SuperCoach 2017: Mark Robinson and Jay Clark reveal their teams

PENDLEBURY, Dangerfield, Murphy Watson, Ablett. The battle for office pride returns as MARK ROBINSON and JAY CLARK give us an early look at their SuperCoach teams.

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THE battle for office pride returns as MARK ROBINSON and JAY CLARK gives us an early look at their SuperCoach teams.

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MR: You finished top 29,000 last year and I was just under the 9000 mark. So, what have you got to scare me with?

JC: The best midfield going around.

MR: Just got handed your team and, yes, I’m a little scared. But we both have made a major error in our midfield. We both left out Dayne Beams.

JC: It was between him and Marc Murphy and we’d want to see him on the park first. Are you sure about Gaz?

MR: Don’t think I’ve ever been asked that question about G. Ablett and SuperCoach. Um, not sure, but the joy he has given and the numbers he has produced mean he gets a chance.

JC: His shoulder worries me. Pendles doesn’t miss and last scored under 100 points back when Bucks was playing. Let me guess, you’ve got Bob Murphy. What a surprise. Are you playing with your head or your heart?

MR: Bit of both, but footy is about both. It’s why I have Roughy. It’s why I have Jobe. It’s why I have Cyril. It’s why I have Hodge. It’s why I will probably be tinkering with my team over the coming weeks.

There is room for sentiment in Robbo’s teams.

JC: You’ve got be cold-hearted in SuperCoach. I love Bob, but no way.

MR: Spirit lives among the numbers, just ask Luke Beveridge.

JC: Who’s going to be your big breakout man this year?

MR: We both have him in our teams — Brodie Grundy.

JC: I thought he went nuts last year.

MR: Nuts? Max Gawn went nuts last year. Grundy was a slow burn who I expect to be really dominant this season.

JC: He needs to be durable because Collingwood doesn’t have another ruckman. But you’re spot on about his future.

MR: Grundy is a bohemian premium, a cool cat who lives near the Yarra in the inner north. His Zen-like approach will ensure his durability.

JC: You couldn’t go past the Bombers, could you?

MR: Be foolish to ignore them. Heppell and Myers will figure in plenty of midfields and I read by you that Jobe was ripping in body and ripping in execution at the intraclub. Throw in Andy McGrath at the back and James Stewart at the front and there’s the Bombers posse. How many Bombers for you?

JC: Can’t go past Myers, but thought long and hard about Marty Gleeson. And I’m taking a punt on Jake Carlisle. I reckon the Saints want the ball in his hands coming out.

Jay Clark says his midfield can take him to SuperCoach glory.

MR: Hold your tickets on Carlisle. The last time I saw him play he was sooking and moping and acting like Nick Kyrgios. The talent’s there, and if the attitude can match the talent, you will be on a winner. I just need to see him play first.

JC: Why are you overlooking Marc Murphy? Why no love? You writing him off?

MR: No, Murph, even at 29, has been a SuperCoach favourite and he is one player I will have a second look at. We both might be plonkers because we left out Dusty. The reason why is that he’s no longer a dual-position player, and with Fyfe coming back, Gazza, Danger, Pendles, Bont and the Sydney trio in the midfield group, he was just too expensive.

JC: I’m nervy about this one. I think the addition of Caddy and Prestia will help Dusty run riot on the outside and in the forward half. I reckon a lot of possessions counted for not much last year.

MR: Aah, Mr Caddy. On to this third club and he’s just 24. Don’t know if he’s a good player, a lazy player or a big head, because we have seen him change games but haven’t seen him be a consistent player week to week. No more excuses from Joshua, the Tigers need him big time.

JC: He had to play more forward because Danger and Selwood ruled the roost at the Cats.

MR: Don’t give me labour pains, just give me the baby (Thanks, Denis).

JC: What do you think about David Swallow? He’s too cheap to ignore at 280K.

MR: No faith this end. Can play, but doesn’t play enough. But we do agree on McCluggage, Hoskin-Elliott, Dahlhaus and Gawn.

JC: Heeney’s my special. Mark this date down.

MR: Is it April 1 already?

Originally published as SuperCoach 2017: Mark Robinson and Jay Clark reveal their teams