MJ’s Midfield Mayhem

Written by Motts on June 15 2011

Do not press the T this week before reading this article. SCT Regular, MJ, breaks down the midfield options for you beautifully. Pay attention – with an average northward of 2200 he knows what he’s talking about! Thanks MJ, you’re a champion.

So we all had trading plans that would outlast the next few weeks with no worries at all. That was until Rd 12 came along, with Selwood copping 4 weeks for an untoward whack to Brent Guerra’s ear and Mundy going down with a serious leg injury. Combine that with a Collingwood bye this week and you’ve got yourself into a midfield pickle. I thought I’d shed some light over what I think your best trade-in targets are for Selwood and Mundy, as I think you’ve got to trade them, especially if you’re gunning for a high overall ranking.

First up, the cream of the crop, the top 5 guys I’d be trading into my side in order of preference to prevent carrying non-scoring premium baggage for the next month.

#1. Gary Ablett $568,000, Last round: 139, Ave: 123, 3 Rd Ave: 133, BE 103

Started the season as many expected, struggling a little by his high standards amongst a young and inexperienced midfield group far less capable than his Geelong teammates. He seems to have settled in now, hitting his straps in recent weeks to make a claim at perma-captain material once again. His ability to pump out massive scores places him as my No.1 option this week. With results of 141, 198, 154 and 139 how could you refuse? His inconsistency may be a factor that is related to the Gold Coast, who have a tendency to cop a thrashing on occasion, limiting big scores from guys like Ablett. Having said that, he’s only dropped below 90 once this season. We’ve seen what he’s capable of at the Cats, never failing to drop below 129 ppg in a season between 2008-10. Still in less than a quarter of teams (22.5%), and $568,000 remains a bargain for a man of his stature, not to mention a free road ahead with both GC byes out of the way.

#2. Matthew Boyd $513,200, Last round: 164, Ave: 120, 3 Rd Ave: 121, BE 122

With speculation in the air over Champion Data modifying their scoring system pre-season, including decreasing clanger penalties, Boyd seems to have been advantaged somewhat. In 2009 and 2010 he averaged 104 and 106.3 respectively, but has taken that to a whole new level in 2011, despite the Dogs miserable season. If you take out the two poor games of 74 & 72, his average is a whopping 131 points! In only 10.68% of teams, you could do worse than draft the Bulldogs skipper into your side. His price is just about at its cheapest all season so now’s the time to hit the trade button. A bye in Rd 20 doesn’t infringe in SC finals for your league win aspirations. If you don’t have the cash for Ablett, Boyd will do the job at a fraction of the price.

#3. Matt Priddis $493,500, Last round: 96, Ave: 116, 3 Rd Ave: 108, BE 131

Has also been Mr. Consistent this season, dropping the ton only twice, but to scores of 92 & 96. Currently at a very attractive price for a guy averaging 116, and may be better suited to the Mundy owners a little strapped for cash. I’m certain that if Priddis played for a Victorian team he’d be more highly acclaimed, but this may work in the favour of SuperCoachers as he’s still remarkably only in 5.01% of teams! A beauty for those chasing the overall prize who need a differential to make ground on points. Plays Port Adelaide at home this week, and also has a wonderful SC finals run, with Melbourne(A), Essendon(H), Brisbane(A) and Adelaide(H). I’d back him to produce another 142 as he did against Melbourne earlier this season when they meet the Dees again in your crucial first final. Be cautious of a bye in Rd 15.

#4. Marc Murphy $547,200, Last round: 122, Ave: 119, 3 Rd Ave: 132, BE: 133

Would feature higher up the list if he didn’t have a bye right when you need him most: SC Preliminary Final. If you already have one or two of Judd, Gibbs or Scotland you’ll have to give Murphy a miss. Been in career best form in recent weeks. Since their last bye he’s scored 145, 147, 127, 122! Has a nice run of fixtures to see out the season, only leaving Melbourne once for a trip to Perth against Fremantle Rd 21. In only 9.37% of teams he makes a nice differential to the multitude of Judd owners. While on the subject of Chris Judd $505,300, he presents great value at for an average of 112 for those who don’t have him. Faces the same bye problem as Murphy though.

#5. Scott Pendlebury $555,900, Last round: 129, Ave: 126, 3 Rd Ave: 139, BE 110

If it weren’t for Collingwood’s bye this week, Pendles would be the #1 option. If you’re willing/able to wait a week for the Collingwood dynamo, do it. If you’re one of the unfortunates with Mundy, Selwood and Swan you’ll have to get one of the others this round though. Dane Swan $447,500 also fits this category with a bye next week, but makes for a readymade replacement for Mundy at that price, and I’m sure he’ll be back to the 150s we know he’s capable of upon return from Arizona. As for Scotty, he’s been the most consistent SC midfielder in 2011, only missing the ton once, being a respectable 94. I’m still shattered I picked Swan over him pre-season and had there been no byes, I would have had both Magpies in the line-up from day 1. I’m personally picking this gun up next week with the cash made from Sandilands.

Other notables worthy of consideration if you’re looking for premiums a little left-of-field and still willing to spend the dough, but mostly I’d recommend steering clear of this list, at least for another few weeks most of their prices are overinflated at the moment and will come down relatively soon:

Scott Thompson $496,800: Been a little down in recent weeks, but shown he can produce the goods required of a premium. My gut feeling is he won’t maintain the highs of a brilliant first half of 2011. Bye in non-league round. BE 175.

Daniel Wells $528,700: Been tearing it up as of late with massive scores of 175, 152 and 180 in his last 5. Wells has been much maligned over the years. Has he turned a corner to live up to the potential a high draft pick encompasses? Too risky and inconsistent for mine, as he’s thrown up 5 scores in the region of 70s and 80s. Also has an SC finals bye. BE 90

Andrew Swallow $519,100: Has followed a similar trend to Wells, with massive scores of 143 and 193 coupled with 5 in the 60s, 70s, or 80s. Finals bye rules him out for me too. BE 87.

Jobe Watson $491,500: The Essendon skipper has driven himself into Brownlow contention this year before a hamstring hiccup against Brisbane in round 8 halted his progress. An average of 111 says jump on, but a BE of 188 and a bye in the final round of the season says stay away.

Dale Thomas $531,800: Wouldn’t go near the guy personally when you’ve got Pendles and Swan as better options from the pies, despite back-to-back 150s in rounds 9 & 10. BE 106.

Nick Dal Santo $477,600: Cheap at this price, but has a bye in two weeks so not a good option for trading Selwood/Mundy into. Most will have too many Saints already, and he has the propensity of being tagged out of games, scoring 87, 81, 78 & 85 this season. BE 125.

For those with little cash in reserve, needing a replacement for Mundy this week and not willing to do two trades to get the funds, look no further than these blokes:

#1. Brent Maloney $437,000: Average 108. BE 59. With Jamar a potential IN this week, you could swap Mundy for Maloney with less than $2000 in loose change required. His scores should lift to early season highs of 129, 145 and 152 with the ruckman tapping it down his throat again. His low BE is another incentive after a 132 & 114, coupled with a bye in a non-league week. Only in 2.08% of teams, making for a terrific POD. Melbourne also has an incredible run in finals, playing West Coast(H), Richmond(H), Gold Coast(H), Port Adelaide(A). Only downside is he lacks the history over recent years of high averages with an average of only 83.1 last  season.

#2. Jimmy Bartel $440,200: Average 108. BE 65. Great value at this price (which will only go up with that BE), as we know he can average 126 (2007 Brownlow year), despite being a little up and down this season. He’s a straight swap for Mundy, or even Cat for Cat if Selwood needs to go. May lift his scoring with Selwood absent. Bye in SC finals means he’s not in first spot.

#3. Luke Hodge $465,500/Sam Mitchell $468,600: Average 99, 108 BE 175, 112 respectively. Hawthorn still have the luxury of playing the Suns twice from here on in, including this weekend and your league Grand Final. If you can split these two then jump on one. Hodge’s 55 this week was a worrying sign though and the only guy I’ve included who hasn’t averaged over 100, because of hihs fantastic record over previous seasons. Proceed with caution on him and 175 BE maybe says hold off.

#4. Andrew Embley $418,600: Average 109. BE 93. Would be a very left-of-field choice, but has a massive average this season on the back of an improved Eagles outfit, and is very affordable. Has hit 120+ on four occasions, including 130 last week. Embley’s a very unique player in only 2.84% of teams, and plays Port Adelaide at home this week so the stage is set for another big one. Did average 107 in 2005. Has a bye in Rd 15 though, so be wary. Has dropped two games in the 60s also.

#5. Trent Cotchin $429,000/Dustin Martin $450,000: Average 100, 105 BE 117, 104 respectively. Both of these young tigers have lifted remarkably in 2011 and both have their bye in a non-league round, which marginally gets them into this list over Ryan Griffin $458,600, Average 108, BE 140. Both tigers have claims, but I’m not sure these young guns fit the bracket of others listed here just yet. I have no doubt they’ll be the Selwood’s and Pendlebury’s of years to come.

Players in this price range to avoid:

Travis Boak, Michael Rischitelli, Jude Bolton, Tom Rockliff, Jarrad McVeigh, Nathan Foley as their inconsistencies mean you risk copping a low score in a crunch time game against a league rival. Risk outweighs reward with these guys in my opinion.

Disclaimer: DPP players have not been included, as I think you’re better off selecting an out-and-out midfield star if trading for the quality of Selwood or Mundy, filling your starting 6 with pure mids, and having rookie DPPs on the bench if you desire such flexibility.

So what do you think, SCT community? Who’d be your #1? Who’s going to be presented a jumper for your side to have their debut?

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117 thoughts on “MJ’s Midfield Mayhem”

  1. swapping selwood for priddis, which gives me a midfield of Pendles, Swan, Ablett, Boyd, Judd and Priddis….

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  2. Excellent, a good read. Great work. Might have to get rid of Selwood seeing as how I already have Sandilands and Swan on my bench, can’t really afford to have a third premium.

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  3. Thinking of keeping selwood and trading Polec for a rookie DPP Midfielder (eg. cullinan), then bringing chapman to the midfield.

    (currently have Selwood, Swan, Pendles and Polec in my midfield).

    Good Idea?

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  4. Im now thinking, thanks to everyones advice, of doing selwood to priddis this week. and down grading Matera for Howe (if named)

    Good article MJ, it helps!

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  5. Have Selwood and Mundy (and Pendles). Will trade both but weighing up waiting for Swanny next week with one of the picks. Tomorrow will see some serious SuperCoach dissection from Roo Bloke.

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  6. Thanks for the feedback guys. Much appreciated. If this only helps 1 person out, it’s done its job, but hopefully you can all take something from this. Love being a part of the SCT community!

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  7. Could you just imagine if Priddis got injured this week?

    PS: Really happy I bought a ticket for the Vardy train!

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  8. Good article MJ.
    I have the oarsome foursome of Barra/Joelwood/Swan & Penders in my midfield, so, I shall bench the pies pair, use a DPP to ‘cover’ Joelwood, probaby Lids or Goddard b/c I have greater def bench depth, and, then, trade Mundy into Priddis which will be fuelled by the Matera into Howe trade that I am planning on. I want to look at Barlow for a week or two to see if he is going to score last years numbers. If so then I’ll trade Joelwood out for him, if not, then I’ll look @ my options next week.

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  9. Thinking about it and I will probably end up going Selwood to GAJ this week, then come pre-lim final Judd to Selwood.
    I’d love to have Selwood when it counts.

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  10. Hey guys i needs some advice my rucks are Cox,Z,Smith with Sandi,and J,Spencer on the pine is now a good time to down grade Smith to Vardy thumbs up good idea thumbs down cop a doughnut i only have 8 trades left and$100,800 in the bank and i was also plannin on downgrading L,Thompson to J,Strouse

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  11. Great Article MJ! You’ve nearly got me (re)convinced to jump on board the GAJ train. Something just nags away at me though – just not convinced that he’ll play every game.

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  12. going selwood to priddis, and heppell to newman/hurn/johncock. which one out of those 3 do you think i should get. i have no defenders from either of those teams, but in my whole team i have – Richmond, 0, West Coast, 1, and Adelaide, 0

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  13. Hey Motts, how about we have a Rant thread , where punters can get what ever off their chest be it Supercoach, Footy or anything else that is p155ing them off.

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  14. MJ Fantastic read mate!!!!

    Just want to put a poll out there for some help…

    My mids are Pebbles,Swan,Selwood,Boyd, S Thompson, Burgoyne
    (Iles,Bewick,Jacobs)

    Thumbs up – downgrade either heppel or darling to one of the young dees and upgrade Selwood to Gablett ( leaving more cash in hte bank)

    Thumbs down – Selwood for Priddis

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  15. Great read MJ

    Already have a midfield of- Swan, Boyd, Hodge, Ablett, Cotchin, (Selwood)

    Planning on getting Pendlebury in a few weeks for Cotchin

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  16. great article MJ, but i will be keeping selwood, due to me sitting 3rd(league) and moving goodes using mzungu as my ddp

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  17. Hey guys, i am asking for some advice, but i am putting in an effort to help others as well and not ask for too much. Hope you guys don’t mind. So i am really stuck, my Midfield is falling to peaces. I have a few ideas but i would love some peoples thoughts on what i should do with my team.

    Going for league as well as wanting to finish highest overall possible even though i cant win the cash.

    Shaw, Goddard, Gibbs, Delidio, Broughton, Heppell, Duigan
    (Puopollo, Jacobs, Lester)

    Swan, Pendlebury, Selwood, Boyd, Priddis, Tompson
    (Hibberd, Iles, Wallis)

    Cox, Petrie
    (Vardy, Smith)

    Franklin, Pavlich, Goodes, O’keefe, N Reiwoldt, Rioli, Darling
    (Tapscott, Mzungu, Richardson)

    9 Trades and 407,000 in the bank.

    Greatly apreciated, i will now continue to help others now.

    CHEERS !

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  18. Top job MJ.

    Will be trading Selwood to Boyd.
    Mids will look like this Fyfe, Pendles, Swan, Boyd, Priddis, Harris, with Lids/Goddard/Goodes/Harvey to fill the breach when needed.

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  19. Gaz for me – I am loathed to trade Selwood given he has had only two stinkers this year but with Smith out I will be lucky to get up this week. This year is really showing up the value of the DPP and how you can cover holes from week to week.

    Had to laugh at one of the guys travelling well in my main league at the moment. He has four blues and three bombers in his starting 22…….

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  20. For the longwindedness of my situation im sorry. Have 24k and only 10 trades in the bank and am thinking.

    Rd13 Selwood -> Pavich and Krakour -> Sylvia.
    Rd14 Downgrading L.Thompson and J.Darling for Approx 280k (To whom I dont know?)
    Rd15 Upgrading Ed Curnow -> Matt Boyd.
    Will leave me with 5 trades and no cash with a full premium side of

    B. Shaw, Lids, God, Gibbs, Enright, Hep, Suckling
    M. Boyd, Ablett, Murph, Swanny, Hodge, Rockliff
    R. Cox, Sandi
    F. ROK, Goodes, NRoo, Boomer, Buddy, Sylvia, Pav

    Main three cover is Backs – Lower. Mids – D Swallow. For – Mzungu

    Amy thoughts or ideas? Thanks

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  21. Does anyone know if Danny Stanley got suspended for his hip-bump on Drew Petrie. The dish got up pretty quickly and didn’t seem affected by it, which should work in danny’s favor.

    Already have Pendles, Joelwood, Mundy, Shaw, Adcock, Toy, Sandi, Zac Smith, J Tippet, Krak, Matera and Isaac Smith not playing at this stage. Doesn’t really matter as I’ve written off this week anyway. In struggle-town!

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  22. So i am thinking this week

    Selwood, Lower ————> R.O’Keefe, Enright
    It allows me to have a M/F in the mids, and means i dont have to use an extra trade to bring in Callinan.

    The team will look like this for the week if i make the trades

    B- Gibbs, Deledio, Enright, Duffield, Gilbert, Heppell, Otten
    (Shaw, Adcock, Howard(EMER))

    C- Boyd, Ablett, Goddard, O’Keefe, Cotchin, Hodge
    (Swan, Iles(EMER), Jacobs)

    R- Cox, Petrie
    (Smith, Moran)

    F- Pavlich, Franklin, Goodes, N.Riewoldt, J.Riewoldt, Yarran, Mzungu
    (Darling(EMER), Richardson, J.Tippett)

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  23. Rustee why not selwood to okeefe/Harvey and keep lower another week cos I think enright has highish b/e.

    Darling to Lecras is only 80k the Frenchman looks good in the midfield and should kick another 5-6 this week 🙂

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  24. Is everyone with the Cox Sandi Zac Dud ruck setup going to cop Doughnuts this week and save the trade?

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  25. Awesome stuff mj! Great read mate. I was happy too see I have 4 of your top 5 already. Might have to go for glory and make it all 5 by bringing in gaj. Your spot on with ‘differentials to make up ground on points’. Murphy and Boyd from the start have been my boys in that regard. Thanks to them, I think it has helped me reach current ranking of 598 (thought I’d slip it in there). Also choosing Pendlebury over swan from start which was a bloody hard decision at the time has helped as well. I just wish the 500 odd teams in front of me didn’t already have them..Anywhoo, top read mate!

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  26. With Hodges high BE this week, i need to make a calculated move.
    I can bring in GAJ for joelwood this week, with roughly 10 K remaining. Do you people think Hodgey will drop by 20K of more this week?
    will have roughly 446 K to upgrade mundy next week

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  27. regardless of this weeks bye, which combo is better:
    thumbs up – pendles & hodge
    thumbs down – ablett and moloney( possibly hodge, if he drops 20 k next week)

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  28. Have enough cash to straight swap Selwood & Mundy for Boyd and Ablett. Thinking it’s the right move but while they are both on fire i’m worried about Eade and McKenna cotton wooling both the players later in the season. Not so much with Boyd but particularly with Ablett.

    Current mids are: Pendlebury, Priddis, A Swallow, (Mundy), (Selwood) plus at M6 i play either a DPP in O’Keefe, Pavlich, Dangerfield, Krakouer or Harris or Mzungu who are mid-bench.

    If not for the byes i’d be looking at M Murphy and Boyd.

    Thought of waiting a week for Swan over Ablett is appealing.

    Thoughts, dissertations and comments are all encouraged.

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  29. Something else I didn’t mention about Boyd is his record at Etihad Stadium. Just looked up the stats and these are his last 5 games at the venue (all this season):
    129, 131, 123, 128, 164
    What a machine!
    Worthy to note that the of the Dogs 11 games remaining, 7 of them will be played at Etihad, including 4 of their next 5. That, in addition to saving the extra $55k in the bank balance, which will undoubtedly come in handy later down the track for getting Sandilands back has all but sealed the deal on my sole trade this week:
    Selwood > Boyd

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  30. some advice needed for the newbie to sc please.

    i have 5 trades left, not much in the bank. but on the upside, i dont have sandi, mundy, pendles, montagna or selwood. only players i have on the bench not playing is swan and buckley.so im pretty sure i have coverage everywhere, (wait until 5pm today). does anyone think that the scores will be a bit lower this week, due to the amount of premiums not playing?

    what i want to know is, do i upgrade players such as darling, lower, duigan, buckley now, or wait til later. upgrading 1 of those would cost me 2 trades, but it could bring in a boyd or o’keefe.

    any advice would be appreciated.

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  31. cheers andyb. sound advice.im currently in 4 leagues, on top in 1, and in top 4 in the others. ranked in top 10000, so pretty happy with the way im going for the 1st time. never thought it could be this complicated though 🙂 does get addictive, and as a brissy supporter, i couldnt care less if the opposition players score well! just another quick question…..do you think i should trade in sandilands after his bye in rd16? i have cox and mcevoy, with petrie in fwd line swapping with tippett. hoping that his price would come down, and mcevoy would be a straight swap.

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  32. good onya andyb! thanx for the advice, hopefully it works out in the end.if not, its been enjoyable nonetheless.

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