SuperCoach AFL 2025: Expert verdicts on most popular trades for round 8
Which rookies are ready to go – and how should we be using that cash? Experts give their verdict on the most traded players this week.
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Which rookies are ready to go – and how should we be using that cash? Experts give their verdict on the most traded players this week.
TRADED OUT
Sam Davidson (FWD/MID $310,400)
Al Paton: TRADE. Not the worst hold at F6 but if his cash gets you a genuine premium, wave Doc goodbye.
Haydn Dos Kenny: TRADE: Tough to find cash at the moment, move on and bank the coin for an upgrade.
Tim Michell: TRADE. I’m not against holding him if you don’t want to trade this round but realistically his job is done. Hard not to make the move when you can grab Chad Warner for $150k more or Christian Petracca for $175k.
Patch: CONSIDER. I think he can hold one more week but feel free to cut him loose.
Chloe Williams: TRADE: Holding shouldn’t lose you much, but he’s the perfect price to use as a stepping stone to a Tracc/Neale/Warner.
Tarquin Oakley: CONSIDER. Think you are safe to hold with a break even of 50. But if you’re looking to upgrade this week Davidson is a prime candidate to go.
Matt Forrest: TRADE. You could still hold him another week or two, his breakeven isn’t ridiculously high, but it’s worth cashing him in to upgrade elsewhere
Murphy Reid (FWD/MID $308,200)
AP: TRADE. The Phantom is $176k ahead of me after starting him. With a three-round average of 58 it’s time to cash in that advantage.
Dos: TRADE: Amazing starting rookie but it’s time to move on.
TM: TRADE. He’s been the rookie POD of the year and trading won’t be easy. But SuperCoach these days is all about upgrading quickly so there’s no room for sentiment. Davidson + Murphy gets you to a tasty fallen premium.
Patch: TRADE. See ya Murph. Well done to those who picked him.
CW: TRADE: Same as above.
TO: TRADE. Would be happier to let Reid go over Davidson if I had both.
MF: TRADE. Another one you could theoretically hold, but his poor score has bumped up his breakeven and will dry up his cash gen.
Luke Trainor (DEF $260,800)
AP: TRADE. Cash generation has stalled but still scoring OK if you need a rookie on field. Better to use the cash, though.
Dos: TRADE: A week later than ideal but I’m still happy to jump on to upgrade elsewhere.
TM: HOLD. Breakeven of 86 this week looks grim but if he scores 60+ he’ll have a breakeven of less than 20 heading into a game against West Coast in round 9. Only issue might be if Noah Balta’s return leaves him as sub again.
Patch: TRADE. Can hold him if you really want to but I’m worried about when Balta plays.
CW: Trade if needed, but if you held for last week, keep holding for the long term investment.
TO: HOLD. If you held him last week after that sub-affected score, ride Trainor’s small dip in cash and eye those round 9 and 10 games against the Eagles and Roos as money makers
MF: TRADE. Time for him to go, if you didn’t trade already. His value is shot.
Levi Ashcroft (FWD/MID $347,800)
AP: HOLD. Has nearly maxed out in value but I feel much safer with him on field than most of the other rookies around.
Dos: HOLD: Had a down week but will be the last rookie I trade out. Able to put up fieldable scores and still has some money to make.
TM: TRADE - Get the feeling a week being managed or used as the sub is coming. Easy to forget he’s a first-year player and Brisbane has the luxury to manage Ashcroft whenever he needs a rest.
Patch: HOLD. I want to keep Levi for one more week at least but I think he’s nearly ripe. If you desperately need someone to get out of here - and you’re not bringing a risky rookie on-field - he can go.
CW: HOLD: I will most likely trade, but I wish I didn’t have to.
TO: HOLD. Had 23 touches against St Kilda. One of the more reliable rookies.
MF: HOLD. He’s not far off moving, but he’s capable of scoring a ton, at least more than his rookie counterparts. Hold a week and see how he goes.
Sam Lalor (FWD/MID $310,700)
AP: TRADE. Has been a good pick, making over $100k, but his Break Even (67) is now higher than his average (64), sounding the rookie trade alarm.
Dos: HOLD: I think he still has some spike scores on the way to bring in some more cash, happy to hold out a bit longer if you can.
TM: TRADE. Take the profit of $108k and run. I was doubtful you’d get close to that much from Lalor but he’s proven me and many others wrong.
Patch: TRADE. Done his job. We’ll see you in a few years as a breakout contender, Sammy.
CW: TRADE: He’s made some solid cash, and will most likely make more with his spike scores … but could also depreciate with a lower base than someone like an Ashcroft.
TO: CONSIDER. West Coast and North Melbourne in rounds 9 and 10 would have me thinking about holding.
MF: HOLD. I would have him fourth in line for trade options - if you own Davidson, Reid and Trainor I’d be holding Lalor one more week.
Jaxon Prior (DEF $285,500)
AP: TRADE. BE (33) still very gettable but I would move him on before Zach Reid.
Dos: HOLD: A low breakeven and despite the bumpy ride could pop again for another rise if you’re lucky.
TM: HOLD. Breakeven of 33 means you should be willing to be patient and squeeze more profit out of him. North Melbourne is giving up big scores to defenders and he’s projected to make $15k this week.
Patch: CONSIDER. I’m holding but is in the zone where you can move him on.
CW: TRADE: If you’re choosing between Prior and Reid.
TO: HOLD. Break even is still only 33 so safe to hold another week. Loop his score on Thursday night if you can.
MF: HOLD. His breakeven is still very manageable, hold for another week or two and cash in when his breakeven pushes into the 50-60 range
Isaac Kako (FWD/MID $218,300)
AP: TRADE. If the cash gets you something. He’s not worth that much so I’m happy to sit him on the bench and hope that mythical spike score materialises.
Dos: HOLD: Give him at least this week versus North to see if we can get a big score in his price cycle.
TM: HOLD. If I keep saying the spike score is coming it will happen, right?
Patch: CONSIDER. Copy + paste my answer from the last month. He can go whenever it suits.
CW: HOLD: Unless he’s your only fattened rookie.
TO: HOLD. Not going to lose money yet so happy to leave Kako on the bench.
MF: HOLD. Slow burn is still slow, but has got North Melbourne this week and hopefully he can smash out a 70 with a couple of goals
Zach Reid (DEF $298,400)
AP: HOLD. Was fantastic on Anzac Day. I understand the temptation but if he’s gone who are we playing on field at D6 - Matt Carroll?
Dos: HOLD: Fresh off 90 and a near BOG-performance. I’ve got bigger issues to deal with.
TM: HOLD - Three of his last four scores are 88 or better and he’s projected to make at least another $50k in the next month. Scoring well enough to sit at D6 while you upgrade elsewhere.
Patch: HOLD. Don’t do it, folks. He’s got plenty more cash to make.
CW: HOLD: If you can, looked great on ANZAC Day.
TO: HOLD. You’re forcing a trade if you are dumping Reid who is projected to make another $50k over the next few weeks.
MF: HOLD. Don’t shift him just yet, 48 is not an unreachable breakeven.
Finn O’Sullivan (DEF/MID $232,000)
AP: TRADE. Insert my verdict on FOS for the past month here - good prospect, doesn’t score many SuperCoach points.
Dos: TRADE: Not making the money we’d hoped and it doesn’t look like he’ll pop a spike score
TM: TRADE. The No.2 pick has made $33k in four weeks but I’ve run out of patience. He’s projected to lose money this round with a breakeven of 59. We all know when we trade him his cash generation will finally get going though.
Patch: TRADE. Byeeeee.
CW: TRADE: He hasn’t made heaps of money, but you could still bank $100k in a Hustwaite downgrade.
TO: TRADE. Just never got his cash gen going.
MF: TRADE. His cash generation has been disappointing, worth moving him if there’s a rookie that gets named
Mitch Knevitt (MID $188,900)
AP: HOLD. I cut my losses a couple of weeks ago but what does he get you now? Has made only $39k after such a promising start, hopefully he gets back in the best 22 soon.
Dos: TRADE: Even if he plays, he’ll be a regular sub risk. Time to go.
TM: TRADE - Injured and no guarantee of getting back into the Geelong side when he returns. Cut your losses and take the small profit.
Patch: TRADE. The less Geelong players I have the better, honestly. Knev seems like a nice guy but I don’t trust Chris Scott to keep him in the side/out of the sub vest.
CW: HOLD: If you can, and hope he can restart his cash gen.
TO: CONSIDER. Wait and see what the Cats do to their team. But if Knevitt is recalled there’s a fair chance he will be the sub at some point.
MF: HOLD. Another failed rookie that Dan Batten got us all sucked into, but I’d hold if you have him. Real chance to return in the coming weeks and he hasn’t made enough cash to justify trading.
TRADED IN
Oscar McDonald (DEF $119,900)
AP: PASS. Odds on to be out of the team if Luke Jackson is declared fit this week. Great footy story, atrocious job security.
Dos: CONSIDER: If you are desperate for a defensive downgrade and able to carry a red dot loop if he’s out next week, then go get that cash.
TM: PASS. Luke Jackson might take his spot this week and even if he survives, Pat Voss is only a few weeks away from returning from suspension. Is one or two price rises enough to justify the downgrade? Wait for Busslinger instead.
Patch: PASS. Job security worries me, and I don’t need more dead rookies. Pass.
CW: PASS: He’s a legend, but not sold on the jobs security with Jackson to come back.
TO: PASS. There’s no good rookie options on the bubble this week unfortunately. Can’t trust he will stay in the team.
MF: PASS. There’s a very good chance he’s playing WAFL this week, with Luke Jackson a real chance of returning. Hold off for now
Henry Hustwaite (MID $121,200)
AP: CONSIDER. One of the golden rules in SuperCoach is to not go early on a rookie after one week - although given the lack of options he might have to be an exception. Has the Tigers, which helps his case.
Dos: BUY: The Pencil made the most of his opportunity and should stick around for at least one price rise and a couple of fieldable rookie scores for your midfield.
TM: BUY. Sam Mitchell spoke glowingly about his performance against West Coast and he’s got another three weeks to stake his claim before Conor Nash returns. I think he’ll have moved ahead of Josh Ward in the pecking order by then.
Patch: PASS. I still don’t trust it - until I get a clearer picture of what happens when Conor Nash returns I don’t want a bar of Henry. He’s a good player and if he’s on the park he’ll score - but if he’s no good to us if he’s back in the VFL (or the sub vest). I reserve the right to change my answer next week when I’m fangin for a downgrade.
CW: CONSIDER: I’m leaning towards buy … the last time I went early on a rookie, it didn’t pan out, but the pencil is legit.
TO: BUY. He should get two price rises before Conor Nash returns. If he can continue the form he showed against West Coast, he’ll have made over $100k by then. And Sam Mitchell loves him. If you need a rookie this week to complete your trades, I think the Pencil is your guy.
MF: PASS. He’s played one game, so could consider next week. But he’ll get two games of cash generation before Conor Nash returns. Real alarm bells.
Christian Petracca (MID/FWD $497,200)
AP: BUY. He’s back, baby.
Dos: BUY: Looking back to his best upon returning to a centre bounce role.
TM: BUY. Bounced back with his first ton of the season last round. The key has been his role change in the past three weeks. Petracca has had 64 centre bounce attendances in the last three rounds. He should be right in the mix to be a top-six forward and this is the last week you’ll get him for less than $500k.
Patch: BUY. Just like those relentless Kayo ads, I’m telling you to Get On Board. Hopefully my voice is less annoying.
CW: CONSIDER: He finally cracked the ton, and is at a bargain price. I may target a mid premo and grab Tracc next week … but the Eagles match-up is scary.
TO: BUY. There’s that big score to confirm Trac is back.
MF: BUY: He’s playing midfield and he’s a sub-500k forward. Yes please
Marcus Bontempelli (MID $681,000)
AP: PASS. Of course I would love the Bont, but you can get one and a half Petraccas for this money.
Dos: CONSIDER: If I was up the pointy end of the rankings, I would consider the Bont POD. It’s so much coin to burn though, so proceed with caution.
TM: BUY - He’s the only man with more SuperCoach gravitas than Al Paton. Was on track to score 150+ before Luke Beveridge did us all a favour and subbed him at three-quarter-time against GWS. His price isn’t coming down soon - just pay up.
Patch: PASS. Get someone cheaper. Bont will drop a little bit over the next few weeks, climb on then.
CW: CONSIDER: I’m tempted, but I will stay strong and hope he drops in price, or my cash generators can get to work …
TO: PASS. I would target the Bont after his round 12 bye, hopefully after a little drop in price.
MF: CONSIDER. Bont is a superstar, but $680k is a very expensive buy that will definitely take a boost.
Chad Warner (MID/FWD $461,000)
AP: CONSIDER. Not sure if I’m sold on him being a top-six forward but if he misses it won’t be by much - and he’s extremely cheap.
Dos: PASS: I will absolutely be waiting at least a week on the Chad. Toby Bedford awaits this week and we still need to make sure the midfield return is real.
TM: CONSIDER. I’m torn on Warner. He’s in my plans but I know a Toby Bedford tag is coming this week. Played like a weight had been lifted after signing his new contract but has four scores of 81 or less in seven games. Even if he scored 120 again he’d be $480k next week. Maybe it’s best to wait?
Patch: CONSIDER. I’ll be waiting one more week to see if the role switch is real, but if you subjected yourself to Gold Coast vs Sydney on Sunday and think it’s real then go for it.
CW: CONSIDER: His ceiling is hard to pass up, but his worst is rookie areas, with a tag looming … I would love to wait one more week.
TO: CONSIDER. Just not convinced, yet. First ton since round 2 on the weekend. Yes he looked good, but with Bedford looming this week I don’t think he is a must-have.
MF: BUY. Played a lot of forward minutes in the first few weeks, but back to a 70% midfielder the past fortnight and is scoring well.
Izak Rankine (MID/FWD $497,500)
AP: BUY. I have to get him at some stage, could this be the week? A price with a 4 at the front is appealing.
Dos: BUY: Scored 120 after a few down weeks and looks ripe for the picking.
TM: BUY. Yet to score less than 81 and has three big tons. He’s destined to be a top-six forward and you’re getting him at a slight discount on his starting price. I’d buy Rankine over Warner if I didn’t already have him. Spending the extra $37k will be worth it.
Patch: BUY. Absolute bargain, the No.1 target up forward this week if you don’t already have him.
CW: I started Rankine, and am jealous of this price tag. He proved last week why he’s such a must-have.
TO: BUY. Currently the second best forward for total points this year.
MF. CONSIDER. He’s a great forward option, but is he better than Petracca or Warner? I’m not convinced.
Jedd Busslinger (DEF $119,900)
AP: PASS. Remember that one game rule. Hopefully we can downgrade to him in a couple of weeks.
Dos: PASS: He’s a guy we can wait on given the competition for spots at the Bulldogs.
TM: CONSIDER. How long does he keep Liam Jones out of the team? Busslinger looked assured on debut but I’m worried about his job security. Smart play would be to wait another week and have a second look.
Patch: PASS. Have another look next week.
CW: PASS: He looked good, but could be a straight swap for Jones at any moment. It feels too risky for me.
TO: PASS. His job security isn’t giving me confidence.
MF: CONSIDER. Another one for next week, but I was impressed. If I’m going early on a rookie, Busslinger is the one.
Lachie Neale (MID $562,700)
AP: BUY. Very high in my trade thoughts (if I can figure out the rookie part). This is as cheap as he’ll get.
Dos: BUY: It’s been a bit more feast or famine for Neale this year, but he’ll still be close to a top 8 mid by season’s end.
TM: BUY. Perfect time to jump on. You missed his stinkers in round 1 and 3 and will be buying the Lions skipper at an $83k discount on his starting price. He averages 111 against Gold Coast with scores of 117, 168 and 128 in his last three and 119 against round 9 opponent North Melbourne. Premium buy of the week.
Patch: BUY. He’ll be a top eight midfielder from here on out and is a bargain. Jump on.
CW: CONSIDER: A huge chance of coming in for me this week. Has a great run coming up, and this could be his cheapest price.
TO: BUY. A great price to land one of the best in the game.
MF: BUY. When a premium falls about $100k, you buy them. Neale hasn’t beaten tags well this year but he’s too good to ignore at this price
Matt Flynn (RUC $341,100)
AP: BUY. Annoying to miss his first price rise but there is plenty more where that came from. I got Riley Bice a week late and have not regretted it.
Dos: PASS: I think I’d pass if I missed him last week. With Gawn this week it could get ugly. The risk of Bailey Williams coming in to either help out or replace him may grow after the impending blood bath.
TM: PASS. Might make another $100k but you’ve missed his big price rise. Flynn was monstered by Lloyd Meek in the first half and is a week-to-week selection proposition. Save yourself the stress.
Patch: BUY. Tricky price point now but if you can’t afford a top tier guy he’s got plenty of cash to make... assuming he stays in the side.
CW: PASS: Last week was the week … still has a break even of -45 but feels like a big price to pay.
TO: PASS. Lost the ruck battle to Meek on the weekend. The first price rise was nice but you wouldn’t want to trade Flynn in now and have him dropped a week later.
MF: CONSIDER. Last week I said he’s absolutely a buy, but he got well beaten by Lloyd Meek and I don’t think job security is great.
Zak Butters (MID $691,100)
AP: PASS. Three-round average of 154 is bonkers but I don’t have this kind of cash, and you shouldn’t, either.
Dos: PASS: I can’t justify paying that much money with the options available.
TM: BUY. Breakeven of 81 means he’s almost certain to eclipse $700k this weekend. Playing like he’s making up for lost time after a delayed start to the year. Butters scored 159, 156 and 147 against Port Adelaide’s next three opponents last year.
Patch: PASS. If you’ve got a spare $700k you can get Josh Dunkley for $520k this week and you’re already halfway to your next upgrade somewhere else. Get someone cheaper and wait for him to move south to $600k.
CW: CONSIDER: I simply can’t write pass for any of these big dogs, because the reward could be there if you’re brave. Set to surpass $700k, so someone like me who is hunting value will find it hard to get there if he keeps this insane scoring up.
TO: PASS. Another one to target after his round 12 bye, for mine. I don’t have the cash to pay $700k unfortunately.
MF: CONSIDER. I wish injuries didn’t exist, otherwise my starting midfield would’ve been Bont/Butters instead of Serong/Neale. I know what I’d rather. But you can’t spend $700k on a player, right?
Originally published as SuperCoach AFL 2025: Expert verdicts on most popular trades for round 8
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