Whilst in previous years most teams got by with one bench player who played a fair bit combined with one who it was hoped might get a few games (in order to preserve some much-needed cash), suddenly this season the value of your replacements will come into play in a much more significant way.
As every now knows, each round of the 2011 AFL season will see one (or more) teams having a bye. Most SC coaches seem to want a fair spread of players from most, if not all, clubs – what this means then is that the team that you select prior to round one will almost NEVER play in that configuration, with players from the bye team having to be replaced by those all-important bench players. In direct contrast to SC 2010, your bench will be utilised on an almost weekly basis. (Of course, the other option is to use some of your priceless 24 trades to cope with the byes, but personally I would find it very difficult to justify throwing away two trades on a superstar like Dane Swan - out and possibly then back in a week later. What a waste).
So then, is the solution to spend a bit more and have a better calibre player as your first bench option? Personally I don’t think so – with a little bit of digging, there are a few hidden (cheap!) gems you can lob on your bench who are almost certain to play a bit and score pretty well. If you can combine these with a couple of high-class rookies, you should be able to cover most players, most weeks. Hopefully.
Defenders
Karmichael HUNT – GC - $117,700 or Andy OTTEN – Adel - $185,100
OTTEN is a gun who many will have on the field already, and although he is a little pricey for this category he could still be a viable – and reliable – defensive bench option who will play from round one and perform very well. HUNT is more of a wildcard, however his NAB Cup form has been, surprisingly okay and everyone knows that a high-profile player like him will play every week, regardless of form. For those that like taking a punt.
Midfielders
Daniel HARRIS – GC - $125,700
It is simple – there is no one else to even consider when it comes to midfielders. If you haven’t already got HARRIS in your midfield, then listen carefully to these words – PUT HARRIS ON YOUR BENCH! He is an experienced campaigner who has been given a second chance and looks ready to make the most of it. Will play, will score. A great, cheap bench option.
Rucks
Max BAILEY - Haw - $110,200 or Robert CAMPBELL - Melb - $103,600
The ruck division is traditionally the one area where you could go lean on bench options, hoping that your two on-field selections could last every game of the season. This year is different, but still you can take a bit more of a calculated risk depending on who your chosen ruckmen are. BAILEY and CAMPBELL represent a bit of value, and, although they may not score well, at least they should be a chance of playing and help you avoid a dreaded zero.
Forwards
Ryan GAMBLE - St K - $184,900 or Nathan ABLETT - GCS - $167,200
A little bit of extra cash for bench players, but both GAMBLE and ABLETT both stake claims as your first bench option in the forward line for different reasons. GAMBLE has been specifically targeted by the Saints to fill a perceived void, and already his NAB Cup form indicates he might do just that. ABLETT is a huge chance to play a bit of footy simply because he is a bigger body in a team that doesn’t have much of a forward line. Oh, and his brother is Gary.
So, match some of these players with rookies such as MZUNGU, CALLINAN, SMITH, WALLIS, and HEPPELL and you should hopefully be able to cover any bye-omissions without having to waste too many trades – at least, that is the plan. Unfortunately in Supercoach, as in life, plans don’t always go smoothly. All we can all do is make the selections, keep our fingers crossed and enjoy the ride.