We've all been told who to get by people who think they know a lot about SuperCoach (like me!), but you can't fit all of those Cash Cows into the same side. So who should you really get? And I mean really get?
We'll start with the Defenders:
Dyson Heppell $153,600: A classy ball winner who should be selected in the backline as opposed to the midfield this year. Should get games from the get-go and might be a decent scorer.
Andy Otten $185,100: Had a great 2009 and averaged 76, until a serious knee injury had him out for the entire 2010. Only 20 and sholuld average more than 20 disposals a game.
Jed Adcock $333,000: The star Brisbane backman and co-captain says his body is right, and considering he averaged 113 in 2007, the 25 year old still hasd time to find that sort of form.
Nicholas Duigan/Matthew Watson $103,600: Both are probably vying for the same spot, Duigan a 26-year old mature aged recruit who can rebound from defence and Watson an 18 year-old key backman. Wait and see who is selected round 1.
Now the Midfielders:
Any of the top draft picks I examined in a previous blog could fit into this category, so we'll have a look at some alternatives:
Hamish Hartlett $297,800: This guy was a number 4 draft pick in 2008, and is just waiting for a slice of luck on the injuries front. Can seriously play and is seriously cheap - he could be a unique and eventually successful pick.
Daniel Harris $125,700: After Ablett and Rischitelli, Harris will be the mainstray of the Suns midfield. He averaged 96 in 2006 for the North Melbourne Roos - and is a real gritty in and under player. He is a contested possession specialist and will ge plenty of game time.
Justin Sherman $312,300: The ex-Lion is primmed and ready for a big year, and almost ceratinly the pacey midfielder will play on the now vacant half-back line left by Gold Coast-bound Jarrod Harbrow. He averaged 91 in 2009, but dropped to a only 64 last year. Still room for improvement, believe me.
Chris Masten $244,400: He was the number 3 pick four years ago, and I thought his breakout year was going to be last year, until a broken arm ruined that thought. However I think 2011 might be his year, injuries permitting of course.
Ruckmen:
Josh Fraser $237,300: Rather unlucky this fella I think. A regular for the Pies for over 5 years, he got dropped and missed both Grand Finals. He averaged 92 in 2009 and will clearly lead the Suns' rucking department. Cheap as well.
Drew Petrie $216,000: While I assume most Coaches will have Petrie in the forward line, he has the potential to be your second ruckman. 3 seperate foot injuries stalled his 2010, but from 2006 to 2010 he averaged 90 points a game. He is 28 so there may still be a couple of good years left.
David Hale: $252,200: Believe it or not, Hale was a number 7 draft pick all the way back in 2001. He hasn't showed that potential really as yet, but did play every game in 2008 to average 82. Despite this, I still think he is an under-priced forward or third ruckman option.
Robert Cambell: $103,600: Melbourne picked up the former Hawk during as a rookie and they needed it, besides Mark Jamar their rucking department is very bare. He might play or he might just mentor, although if his knee holds up I think he will get games. He is a Premiership winning ruckman at bargain-basement price. Very tempting.
Lastly the forwards:
Ryan Gamble $184,900: Although most think he'll will play straight away, I think it will take him a little bit of time to find his feet in the Saints' structure, but if you persist with him I'm sure you will see rewards. A good average of 72 from 13 games in 2008.
Andrew Krakouer $200,600: There will be plenty said about Krakouer in regards to this year's SC, so all I'll say is as long as he's named - put him in.
Jack Darling $103,600: He was the Eagles' second pick at last year's draft, and as a key forward there is probably no better place than West Coast to be at the moment. He scored a record 308 SuperCoach points in an Under-16 match in 2008, and has been told he is ready for AFL by many experts.
We'll start with the Defenders:
Dyson Heppell $153,600: A classy ball winner who should be selected in the backline as opposed to the midfield this year. Should get games from the get-go and might be a decent scorer.
Andy Otten $185,100: Had a great 2009 and averaged 76, until a serious knee injury had him out for the entire 2010. Only 20 and sholuld average more than 20 disposals a game.
Jed Adcock $333,000: The star Brisbane backman and co-captain says his body is right, and considering he averaged 113 in 2007, the 25 year old still hasd time to find that sort of form.
Nicholas Duigan/Matthew Watson $103,600: Both are probably vying for the same spot, Duigan a 26-year old mature aged recruit who can rebound from defence and Watson an 18 year-old key backman. Wait and see who is selected round 1.
Now the Midfielders:
Any of the top draft picks I examined in a previous blog could fit into this category, so we'll have a look at some alternatives:
Hamish Hartlett $297,800: This guy was a number 4 draft pick in 2008, and is just waiting for a slice of luck on the injuries front. Can seriously play and is seriously cheap - he could be a unique and eventually successful pick.
Daniel Harris $125,700: After Ablett and Rischitelli, Harris will be the mainstray of the Suns midfield. He averaged 96 in 2006 for the North Melbourne Roos - and is a real gritty in and under player. He is a contested possession specialist and will ge plenty of game time.
Justin Sherman $312,300: The ex-Lion is primmed and ready for a big year, and almost ceratinly the pacey midfielder will play on the now vacant half-back line left by Gold Coast-bound Jarrod Harbrow. He averaged 91 in 2009, but dropped to a only 64 last year. Still room for improvement, believe me.
Chris Masten $244,400: He was the number 3 pick four years ago, and I thought his breakout year was going to be last year, until a broken arm ruined that thought. However I think 2011 might be his year, injuries permitting of course.
Ruckmen:
Josh Fraser $237,300: Rather unlucky this fella I think. A regular for the Pies for over 5 years, he got dropped and missed both Grand Finals. He averaged 92 in 2009 and will clearly lead the Suns' rucking department. Cheap as well.
Drew Petrie $216,000: While I assume most Coaches will have Petrie in the forward line, he has the potential to be your second ruckman. 3 seperate foot injuries stalled his 2010, but from 2006 to 2010 he averaged 90 points a game. He is 28 so there may still be a couple of good years left.
David Hale: $252,200: Believe it or not, Hale was a number 7 draft pick all the way back in 2001. He hasn't showed that potential really as yet, but did play every game in 2008 to average 82. Despite this, I still think he is an under-priced forward or third ruckman option.
Robert Cambell: $103,600: Melbourne picked up the former Hawk during as a rookie and they needed it, besides Mark Jamar their rucking department is very bare. He might play or he might just mentor, although if his knee holds up I think he will get games. He is a Premiership winning ruckman at bargain-basement price. Very tempting.
Lastly the forwards:
Ryan Gamble $184,900: Although most think he'll will play straight away, I think it will take him a little bit of time to find his feet in the Saints' structure, but if you persist with him I'm sure you will see rewards. A good average of 72 from 13 games in 2008.
Andrew Krakouer $200,600: There will be plenty said about Krakouer in regards to this year's SC, so all I'll say is as long as he's named - put him in.
Jack Darling $103,600: He was the Eagles' second pick at last year's draft, and as a key forward there is probably no better place than West Coast to be at the moment. He scored a record 308 SuperCoach points in an Under-16 match in 2008, and has been told he is ready for AFL by many experts.