SuperCoach 2016: Richmond’s Brett Deledio most expensive forward in SuperCoach; Nathan Broad is ready to playAl Paton
Herald Sun
January 25, 2016DESPITE bombing out of the finals in week one for a third straight season, the Tigers’ list is nicely-balanced — a blend of emerging youth with just enough experience.
What does this mean for SuperCoaches? There’s a few players on the rise who, with increased game time and expected improved form, their prices should increase.
Many believe Richmond’s time is now. If that is the case, then a team with at least a few Tigers isn’t a bad idea.
CASH COW: Nathan Broad ($117,300 DEF)The 22-year-old rebounding defender is a ready-made player, having already had senior experience in the WAFL, where he averaged 20 disposals and seven marks last year. He does need to force his way into a settled backline, so he’s one for your pre-season watch list.
Expect to see a lot more of top draft pick from 2014 Corey Ellis ($193, 400 MID/FWD) after injuries cut short his debut season. The Tigers love his piercing left boot.
It’s hard to see Daniel Rioli ($157,800 FWD) scoring high or consistent enough to be worth an investment.
BUYER BEWARE: Alex Rance ($523,700 DEF)It’s easy to be seduced by last year’s form and pick Rance straight up but in 2016 it’s wise to hold off on selecting the All-Australian centre half back. With the addition of Chris Yarran to the halfbackline alongside Bachar Houli, how much will Damien Hardwick need Rance to provide drive from defence? And can he produce scores of 156 and 154 again as a key backman?
Speaking of Houli ($516,100 DEF), he also falls into this category after averaging 117.8 after five rounds and many SuperCoaches coughing up as much as $540, 800 to get him only to see his average fall away after recording scores of 59, 61, 65, 67 and 78.
PREMIUM PICK: Brett Deledio ($608,800 FWD)Can you afford not to pick the Tigers star? He’s the most expensive forward available and with good reason, with scores of 142, 141, 134, 134 and 133 in 2015 when he returned from injury. He ended the season averaging 112.8 and after Round 7 only Todd Goldstein, Nat Fyfe and Patrick Dangerfield scored more points. Fitness and staying on the park is the only concern here.
After being cleared by the AFL and Richmond for chopstick-gate, barring a calamity DustinMartin ($569,300 MID/FWD) will take to the field for the Tigers’ season opener against Carlton. He’s a proven scorer, averaging 105.5 last year, and is once again a dual position player.
THE POINT OF DIFFERENCE: Trent Cotchin ($538, 600 MID)Is the Richmond skipper still a SuperCoach star? His average has fallen every year since 2012, ending last season at 99.8. But scores of 162 against Collingwood in Round 7 and 144 against Brisbane in Round 3 showed he can still deliver. If he can figure out how to break the tag, his price will be a bargain.
Dustin Martin is usually the Tigers lock in the forward line but Shane Edwards ($492,800 FWD/MID) is worth considering. Before breaking his leg last year he was one of Richmond’s best and was averaging 103.8 up until Round 10, dropping only to 95.5 when the injury occurred.
RISK/REWARD: Chris Yarran ($400,100 DEF)Which Chris Yarran will we see in 2016? Will it be the player dropped by wooden spooner Carlton last year or the line-breaking excitement machine capable of being a premium defender? The Tigers went hard for him in the trade period and obviously have a role in mind.
Spearhead Jack Riewoldt ($493,000 FWD) is capable of scoring big — scoring 100 or more in seven of 22 games — but he can also flop, scoring only 52, 55 and 47 in Rounds 18, 19 and 22 last year to average 91.3. That was his highest average since 92.4 in 2010.
BEST 22B: N. Vlastuin T. Chaplin J. Batchelor
HB: B. Houli A. Rance D. Grimes
C: B.Ellis D. Martin C. Yarran
HF: B. Deledio B. Griffiths S. Edwards
F: T. Vickery J. Riewoldt B. Lennon
Foll: I. Maric A. Miles T. Cotchin
Int: S. Grigg R. Conca K. McIntosh C. Ellis
Emerg: T. Hunt C. Menadue K. Lambert
Taylor Hunt and Kane Lambert were regulars last year and will likely play plenty of senior footy again in 2016 but the Tigers need to get more out of younger faces like Lennon, Corey Ellis and Connor Menadue — plus star arrival Yarran — if they are to find the missing ingredient to top-four success.
Other pick-ups Andrew Moore and Jacob Townsend add midfield depth but will have to prove themselves in the VFL.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/supercoach-2016-richmonds-brett-deledio-most-expensive-forward-in-supercoach-nathan-broad-is-ready-to-play/news-story/5d7684328b6f01d4ae61c41732f9f750
