SuperCoach AFL Round 17: Top performers and disappointments, essential trade tips

It was a round of triumphs and tribulations as we waved bye, bye, bye to the byes. Discover which players shone brightly and who needs to lift along with crucial trade advice as we head towards SuperCoach finals.

Tom Liberatore pocketed the top SuperCoach score of the round. Picture: Getty

The byes are gone but they won’t be forgotten for a while.

As we move past the chaos of the bye rounds, it’s time to refocus on the SuperCoach season ahead.

This week, we witnessed a mix of stellar performances and some that left much to be desired. Here’s a look at the top six who shone brightly and six who need to lift their game, along with some early trade advice.

WHO’S HOT

Tom Liberatore – 171 points

Liberatore was on fire against North, delivering a season-best performance that saw him rack up 171 points. With his price rising by $14.7k and his average hitting 114, he’s fast becoming an asset for coaches looking for a high-ceiling, difference maker in their midfield. He’s only owned by 15 per cent of SuperCoaches.

Zach Merrett pumped out his second best score of the season. Picture: Getty

Zach Merrett – 159 points

Merrett continues to impress with his consistency, scoring 159 in the Bombers’ loss to the Suns. His ability to find the ball and use it effectively makes him a must-have, especially with his price set to rise. With Richmond as his next opponent, Merrett is poised for another big score, given his past performances against the Tigers (156, 119, 162, 102, 150). His price is way down, making him an enticing option.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera – 155 points

Wanganeen-Milera is on a hot streak with his three-round average soaring to 138, showcasing his ability to hit the SuperCoach scoreboard. With a score of 155 and a price increase of $32.5k, he’s a valuable asset for those who already have him but a pricey addition at $606k for those with holes in their defence.

Finn Callaghan – 144 points

Callaghan continued his run of big scores, this time against West Coast. His 144 points highlight his growing influence in the midfield, making him a tempting option for coaches with enough trades remaining. Despite an interrupted season, he has averaged 119.8 since round 5.

Max Hall – 144 points

Hall’s forward line dominance was evident as he matched Callaghan’s score. His ability to kick goals – three this week – makes him a forward to watch in the coming rounds, posting two SuperCoach scores on the trot above 100.

Rowan Marshall – 135 points

Marshall’s ruck work was a highlight for St Kilda. His form is peaking at the right time, with three scores above 100 in a row after a few quiet weeks. At $577,200, he’s becoming a solid option for those eyeing a ruck switch.

Isaac Rankine – 131 points

Rankine finally rewarded patient coaches with his first ton since round 8. His performance is a promising sign for those who have held onto him through a rough patch.

Noah Anderson – 127 points

Anderson had a tale of two halves against Essendon. After a quiet first half, he exploded with 13 disposals in the third quarter and added two goals in the second half, helping the Suns secure a win.

Tom McCartin – 85 points

McCartin was close to breaking Errol Gulden’s world record, adding $113k to his value with a BE of -57 this week. His performance is one to watch for those considering a trade.

WHO’S COLD

That’s two weeks in a row below 100 for big Max. Picture: Getty

Max Gawn – 79 points

Gawn struggled against the Crows, dropping just 79 points – his second in a row below 100. With his price falling by $41.2k, coaches are left in a bind with one of the most popular rucks in the comp looking shaky as we turn for the run home. Look past the healthy season average of 124.4; his three-round average has dipped to 98.3.

Jack Sinclair – 72 points

Sinclair’s performance was below par again, scoring just 72. His recent form dip and a price drop of $41.6k suggest it might be time to consider alternatives if trades allow.

Nic Martin – 68 points

Martin’s form slump continued against the Suns; his 68 points was his second lowest of the season. His price has taken a hit, and coaches may need to look elsewhere for consistent scoring.

Bevo admitted SuperCoaches wouldn’t be happy with him after a role switch for Bailey Dale saw his worst score of the season. Picture: Getty

Bailey Dale – 65 points

This was Dale’s lowest output for the year. With a price decrease of -$35.2k, is it worth considering other defensive options? Bevo admitted SuperCoaches wouldn’t be happy with him after a role switch saw his worst score of the season.

Callum Wilkie – 56 points

Wilkie’s scores have been on the slide since posting 150 against Melbourne. 56 was a let-down for those who have taken a punt on the POD St Kilda defender. His recent performances warrant a closer look at whether to keep carrying his rollercoaster output.

Adam Cerra – 89 points

Like the Blues around him, Cerra has been struggling to impact in recent weeks. His 89 points against the Pies triggered a price drop of $25k. Coaches who have him will hope for a turnaround but it doesn’t get any easier with Brisbane next.

Tom De Koning – 66 points

De Koning has struggled in his last two games with Pittonet in the side, producing his two lowest scores of the year. If Voss persists with two rucks, it might be time to trade him out.

Sam Darcy – 73 points

Darcy scored most of his points in the final quarter with three contested marks and three goals, but it was too little too late as the game was largely done by then.

TRADE ADVICE

As we head into the next round, it’s crucial to focus on players in form and can deliver consistent points with trades now so valuable.

Liberatore and Merrett are showing strong form and potential for POD impact into the finals.

On the flip side, coaches are in a quandary over what to do with big Max.

Is it time to pull the trigger and look at a ruckman in form?

Brodie Grundy, Marshall, Luke Jackson, Darcy Cameron, Tim English and Lloyd Meek all have better three-game averages than Gawn.

Future Watch

Finn Callaghan

Despite an interrupted season, Callaghan has shown promise and should be on the pre-season watch list for 2026. Many traded him after three down games in rounds 3-5, but since then, he has averaged 119.8, matching his career high from round 0.

Sam Lalor

Unfortunately, Lalor did his hamstring early in the first quarter and might not play again this year. However, this setback could make him very affordable to start in 2026.

Originally published as SuperCoach AFL Round 17: Top performers and disappointments, essential trade tips