166 thoughts on “AFL SC – Rate My Team (January)”

  1. Hey all first posted crack at a team.
    The idea behind this team is you either have a 110+ average or provide great value.
    So no breakouts, just fallen premiums, or ridiculously low priced players.

    Lloyd and English are the exceptions. Lloyd, clear #1 and English good value stepping stone, hopefully keeper.

    I’m Not having fwd rookies putting up 10-30 point games again, so going 5 deep.

    Not having Gawn, I’ve selected a 6th mid.

    I think Walsh was an exception last year(plus he had cripps to learn off) so not paying up for rowell.(if young can be downgraded I’ll put in Rowell)

    Tmac is hopefully my secret weapon this year.

    DEF-lloyd, docherty, Hill, young, mclennan, stodddard – bianco, Gould.
    MID -fyfe, Kelly, cripps, danger, dunkly, Oliver, mchenery, E smith – Pickett, mcguiness, hibberd.
    RUC – Grundy, English – combden
    FWD- Whitfield, Franklin, tmac, Stevens, Smith, Rankin – king, L hosie.
    About 12k left.

    Of course defence depends on rookie availability.
    Clear targets are Gawn, macrae, Neale, dusty, heeney and a backline.
    To get dusty and Heeney just move a fwd to mids and use them to upgrade to Neale macrae etc.

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    1. I like it a lot TOF! Interesting that you haven’t started Neale or Macrae, I’ve got both locked in to my team and can’t really see a downside in either of them.
      TMac and Buddy will be make or break for your team!

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      1. Nah wait for them to drop. See upside in Oliver and dunks. Fyfe and Kelly are wait and see through the preseason. Danger and cripps are danger and cripps (is danger a bit of a pod this season) if fyfe or Kelly show signs of not being fit by round 1 will be swapped to macrae or Neale.

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      2. Been tinkering far too much with my side the last week and not sure where I’m at with it and how i’m feeling something doesn’t quiet sit right in my gut and I think Jack steven plays a big part in that…

        DEF: ZWilliams JSicily SDoch SHill TBianco WGould (J.Mclennan TRivers)

        MID: JKelly PCripps JDunkley COliver TKelly MRowell MPickett MHibberd (NCahill JMead NMcHenry)

        RUCK: BGrundy NNatanui (CComben)

        FWD: LWhitfield DMartin HGreenwood JSteven NCockatoo IRankine (JWorrell JMahony)

        BANK: 210k

        Also Haven’t seen much love for Tim Kelly but I’ve seen midfields in the past all dominate collingwood from memory had swan pendles and beams all go 115+ so it is possible even look at the doggies this year you could put a strong case forward too start dunkley, bont & macrae and all finish in your top 8-10 midfielders. I think Tim could even take his game to another level in 2020.

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        1. Hi Maverick. Nic Nat is priced to tease, you know he will miss games during the season, and be managed during games as the eagle will want him healthy for he finals. Suggest hill moves to F4 and you need a Macrae or Neale as M1. Good luck.

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    2. Very similar to my setup, but I have Gawn and 1 less mid premo.
      You might be right about Walsh being a one-off. Rowell has unbelievable junior numbers but does anyone know what he is elite at? Because if it’s clearances/contested possessions he isn’t going to be elite at that in his 1st year.

      Walsh is an elite runner. He runs 16km per game. That doesn’t change whether he’s playing against boys or men, he still has ways of finding the ball

      I’m 50/50 on Rowell, hopefully the JLT will enlighten.

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    3. Hi All

      Had the first crack at the team for 2020. Rookies are mainly palce holders for the now but give me some feedback.

      DEF: Williams, Laird, Docherty, Roberton, Starcevich, Briggs (Clavarino, Stoddart)
      MID: Macrae, Neale, Fyfe, Cripps, T.Kelly, Rowell, Pickett, Hibberd (Bianco, Rivers, Philp)
      RUC: Grundy, Gawn (Comben)
      FWD: Whitfield, Martin, Steven, S.Hill, Rankine, M.King (D.Cameron, Sturt)

      T.Kelly is 50/50 to stay in the team for now and I may try to find a way to upgrade him to an uber premo. Steven could also become D. Smith or Acres before the season starts.

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  2. Franklin has always been selected by people when fit generally averages 90+.Tmac had a great 2018 but was underdone last year and hoping he will bounce back this year with a pre season under him.
    King, whatever just a rookie place holder.

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  3. Been tinkering far too much with my side the last week and not sure where I’m at with it and how i’m feeling something doesn’t quiet sit right in my gut and I think Jack steven plays a big part in that…

    DEF: ZWilliams JSicily SDoch SHill TBianco WGould (J.Mclennan TRivers)

    MID: JKelly PCripps JDunkley COliver TKelly MRowell MPickett MHibberd (NCahill JMead NMcHenry)

    RUCK: BGrundy NNatanui (CComben)

    FWD: LWhitfield DMartin HGreenwood JSteven NCockatoo IRankine (JWorrell JMahony)

    BANK: 210k

    Also Haven’t seen much love for Tim Kelly but I’ve seen midfields in the past all dominate collingwood from memory had swan pendles and beams all go 115+ so it is possible even look at the doggies this year you could put a strong case forward too start dunkley, bont & macrae and all finish in your top 8-10 midfielders. I think Tim could even take his game to another level in 2020.

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    1. I like Greenwood in the FWD line, but not sure on Nic Nat, could be rested/managed alot. With all that $$ in the bank you could upgrade him to a safer option. That would be my only issue, like the team other than that.

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      1. Issue with Nic Nat is not him being rested, more so that he’s sharing ruck duties with Hickey. Last year everyone was scared about starting Gawn given Preuss’ recruitment, but there isn’t the same skepticism towards Nic Nat even though he’s partnered with a much more established ruckman.

        I love the guy, but I just think it’s hard to go past G&G.

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  4. Still Tinkering with structure. How’s this look

    DEF Sicily Dawson Doch Roberton Hill Rivers. (mcLennan gould)

    MIDS Dunkley Whitfield Oliver Taranto Cogs Dusty Pickett Hibbard (3 rookie)

    RUCK G&G loophole

    FWD Greenwood Brayshaw Steven Smith Townsend Frampton (cameron king)

    Risky FWD line,but the upside is worth the risk. Have Whitfield and Dusty in the mids as cover. Just in case.

    Who do you think has the best value in the MIDS this year. Your views welcome.

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    1. I don’t reckon there is much value in the mids this year, they’re all priced accordingly…maybe Oliver if Melbourne have a better year. But the one I’m most confident in starting would be Cripps

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  5. Had a few cracks at it, thoughts on:

    DEF: Z. Williams, Stewart, Houston, Docherty, Doedee, Gould (Madden, McLennan)

    MID: Macrae, J. Kelly, Cripps, T. Mitchell, Dangerfield, Rowell, McHenry, Pickett (Robertson, Rivers, Hibberd)

    RUC: Grundy, Jacobs (Comben)

    FWD: Whitfield, Heeney, Smith, S. Hill, Frampton, Rankine (M. King, Budarick)

    $19.5k left in the bank. Sacrificed Grundy-Gawn for a stronger DEF and MID. Rookies subject to change based on preseason etc. Stayed away from Martin up forward since he usually starts slow.

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  6. Happy new year everyone
    First crack for the year

    DEF: Williams, Docherty, Doedee, Roberton, Young, McLennan – Williamson, Gould
    MID: Macrae, Neale, Fyfe, Cripps, Mitchell, Rowell, Cockatoo, Picket – McHenry, Valente, Robinson
    RUCK: Grundy, Gawn – Comben
    FWD: Whitfield, Martin, D Smith, S Hill, E Smith, Rankine – Flanders, Mosquito

    $92,200 remaining

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  7. Def: Z Williams, Sicily, Docherty,
    Roberton, Williamson, Rivers,
    Bianco, Gould.

    Mids: Macrae, Neale, Cripps,
    Dunkley, Dangerfield, Rowell,
    McHenry, M Pickett, Robertson,
    Mead , Hibberd.

    Rucks: Grundy, Gawn, Comben.

    Forwards: Whitfield, Martin, Smith,
    S Hill, Cockatoo, Rankin,
    D Cameron, M King.

    Any feedback would be appreciated!

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  8. Went pure guns and rookies (again) in 2019. It allows you, if you trade well and get the rookies right to hover around the top 1k.
    I’ve never been one to pick midpricers – i’m realising that these midpricers are more or less just stepping stones. And last 2 seasons at least i have had to accept too many very poor rookie scores, really hurts overall position early.
    So looking for some stepping stones in this team.

    D – Williams, sicily, doc, dooedee, roberton, stephen hill, gould, bianco

    M – Cripps, Dunkley, Danger, Oliver, Rowell, pickett, schonberg, robertson, hibbered, starcevich, valente

    R – Gawn Grundy, cameron

    F – Whitfield, buddy, lynch, steven, dev smith, bonar, rankine, worrell

    48k remaining

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    1. Far too much midprice madness imo!

      Midpricers are all good n well in moderation CJ but you still need rookies for that vital cash generation For those midprice stepping stones if several of those midpricers flop your gonna be burning trades for corrections and if you don’t nail ya rooks you’re going to struggle for $$$.

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    2. Not sure about the Lynch pick, but everything else looks great. Danger will be a bit of a POD this year I reckon (at least to start).

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  9. DEF: Lloyd, Docherty, Doedee, Roberton, Butts, McPherson (Gould, Stoddart)

    MID: Macrae, Neale, Fyfe, Cripps, Dunkley, Rowell, McHenry, Pickett (Bytel, Rivers, Hibberd)

    RUC: Grundy, Gawn (Comben)

    FWD: Whitfield, Martin, J. Steven, D. Smith, Cockatoo, Rankine (M. King, S. McAdam)

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  10. I see a few comments like “Didn’t go Grundy Gawn so that I could strengthen my mids/def/fwd.”
    Heads up…….at the start 900k worth of players will always have the same combined total ave points unless one of them has been discounted or is an untried rookie.

    I.E. If you save 350k by starting an 80-90 ave ruck you are 30-40 points down. BUT you say, I used the 350k to turn a rookie into a 470k mid/def/fwd so I get an extra 80 points. NO you don’t get an extra 80 points from your 470k player you get 5-20 extra points over what the rookie would have scored so, you’re still behind and you’ve robbed yourself of the $ generation of a rookie.

    When #1 and #2 ruck are so far ahead of the rest it’s better to take a ‘punt’ on a midfielder like Ed Curnow than it is to take a punt on an alternative ruck.

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    1. I’m a G/G owner (all last year too!) So I hear what you’re saying, you also get another solid captain option too.

      But I guess they’re hoping to get the cash generation they lose on a rookie, with their alternate ruck (Jacobs, NicNat,) rising and Gawn dropping.

      Also, if another Reilly O’Brien comes along they can trade in to him and they have the best rookie on the ground (unlike stuck at r3 like my team)

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      1. Standouts for alternative for Reilly O Brien in 2020 are probably Darcy Cameron replacing Mason Cox as fwd/ruc, Sauce getting major game time, or Naismith actually being fit and being #1 ruck at Sydney.

        I would expect all of the above to happen.

        The problem is all 3 of them are most likely only good for 200k growth at best, unless Grundy goes down, when all bets are off and everyone will be burning trades anyway.

        So are you better or worse by using them and burning a trade there, or burning a trade on mid rookies?

        Rookies generally go up quicker as well as making similar cash levels, although 2019 was a shocker for rookies in a lot of ways.

        My second draft has Gawn dropped for an extra premo mid, and Naismith as #2 ruck, but to be honest I think I will be reversing that move tomorrow and locking in G&G for 2020.

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  11. DEF: Daniel, Stewart, Dawson, Docherty, Hill, Gould (McClennan, Rivers)

    MID: Fyfe, Cripps, Dangerfield, Oliver, Coniglio, Rowell, Pickett, Roberston (McHenry, Mead, Hibberd)

    RUCK: Grundy, Gawn (Comben)

    FWD: Whitfield, Martin, Heeney, Cockatoo, Rankine, Krueger (King, Cavarra)

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  12. Buddy just had knee surgery. Guess you can cross him off the list as a starter. Now an upgrade target for me.

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    1. Cross off Heeney along with him, will start the season with more FWD minutes in Buddy’s absence.

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      1. Heeney 2019 average with Buddy in the team: 92 from 10
        Heeney 2019 average without Buddy in the team: 95.6 from 12

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  13. First cut for 2020
    Only $500 in the bank but have picked some expensive rookies in there for now. Steven may end up in my side at the expense of Heeney to strengthen my backline.

    DEF: Z. Williams, Docherty, Doedee, Roberton, Hill, Young (Gould, Rivers)

    MID: Macrae, Neale, Cripps, Dunkley, Danger, Rowell, McHenry, Pickett (Robertson, Mead, Hibberd)

    RUC: Grundy, Gawn (Comben)

    FWD: Whitfield, Dusty, Heeney, Bergman, Cockatoo, Rankine (King, Golds)

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  14. Hi All

    Had the first crack at the team for 2020. Rookies are mainly palce holders for the now but give me some feedback.

    DEF: Williams, Laird, Docherty, Roberton, Starcevich, Briggs (Clavarino, Stoddart)
    MID: Macrae, Neale, Fyfe, Cripps, T.Kelly, Rowell, Pickett, Hibberd (Bianco, Rivers, Philp)
    RUC: Grundy, Gawn (Comben)
    FWD: Whitfield, Martin, Steven, S.Hill, Rankine, M.King (D.Cameron, Sturt)

    T.Kelly is 50/50 to stay in the team for now and I may try to find a way to upgrade him to an uber premo. Steven could also become D. Smith or Acres before the season starts.

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    1. You said it yourself – t kelly is not an uber premo. I agree, and would therefore simply spend more for an uber premo (you know who they are). Honestly are teams are VERY similar, although im not sure Laird will bounce back, and think there are some mid premos more worth having. Good luck for the season friend 🙂

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      1. Some elaboration on laird, he can get 30+ disposals and still not tonne in sc. If the tonne is the benchmark, i can’t see him consistently reaching those numbers. He only got there on 9 occasions last year, and it doesnt look good, particularly with crows def set up

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  15. A curve ball……….what if Grundy and Gawn don’t get much game time preseason in order to enforce their back-ups strengths; and Nic Nat and co. run amuck with lots of game time and big scores? What will we be thinking?????

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    1. Not overly worried about JLT game time for either player. Plenty of premium players are either rested or played sparingly. On Nic Nat, industry history and past performance will see me pass on him. He has only averaged over 90 once before so i’d probably take a punt on Jacobs or go with Goldy.

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  16. After numerous structure iterations have come up with the following team. Appreciate any feedback

    Def Laird Docherty Doedee Roberton Hill Starcevich (Bianco Gould)

    Mid Macrae Neale Bontempelli Oliver Coniglio Gibbs Rowell Pickett (Bytel Robertson Hibberd)

    Ruck Grundy Gawn (Draper)

    Fwds Whitfield Franklin Steven Smith Cockatoo Rankine (Gardner King)

    All rookies are only considered thoughts at this stage.

    Laird could easily become ZWill if the reports out of Adel are correct about Gibbs taking on a distribution role down back. The returning Doch, Doe, Roberton & Hill represent too much value to ignore.if fit and playing.

    Adding Gibbs at M6 will be a POD and could pay off if he does have a back roll. Tempted with Hanneberry as an alternative., otherwise another rookie is easy.

    Can’t go past Grundy / Gawn.

    Not a lot on offer up front this year but again Buddy, Jack and Devon represent too much value to ignore. With luck F1-4 may be set and forget for a while.

    Key will be to get the rookies right. Long way to go with them.

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    1. You have at least 6 hit or miss players that can easily be bested for a minimal price. Imo, that is too many.

      Consider carefully before choosing Lloyd & Doedee. Bont, Oliver, and Cogs combined is too much of a gamble for me. Risk/reward to the max.

      Buddy is gone and was a horrible pick regardless of perceived form. Please only pick one of steven or smith (steven for me by a mile).

      Just my thoughts, but theres too many risk/rewards that it is hard to see it panning out.

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  17. First crack at my lineup for 2020. Majority of rookies are placeholders at the moment as there is way too much water to go under the bridge to spend too much time worrying about them at the moment. Mainly looking at my premium picks for structure wise. Currently have 2 premium defenders (plus Docherty), 5 premium mids, 2 premium rucks and 3 premium forwards. A lot can change depending on how many rookies we see get selected for round one.

    DEF – Williams, Sicily, Docherty, Hill, Macreadie, Stoddart, McLennan, Kennerley

    Think this will be the line that I’m least confident in at the moment. Lloyd, Daniel and Laird are other premiums who interest me at the moment. Can’t see Williams leaving my side.

    MID – Macrae, Fyfe, Cripps, Mitchell, Treloar, Rowell, Pickett, McInerney, Philp, Robertson, Hibberd

    Pretty happy with the five here at the moment. Main concerns around Treloar being able to do any better especially if Adams plays all year, Mitchell with how he comes back from the injury and Fyfe with the potential of injury. Neale, JKelly, Danger and Oliver all interest me as well.

    RUC – Grundy, Gawn, Conroy

    Lock and load, not much else to be said really. Need to do some research for loophole for R3 or hopefully we get a rookie playing in round one.

    FWD – Whitfield, Martin, Heeney, Weightman, McAdam, Rankine, King, Williams

    The top three here seem pretty well locked in for me. This line looks thin to me with the only other consideration in their price range for me being Walters. If Devon Smith has an injury free run at round one then he will have to be considered.

    Thoughts all?

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  18. Here we go again….

    I have put a bit more thought into my structure and have even taken the Byes into account. All rookies are subject to selection etc..
    $30k in the bank.

    Dashing Donkeys #12

    lloyd / Daniel / Doc / Young / Gould / Mclennen.
    ( Goddard / Worrell )

    Macrae / Neale / Cripps / Treloar / Cogs / Rowel / Pickett / Hibberd.
    ( McHenry / Rivers / North )

    Grundy / Gawn. ( Comben R/F)

    Whitfield / Walters / Steven / Townsend / S Hill / Rankine.
    ( E Smith / D Cameron R/F )

    Notes..
    Defence.. I picked lloyd as I see hardly anyone else has, he did end the year kinda badly. Forget that..We all want to get off to a good start. lloyd’s first 5 games last year were 131, 124, 130, 109, 111….. Lock.
    Daniel is by far the most consistent,not only is he at the right age for further improvement he also has a clearly refined role that is SC friendly. lock..
    We all know Doc provides value if fit. For me he is the Zac Williams of last year. Lock..

    Mids..
    Macrae ,Neale and Cripps pick themselves. Durable Guns with elite scoring power.
    Kelly / Fyfe/ Mitch are upgrade targets but I wont start them as I feel they are more likely to miss games or in mitch’s case start slowly. I also like Bont and Dunkley but I’m not sold that they will play 100% midfield..
    Treloar and Gogs represent great value and both are set to hit their prime. I think both can boost their average to 110/115 this season.

    Rucks..
    Grundy and Gawn.. The more I think about it, the more I lock these two in. Not only are they by far the best two Rucks, they are actually the best two averaging SC players period… Captains options every week, Just lock them in…

    Forwards.
    This is the hardest line to pick for me and things may change here.
    Whitfield is a lock. Streaks ahead of the his nearest rival he will be the top scoring forward… LOCK.
    I like Dusty but he does tend to start a little slow. Most will start him. I will try to get him sub $500k as my first upgrade.
    I love Heeney but will he be required forward ? The way Buddy is travelling probably…Another upgrade target for me.
    I just feel with Hill and Langdon gone at Freo , Sunny Walters must spend more time up the ground either on a wing or in the middle. He started last year on fire I’m hoping he does the same again.
    I’ve got J Stevens at F3 I prefer him than Smith or a breakout like A.Brayshaw. I just feel with T Kelly gone and Duncan having preseason niggles A midfield / wing spot is Stevens if he is good enough.He could easily make $150K by the Byes thats good enough for me..

    I’m sure not all of you will agree with me, so let me know in the comments.

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    1. Can’t really argue with anything you’ve said, great team and all valid points on starting/non-starting selections.
      For me personally, I see Neale as a 115 ppg midfielder I reckon he just had a great season last year. For me, he’s an upgrade at that price.
      I hear what you’re saying about Dusty but I believe, at that price, he can hurt people for not selecting him more than selecting him, so he’s a starter for me. Good luck!

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    2. Hey, FT.

      Concur with Phil, I can’t fault it. I’ve got the same rationale behind selecting guys like Lloyd, G&G and Walters and omitting Dusty and Heeney- great minds think alike lol.

      Not 100% sold on Steven just yet though. T. Kelly leaving (Go Eagles!) certainly helps his midfield prospects but I can see it getting a bit crowded with young blood being rotated in and Selwood and Ablett working their way back inside.

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    3. I don’t share your faith in Treloar and Cogs improving but otherwise I like the team. IMO Taranto will outscore cogs by 5-10 p/week

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      1. Just to emphasise my point on Coniglio being the wrong giants mid choice
        Cogs V. Tarzan
        1st year ave 76 V. 67
        2nd year ave 74 V. 89
        3rd year ave 84 V. 102
        Last year was Tarantos 3rd year. He will be even better this year and far more likely to increase his ave than Coniglio is simply because he is more reliable/valuable to the team.
        LY Taranto scores including Finals: 18 times 100+, 14 times 110+, 8 times 120+, 5 times 130+
        Finals Only (6): 5 times 100+, 4 times 120+, 1 time 140+ Finals Ave: 115.33

        When I look at Coniglio I see a guy who has NEVER played every game for a season and has only averaged 13.7 games per year over his career not including his rookie season(12)
        Coniglios best season ever was 2018 (his 7th year) when he only missed 1 game and averaged 108. Even though it was his seventh year in the system it was only the second time that he’d played more than 18 games and the second time that he’d averaged over 100. Previous was 2018 when he ave 106. It’s woth noting that in Coniglios best ever season when he ave 108 he also averaged 112.5 in the finals.

        Taranto played 12 games and 2 finals in his first year (finals ave 74). He only missed 1 game in his second year and played every game including every final last year his with a finals ave of 115.33

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        1. GDay Jack.

          Great Post, Taranto aka (Tarzan) love it. My M5 is currently T.Kelly but I am thinking you have just sold Taranto to Me. Cannot argue against logic. Good Luck.

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      2. Jack

        I think Treloar could be on the up..
        The Pies see him as a future leader. He is all over the media.
        He really cleaned up his DE towards the end of last year( his main problem really.)
        He is in the prime age and, theres no real stand out midfielder ahead of him at Collingwood.
        If he stays fit he will attend the most CB’s of all Pies mids.
        Check his average post byes last year?
        I think he can go 115+

        Cogs your making me have second thoughts about.
        His tasty price and the fact they made him Captain just kinda convinced me he was value.

        Maybe time to rethink that one..

        Thanks Jack.

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  19. Anyone got any ideas on how I can spin a 6 premo MID structure while also starting G&G? I’m currently able to make it work by running mid pricers at D3 and F3, but I was wondering if there were any other structures people have cooked up?

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    1. I’m not sure it is worth it Gunboat..

      Midfield rookies are often good for a 70 /80 average as a rule.
      where as forward rookies are just as likely to put up a 40 as a 70.

      If there is enough midfield rookies, having a 3/4 uber premo 1/2 value / improver ( think Cogs / Treloar ) then a 3 rookie midfield structure is easily the best way to go.

      Remember running with midpricers means more often than not they will be in your team come seasons end. Anyone else still have B Smith at D6 come finals last year?

      Save your cash for slightly more expensive forward rookies at F3/6 like S Hill / Cockatoo / Townsend. these guys are much more likely to put up 70+ than a first year rookie.

      I hope you had a great Xmas and new year, happy planning for 2020

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    2. I got there by only taking value selections, being slightly underpriced keepers. Whether it hits the definition of premo or not is debatable.
      Ellis, Houston, Doc, Roberton
      Dunkley, Mitchell, Oliver, coniglio, Mccluggage, Walsh
      Grundy, Grawn
      Martin, Curnow, Steven, Smith

      Still had expensive rooks – Hill, Williamson, Frampton

      Didn’t have Rowell, but I could forfeit Hill if Rowell is a must have

      Giving up Roberton would allow money towards upgrading Walsh, if you thought the mids weren’t premo enough. Similarly you could go with cheaper rooks to invest more in the mids.

      I agree with the article that said the most expensive defenders were relatively uninspiring, so worth a risk there. Williams may not get as much mid time, given it came in the absence of Ward and Cogs.

      Prepared to bet against Whitfield. Whilst a clear upgrade target, he is maxed in price, and does carry risk

      The premos I chose in the mids are the ones I think are under valued.

      The weakness is the fact that you won’t be able to get all the best Uber mid premos. If you don’t upgrade Walsh, then you have 2 spots for Fyfe, Cripps, Macrae, Danger, Kelly, Bont, Neale and Treloar. Too many missing. Even if you upgrade Walsh to one of those, it’s still 7 into 2 spots.

      Still toying with it, because I would like to get to 6 deep.

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      1. Liking all the early season selections, thoughts and analysis folks!! Great early stuff!

        Phil and Vic – just one thought from me … it’s great starting with some of those players … the problem is, you will have to upgrade some of them, along with the rookies, to get to a decent scoring / performing team … will you have enough trades to be able to do this?? (remember, there’s always injuries, players rested, byes, and you will need, on average, 2 trades per upgrade + trades left at the end for all the problems … will you have enough, whilst still putting out decent scores to keep you in the race??

        Just something to think of …

        Cheers all … keep up the great info sharing!!

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    3. Gunboat.
      Here is a team I have on file with 6 premo midfield.

      DEF Laird Dawson doch Young Gould Rivers ( mcLennan worrell)

      MIDS Macrae Neale danger Cripps trelor gaff Pickett Hibbard ( McHenry Mead rantell)

      RUCK G&G (comben)

      FWD Whitfield Steven Smith Hill King Rankine (Cameron Mahoney)

      Plenty of Rooks for $$$ generation and Steven and Smith who will make coin and give you 80+ or more until byes. Maybe one becomes a keeper 90+

      28k in the bank.

      I know most are G&R structure…. BUT lots of great opportunities to take a few risks this year.
      Good Luck.

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  20. Thanks for your comments Phil.

    You maybe right about Neale, but I wouldn’t bet against him going 120+ again. He really is the number one man at Brisbane now and they are a team on the up..
    The other reason I prefer him to a J Kelly / Fyfe type is Durability.
    Games missed in the last 3 years…
    J Kelly 16.
    N Fyfe 11
    L Neale 1 yep just 1…

    Round 22 2017 was the last time he missed a game.

    You make some good points about Dusty and I might end up going him over Walters.. I just feel at the start of the year ,any little advantage you can gain over the rest of the pack helps with your overall ranking.. If… a heavily owned Dusty starts slow and Walters does start on fire it will greatly help my overall rank in those critical early rounds.. At this stage its a gamble I’m willing to take..

    Thanks again for your comments and happy planning..

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    1. FREO. Nah Lock in Neale. Durable and will maintain or improve a few points this year. 2nd year with the Lions and team mates more familiar with his field position around the contest and general play.

      Good Luck

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  21. Hey all, here is likely my 3rd draft already for SuperCoach 2020 – I just can’t stop tinkering!

    I’d love to hear you guys’ thoughts!

    DEF: Sicily, Docherty, Doedee, Roberton, S.Hill, Starcevich, (Rivers, Gould)

    MID: Cripps, Dunkley, Oliver, Coniglio, Acres, Rowell, Pickett, M.Hibberd, (McHenry, Bytel, Mead)

    RUC: Grundy, Gawn, (Comben)

    FWD: Whitfield, D.Martin, Heeney, T.Lynch (RIC), D.Smith, Rankine, (Cockatoo, Cavarra)

    Bank; $41,900

    I can’t go passed the value this year, particularly in the FWD & DEF lines, so i’ve gone with my fair share of mid-priced selections, including a couple of PODS in Lynch & Acres.

    I feel that Doedee and Roberton both offer tremendous value averaging ~80, which should make 150K+ and will both be to hard to ignore if all goes well and are lining up in round 1.

    At this stage Devon Smith is a lock for mine with all reports suggesting he is flying on the track. Even if he is slightly pushed out of that midfield with the arrival of Shiel (he hasn’t really played with him injury-free yet), he has shown he is an 80+ scorer even when played FWD which should still make 100-150K. So seems a low risk selection as long as he stays fit.

    In terms of Tom Lynch, he averaged 99 (incl. finals) when Riewoldt was back in the side last year, as a result of a big spike in disposal and mark numbers, as he was let off the leash a little to play higher up the ground, while Riewoldt played closer to home. As a Richmond supporter myself, I can only see this trend continuing next year at 27, due to Lynch’s considerable engine for a big guy, with a full pre-season under his belt allowing running side to his game happen. As a result, I think he can average mid 90’s which is looking to be a good average for this year’s lot of FWDs.

    Blake Acres I see as an intriguing option that I will continue to monitor over the pre-season. Returning to his home state and to a team that has just lost both wingers in Langdon and B.Hill, there is certainly a decent sc-friendly role for him. I believe he has been tipped to play mostly wing, a role he has shown he can score consistently high in the past for 5-6 game stretches at the start of 2018 and end of 2016, with even a rotation on the inside! He has a good build and at 24, going on 25 he is closing in on his prime, so I expect him to boost his numbers considerably.

    Another that I am closely watching is his team mate, Andrew Brayshaw, who going into his 3rd season with Mundy going down and a new coach could be set for a permanent inside mid role in 2020, with a boost to his shockingly low TOG he has received thus far in his career. However, I don’t love picking true young breakout selections in comparison with fallen premiums or role-changes and so is a wait and see in the pre-season games.

    Cheers

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    1. Hey, Rogue.

      Couple of problems with your side imo:

      Don’t disagree with your assessment of him, but if you’re going to take a punt on Acres it should be at F3-4. Shouldn’t be wasting a MID spot on him, let alone one where a proven premo should be- gotta start 5 MID premos.

      Also, I’d scratch Heeney and Lynch.

      Now that we know Buddy won’t start Round 1, Heeney will be have increased FWD minutes in his absence and will be prone to pumping out bum scores.

      On Lynch, I think your Tigers allegiance is severely clouding your vision on, sorry- the exact same thing happened to me with Darling last year. I’d contest you characterization of him having a “big spike” in his output, more so the Tigers were in hot form and he was getting good service.

      Even if you’re right, he’s still a KPP, meaning his scores are contingent on bags of goals (only tons up when he bags 3+), and he put up a 47 with Riedwoldt in the side.

      Finally, and this is not a major issue, but I’m a bit “ugh” with Sicily.

      Always gonna run the risk of being swung forward, Frost’s arrival may complicate things down back and there are just better options imo; see Ben’s article on DEF premos for more.

      So I’d replace Heeney with Walters (FT laid out a good case for him above), scratch Lynch and replace him with Acres if you’re set on him and improve Sicily with the coin you’ve saved.

      Best of luck, mate.

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      1. Hey GP,

        The detailed feedback is very much appreciated!

        I think you’re right on the Tom Lynch pick, I still see the upside but as you say I may have been wearing my yellow and black glasses! I did say no more KPPs last year after been burnt with Darling too!

        With the Heeney selection, I still rate it as I see no downside from a 95+ ave, but have decided to chop him as it is the only way to improve my overall team structure and hope to bring him in as early upgrade after throwing in a couple sub-par FWD scores.

        As a result, I have essentially brought in Josh Kelly, Jake Lloyd and Hayden Young for Isaac Heeney, James Sicily and Tom Lynch!

        What are your thoughts on these premos?

        Cheers again 🙂

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          1. I Would definitely be picking Heeney before Michael Walters – Buddy or no Buddy.

            Heeney in 23 years old and has averaged 97, 97 and 94 over the past three years. Walters has just averaged 100 at age 28, which is 13 points more than he ever has. It’s highly unusual for a player to better their previous best average by 13 points at age 28 and it would be more unusual if he sustained it – even though he might and that’s role dependent.

            Heeney is younger and I believe has another gear in him ,which he haven’t seen yet. Walters is also more of an injury risk. I trust a 23 year old with three consecutive years of averages that are better than any season apart from one from a 28 year old who has the promise of more upside. Also Heeney is cheaper.

            Walters role is also not certain especially with a new coach and carries more risk than Heeney’s because he can play entire games as a small forward.

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    2. Hi Rogue,

      To many potential injuries in your back line. Hill needs to move forward and you don’t need both Robbo and Doedee in the same line. Get a premo someone you think will be top 8 by years end at D2. To heavy on he FWD line loose one and shift Hill into FWD. then you can upgrade Acres to a premo, again someone you will think will finish top 8 buy years end.

      Good Luck

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      1. Cheers Vic.

        Yeah that probably produces a more well-rounded structure at this stage. But in the end it will all depend on rookies that are named round 1!

        Appreciate the opinion as always!

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  22. Current team, would love some feedback. cheers!

    Z. Williams / laird / doedee / roberton/ hill / Gould.
    ( Mclennan / Rivers )

    Macrae / Neale / Cripps / Dunkley / Cogs / Rowel / Pickett / Hibberd.
    ( McHenry / Robertson / Mead )

    Grundy / Gawn. ( Comben R/F)

    Whitfield / Walters / D. Martin / Bergman / Cockatoo / Rankine.
    ( Cavarra / M. King )

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    1. DBB

      Solid team with a pretty good all round structure.

      Personally I don’t really see Roberton and Doedee as keepers. Maybe choose one and look at a Doc ( Fallen Premium) as your D3.
      if he stays fit he has proven in the past he can go 100+

      I also feel, if you have S Hill he is better served in your forward line.
      There is generally better defensive rookie options and forward rookies are usually poorer scorers.

      All round a very solid side. All the best for 2020.

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      1. I agree with everything you said, however I don’t think I would be able to have docherty and one of Roberton or doedee.

        My planning is to use roberton to try and get to docherty, I don’t think docherty will start that well after missing two years of footy. However if docherty plays pre season games and tears it up he’ll become a priority.

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    2. DBB,

      Starting to see robbo, Doedee , and hill in the same line. Too many potential injuries can happen. Too many risks for one line.

      Good Luck.

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    3. I’m wary of Laird. If Gibbs goes back this year it will definitely have a negative impact on Lairds output. It might even mean a role change for laird
      and IMO Taranto is a much better option than cogs for reasons detailed in an earlier post

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      1. With Gibbs running off half back, midfield roll opens. I cannot see them giving this to a rookie. Maybe Rory finally goes on pure midfield rotation. Does know how to find the Ball.
        Good Luck.

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  23. Still Tinkering

    Lloyd Laird Sicily Young Rivers Gould

    Macrae Neale danger T.Kelly Hanners Sier Rowell Pickett.

    Yes I know. Hanners WTF are you thinking. Well….good finish to last year, broken foot December, but back running, if he stays fit can he return 100 points per week?

    Sier, midfield spot open at the pies. Had concussion and calf injuries last year which hindered his progress. 3rd year in the system and highly rated at the club. Potential Cow?

    RUCK G&G

    Whitfield Walters Greenwood Hill Rankine King.

    If thing go horribly wrong with Hanners and Sier, downgrade Sier to best rookie RD 3 and upgrade Hanners to (Cogs Or Taranto)

    No reserves listed. 80k in the bank.

    Worth the Risk if Hanners can output 100 points each week with Sier 90+

    All SC coaches comments welcome.

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  24. Def
    Caleb Daniel/James Sicily/Sam Docherty/Tom Doedee/ Jez McLennan/Trent Rivers
    (Joshua Worrell /Will Gould)

    Mid
    Jack Macrae/Lachie Neale/Josh Kelly/Patrick Cripps/Patrick Dangerfield/Matthew Rowell/Marlion Pickett/Jack Bytel
    (Harry Schoenberg/Deven Robertson/Mitchell Hibberd)

    Rucks
    Brodie Grundy/Max Gawn
    (Charlie Comben )

    Forwards
    Lachie Whitfield:Dustin Martin/Jack Steven/Stephen Hill/Izak Rankine/Ned Cahill
    (Nakia Cockatoo/Jack Mahony)

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  25. DEF: ZWilliams JSicily SDoch TDoedee DRoberton WGould (TBianco TRivers)

    MID: JKelly PCripps JDunkley COliver TKelly MRowell MPickett MHibberd (N.McHenry JMead NCahill)

    RUCK: BGrundy ROB (CComben)

    FWD: LWhitfield DMartin JSteven SHill NCockatoo IRankine (JWorrell JMahony)

    BANK: 200k

    DEFENCE: Not real confident in the mid price madness down back in doedee and roberton but both could present real value if they can average 85+ and make 150k each I’ll monitor closely in JLT.

    MIDS: You could throw a blanket over the half a dozen most expensive mids I could quiet easily swap in Macrae, Neale Danger or Fyfe into that midfield and I’d be equally as happy again just have too watch JLT. Alot of talk of TKelly not being able too find more points in that eagles midfield but i’m backing him in too take his game to the next level I think his serious value at that price.

    RUCKS: Not tempted by GRAWNDY…. yet! I didnt have the duo till finals last year and I still finished with a nice OA rank & won plenty of my leagues GF’s so I’ll back in Grundy and ROB and use that $$ else where and grab gawn later if i need.

    FORWARD: LOCKED DUSTY & WHITFIELD. I’m hoping the move to geelong will re ignite steven and can just give me an output of 90+. Not tempted by D.Smith whispers from windy hill are that he will play a half forward roll which isn’t what you want from dev he needs to play through that midfield for me to be tempted.

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  26. defence
    LLOYD DOCHERTY DANIEL MCLENNAN GOULD BIANCO – SHOLL WORRELL

    midfield
    NEALE KELLY CRIPPS DANGERFIELD OLIVER ROWELL PICKETT MCHENRY – HIBBERD RIVERS MEAD

    rucks
    GAWN GRUNDY – COMBEN

    forward
    WHITFIELD DUSTIN HEENEY HILL COCKATOO RANKINE – CAHILL MAHONY

    thoughts 🙂

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    1. This is the most GnR side I’ve seen so far Rhetto. Its a trusted strategy, but it does rely on good quality rookies being available (the last thing you want is 20’s on the field!). If you get 3 good rookies FWD, MID & BCK it’s a great side. No complaints with any of the premos you’ve picked

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      1. thanks phil I hope G&R is the way too go I have had roberton, doedee, Greenwood, Dawson, Devon Smith and Jack steven in an out of my side over the past week I think a couple of them players can be great selections. pre season comp will tell us more though

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        1. The defensive rooks might be a problem for you. I can only see Gould possibly getting a run early of the ones you selected. Young is a good chance for Freo but costs a bit more and Starcevich is reported to be having a good preseason for the Lions.

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  27. First two drafts.

    Here’s draft version 2

    Backs: Lloyd, Houli, Docherty, Roberton, Young, Starcevitch (Williamson, Gould)

    Mids: Macrae, Cripps, Danger, Zorko, Stevens, Rowell, Anderson, Pickett (Valente, Maginness, Taylor)

    Rucks: Grundy, Naismith (Cameron)

    Forwards: Whitfield, Martin, Heeney, Patton, Blakey, Rankine (Frampton, King)

    $200 left.

    Or else it was lose Zorko and Naismith for Gawn and a Rookie mid.

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    1. HH.

      If you are not going G&G In the rucks you need a stronger M5. Naismith at R2 is horrible, will be lucky to get a game. If you want to go cheaper in the rucks English or Jacobs your best.? Then Patton and Blakley at F4 and F5?

      With your back line you could bring Hill in at F4 move frampton to F5: and stick a loophole at F8 or another rookie. You will then have a heap of coin to upgrade RUCKS of midfield M5.

      Patton should only be considered if full time ruck duties, but cannot see that happening, and Blakley in the swans FWD line will struggle.

      Good Luck.

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      1. Thanks. Great to see some feedback.

        I originally had Gawn and no Zorko, and I think I mentioned it elsewhere that I would be changing back.

        Zorko was substituted to see what a team that used up all the cash would look like, but he does get tagged out of games sometimes so wasn’t particularly comfortable with him. I also tried out Zac Williams with the cash as well which looked better but left me with a very stacked backline and too skinny elsewhere.

        Hill is definitely on the watch list. At his price he is very hard to ignore, but we will need to see something from him preseason.

        With Buddy set to miss round 1, both Blakey and Heeney are quite possibly for the chop. Heeney up forward in the first few weeks last year burnt me quite badly This would probably see something like:

        Out: Naismith, Zorko, Heeney, Blakey
        In: Gawn, T McDonald, D Smith, S Hill

        Still not satisfied with it. Seems a bit too midpriced madness with Roberton, McDonald, Smith, Patton, Hill, Docherty, and Steven.

        None of them individually stand out as a bad choice, and you could pretty much count all of them as a fallen premo… but it is just too many.

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        1. Ok:

          How’s this:

          Out: Naismith, Zorko, Heeney, Patton, Blakey, Wilkinson

          In: Gawn, Adams, McDonald, Hill, Serong, McLennan

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        2. Having similar thoughts with the mid priced players. Roberton & Steven had MEDICAL issues 2019 & if named rd1 are safe picks only if Steven plays pure MID in the practice games. M/F is gold as a FWD.
          The others are all returning from game day injuries & must be monitored thru the pre season/games .

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  28. Back from leave so I can stop dicking around with the crappy SC app and use the computer at work instead 🙂

    DEF: Williams, Stewart, Docherty, Doedee, Young, *Mystery Rookie* (McLennan, Rivers)
    MID: Macrae, Fyfe, Cripps, Danger, Treloar, McHenry, Pickett, Bytel (Rantall, Bianco, Hibberd)
    RUC: Grundy, Gawn (Comben)
    FWD: Whitfield, Martin, Steven, Hill, Ballenden, Rankine (Cameron, King)

    Happy with the backline. Doedee could become Roberton, but those health issues are a big concern so would need to see a big preseason from him. Mystery Rookie will remain unnamed, as he seems to be flying under the radar and I’d rather keep it that way.

    Heavy on the mids, this is the area I can manufacture some extra cash to tweak other lines if needed as there are a few players sub-600k who I could comfortably bring in. Early days though, I like to see what I can do without compromising on the premium scorers.

    Rucks are the only way to go I think – it sucks investing that much money in there, but without a quality ruc/fwd option who could be started and swung forward later, starting a lesser R2 just seems like a surefire way to fall behind and waste a trade later.

    Forward line is where I’m scratching my head a bit. Steven vs. Dev Smith will be a consideration. Rookies don’t look too exciting, but time will tell. Would love to turn Steven into another top end choice, but feel that might be a bit too greedy. And if the move to Geelong agrees with Steven, he could push his average back into the mid/high nineties.

    Also don’t mind Tom Lynch as a left-field choice. Without having gone deep into the numbers, my thinking is that he only needs a brief purple patch to see a huge price increase. Rounds 1-4 he plays Carlton (solid KD stock, but team defence has been lacking), Collingwood (weak KD stock), St Kilda (weak KD stock) and Adelaide (weak KD stock) before he runs into West Coast. Three games at the MCG, with the fourth at Marvel. There’s potential there for him to shoot up to $500k very quickly with a couple of big bags.

    Then prior to the bye he has a run of Geelong, Essendon, Sydney and North – none of whom have key defensive set-ups to write home about – with all four games at the MCG.

    So yeah – two blocks of games where I think he could see a big spike in price. Wouldn’t recommend trading him out after a strong first four rounds. So the thinking goes that he should perform well against the early opposition then you hold to see how he goes against something a bit tougher (WC away, Melbourne, GWS, Brisbane away). If he performs well against the better opposition, then hold and enjoy the points. If he struggles, then there’s another block of games where he should perform and get his price back up to a point where he can be sideways traded to an in-form forward coming off the round 12 bye.

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    1. Nice team and good to have you back, BB, but drop this “mystery rookie” nonsense lol, us SCTers gotta stick together.

      Enlighten us.

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    2. Mystery Rookie, how exciting. Does his player represent a team with a bird as its mascot.?

      HMMMM who could it be.

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        1. I like him, but can’t quite fit him in without a downgrade elsewhere, and with no preseason form to judge by it is hard to know where to chop.

          Most definitely on the radar, but always hard to start rookies over 123k on the bench.

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  29. Def: Laird, Houston, Docherty, Stephen Hill, Hayden Young, Stoddart (McLennan, Gould)

    Mid: Macrae, Cripps, Dunkley, Danger, Zerrett, Rowell, Pickett, McHenry (Shipley, Sam Simpson, Mitch Hibberd)

    Ruck: Grundy, Gawn (Comben)

    Forward: Whitfield, Heeney, Tom Lynch (Richmond), Dev Smith, Rankine, Cavarra (Ely Smith, Sam Sturt)

    8.4k left over

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    1. Hey, Will.

      Solid structure, but I’d scratch Tom Lynch. Scroll up to Rogue’s team where we discussed omitting Lynch.

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      1. I’m pretty keen on Lynch – 99 average in his last 10 including finals after playing the first half of the year with very little fitness coming off PCL surgery. As he said he had to use the start of the season as his preseason. Managed to average 93 as a key forward at the Suns which is somewhat phenomenal and his circumstances are much better now at the tigers. Has a full preseason and was playing injured in both 2018 and 2019. Picking him as a keeper.

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  30. Defenders
    Jake Lloyd- Dan Houston- Sam Docherty
    Tom Doedee -Hayden Young -Will Gould
    Brandon Starcevich- Jez McLennan

    Midfielders
    Jack Macrae- Lachie Neale -Patrick Cripps -Patrick Dangerfield
    Ed Curnow -Ned McHenry -Marlion Pickett-Jack Bytel
    James Bell -Will Golds-Lachlan Gollant

    Rucks
    Brodie Grundy Max Gawn Darcy Cameron

    Forwards
    Lachie Whitfield -Hugh Greenwood -Jack Steven
    Devon Smith -Izak Rankine -Max King
    Sam Flanders -Joshua Worrell

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    1. Hey, Jack.

      Nice structure and I rate all your selections except Curnow.

      His average decreased by -10.9 last year; from 101.7 in 2018 down to 90.8 in an injury free 22 games played 2019. With the development of Walsh, arrival of Martin and preeminence of Cripps, I just don’t see Curnow playing an SC conducive midfield role- not to mention he often gets played as a tagger/defensive mid.

      I’d find the cash to get him to a sure-fire M5 premo, but if you can only afford a 500k~ M5 I’d look at guys like Walsh, Parish or Fiorini instead- that said, I’d still recommend finding the cash for a solid M5.

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      1. Hey GD valid points on the surface but when you dig a bit deeper you might see what I do.
        Ed Curnow was played as a half forward by Bolton and averaged 73.36 for the first 11 games.
        Teague moved him back to mids and he averaged 108.27 over the last 12 games (He missed 1 of them).
        Those 11 midfield games included rnd 23 when he finished halfway through Q3 due to injury and 3 tagging roles -rnd12 V. Neale ( 128), rnd13 V. Bont (39!), rnd15 V. Fyfe ( 107*), rnd19 V. Sloane (80).
        *only tagged ’til 3/4 time
        In the 7 games that he didn’t tag his low score was 94 his high was 148 and his average was 119.57

        Ed is priced to ave 91

        IMO Ed Curnow will not be a tagger in 2020 because the blues have a few young mids who need to learn the craft by playing a running with role.

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    2. Hi Jack. Like the Greenwood selection. Overall nice structure, Curnow at M5?. Yes Ed had a great SC role after the byes and avg 113.77 , but Ed has never past 102 Average for a season and is now 30 years old. With your team structure M5 needs to be a keeper.

      Good Luck.

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  31. I’m trying a different structure this year.

    Def
    Lloyd, Steward, Houston
    Doch, Doedee, Starevich
    McLennan, Kennerly

    Mids:
    Neale, Dunkely, Oliver, Rowell,
    McHenry, Pickett, Bytel, Hibbard
    Hutcheson, Rivers, C. Lyons

    Rucks
    Grundy, Gawn, Comben (this trio needs a nickname. G & G Co?)

    Forwards:
    Martin, Heeny, Greenwood
    Brayshaw, Stevens, D Smith
    Rankine, Cavarra

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    1. The first time I have seen a 3 primo midfield. I am all for going light there as that is where the best cash generating rookies can be found but you might be pushing the envelope a bit too far. But if you can find that many mid rooks then why not? At the end of the day structure will be determined by the available rooks.

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    2. Interesting structure, I’ll definitely be playing around with this to see how it can be manipulated further.
      One initial thought on the forwards, while Greenwood and Brayshaw could be a decent value picks, I’m not totally sold on them being season-long keepers. Maybe downgrade one of Jack Steven or Dev Smith to a rookie (if a reliable one emerges during pre-season) or S Hill, and upgrade Greenwood to Whitfield.

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  32. Phil was on the money, and I’ll let the cat out of the bag as I doubt he’ll stay a secret once the preseason proper rolls around.

    Tom Williamson, Carlton, defensive rookie @ $146,300

    Highly rated by the Blues, notched 15 games in his debut season at an average of 50. Not spectacular numbers, but he made an impression. Lost all of 2018 with recurring back issues, was eased into 2019 before a hyperextension of his back in May ended his year. Spent the rest of the year with Andrew Russell on specialised program.

    Is now back in full training, and absolutely flying. He’s a tall running defender, with a bullet left foot kick and a healthy dose of mongrel. Seen him a couple of times on the track this preseason and he is gliding across the ground and hitting targets like nobodies business.

    Pending a preseason without any more injuries, he’s a highly rated 4th year player coming from a little ways back, and priced under $150k. Uses the ball beautifully and won’t need a heap of the pill to put up solid scores. Not expecting a huge ceiling, and he’ll probably toss in the occasional sub-50 score and maybe miss a game or two to manage his loads, but for mine he’s a solid 65-85pt player who the Blues will be looking to reintegrate into the senior side.

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    1. Always keen to read your thoughts BB.

      I’m sure I read last year that Williamson has some regressive, debilitating back problem that can medically, only get worse?! Is this not true?

      I am definitely keen if this ain’t true.

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  33. What a great last day on holidays. BBL then a ODI this afternoon/evening, leaves this morning free to put finishing touches on my latest draft.

    Williams, Stewart Dawson, Docherty, Roberton, Gould (Bianco/Rivers)

    Cripps, Bont, Yeo, Merrett, Rowell, Cockatoo, Pickett, Hutcheson (Robertson/Hibberd/Budarick)

    Gawn/Grundy (Comden)

    Dusty, Heeney, Ziebell, D Smith, S Hill, Rankine (Worrell/O’Connor)

    $109.3 itb which may yet be used on Merrett to Fyfe. The byes split is currently 22/17/21 on field but obviously rookie upgrades to change that, but never too early to think about it. Only 14 keepers but thats the cost of Grawn. Reckon fwds are the key this year which is why I have loaded up there. 7 of 8 fwds are dpp and 3 each on mids and defs.

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  34. DEF-noble, Hill, young, starchavich, Williamson, mclennon- gould, rivers.

    MID-MACRAE, NEALE, FYFE, KELLY, DANGER, DUNKLY, TREALOR, OLIVER- mchenry, Pickett, hibberd.

    RUC-GRUNDY, GAWN- Conroy.

    FWD-WHITFIELD, bewely, bonar, stengle, Flanders, McAdam- hosie, rankin.

    Not getting much cash from the middle, rookies have to be spot on and not much points in fwd or def and a huge chance for multiple players to get dropped or rested.

    Don’t need much cash to grab fallen fwd/def premiums. Those starting 11 should put up a good weekly score to work off.
    Any injured mids are a straight swap for cripps(left out for danger due to byes),Mitchell or bont(multiple dogs).

    Only need onfield non premiums to put up around 600-700 pts per week for an OK score.

    Yes I understand this is highly risky, but seems fun, with potential to go large every few weeks, in between leaving a turd of a score. It’s different with no expensive player chasing.

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    1. Going to require some real creative trading to make it work, bud.

      11 spots to upgrade on-field.
      7 bench rookies making money.

      Means you’ll be needing to do some early downgrades just to bank cash, and then let the new rookies appreciate as well.

      Biggest problem will be dodging donuts, as I think you’ll be hard-pressed to find 6 defensive and 5 forward rookies at the start of the year who will play every week, let alone then nailing the 4 bench spots for those two lines. Will only take a couple of rookies getting injured/dropped for the whole thing to come crashing down.

      That being said – I’d love to see if you can pull it off, and might even have a dabble myself with a spare account.

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      1. Well, never hurts to look at these things. But yes, the donuts are the biggest concern. But… You don’t need to get that much money for upgrades only trade in the fallen premiums for 400-500k. And you don’t need full premium, so long as every trade increases your average score a bit.

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        1. If you could manage to keep 22 players on the field every week, I’d be curious to see whether you end up outscoring a “traditional” team early on, and by how much. Could be a matter of pulling ahead early and trying to build a big enough lead that a few donuts mid-year don’t punish you too hard.

          8x mids with a combined average of 115.
          2x rucks with a combined average of 128.
          1x fwd with an average of 110.
          11x rookies with a combined average of 55.
          = 1891 pts per week

          That’s based on last years averages, rounding down very slightly to be conservative.

          My current set up using the same approach to last year’s premo averages, and conservatively assuming a 95avg for Doc, a 70avg for Doedee, an 80avg for Steven, and a 55avg for anyone priced under $200k…..comes in at 1937. The better the “rookie average” the more your side benefits with more of them on-field, but there’s a good chance the extra rookies you end up with aren’t the better ones, it’ll be the next tier down.

          When you also factor in that the mid rookies normally have better scoring potential than the other lines, and you could end up with a few 70+ scores sitting on your mid bench which your opponents get to take, while you’re “up” the score of a D6/F6 rookie which could easily be sub-50.

          Convincing myself through this exercise that it probably won’t stack up. The initial points don’t look any better than a traditional structure, and could very well be worse, and the ever-present danger of thin rookie stocks in the forward and backlines only hinders you in the medium term.

          Do you lose out at all if you swap out say Oliver and Treloar for Dusty and Dawson? Use the extra $200k to upgrade your worst defensive rookie to Doedee with a little in the bank for maybe a “premium” rookie like Rowell if he scores well. Lose 30pts per week on the two premos, but gain 20 points on the Doedee upgrade and maybe 10pts on the top end rookie. Means you can field the better rookie scores, have 3 less defensive and forward rookies (co/ Martin + Doedee + Dawson) as well as the flexibility of swinging Dawson forward or back as needed.

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          1. Well, there’s nothing I can say to make people think this is remotely a good side, breaks to many rules.
            But at the end of the day I’m adamant on starting a side with +110 ave or great value only. No break outs, no mid pricers(fallen premiums are good) no 100-105 ave players(starting).
            I think the general consensus is, if the rookies show up it could work, but that’s a long shot, just like winning ever year.

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          2. Also those players boosting your average are cheap for a reason. (not being smart just stating a fact)

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            1. No offence taken, mate, good on you for looking at a different line.

              Just playing the little voice on your shoulder 😛

              I think it’s a really valid approach from an experimental point of view, just offering some thoughts on where it might come unstuck so you can consider your outs.

              11 prime premos means your upgrades will be “cheaper”.
              If any of them get injured you can effectively “downgrade” them to fallen premo’s and bank extra money.
              In weeks where they go biiiig, you could be in for a huge early score (6x 140+ scores together early on would be massive).
              The midfield and ruck premos are usually pretty bankable, while the FWD and DEF ones can fluctuate.
              You should be able to make consistent upgrades early without any 600k targets.

              On the flipside:
              Big risk of donuts on two lines.
              Quick count of the averages indicates you may not make up much ground at the start of the season.
              You may miss out on some of the “better” mid rookies.

              On the mid-pricer point – you’re spot on that they’re discounted for a reason. There’s potential for gain, but it’s offset by the ability to downgrade them to an unheralded rookie who comes out the gate with a burst. You may not have that luxury.

              All food for thought mate – it’s your team and your call to make. If you pull the trigger and give it a go, make sure you keep us all updated during the year.

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    2. Seem to be giving up too many spots to make cash in the midst and struggling to get a team together week to week at the ends of the park.

      Still, you have none of those “will he stay a premo this year” types in your list.

      It’s brave, for sure.

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    3. I love thinking outside of the box, if it works you get a big advantage because nobody else is doing it.

      My thoughts are, exactly how David C said a few posts earlier, it’s the available rookies that dictate your structure.

      I do recall many years ago somebody tried the opposite. 6 starting rookies in the mids (back in 6 midfielder days) and it got off to a flyer, but came crashing down.

      Interested to see how it goes though, if you do decide to go down that path.

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  35. Another go around, this time with an interesting POD!

    Defenders

    Caleb Daniel $537,900
    Jordan Dawson $467,800
    Sam Docherty $436,100
    Tom Doedee $273,700
    Brandon Starcevich $147,700
    Tom Williamson $146,300

    Jarrod Brander $133,000
    Will Gould $117,300

    Midfielders

    Jack Macrae $668,900
    Nat Fyfe $651,600
    Patrick Cripps $635,900
    Josh Dunkley $632,400
    Dion Prestia $550,200
    Matthew Rowell $207,300
    Cooper Stephens $139,800
    Marlion Pickett $123,900

    Ned McHenry $123,900
    Dylan Williams $117,300
    Mitchell Hibberd $114,400

    Rucks

    Brodie Grundy $705,900
    Max Gawn $697,100

    Charlie Comben $117,300

    Forwards

    Lachie Whitfield $604,100
    Dustin Martin $543,000
    Tom J. Lynch $388,800
    Stephen Hill $190,600
    Miles Bergman $148,800
    Max King $123,900

    Darcy Cameron $123,900
    Izak Rankine $123,900

    Let me know what you think!

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    1. Like it. Think the riskiest option is Lynch.
      Did manage 6 tons last year but also 9 scores under 60. Can he turn that around completely this year? Will be on my watchlist and radar for 2021 depending.

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        1. Context on Lynch is key. Has always played key forward at the Gold Coast where its virtually impossible to score well as a key forward.
          Had injuries in 2017 and 2018, was playing with no preseason and with limited fitness off PCL surgery for the first half of 2019 and couldn’t run up the ground like we know he can. Got his fitness back by the 2nd half of the season and averaged 99 in his last 10 games. That was the first time Lynch has been able to play to his potential as a KPF in a good team and he looked great.
          Good pick at 388k unless Jack Steven looks to be fit and playing midfield, in which case you pick the midfielder over the key forward. 95-100 avg for Lynch this year if fit.

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  36. Ok… The Tinkering has stopped, and this will be the team I save when SC officially opens.All Comments welcome, please be critical as you like but back it up with reason.

    DEF Lloyd Sicily Doch Gould Bianco Rivers (worrell loop)

    Gone with Doch at D3,but still concerned he may get rested during the season Double ACL is alot to mentally overcome. BUT due to a large number of teams I have seen, he gets D3. Just Got to have him in your side, because most coaches will select him and we know what he is capable of. Rookies on watch( Day Starcevich Williamson )

    MIDS Macrae Neale Dunkley Dangerfield Taranto Rowell Pickett Hibbard ( McHenry Mead Rantall)

    Taranto at M5 on an upward trend and taking the punt he continues. Consistent performer and seldom cops the Tag.
    Will watch Hanners form during preseason but fitness is a concern. Good Value.

    Other premium need no explanation

    RUCK G&G (Cameron) nuf said.

    FWD Whitfield Martin Smith Townsend Hill Frampton (King Rankine)

    Not going to get caught up in all the Midprice Madness in the FWD Line. To me Smith at this time offers best value. Whitfield and Martin are Locks.

    Have gone deep in the FWD this year after last years horror with my rookie selections.

    Bewley and Bonar on watch F4. Have gone with Townsend because more opportunity at the bombers for midfield minutes early in the season. I will assume FREO new coach will be Tinkering with line up first few rounds and the new kid Bonar has to pass Thomas and LDU to get those prizes midfield minutes.

    Have Gone with Frampton at F6 as the Crows are short of Ruck options. Hoping he can find his way onto the field as a tall FWD and fill in Ruck Duties when OBrien needs air.
    On Watch for F6 Flanders and KKP.

    Hill at F5 is locked.

    109k in the bank. Gives me lots of options.

    Tell me where any weekness may be.

    Any other rookies I should be monitoring during preseason..

    Good Luck to all Coaches

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    1. I like it Vic.

      It’s nice having a that cash to allow for possibly upgrading a rookie.

      Everyone has Rowell , No one has Anderson.

      Last year we all went Walsh and he was great (86.9), but no one went Bailey Smith (76.6). Now thats still pretty good.

      Long story short theres 2 types of rookies.
      On field and bench.

      Don’t be afraid to spend a little more on a M7/8 as It may pay off.

      Happy planning.

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      1. Side note.

        I’m not sure the Suns (even early) will do well enough to have both Rowell and Anderson.

        It’s more about not being afraid to say spend a bit more on having someone like Frampton at F5/6.

        Cheers..

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  37. BL – Williams, Laird, Doherty, Roberton, S Hill, W Gould, H Young , M Ling

    MID – Neale, Cripps, Dangerfield, Bontempello, D Smith, Rowell, Anderson, D Stephens, N Cockatoo, M Pickett, M Hibberd

    R – Grundy Gawn Cameron

    F – Whitfield, Martin, Steven, Bonar, Rankine, King, Golds, B O’connor (CLH)

    40k

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    1. D smith in the mids is suicide mate. Hate it.
      Bonar is far from proven so id use the cash there to get a decent m5. You can ‘trade for DPPs’ if you know what i mean.

      I’d also free up some cash by trusting in the defensive rookies more. They look decent enough to me and you might be surprised.

      Cockatoo as a mid rookie should be put fwd or not taken at all imo. Couldnt hope for more than a 60 Ave.
      All other premos are good but would suggest slightly more guns and rookies this year. All the best

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  38. DEFs

    Z. Williams C. Daniel S.Docherty (W.Gould)
    S. Hill J.McLennan T.Bianco (T.Rivers)

    MIDs

    J.Macrae L.Neale P.Dangerfield (J.Mead)
    M.Bont C.Oliver M.Rowell (D.Robertson)
    M. Pickett R.Collier-Dawkins (M.Hibberd)

    Rucks

    B.Grundy M.Gawn (M.Conway)

    FWDs

    L.Whitfield M.Walters D.Martin (W.Golds)
    N.Cockatoo I.Rankine S.McAdam (D.Cameron)

    Pure Guns and Rookie approach and wanting to load up in the Mids

    FWDs going three deep since I fell those 3 will be at worst top 8 FWDs but to find the other top FWDs may take time and have more mystery. These guys IMO will average the top end scores to warrant the starting selection.

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    1. Love it mate. If i have to pick it apart then i’d say Walters will be tapering off due to less mid time and age-related depreciation. I dont like him and think dockers will opt for younger players and a rebuild.

      I love the oliver pick, and think the bont pick is decent, but having both somehow feels a gamble compared to other mid prems. Even danger is borderline high risk.

      Really like the Daniel pick over the trend (mainly sicily at d2). Daniel is not much more $ and has and seems more consistent. Fingers crossed he still runs through the mid/takes kickouts enough.

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      1. Thanks for the advice Fajfj.

        Oliver to me is a lock. I really can’t see him leaving my side the guy averaged 110+ after double shoulder reco last year and no preseason. As well has Dees being about as bad as they could be.

        If the Bont can tidy up one element of his game he can get to 118+ Goal kicking I think he was 15 G 25 B last year flip that around and he’s 120+ almost. I agree it is a little risky but I really want to load up that Midfield and I can’t move either Bont or Dangers because I be over in money have not a cent left.

        Initially I wanted Heeney as my third FWD but with Buddy going down I feel like it is 2019 all over again. From the top 10 FWDs last year I don’t feel I can trust any of them or feel as though any provide much value. If Buddy is back to full health come round 1 Heeney definitely for me is back in at F3.

        I’m really hoping he is a bit of a POD because I didn’t have him last year and as you said love his consistency as well as being a very good user of the ball.

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      1. Limited myself with no high end rookies like Rowell, Young, Starcevich as well as avoiding the mid pricers like Roberton, Doedee, Stevens, Devin Smith, MID Mid pricers.

        Walsh I feel was the exception to the rule last year that he made everyone as much money as well as having a high average. Everyone last year got on board with Walsh last year and I feel like I want to Zag away from everyone by not selecting him.

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        1. Right, yeah it’s a pretty good strategy then, I like the team. Just couldn’t believe you could afford so many prems haha.

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  39. DEF: Z. Williams, Daniel, Docherty, Doedee, Young, Starcevich (Worrell, Gould)

    MID: Macrae, J. Kelly, Cripps, Dangerfield, Oliver, Rowell, McHenry, Pickett (Roberston, Rivers, Hibberd)

    RUC: Grundy, Gawn (Draper)

    FWD: Whitfield, Greenwood, Smith, Bonar, Cockatoo, Rankine (King, Mahony)

    $26k left in the bank. Only worried about my FWD, bit weak compared to others, but not sure where to find value there. Rookies subject to change during preseason etc. Starcevich or Young could become Williamson.

    Thoughts?

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    1. I think you need to find a way to get Martin into your FWDs

      I only count 11 Premium players
      3 x Defenders
      5 x Mids
      2 x Rucks
      1 x FWD (maybe Greenwood) if you could find room to turn Greenwood into Martin that would be ideal

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  40. Daniel, Dawson, Docherty,
    Young, Starcevich, Williamson.
    Rivers, Gould.

    Macrae, Neale, Cripps, Dangerfield,
    Treloar, Hannebery, Rowell, McHenry.
    Pickett, Hibberd, Budarick.

    GG.com

    Whitfield, Steven, Bewley,
    Hill, Cockatoo, Rankine.
    Cameron, King.

    102k

    Pros & Cons: def, D1,2,3 will become 4,5,6 eoy
    Concerned not all starters r1.

    Mid, 5.66 premiums
    R1, Macrae v Treloar, Dangerfield v GWS, Hannebery v Surface

    R, Grundy and multiple assistance (if fit)
    Grundy not enough assistance v doggies mids and
    Gawn v Nic Nat and co, etc…

    Fwd, Flexible, key roles (?)teams, GWS, Cats, Freo.
    Not flexible and injuries.

    Some of this is chosen from open minded feedback, some of this is chosen from what I’ve thought was a little narrow minded, and more hopeful than thorough……..how quickly we’ve forgotten last years issues, inactive rookies, – yes I know it’s still early, – lack of DPP, etc.

    So please rip in and don’t hold back you’ve got my attention.
    Cheers!

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  41. Defenders

    Bachar Houli $571,600
    James Sicily $509,500
    Sam Docherty $436,100
    Dylan Roberton $260,400
    Hayden Young $180,300
    Trent Bianco $117,300

    Jez McLennan $123,900
    Will Gould $117,300

    Midfielders

    Jack Macrae $668,900
    Tom Mitchell $630,900
    Sam Walsh $471,900
    Angus Brayshaw $452,400
    Dan Hannebery $417,000
    Matthew Rowell $207,300
    Aiden Bonar $202,800
    Marlion Pickett $123,900

    Jack Bytel $123,900
    Jackson Mead $117,300
    Mitchell Hibberd $114,400

    Rucks

    Brodie Grundy $705,900
    Max Gawn $697,100

    Darcy Cameron $123,900

    Forwards

    Lachie Whitfield $604,100
    Dustin Martin $543,000
    Andrew Brayshaw $382,800
    Devon Smith $335,800
    Jacob Townsend $222,900
    Stephen Hill $190,600

    Billy Frampton $165,400
    Kysaiah Kropinyeri-Pickett $157,800

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    1. From everything i have looked into i feel the below are bad choices;
      Andrew Brayshaw $382,800
      Devon Smith $335,800
      Jacob Townsend $222,900
      Kysaiah Kropinyeri-Pickett $157,800
      Jack Bytel $123,900
      Jackson Mead $117,300
      Mitchell Hibberd $114,400
      Sam Walsh $471,900
      Angus Brayshaw $452,400
      Dan Hannebery $417,000

      Players need to either be top 10 in position or make you 100k

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  42. Back – Z Williams, R Laird, S. Docherty, S. Hill, H. Young, W. Gould
    Bench – T. Bianco, B. Starcevich

    Mid – Neale, Cripps, Dangerfield, Bontempelli, Coniglio, Rowell, D. Stephens, N McHenry
    Bench – N. Cockatoo, M. Pickett, N.Hibberd

    Ruck – G & G
    Bench – D. Cameron

    Forward – Whitfield, Martin, Steven, L. Henry, I Rankine, B. Frampton
    Bench – W. Golds, B O’connor

    Open to all suggestions and help – 11k left atm.

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