P.O.D Premium Breakdown

Disclaimer: This did go up incomplete on Sunday, a mix up of dates on my end, apologies to those that saw a barely finished piece.

 

For this article, we’ll discuss and breakdown those P.O.D (point of difference) premiums across each line that could seperate you from the rest of the pack.

For the sake of the article, the ownership % will be set at seperate % for each line at the time of data collection, while price will be set for each position, starting with…

Defenders above 500K with below 10% ownership:

Luke Ryan (628K, 8%): Just one of three defenders above 600k, Ryan is coming off a career best year with a 116 point average across 23 games. A massive ceiling (8 scores 125+, high of 197 LY), Ryan is one of those guys that can take minimal disposals to post a three figure score through élite efficiency and a high kick/handball ratio. The off-season movement doesn’t figure to eat into his role, with Young seemingly transitioning fully into the midfield and Clark running loose on flanks, Ryan can sit back in his role of intercepting and kick-ins with ease.

Verdict: Unless I’ve missed something, he’s heading into the season fully fit and in a role that has been his for years now. More likely than not to finish as a top 6 defender and a safe starting pick. Also durable, hasn’t missed a game in 3 years.

 

Dayne Zorko (595K, 3%): We thought he’d decline last year only to finish as a top three forward in both average and points. It was admittedly, a bounce back season after averages of 82 and 86 across 22-23 with a scoring friendly role across half-back. That was probably helped along by Coleman going down early with an ACL injury as the Lions prime distributor off half-back. But credit to Zorko, he notched up 15 tons with a couple of big 160’s.

Verdict: Safer starting picks for that hefty pricetag. 36 years old heading into 2025, with a rest surely coming at some point while the Lions ideally pile on the wins. Best to avoid a starting spot to on an aging veteran, but I wouldn’t rule out moving him in if theres good early signs.

 

Jeremy McGovern (594K, 1%): A career best season for McGovern in many ways, finishing with a season average of 110 across 19 games (the most he has played since 2019). Dominates in that intercepting, high metres gained role similar to what Ryan does, which led to him scoring 14 tons with a high of 155 in round 22.

Verdict: It’s a pass on McGovern here. While he may still score well, his price is right at its peak to start the year so you’d be paying top $$$. Throw in his age, injury history and the loss of Barrass, theres too much risk associated with this starting pick.

 

Nic Martin (566K, 3%): Really stepped up his game in that friendly role across half-back in 2024 to average a career best 105. There were frustrating patches, but overall 12 tons which usually went large (7/12 above 120) is a pretty good return across a backline that shared a lot of points between them. Admittedly there were stints further up the ground, showing his versatility, but this guy can find the ball at ease no matter where he plays, not having less than 21 touches in any game last year.

Verdict: I do like this option as a starting POD. He may be close to his peak price already but realistically only needs to clean up his disposal slightly to turn those six scores in the 90’s last year into triple figures. Throw in the fact Heppell hung up the boots, theres some spare points to go around and I think one could make worse choices than Martin.

 

Jordan Clark (563K, 5%): Surprise packet from last year, Clark increased his average from 82, all the way up to 105 across 23 games. Ultra consistent with 16 tons, it was usually down to high metres gained and disposal efficiency (82%) that got him over the line. Super durable, Clark hasn’t missed a game across the past three seasons and is just about to enter his prime.

Verdict: Seems about at his peak price to start the season, but in saying that, I don’t mind this starting pick mainly down to his ultra consistent scoring, but keep an eye on pre-season as I’ve heard rumours of a new game plan at the Dockers in the past few weeks.

 

Jordan Ridley (552K, 1%): Has bee there abouts for years now is a top tier SuperCoach defender. Actually finished with a career high average of 102.6, bettering his 101.9 from 2020. Issue was, it came from just 9 games. Ridley started the year injured, not playing until round 11, and then finishing the year with another injury in round 20.

Verdict: Don’t start up with Ridley, tends to miss a few games here and there and thats the defining factor for me here. Keep an eye on his early season form though, one of the best in game at that intercept/high DE%/metres gained roles and if it goes his way, could finish in the top 6 defenders.

 

Nic Newman (546k, 0%): Great season last year for Newman, but he is at 0% ownership for a reason.

Verdict: Knee injury just a few weeks back means Newman will miss the entire season, so don’t start with him.

 

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (543K, 7%): Massive up tick last year for NWM, and will start this season at just 21 years old. Primed to provide plenty for the Saints backline for the next decade and with a high K/H ratio, he has plenty of upside.

Verdict: Nice guy to start with and one I think will only get better. Didn’t show much of a ceiling last year (just two scores of 120+) but that may come in 2025. Has the potential for 110+ in him, although we are yet to see what a forward tag does to his game.

James Sicily (532K, 7%): An up and down year for the Hawks skipper after starting 2024 as one of the top priced defenders in the game. Finished with his worst average (99) in a four year period with some annoying floors mixed in with constant role changes depending on the game at the time.

Verdict: While it might not have been his year in 2024, I’m tipping Sicily to return to the top in 2025, hence I like this pick. The off-season addition of Barrass, plus an ideally fit forward line, should lead to Sicily to return to his former role of loose man/playmaker.

Bailey Dale (528K, 3%): Had that distributor role all to himself at the Dogs last year and that led to a 98 average across 23 games. Had a massive high of 175 but also some frustratingly low floors, with 11 scores below triple figures. Dare say he’ll have the same role again in 2025.

Verdict: Not the worst starting POD but I’m personally not about him with the others around this price. Can have some massive games and they will happen, but the frustrating disposal at times, a 22 touch game can quite easily be 130 one week and 65 the next.

 

Nick Blakey (525K, 1%): Entering his prime now, Blakey has improved his average each year, last year coming in at 97.5. Like Dale though, the scores were very up and down depending on how his touches were used.  Had numerous scores above 115 but just as many in the 60’s.

Verdict: For now, its a pass, until theres more consistency in his scoring, they’ll be too much frustration from this starting pick, going on recent history.

 

Tom Stewart (521K, 8%): One of the top defenders of the past half-decade, Stewart at this price seems like a good get. A look into his 2024 is similar to Sicily: a few role changes throughout games and the odd tag,  saw him have his lowest average since 2018. 12 tons with a really good month a bit in the midfield, but there were many frustrating mid 70’s plus a grim 33 in round 24 that is fresh in the memory.

Verdict: It’s all about the role for Stewart, if its there in that intercepting, loose defender role, or even in the midfield, he can score well. For his price, I like the starting pick as theres more reward than risk. Even if he falters a touch, can’t see him loosing more than 40-50K which is an easy upgrade.

 

Andrew McGrath (514K, 0%): Touted for years to take that next step, McGrath has never really reached premium status in SupeCoach. Ultra consistent, 2024 was his best so far with a 95 average, but there were only 8 tons across that, including some big ones of 129, 131 and 146. Throw in several scores between 70-85, there was just too much fluctuation.

Verdict: Unless the next step can be taken with the retirement of Heppell, I don’t think this starting pick holds any value, which I guess is supported by the 0% ownership. Potential is there, but it hasn’t been showed yet.

 

Mitch Hinge (503K, 0%): It’s been a steady improvement for Hinge, and last year it was topped off with a 93.5 average from 22 games. Had some ripping game with 139 and 121 in back to back games, but then failed to score above 85 across the final 5 games. Seemed to take over a bit of Lairds role across half-back with a solid left foot.

Verdict: The ownership should tell you here. Just hasn’t shown that he can sustain premium scoring for a whole season just yet, and with Laird touted to return to half-back, points might be harder to come by.

 

Daniel Rioli (500K, 3%): The former premiership Tiger made the move up to the Suns for 2025. Had a super year with a career high 92.9 average despite the Tigers getting roasted week in week out. Got better as the year went on and had two big scores of 130+ in the final six weeks.

Verdict: For 500K, I like this starting POD. Moving up to the Gold Coast and figures to slot into a familiar role, he has scoring history that could mean premium status. Similar to Stewart too, the price point shouldn’t have too much fluctuation if it doesn’t work out.

 

Midfielders above 550K with below 5% ownership 

 

Isaac Heeney (629K, 4%): Emerged last year as one of the top picks in the game, bumping his average up 30 points from 2023. Hasn’t missed much time in the past few years, and a full time move to the midfield with plenty of impact points up forward was rewarded with massive scores. 10 scores of 120+, plenty of other good triple ones too.

Verdict: Massive ownership drop, and thats purely due to him not being listed as a forward. I’m a fan of starting with him overall, don’t see much of a role change, in a strong midfield group and still has the impact up forward.

 

Adam Treloar (628K, 1%): Another guy who had a career year last year, averaging 116 in a star-studded Bulldogs midfield. Led the league for disposals and finished the year on a wicked run of 146, 149, 104 and 120. Overall really only had the one fail of 58, every other game was 91 or above.

Verdict: If he was healthy, I’d be starting him. Issue is, theres a calf issue that means he wont be seen until after the first month of the season by current reports, so for that reason, don’t select him.

 

Josh Dunkley (602K, 1%): Six seasons in a row with triple figure averages for Dunkley now, and with just 1 regular season game missed in 3 years, his durability is in a great spot. Central to the Lions strong midfield, Dunkley has the potential to go huge with his contested style and high-tackling game, as was showcased by scores of 144, 143 and 140 across rounds 15-17.

Verdict: Really like this starting pick. Don’t see any reason for him to have a reduced role and with strong scoring history and his age, you’re more likely than not to get what you paid for.

 

Jack Steele (585K, 1%): A few seasons of 120+ and a discounted price tag after a 95 average in 2023 saw many coaches jump o Steele at nearly 500K last year. While it wasn’t a complete fail, there were periods of frustrating scores before a final season average of 109 (nothing to scoff at). Produced captain worthy scores along the way as the main guy in the Saints midfield with his usual contested, tackling game style being suited to SuperCoach.

Verdict: A safe pick to start with in the hope he’ll turn up again in 2025 with that 110 point average that is this price point. Was super over the weekend.

 

Sam Walsh (583K, 2%): Found his way into a bunch of teams after starting his season with a huge 166 in round 5. The memory for many coaches though will be how the season finished: 69, 95, 94, 102, 108, 89, 98 (from rounds 17-23), not scores we want from our premiums at that pointy end of the year. Walsh looks like he’ll still be a predominant part of the Carlton midfield alongside Cripps in 2025, and with his tackling, two way running and ball finding ability, I’m sure they’ll be some big scores.

Verdict: As much as I think he’ll be a top mid, I’m comfortable not starting him due to a hamstring injury hampering his pre-season. Might be good to go for round 1, but happy to wait and see with this one.

 

Noah Anderson (574K, 2%): Scoring fluctuation was an issue for Anderson last year. Across round 5 to round 12, there were scores in the order of this: 155, 50, 151, 92, 70, 149, 55, 150. He could win you a game one week, and be rage traded the next. Overall, the average fell at 106, but once again when he went big, he made it count. 9 of his 10 tons were 120+, C worthy scores, while the others aren’t worth mentioning.

Verdict: Despite the fluctuation, I like the gamble of starting with Anderson. Newly appointed captain, 24 years old, nice history in terms of averages and part of a very strong midfield should see him be there abouts again.

 

Matt Crouch (568K, 0%) This guy has always been able to score with the best of them when he plays. Averaged 105 last season with pure all winning ability, his range of scores being 85-128, which is fairly consistent. Still seems to be a factor in the Adelaide midfield as we lead into 2025.

Verdict: Don’t start with him though for a few reasons. Firstly, how the dynamic of the midfield is looking to be setup, with Soligo, Dawson, Peatling and a few others looking for spots. Secondly, he isn’t on the park consistently enough, not playing more than 20 games in a season since 2017.

 

Elliot Yeo (564K, 0%): Ended last year as one of the top averaging defenders, but in 2025 he’s only listed as a midfielder, leading to be non-relevant for now. Can score with the best of them due to his natural game style, as was showcased by scores of 130, 112, 157 and 138 over a month period.

Verdict: While he scores so well when’s he’s on the park, actually being on the park is Yeo’s issue. Already set to miss the early parts of the year, no point starting him.

 

Tom Liberatore (561K, 0%): Was surprised to see him at 0% ownership to be honest. Libba backed up a career year from 2023 (116 point average) with a still respectable but lower average of 104. Missed 6 games throughout the year for various reasons and looks to be central to the Dogs midfield again.

Verdict: It’s an age and health thing here I think. Entering the season at 32, I guess theres an unknown going into the year. Can’t forget that scary concussion towards the end of last year. Not listed on any pre-season injury report but don’t go starting him.

 

Rory Laird (561K, 1%): Started last year as one of the highest priced players but fell in points the same way as Libba (116 to 104). Thirteen tons across the year with a high of 149, Laird still found plenty of ball with at least 22 touches in each game, while still recording plenty of tackles. The point to make here though, and similar to Crouch,is the unknown midfield dynamic at Adelaide. Laird has been said to return to half-back in 2025, hence diminishing his scoring potential from being a full-time midfielder.

Verdict: Interesting one here. Laird has proven scoring ability at half-back and with DPP coming in, maybe he’ll get that status early enough to make it worth it. I’m on the fence for this one.

 

Chad Warner (559K, 2%): A name you’ll be hearing almost too much of this year as one of the most prized free-agents, Warner is set for a massive season of headlines. Showed he has a huge ceiling last year, doing plenty of damage in the forward half, notching up five scores of 130++ including a season best 172. Admittedly, there were lows as tags came, but Warner overall provides such a dangerous midfield group with Gulden and Heeney that scores will come naturally to them.

Verdict: On scoring potential, I like this starting pick. If he can even out his floor, and with the Swans and their midfielders looking to challenge again, scores should come his way.

 

Touk Miller (552K, 1%): One of the best two-way runners in the game, Miller finished the year with a 102 point average across 18 games. There was a range of 88-149 across the first 12 games, but then a 58 and sub caused 33 as well as late season injury’s saw him out of many teams to finish the year.

Verdict: While the 120+ average seasons weren’t that long ago, theres better options around this price that it’s a pass on starting Miller for me.

 

Jordan Dawson (550K, 3%): Plenty of coaches were frustrated with Dawson last year. The premium pick didnt score a ton until round 6 and then still threw in some stinkers on his way to a 102 point average with 10 tons across 22 games. Still, his ability to score well as is showcased by C worthy scores, mixed in with his age and role, mean he is a viable option in 2025.

Verdict: A safe starting pick in my eyes and currently in my lineup. Has around 50-75K of value at his best and by the sounds of it, will play predominantly in the middle this year. Also durable, hasn’t missed a game in 2 years.

 

Matt Rowell (550K, 3%): Another solid season for Rowell, using his contested style, high tackling game to boost his scores. Had a period where across 7 games, he had 10 tackles or more 6 times. Started the season so strong with scores of 137, 155, 99, 129, 135, 126 and 136 but then also went without a ton from round 13-20 with a range of 51-97.

Verdict: Like Laird, I’m on the fence here. His best could lead to a 115 point average, but we haven’t seen it for a while season yet. If you feel he will take that step though, start him.

 

Ruckman above 550K with less than 10% ownership

Rowan Marshall (603K, 4%): The main man at the Saints, Marshall compiled a great 2024, even with spending some stints up forward as a target. Didn’t miss any games and finished with a 112 point average, including his last five games all being 120+. Also worth a mention were his back-to-back 160+ games, continuing to show his ability to go huge.

Verdict: While the word is that he’ll be good to go fro round 1, best off to avoid starting with him after an injury interrupted pre-season and murmurs of Boyd splitting time. Might well become a top 2 ruck and one to aim for, but best to wait and see on this one.

 

Toby Nankervis (594K, 2%): The Tigers skipper had such an underrated season, I honestly didnt reflect on it until making this article. Averaged a career best 110 from 21 games, showcasing a massive ceiling on a few occasions while also going on an 8 week one-man mission across the middle of the season.

Verdict: Could start with him and with confidence to be honest. Obviously he is behind Gawn and Xerri but if you can’t get them as R1 and dont want anyone below, Nank will churn out scores. No competition for his spot either.

 

Jarrod Witts (581K, 2%): Not talked about much, Witts just goes about his business on the Gold Coast, notching his third season of 105+ in a row. Threw in some super scores of 155 and 161 throughout the year when having sole ruck duties, but did only manage 16 games.

Verdict: While I wouldn’t hate this starting pick on the previous few seasons of data, the impending development and ruck split with Moyle causes to many variables to start with the former captain.

 

Brodie Grundy (574K, 2%): Returned to his best last year, averaging 106 across a full season in a dominant midfield group. Should be much of the same if not more in 2025 as Grundy and the Swans have something to prove. Looking back on 2025, He was up and down but some massive scores boosted this average. Also worth noting his final ton came in round 18.

Verdict: Not really the go this season for the price point. While he may be a good POD, I dont know if theres any guarantee that the big scores will keep rolling. I could be wrong, but I’d look to some of the others mentioned for safety.

 

Darcy Cameron (566K, 6%): Kind of fell into solo ruck duties at the Pies and made it his own as the season wore on. Averaged 105 across 23 games, a great return. Massive numbers to finish the year too with five scores of 120+ across the final seven rounds. With a super midfield at his feet, Cameron will be the main man for the Pies in the middle.

Verdict: Don’t mind this one, and DCam saves you nearly 100K from the big guys. I don’t know how much more money he has to make and feel the price will stagnate, but I prefer this starting POD over others around this price range.

 

Lloyd Meek (557K, 5%): Career year for Meek, the former Docker flew under the radar but just consistently scored, showing a really nice ceiling a few times but importantly, his floor only got as low as 71, something you can live with.

Verdict: Worth a punt. He’s 26, the leading ruckman at the Hawks and is in a side that many are tipping to win plenty of games.

 

Forwards above 450K with less than 10% ownership

Dylan Moore (526K, 8%): We all knew it anyway but Moore is one of the best link-men in the competition. 2024 was another solid year, a career best actually, as his 97 average sees him priced as one of the top forwards. Hasn’t missed a game in years now and can be fairly consistent for his role, with each of his last 6 games being 94+.

Verdict: Not so much of a POD with 8% ownership, Moore is a safe bet to start with and likely to end up as one of the top 8 forwards even once DPP roles in.

 

Jesse Hogan (497K, 2%): Most games he’s played in a season, best average he’s ever had, Coleman medal, overall, an outstanding year for Jesse. Pretty traditional stay at home forward and at times relied on big bags of goals to boost his score, as is shown by his range of 32-165.

Verdict: Coming off a career best year and with GWS looking to threaten again, Hogan could well be in contention for the Coleman again. I don’t recommend starting with him or any tall forward, but with the flex position, i understand the argument going for one of those guys who can slot a bag of goals.

 

Brent Daniels (485K, 2%): Like Moore, an elite link between the centre square and the forward 50, and only got better as the season rolled on. An 84 point average with fairly good consistency, capped off by a massive 195 to finish the year in round 23.

Verdict: Not for me, I’d look to other options in the forward line.

 

Harry McKay (467K, 1%): Started the year hot, scoring three tons in a row but only one in the following 17 games. Still, a solid year for McKay, kicking a goal in every game bar one.

Verdict: I’ll keep this short, don’t pick him. Will have massive games at some point but only draft relevant in the one run.

 

Jeremy Cameron (466K, 3%): For a key forward, Cameron has been remarkably consistent in scoring, averaging 80+ for 7 seasons now. 22 was the most games he’s played in several years and his eight tons provided some super highs and multiple lows.

Verdict: Once again, for a key forward, it’s all about the range of their scores. Cameron had as many sub 70’s as 100’s so I wouldn’t want to deal with the frustration of that.

 

Alex-Neal-Bullen (458K, 1%): A new club for ANB was pretty much set as soon as the season started, but credit to him he played the season through and played well. He is durable, not missing a game across the past two seasons and last year finished with a career best average of 86.

Verdict: I like the way this guy plays but it’s a no again, too many other value options in the forward line to take a risk on a guy who is pretty much as his peak price anyway.

 

Josh Treacy (454K, 1%): Kicked a goal in each game he played last year, showing very nice consistency for a key forward along the way with just two scores sub 50. His best was 135 in round 5 followed by 131 in round 17.

Verdict: Like any other key forward I’ve mentioned, it’s all good and well when they pop off, but it’ll kill your week when they’re held. Don’t start with him unless you’ve got reason to believe he’ll kick 5 per week.

 

That’s all I’ve got! Of course it’s all personal opinion in here, and I haven’t really considered stuff like byes etc. Please feel free to throw any thoughts in the comments below.