The Phantom’s LIVE SuperCoach chat

IF you’re freaking out about the upcoming bye rounds don’t. The Phantom has you covered. He’s opened up his lair to reveal his blueprint for tackling the bye rounds right HERE. Replay the blog here now.

THE bye rounds begin next week!

I repeat, NEXT WEEK!

They have been mentioned but are you ready? Will you have enough playing in each of the three weeks?

This week especially — and hopefully over the past few rounds — your trading plan should have been taking the byes into consideration.

Here is a small insight into The Phantom’s trading plan for the next month …

Round 12

No trades unless Essendon’s Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is rested this week. The Phantom will then look at upgrading to Bulldog Matthew Boyd, who has the bye in round 15. A downgrade could involve potential Collingwood debutant Tom Phillips (mid/fwd).

*Only if Tipungwuit is rested*

Mitch McGovern (Adel, R13 bye) OUT

Tom Phillips (Coll, R13 bye) IN

McDonald-Tipungwuti (Ess, R14 bye) OUT

Matthew Boyd (WB, R14 bye) IN

Round 13

Josh Smith (Coll, R13 bye) OUT

Jarrad Jansen (Bris, R15 bye) IN

Ryan Davis (GC, R13 bye) OUT

Jack Trengove (Melb, R14 bye) IN

Round 14

Marcus Adams (WB, R14 bye) OUT

Kade Simpson (Carl, R13 bye) IN

Christian Petracca (Melb, R14 bye) OUT

Brett Deledio (Rich, R13 bye) IN

PHANTOM’S SC REVIEW

WELCOME back, Rocky.

After missing three weeks with a hamstring injury, Brisbane skipper Tom Rockliff brought his own football to Etihad Stadium, collecting a huge 48 possessions and a round and season-high 204 SuperCoach points against the Blues.

In full flight, there is no better fantasy scorer than Rockliff but, after a number of injury setbacks over the past two seasons, can he be trusted?

A conservative view would suggest there are too many safer midfield options to choose from but the potential reward is huge.

The 26-year-old started the year in more than 30 per cent of SuperCoach sides but found himself in less than 5 per of teams cent in Round 11. While that figure is sure to climb this week, Rockliff would be a great point of difference.

The Phantom is staying away for now, but if he has another one or two big games — something which is likely if he stays fit — he could be too hard to ignore.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood deserves a mention, too.

Facing a break-even of 156, the star midfielder got close, scoring 150 points on the back of 29 disposals and an influential last quarter to get the Cats home.

With a break-even of 76 in round 12, Selwood’s price looks to have bottomed out. Consider as an upgrade target.

THE DISAPPOINTMENT

Aaron Hall FWD/MID (GC)

Speaking of returns, Hall’s comeback from a one-week lay-off with a shoulder complaint is also worth noting. But for all for the wrong reasons.

Scores of 52 and 68 in the past two weeks — his lowest for the year — have resulted in a significant price drop.

Of more concern is the role change which has seen Hall spend more time forward, failing to attend any centre bounce against the Swans on Saturday night.

Is this a permanent change or does it have more to do with protecting his shoulder?

Don’t panic and trade him out just yet but monitor his role closely over the coming weeks before reassessing.

The Suns’ round 13 bye may be just what he needs.

THE BYES

The bye rounds are close so be sure to consider how trading will affect your squad between rounds 13 and 15.

If you your upgrade plans involve any players from Adelaide, Carlton, Collingwood, Gold Coast, Richmond or St Kilda — clubs which all share the round 13 bye — look to bring them in after they have had the week off.

This will help balance your side in rounds 14 and 15. And remember, only 18 — instead of the usual 22 — scoring players count during these three weeks.

MARKET WATCH

GOING UP

Sam Collins DEF (Fre)

After 24 disposals, an equal game-high nine intercept possessions and 100 points, Collins has shown he doesn’t just have secure job security — with the injury to Alex Pearce — but also the potential to be a handy SuperCoach scorer. Add to that Fremantle’s round 15 bye — allowing Collins’ to cover holes over the first two bye rounds — and you have the ideal downgrade target this week.

Sam Jacobs RUCK (Adel)

Still wanting to move on underperforming Brisbane ruckman Stefan Martin but don’t have the funds for a top-ranked big men? At only $475k and after a dominant 150-point performance against the Saints, Jacobs could be your man.

GOING DOWN

Leigh Montagna FWD/MID (StK)

A season-low 45 points saw the veteran’s price fall by more than $30k and bring about a break-even of 157. Before the weekend, Montagna averaged more than 100 points per game and could be a bargain-buy after St Kilda’s round 13 bye.

THE PHANTOM’S SCORE

Round 11 score: 2225

Overall ranking: 2195

TOP 5 teams on advertiser.com.au

24713 Missy’s Marvels

24552 Mr_Nyah

24510 Woodsman

24502 FIGJAM Cant Coach

24414 Colnago Aces

Originally published as The Phantom’s LIVE SuperCoach chat