Which Gold Coast Suns players should be on your SuperCoach radar?
IT HAS been a few years since Pearce Hanley has been a popular SuperCoach pick but with the former Lion set for more midfield time and his price cheaper than we’re used to, is the Sun back in vogue? PLAYERS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER
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GOLD Coast or Supercoach goldmine?
Under new coach Stuart Dew, most pundits are predicting a tough on-field year for the Suns as they deal with the distractions of Tom Lynch’s contract and weeks on the road while the Commonwealth Games take place on the glitter strip.
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But that should not be reason to deter coaches from scouring the Suns list for potential SuperCoach nuggets as Dew tries to put his stamp on a club still chasing its first finals appearance.
Gold Coast has a decent level of top-end talent, however it is the potential cash cows on the Suns list which appeal most.
PREMIUMS
PEARCE HANLEY $428,000 DEF/MID
The Suns have flagged a greater midfield role for the former Lion, which thrusts him firmly back into the “fallen premium” discussion in 2018. Hanley roared home in the last six rounds of 2017 with five scores of 87 or above, a sign he could return to the glory days of 2014 when he averaged 104 over 20 games (including a 191). He’s available for selection in defence or the midfield but will be most popular in the former. Keep a close eye on how the midfield role impacts his scoring during pre-season, as traditionally his greatest numbers have been achieved peeling off halfback.
AARON HALL $507,200 MID
How will the departure of Gary Ablett impact the Suns’ most expensive midfielder? He’s capable of going on big scoring runs including three big hundreds in the final five rounds of last season. But he also threw in a 41 in that stretch. Trust is a major issue and considering players such as Tom Rockliff, Steele Sidebottom and Luke Shuey are available for a fraction more and potential bargain pick Stephen Conigilio is $50,000 cheaper, it might be wiser to look elsewhere.
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JARROD WITTS $518,300
Haven’t heard any talk about Witts this pre-season which is slightly odd considering how successful his first year at the Suns was, boosting his average from 50 to 94. Expect Witts to command the first ruck role again for the Suns and he could be a left-field option if you aren’t keen on the massively popular Max Gawn-Nic Naitanui combo.
TOM LYNCH $467,600 FWD
A season-long contract saga propelled Dustin Martin to new heights last year, hopefully Lynch can do the same in 2018. The key forward hit $541,200 last season but bottomed out at $383,600 in Round 16. The sought-after big man is capable of huge scores, but be prepared for a rollercoaster ride worthy of a Movie World attraction if you take the plunge.
MID-PRICE RISKS
AARON YOUNG $313,400 FWD
Young enjoyed a career-best season in 2016, averaging 78.4 points, yet fell down the pecking order at Port Adelaide last year. Young would expect to slot into the Gold Coast team across half-forward and if he can return to the numbers he enjoyed two seasons ago, he might be worth a forward line spot to upgrade down the track.
LACHIE WELLER $394,300 MID
Returns to Queensland with a high price tag after the Suns parted with the No.2 selection in last year’s national draft to land the former Fremantle midfielder. Many questioned the move, but Weller is an emerging talent and wanted to play for Gold Coast. If his desire is matched by his output, 2018 might be Weller’s breakout AFL campaign. He topped the ton twice last season but only averaged a modest 71.7 with 15 games between 60-80. Those totals won’t win you many SuperCoach leagues, but Weller is capable of better and should enjoy time in Dew’s midfield rotation.
BRAYDEN FIORINI $387,400 MID
A ball magnet at junior level with a high Supercoach ceiling — remember when he scored 125 in Round 23 of the 2016 season? However, the midfielder can frustrate and delivered four games under 60 last year including an 18. Can Dew get the best out of Fiorini and help him translate his NEAFL ball magnet status to the elite level?
ROOKIES
NICK HOLMAN $102,400 MID
The former Carlton defender gets a second chance at the elite level after an impressive SANFL stint. Holman played nine games for the Blues and averaged 40.6 in 2015 but his numbers for Central District last year were a lot more impressive — 26 disposals a game and an elite contested possession rating from Champion Data. Holman presents an ideal last selection on your midfield bench, especially when rookies can play from Round 1.
HARRISON WIGG $123,900 MID
Was set to be a popular pick before suffering a fractured ankle in December. Wigg was traded to Gold Coast by Adelaide after failing to earn a senior opportunity with the Crows despite averaging 25 disposals and five tackles in the SANFL. He looms as an ideal mid-season downgrade when he recovers.
NO-GO ZONE
MICHAEL BARLOW $462,700 MID/FWD
There have to be question marks over how the long-time SuperCoach favourite returns after the second broken leg of his career. Barlow’s dual-position eligibility makes him more appealing, but at 30 years old and returning from a long injury lay-off, it might be better to look elsewhere. If he does fire, you can always trade after two rounds before his price rises.
DAVID SWALLOW $468,500 MID
Set to get more midfield time in Ablett’s absence and produced four SuperCoach tons last year but his injury history is enough to steer clear despite his obvious talents. Lynch will appeal to many, but his propensity to deliver horror shows — he scored 43 or less four times last year — is enough for me not to bother.
PREDICTED 22
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Jack Leslie, Sean Lemmens
HB: Matt Rosa, Steven May, Kade Kolodjashnij
C: Lachie Weller, Pearce Hanley, Aaron Hall
HF: Jack Martin, Peter Wright, Touk Miller
F: Ben Ainsworth, Tom Lynch, Aaron Young
R: Jarrod Witts, David Swallow, Jarryd Lyons
I/C: Callum Ah Chee, Alex Sexton, Michael Barlow, Will Brodie
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