SuperCoach AFL 2024: Champion Data guru Fantasy Freako’s starting team

Yes, we had match simulation and official pre-season games like in the past, but we have never had the season kick off with a round where scores don’t count.

It was great to see players run around last week and we gained plenty of information from the four games. But we can also count ourselves fortunate as we dodged a few bullets – one of which was the season-ending injury to Keidean Coleman. Not the mention a few of the premiums underperforming as well.

I can’t recall making so many changes to my team ahead of round 1, with the early byes playing a key role in the thought process. Having a balanced team is important, but there was so much quality on display on the weekend that you feel obligated to have a piece of the pie even though each team that played in opening round has an early bye.

I’ve made quite a few changes to my first draft and as much as we’d love to fit everyone in – you just can’t.

DEFENDERS

Structure: Three premiums and five rookies.

I must admit that Keidean Coleman was in my team ahead of round 1. He was my breakout pick and he started like a house on fire in the first half against the Blues, but unfortunately his season has already ended.

Nick Daicos is my D1 and the reasoning behind that is obvious. He’s a star and yes, he may get tagged in round 4 and has a bye the following week, but we can’t ignore his first three games either. He scored 127 against St Kilda and 151 and 131 points respectively against Brisbane last season. He has struggled against this week’s opponent Sydney, but that was on the back a Ryan Clarke’s defensive effort – and he was delisted at the end of last season.

I’ve swapped James Sicily for Tom Stewart in the next slot, preferring to see how the Hawks adjust without James Blanck and the addition of Ethan Phillips. Hayden Young and Zac Williams aren’t going anywhere, likewise Josh Gibcus and Nick Coffield. Blake Howes and Zach Reid are new additions.

MIDFIELDERS

Structure: Three premiums, one breakout, one underpriced and six rookies.

Marcus Bontempelli and Zak Butters are the only two premiums remaining from my first draft. Sean Darcy’s injury has resulted in Caleb Serong making way, as he averaged fewer points without the towering ruckman last year. Likewise, Andrew Brayshaw’s lack of centre bounce minutes in the pre-season also sees him removed. Reluctantly, I won’t be starting Tom Green even though he is a player I really want, but, again, he shares a bye with Gold Coast which was the deciding factor.

Nic Martin comes in and looks excellent value under $500,000, as does Ollie Wines. Wines was Port Adelaide’s most used player at centre bounces in the pre-season and fallen premiums often bounce back. Port Adelaide’s great fixture was another reason behind his selection.

Jai Newcombe is the only midfielder I’m not totally sold on, but I do believe he’s in for a big year. If we look at his numbers, his game was built on pressure and tackling in his debut season. However, his tackle numbers have gone down in each season thereafter, while his disposal, contested possession and clearance numbers have increased in every season since. Another rise is on the horizon.

Colby McKercher, Ryley Sanders, Jeremy Sharp and Jhye Clark remain in the team, while Matt Roberts and Henry Hustwaite are new additions. Roberts is the heir to Jake Lloyd in the Swans’ defence, playing on from all five kick-ins in the opening round.

RUCKS

Structure: Two premiums and one rookie.

There was a temptation to move Max Gawn out for Tim English but in the end, Gawn presents far too much value to bypass him. Gawn had his colours lowered by Brodie Grundy in the season opener and scored just 72 points – but 67 of those came in the first half. He had no impact whatsoever after halftime as the Swans ran riot.

Grundy is an easy decision after reminding everyone that he isn’t done just yet. He won the head-to-head hitout-to-advantage battle against Gawn 12-6 and scored a massive 99 points in the second half alone.

They are the only two ruckmen with over 50 per cent ownership.

Sam Naismith replaces Jordon Sweet on the bench, but if Naismith loses his place to Toby Nankervis, then I’ll move him out to one of West Coast’s DPP rucks.

FORWARDS

Structure: Two premiums, one mid-price, and five rookies.

The forwards have seen the most changes in my team since the first draft. I went from Jack Macrae down to having an entire starting six under $300,000.

Now I’ve settled for what is a far more conventional forward set-up with two premiums, one mid-pricer and five rookies.

Luke Jackson is my F1 after the injury to Sean Darcy. There are mixed messages around the timeline of Darcy’s return but given his importance to the Dockers, I can’t see them rushing him back. I’m more than happy to back Jackson in the solo role and if his scores dry up once Darcy returns, I can make a call on him then.

The next slot is a choice between Sam Flanders and Isaac Heeney. I’ve opted for Flanders purely for bye structure, as I already own two other Swans and Nick Daicos who all share a round 5 bye.

Gold Coast only used four players at centre bounces against Richmond and Flanders was one of them. A bye in round 3 isn’t ideal, but I’ll back the bench to play their role.

James Harmes and Jack Billings have made way, as has James Jordon. Once again, bye structure is the reason behind not starting Jordon, as I’ve opted for Nat Fyfe in that slot instead. Fyfe attended 76 per cent of centre bounces in the pre-season match – ranked equal-second for the Dockers and when he’s fit, we can’t ignore him.

Harley Reid picks himself, while Alex Sexton and Darcy Wilson are new additions – replacing Shaun Mannagh and Aaron Cadman.

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Fantasy Freako

That leaves Zac Fisher as the mid-price pick and with a fantasy friendly role across half-back, his inclusion is a popular one. Fisher had the second-most disposals in the defensive-50 in the AFL in the AAMI Community Series and was handed the ball at every opportunity by the Kangaroos.

I’m also going with Charlie Lazzaro over Caleb Windsor. Both are similarly priced, but I’m opting for the experience of Lazzaro in that position.

Money in the bank: $63,100