Adelaide
Taylor Walker – Forward - $299,500
We all know the story of WALKER in 2013 – out for the count with a knee reco after 5 games at an average of 69 (two of which were scores in the 90s). He averaged 100 in 2012, but it’s a big risk given he’s expected to miss a fair chunk at the start of the season and his mobility may not be the same when he does get back on the park. Definitely one to watch when he finally returns though.
Dayne ZORKO – Mid/Forward - $447,200
A somewhat controversial choice, but ZORKO may fall into the category of a unique choice in 2014 after a drop in form in 2013 saw his SC average plummet from 100 in 2012 to just 83 in 2013. With a number of younger midfielders departing the Lions, ZORKO will have to bear a lot of responsibility on his young shoulders, but is he up to it? That price tag might just force you to look elsewhere.
Carlton
Dale THOMAS – Mid - $341,800
THOMAS will be one everyone considers at some point, but will he be worth it? He only averaged 79 from 5 games in 2013 before his leg injury, but showed he still has what it takes with a huge 150 pt match against St Kilda in Rd 6. He is very tempting at that price, but his lack of dual position status really hurts. With previous averages of 1009 in 20111 and 96 in 2012, he is certainly one to monitor.
Collingwood
Patrick KARNEZIS – Mid/Forward - $229,800
Making the move from the Lions to the Pies, KARNEZIS has dual positioning and is cheap, but that’s where the good news ends. Only 3 games in 2013, and an average of 47 in those matches despite burning in the NAB Cup, and now he has moved to a team with one of the better midfields going around. Could surprise, but it’s a big gamble.
Essendon
Joe DANIHER – Forward - $272,900
Touted as a superstar by the Bombers, DANIHER only played five matches in 2013 at an average of 50, however his round 12 game against the Suns where he scored 98 was exciting and perhaps a sign of things to come? With Crameri and Gumbleton now gone from the Bombers, a lot rests on DANIHER’s shoulders, and he should get lots more game time. Could be worth the investment at that price.
Scott GUMBLETON – Forward - $315,900
The much-maligned and injury-prone GUMBLETON only played 7 games in 2013 at an average of just 58 points, however his move to Freo makes him an interesting prospect. In six seasons he has only managed 35 games, but even this year proved he has the ability with scores of 103 and 99 in Rd 4 and Rd 6. Can he fit in the Freo lineup and, more importantly stay on the park?
Geelong
Hamish McINTOSH – Ruck - $332,900
Not a rookie by any stretch of the imagination, McINTOSH has been a huge disappointment so far for the Cats, not playing a game in 2013. With Trent WEST gone the Cats are relying on inexperienced duo SIMPSON and VARDY, so McINTOSH could find himself in big demand if they struggle. He averaged 102 form 7 games in 2012, but at that price I’d give him a miss.
Gold Coast
Nathan BOCK – Forward - $196,900
Nathan BOCK under $200,000? That scenario would’ve been unheard of back in 2009 (Av 99) or 2011 (Av 93), however BOCK has had a nightmare run with injuries since then and now looks like the game has past him. One bonus is that he is listed as a forward and, if used in the quarterback role across halfback, could generate some possessions and maybe be a surprise cash cow. Not for me though.
Greater Western Sydney
Steven CONIGLIO – Mid - $399,400
Coming in for his third season of AFL footy, CONIGLIO is primed for a breakout season. The former No.2 pick has been steady without setting the world on fire, averaging in the mid 70s in his first two seasons, including an average of 74 from 18 games in 2013. As he team develops so to should he, and 2014 could be the year he excels. Definitely one to keep in your sights.
Hawthorn
Matt SUCKLING – Defender - $312,200
This one seems like a no-brainer, especially given SUCKLING averaged 90 in 2011 and 82 in 2012. However, he is coming back from a knee injury and whether that affects his pivotal run off half-back remains to be seen. In addition, finding his exact role in a premiership team might take some time, especially when he was missing for all of 2013. A quality player, but his recovery is critical to selection.
Mitch CLARK – Forward - $242,900
CLARK averaged 93 in 2009 and 84 in 2012, however an injury-plagued 2013 saw him only manage 58 from 4 games. With Roosy at the helm and a rejuvenated feel around the Demons, could he be a surprise packet in 2014? At that price he is certainly worth thinking about, especially as the Dees play St Kilda, WCE (in Vic), GWS, Carlton and Gold Coast (in Vic) in the first 5 rounds.
North Melbourne
Majak DAW – Ruck/Forward - $279,600
DAW was one of the feel-good stories of 2013 – or should that read feel-good short stories? He starred in Rd 7 against the Bulldogs, scoring a huge 139 pts, however in total he only managed to average a disappointing 51 pts from his 8 matches. Still learning the game, DAW has all the physical attributes but it remains to be seen if he will be a solid AFL player. Select at your peril.
Port Adelaide
Jared POLEC – Mid - $172,600
Selected at pick 5 by the Lions in the 2010 draft, POLEC has struggled so far in his career, and a change of club might just be the remedy he was looking for. Only tallying 16 games in three years, he only managed the single match in 2013, where he scored a paltry 32 pts. He has the skill, and Ports young midfield might just be the fit for him. At that price he just must be considered.
Richmond
Dylan GRIMES – Defender - $256,900
They love this bloke down at Tigerland don’t they? GRIMES only managed 8 games in 2013 at an average of 47 pts per game, on the back of a 77 pt average in 2012. The brother of Melbourne Jack and still only 22, GRIMES has the potential to blossom into a ripper defender if he can stay on the park. He’s cheap, and defenders who get regular games at that price might be rare. Worth thinking about.
St. Kilda
Maverick WELLER – Defender - $292,500
Somewhat of a surprise selection by the Saints, WELLER is another hardnut St Kilda might turn to in order to strengthen up its struggling defence. Still young, WELLER played only the four games in 2013 at an average of 60 pts per game, and seems to be in a similar position to Dylan ROBERTON at the start of 2013 – who went on to average 75 pts from 20 games, raising $80,000. Could be a cash cow?
Gary ROHAN – Forward - $176,200
Much like the player himself, ROHAN’s AFL career so far has been flashy and full of potential, but a long way from consistent. Returning to the game from a horrific ankle injury late in 2013, ROHAN managed 3 games at an average of just 32 pts per game, but it was more about him getting out there than anything else. This kid could be a superstar, and 2014 could be the year. Super cheap if he plays.
West Coast Eagles
Sharrod WELLINGHAM – Mid - $394,800
WELLINGHAM is an interesting proposition, having shown his true potential in round 19 against Geelong with a 128 pt game, as well as scoring two other 100s in 2013. Nevertheless he only averaged 73 pts per game from 10 matches, with an ankle injury decimating the middle of his year. Without dual position status his selection is questionable, however he is primed for a breakout.
Western Bulldogs
Stewart CRAMERI – Forward - $390,400
With a new start at the Doggies, CRAMERI is another who gives me an itchy finger every time I see his name. He amassed four tons in 2013 at Essendon, including a best game of 139 against Melbourne in Rd 2 – evidence that he can play the game. He averaged 72 from 16 games in ’13, down from an 82 average in 2012, however he has already been touted as getting some midfield time in 2014. Interesting.
So, what do you think? Have any or all of these guys come into your early calculations as you play around with possible combinations for Supercoach 2014? Are there other guys you are tossing around, not sure if they will fire or fall? Let rip….