Ultimate Doctor SuperCoach AAMI Community Series scouting report
Miss a kick in the pre-season comp? The KFC SuperCoach experts were tracking all the players you need to know from every AAMI Series game.
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Didn’t catch every kick, mark and handball of the AAMI Community Series matches played over the weekend?
Don’t panic. The experts at Doctor SuperCoach were tuned in to every game to spot the players we need to know about when selecting our starting squads.
With just one official pre-season match for each club before Round 1, these games are more crucial than ever when choosing the right rookies, stars and mid-pricers for our squads.
Here’s all the names you need to know.
BRISBANE LIONS 117 d GOLD COAST 89
MISSING IN ACTION:
Gold Coast: Izak Rankine
Brisbane Lions: Daniel McStay
THE TEMPTATION: DAYNE ZORKO $525,800 FWD/MID – 105 KFC SuperCoach points
A pre-season ton is an alluring sight for any coach choosing their starting line-up, and Zorko isn’t an irregular name to see beside that scoresheet. Two goals to go with his 19 possessions and nine marks highlighted an impressive display against the Suns. Although it is concerning that Zorko spent the majority of his night forward, this didn’t seem to impact his scoring, however; don’t expect a pair of goals each week. The football world also awaits news on whether Cam Rayner has suffered a season-ending ACL injury. Should the news be the worst case scenario, expect Zorko’s mid time to increase.
THE PHOENIX: JOE DANIHER $233,300 FWD – 62 points
Like a Phoenix obtaining new life through rising from the ashes of its predecessor, Daniher has found new life in Brisbane. He looks at home and ready to play his part in Brisbane’s search for its fourth premiership. You’ll have to take the highs with the lows in the Daniher SuperCoach journey, but he should score well enough to generate some early cash. Lock him in.
MORE: ALL THE AAMI SERIES SUPERCOACH SCORES
THE BROWNLOW MEDALIST: LACHIE NEALE $721,800 MID – 103 points
A slow start to the night against the Suns had anxious coaches questioning whether Neale was still at his all-time best. He didn’t get near the ball, as youth were given their opportunity through the middle. However, Neale reminded the SuperCoach community why he is the reigning Brownlow medalist and why acquiring his services will come at a cost this year, with a huge 78 point second-half. You can afford not to start him but have a plan to acquire him for when his price falls.
THE CROWD FAVOURITE: MATT ROWELL $495,100 MID – 91 points
The 2020 year was full of ups and downs and for Rowell, a season-ending injury was a devastating blow. For the rest of the football community, it left us wondering: what if Rowell had stayed fit? Would he have maintained his 126.5 average across his first four games? How far could he have gone in the Brownlow count? The hard-bodied, slick midfielder accumulated 17 contested possessions, seven clearances and attended 23 centre bounces in just 70 per cent game time against the Lions. He showed that he is ready to pick up where he left off in early 2020 and with an ownership of 52 per cent, clearly coaches agree.
THE SILVER LINING: TOM FULLARTON $128,900 FWD – 65 points
For the Lions, a 3-6 week injury for Daniel McStay is a frustrating setback. For Tom Fullarton, it is an opportunity to demonstrate his worth and Monday night’s game against the Suns was his audition. In addition to playing as a third tall, Fullarton was also given ruck duties in the forward 50, and although he won’t score a pair of goals every week, his versatility can only be SuperCoach friendly. Pick him with confidence if he is named for Round 1 and sit him on your bench.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 106 d MELBOURNE 67
MISSING IN ACTION:
Western Bulldogs: Adam Treloar, Easton Wood, Mitch Hannan
Melbourne: Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney, Angus Brayshaw, Jake Melksham, Ben Brown, Sam Weideman, Christian Salem
THE MAGNET: JACK MACRAE $650,100 MID – 158 KFC SuperCoach points
Macrae was at his brilliant best again, racking up 39 touches, eight tackles and six marks. He has averaged 121-plus points over the past three seasons and has become one of the most reliable SuperCoach stars in the competition. The inclusion of Adam Treloar might see him pushed out to a wing a little bit, but he is a ball magnet and should still score well.
THE CAPTAIN: MARCUS BONTEMPELLI $623,900 MID – 198 points
“Bont” threatened the double ton but fell just short, scoring the biggest SuperCoach total of the AAMI Community Series. Thirty-two disposals and 3.2 is a complete performance! However, the injury to Aaron Naughton, plus the Dogs’ logjam in the midfield, might see him spend some time forward especially early in the season. Has a massive ceiling but is a bit riskier than other premium midfield options.
THE QUESTION MARK: JOSH DUNKLEY $560,200 FWD/MID – 170 points
Dunkley is currently sitting at just under 26 per cent ownership, but this number should only be on the rise. One of four Bulldogs to amass 32 or more disposals, he also had 11 tackles. There is the minor deterrent of the stacked Doggies midfield, but the fact you can pick him as a forward is incredibly enticing. Dunkley averaged 104.3 when he was played all over the ground, he should at least match that this season, which is more than serviceable for a forward! The Treloar inclusion the only worry.
THE LASER: CALEB DANIEL $545,500 DEF – 141 points
Season 2021 is looking like a year in which outside players will thrive and Daniel is one of the best half-back flankers in the league. We saw a return of 34 disposals at 91 per cent efficiency for Daniel, who wreaked havoc all day. He is a player who looks set to average approximately 100 and be top-eight in defence yet again.
THE MID-PRICER: JAMES HARMES $344,700 DEF – 72 points
The appeal with Harmes is his return to the midfield, where he averaged 95 points in 2019. He attended the equal-most centre bounces for Melbourne (20) which was a massive positive. It is worth noting, however, that Oliver, Viney and Brayshaw were all missing, but he still might be worth a spot in your defence where there is a lack of rookies.
THE MAIN MAN: Max Gawn $751,400 RUCK – 102 points
A score of 102 SuperCoach points for big Max is perhaps slightly underwhelming but do not read too much into this. He also might be forced to spend some more time forward given the lack of key-position players available for Melbourne. However, he is a terrific captaincy option each week and should be locked into your side despite the hefty price!
WEST COAST 67 d FREMANTLE 57
MISSING IN ACTION:
WCE: Tim Kelly, Elliott Yeo, Josh Kennedy
Fremantle: Caleb Serong, Luke Ryan, Adam Cerra, Sean Darcy, Sam Switkowski
THE ROLE CHANGE: LIAM DUGGAN $448,600 DEF – 98 KFC SuperCoach points
Duggan spent most of his time through the Eagles midfield with eight centre bounce attendances and a lot of wing time. He collected 22 disposals with nine marks along with 581 meters gained. He did enough for coaches to have confidence in him leading into Round 1 as a cut-priced value premium option. Buyer beware however, he will not finish in the top-six in the defensive line so this selection may come back to haunt you later in the season.
THE NEW CLUB: ALEX WITHERDEN $456,100 DEF – 81 points
A fresh start is exactly what Witherden needed. Coming to the Eagles in the off-season, Alex has slotted intothe backline as a likely long-term replacement for Shannon Hurn. Unfortunately for SuperCoaches, Hurn is still going strong in 2021 and that will leave Witherden a little short compared the rest of the top KFC SuperCoach defenders. Amassing nine marks and 16 disposals, Witherden played too deep to strongly consider.
THE STAR: NAT FYFE $608,300 MID – 128 KFC points
Fyfe can dominate up forward or in the midfield and without Caleb Serong or Adam Cerra, it was the midfield where Fyfe displayed his supreme talents. With 10 clearances and 27 touches, Fyfe reminded everyone why he should be in your considerations. Fyfe will likely average enough to be a top-eight midfielder in 2021, but he has a knack of missing games which could cost you dearly. With the imminent return of both Cerra and Serong, expect Fyfe to play a little more forward during the season proper.
THE YOUNG GUN: ANDREW BRAYSHAW $544,200 MID – 94 points
The Brayshaw breakout was in full force in 2020, but can he continue his rise this season? With 28 possessions and 16 centre bounce attendances, the Fremantle youngster will be the one to lead the midfield line for the Dockers this season. His 1.4 points per minute last season was in line with the best of the best midfielders, however he has typically suffered from a low time-on-ground. If he is able to play more minutes overall this season, a push into the top bracket of midfielders isn’t out of the realms of possibility.
THE CANNON: HAYDEN YOUNG $279,400 DEF – 83 points
The youngster had his first season cut short by a serious ankle injury but looked extremely
comfortable across the half-back line for the Dockers. With 23 touches, Young scored well despite failing to record a single mark. It is hard to make judgement on his game given Fremantle was without Luke Ryan, but if Young is still able to take a few kick-ins and roam freely across the half-back line alongside Ryan, he could be a decent mid-priced cash cow.
GWS GIANTS 114 d SYDNEY 86
MISSING IN ACTION:
GWS: Lachie Whitfield, Mathew Flynn
Sydney: Jake Lloyd, Lance Franklin
THE COMEBACK: TIM TARANTO $453,700 MID – 106 KFC SuperCoach points
Taranto put in an eye-catching performance with 31 touches, 11 of which were contested, and one goal. While Taranto attended 18 centre bounces, it was really a tale of two halves. In the first half, Taranto recorded 13 CBAs and 70 KFC SuperCoach points, with just five CBAs and 36 points in a second half when he seemingly played predominantly forward. This served as a timely reminder that while Taranto has enormous upside, he will still be moved out of the centre square and can go missing.
THE YOUNG GUN: TOM GREEN $351,400 MID – 83 points
The contested bull lived up to expectations with 11 contested possessions from his 22 disposals. Green attended 16 cemtre bounces, but he is very clearly the fifth choice midfielder behind all of Hopper, Coniglio, Taranto and Kelly. Green kicked a nice long goal but he is not particularly effective as a forward, so those selecting him with hopes of a breakout season may be a little disappointed.
THE ROOKIE SURPRISE: TANNER BRUHN $157, 800 MID – 62 points
Bruhn has been under the radar as a rookie selection pick, finding himself in only 3 per cent of sides. He kicked three first-half goals, including an 80m bomb. Unfortunately, Bruhn played predominantly forward and still only scored 62 points from his four-goal effort. When paying up for an expensive rookie, you really want to see great job security and scoring potential and it looks like Bruhn may not have either. An option if we are desperate.
THE MIDPRICER: ISAAC CUMMING $288, 000 DEF – 69 points
The man tipped to replace Zac Williams off half-back was disappointing in SuperCoach terms. Taking few kick-ins, Cumming went largely unnoticed, tallying just 15 disposals – the same total as both Connor Idun and Lachie Ash. At Cummings’ price, scoring 80-plus is a must and after this performance, it would be hard to select him in your starting line-ups.
THE BOLTER: CHAD WARNER $144,000 FWD – 89 points
Warner was electric whenever he was around the ball. With nearly 500m gained from his 19 disposals, he really made his impact on the game – in just 70 per cent time-on-ground. Warner looks to have taken a big step up from last season and would have played himself into the Round 1 side for the Swans. Any forward-listed rookie that can score over 80 should be strongly considered for a starting field spot in our SuperCoach sides.
THE ROLE CHANGE: CALLUM MILLS $544, 800 DEF – 78 KFC points
An off-season role change for Mills saw him attend a team-high 23 centre bounces. Now a pure midfielder, Mills found the ball 17 times but appeared to struggle against the more experienced GWS midfielders in the centre bounce contest. Mills clearly has room to grow and has a very large upside given he is listed as a defender and playing as a pure midfielder, however, he is already priced at close to 100 and so it is a safe play to wait and see him grow into the role.
THE SMOOTH MOVER: BRAEDEN CAMPBELL $189,300 MID/FWD – 85 points
Campbell had a very slow start playing off the half-back line for the Swans, but really ramped it up with a 48-point second half. His precise kicking was on full display and he accumulated points from being efficient with ball in hand – Campbell failed to even register a single mark! Campbell and Errol Gulden ($117k MID) both played well enough to ensure we see their names on the Swans team sheet going into Round 1, and they should be in your SuperCoach sides as well.
PORT ADELAIDE 116 d ADELAIDE 45
MISSING IN ACTION:
Adelaide: Jake Kelly, Daniel Talia
Port Adelaide: Hamish Hartlett, Todd Marshall, Trent McKenzie, Sam Powell-Pepper
THE LOCK: RORY LAIRD $564,800 DEF/MID – 99 KFC SuperCoach points
Defender-turned-midfielder Laird put any lingering doubts over his new role to bed in this match. Laird played full-time midfield, finishing with a team-high centre bounce attendances with 23. This midfield role is important for Rory as he averaged 121.2 in his final eight games playing full-time midfield in 2020. While not dominating this match, Laird still found the ball with ease and even laid 10 tackles. We have seen enough.
THE RISING STAR: ZAC BUTTERS $471,400 FWD – 127 points
Emerging star Zak Butters made his case early for a spot in everyone’s forward line, capping off a strong pre-season with 24 disposals at 91 per cent efficiency, including a goal. Although the midfield time wasn’t as high as potential suitors would like, this may increase with the inclusion of Sam Powell-Pepper, who missed the match. Regardless, 127 points as a forward who roams up the field was a big tick for his scoring potential as a non-midfielder.
THE RECRUIT: ORAZIO FANTASIA $271,800 DEF/FWD – 79 points
Fantasia only needed 38 per cent time on ground to register six shots on goal and 79 SuperCoach points. Fantasia was often sought-out by teammates entering the forward 50, taking seven marks in his limited time on ground. Port Adelaide averaged the second-most inside 50 entries per game in 2020 and should this trend continue in to 2021, Orazio should see plenty of opportunities in front of the big sticks this year.
THE BACK-UP PLAN: LACHIE JONES $139,800 DEF – 43 points
Ready-made footballer Lachie Jones was able to show off his talents in the second half of this match, registering 42 per cent time on ground, all in the second half. While this indicates that Lachie might be an unlucky omission for Round 1, he did his chances no harm with six disposals, four bone-crunching tackles and a whopping 206 metres gained! If Jones breaks through for a Round 1 berth, we will be blessed with a great defensive option.
THE SURPRISE: MILES BERGMAN $123,900 FWD – 77 points
The replacement for an injured Hamish Hartlett, Bergman made the most of his opportunity in the senior side with a composed 17 disposals with no clangers. Bergman may have benefited from the Crows’poor kicking inside 50 for his eight marks, but was still able to complete four tackles and find his way to 77 SuperCoach points in 79 per cent time on ground. One to watch when teams are named.
THE RELIABLE ROOKIE: JAMES ROWE $117,300 FWD – 63 points
The talk all pre-season has been whether a forward pocket for Adelaide was capable of making money in KFC SuperCoach, especially in big losses. Rowe kicked 0.3 to go with a free against, was in a team that lost by 11 goals and still contributed a respectable 63 SuperCoach points. Rowe was presenting well up the field all match and should have converted at least one of his goalscoring opportunities. His job security made him desirable enough, but Rowe might just make some much-needed cash in the meantime.
HAWTHORN 120 d NORTH MELBOURNE 81
MISSING IN ACTION:
North Melbourne: Ben Cunnington, Jed Anderson, Trent Dumont, Jared Polec, Robbie Tarrant
Hawthorn: Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O’Meara, Chad Wingard, Jack Gunston, James Sicily, Jack Scrimshaw, Luke Breust, Mitch Lewis
THE EXCITEMENT MACHINE: TYLER BROCKMAN $117,300 MID/FWD – 80 SuperCoach points
Tyler Brockman, AKA the Rockstar or Tyler Lockman – Hawks fans are going to love watching this guy play and hopefully he is equally as enjoyable for KFC SuperCoach players this season. His score of 80 was heavily increased by his three early goals, but he also tackled well (four) and looms as a decent enough bench option, with handy dual position status.
THE ROOKIE: CONNOR DOWNIE $117,300 MID – 40 points
Not quite the SuperCoach game coaches were hoping for from Downie, but he still had 17 disposals and remains well and truly in the frame for a Round 1 debut. Fingers crossed Clarko plays the kids early on, because there is scoring potential in the NGA product. Pop him on your benches!
THE ROOKIE BOLTER: JACOB KOSCHITZKE $123,900 DEF – 130 points
With Mitch Lewis a late out and Jack Gunston and Jon Patton missing, big Kosi took his opportunity with both hands booting 6.3 and being the main man for the Hawks inside 50. The cousin of former Saint Justin Koschitzke, Jacob made the switch from defence to attack this pre-season as he seeks an AFL debut, which is becoming more and more likely. Pick him in your defence but don’t expect this sort of scoring every week, he will be slow burn cash cow.
THE HIGH-FLYER: CHANGKOUTH JIATH $266,500 DEF – 123 points
“CJ” takes the game on at high speed and seems to be suited to some of the new rule changes. The Hawks looked to get the ball to him as often as possible and given the lack of rookie options this season in defence, CJ should at least be considered. Whether or not his role changes when Jack Scrimshaw plays remains to be seen, but 24 touches at 83 per cent efficiency is a solid game.
THE MID PRICER: TOM PHILLIPS $402,600 MID/FWD – 134 points
Assistant coach Brendon Bolton has said that Phillips will play a mix of inside and outside this season, which is music to the ears of SuperCoaches. The former Pie had 30 disposals (21 kicks) as well as 11 score involvements and a goal. The major concern with Phillips is that his career-best average is 90 (in 2018), so whether or not he can put together a 22-game season of premium quality (95-plus minimum) remains to be seen. Keep in mind Jaeger O’Meara and Tom Mitchell are still to return.
THE LOCK: JACK ZIEBELL $257,900 FWD – 107 points
Exactly the game coaches were hoping for from Ziebell, who amassed 23 touches resulting in 107 SuperCoach points. At $257k he is the No.1 forward mid-priced option to have in 2021. His role at half-back is new, but bar last year he has averaged 79-plus in every season since 2011.
ROOKIE BIBLE: ALL THIS YEAR’S TOP SUPERCOACH CHEAPIES
THE RISKY PREMIUM: LUKE MCDONALD $512,900 DEF – 46 points
“LMac” is one of the riskier premium selections in defence this season. It appears Jack Ziebell’s move to half-back has affected him negatively, with JZ taking some kickouts and often being the rebounder. If he replicates his end to last season when he played the “seagull” role and averaged 114.8, he could be a bargain, but equally he is prone to the odd stinker as has happened here with 10 clangers.
THE ROCKET: TOM POWELL $153,300 MID – 57 points
A total of 57 points usually wouldn’t be anything special, but this came from just 67 per cent game time. Sixteen disposals and three free kicks were the main reasons behind his score. His SANFL under-18 numbers were off the charts — he averaged 35 disposals and 153 SuperCoach points! If he is named for Round 1, he must be locked into your SuperCoach sides.
ST KILDA 120 d CARLTON 99
MISSING IN ACTION:
Carlton: Levi Casboult, Mitch McGovern, Tom De Koning, Caleb Marchbank, Eddie Betts
St Kilda: Dan Hannebery, Rowan Marshall, Patrick Ryder, Zak Jones
MIDFIELD TIME: ZAC WILLIAMS $458,600 DEF – 82 KFC SuperCoach points
Williams quite literally began his career at Carlton with a bang! He spent time in both the midfield and forward line accumulating 17 disposals, six tackles and two goals in a dazzling display. However, this was soured as he struck Hunter Clark with a high bump, putting his Round 1 hopes in doubt. If Williams avoids suspension, he is an enticing option given his cheaper price tag.
THE FALLEN PREMIUM: PATRICK CRIPPS $523,700 MID – 69 points
Cripps had a down year in 2020, and many coaches saw him as an automatic 2021 selection given his price is so cheap. However, he left a lot to be desired against St Kilda and looked sluggish to begin the season. Despite attending 25 centre bounces, Cripps spent long periods of time forward, which is a big concern. This could have been because of an early injury to Harry McKay, but tread with caution on this selection. Sam Walsh appears ready to be the main man in Carlton’s midfield this season.
THE FORGOTTEN MAN: JIMMY WEBSTER $274,000 DEF – 72 points
Webster was a regular starter under Alan Richardson, but injuries and healthy competition for his spot meant he fell out of favour. Now with several injuries to other St Kilda half-back flankers, Webster looks set to return as a rebounding defender in 2021. He racked up 16 disposals at 75 per cent efficiency and has proven to be a solid scorer in the past. Given the lack of defender rookies, you may be wise to start a player like Webster. The one glaring issue however is his job security.
THE MATURE-AGE RECRUIT: TOM HIGHMORE $117,300 DEF – 47 points
With James Frawley going down with a soft tissue injury, Highmore was forced to step up immediately. He looked right at home as a key defender, accumulating nine disposals and three marks in just 47 per cent game time. With rookie-priced defenders hard to come by this year, Highmore is a solid option if named for Round 1. The one issue however is Jake Carlisle did not play, and they both can’t hold a spot in the same team. Job security will always be a cause for concern.
MAN OF STEELE: JACK STEELE $658,000 MID – 101 points
Steele had a breakout year in 2020, and really showed the rest of the league he can be one of the elite midfielders of the competition. He was dominant against Carlton as expected, accumulating 27 disposals, six tackles and five marks. Steele attended the most centre bounces for St Kilda, however he also spent time in the goalsquare. This shouldn’t be too much of a concern, however, as his playing style is well suited to SuperCoach scoring. He is pricey but well worth starting.
THE FORGOTTEN MAN: PADDY DOW $202,400 MID/FWD – 54 points
Dow has been disappointing so far in his AFL career, but the Blues are willing to stick by the third overall pick from the 2017 draft. He attended 18 centre bounces on Friday night, trailing only Walsh and Cripps for the night. Dow was handy with 17 disposals, but only six of these were contested, leading to a disappointing score. Depending on available rookies however, Dow could be worthy of a selection.
RICHMOND 80 d COLLINGWOOD 74
MISSING IN ACTION:
Collingwood: Taylor Adams, Brody Mihocek
Richmond: Dion Prestia, Tom Lynch, Bachar Houli
THE RULE ABUSER: JAYDEN SHORT $519,300 DEF – 165 SuperCoach Points
WOW! Short has kept up his Grand Final form with one of the best displays you will see all pre-season. He had a whopping 43 disposals at 79 per cent efficiency and was taking full advantage of the new man on the mark rule. He had a breakout season in 2020 and all signs are pointing towards another lift to his scoring. Short is priced cheaper than most premiums and should be a great selection.
MR RELIABLE: DUSTIN MARTIN $541,600 FWD/MID – 70 points
The most decorated man in football looks set for another big season in SuperCoach land. Dusty eased into things with 23 touches in just 64 per cent game time. He led the Richmond centre bounce attendances and looks like spending more time in the middle, which is great for his scoring. Martin hasn’t averaged under 100 since 2013 and is once again a fantastic premium option.
RETURNING STAR: JEREMY HOWE $517,900 DEF – 90 points
It was sad seeing Howe go down last year with a sickening knee injury — he was in career-best form before his season was cruelly ended after just four games. The good news is he returned seamlessly against Richmond and doesn’t look like slowing down any time soon. Howe was once again taking kickouts for the Magpies and ended the game with 20 disposals and three marks.
MAKE OR BREAK YEAR: BRAYDEN SIER $313,800 MID – 76 points
This season is do or die for the young midfielder. Sier has found it difficult in the past to crack the team, but now Adam Treloar has departed the club there is genuine potential for him to cement a spot. He was solid night against Richmond without being spectacular, accumulating 22 disposals, three marks and four tackles. Someone will make way for Taylor Adams, but if Sier is named in Round 1 he is worth considering as a mid-priced selection.
DUSTY CLONE: JORDAN DE GOEY $435,200 FWD – 100 points
Is this the year we finally see De Goey break out into one of the best players in the competition? He has been the ultimate tease throughout his career but a permanent move to the midfield could help with his consistency issues. The bull was dominant against Richmond racking up 27 disposals, three marks and two goals. He is underpriced after an injury-impacted 2020 season and if you’re brave enough, he could be a fantastic POD. As always though, picking De Goey is a massive risk, due to role and injury.
GEELONG 79 d ESSENDON 72
MISSING IN ACTION:
Geelong: Mitch Duncan
Essendon: Jake Stringer
THE POD PREMIUM: ZACH MERRETT $620,900 MID – 126 SuperCoach points
After being welcomed back into the Essendon leadership group over summer, Merrett started on fire and continued all game with a scintillating 37 disposals — 13 of which were contested — six tackles and 600 metres gained. This display is becoming the norm for Zach as he finished last season averaging 124 over the final nine rounds. Merrett is firming to be a safe pick for 2021.
THE RECRUIT: JYE CALDWELL $348,600 FWD/MID – 87 points
The exciting prospect took to his new midfield role well, as he found the ball frequently and used it efficiently. In just 67 per cent time on ground, Jye was able to gather 24 disposals, 11 of which were contested. This put to bed his early criticism for his lack of ball-winning ability for a full-time midfielder. Should Caldwell improve his disposals per game, he could leave his low-price tag in the dust.
MR DEPENDABLE: TOM STEWART $538,000 DEF – 133 points
The ever-reliable Stewart proved to be just that in this match, providing a game high 133 KFC SuperCoach points. Stewart took kick-outs, was involved in switches and delivered 29 disposals at 86 per cent disposal efficiency. Despite a score of 18 SuperCoach points in Round 4 due last season to a broken collarbone, Stewart still averaged a career-high 100.1 points per game, finishing the year with seven consecutive tons. He looks a safe bet again this year.
THE COMEBACK: DYSON HEPPELL $319,100 MID – 53 points
The Essendon captain played his entire match in defence, in a new role that has been well documented all pre-season. Unfortunately, despite finding the ball 21 times, the veteran struggled with his disposal, finishing the match with four clangers and a disposal efficiency of 71 per cent. Heppell looked comfortable in defence and should have no trouble racking up disposals - but should that level of efficiency continue, it may be a long year for owners.
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THE BREAKOUT STAR: JORDAN RIDLEY $547,700 DEF – 110 points
Last season’s star breakout defender showed no signs it being a fluke season as he gathered 25 disposals from half-back, took all of the available seven kick-ins and put 110 SuperCoach points on the board. Should Ridley be able to continue his breakout into the top defender options, he offers value in someone not missing in the Round 14 bye. Ridley averaged 116.7 points when collecting 20 or more disposals in 2020.
THE BOLTER: JORDAN CLARK $241,800 DEF/MID – 119 points
Clark took the new wing role that had been rumoured all pre-season and he
took full advantage of the opportunity! In just 66 per cent time on ground, Clark racked up 29 disposals, 10 marks and four tackles while hitting the scoreboard three times for 1.2. Clark also found himself taking some kick-outs from defence, helping his metres gained accumulate to a huge 710 metres! This was potentially a real coming of age match for Clark, the only remaining concern is his role when injured star Mitch Duncan returns.
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Originally published as Ultimate Doctor SuperCoach AAMI Community Series scouting report
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