Experts review the SuperCoach players we need to know from the final round of JLT Series matches
UPDATED: HAVE our cash cow problems been solved? This year finding solid cheapies to lock into our teams has been difficult but the final JLT matches this weekend might have just made our decisions easy. FULL SUPERCOACH WRAP
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WHO put their hands up for a spot in our SuperCoach sides and who flopped in the final round of JLT Series matches?
With less than two weeks until the first Round 1 lockout, AFL teams treat the final practice match as a dress rehearsal for the real thing — which makes it the best SuperCoach formguide we have.
PROS AND CONS: WHERE IS THE SUPERCOACH LOVE FOR KREUZER?
ROOKIE REVIEW: THE PHANTOM’S ULTIMATE CASH COW GUIDE
PREDICTIONS: WHO WILL MAKE THE SUPERCOACH ‘SUPER SIX’?
Scroll down for an in-depth review of all the SuperCoach-noteworthy performances — and check back in over the next three days for updated reviews of every game from the Doctor SuperCoach experts.
ESSENDON 101 d GEELONG 97
The Bombers notched their first win of 2018, however, the result of the match was completely
overshadowed by the big news of an injury to Patrick Dangerfield just before quarter time.
Dangerfield — who had a casual 12 touches and 44 SuperCoach points just in the opening term — limped off and went down to the rooms, before he was driven out of the ground. SuperCoches face an anxious wait across the long weekend to determine just how costly this injury will be to our teams.
MITCH DUNCAN ($603,700 MID) 145 SC POINTS — DANGER SUB
Duncan is coming off his career-best year and showed absolutely no signs of slowing down in
JLT 2. A game-high 145 SC points, amassed through 38 touches, 5 tackles and a goal, set the game alight in a losing side. With Danger in doubt for the season’s start, Duncan could be a sneaky replacement.
JOEL SELWOOD ($562,000 MID) 107 SC POINTS — SAFE PICK
Mr Consistent was in fine form, indicating 2018 may be another stellar year to add to the Geelong captain’s enviable record of seven seasons averaging over 110 points. His 107 points were aided by eight free kicks, which should surprise no one. As always he led from the front with 35 disposals to his name.
CHARLIE CONSTABLE ($117,300 MID) 67 SC POINTS — THE SNEAK-IN
While the victims of the Dangerfield injury are, well, all of us, the SuperCoach benefactor may be Charlie Constable, who backed up 22 touches last week (the second most in the game) with a strong performance in JLT 2, anchored by a game-high eight marks. Dangerfield’s unfortunate departure may give him an opportunity in both the starting Geelong side and our SuperCoach team.
ZACH MERRETT ($600,600 MID) 140 SC POINTS — LOCK HIM IN
Merrett’s dream form in 2017 (109 point average) looks to have extended into 2018 and after an early knock in JLT 1 ruled him out for the rest of the match, this week was our first opportunity to see him fully in action. 30 touches, a game-high nine tackles, seven score involvements and a goal makes it very easy to like what we see, and he should be a valuable contributor to your SuperCoach side.
JAKE STRINGER ($356,000 FWD) 43 SC POINTS — EXPERIMENT
With new colours and a new midfield role, Jake Stringer has had a difficult start transitioning from a pure forward. He burst out of the blocks on Sunday and amassed several of his touches in the first minutes of the match, before running out of steam to finish with 43 SuperCoach points. Two goals was balanced against four frees against for a lacklustre score and, with Orazio Fantasia injured, they may have to call time on this midfield experiment.
ANDREW McGRATH ($388,400 DEF) 79 SC POINTS — BREAKOUT CONTENDER
We love seeing 24 touches next to a SuperCoach option, but less so when 17 of them are by hand. Still, 91% disposal efficiency, five score involvements and a respectable 79 SuperCoach points gives us hope he could build on his 71 debut year average in 2018. With a bargain mid-price offer, we can hope to envision him emulating Clayton Oliver’s second year breakout run.
Missing in action
Geelong: G.Ablett, S.Selwood, L.Henderson, N.Cockatoo
Essendon: O.Fantasia, T.Colyer, A.Francis
- Shannon Gaitz
SUPERCOACH: EVERY SCORE FROM GEELONG v ESSENDON
GOLD COAST 49 d BRISBANE 42
The Queensland derby’s tightly contested, low scoring contest was the first real example of wet weather footy for 2018.
Gold Coast took the lead from the first quarter and, while they never relinquished it, Brisbane edged back a 23 point lead to just two points in the last term before conceding the match.
Notable injuries permeated the game, including a shoulder that popped out and then back in again for Pearce Hanley, forcing him out of the game in the last quarter. Jack Martin had hamstring complaints in the first half and he was made to watch the rest of the game from the bench.
DAYNE ZORKO ($608,900 MID) 127 SC PIONTS — The X-FACTOR
SuperCoaches will be eager to recruit Zorko if it means capturing some of the explosive 114-point average he managed in 2017. Those surveying JLT 2 would have been left satisfied, as Zorko managed a best afield 127 SuperCoach points after 33 touches, six tackles and a pure midfield role that still netted a goal. 42 per cent disposal efficiency and two missed goals prevented this score from climbing even higher but, without Rockliff, he should be stepping up and into these high numbers regularly this season.
TOM BELL ($287,000 FWD) 104 SC POINTS — QUESTION MARK
Bell piqued our interest last week with 79 SuperCoach points in just 50% game time and this week he backed it up. Nine tackles, nine clearances and a dominant first half makes him an enticing pick, however, with Dayne Beams to come back, it’s unclear what role he’ll play. The jury is still out on whether these impressive JLT performances will earn him a spot in a midfield role come Round 1.
CAMERON RAYNER ($202,800 FWD/MID) 71 SC POINTS — POSITIVE SIGNS
A valiant effort in JLT 2 precipitated by 10 tackles, was an improvement on a dismal 31-point performance in JLT 1. We do wish he would have spent more time through the midfield but with a lack of forward rookies and his dual position status, he remains enticing.
WILL BRODIE ($187,700 MID) 66 SC POINTS — CASH COW
If you’re looking for a cash cow alternative to Paddy Dow and Luke Davies-Uniacke, Brodie may be your man. He looked more comfortable this week than in JLT 1, racking up 18 touches but going at 38% efficiency in wet conditions. On a dry day we hope he can earn some more dough.
JARROD WITTS ($518,300 RUC) 91 SC POINTS — FORGOTTEN RUCK
It was an impressive effort in a losing ruck battle (but a winning side) for Witts, who managed 91 SuperCoach points despite six frees called against him. He looks set to build on his breakout season last year. While Stef Martin beat him around the ground, 15 touches and six tackles helped his score. Beware his early bye.
Missing in action
Gold Coast: P.Wright, C.Ah Chee
Brisbane: D.Beams
- Shannon Gaitz
SUPERCOACH: EVERY SCORE FROM GOLD COAST v BRISBANE
FREMANTLE 101 d WEST COAST 39
It was a day to forget for West Coast supporters as the Dockers easily dismantled the Eagles with quick ball movement and a masterclass in direct forward 50 entries and with 61 inside 50s to 33, the majority of Eagles forwards were essentially unseen.
It was a mix of old and new Dockers who dominated the game, with Lachie Neale the star, while Andrew Brayshaw, Darcy Tucker and Luke Ryan all put in great efforts.
But it was seemingly the coming-of-age game for Matt Taberner that stole the show. His game-high 12 grabs with assured hands proved the evening highlight.
JACK REDDEN ($437,900 MID) 58 SC POINTS — ROLL THE DICE
Redden came down to Earth with a thud this week following his 164 point effort in JLT 1. A dismal 58 points from just the 15 possessions will leave coaches weary going into Round 1, however, his role as an inside midfielder still appears to be stable.
ANDREW BRAYSHAW ($198,300 MID) 97 SC POINTS — STAR ROOKIE
19 disposals (10 contested) with nine tackles in just 67% game times sounds like a stat line from a seasoned midfielder, not a rookie who is yet to make his AFL debut. Brayshaw followed his 87-point effort from JLT 1 to stake his claim as the best starting rookie choice for 2018. Ross Lyon is giving Brayshaw plenty of midfield opportunities and you can expect this to continue early in the season with both Hill brothers on the sidelines.
BAILEY BANFIELD ($123,400 MID) 75 SC POINTS — MONEY MAKER
The surprise bolter of the pre-season, Banfield backed up impressive performances in JLT 1 to score a solid 75 points. Playing more as an offensive midfielder, Banfield again showed positive signs with 18 possessions albeit at a lowly 55% disposal efficiency. At his price he doesn’t need to average too much to make a lot of money so, given the Hill brothers’ injuries, lock him in for an early-season cash boost.
LACHIE NEALE ($599,300 MID) 159 SC POINTS — The P.O.D.
Neale dominated all over the ground, kicking three goals to go with his 36 possessions. It wasn’t long ago that Neale averaged nearly 34 touches a game and if he can get back into that sort of form then he will be one of the best point of difference options around. Sitting in just 1.8 per cent of teams, coaches must be wary of his Round 14 bye and his lack of pre-season, however, his numbers may just be too stellar to ignore.
Missing in action
Fremantle: H.Bennell, B.Hill, S.Hill
West Coast: J.Kennedy, N.Naitanui, N. Vardy
- Peter Guss
SUPERCOACH: EVERY SCORE FROM FREMANTLE v WEST COAST
CARLTON 102 d HAWTHORN 97
With a potentially game winning kick touched on the line by defender Liam Jones, Carlton claimed its second JLT victory and scored over 100 — a mark that has not been reached by the Blues in nearly two years.
For the Blues it was usual suspect Patrick Cripps who stepped up after a first-quarter ankle injury to ruckman Matthew Krezuer, while Jacob Weitering, Caleb Marchbank and Liam Jones held the potent Hawthorn forward line at bay.
JAMES SICILY ($402,800 DEF/FWD) 57 SC POINTS — ROLL THE DICE
The temper that SuperCoaches have been hoping would be under control was out in full force during JLT 2. With three frees against plus a 50m penalty, Sicily spoiled an otherwise impressive 20 possession, eight-mark performance. With only two contested possessions, Sicily will need to rely on more intercept plays to ensure he averages enough to be considered a top line premium player.
PADDY DOW ($193,800 MID) 26 — CROSS HIM OFF
Dow was disappointing after showing promising signs in JLT 1. Just eight possessions at 25 per cent efficiency from 68 per cent time-on-ground is well short of what SuperCoaches need from a top-priced rookie. With his questionable scoring potential, Dow won’t make enough coin fast enough to be worth starting in your team.
PATRICK CRIPPS ($537,300 MID) 103 — PROMISING SIGNS
Twenty-eight possessions (17 contested) was a huge effort to back up a stellar JLT1 performance. The fact 21 of them were handballs restricted his scoring power, with a last-quarter goal edging him above the 100-point mark. Given his kind starting price, as well as having completed a successful JLT campaign, Cripps should be strongly considered for selection in your starting sides.
JAEGER O’MEARA ($315,800 MID) 90 — THE QUESTION MARK
JOM started on fire with 11 touches (eight handballs and three kicks), on his way to a 49-point opening term. Unfortunately he burnt out, with only another 41 points for the rest of the match. JOM was in the engine room the entire game, attending 21 centre bounces, and given he has the role, the fitness and the scoring pedigree, it will take a calculated risk for SuperCoaches to start him in their side.
TOM MITCHELL ($653,500 MID) 115 SC — SAFE SELECTION
“Titch” is the ultimate fantasy player. Due to his ridiculous amount of touches, he just can’t really have a bad SuperCoach game. Another 31 disposals included 10 clangers — that is over 40 points lost — but still netted him a cool 115 SuperCoach points. Expect these scores to continue throughout 2018
Missing In Action
Hawthorn: Cyril Rioli, Liam Shiels, Grant Birchall
Carlton: Sam Docherty, Jarrod Garlett
— Peter Guss
SUPERCOACH: EVERY SCORE FROM BLUES v HAWKS
PORT ADELAIDE 98 d ADELAIDE 72
This game started as the Crows would have hoped, with Adelaide showing its class on the inside and coasting out to a 26-point halftime lead.
But Port Adelaide was able to wrestle control of the game, forcing a faster tempo and eventually taking over on the scoreboard with a 12 goal to three second half.
ROBBIE GRAY ($504,300 FWD) 107 — THE BIG RISK
Gray was back to his best after an underwhelming JLT 1, and looked to be sharing midfield and forward time evenly with Chad Wingard when he was on field. He had 26 disposals, two goals and five clearances to go with his four tackles and 76 per cent disposal efficiency, but it isn’t about the stats when it comes to Robbie. With him missing Round 1 (suspension) and 10 (bye), it becomes hard to select him, however Gray could be a great point of difference for those competing for league titles.
PATRICK RYDER ($566,500 RUCK) 103 — THE PREMIUM RUCK
Just like Port Adelaide on the scoreboard, Ryder was a slow starter in this one, mustering only 33 points to halftime. However, also like his team, he stormed home after the main break, managing a 70-point second half. After playing 10 per cent less time on ground than his 2017 average, there’s enough reason to believe that Paddy can come close to his post Round 13 average in 2017 of 114 points a game.
SAM JACOBS ($526,300 RUCK) 48 — IGNORE THIS SCORE
Jacobs wasn’t able to continue his Showdown dominance, in which he averages 103 points over his entire career. The heat didn’t suit big “Sauce” and the he posted just 13 points in the second half. Expect the Crows to be handing out a lot more defeats than they receive, and take this outing as a rarity from the seasoned veteran.
DARCY FOGARTY ($153,300 FWD/MID) 87 — BEST 22?
Darcy started the game with a bang, scoring a game-high 41 points in a two-goal first quarter and finishing with 87 points for the game. Fogarty’s selection may be dependent on the health of Tex Walker, but he has done nothing to hurt his case this JLT series after kicking a combined four goals in his two matches, despite only having limited time-on-ground.
RORY LAIRD ($550,800 DEF) 91 — LOCK HIM IN
There’s not much to say about Laird that you haven’t heard already; he scored 62 points in a dominant first half, and added 29 in the second half. He disposed the ball at 100 per cent efficiency while racking it up 23 times for the match. You can all but lock Laird in to your team, as he hasn’t shown any signs of fading from the scoring force he was in 2017.
MATT CROUCH ($608,300 MID) 90 — SAFE SELECTION
The only Crouch brother playing in this game led Adelaide midfielders in points after the first quarter with 30 and held his lead all game despite not hitting the scoreboard. Another exceptional disposal performance, accumulating 27 touches in only 70 per cent time on ground. Matt Crouch looks the safest of the Crows midfield brigade and should be on more people’s radars (currently in 12 per cent of teams).
RILEY BONNER ($257,300 DEF) 78 — AWKWARD PRICE
Bonner was tossed around the ground in JLT1, playing large stints on the wing and even occasionally in stoppages — a role that didn’t suit him, leading to a meagre 50-point return. This week was a 180-degree turn with Bonner went back to halfback and looked poised bouncing off of the flank with a clean 21 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency. With Jasper Pittard going down with a hamstring complaint, it could be time to consider Bonner once more.
Missing In Action
Port Adelaide: Tom Rockliff, Matthew Broadbent, Travis Boak, Sam Powell-Pepper
Adelaide: Taylor Walker, Brad Crouch, Brodie Smith
— Jordan Blackley
SUPERCOACH: EVERY SCORE FROM PORT v CROWS
COLLINGWOOD 113 d WESTERN BULLDOGS 80
After the Bulldogs looked likely to record an easy victory, it was the Pies that had all the running from quarter-time as they reversed a 27-point quarter time margin to win by 33.
The Pies welcomed back Adam Treloar, who looked at his ball-winning best while Tom Liberatore’s JLT average of 112 SuperCoach points may entice a few more than the 6 per cent of coaches seeing him as a bargain buy.
ADAM TRELOAR ($557,660 MID) 114 — THE MIDFIELD POD
Last season was poor by Treloar’s standards but he looked in top form in JLT2 with 32 disposals, 20 contested possessions, 14 tackles and a goal. His disposal efficiency was below 60 per cent and he had a match-high eight clangers in a typical Treloar performance in which quantity of disposals made up for poor ball use. Still, he’s undervalued heading into 2018 and could be a strong point of difference (currently in 3 per cent of teams).
SAM MURRAY ($123,900 DEF) 103 — LOCK HIM IN
Not since Mark Waugh has there been a more impressive ton on debut as Murray, proving there is at least one defensive rookie that has high scoring potential in 2018. Despite a first-half disposal efficiency of 45 per cent, Murray impressed with 24 disposals. His importance to Collingwood’s improved ball movement was noted with a match-high seven rebound-50s and five inside-50s as well. Moreover, he gained 630m by foot. To put it simply, pick him.
MASON COX ($304,800 RUCK/FWD) 146 — PROMISING SIGNS
Prior to this game Cox’s only SuperCoach ton was against Brisbane in 2016. The 211cm big man helped push the Pies back into the game after quarter-time, booting four goals and having a match-high 13 score involvements along with 19 hit-outs. Just 2 per cent of coaches had Cox in their team before Saturday and it will be interesting to see if any more jump on considering the ruck dilemmas facing us this season.
JASON JOHANNISEN ($450,800 DEF) 107 — THE QUESTION MARK
Johannisen was the main driving force behind the Bulldogs brilliant opening quarter as he led the match for disposals (10) and booting a goal. He couldn’t keep up that pace, recording 11 disposals for the rest of the game. While he has impressive scoring potential it’s his propensity to go missing when given attention that has prospective coaches worried.
LUKE DAHLHAUS ($498,500 FWD) 90 — HAS HE DONE ENOUGH?
Dahlhaus’s 90 SuperCoach points look significantly more impressive if you consider he spent only 70 per cent time-on-ground with only Billy Gowers and Josh Schache playing less game time for the Dogs. Dahlhaus spent time in the centre during the match but still trailed Liberatore, Macrae, Bontempelli and McLean for centre bounce attendances, finishing the day with just the solitary centre clearance.
AARON NAUGHTON ($166,800 DEF) 75 — MONEY MAKER
With coaches battling for dependable defensive rookies, Naughton put up another strong performance. His score was built on a foundation of eight intercept possessions, which both demonstrates his importance to the Dogs backline and his ability to score well without needing to tally a large amount of disposals. His job security would make him a ‘no-brainer’ selection if not for his elevated starting price.
Missing In Action
Collingwood: Jordan De Goey, Daniel Wells, Jamie Elliott, Levi Greenwood, Alex Fasolo.
Western Bulldogs: Dale Morris, Liam Picken, Mitch Wallis, Tom Boyd.
— Dylan Pettingill
SUPERCOACH: EVERY SCORE FROM PIES v DOGS
SYDNEY 82 d GWS GIANTS 71
Sydney shook off the Giants to record a hard-fought win in a match that will whet the appetite for the Round 3 meeting between these teams.
Josh Kelly who spent the first half roaming behind the ball across halfback before being sent into the guts. Heath Shaw will find himself being cut just as quickly as he was put in to SuperCoach sides last week after a poor performance, while rookie Jeremy Finlayson had another positive night to cement his spot in the Giants’ best 22.
LUKE PARKER ($546,000 MID) 119 SC POINTS — PROMISING SIGNS
Parker was always on the attacking side of the ball and he had impressive numbers across most areas of the stat sheet with 26 disposals, 11 marks, 11 contested possessions, 438 metres gained and, most importantly, two goals. Trying to bounce back after a poor 2017 where he averaged 99.3, Parker looks set for a lead midfield role in 2018.
CALLUM MILLS ($403,100 DEF) 94 — ADD TO YOUR WATCH LIST
With the omission of Dane Rampe, it was Mills who stepped up for the Swans. With his 22 disposals, eight marks and a match-leading eight intercept possessions, his aggressive intent on the ball really caught the eye. From JLT form it seems he is unlikely to have enhanced midfield minutes this year, but he is quickly becoming an elite defender with increasing scoring potential.
ISAAC HEENEY ($536,300 FWD/MID) 86 — RIGHT DIRECTION
After putting in a lacklustre performance in JLT 1, many SuperCoaches needed to see more from Heeney and he certainly showed some good signs. He attended eight centre bounces and played most of the match on the ball after starting inside the forward 50. Having missed some time on the track recently, he will be better for the run and looks a safe pick.
DARCY CAMERON ($123,900 RUCK) 37 — RISKY R3
The silver lining to Sam Naismith’s season-ending knee injury was that rookie-priced ruckman Darcy Cameron was selected as the starting ruck for Sydney’s final JLT match. Playing only the first three quarters, Cameron lost the hitout tally 25-6. Not the performance we were looking for from a potential cash cow.
LACHIE WHITFIELD ($536,600 MID) 141 — BALL MAGNET
Whitfield’s move to the halfback flank looks cemented after two dominant performances in the JLT. Not only did he amass a game high 29 disposals, he also lead the match for metres gained with 471m. There are currently 1 per cent of coaches banking on Whitfield breaking out in 2018 in his new role and the former No. 1 pick certainly has all the traits of an elite rebounding defender.
ZAC GILES-LANGDON ($117,300 FWD) 55 — MONEY MAKER
The rookie-priced forward sent a scare through the SuperCoach ranks when he hurt his right shoulder late in the second quarter. But he started on field after the halftime break and with coaches struggling for legitimate forward rookie options in 2018, all signs are pointing towards a Round 1 berth as the Giants look to take advantage of his elite forward pressure.
TOBY GREENE ($528,100 FWD) 56 — FORGOTTEN FORWARD
Greene was impressive early before cooling in the second half. Fresh off the back of signing a new contract, Greene racked up 16 disposals, four marks and a goal from only 48 per cent game time. He looks likely to be a top echelon forward option in 2018 but may take a few rounds to get his motor running at top speed. Keep him in your considerations.
BRETT DELEDIO ($339,800 FWD) 26 — PANIC STATIONS
In his worst fantasy output in his 13-year career, Deledio was barely sighted as he trickled his way to 26 points across 61 per cent game time. Deledio turned in a game consisting of eight disposals — seven of which were handballs — and two clangers. The 7 per cent of coaches with Deledio in their side may want to reconsider.
Missing In Action
GWS: Ryan Griffen, Will Setterfield, Jacob Hopper, Tom Scully, Rory Lobb.
Sydney: Dane Rampe, Heath Grundy, Daniel Hannebery
— Dylan Pettingill
SUPERCOACH: EVERY SCORE FROM SWANS v GIANTS
MELBOURNE 119 d ST KILDA 93
Melbourne and St Kilda are both hoping to jump into the top eight this season, but it was the Demons who showcased their superiority in JLT2. Despite resurgence in the third quarter, the Saints were largely outclassed for the majority of the match, rounding out an overall disappointing JLT campaign for the club.
Max Gawn lead the Dees to success yet again and young star Christian Petracca showed us a glimpse of how brilliant he can be.
DAVID ARMITAGE ($310,000 MID) 65 — MID-PRICE TEMPTATION
Last week Armitage burst out of the gates with an amazing 128 SuperCoach points. This time around he took a back seat to St Kilda’s younger midfielders and it impacted his overall score. But don’t be put off. He collected 16 possessions in just 65 per cent game-time but will be fit and firing heading into Round 1. He presents as one of the better mid-priced options this year.
NICK COFFIELD ($171,300 DEF/MID) 49 — RISING ROOKIE
The SuperCoach community is crying out for more rookie-priced defenders and Coffield is a good chance to debut in Round 1. The question mark lies in his scoring potential, as he had 17 possessions across the halfback flank that resulted in only 49 SuperCoach points. It’s a tough call to predict if the price tag is worth it, but Coffield should be on your radar.
JACK BILLINGS ($509,500 FWD) 90 — LOCK HIM IN
After missing JLT 1 with a slight hamstring issue, Billings’ first game of 2018 was superb. He spent most of his time up the ground, accumulating 24 possessions and a goal in just 76 per cent game time. It looks like this young Saint is ready to explode and he will be a fantastic choice for your starting team.
CHRISTIAN PETRACCA ($433,300 FWD/MID) 104 — THE QUESTION MARK
“The Tractor” is one of the most popular forward SuperCoach picks this year and he pushed his case for selection with an impressive outing. He interchanged between the midfield and forward line and was a constant threat when he was near the ball. Petracca averaged 92 across the JLT series but his inconsistency remains the main cause for concern. Jack Viney should return in Round 2 which could cut into Petracca’s midfield time.
MAX GAWN ($503,700) 127 — FIRST PICKED
I feel sorry for the 43 per cent of coaches who don’t have Gawn in their team. After a JLT series averaging 136 points, he is the biggest lock for our starting squad. Leave him out at your peril.
MICHAEL HIBBERD ($545,200) 65 — SAFE SELECTION
It was a down game for the All-Australian defender but this shouldn’t be too much cause for concern. Hibberd had 47 SuperCoach points to halftime before he was forced to assume a lockdown role against the Saints big forward line. He still racked up 23 touches and is likely to play with more freedom when the season begins.
Missing In Action
St Kilda: Billy Longer, Jack Lonie, Josh Battle, Hugh Goddard
Melbourne: Tom McDonald, Jordan Lewis, Alex Neal-Bullen
— Kane Utano
SUPERCOACH: EVERY SCORE FROM DEMONS v SAINTS
RICHMOND 128 v NORTH MELBOURNE 58
Richmond’s premiership defence continued in emphatic fashion on Wednesday night, dismantling a despondent North Melbourne outfit by 70 points at Ikon Park.
Rookie performances were the big disappointment from a SuperCoach perspective. Jack Higgins and Ryan Garthwaite did not line up for the Tigers, and while Luke Davies-Uniacke has likely done enough to earn himself a Round 1 debut in the blue and white, most coaches will probably now overlook him for their fantasy sides due to his hefty starting price.
TOBY NANKERVIS ($488,300 RUC) 132 — FORGOTTEN RUCKMAN
Nankervis’s only shortcoming from his first season with the Tigers last year was that his SuperCoach scores tended to suffer whenever second ruckman Ivan Soldo was selected in the same team. Soldo’s inclusion didn’t bother Nank in JLT2 as he finished with 21 disposals (13 contested), five clearances and an impressive seven tackles, all from just 75 per cent game time.
JOSH CADDY ($419,600 FWD) 114 — MID-PRICE TEMPTATION
Another pre-season, another year of Josh Caddy tempting us with some fine form. His 114 SuperCoach points — following 136 in JLT1 — came from just 20 disposals, though his score was aided by three free kicks and two goals. His minutes in the midfield helped him gather an equal team-high seven clearances, but Dion Prestia’s looming return to the side will likely mean Caddy remains forward more often.
KANE LAMBERT ($472,500 FWD) 106 — SETTLED IN
Averaging a career-high SuperCoach score of 86 in 2017, Kane Lambert has established himself as a regular among Richmond’s core midfield group, and continues to go from strength to strength. He booted four goals, but his score was stunted with 75 per cent of his possessions being uncontested, in addition to two clangers. The good news is that there’s evidently plenty of scoring potential for season 2018.
SHAUN HIGGINS ($505,000 MID) 119 — NORTH STAR
Coming off his best-and-fairest winning season, Higgins again was best on ground for the Roos, with 17 kicks and 14 handballs playing as an inside mid. If he remains injury-free, Higgins could be a very handy pick-up, but there are probably safer options given he doesn’t have forward status this time around.
MARLEY WILLIAMS ($396,300 DEF) 118 — RISKY BUSINESS
Returning from a back injury sustained in Round 14 last year, Williams impressed again in his second hitout of the year. His 15 kicks and seven handballs came at 81 per cent efficiency, but his score of 118 could have been even higher had it not been for three clangers. Could be an interesting (and dangerous) prospect come the season proper.
TODD GOLDSTEIN ($521,400 RUC) 81 — BACK HIM IN
One of the most intriguing SuperCoach match-ups was the interclub battle between Todd Goldstein and Braydon Preuss. At first glance, Goldstein’s score of 81 might not seem enough to convince us, but it came from just 42 per cent game time while Preuss sat on the bench for the first half. Coach Brad Scott recently admitted that the two ruckman will not feature in the same line-up come Round 1, and given Wednesday’s performance, Goldy is once again an intriguing option.
Missing In Action
Richmond: Bachar Houli, Dion Prestia, Daniel Rioli, Jack Higgins, Ryan Garthwaite
North Melbourne: Luke McDonald, Majak Daw, Nick Larkey
— James Nice
SUPERCOACH: EVERY SCORE FROM TIGERS v KANGAROOS
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