SuperCoach AFL 2024 round 12 formguide: Late mail, captain picks, Champion Data rookie intel

Another cheapie could be about to roll off Collingwood’s rookie production line, just in time for SuperCoaches. Plus this week’s top captain picks and Champion Data intel.

Collingwood’s expanding injury list is testing the depth of the Magpies’ list, but it could be good news for SuperCoaches.

The Pies have handed debuts to Lachie Sullivan and Joe Richards in recent weeks, and young forward Harvey Harrison will play a key role in the absence of most of the club’s recognised goalkickers.

And Nathan Kreuger could be the next in line.

The versatile 196cm tall was an emergency against the Dockers last week, and the Pies will be stretched again this week with Mason Cox, Jordan De Goey, Richards and Brody Mihocek all forced outs.

Kreuger’s SuperCoach history isn’t stellar – he played two matches last season for a combined total of seven disposals and 17 points (he was subbed off in both games).

His 2022 numbers are slightly better. He was subbed on or off in four of his five games, but in his one full match he scored 78 points from 12 disposals, five marks and two goals.

The former Cat has had his own injury demons over his career, but coming into a bye round he could be a break glass option for SuperCoaches, priced at $123,900 and with valuable RUC/FWD eligibility which could help cover for Jordon Sweet who was left out of Port Adelaide’s team to face Carlton on Thursday night.

With a serious shortage of cheapies on offer, SuperCoaches will also be hoping to see an early debut from players selected in Wednesday night’s mid-season draft.

Nathan Kreuger could be a trade option with rookies hard to find in SuperCoach. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

MORE RUCK DRAMA

Sweet owners aren’t the only coaches facing a zero in the ruck this week – on top of Brodie Grundy being on the bye.

Lloyd Meek has been a great value buy since breaking into the Hawks team in round 3, averaging 102 points and rising in value by more than $170,000.

A run of four straight tons ended with a 73 last round, when Meek left the field during the third quarter to have his ankle assessed. After a visit to the Hawthorn rooms he returned and played out the game against Brisbane, but scans on Monday revealed a low-grade syndesmosis injury.

The Hawks haven’t ruled him out for their clash against Adelaide, but he did not train on Thursday which places him in serious doubt.

In his weekly injury update, Hawks high performance manager Peter Burge said: “He’s pulled up quite sore. He’s a test for this week. It’s probably less likely than likely for the weekend but we want to give him every chance and assess him later in the week.”

Sam Flanders’ late withdrawal caught SuperCoaches off guard. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

SAM IS BACK

It’s not all bad news on the selection front. Fox Footy’s Drew Jones reports that Sam Flanders is good to go this weekend after recovering from the illness that forced him to withdraw from last week’s game against Carlton.

The Suns face Essendon on Sunday at People First Stadium.

FANTASY FREAKO’S ROOKIE FORMGUIDE

The first of the bye rounds looms as a tricky one for SuperCoaches.

We have lost the best cash cow heading into round 12 in Joe Richards. He rewarded owners with 100 points in round 11 and for those that missed getting his score on field at least consoled themselves with the knowledge they would have him for the coming rounds.

But he suffered a foot injury and has been ruled out for up to six weeks. A cruel blow!

His Pies’ teammate Lachlan Sullivan had his best match of the season with 24 disposals, 14 contested possessions, five clearances and five score involvements. He’s likely to be afforded more midfield time with Scott Pendlebury being ruled out through injury, with Sullivan playing 63 per cent of games as a centre bounce midfielder so far. He has already gone up by $118k.

Harvey Harrison’s stocks are also on the rise amid Collingwood’s injury crisis in attack and after 100 points and three goals on the weekend, he becomes a crucial player over the coming round. He ranks seventh at the club for his involvements in scores in him time on the ground. Harrison also scored 83 in his only other full match. A worthwhile punt if you’re low on numbers in the forwards.

Champion Data's top rookie picks for round 12.

Plenty of SuperCoaches dumped Sam Clohesy last round and he scored a solid 71 points and still has a BE of 77. He’s scored 124 and 65 at People First Stadium so a score anywhere in between counts as a win.

Jhye Clark would have been handy this week after coming off a season-high 85 points, but he’s missing through suspension. With Patrick Dangerfield potentially back for round 13, Clark may find it hard to get back into the Cats midfield.

Nat Fyfe has hit the wall from a scoring point of view and continues to leak cash. He has a four-round average of just 49 points if you include the game he was the substitute, but he’s a hold this week. Moving him on at his bye is the smart play.

Don’t be afraid to grab rookies that have already had a price rise because the pool of bubble boys this round as close to non-existent. Wil Dawson scored 79 last week and in on the bubble this round, however the Kangaroos have the bye. Going early on him could set you up next week when he returns.

Collingwood forward Harvey Harrison. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Leek Aleer is a far better option after 104 points – but Jack Buckley’s return from injury is imminent.

That leaves Joel Freijah as the last man standing. He had his first price rise of the season last round and looked at home in defence before moving forward in the final term as the Bulldogs spun the magnets. He had a season-high kicking efficiency 80 per cent against the Swans and scored 76 points. A move from Richards to Freijah is another option to get an extra player on field this week.

As always, use BEs to guide your trading of rookies and best of luck for the first bye round!

CAPTAINS CORNER

Tom Stewart owners have endured a frustrating season from the SuperCoach stalwart. But their faith could be about to be repaid.

Stewart lines up against Richmond on Saturday night, and the Tigers have given up huge scores to half-backs in recent weeks – Jordan Ridley 162, Dayne Zorko 161, Luke Ryan 197.

The Cats star has a good record against the Tigers – scoring 115 and 161 in his past two against them – and the game is at GMHBA Stadium. It all points to a big Stewart score.

Jeremy McGovern is another defender to watch with St Kilda the second-easiest team for defenders to score against this season. Last week the Saints gave up 121 points to Christian Salem, the week before it was 151 to Jordan Clark and 122 to Ryan, and back in round 6 Bailey Dale smashed out a 175.

Champion Data's top captain picks for round 12.

Looking at Thursday night’s game Zak Butters has to be an option with a three-round average of 129, but his recent form against Carlton is patchy – 84, 130 and 96 in his past three. Sam Walsh scored 87 against the Power last year but his previous two against them were 128 and 144.

If you want a safe pick Friday night’s Collingwood v Bulldogs game is the match to focus on, the tricky part is choosing between Nick Daicos and Marcus Bontempelli.

Daicos has hit form with a five-round average of 132, and scored 139 the last time he faced the Dogs. The Bont is travelling pretty well, too, averaging 121 over his last five and 113 in his past three against the Pies.

Max Gawn can’t be discounted after his 180 last week but he might find the going tougher against Fremantle’s two-headed ruck monster. He averages 110 in his past three against the Dockers, but he doesn’t mind a trip to Alice Springs with a career-high score of 167 there.

Al Paton’s top three R12 captains

1. Tom Stewart

2. Nick Daicos

3. Zak Butters

Originally published as SuperCoach AFL 2024 round 12 formguide: Late mail, captain picks, Champion Data rookie intel