHEAPIES: TIME TO MAKE TOUGH CALLS ON CASH COWS

NUMBERS: HOW A PLAYER SCORES WHEN HE’S INJURED

Same for those who traded in Brodie Grundy before his career-high 33 disposals and 141 SuperCoach points, his third straight score over 130.

Dan Batten runs the microscope over the best POD options to consider ahead of Round 5.

DEFENCE

Alex Witherden ($465,200)

Ownership: 2.5 per cent Average: 90

There are limited POD options in defence but I have decided to opt with a name familiar to all SuperCoaches, Alex Witherden. The youngster was our rookie saviour last season and now he looms as a genuine premium option, averaging 90 points across the first month. His propensity to kick the footy will ensure his scores remain healthy and the Lions love getting the ball in his hands across half-back. We might be calling him Alex WitherTON by year’s end if he keeps up this promising form. Owned by just 2.5 per cent of teams.

Possible trade out: Michael Hibberd

David Mirra ($102,400)

Ownership: 4.9 per cent Average: 77

Our SuperCoach forefathers told us not to trade in a rookie after one week, but David Mirra appears to be a safe bet. The mature-ager finally got his chance after being snubbed in the last eight drafts, collecting 18 disposals from an encouraging 91 per cent time-on-ground. The 27-year-old has a big frame and can be trusted unlike many rawer rookie options. The 102k price-tag makes him a must-have, whether it’s this week or next. That 4.9 per cent ownership isn’t staying that way for long.

Possible trade out: Lachie Murphy, non-playing rookie

Clayton Oliver at Melbourne training. Picture: Michael Klein

MIDFIELD

Clayton Oliver ($601,300)

Ownership: 8.4 per cent Average: 118

Clayton who? SuperCoaches must be allergic to Clayton Oliver, as he is owned by just 8.4 per cent of teams despite ranking seventh for total points in 2018 – the same place he finished in 2017. The 21-year-old is a clearance machine, averaging 17.2 contested possessions and 6.8 clearances. He appears to have lifted his ceiling too, surpassing 120 SuperCoach points in three of his four matches. The other, he was locked down by Ben Jacobs, the best tagger in the business. He does have a 150 break-even to contend with, but he will not let you down all year.

Adam Treloar ($549,800)

Ownership: 4.6 per cent Average: 105

Criticism was heaped on the Pies ball-magnet for his ball use and Treloar has responded, thriving in a midfield-forward role over the past fortnight. Treloar recorded 36 disposals and laid a game-high 11 tackles on his way to 120 SuperCoach points in Collingwood’s shock win over Adelaide, making it three tons on the trot. This extra string to Treloar’s bow makes him a genuine option, and there is no doubting his ability to find the footy. We forget he averaged 111 points in his last season at the Giants in 2015.

Possible trade out: Dayne Zorko, Josh Kelly (if he misses again)

Sydney big man Callum Sinclair.

RUCK

Callum Sinclair ($496,800)

Ownership: 2 per cent Average: 110

Handed the reins of the No.1 ruck role, Callum Sinclair has lifted his output significantly. No longer having to share duties with injured Sam Naismith has seen him get off the chain, generating 15 possessions, 35 hitouts and 110 SuperCoach points per game. Admittedly he has faced weaker ruck opposition to start, but Sinclair is more than just a tap ruckman. With Naismith out for the rest of the season, Sinclair looms as absolute steal at a touch under $500,000. His breakeven is 31 so this is the week to jump on

Possible trade-out: Todd Goldstein

FORWARD

Sam Menegola ($524,500, Mid-Fwd)

Ownership: 5 per cent Average: 97

Those who traded him out after his dismal first fortnight would be finding it hard to sleep at night. Menegola owners have had their faith repaid with monumental totals of 128 and 129 over the past two weeks. The strong-bodied midfielder was spending more time in the midfield than 2017 even with Ablett in the side. With Ablett expected to be sidelined for at least the next few weeks, expect him to keep on firing.

David Mundy ($518,500, Mid-Fwd)

Ownership: 2.4 per cent Average: 104.3

Most expected a drop-off from David Mundy but his start to the season has been fantastic. The experienced campaigner has posted three straight tons, recording 23 touches and a goal per game this season in a mid-forward role. While it is a risk picking 32-year-olds in this caper, he is a tempting selection in his first year as a forward in SuperCoach. Considering he managed a score of 83 in the Dockers’ big loss to Port Adelaide – more than star Nat Fyfe – he appears to be a steady option with proven scoring power.

Possible trade out: Jack Billings

David Mundy at Fremantle training. Picture: Matt Turner

LAST WEEK’S POD SUGGESTIONS

Paul Seedsman 71 - Cross

Ed Richards 67 - Tick

Jack Macrae 104 - Tick

Bryce Gibbs 104 - Tick

Robbie Gray 145 - Tick

Jesse Hogan 94 – Tick

Brodie Grundy 141 - Tick

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