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All the list additions have now been finalised which gives us a good first look at what we have to work with in Supercoach 2010.
Clubs have all endured some pre-season training and reports of player 'X' exploding in 2010 are circulating the net like swine flu. So it's time to have a first glance at which players may be the bargains in 2010.
ADELAIDE:
The crows first pick Daniel Talia looks too skinny to be any chance for a debut in 2010. Adelaide will probably not have many debutants, but will have some young players who could possibly take the next step. Of course, Kurt Tippet had a fantastic 2009, and is sure to improve further next season.
Another to look for is Berne Vince, who is rapidly developing into an elite player, and a match winner Supercoach wise. Patrick Dangerfield will be keen to build on his first real season, and could be a good pickup if the price is right.
A bulky David Myers in preseason training at Windy Hill is hot talk at Bomberland.
BRISBANE:
Where to start? Michael Voss has juggled the squad in the off season to the point where is is unrecognisable. However, it does mean the lions may provide the most important selections for Supercoach. Jonathan Brown and Brendan Fevola will share the goal kicking points, and will probably cause each others Supercoach points to suffer.
Amon Buchanan, Andrew Raines, Xavier Clarke, Matt Maguire and Brent Staker are all massive gambles. It's hard to see any of them being of use for Supercoach purposes, particularly since two (Clarke & Raines) are perennial over hyped pre-season selections every year.
Despite these list changes, Voss's core group still maintains valuable Supercoach prospects in Mitch Clarke, Daniel Rich and once again, Simon Black.
CARLTON:
A real benefit of the Blues lacking depth is that they are always itching to try new players. Every season, the Blues seem to continually play their new list additions in a few games per year. If this trend is anything to go by, then all the players drafted by Carlton should be closely followed in the pre-season. Kane Lucas is there new prized pick, and is sure to see some gametime.
Brock Mclean is a new face at the Blues in 2010, and is certain to catch the eyes of Supercoach's as he no doubt dominates the NAB Cup kids and looks a million bucks. However, it's hard not to remain skeptical about his prospects, as his potential of a few years ago appears to have abandoned him.
Robert Warnock could be anything in 2010. With Cloke given the permanent marching orders he will need to compete with Sam Jacobs and Shaun Hampson for the second ruck spot. Let's see what his price looks like before speculating further.
The same goes for Lachie Henderson who fills the shoes of Fevola. His pre-season is a must watch.
COLLINGWOOD:
The Pies first two draft selections signals that they think they are in the Premiership tilt zone. Luke Ball and Simon Buckley are hard midfielders renowned for poor disposal. While Ball may be valuable to the pies, it is hard to believe Buckley was recruited for any other reason besides his famous name at Collingwood.
ESSENDON:
Bombers new recruit Jake Melksham will certainly be a Supercoacher of the future. In 2010 though, it is hard to see his light frame being ready to combat the big hits of senior AFL.
With the Bombers being tipped to improve again in 2010, the 'buzz' player being bandied around the web is David Myers. There are massive wraps coming from Windy Hill and the Coffs Harbour training camps about his improvement and newly gained off season bulk. But he will need to show some promise in an actual AFL game, unlike the previous Windy Hill messiah Courtney Johns.
The Essendon forward line represents a mystery for Supercoach prospects. Mark Williams has been recruited primarily for this reason, and could be a good pickup depending on his price. Alternatively, a punt on Jay Naegle or Scott Gumbleton probably won't hurt the salary cap. However their ineptitude and injury worries might hurt your points and trade tally.
FREMANTLE:
Once again, the Dockers represent plenty of value and options when it comes to the debutants and young players. First round pick Anthony Morabito could be an Adam Goodes type, which obviously bodes well for his Supercoach future. Definitely one to keep an eye on in pre-season.
Developing youngsters in Chris Mayne, Rhys Palmer, Stephen Hill, Nic Suban and Paul Duffield could represent great reward if you choose the right one. Duffeild will set the cap back alot more than the others though.
After falling in love with Greg Broughton last year, it will be a brave coach to take him at the expected $550+ price tag.
GEELONG:
The mighty Cats will sport a few new faces in 2010, but not many. Marcus Drum was an interesting selection, and obviously Thompson has some plan for him.
For 2010 potential, Geelong rumors are touting Tom Hawkins to have a huge season.
HAWTHORN:
The Hawks have recruited Shaun Burgoyne, who will no doubt be much discussed in the pre-season Supercoach selection. With the opposition focusing their attention on Hawthorns other established stars, the ex-Power star could manifest a plunder of points in 2010.
Rhan Hooper would appear at this stage to be a hands off for fantasy purposes, but let's see what role Clarkson has in mind for him.
MELBOURNE:
The Demons claim that they have bottomed out and are on the improve commencing 2010. This means players like Tom Scully, Jack Trengove and Jack Watts will be highly fancied by coaches. They will incur a higher premium than other debutants, but as seen with picks in the past (Selwood & Gibbs), they will rocket in price fairly rapidly.
Joel Macdonald represents an awkward dilemma for coaches. After posting some huge scores in 2008, the backman may be set to sheepdog the Dees defense in the coming season. This could provide a booty of points for a backman whose price is likely to be around the $420k mark.
NORTH MELBOURNE:
The kangaroos have had a sensational draft. Many believed they were the 'premiers' of the draft after recruiting many highly fancied kids. Ryan Bastinac, Aaron Black and Ben Cunnington are likely to see alot of gametime in a new era of Kangaroos under Brad Scott.
The retirement of Adam Simpson also paves the way for a new midfielder to stand up and deliver. Last season saw Andrew Swallow and Liam Anthony show their talents.
On a side note, Daniel Harris is off to the Gold Coast. A perspective pick in 2011? No.
PORT POWER:
The Power have taken two quality youngster in the top 10 of the draft, John Butcher and Andrew Moore. Both are expected to debut in 2010.
With the ACL injury ending David Rodan's season already and with the offload of Burgoyne, Port will be crying out for some midfield brilliance. Robbie Gray, Travis Boak, Stephan Salopek, Jason Davenport, Matthew Broadbent or Danyle Pearce maybe ready to step up. The word from the port forums is the Travis Boak is training the house down. Watch very closely in the NAB Cup for who is the new Port star to step up.
God only knows why Port have recruited Cameron Cloke, Jay Nash and Jay Schulz. These three are Supercoach and real life kamikaze players. Steer well clear.
RICHMOND:
Well, the tigers are back to square one, which is great for Supercoach. New coach Damian Hardwick will no doubt test an array of youngster in his inaugural year as coach. The one to get on board even at this early stage is Dustin Martin. The number 3 draft pick is already built like a man, and seems destined to turn a few heads in his first season.
Alex Rance showed glimpses of his bravery in season 2009, and is certain to be a popular backline pickup.
Trent Cotchin appears to be the midfield pick to rub your coaching hands all over.
ST KILDA:
With the big wraps this author has on winning AFL teams correlating to high scoring Supercoach players, the Saints will once again present an impressive list to choose from. The addition of Andrew Lovett reflects thoughtful team critique on the coaches behalf, after identifying they lack a game breaking fast, goal kicking midfielder.
As for Brett Peake, one feels he is merely recruited as a glorified witches hat at Moorabin training sessions. Only for the brave or tanking.
SYDNEY:
The Swans have chosen perhaps the most explosive and exciting prospect from the draft in Gary Rohan. The speed of light red nut shows glimpses of magic and flair, and will certainly make the Swans bearable to watch as a spectator. Whether his body is ready for the game is an issue. But Rohan is definitely a very solid prospect for the future.
Josh P. Kennedy, Ben McGlynn, Shane Mumford and Mark Seaby have also been added to the list. The latter two will battle with Jesse White for the ruck supremacy, whilst the two ex-Hawthorn mids will likely just make up the numbers.
WEST COAST:
Nic Naitinui is all you can think about when pondering the Eagles youth. How good will he be? And when? Sourcing from the Eagles online community will have you believe that he will explode in 2010. However, a more modest assessment probably sees him taking a little longer.
First round draft pick Brad Sheppard will surely join the long queue of Eagles midfielders vying for their chance. He is likely to get his go though, particularly if the Eagles fail to improve much next year.
Brad Dalzeill will be battling Daniel Kerr and Matt Priddis for the points. Could be a handy selection with his sharp drop in price.
WESTERN BULLDOGS:
The heavily entertaining forward lineup of Brad Johnson, Barry Hall and Jason Akermanis will surely make things interesting when the ball heads into their fifty. From a Supercoach standpoint, leave them all alone.
Callan Ward has shown Joel Selwood type poise for a youngster and is hot around the Bulldogs online communities. Another to keep an eye on is the eye-catching Josh Hill.
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