BLeeDiNG ReD & bLaCk has been slaving away at his typewriter again and once again the result is gold. If you’re serious about winning Supercoach this year, read this.
Dual position players are the best advantage we have against the dreaded ‘doughnut’.
They are coverage for our team and saves us supercoachers from making unnecessary trades. These players could be the x-factor that gets you through to league finals contention and a better overall ranking.
In the coming weeks we’ll look at the various types of dual position players, who not only give you the flexibility to cover your squad but also more control of your team set-up.
Let’s look at the best FWD/MID players in 2012.
Adam Goodes: (Swans) $586,500/2011 avg: 108.18
The dual Brownlow Medallist played all 22 games and proved that this 31yo veteran can still keep up with the league’s younger legs. Won his 3rd B & F ( 1st for Swans in goals, marks and kicks) and is a versatile and durable player who finds himself in more positions than the karma sutra. Hard to believe that only a couple of seasons ago he was playing as a ruckman. In 2012 he’ll be looking to add another premiership flag to his already illustrious career.
Nathan Fyfe: (Dockers) $585,700/2011 avg: 108.05
Surprised everyone last year with a stellar breakout 2nd season which ended with an All Australian selection and runner up B & F finish. Can find the ball in traffic and is a brilliant aerialist (1st for Freo in contested possession and contested marks). Plays like a 10 year veteran and will be looking to prove himself as more than a one season wonder.
Matthew Pavlich: (Dockers) $573,000/2011 avg: 105.7
The Freo captain donned the superman cape last year and proved to the doubters that there are no signs of the ‘Super Pav’ slowing down. Won the club B & F and broke the Dockers club record. Can switch from attacking midfielder, to a damaging key position forward in a blink of an eye. A level headed and skillful veteran who will try to take Freo to the top of the ladder this season.
Paul Chapman: (Cats) $548,600/2011 avg: 101.2
Geelong’s hard man had a fantastic 2011 and was instrumental in the Cats premiership win. Loves to battle in the middle or push to half forward, where he can use his dangerous goal sense to turn the game on its head. Provides pressure on his opponents and can lay more tackles than a gay guy at a Swedish spa house (101 tackles last year). The perfect example of a premium dual position player.
Brent Harvey; (Roos) $548,000/2011 avg 101.1
Despite his age and size, the 33yo 172cm former captain continues to punch above his weight by breaking the lines and drilling goals. Works harder than an 8yr old Korean boy at a Nike shoe factory (2nd for Roos in disposals) who loves to go forward as an opportunistic goal sneak. (3rd for NM for goals). Without the captaincy pressures on his shoulders, he’ll be free to focus on being a much more devastating match winner.
Dayne Beams: (Pies) $546,400/2011 avg: 100.8
Injury may have hampered his 2011 season but when fit, Beamer was bordering on elite player status. Not only did he average 22.8 disposals, but with stints between the midfield and the forward line he contributed 21 goals. He has an X-factor that makes him a valuable yet unpredictable supercoach option. Will be looking to have a breakout injury-free year.
Dustin Martin: (Tigers) $536,200/2011 avg: 98.81
No second year blues for this young superstar in the making. Dusty played every game in 2011 and finished 3rd in the B & F. Collects possessions like Yumi Stynes collects Facebook threats. Likes to kick through the big sticks (33 goals last year) and there is still plenty of improvement for this 20 yr old which should scare all opposition sides. (Ed: don’t argue!)
Honourable Mentions
Ryan O’Keefe: (Swans) $556,600/2011 avg: 102.68 *injured*
David Zaharakis: (Bombers) $494,100/2011 avg: 91.1
Jordan Lewis: (Hawks) $493,000/2011 avg 90.95
Robin Nahas: (Tigers) $467,900/2011 avg 86.32
Steele Sidebottom: (Pies) $452,400/2012 avg 83.5
Wanna take a punt?
Patrick Dangerfield: (Crows) $435,400/2011 avg 80.32
Despite the haters, Dangermouse improved by leaps and bounds (2nd for Adelaide in contested possession and clearances’). Is working towards longer stints in the Crows midfield rotation, has excellent goal sense (23 goals in 2011) and is relentless pursuing the ball.
Alan Didak: (Pies) $336,100/2011 avg 62.0
Hampered by injury and poor form in 2011, Dids was hoping he’d be injury free in 2012…… WRONG! Tore his pectoral muscle and is out for a couple of weeks. Still, it’s early days and he has the talent, skill and shimmy to reach his former high SC glory days!
Jason Winderlich: (Bombers) $302,200/2011 avg 55.8
Tore his ACL last year but has had a full uninterrupted pre-season so far. Runs through the middle with exceptional speed and provides pressure on defenders when put into the forward line. An attacking player with high scoring SC potential but has never played a full 22 game season in 9 years. Watch for in the NAB cup (Ed: if his plane lands).
(Dis)Honourable Mention
Shaun Higgins: (Bulldogs) $447,500/2011 avg 82.56
ROOKIES
Devon Smith: (Giants) $131,600/Ht-174cm Wt-76kgs
An 18yr old high possession getter with exceptional speed and agility. Works hard for the ball and isn’t afraid to put his body on the line. Had a great season with the Geelong Falcons in the TAC cup.
Adam Treloar: (Giants) $113,200/Ht-181cm Wt-86kgs
(Cher)Noble Park boy, who is known for his fantastic football skills and strong work ethic. Likes to kick goals, but has a mid-fielder mentality. Sheedy gives this kid huge wraps. Watch out for him this season.
Curtly Hampton: (Giants) $113,200/Ht-188cm Wt-88kgs
An exciting and skillful teenager from Alice Springs who is highly regarded within the club. Named in Sheedy’s round one side in the Herald Sun. Keep your eye on this one!
Alex Sexton: (Suns) $106,600/Ht-185cm Wt-71kgs
Won the Alan McLean medal at the 2010 NAB AFL under 16 championships. Runs like Black Cavier on a diet of hay and crack. Has fine ball skills and is good under pressure.
Tom Couch: (Demons) $94,700/Ht-177cm Wt-79kgs
Son of Cats legend and Brownlow medallist Paul Couch. A tough in-and-under player who loves to battle for the ball. Has been making an impact in the NAB cup. A good investment with a low price tag.
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
Great write up brb. Not travelling to Sweden now too.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Hidden due to low comment rating. Click here to see.
Poorly-rated. Like or Dislike:
0 
9
Nice write up BRB. Dangermouse has been on my radar all summer and is almost in my team after another midfield performance last night.
Could also Zorko, Pfeiffer, Kerridge and Hampton. Loads of options.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Great write up BR&B, comedy genius, great work… Its just a pity about your name.
Like or Dislike:
0 
1
Just quietly, Bue, I wouldn’t be throwing stones
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
8 
1
Have been tempted by danger all preseason due to his great draw, followed by great nab cup form. If I bring him in I could (most probably) sure up my ruck spots. So guys my question to you is:
Thumbs up: danger, Jacobs, leuenberger
Thumbs down: zaha, cox, maric
Well-loved. Like or Dislike:
12 
5
Thanks boyz, just a write up that might help those still tinkering with their teams (like the Windelich ‘if his plane lands’ reference Motts…nice lol)
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Great stuff BRB.
Reckon Mitch Robinson could be a good POD too if Dusty struggles with the tough draw early although I’d probably go Lewis.
Just can’t bring myself to do it but I think this might be the year for Dangermouse too. New coach might just be able to bring about a permanent digit extraction.
Like or Dislike:
2 
0
Is Robbo injured? I’m sure that I heard something somewhere….
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Yeah. He had a thought…….and injured his brain. Out for 6-8 weeks or until he can empty his head of that one thought again. might end up being a season ending injury requiring major surgery.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
I heard they’ve already tried surgery but couldn’t crack that skull and gave up.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Rumor has it that they have now approached NASA for a loan of the same drill bits they used in “Armaggedon”. I don’t like their chances. If Bruce Willis had problems then they are screwed.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Hey Fish. It was pointed out to me over the weekend, that to avoid identity theft/misplacement, that I should get myself an avatar. I have NFI on how to do that. Any pointers as yours is clearly an original piece.
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
https://en.gravatar.com/site/signup #pleasestanduppleasestandup
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
I’ve also heard that the entire Caaarlton list went in for ‘arm reduction’, ‘back straightening’ & ‘knuckle de-scraping’ surgery in addition to the cranial surgical procedure that you described.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
Shit, it’s been a while. I made mine up with photoshop, but from memory there is a particular website that I used to turn it into the proper format and upload and connect it to my email address.
Can anyone else out there point Juddy in the right direction?
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Whoever advised you to get an avatar must be a legendary sort of bloke, attractive, intelligent, a hit with the ladies, who barracks for the best club in the country.
I suggest that you start barracking for this bloke’s footy team, then go to gravatar.com & hook yourself up with an avatar.
Like or Dislike:
1 
0
4 out of 5 ain’t bad.
Like or Dislike:
2 
0
HAH!! It works!!! I am now Gravitarational
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
Whoops – think you might be confusing Didak’s injury from the 2010/2011 preseason, with his 2011/2012 injury … No pecs here, not this time other wise he would be a CERTAIN no pick (the same injury two pre-seasons running) !
Like or Dislike:
0 
0
so many yet so few spots!
Could we please have a Dangerfield / Sloane poll?
Like or Dislike:
1 
0