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SuperCoach AFL 2024 round 16 trade guide: Best rookies, value premiums

Some big names and rookie favourites have to be sacrificed for those last big trade moves. See expert verdicts on the most traded players in SuperCoach this week.

SuperCoach End Game strategies, final upgrades, and upcoming DPPs! | SuperCoach AFL

Do you have trades to spend this week?

That already puts you in a great position compared to some SuperCoaches – including some at the pointy end of the overall rankings, who are down to four or fewer.

If you’ve hit that level, the best advice is to hold fire. Those remaining trades are for serious injuries only.

If you have five or six you’re in a good position. More than six, fire away – this is your chance to make a big improvement to your team and set up a rankings jump.

So, who should you be trading in – and out? See our experts’ verdict on the most traded players for round 15, and scroll down for this week’s full trade guide.

MOST TRADED IN

1. CONNOR ROZEE $410,700 MID

Al Paton: CONSIDER. Amazing value for a player who averaged 108 last season. If you need a midfielder, get on. I have a full team already, so still weighing up if it’s worth using a trade to sit him on the bench.

Tim Michell: BUY. Ridiculous that you can make $10k by trading Alex Sexton to the Port Adelaide skipper this week. You’re laughing if you can afford to have Rozee as your 23rd premium but even as your 22nd he’s a steal at this price.

Chloe Williams: BUY. It’s a no brainer, in my opinion. I wanted to wait one more week to make a proper assessment, and my assessment is he will be very handy in the back end of the year. A huge ceiling of 152 prior to injury – if he can get back to his best he’s a steal at $410K.

Connor Rozee has bottomed out in price. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
Connor Rozee has bottomed out in price. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

2. KYNAN BROWN $102,400 MID/FWD

AP: BUY. I picked him up last week and was out of my seat like Adem Yze at that big final-quarter tackle. I’m hoping he stays in the Dees’ 23 but his real value is a dual-position swing at rock bottom price.

TM: BUY. Surely bought himself a few more matches with that game-saving tackle on Nick Larkey. He’s $102k and DPP – don’t over think it.

CW: BUY. Handy DPP status and his super tackle saw him get 21 points despite only one disposal as the sub. I can’t see what there is to lose for Goodwin if he gives him more game time.

3. ARIE SCHOENMAKER $117,300 DEF

AP: CONSIDER. Looked fantastic in his first game but the Saints have some defenders to come back. I would like another look at him before deciding if he’s a must-have.

TM: CONSIDER. Don’t think we need to rush into buying the Tasmanian superboot before his third game, especially with Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera likely back this week. If Arie is taking kick-ins with Jack Sinclair and Wanganeen-Milera in the team, then jump on before round 16.

CW: BUY. Has impressed at Sandy all year – even if he doesn’t hold this week, he could continue to come in and out, slowly building cash as we push towards finals.

4. BILLY DOWLING $123,900 MID/FWD

AP: BUY. My logic for grabbing Kynan Brown was to be able to swing Dowling between my midfield and forward line, where I expect some solid scores that could cover one of my stars for a week if needed.

TM: CONSIDER. Not certain he holds his spot after Matthew Nicks flagged using Dowling as the sub in round 14 (he eventually chose Sam Berry, much to my annoyance). I’d rather take the extra $20k and pick Kynan Brown.

CW: BUY. I’m really just saying buy for all of these rookies because I’ve bought them all. If you had to chose, I’d pick Brown just based on price, but I’m hoping Dowling gets a run in the middle.

Crows youngster Billy Dowling is on the bubble this week. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt
Crows youngster Billy Dowling is on the bubble this week. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt

5. IZAK RANKINE $571,400 FWD

AP: BUY. I was impatient and finished my forward line with Charlie Curnow, but I think Rankine will have him covered from here.

TM: BUY. Rankine is the 26th most expensive player in SuperCoach this week, costing more than Josh Dunkley, Chad Warner and Sam Walsh. But it’s pretty clear if he stays fit he will be a top-six forward comfortably from here, so if you’ve got the cash be prepared to pay up.

CW: BUY. Most of the popular forwards have earned their stripes – I can’t find room for Rankine as I hold on to Harry McKay for dear life, hoping for a miracle. But if I had one more trade I would grab him ASAP.

6. CHARLIE CURNOW $457,000 FWD

AP: BUY. Still love Curnow’s fixture, and price point. He needs one absolutely monster score to match Rankine for total points ... if he does it against Richmond on Sunday I will have mixed feelings!

TM: BUY. Great price and the Blues’ run really opens up from here, facing Richmond, North Melbourne, West Coast and St Kilda in the run home. He’s bound to throw in a couple of 150s during that stretch.

CW: BUY. It’s been a weird year for him – leading the Coleman but is still yet to hit his straps, in my (biased) opinion. He could finish the SuperCoach year with some big scores and often goes back to defence for those ever important kill-the-game moments … hello, scaling!

7. LOGAN EVANS $102,400 DEF

AP: CONSIDER. The clear standout of last week’s debutant and the price is appealing, but would like him much better if he had DPP. Honestly not sure what his job security is like.

TM: BUY. My rookie buy of the week – if you don’t need Kynan Brown’s DPP. A lot depends on whether he holds his spot, of course, after Port Adelaide was obliterated by Brisbane. But despite a few errors as he came to terms with the pace of AFL footy, I really like the mid-season draftee’s debut. If it’s not this week, we might have to consider punting Zach Reid to him next round.

CW: BUY. I spent most of last week mulling over this decision, and rolled the dice and brought him in out of necessity. He may not score 68 every week, but I’m happy to ride him home as bench cover.

Jy Simpkin has played an important role in two close finishes. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images
Jy Simpkin has played an important role in two close finishes. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

8. JY SIMPKIN $400,700 MID/FWD

AP: CONSIDER. I thought one big score against West Coast could be a flash in the pan. Can you have two flashes in the pan(s)? Great price and has DPP but he was averaging 58 for the first half of the season, so I wouldn’t expect 100-plus scores every week.

TM: PASS. Last few weeks have been great, but I’m just not sold on him being a top-six forward from this point. In seven games from round 2-8 he didn’t score more than 67 points.

CW: BUY. There is value coming out of our ears, and Simpkin is a steal at $400k. Ten CBAs this week, and the possibility of some extra points through kicking goals.

9. ZACH MERRETT $587,600 MID

AP: BUY. He’s good at football.

TM: BUY. Five goal assists is a ridiculous return for a midfielder and although one of them was straight out of the Melbourne Storm playbook, Merrett looks likely to put up 120-140 scores most weeks from here. Beware the taggers, but even those don’t seem to faze him.

CW: BUY. Unfortunately, I can’t squeeze him in, but only two scores under 100 and a nice run home, it will be painful to continue without him.

10. NATHAN KREUGER $123,900 RUC/FWD

AP: CONSIDER. He’s on the bubble but Collingwood’s likely ins make me very nervous about how long he’ll last.

TM: CONSIDER. Assuming you’re jumping on for insurance in the ruck for the year, I don’t mind it. Collingwood has a few players due back so we should find out this week if Craig McRae has Krueger in his best 23.

CW: CONSIDER. Depending on selection this week, he might be a nice player to have in your side just in case, especially if you own Jackson. It also depends on how many trades you have left – in my mind, he’s more of a ‘luxury’ rookie. Get your ducks in a row first.

MOST TRADED OUT

1. CLAYTON OLIVER $458,700 MID

AP: TRADE. It’s going to be a tough nine weeks for Clarry with no Petracca, no pre-season and a list of taggers heading his way. At least we’ll get him very cheap in 2025.

TM: TRADE. Writing is on the wall here. Christian Petracca going down means Oliver is the obvious tag target and Will Phillips showed how effectively he can be stopped. In previous seasons Oliver would have used his endurance to burn Phillips but off a limited pre-season, he’s vulnerable to more attention from opposition sides.

CW: TRADE. He was going to be the bargain of the year, but his body has failed him. His lack of a pre-season is obvious, and a 32 is the final straw – get him out!

2. JHYE CLARK $245,600 MID

AP: CONSIDER. I’m about $40k short of being able to get from Jhye to Rozee in one trade, which would be an amazing deal. So he’s staying, but hopefully I never need him as bench cover.

TM: TRADE. Talk about a slow burn. Role is still there but unless it got desperate there’s no chance you would use Clark on field from here. Cash him in for $143k to Brown or Evans.

CW: CONSIDER. He didn’t score well due to his terrible efficiency, but if you need to string him along, he could come in handy. That being said, if you have to move him on to get that final premium, he won’t be a huge loss. You’ll be pretty fine either way in my books!

Nat Fyfe is running out of steam. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Nat Fyfe is running out of steam. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

3. NAT FYFE $353,000 MID/FWD

AP: TRADE. Losing money, scoring poorly and could be managed/subbed at any time. Turn him into a real premo.

TM: TRADE. Probably shouldn’t come as a huge surprise that Fyfe seems to be running out of steam considering how little footy he has played in recent years.

CW: TRADE. His Break Even is up to 111, so he will just continue to bleed cash. A downgrade to Brown could get you to one of this week’s value picks, or if you have cash banked, it could be an easy swap to Rozee.

4. JOEL FREIJAH $271,800 MID/FWD

AP: TRADE. Could be useful bench cover especially with his DPP but if the value gets you to a Rankine or Curnow, go for it.

TM: CONSIDER. If you held Friejah through the bye you could keep him for his FWD-MID swing and have confidence he’s likely to score 55-70 most weeks. But if his value gets you a top premium you’re missing, go for it.

CW: CONSIDER. Great to have on the bench if you’re not quite able to get a 23rd premium, and with a Break Even of 37, he’ll still make more money. I’m perfectly happy to ride him home and hope he can tick over $300k.

5. BRUCE REVILLE $282,900 MID/FWD

AP: TRADE. I missed him but he’s been a great pick-up, making $180k and playing through the byes. Now he’s done his job.

TM: CONSIDER. Same advice as Friejah. Bruce has been incredibly consistent and is worth holding for FWD-MID cover if you can. But at $280k, he’s only $130k from Connor Rozee which is one of the easier moves you would ever make in SuperCoach.

CW: CONSIDER. He’s closer to $300k than Freijah and also maintains a low Break Even, so once again you could see how far you could stretch him. But he’s also very close to Simpkin, Rozee or Curnow.

Bruce Reville is already a Lions fan favourite. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images
Bruce Reville is already a Lions fan favourite. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

6. LACHIE SULLIVAN $276,600 MID

AP: TRADE. Another rookie success story (+$174k) who I would trade out before Freijah or Reville due to his lack of DPP and questionable job security.

TM: TRADE. Not sure why you held him through the round 15 bye but with the cavalry about to return for Collingwood, Sullivan’s job security looks very shaky.

CW: TRADE. The Collingwood cattle are beginning to line up down at the AIA centre … go and reward yourself with an upgrade!

7. ALEX SEXTON $420,600 DEF/FWD

AP: HOLD. Still managed 80 points last week even with Wil Powell back in the team. I’m keeping him on my bench, where he can cover defence and the forward line. You would want a higher scorer in your starting 22, though.

TM: TRADE. But only if you have no other way to a Rozee/Merrett type. Don’t love Sexton playing more than 30 per cent of game time on a wing after Wil Powell’s return, but still managing to take five kick-ins was encouraging. I don’t have the faith others do that he’s going to be in the Suns side long-term.

CW: CONSIDER. After much conjecture over his role, he still pulled out an 80. One of the best picks of the year for value, but I am one of many who needs to move him on for that last premium. Keeping him as bench cover would be absolutely ideal!

8. WILL GRAHAM $287,400 DEF/MID

AP: CONSIDER. His value could be useful in a trade but I would trade someone else if you can – that link between the midfield and defence could be super valuable.

TM: TRADE. Didn’t realise coaches still had this guy. Feels like I traded him about six months ago.

CW: TRADE. He’s averaging 54 across his past three games – a cheaper rookie could do this for you, while you spend big with the remainder of his +$170k increase.

Alex Sexton at Gold Coast training. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images
Alex Sexton at Gold Coast training. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

9. TOBY PINK $199,200 DEF

AP: CONSIDER. Shattered to see him hurt when he’s on the verge of gaining DEF/FWD DPP. Hopefully the injury isn’t too bad; that link could save you a trade if you have him and Zac Fisher at opposite ends.

TM: TRADE. Unless you want him for his likely DEF-FWD swing come round 18 (the last round of DPP additions). He might be the perfect swing with Zac Fisher or Alex Sexton if you’re holding him.

CW: TRADE. I sold him a long time ago, but he is a sneaky frontrunner for DPP and could be worth a hold to help swing forward the Fishers and Sextons of the world.

10. JORDON SWEET $320,100 RUC

AP: TRADE. Had to laugh when I saw him back in the Port Adelaide team after all the mid-season SuperCoach ruck drama. But he’s not much use to us now – use the cash to get a top-liner.

TM: TRADE. Hasn’t scored more than 74 since his 136 in round 7 and he got smashed by the Big O. Ivan Soldo or Dante Visentini will almost certainly replace him this round.

CW: TRADE. The experiment ended a long time ago … there are so many big scores to be had in the ruck line, if you downgrade another player to a Brown or Evans – or Sweet to Kreuger – you could make some serious moves. It’s a sell for me.

Trade guide: Bargain premiums to finish your team

– Al Paton

Bye, bye, byes.

After seven rounds of best 18 scoring, including the past four, we can finally kiss goodbye to the byes for 2024.

Now we can lock and load for the final nine rounds of the SuperCoach season.

That figure could be alarming for many SuperCoaches after looking at their trade count (remember those crazy days when we had 40 to spend?), but by now most teams should be very close to being “finished”.

That is, 22 premiums on field and hopefully some back-up on the bench.

In a perfect world those premiums are the topscoring players in every position, but most teams have had to cut some corners along the way with some discounted stars.

If you’ve played it smart those cheaper options can match their top-priced rivals in the run home – well played Errol Gulden, Zac Fisher and Charlie Curnow owners.

Are there more diamonds in the rough? The answer is, we think so.

With no byes to worry about, you can pick whoever you like this week depending how much cash you have in the bank. We won’t bother telling you to target Zach Merrett or Isaac Heeney. Here are some names in much fewer teams who cost a bit less, can set your team apart and help take you to SuperCoach glory.

ROOKIES

After a bye-round rookie drought, we suddenly have plenty of bottom-priced players to pick from this week.

At this stage of the season the cash you make from a downgrade is more important than any money a new recruit will generate, but cheapies we pick now will most likely be on the bench for the rest of the season so it’s much better to find someone who will play – one week of bench cover could save a valuable trade.

Billy Dowling ($123,900 FWD/MID) and Nathan Kreuger ($123,900 FWD/RUC) are both on the bubble this week after playing their first two games before the round 15 bye. Both were popular picks in recent weeks but if you didn’t jump early, they are top of the shopping list this week.

Eagles forward Jack Hutchinson ($102,400 FWD) is also on the bubble, but after scores of 40 and 6 (after starting as the sub), he’s only an option if you’re desperate for the cheapest possible forward.

Can Arie Schoenmaker hold his spot after St Kilda’s bye? Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Can Arie Schoenmaker hold his spot after St Kilda’s bye? Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Nate Caddy provided a spark up forward for Essendon. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
Nate Caddy provided a spark up forward for Essendon. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

We have two more forward bubble boys in Nate Caddy ($166,800 FWD), who was a late in for the Bombers on Sunday and kicked two goals to finish with 46 points, and Demon Koltyn Tholstrup ($153,300 FWD), who looked lively scoring 70 points against the Kangaroos. An elevated price probably rules both out of consideration.

Arie Schoenmaker ($117,300 DEF) will be a close watch at St Kilda selection with Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera likely to return after missing a week due to personal reasons. Hopefully Schoenmaker can hold his spot after his impressive 83-point debut way back in round 14.

That leaves the round 15 debutants. Port Adelaide defender Logan Evans ($102,400 DEF) was the pick of the first-gamers with 68 points from 20 disposals and five marks. You would pick him ahead of Hugh Davies ($123,900 DEF), who played a full game for Fremantle on debut and scored 21 points.

Max Gruzewski ($123,900 FWD) scored 16 points in his first game for the Giants, mostly from his fairytale first AFL goal. Demon Kynan Brown ($102,400 FWD/MID) and Swan Caiden Cleary ($117,300 MID) both debuted as the sub and finished with 21 and 27 points, respectively. At least Brown has DPP.

VALUE PREMIUMS

CONNOR ROZEE $410,700 MID

After four tons in his first give games, including 152 points against Essendon in round 4, Rozee’s season went pear-shaped with a series of injuries and sub-affected games. The result was a massive price drop in SuperCoach, with the Port Adelaide skipper’s value falling from over $600k to close to $400k. Value watchers were waiting for a turnaround in form to pounce, and we may have got just that on Saturday. It was a disappointing day for the Power, but Rozee was one their best with 28 disposals, eight marks, seven tackles and 111 SuperCoach points. After losing another $8.2k this is as cheap as he’ll get (Break Even 52). He could be the perfect bargain M8, or M9 if you can afford a 23rd remium on your bench.

This is the perfect time to pounce on Connor Rozee. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
This is the perfect time to pounce on Connor Rozee. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

JY SIMPKIN $400,700 MID/FWD

Some coaches were smart/brave enough to jump on Simpkin after his first ton of the season, including the SCodfather, coach of Abs Magic – who moved into the top 100 overall rankings this week on the back of his Simpkin trade. So, we need to take notice. Simpkin made it two tons in as many weeks with a 114-point return against the Demons. He’s not getting huge centre bounce numbers – 40 per cent on Saturday night – but it’s enough to make him a serious bargain in the forward line, who can swing to the midfield if needed. Before the past two weeks Simpkin was averaging 58 in his first seven matches of 2024, but he has averaged 90-plus in a season three times over his career.

IZAK RANKINE $571,400 FWD

OK, we are stretching the definition of value here but Rankine is now bye-free if you have a spot to fill in your forward line. Many coaches had the Crows matchwinner in their sights weeks ago before a hamstring injury in the dying seconds of the round 10 loss to Collingwood put those plans on hold. His return game in round 14 netted 18 disposals, two goals and 96 SuperCoach points in just 72 per cent game time. Now he’s ready to continue his five-round average of 114 (three-round 121) all the way to round 24, especially with a Matt Crouch-sized hole in the Adelaide midfield. If you can find the cash, Rankine is likely to be one of the top-six forwards from here – and a massive point of difference against your league and rankings rivals.

Izak Rankine is in just 7 per cent of SuperCoach teams. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images
Izak Rankine is in just 7 per cent of SuperCoach teams. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

CHARLIE CURNOW $457,000 FWD

Curnow isn’t quite as cheap as last week but he’s still excellent value after a 118-point return from five goals against the Cats. We talked about the Blues’ favourable fixture in the run home last week and that starts with a clash against Richmond at the MCG on Sunday. The Coleman Medal leader also has match-ups against North Melbourne (round 19), West Coast (round 23) and St Kilda (round 24) to come. Can he match Rankine on total points? He’s nine points behind on season average (91 v 100) and the Crows star will likely have an edge on him most weeks. But we haven’t seen a mega score from Charlie yet this season. Last year in his two meetings with the Eagles he posted 178 (10 goals) and 186 (nine goals). A game like that and the gap narrows dramatically. And he’s $120k cheaper.

ELLIOT YEO $542,500 DEF/MID

Yeo was a mid-price risk that paid off in a huge way. Now we need to rethink how we look at the West Coast gun and think of him as a genuine top-six defender. He’s No.5 on averages – 107.9 – and his three-round average is 120 after another huge score against Essendon. Sure, he’s an injury risk, but it’s like we aren’t picking other players with questionable injury history – Jeremy McGovern and Jordan Ridley are two that come to mind. And that’s a great price for his scoring potential. Just make sure you have a trade up your sleeve in case disaster strikes.

Elliot Yeo laid 13 tackles against Essendon. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Elliot Yeo laid 13 tackles against Essendon. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

JYE CALDWELL $476,300 MID/FWD

The former Giant has flown under the radar all season but could be a nice POD to finish your forward line. Currently selected by 4 per cent of teams, he doesn’t deliver many huge scores but will rarely let you down – since round 3 he has gone under 80 once with eight of his 12 scores 90 or above, including 115 points on Sunday in an epic duel with Elliot Yeo. A full-time inside midfield role would be the dream, but a mix of forward time and a ton of tackles – he’s ranked seventh in the AFL in that stat – means he is always around scoring opportunities.

JAYDEN SHORT $408,900 DEF

We’ve fallen for this trap before ... but we’ve also seen Short average 96 points or more in a season four times. The key the right role, as the designated kicker in the Tigers’ back half. That has been missing for much of the season, but it returned in the two rounds before the bye – when Short took nine kick-ins and played on from all of them – and delivered SuperCoach scores of 103 and 116. If you’re light on cash and need a fallen premium who could come home strong, Short could be your man.

ED RICHARDS $540,300 DEF/MID

Halfway through the second quarter against Sydney in round 11 Richards looked like a must-have. He had 77 SuperCoach points at that stage before suffering an unlucky concussion that stopped him in his tracks after scores of 163 and 118 since being transformed into a permanent midfielder by Luke Beveridge. By the time he returned in round 14 Tom Liberatore was also back in the team, knocking Richards’ centre bounce percentage down to 49 per cent (from 93 and 88 per cent with Libba out). However, he still scored 115 against the Dockers.

Moving Ed Richards into the midfield has worked for Luke Beveridge. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images
Moving Ed Richards into the midfield has worked for Luke Beveridge. Picture: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

TOBY BEDFORD $297,900 FWD

As a small forward, Bedford had little interest for SuperCoaches. Now he is in the front of our thoughts as the Giants’ new midfield tagging weapon. That has been bad news for Zak Butters and Chad Warner in the past two weeks, but it also means Bedford is around the ball a lot, and he uses it well when he gets it. That has delivered SuperCoach scores of 88 and 86 and a Break Even of -1 ahead of a clash against the Crows where he could be keeping Jordan Dawson company. If you have the cash lying around he offers much better scoring potential and job security than all the rookies listed above.

LIAM RYAN $287,200 FWD

This is one for the thrillseekers. Ryan surprisingly lined up next to Zach Merrett at the first centre bounce at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, and his first touch didn’t quite go to plan when he sprinted 20m in the wrong direction. But he soon got the hang of playing on the ball, with a nice mix of forward time thrown in. A final stat line of 19 disposals, six clearances, seven inside-50s and 87 points is tantalising – and much more than we are likely to get from most of the players currently occupying our forward benches. At least we know he won’t be the sub.

Originally published as SuperCoach AFL 2024 round 16 trade guide: Best rookies, value premiums

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/sport/afl/supercoach-news/supercoach-afl-2024-round-16-trade-guide-best-rookies-value-premiums/news-story/b91344920c087d32ed0b7367d3d24a39