SuperCoach AFL 2024: Experts reveal their trades, rate best replacements for Gawn, Rankine and more
Seven SuperCoach experts reveal their trades – including two who are prepared to go down to zero trades to deal with a series of round 18 emergencies. See all our experts’ moves here.
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Is it too early to use your final trade?
Two SuperCoach experts are answering that question this week by going down to zero in the trade bank – and praying there is no more carnage over the next seven weeks.
Hands have been forced by a series of SuperCoach emergencies, headed by an injury to ruck superstar Max Gawn, and compounded by Touk Miller, Jeremy McGovern, Izak Rankine and Isaac Heeney (probably) all missing this week.
And some experts have still found a way to punt some underperforming so-called premiums.
See their trades for round 18 here, and scroll down for their verdict on all the most traded players this week.
AL PATON
IN: Toby Nankervis, Connor Rozee
OUT: Max Gawn, Matt Rowell
My initial instinct was to hold Gawn but that’s just leaving too many points on the table. I have held Luke Jackson all season for exactly this scenario, except I didn’t predict I would also have my best forward missing the same round, so moving Jackson into the ruck only creates a problem somewhere else.
I considered Tristan Xerri as Gawn’s replacement, and I think he’s a very solid choice. But why not shoot for the stars? Toby Nankervis has the third-best five-round average of any player in SuperCoach – his past four scores are 144, 131, 121, 159 – and while he comes with some suspension/injury risk, I love the big fella and it will be fun to barrack for him in the run home. Richmond isn’t playing for much any more in 2024 but the skipper clearly has plenty of pride and should deliver more captain-worthy scores for my SuperCoach side, with several friendly ruck match-ups to come.
Rowell is playing this week, which is a plus, but he has been stinking up my team for way too long. I have to swallow the fact this move is costing me $80k more than it would have last week, but I have trades and cash and now is the time to spend them.
If Zac Fisher returns I can cover Isaac Heeney and Jeremy McGovern with rookies for one week. Go Billy Dowling.
THE PHANTOM
OUT: Izak Rankine
IN: Jye Caldwell
It’s been a big few days. I finally traded in Izak Rankine on Friday, then launched into the top 400 with a 2600 over the weekend. Then Rankine was suspended, so, too Isaac Heeney, and Max Gawn ruled out. I can cover all the zeros this week, but Rankine will miss four games and there are only seven left – it’s a trade worthy of my final one. Probably. I think.
I’m not hesitant on the replacement, Caldwell – he’s really making his mark on the Essendon midfield – but seeing 0 in the trade balance this far out from the finish line might not be a good thing. Fortunately, my bench cover is pretty good, so it’s likely I’ll pull the trigger. Probably. I think…
TIM MICHELL
IN: Colby McKercher, Tom Stewart
OUT: Adam Saad, Touk Miller
We are sending our last two SuperCoach trades for the year into orbit. Miller is out for four weeks, so flipping him for Colby McKercher is an easy move. After dodging the Izak Rankine drama I could have sat on my hands and held my last trade for a rainy day. And while that probably makes sense, I’ve been aggressive all year and don’t plan to stop that this week.
Geelong has an incredible run home, starting with Collingwood this week. I spent last Friday night screaming at the TV as the Magpies let Zach Merrett (who I don’t own) run around and do whatever he wanted. I expect Stewart will get the same sort of freedom this week, and then it’s Western Bulldogs (who don’t tag), North Melbourne (I like Stewart’s chanced vs Will Phillips), Adelaide (who he scored 134 against in round 2), Fremantle, St Kilda (who don’t tag half-backs) and West Coast in the last six rounds.
Saad is one of my favourite players but there could be 200-300 points difference between him and Stewart from this point. So, it seems this will be my last week featuring in expert trades for 2024. Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because I wasted about 15 of my 40 trades.
PATCH
IN: The Nank, Colby McKercher
OUT: Matt Rowell, Max Gawn
Gawn is injured and Rowell is bad. Both are grounds for trades in my book because I’m mad and don’t care any more. Nank is on a tear and I want him in, and need cash to do so. Fortunately, I can make the exact amount of cash needed to go Gawn to Nank by going down to McKercher from Rowell. When the SuperCoach gods give me a sign, who am I to look spit into their face?
So I shall make the move, as the gods command, and take my one solitary trade remaining and clutch it to my chest: protecting it from the howling Antarctic winds, keeping the mud from its cherubic face, and holding it close during the long and dark nights of the Melbourne winter. I shall protect this trade with my life.
DAN BATTEN
OUT: Izak Rankine and Bigoa Nyuon
IN: Jye Caldwell and Mattaes Phillipou
My team is an absolute mess. I have three trades left and have Isaac Heeney, Max Gawn, Touk Miller, and traded in Izak Rankine and Jeremy McGovern last week. I traded McGovern to Zac Fisher so I didn’t have to field a rookie in round 17, and boy do I wish I had that trade back now.
I am looking at three doughnuts before trades, so I have to do something, and I probably have to fix up my forward bench considering I am going down to one trade. Can the Pou be my saviour? Phillipou attended 63 per cent of centre bounces last week and scored 112 points. If the midfield role continues he can provide handy scoring until Gawn returns, and coverage in the likely event Alex Sexton is dropped down the track. I wish I’d just jumped on Jye Caldwell last week, but better late than never.
DOS (PHANTOM JNR)
IN: Toby Nankervis, Mattaes Phillipou
OUT: Max Gawn, Bruce Reville
Crisis creates opportunity. Everyone is in struggletown, myself included (Gawn, Heeney, Rankine, TDK, Bytel...), but I am not going to let that stop my charge to a top 1K finish! Gawn may want to play next week, but by his own words he “currently can’t walk”. I’m happy to zig while everyone zags and bring in Nank the Tank, the most in-form player in the competition still owned by just 1 per cent of teams! Nank’s ceiling and consistency is higher than any forward available, and for some reason I just can’t trust Jye Caldwell, even though he’ll probably continue to burn me.
I can swing Luke Jackson forward to cover TDK if he misses (again!) while I’ll happily roll the dice with some dodgy rookies up forward if needed. Mattaes Phillipou fresh off 112 SuperCoach points in just 68 per cent time on ground playing inside midfield, plays Adelaide and West Coast in his next two, and his final six games at Marvel Stadium. He’ll stem the bleeding of Rankine’s month-long absence, who I’ll hold for my final push for the $50K ... I mean top 1K. One trade remains.
CHLOE WILLIAMS
IN: Mattaes Phillipou, Lachie Neale, Nank the Tank
OUT: Harry McKay, Max Gawn, Jason Horne-Francis
That’s right ... I’ve been hoarding my final boost. I’m going big one last time.
Al kindly nudged me into the all-or-nothing approach of bringing in some big guns for the run home. I have Luke Jackson, but would be left to play a rookie up forward if I held Gawn, so he is ... Gawn. Nankervis comes in with a three-round average of 137, as does Neale with a 147.3 in the same metric and a match-up against West Coast.
One downgrade to Phillipou gives me enough money to do this, and if he stays in the middle, he should outscore or match McKay who only managed a 78 last week despite kicking five goals.
I was going to burn yet another trade on McKercher ... but that could be coming next week. I only have the one boost, unfortunately.
Trade grades: SuperCoach experts rate huge round 18 moves
At this stage of the season the best strategy is to hold your trades.
Unless you get a week like this.
With a host of SuperCoach stars set to miss round 18 – and beyond – many coaches are reaching deep into their trade reserves.
Who is getting it right with these all-important calls?
Our experts give their verdict on the most traded players in SuperCoach this week.
MOST TRADED OUT
1. MAX GAWN $599,000 RUC
Al Paton: TRADE. I’ve come around to trading Max purely due to the points on offer in the ruck. I can use Luke Jackson as cover but that would force me to play Nathan Kreuger in the forward line, who could give up close to 100 points to a premium ruckman like Tristan Xerri or Toby Nankervis.
Tim Michell: CONSIDER. If you have three trades or fewer left, I would hold Gawn and use them for other issues. He says he wants to play in round 19, which seems about as likely as me scoring 2600 anytime soon, considering he can’t walk this week. If you have four trades or more, move him on and grab Toby Nankervis, Tim English, Tristan Xerri or Lloyd Meek. I wouldn’t be trading Gawn and running Luke Jackson at R2 though.
Patch: TRADE: He’s injured, and despite him thinking he’ll play while not able to walk he’s outta here.
Chloe Williams: CONSIDER: This call could go either way. Not to kick a man while he’s down, but he’s ranked ninth in the ruck for three-round average, and seventh for five-round average, so even though I have Jackson, I’m considering a trade.
2. TOUK MILLER $482,300 MID
AP: TRADE. Out for a month which is more than half the rest of the season.
TM: TRADE. It’s not like Miller has been scoring well anyway. It’s a blow to move him on at his lowest price, but we don’t exactly have much choice. I’m trading him to Colby McKercher for a modest profit and I suspect thousands of others will do the same.
Patch: TRADE: Yeeeet.
CW: TRADE. This one is kind of a blessing? He’s averaging 83 in the three and five-round metrics. A straight swap to Rozee would be perfect, or if you have extra trades, bundle him up with other injury prone players or use him as part of a downgrade/upgrade scenario.
3. IZAK RANKINE $569,500 FWD
AP: TRADE. With Heeney out as well you can’t cover both.
TM: TRADE. He’s going to miss four weeks after a failed trip to the tribunal, and $570k is far too much to sit on your bench for that long. What a shame for those who traded him in last week and paid more than $570k. Easy swap to Jye Caldwell if you need a forward.
Patch: TRADE: I don’t care how many weeks he gets after appeal, you’ve gotta trade him on principle.
CW: TRADE. Caldwell is a great swap – sorry if you chose Rankine over Caldwell last week … I nearly did it.
4. JOEL FREIJAH $296,200 MID/FWD
AP: CONSIDER. You could make money by trading him to a bottom-priced rookie but surely we have bigger issues this week?
TM: TRADE. His money-making is done after Luke Beveridge went full Bevo and made him the sub last round. Matteas Phillipou would be tempting after his heroics against Sydney, but I suspect most will trade him to either Lawson Humphries or Shaun Mannagh.
Patch: HOLD: HE’S A PLAYING PLAYER WHAT ARE YOU DOIININNNNNGGGGGGGG. HE’S FIT!
CW: CONSIDER. At this point, I could downgrade, but there is so much carnage that it’s low priority and I probably won’t have enough trades to complete the upgrade. Trade if you can after a score of 30 as his cash generation is drying up.
5. JOE RICHARDS $259,600 FWD
AP: CONSIDER. See above. Not scoring many points but that could be better than a zero this week.
TM: TRADE. Another rookie whose cash generation has ground to an abrupt halt. Richards has shown he has the talent to score triple figures but after scores of 36 and 34 in the past two weeks, it’s time to bid farewell.
Patch: CONSIDER: If you need to trade someone, then sure.
CW: CONSIDER: I’m being very lenient with the rookies, only because most players are spread thin with injuries mounting and little trades. At least, for now, he’s playing! But if you can, definitely facilitate a downgrade with his cash generation dwindling.
6. ALEX SEXTON $416,500 DEF/FWD
AP: TRADE. I should have punted him last week. Might be needed for emergency cover this week – if he holds his spot – but his amazing SuperCoach run appears over.
TM: TRADE. Damien Hardwick was furious after Gold Coast’s loss to North Melbourne – he loves Marvel Stadium, doesn’t he? My feeling is there are going to be several fall guys at the selection table and after only 15 disposals (his lowest count since round 2) Sexton is in the gun.
Patch: CONSIDER: I think he’s very close to falling off the cliff. If you have the trades I’d probably flick him.
CW: TRADE. A demoralising loss and limited impact don’t really go hand in hand … move him on if you’re able to. Phillipou, anyone?
7. BRUCE REVILLE $313,700 MID/FWD
AP: HOLD. We will need his points this week and I think he’ll like the wide open spaces in Perth.
TM: CONSIDER. Bruce has made more than $200k and has a Break Even of 50 after his first score under 55 for the season. If trading to Humphries nets you a top-line premium, don’t hesitate.
Patch: HOLD: Hold onto Bruce.
CW: TRADE. A similar situation as most maxed-out rookies – hold if you have to, but ideally you’ll be trading.
8. MATT ROWELL $476,500 MID
AP: CONSIDER. I’m going to have to hang on to him for one more week, aren’t I? I desperately want to offload him but might have too many other issues to deal with. At least the Suns are back at home.
TM: CONSIDER. The lads from Doctor SuperCoach have flagged an interesting point this week that Rowell’s numbers lift considerably when Touk Miller is out. He hasn’t scored more than 82 points since round 12 but Miller’s absence makes it tempting to back him in – at least for one more week. I don’t envy King Al Paton having to make this call.
Patch: TRADE. Get outta here, Matty. I mean obviously if you have more pressing issues he’s lower on the list, but also I’m trading.
CW: CONSIDER: Is that really his price? Yikes. I would’ve said hold regardless of Touk’s injury – you’ve invested this much time already and probably have bigger problems this week. The injury vastly improves his case, but the next few games do shape up to be tagging threats.
9. LACHIE SULLIVAN $260,800 FWD/MID
AP: TRADE. Scored 139 SuperCoach points in the VFL so he could come back in? If trading gets you a playing rookie and a premo, do that.
TM: TRADE. Didn’t feature in round 17 and although he’s picked up DPP, we don’t get the SuperCoach points from the VFL.
Patch: CONSIDER. If you need to trade someone he’s probably top of the list.
CW: TRADE. Unless you need his newly acquired DPP for flexibility. Otherwise, feel free to move on to bigger and better things. Thanks for your service, Lachie!
10. CLAYTON OLIVER $411,100 MID
AP: CONSIDER. If there were no injuries or suspensions this week he would be a definite trade. We can only dream.
TM: CONSIDER. What good is it trading Oliver at his lowest price since round 3, 2017? Billy Stretch, Jack Watts, Dean Kent and Dom Tyson featured in that game. But, I digress. The perfect scenario would be shifting Oliver to M9 and looping him on when he scores well. But that won’t be the reality for every team and if you’re stuck with him at M8, a trade would be understandable.
Patch: CONSIDER: See: Matt Rowell
CW: TRADE. Back down to earth again this week. For a while there, I felt silly for saying to trade, but I am now reminded of why. He’s next year’s problem now.
MOST TRADED IN
1. JYE CALDWELL $544,200 MID/FWD
AP: BUY. He’s really good.
TM: BUY. As recently as three weeks ago, I had my doubts that Caldwell was worth paying more than $450k for. After scores of 115, 127 and 134, I’m happy to admit I was wrong. He’s played three of the AFL’s weaker midfields in the past three weeks and Collingwood gave Essendon’s midfield freedom it will rarely be afforded. But there’s no knocking Caldwell’s formline and he’ll almost certainly be one of the topscoring forwards from this point with Izak Rankine suspended.
Patch: BUY: Yes.
CW: BUY. I wanted to go early a few weeks ago and didn’t, as I was worried about his CBAs dropping. They haven’t. Parish and potentially Setterfield still need to return, but I feel like Caldwell has earnt his spot in the middle and making decisions based on future events hasn’t paid off for me so far. Go for it.
2. LAWSON HUMPHRIES $117,300 DEF/MID
AP: BUY. Top bubble boy this week if you need one.
TM: BUY. Another player I had my doubts about, especially at three-quarter-time when he was labouring against Hawthorn. But Humphries finished with nine disposals, four marks and three intercepts in the last term to highlight his SuperCoach value. With Tom Stewart playing midfield, his job security appears strong, too.
Patch: TRADE: Also yes.
CW: BUY. On the bubble this week, with scores of 91 and 66 to his name. You may not be able to spend the $61k he’s set to make this week, but that type of scoring is sure to be great cover.
3. CONNOR ROZEE $495,500 MID
AP: BUY. The first 30 minutes of Port’s game against the Dogs last week was the most painful of the season after reversing my Rozee trade just before the bounce. Now $60k more expensive but still great value.
TM: BUY. Might feel like chasing points but it’s worth remembering Port Adelaide’s captain cost more than $600k at the start of the season. You’re still getting him at a great price and there aren’t many players in the AFL capable of racking up 18 disposals in a quarter.
Patch: BUY. I was wrong, Connor Rozee was in fact a must-have and I’ll live in shame at passing.
CW: BUY. You’ll be paying about $80k more than those who got him at his lowest price, but if you can live with that, go for it. I’m doing it, I think it will pay off.
4. LUKE JACKSON $476,500 RUC/FWD
AP: BUY. As a forward, not a full-time ruck. Will go back to scoring in the 70-90 range most weeks after this weekend, unless Sean Darcy is out for longer ... which is always a possibility.
TM: BUY. Don’t love the idea of fielding him at R2 if you’re bringing him in as a straight swap for Max Gawn. But if you’re going Rankine to Jackson then using the Freo ruckman for cover, that makes sense. Jackson ranks fourth for total points in the forward line this year which shocked me when I saw it pointed out this week. Sean Darcy is also out this round and we all know how well he scores when used as the No.1 ruckman.
Patch: BUY. Well, well, well, look who’s come CRAWLING BACK, hey? Sure.
CW: BUY. His DPP is now proving to be handy and his price tag is great compared to POD ruck options Nank and TDK.
5. SHAUN MANNAGH $179,800 FWD/MID
AP: CONSIDER. Like him as reliable insurance in the midfield and forward line but struggling to find a trade scenario that gets him in.
TM: BUY. Don’t expect him to have 14 tackles every week but he looked like a man possessed after earning a return against Hawthorn. He’s gone up by more than $60k but might be this year’s mature-age gem to plug holes during the run home. Think Sam Menegola in 2016 when he averaged 99 from round 18 onwards.
Patch: PASS: Too exxy now I think.
CW: PASS. He rewarded those who stuck with him, but I wouldn’t jump on if you already have suitable bench cover. He may not ton up again.
6. TIM ENGLISH $566,800 RUC
AP: CONSIDER. It’s been a frustrating season from last year’s No.1 ruck. He could average 120 or 90 from here, I really can’t tell.
TM: BUY. He hasn’t been anywhere near as dominant as past seasons but has still averaged 111. And with Max Gawn likely out for a few weeks, English has a great opportunity to remind SuperCoaches why he was a must-have in 2023.
Patch: TRADE: Is he back? I dunno, but sure.
CW: CONSIDER. If you need to cover Gawn, why not. He’s cheap and is still averaging 111. That feels disappointing compared to last year’s average of 128, but is actually solid. He is facing the in-form TDK this week, though.
7. JACOB BLIGHT $102,400 DEF
AP: CONSIDER. He’s very cheap and I think he’ll keep playing. No DPP hurts him, though.
TM: BUY. Bargain-basement price, looks locked in to the Richmond team and scoring well enough that if he had to fill in for a week or two, you would take it. If you’ve already got Humphries, he’s a great option.
Patch: BUY. Bring him in.
CW: CONSIDER. If you need defensive cover, go for it, but only if you need the extra $10k difference between him and Humphries. Otherwise, get the DPP.
8. DYLAN MOORE $532,800 FWD
AP: CONSIDER. Probably next-best Rankine replacement if you already have Caldwell.
TM: PASS. Same advice as last week from me. I know taking Rankine out of the forward pool makes it even shallower than previously, but I just can’t bring myself to recommend a player who has eight scores under 90 this season.
Patch: CONSIDER. He’s a good option but if one of youse breaks him I’ll be so mad.
CW: BUY. If you can swing Jackson, he could potentially replace Gawn – or Rankine. His high ceiling that could clinch you an important match up win.
9. ANDY MONIZ-WAKEFIELD $123,900 FWD
AP: CONSIDER. Are we downgrading in the forward line this week? He looks like a handy player but I’d prefer a DPP.
TM: BUY. Not posting huge numbers but his role is encouraging. Trent Rivers’ transition into the midfield since Christian Petracca was ruled out for the season has opened the door for Moniz-Wakefield to make a half-back role his own.
Patch: TRADE: Still not sure he exists, but whatever man. Go for it.
CW: CONSIDER. He’s scored well with a 59 and 60, but he doesn’t have DPP status. If you’re already covered on that front and need a downgrade, why not.
10. COLBY MCKERCHER $444,200 DEF/MID
AP: BUY. Strong chance I use my fourth trade on him this season to bring him in again. North could manage him again but the scoring power is very hard to resist.
TM: BUY. I can only assume he’s not the No.1 buy this week because smart coaches brought him in last week? Yes, there’s a risk that his foot issues flare up again and it would make no sense for North Melbourne to risk its No.2 pick if that eventuates. But how many points will he score before that potentially happens freewheeling at half-back? Can’t believe we’re paying more than $440k for a rookie, but SuperCoach rules are made to be broken.
Patch: TRADE: Yessssssssss, come back to me Colby.
CW: BUY: I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’ve seen enough to burn yet another trade to bring him back in. I think my McKercher trade tally is now up to five … He’s a gun, though.
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