KFC SuperCoach 2020: First take on SuperCoach midfielders

How many star midfielders can you fit under the SuperCoach salary cap? With a promising crop of cheapies as well, striking the right balance is a key to success. Here are our top picks.

The midfield is the beating heart of every KFC SuperCoach team.

This is where most of your points are scored, and where you can pick the biggest stars in the game.

It’s also where the best rookies are usually found, with bottom-priced players delivering solid on-field scores and boosting their price value quicker than in any other position.

This is vital for improving your team as the season progresses, but you also want to get as many points in the bank as possible.

With eight on-field slots to fill and three on the bench, what is the right balance? The tougher question is how many of the topscoring stars can you fit in the $10 million salary cap.

Here’s a quick run-down of our first take on the 2020 SuperCoach midfield crop.

HIGH ROLLERS

Jack Macrae (WB) $668,900

The No.1 scoring midfielder in 2019 with an average of 123, slightly down on his phenomenal 127 the year before. Hardly misses a game and dominates at Marvel Stadium, where the Dogs play 12 times this year including four of the first five rounds. You get what you pay for.

Lachie Neale (BL) $658,500

“How do I get Neale?” was the biggest question in the SuperCoach world last season as the former Docker exploded with a personal-best 121 average after moving to Brisbane. Avoid the headaches this year and start him from Round 1.

Nat Fyfe (Frem) $651,600

Shoulder surgery will mean a delayed start to his pre-season but he’s always bandaged up and still pumps out massive scores — since 2013 his worst season average is 105, and last year he hit 120 for the third time. Might miss a game or two but can you pass on those numbers?

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Nat Fyfe is an established SuperCoach star.

Jack Macrae is the most expensive midfielder in the game.

Josh Kelly (GWS) $637,700

The Giants’ Rolls Royce can score like few others, the issue is getting out on the park regularly. Has averaged at least 114 for the past three seasons but played only 15 and 14 games the past two years. If you’re spending big bucks we need him out there scoring points. Make sure he’s 100 per cent before committing.

Patrick Cripps (Carl) $635,900

The fact he attracted a hard tag last year is a measure of how far Cripps’ star has risen. If the Blues win more games, his scores should improve — and they are already very good (average 119, 117 the past two seasons).

Josh Dunkley (WB) $632,400

A move to the midfield triggered a scoring bonanza, with Dunkley averaging 126 after Luke Beveridge swung the magnets in Round 5 last year. Surely he won’t move the contested ball machine out of the guts this season.

MORE SUPERCOACH MIDFIELD ANALYSIS:

The Phantom’s SuperCoach 2020 Pre-Season: Premium midfielder anaylsis

The Phantom’s SuperCoach pre-season: Cash cow midfielders

The Phantom’s SuperCoach pre-season: Mid-price smokies no one is talking about

AFL SuperCoach 2020: Why Nakia Cockatoo can be your secret weapon in 2020

Patrick Dangerfield (Geel) $625,200

Like Dunkley, Dangerfield has lost his dual-position status but still demands selection. Since 2012 these are his season averages: 119, 113, 106, 120, 132, 136, 122, 115. Think you can find a spot for him?

Marcus Bontempelli (WB) $623,000

The Bont elevated his game to super premium status in SuperCoach in 2019, adding 10 points to his average. Can you pick three Bulldogs in one position? If you’ve got cover in Round 14 when they have a bye, why not?

Adam Treloar wins a mountain of the footy.

Adam Treloar (Coll) $615,800

The Magpie magnet had more disposals than any other player in 2019. His SuperCoach averaged has increased from 101 to 110 to 113 in the past three seasons. If the Pies contend again he’ll be in thick of it.

BARGAIN BUYS

Tom Mitchell (Haw) $630,900

A very expensive bargain but that is potentially great value for a player who averaged 129 in his last full season. Mitchell is $70,000 cheaper than this time last year after missing the season with a knee injury. Will he play in Round 1? Watch his pre-season closely.

Dan Hannebery (StK) $417,000

Priced at an average of 76 despite scoring 94 or more in four of his five matches last season. He has an amazing SuperCoach pedigree but can he get out there regularly enough to score points for us?

Andrew McGrath (Ess) $399,400

Averages of 71, 71 and 74 in his first three seasons, fourth season breakout? The Bomber has all the tools to be a SuperCoach gun — he averaged 145 points a game at under-18 level — he just needs to be unleashed into the midfield full-time. Come on, Woosha.

Tom Cutler (Ess) $296,500

Starved of opportunities at Brisbane, Essendon targeted him to fill a need as a wingman who can win the footy and deliver it with his accurate right boot. Add him to the watch list.

ROOKIES

Matt Rowell (GC) $207,300

The No.1 draft pick comes with a big price tag but if he can go anywhere close to his junior numbers (averages of 171 in the NAB League and 133 in the under-18 championships) he’ll be worth every penny. Experts say he’s better than Sam Walsh and that’s enough for us.

Gold Coast’s No.1 draft pick at the Suns pre-season training camp.

Noah Anderson (GC) $202,800

Taken at No.2 in the draft behind best mate Rowell, and his numbers are nearly as impressive — averaging 25 disposals, two goals and 143 SuperCoach points at under-18 level. They should both get plenty of midfield time at the Suns, but can you spend $400k on two rookies?

MORE SUPERCOACH TIPS:

KFC SuperCoach expert Al Paton reveals his 2020 team

The case for and against three KFC SuperCoach breakout contenders

10 SuperCoach champions available for the lowest price in years

Golden rules: The 23 do’s and don’ts of KFC SuperCoach AFL

Marlion Pickett (Rich) $123,900

Showed a bit in his one AFL game - the Grand Final, finishing third in Norm Smith Medal voting after picking up 22 disposals and a goal, which would have been worth 96 points if SuperCoach was still active. Fortunately, it wasn’t which means he has the same price tag as teenagers who haven’t played a game.

Deven Robertson (BL) $117,300

Surprisingly slipped through to the second round on draft night which means a lower than expected price tag. The WA under-18 captain averaged 128 SuperCoach points for his state and 153 at Colts level. The Lions side will be tough to break into, though.

Originally published as KFC SuperCoach 2020: First take on SuperCoach midfielders