SuperCoach guru The Phantom pinpoints some enticing mid-priced defenders

MID-PRICE selections are the riskiest in SuperCoach but the temptation can be strong. And, while there are defenders waiting to suck us in again in 2017, there is value to be found, too, says The Phantom.

• The Phantom looks left-field
• Moving forward to kick score
• More than just Gawn, Goldstein
• Dual-role defenders are key

MID-PRICE selections are the riskiest in SuperCoach but the temptation can be strong. And, while there are defenders waiting to suck us in again in 2017, there is value to be found, too, says The Phantom.

Kade Kolodjashnij

(GC) $375,400

After a breakout 2015 season saw the classy left-footer average 89 points, Kolodjashnij struggled with an abdomen issue throughout 2016, failing to recapture his best form.

But with the talented 21-year-old defender fully fit again, expect him to bounce back in a big way.

The fact that Kolodjashnij ranked No. 1 at the club for metres gained, No, 12 in the AFL for intercept possessions and posted eight SuperCoach tons in just his second season at that level cannot be ignored.

Callum Mills

(Syd) $420,000

Ordinarily, it’s hard to justify selecting a second-year player for more than $400k.

But, ordinarily, they are not this good. Mills, the rising star winner last season, is on the fast track to SuperCoach stardom after averaging 88 points in the final nine games of his debut season.

The 19-year-old excelled across halfback for the Swans in 2016, showing composure beyond his years, but a midfield role is inevitable. With Tom Mitchell departing in the off-season, it could be sooner rather than later.

Hamish Hartlett ... cam rack up big SuperCoach points. Picture: Sarah Reed

Hamish Hartlett

(Port) $423,700 MID

Inconsistency has plagued Hartlett throughout his career but his talent is unquestionable.

Before last year’s disappointing season average of 78, the booming right-footer averaged more than 90 in the previous five seasons and although he couldn’t carry the form through, Hartlett scored 126, 97, 98, 87, 117, 115, 146 and 127 in the final eight rounds of 2015.

There is no riskier selection in 2017 but it’s hard to ignore those numbers.

Jake Lloyd

(Syd) $460,200 MID

At the top-end of the mid-price bracket, the hard-running utility is an intriguing prospect. Lloyd, who has been used on a wing and at halfback, showcased his elite ball-winning ability in the latter half of last season, collecting 30 or more disposals in three of the final four games, averaging 103 points in this time.

Another big tick was the 23-year-old’s performance on the big stage in last year’s grand final. Lloyd registered 21 disposals — at 85 per cent efficiency — and 103 SuperCoach points.

Michael Hibberd ... will the reward justify the risk? Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Michael Hibberd

(Melb) $402,200

Any defender who has averaged more than 90 for two seasons in a five-year career has to be considered ... but there are plenty of concerns. The former Bomber hasn’t played for more than a year and, maybe even more concerning is the fact that the play-making halfback only registered two scores of 100 or more in his last season of footy.

Jackson Thurlow

(Geel) $267,600

The talented 22-year-old, who showed plenty of promise in 2015, had Cats fans excited heading into last season before a knee injury during over summer wiped out his year.

By all reports, Thurlow is tracking well and, with the retirement of Corey Enright, there is a spot for him in the Cats’ best 22. And at this price, there is less risk. But can we pick him on that promise alone?

Originally published as SuperCoach guru The Phantom pinpoints some enticing mid-priced defenders