SuperCoach AFL 2017: the GWS Giants’ must-haves, risks and rookies to watch
THE Giants are a SuperCoach bonanza but don’t get too excited, there’s only so many much you can spend to secure these star-studded midfielders and forwards.
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AS WE continue our club previews ahead of SuperCoach launch, we name the best buys, biggest bargains and the players to avoid at the Giants in 2017.
The Giants are a SuperCoach bonanza but there’s only so many points to go around so beware when it comes to midfielders especially.
Callan Ward, Dylan Shiel, Stephen Coniglio are premiums picks but at the same time the likes of Josh Kelly, Ryan Griffen and Tom Scully can vulture points.
There are safer picks in the backline and forwardline with Heath Shaw almost a must-have every year. The star defender scored a mega 203 in 2016.
While up front Brett Deledio and Toby Greene are solid but at times frustrating picks, Deledio due to his injuries and Greene thanks to his rollercoaster scoring.
PREMIUMS
Heath Shaw $576,500 def
Almost a must-have every year but in 2017, Shaw will be just the third most-expensive defender after being leap-frogged by Carlton pair Sam Docherty and Kade Simpson. Scored a massive 203 and has averaged at least 90 every single year of his SuperCoach career.
Stephen Coniglio $575,900 mid
The Giants’ breakout player of 2016. The former No.2 draft pick took his game to a new level last season boosting his average to 105. Had an early-season purple patch that saw him score six-straight tons before he dropped off late in the year.
Callan Ward $574,500 mid
The inspirational leader is a safe SuperCoach bet and yet often overlooked. Ward averaged 105 last year as he scored 90-plus in 17 of 22 games. However, the Giants’ midfield squeeze could be an issue for Ward and his fellow onballers.
Brett Deledio $516,900 fwd
Can he stay injury free that is the question. Deledio often started the season hurt at Richmond, came back in ripping form - everyone would jump on board - and then he’d get hurt again. His role at GWS is still to be seen so watch his pre-season form.
Toby Greene $492,000 fwd
A breakout season for Greene who had teased us in previous years. However, despite a 92 average it was still a rollercoaster ride for owners with 10 tons and six scores of 70 or less. The All-Australian remains a popular pick thanks to his game-winning ability.
MID-PRICE RISKS
Nick Haynes $457,000 def
Haynes is a left-field choice but his intercept marking and drive out of the backline continue to make him an intriguing prospect. He increased his average from 68 in 2015 to 87 in 2016, playing 16 games. If he can get an uninterrupted run, he could be a star.
Devon Smith $444,800 fwd
Smith is a high half-forward weapon in the same mould as Deledio and Greene. He was a breakout contender last year before injury struck and he missed most of the season. Averaged 91 in 2014 and 89 in 2015. Full pre-season a must.
Jacob Hopper $382,900, mid/fwd
The young midfielder got plenty of AFL experience in his debut year and could take another step up in 2017. Scored a 108 on debut but didn’t reach 80 after that. The Giants midfield squeeze looks to cap his scoring potential.
ROOKIES
Tim Taranto $207,300 mid/fwd
The No.2 draft pick is pricey. There’s no denying that and we don’t know how much footy he’ll actually be able to play. Last year’s top pick Jacob Hopper played eight games and had limited scoring potential. There are probably better options and a better price.
Will Setterfield $193,800 mid
Similar to Taranto, Setterfield will likely be given a taste but it’s hard to see him having a major impact. Will be a star of the future but will be forced to bide his time with the Giants midfield arguably the best in the league.
Harry Perryman $153,300 def/mid
The second of the Giants’ academy picks, Perryman is more of a defender, which could help him play AFL sooner and for longer than his first-round draftmates Taranto and Setterfield. There’s plenty to keep an eye on when the pre-season games begin.
NO-GO ZONE
Jeremy Cameron $386,300 fwd
He’s going to have big games but that are far too unpredictable. Cameron scored three tons in 2016 and four scores of 50 or less. A mid-priced key forward is not going to win you too many SuperCoach prizes.
Tendai Mzungu $245,800 mid & Matt de Boer $298,200 mid/fwd
The twin Dockers-turned-Giants should not be on your radar. For starters Mzungu is a rookie so will have to wait for a spot on the senior list to open up while de Boer was never a great SuperCoach scorer during his time at Fremantle.
TEAM PREVIEW
After making a maiden preliminary final, the Giants have a settled line-up with Brett Deledio the only certainty to push into the first-choice 22. Then there’s a fight between young guns Hopper, Kennedy, Kelly, Lloyd, Setterfield and Taranto for playing time. Finally, the biggest cause for concern, the “midfield squeeze” as we’ve called it above. There’s only so many SuperCoach points to go around and the GWS premium midfielders are all fighting for their share.
Originally published as SuperCoach AFL 2017: the GWS Giants’ must-haves, risks and rookies to watch
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