The Phantom’s Trade Talk: A point-of-difference for the SuperCoach finals

THE Phantom looks at six in-form point-of-difference options that could give you the edge in week 2 of the finals. RECAP:

AT THIS stage of the season, many SuperCoach match-ups may only have a handful of unique players. The Phantom looks at six in-form options, who are in less than 10 per cent of teams, that could give you the edge in week 2 of the finals.

DEFENCE

Dashing Bulldog defender Jason Johannisen had the ball on a string against the Saints in Round 19.

Jason Johannisen (WB)

$457,200, def

Three-round average: 100

Ownership: 4.2%

Between Rounds 14 and 18, the 2016 Norm Smith Medallist posted scores of 84, 95, 139, 88 and 113. He had a bad week against the Power in Round 19 but let’s put that down to the horrible conditions in Ballarat. And then on Saturday night against the Saints, Johannisen tallied 42 disposals, a game-high 830 metres gained and a season-high 156 SuperCoach points. Ignoring the 32-point performance, it’s as good a form line as any defender.

MIDFIELD

Can Gary Ablett continue his hot streak against the Hawks?

Gary Ablett (Geel)

$526,200, mid

Three-round average: 112

Ownership 5.4%

While he might not be the same little master he once was, Ablett’s record in home-and-away fixtures against Hawthorn is phenomenal. In his past 10 encounters with the Hawks, the Cats’ Round 21 opponent, the 35-year-old has posted scores of 146, 112, 159, 157, 138, 149, 189, 170, 144.

Dayne Zorko (Bris)

$544,600, mid

Three-round average: 122

Ownership: 7.3%

After a quiet start to the year, Zorko exploded against the Magpies in Round 7, posting a season-high 164 points. And he hasn’t looked back since. Between Rounds 7 and 20, the Brisbane skipper is averaging 115 points and has scored at least 90 points in every game. Against the Kangaroos at the weekend, Zorko was at his brilliant all-round best, recording 35 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 10 tackles, two goals and 142 points.

Seb Ross (StK)

$494,700, mid

Three-round average: 122

Ownership 1.1%

In 2018, the St Kilda midfielder has failed to find the consistency of his breakout season of 2017, posting eight SuperCoach tons, while also failing to score more than 80 points on seven occasions. But Ross has enjoyed Etihad Stadium, averaging 115 points from his nine games at the venue this season, including big scores of 158 and 160. And the Saints are there for the final three matches of the year.

Giant star Lachie Whitfield has enjoyed a great run of form in the past five weeks.

Lachie Whitfield (GWS)

$524,900, mid

Three-round average: 118

Ownership: 3.7%

While settling into a new role across half back, the young star managed just five SuperCoach tons in the first 14 rounds of the season. But he’s hit a purple patch of form, averaging 31 disposals and 114 points in the past five matches. The Giants’ run home isn’t easy but the 24-year-old is one of the most skilful players in the game and the opposition attention should continue to go to midfielder Josh Kelly.

FORWARD

Josh Dunkley (WB)

$501,600, fwd

Three-round average: 128

Ownership: 1.5% of teams

On the back of two huge performances, which have resulted in scores of 132 and 147, in the past two matches, the 40-game Bulldog is the fifth-highest scoring player in the game in the past three weeks. Only Tom Mitchell, Josh Kelly, Brodie Grundy and Patrick Cripps have scored more points. Now that’s company. Coinciding with a greater midfield role, the 21-year-old has averaged 28 disposals, eight tackles and 110 SuperCoach points per game since Round 15.

Originally published as The Phantom’s Trade Talk: A point-of-difference for the SuperCoach finals