KFC SuperCoach Round 3 trade guide: Brisbane Heat trade targets assessed

The Australian Test squad has ruled on Michael Neser’s availability for the KFC SuperCoach Round 3 double. See the verdict, plus our thoughts on the top trade targets.

So long, Sydney Thunder.

KFC SuperCoaches who loaded their teams with Thunder players for round 1 and 2 doubles can prepare for a fire sale ahead of Round 3.

After four games in nine days, the Thunder have a bye in Round 3 – when Brisbane Heat plays twice.

The trade plan for the next round is simple – trade three (or four using a Trade Boost) of your Thunder players for Heat players for round 3 and hope to bank big scores from Brisbane’s best KFC SuperCoach scorers.

Here’s our verdict on every Brisbane Heat trade option:

Paddy Dooley enjoys one of his four wickets against Perth Scorchers.

ROUND 3 TRADE TARGETS

THE CASH GRAB

Paddy Dooley

Hobart Hurricanes’ spinner Dooley had jumped from a starting price of $62k to be more than $100k heading into Round 3. Dooley bowled four overs in each of the Hurricanes’ opening two games, returning figures of 1-27 and 4-16. Dooley’s score of 132 KFC SuperCoach points against Perth Scorchers will cause his price to jump by about $30k and it will skyrocket in coming rounds due to a break even expected to be about -70.

James Bazley tees off against the Renegades.

THE HEAT DOUBLE

James Bazley BAT-BWL

Bazley has emerged as the Heat’s No. 1 all-rounder in the past 12 months. He’s capable of racking up KFC SuperCoach points for batting strike rate as well as bowling. Scored 89 KFC SuperCoach points in Round 1 with 19 runs and 2-19 from four overs.

VERDICT: Must-have for round 3.

Mark Steketee BWL

The big quick is Brisbane’s go-to death bowler, which is the sought-after role for KFC SuperCoach. Wasn’t at his best against the Renegades in Cairns yet still picked up a late wicket and would have had a second if not for a dropped catch. The price might look high but he’s worth it. Took 12 wickets in eight BBL11 matches.

VERDICT: Close to must-have.

Mark Steketee enjoys a wicket for the Heat.

Mitch Swepson BWL

The Aussie leg-spinner started BBL12 strongly, taking 1-30 against the Renegades. His figures, and economy rate bonus points, would have been much better if not for an Andre Russell onslaught. Great price for a player who is always a wicket-taking threat and will bowl eight overs in the round 3 double.

VERDICT: Hard to leave out at a great price.

Josh Brown BAT

The big-hitting Queenslander was dealing in dots or sixes on debut and ended up falling to a boundary catch from Kane Richardson. Brown’s record in Premier Cricket T20s is off the charts and hopefully he gets another opportunity to showcase his talent despite the impending return of Matt Renshaw.

VERDICT: If he keeps his spot he’s the perfect cheapie to help afford Steketee and Bazley.

Xavier Bartlett BWL

Still has a huge price tag after starting BBL12 at more than $200k. He was on the wrong end of a Nic Maddinson masterclass in round 1 and will continue to lose value as a result, barring a monster score in round 3. No guarantee to hold his spot long-term with Jack Wildermuth circling and Michael Neser to return from the Test squad.

VERDICT: Pass.

Mitch Swepson is one of the top targets for round 3. Picture: Brendan Radke

Sam Billings WKP-BAT

Disappointing start for the star Englishman, who was out cheaply against the Renegades and scored 20 of his 26 points in the field. Don’t let one game deter you, though. You’ll get Billings at a slight discount on his starting price now. He averaged more than 40 at a strike rate of 150 last season and could blast off in the double.

VERDICT: Must be strongly considered but prioritise bowlers.

Max Bryant BAT

Retained his spot at the top of the order after averaging 23 in BBL11 but was out without scoring against the Renegades. Likely to come under pressure to retain his spot with Renshaw returning. Call will come down to whether the Heat opt for Bryant’s experience or want to give Brown a second crack.

VERDICT: Pass.

Matt Kuhnemann starred with three wickets in Cairns.

Sam Heazlett BAT

Didn’t make the Brisbane team for the opening game of BBL12 and it would be hard to have confidence he would play both games of a double.

VERDICT: Don’t take the risk.

Spencer Johnson BWL

Emerging quick impressed in a warm-up game with four wickets, but looks stuck behind more experienced bowlers in the pecking order.

VERDICT: Seems a long shot to feature with Michael Neser to soon return.

Matt Kuhnemann BWL

The left-arm spinner was one of the standout KFC SuperCoach cheapies of round 1, scoring 93 points against the Renegades. Kuhnemann snared 3-32 and shapes as one of the best early-season cash cows. Certain to retain his spot but it will be interesting to see how long the Heat pursues a two-spin approach.

VERDICT: Perfect for a quick cash grab after dominating in round 1. Likely to be squeezed out in favour of Mitch Swepson if Brisbane opts to go for one spinner, though.

Colin Munro BAT

Experienced T20 batter with a proven record in the BBL. Price seems a lot to pay for a BAT only but Munro has a huge points ceiling. He scored 154 points against round 3 opponent Adelaide last season, blasting 114 off 73 balls.

VERDICT: Looms as the best point-of-difference pick as most coaches opt for bowlers.

Michael Neser BAT-BWL

Neser is great value at $107k and it has been confirmed he’s available for both Round 3 games after Josh Hazlewood returned to the Test squad. Neser’s eligibility as a BAT will make him a popular selection as KFC SuperCoaches try to offload Rilee Rossouw, Alex Hales and co.

VERDICT: Lock him in.

✅ Michael Neser ($107k BAT/BWL)@CricketAus advises he has been released from the squad for the MCG Test, starting 26/12, with Josh Hazlewood's return

Thus Neser is available for both of @HeatBBL's upcoming games, 21/12 & 23/12#SuperCoachBBL#SuperCoach#BBL#BBL12

— Honeyball BBL 🏏 (@HoneyballBBL) December 20, 2022

Jimmy Peirson takes off for a run against the Renegades.

Jimmy Peirson WKP-BAT

Well done if you jumped on the Brisbane Heat captain before round 1. He scored 43 from 30 balls to ensure an early-season price rise. Tough call between Peirson and Billings for round 3 WKP but Peirson being half the price and set to rise in value might tip the odds in his favour.

VERDICT: Just ahead of Billings for preferred round 3 WKP. Then take the cash and trade him to Josh Philippe in round 4.

Will Prestwidge BWL

Fringe quick who played three games in BBL11 but appears to have re-signed more as pace depth. Don’t bank on him being in the team for round 3.

VERDICT: Pass.

Matt Renshaw BAT-BWL

Former Test opener missed round 1 after remaining in Brisbane for the birth of his daughter Charlotte (congrats Matt and Josie). The Heat have declared he will play his first game of BBL12 in round 3. Might not be required to bowl if Kuhnemann and Swepson are both in the team but could provide a second spin option if one is squeezed out.

VERDICT: Likely to open the batting and has performed well all summer. Looks well-priced and it’s a bonus you can pick him as DPP.

Ross Whiteley hits out on debut for Brisbane.

Ross Whiteley BAT

The Englishman looms as one of the most interesting players of round 3. Bowled one over on BBL debut and looked strong hitting out at the end of the innings when the Renegades were already home. But his role as a No. 6 and a player not guaranteed to bowl comes with huge risk in KFC SuperCoach.

VERDICT: Reluctantly pass. Could bowl four overs a game or none and the risk if too high.

Nathan McSweeney BAT-BWL

Late signing as a replacement player but didn’t make the team in round 1. Spots are likely to be even tougher to come by when Neser and Renshaw return.

VERDICT: Pass.

Jack Wildermuth BAT-BWL

Behind Bazley is the all-rounder pecking order but could come into the team for Bartlett if Neser is unavailable. Still, that seems a long shot.

VERDICT: Pass.

TRADE TARGET PRIORITY

1. James Bazley

2. Mark Steketee

3. Mitch Swepson

4. Matt Kuhnemann

5. Jimmy Peirson

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