As you farewell some of your most prized cash cows this week, let your gaze drift longingly to the hog house, where some genuine Supercoach pigs squeal to be picked.
OFF TO THE ABATTOIR
Already with a breakeven of 59, Jacob Van Rooyen’s ($247,800, 48 pts) and even after his successful attempt to overturn his two match ban, it could spell the end of his time in the paddock. Cull.
Lions pair Conor McKenna ($306,700, 46 pts) and Will Ashcroft ($373,200, 36 pts) find themselves on the trade table after disappointing scores. While Ashcroft’s price may still appreciate, upgrading him to a fallen premium will prove too tempting for many.
THE FRESH MEAT
Blake Drury’s ($102,400, 51 pts) basement price means he only needs to average 55-60 to prove a fruitful investment. Drury looked excellent in the first half, racking up 9 disposals and 36 points by the main break, before fading out of the game. Many will pull the trigger early which could pay off if he can hold his spot.
Tom Berry’s ($123,900, 57 pts) job security looks shaky, but watch him against the Eagles.
Most coaches will need to decide between introducing Josh Weddle ($130,800, 54 pts) or shelling out extra cash for ex-Crow Rory Atkins ($203,900, 68 pts) this week.
Weddle looked solid in the back half recording 6 intercept possessions, while Atkins racked up 22 disposals off half back, albeit turning the ball over 7 times.
Atkins is likely to be a more reliable on field option than Weddle given his role and ability to accumulate more of the footy. His average of 78 from his first two games aligns with his mid 70 average between 2016 and 2019, prior to his injury woes and frequent deployment as substitute. Atkins’ success as a rookie will be dictated more by whether he can string consistent games together than generate points.
Unfortunately, his job security looks far from assured, with Lachie Weller set to return in Round 10 and the Suns’ VFL team flying. Despite this, Atkins’ elevated scoring floor and Gold Coast’s handy Round 13 bye might sway nervous coaches.
RUCK REGRETS
Those that went early replacing Brodie Grundy ($532,000 60 pts) with Max Gawn ($512,800, 130 pts) were handsomely rewarded with a 70-point swing. Trade Grundy to Gawn this week if you haven’t already. Grundy averages a miserly 74 points when playing in the same side as the skipper this year. Gawn’s stints ahead of the ball have him on track to gain RUCK-FWD status, increasing his appeal even further.
FASTING FORWARD & FORWARD FASTING
Those without Errol Gulden ($490,600, 156 pts) are unlikely to see him below 500k for a while after his monstrous 37 disposal showing against the Pies. Keep in mind Gulden only averaged 90 over the opening six rounds. With a forward candidate like Max Gawn and Darcy Cameron ($494,000, DNP) set to return shortly, coaches must thoughtfully consider the keepers they target up front.
Remarkably, Sam Walsh ($615,100, 106 pts) is a chance to gain MID-FWD status, having spent over the 35% threshold required to become a DPP. Walsh would be a lock at F1-2 and is another reason to prioritise upgrades in the midfield or defence ahead of your forward line.
Fortunately, coaches are spoilt for choice in the guts with several fallen premiums ripe for plucking. Jack Steele ($524,100, 95 pts) remains great value, while Callum Mills’ ($523,100, 100 pts) scoring should trend upwards should he return to a more midfield dominant role, having spent significant time off half back and on the wing. The Swans skipper racked up 31 possessions against the Pies from 12 CBAs last weekend.
Andrew Brayshaw’s ($531,300, 149 pts) 34-possession, 2-goal clinic against the Hawks might signal the beginning of a turnaround in his scoring after a flat start for the young star.
In only 4% of teams, Darcy Parish ($567,900, 117 pts) is an electrifying POD that could invigorate your team. Parish’s ceiling is astronomical - he averaged 138 points per game between Rounds 9 to 19 in 2021. But buyer beware now of his calf injury.
Suns jet Noah Anderson ($605,000, 189 pts) would have been a great buy a month ago, but is now exorbitantly priced given the alternatives available.
Luke Davies-Uniacke ($516,600, 59 pts) continues to torment those that brought him in after his explosive start to the season. Hold if you are low on trades and back him to eventually rebound.
The Final Call
Outs: Brodie Grundy, Jacob Van Rooyen, Conor McKenna
Ins: Max Gawn, Darcy Parish, Rory Atkins
Vice Captain: Clayton Oliver
Captain: Marcus Bontempelli