SuperCoach AFL 2017: the Carlton must-haves, risks and rookies to watch out for
THERE’S plenty of premiums in navy blue in 2017 plus some very handy cut-price options. We look at the Blues’ must-haves, risks and rookies.
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THERE’S more than a little intrigue when it comes to Carlton’s SuperCoach prospects in 2017.
As we continue our team-by-team previews, the Blues have plenty of options at all price levels.
Sam Docherty and Kade Simpson are the No.1 and 2 defenders and with good reason after outstanding 2016 seasons that saw them average 108 and 106 respectively.
Meanwhile, skipper Marc Murphy could be the bargain of the year after a couple of injury-plagued seasons and we can never fully discount Matthew Kreuzer.
The Blues are on the improve and that usually means improve SuperCoach output.
PREMIUMS
Sam Docherty ($591,600, Def)
The No.1 defender in 2017 after averaging 108 in 2016 and earning All-Australian honours. If Carlton continue to improve, Docherty’s scoring potential is secure. However, the Blues’ struggles never really impacted Kade Simpson.
Kade Simpson ($578,700, Def)
Speaking of Simpson, 2016 was a career year for the defender. After averaging 90s for seven straight seasons he finally broke through to average 106. Much like Docherty, if the Blues can continue to improve Simpson’s scoring should remain consistent.
Patrick Cripps ($585,500, Mid)
A word of warning. Cripps has suffered a pre-season injury setback and will enter 2017 a bit underdone. That said, he’s a superstar. Cripps averaged 130 in his final five games last year and posted tons in his final eight.
Bryce Gibbs ($577,200, Mid)
Gibbs had a mini-renaissance in 2016, bouncing back to form and a 106 average after just 82 in 2015. The midfielders post-season dramas are well documented but by all reports he’s returned committed and ready for the new season. Pick with confidence.
MID-PRICE RISKS
Marc Murphy ($432,500, Mid)
If the Blues captain is fully fit, he could well be the bargain of 2017. Murphy is the cheapest he’s been since 2007 (he’s third season) and had averaged 100-plus every year bar one until last year. There’s not much risk if he’s ready to go Round 1.
Dale Thomas ($407,100, Mid)
No, we’re not taking the proverbial. Thomas could well prove to be a handy selection in 2017. After a horror 2015 that saw him average 57, “Daisy” bounced back to 75 in 2016. Carlton’s improvement is crucial to his scoring potential.
Matthew Kreuzer ($398,000, Ruck)
Has there been a bigger tease in the history of SuperCoach than Matthew Kreuzer. He’s got so much potential and has shown he’s capable, averaging 89 in 2015 and 92 and 97 in 2012-13. He’s certainly priced right if you’re looking for some salary cap relief.
ROOKIES
Sam Petrevski-Seton ($189,300, Mid)
Carlton’s top draft pick is expected to see plenty of action early so the question is will he be able to score well enough to make money with that starting price. There are a few high-priced rookie options so keep a close eye on his pre-season form.
Jarrod Pickett ($123,900, Mid-Fwd)
The former Giant was the No.4 draft pick in 2014 but is yet to play a game of AFL. Unlike at Spotless Stadium, there will be plenty of opportunity at Carlton and if he can get his body right, he could will be a key cash cow for 2017.
Kym LeBois ($123,400, Fwd)
The Blues’ top pick in the rookie draft could walk straight into the AFL. LeBois was regarded as a solid second round pick before the draft but fell all the way to the rookie draft, reminiscent of Eddie Betts. Has Carlton found their new Eddie?
DON’T TOUCH
Dennis Armfield ($363,400, Fwd)
We love Dennis. He’s a heart-and-soul player for Carlton but sadly that doesn’t translate through to SuperCoach. Armfield is going to play most weeks - he played 15 games in 2016 - but averaged just 66. Even his amazing four-goal performance against Adelaide scored 105.
Levi Casboult ($261,700, Fwd)
Is Casboult the AFL’s version of Nick Kyrgios? He doesn’t have the temper tantrums but he’s equally frustrating. Can take a mark, is decent around the ground but put him in front of four big sticks and he turns to water.
Billie Smedts ($217,100, Mid-Fwd)
The former Cat needs to get his body right before we ever consider him but even at that low price, he’s not going to score well enough to warrant consideration. Admittedly, Carlton is not Geelong but his best season was 2013 when he averaged 53 in 13 games.
TEAM PREVIEW
The Blues improved dramatically in new coach Brendon Bolton’s first season in charge.
However, the club has been quick to douse expectations for 2017 saying the may even go backwards to move forwards.
Carlton has certainly brought in plenty of youth and continued to raid Greater Western Sydney with three more Giants moving to Ikon Park.
However, of those players only Caleb Marchbank is expected to play straight away while top draft pick Sam Petrevski-Seton should also see plenty of AFL action.
A healthy captain in Marc Murphy will certainly boost their hopes so we’re expecting the Blues to maintain that upward trajectory.
Originally published as SuperCoach AFL 2017: the Carlton must-haves, risks and rookies to watch out for
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