Richmond SuperCoach study guide: best premium picks, mid-price risks and cash cows

Dustin Martin is $152,000 cheaper than last year and if he can discover his 2017 form, he’ll be one of the SuperCoach bargains of the year. We look at Richmond’s premium picks, mid-price risks and cash cows.

Nothing’s changed at Richmond, all eyes are on Dustin Martin.

Can the star midfielder rediscover his 2017 form when he averaged 119? If he does $563,800 is an absolute bargain.

We’ve analysed the Tigers’ SuperCoach premium picks, biggest mid-price risks and top cash cows ahead of the new season. How many will you be picking?

PHANTOM: RICHMOND SUPERCOACH FORMGUIDE

RECRUIT: TIGERS EXPECT LYNCH TO FACE BLUES

TALENT: VLASTUIN IMPRESSED BY TIGERS YOUNGSTERS

PREMIUMS

Dustin Martin ($563,800, Mid)

It was always going to be tough for Dusty to repeat his incredible 2017 season and his average slipped from 119 to 104. He missed a game for the first time in three years but will be burning inside after the way his - and the Tigers’ - season ended. Back him to return to the top.

Dustin Martin is looking to bounce back in 2019. Picture: Michael Klein

Jack Riewoldt ($504,100, Fwd)

Jack is a poster boy for the importance of timing your trades. Last year his value dropped to just $324,1000 after some indifferent form and a three-point game following an early concussion. SuperCoach players who jumped on at the bargain price were rewarded with a barnstorming finish to the season including a crazy 219-point game against Gold Coast. Key forwards are especially volatile in their scoring, and price movements, so players like Riewoldt are who you should be looking at when it comes time to upgrade rookies. Another point in his favour - he has missed only three games in the past nine seasons.

MID-PRICE RISKS

Tom Lynch ($425,600, Fwd)

See above for notes on key forwards, but you might want to be on Lynch early. He’s underpriced to start the season and plays Carlton in Round 1. Last time he faced the Blues, in Round 2 last year, he kicked eight goals and scored 180 SuperCoach points.

Jack Higgins ($392,700, Fwd)

A strong candidate for a rare second-year breakout following the likes of Clayton Oliver and Marcus Bontempelli. Higgins broke SuperCoach records at junior level and after starting his AFL career as a small forward, he spent more time in the midfield late in the season which was reflected in his SuperCoach scoring including a 20 disposal, 108-point return against Hawthorn in the qualifying final.

ROOKIES

Oleg Markov ($158,000, Def)

Hasn’t been seen much at senior level lately, failing to play a senior game last year after 15 in his first two seasons (a mid-season knee injury didn’t help). Notable that as the Tigers traded away fringe players at the end of last season, they hung on to Markov who could be a long-term replacement for Bachar Houli off half-back. Could he be the Jayden Short of 2019? Watch his pre-season with interest.

Oleg Markov could be a cheapie option. Picture: Michael Klein

Shai Bolton didn’t play a game last year. Picture: Michael Klein

Shai Bolton ($146,600, Fwd)

Has too much talent to be playing in the VFL. Remember his game against Sydney in 2017 when he was the leading scorer on the ground at half-time? Needs to grab his chance.

Luke English ($117,300, Mid)

Of the Tigers’ new draftees, English is the most AFL-ready. The hard-working midfielder - easily spotted in his blue helmet - averaged 25 disposals and six tackles and kicked 13 goals for the Perth Colts last year.

NO-GO ZONE

Mav Weller ($334,500, Fwd)

Weller, who will play at a third club this year, has become a specialist pressure forward which is an important role in the team but not great for SuperCoach scoring. In 13 games last year he topped 80 twice.

DRAFT SMOKIES

Trent Cotchin (Midfield)

Flirts with a return to premium status but selfless roles make it hard to regularly churn out scores like the 155 he scored against North Melbourne last year.

Toby Nankervis (Ruck)

Tireless warhorse who will again carry the No.1 ruck load on his own (with perhaps a bit of help from Tom Lynch). Improved his average by almost 10 points a game last year.

Toby Nankervis will be Richmond’s No.1 ruckman. Picture: Michael Klein

Alex Rance (Defence)

Has the Superman cape slipped? Rance’s SuperCoach average dropped to 83 last year, his lowest since 2011. Would be a huge gamble in SuperCoach classic but definitely good enough for a spot in your draft side.

Josh Caddy (Forward)

Kicked a career-high 46 goals last season and could get more midfield minutes this year with the arrival of Lynch to partner Jack Riewoldt in front of goal.

Shane Edwards (Midfield-Forward)

All-Australian and fan favourite rarely plays a bad game.

Kane Lambert (Forward)

Averaged 110 in a five-week mid-season purple patch last year but solid scores in the 80-90 range are more his go.

Originally published as Richmond SuperCoach study guide: best premium picks, mid-price risks and cash cows