The Phantom’s AFL SuperCoach BLOG RE-CAP: Is the 306th-most expensive player a bust or bargain?

JASON Johannisen, the 2016 Norm Smith Medallist and one of the hottest properties in SuperCoach last season, when he wasn’t injured, is the 306th-most expensive player in the game. RE-CAP THE PHANTOM’S ANSWERS HERE.

ason Johannisen of the Bulldogs laughs during a Western Bulldogs training session at Whitten Oval.

JASON Johannisen, the 2016 Norm Smith Medallist and one of the hottest properties in SuperCoach last season, when he wasn’t injured, is the 306th-most expensive player in the game. To give it some further context – and The Phantom means no disrespect – Chris Mayne, Lynden Dunn and Dale Thomas will cost you more.

Jason Johannisen of the Bulldogs (right), laughs during training at Whitten Oval.

ASK THE PHANTOM YOUR QUESTIONS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY.

At $356k, Johannisen represents obvious value, even if his recent disappointing form – and three-round average of 54 – suggests otherwise.

Before this slump, the running defender averaged 94 across the first seven rounds of the season and we all know how good he was at times in 2016.

If you’re short on cash and trades, bringing in Johannisen as your final defender is something you need to consider. It’s risky, yes, but he hasn’t lost his talent overnight. And if you’re in the position to bring him onto your bench as cover, even better.

With Tom Stewart set for a stint on the sideline with an eye-socket injury, the time is right to trade him for Johannisen and it will only cost you $30k.

Another defender in a similar price range to consider is Melbourne’s Bernie Vince.

The 31-year-old is averaging a huge 18 points less than he did in 2016 but, with his first SuperCoach ton since round one against the Eagles and injuries to captain Nathan Jones and half-back Christian Salem, will Vince’s role again increase?

MARKET WATCH

GOING UP

Alex Witherden (Bris)

$117,300 DEF-MID

Average: 76 Breakeven: -83

The classy right-footer was super impressive on debut, finishing with 20 disposals – at 75 per cent efficiency – and 76 points.

Coach Chris Fagan has been waiting to blood the 18-year-old, who has battled injury during the first-half of the season, so have no concern trading him in a week early.

Matt White (left), at Port Adelaide training at Alberton Oval.

Matt White (Port)

$198,400 FWD-MID

Average: 81 Breakeven: -46

In his second game for the year –and first since round four – the 30-year-old had a big impact for the Power, registering 99 points, on the back of 21 touches and a goal.

But will he hold his spot?

GOING DOWN

Joel Selwood (Geel)

$538,600 MID

Average: 104 Breakeven: 240

Selwood owners look away. Everyone else, forget Jake Lloyd, forget Scott Pendlebury, this will be the bargain of the year.

After running into Hayden Ballantyne’s head in the opening minutes of Sunday’s game, the Geelong skipper registered just three points.

That means a breakeven of 240 in round 15 and, even with a score of 103, a projected price drop of $61k. Could be available $450k in a few weeks.

Joel Selwood at Geelong Cats training at Simonds Stadium.

Rory Sloane (Adel)

$543,300 MID

Average: 113 Breakeven: 173

The star Crow, who continues to battle taggers, won’t be far behind with a breakeven of 173. While his last SuperCoach ton was a 177-point performance against the Dockers, it’s likely Carlton’s Ed Curnow will go straight to him at the MCG on Saturday.

If Sloane fails to break through again, he may continue to slide to around $500k.

The Phantom’s Round 14 score: 2232

Overall ranking: 18,832

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Originally published as The Phantom’s AFL SuperCoach BLOG RE-CAP: Is the 306th-most expensive player a bust or bargain?