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2012 Supercoach: Time to rebuild the list

Wednesday, 18 January 2012    |    Blog

In what feels like the shortest off season of AFL ever, it comes as some surprise that the first of the AFL preseason practice matches is already only 5 or so weeks away. That means its time to get yor research cracking for what is hopefully another bumper year for Supercoach. And yes, it means you need to get your hands dirty trying to get any inside information you can that can get you ahead.

Of course all the big names return in 2012, including Gary Ablett Jnr and Dane Swan. Some others that have reached the elite level last year, like Marc Murphy and Dustin Martin will be the very popular choice. Then the new faces from the VFL like Orren Stephenson and Ahmed Saad will attract alot of attention along with fresh younger draftees such as Chad Wingard and Elliot Kavagnagh.

Before diving head first into the new franchise players at GWS, the best place to begin is to look at the newly traded players. In 2012 has an extensive list. Jack Gunston has come over from the Crows to the Hawks and big things are expected of him in the forward line where he is likely to line up next to Lance Franklin. Will Sierakowski is on the move to the Kangaroos after not being able to break into the Hawthorn line-up Its hard to know if he will get a game with the Kangaroos and he will certainly be one to look out for in the NAB cup given his age.

Ivan Maric dominated alot of the headlines and has moved to the Tigers to become the number one ruckman there, but it will be a brave Supercoacher who is willing to punt on the former Crow. Tom Lynch has moved from the Saints to the Crows and will be given a chance in the forward line. Tommy Walsh has made it a double Tommy depart from the Saints after heading off to the Swans. His form in the International Rules certainly warrants attention for coaches and he is likely to be at a budget price.

Brent Renouf has been traded to Port where he will assist Lobbe in the ruck department. Mitch Clark was probably the biggest fish in the draft and is now heading to the Dees where he will play in the forward lne and be likely protector for Jack Watts and Liam Jurrah. Jordan Lisle departed the Hawks backline and will find himself a spot a Brisbane either forward or back.

Chad Cornes and Dean Brogan are off the GWS but you wouldn't think at their prices that they would be any value. Brad Ebert could be an interesting choice at Portafter a solid year with the Eagles. Mitch Morton will try to reignite his career after failing at the tigers - Sydney have a great record at turning players careers around after they join the club. Luke Power is a GWS player now which probably won't tempt many coaches from selecting him. Depending on price, Matthew Warnock may be a decent 9th backman in his role at the Gold Coast. Ben Hudson has taken the place of backup ruck at Brisbane after they delisted Broc McCauley, who then was drafted by the Hawks. Its unlikely Hudson will get much gametime if Leuenburger fires as well as he did in the second half of last year.

Josh Jenkins a project ruck from the Bombers will be given his chance at Adelaide while Josh Hill can hopefully reach his full potential at the eagles. Many coaches are interested in selecting Hill this year, feeling that the bigger ground will suit the mailigned ex-dog. His price tag is likely to be around the mid $300k.