SuperCoach 2016: The Phantom finds upfront gems in NAB Challenge’s third week

AH, forwards playing in the midfield. That’s sure to capture The Phantom’s eye as he builds a powerhouse team. And it happened in the third week of the NAB Challenge. He shares his thoughts here.

NOTHING warms a SuperCoach’s heart more than a forward who plays plenty of his footy in the midfield.

The NAB Challenge’s third week seems to have thrown up a couple of these ... and highlighted the value of a high-value veteran.

Here’s how The Phantom sees it.

Aaron Hall ... SuperCoaches are hoping for plenty of midfield action. Picture: Adam Head

Aaron Hall (GC) $428,100, mid

Hall, who averaged 117 in the final six rounds of last season, played pure midfield in the Suns’ clash with the Eagles, attending a game-high 16 centre bounces. After 81 SuperCoach points in his first NAB Challenge appearance, the 25-year-old tallied 126 points, on the back of 18 disposals and a huge 16 tackles. Hall took on greater responsibility in a depleted Suns’ midfield in the back half of 2015 and, with Jaeger O’Meara and David Swallow still a while off, he must be considered as a point-of-difference this year.

Toby Greene ... ball magnet. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Toby Greene (GWS) $446,900, mid

Playing permanently in the midfield — something we saw in the early part of his career — the ball-magnet is a must-have but, after being pushed forward for the majority of last season, his role in the GWS side is the issue. In the Giants’ second NAB Challenge clash, the signs were very encouraging, with Greene posting 133 SuperCoach points. Although the tough, hardworking midfielder spent time forward, he floated through the midfield on a regular basis, attending eight centre bounces, finishing with 20 disposals, 11 contested possessions, eight tackles and a goal. He’s always been a lock for The Phantom.

Daniel Wells ... did not disappoint. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Daniel Wells (NM) $243,900, mid

There has been a lot of talk about how well the 31-year-old veteran has been tracking through the pre-season and he didn’t disappoint in his first appearance in the NAB Challenge. Showing his undoubted class, Wells looked fit, picking up 17 disposals — at 88 per cent efficiency — six marks and five inside 50s to tally 98 SuperCoach points. If he gets through unscathed against the Hawks Saturday, the value is too hard to ignore.

Originally published as SuperCoach 2016: The Phantom finds upfront gems in NAB Challenge’s third week