Richmond Tigers 2012 SuperCoach preview by: Al Paton
From: Herald Sun
February 19, 2012 WHICH Richmond players should you pick in your SuperCoach team this year and who should you avoid?If you were visiting AFL clubs shopping for SuperCoach stars, you'd probably start at the Cattery and head up the highway to the Westpac Centre. But you could do worse than popping over the road to Punt Rd.
We don't want to make big predictions about Richmond as a team - fans have had their hopes dashed too often already - but we are prepared to say it's time to jump on a few Tigers in SuperCoach.
Young midfielder Trent Cotchin took big strides last year and is ready to blossom, and Dustin Martin could be anything.'
But for the Tiges, the SuperCoach value is all about the back half.
Damien Hardwick is a big fan of smart running defenders who kick well - exactly the type of player you want in your SuperCoach side.
Brett Deledio has been a proven high-scorer for years and his numbers could go up this year with a move to the midfield - although you can still pick him as a defender. Skipper Chris Newman is Mr Reliable in SuperCoach, then there's Bachar Houli who was an astute selection last year and is tearing up the training track.
Two recruits - Brandon Ellis and Steven Morris - are available at very tempting prices, but the biggest bargain of all could be another half-back with a raking left boot. Daniel Connors emerged in 2010 with several big three-figure scores before his 2011 was a virtual write-off with problems on and off the field.
Are you prepared to gamble on him finding that form - and his spot in the best 22 - again? Watch this space.
BYE: Round 13 (with Carlton, Gold Coast, Hawthorn, Port Adelaide, St Kilda)
SUPERCOACH STARBrett Deledio (midfield) $568,700
The 2004 No.1 draft pick has his critics, but not in SuperCoach land. Wins high possession numbers, delivers the ball beautifully and can impact the scoreboard, even while playing in defence. Also amazingly durable - he has played every game of the past four seasons. In that time he has averaged 102, 104, 102, 105 so you know what you're going to get. The one knock on him is SuperCoaches would like to see more bumper scores of the 130+ variety, but there is hope of that with more time in the midfield promised by Damien Hardwick this year.
BANK 'EMChris Newman (defender) $536,000
There have been whispers of the captain spending some time in the middle as well in 2012 but even in the back pocket he is a solid investment. Ranked equal first in the competition for effective kicks before he went down with a knee injury last last season. No-fuss player who won't let you down.
Trent Cotchin (midfielder) $545,300
Battled injuries in his first two seasons after being taken at No.2 in the 2007 draft, but last year Cotchin stamped himself as a SuperCoach star in the making. Bumped his average from 79 points a game to 101 and at 21 still has plenty of upside, especially if he gets some help in the middle from the likes of Deledio.
BUY 'EMDustin Martin (forward/midfielder) $536,200
A steep price for a third-year player but we haven't seen a player like Martin since a young Chris Judd stepped on to the scene. Two scores over 150 last year highlighted his potential for the type of 25-disposal, four-goal games that SuperCoaches love. Will be a popular pick in the forward line after being designated dual-position status.
Steven Morris (defender) $113,200
The 23-year-old son of former Tiger star Kevin Morris took the long way to the AFL, playing the past three seasons in the SANFL. He runs in straight lines and averaged 18 disposals for West Adelaide in 2011, and is ready to go from Round 1. May be competing for a backline role with draftee Brandon Ellis ($126,600), who is already winning rave reviews and is another cash cow option.
BURY 'EMAngus Graham (ruck) $411,600
The big man from King Island has glimpses in his five years at Punt Rd but wasn't guaranteed a game even before the arrival of Ivan Maric in a trade from Adelaide, who surely will be handed the No.1 ruck spot. No.
Jake King (forward) $352,700
AFL teams love a bit of aggro but you don't need it in your SuperCoach team. Gives away too many free kicks and we already know he'll be missing in Round 1 through suspension.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-tigers-supercoach-2012-preview/story-fn88c7kz-1226256495516
