It is finally time to reveal my team as the excitement of round 1 arrives and brings forward the beginning of the 2024 AFL SuperCoach season. While late changes could occur, this squad should be close to what will suit up for me in round 1.
DEFENCE:
My defense has seen little change across the preseason, with the main alterations coming from a slight structure change and rookie switch. I have opted for an extra premium defender, as I am less confident in the defender rookies and their scoring ability.
Nick Daicos is the first to enter my defense, as I believe strongly in the Pies Rising Star recipient. His preseason has been stellar, as he appeared to stroll around in second gear during the practice matches, as well as his 34 disposal effort in a losing team against the Giants. His bye doesn't faze me in the slightest, as his evident upside is too great to pass up.
Stewart has remained in my starting side alongside Hayden Young, with the two being stalwarts in many coaches teams. I see their ownership being too high to simply ignore, especially when factoring in the upside that Young has, while Stewart could make a significant difference in the best 18 bye rounds.
Sheezel also had to come in after his preseason feats and clear half back role. This has also pushed his ownership to above 40% (at time of writing).
Zac Williams has been interchanged throughout recent weeks, but after watching him in Carlton's recent win over the Lions, he is simply a must. He produced a solid score of 73 SC while rebounding and taking kick-ins on his heavily awaited return. He also provides much needed stability at D5 in my starting team.
My final three defensive spots are taken up by rookies, which have required second thought in recent days. Both Gibcus and Reid have been mainstays due to apparent job security and impressive scores during preseason. Whilst Howes is a new inclusion, who has been strengthened by Jake Bowey's recent collarbone injury and a fantastic score of 91 SC during opening round.
My only other consideration is Nick Coffield, who showed some promise during the Dogs preseason and as a result, could force his way back into my defense.
MIDFIELD:
My midfield begins with last years M1, Marcus Bontempelli, who I believe will retain his no.1 mid status in 2024. I also value him highly as a captain option in the early rounds of the season.
I have decided to stick with Zak Butters, as I don't want to bet against his incredible upside. His recent ankle injury seems minor and will not harm his chances of suiting up for round one.
Tom Green also makes my starting squad after an impressive preseason, with a massive 132 SC score against the reigning premiers in opening round. Despite having the early bye, Green is similar to Daicos, as his upside is unbelievably strong to simply miss.
My two mid-price/value picks in the midfield are set to offer separate advantages. Jack Steele I aim to hold until his bye, then ideally flip him for another gun that is tearing it up. In the meantime, Steele should provide a bye-friendly fixture and a stable 110 SC average.
Nic Martin, the Bombers star wingman, has seen a shift across to the half-back line this season. Which should open up the opportunity for him to gain DPP status and hopefully become a keeper in defense.
Both McKercher and Sanders are the must have rookies in the midfield and evidently pick themselves. Also McKercher could acquire DPP status in the early stages of the season, which should add much needed depth to the defense.
Hustwaite is my final midfielder on ground and is my most uncertain selection. While Hustwaite presents as a strong scorer for a rookie, he could easily make way for somebody more expensive in a late structure change.
My midfield bench is locked in unless any selection dilemmas arise. After winning the first 2024 Rising Star nomination, Matt Roberts looks to be a great option who can be rotated on field when needed, as he thrives in the Swans defense.
Closing out the midfield is Sharp and Clark, who should offer steady job security during the early rounds.
RUCKS:
The ruck line has been tricky to pick this preseason due to the difference between certain value picks and the genuine stars of the competition.
Grundy is my first selection and he hasn't moved since his trade to the Swans. His scoring history and no.1 ruck role could see him return to the pinnacle of SC in 2024.
I have opted for Tristan Xerri over the likes of Gawn, English and others. While Gawn shapes to be a safe pick due to his ownership, I still hold concerns over his age and how he played during opening round. Whereas Xerri should offer cash generation during the beginning of the year, then allow for a sideways trade to whoever is leading the ruck ranks.
On the bench, Naismith seems the obvious option that should see the greatest opportunity amongst all rookie rucks, but could make way for somebody else if needed.
FORWARDS:
The forwards have also been hard to pick due to a lack of premiums and the mid-price landscape.
Heeney has come in late due to his impressive game in the midfield last weekend. I plan on using him as an early cash/point generator, before flipping him when the Swans injured midfielders return. He should enable for the eventual addition of Sam Flanders or others, such as Macrae or Jackson.
My three mid-price selections are Zac Fisher, Nat Fyfe and James Jordon. Both Fisher and Jordon have discovered different roles at their new clubs, as well as impressive preseasons, which has justified their new scoring ability and cash-making abilities.
Whereas Fyfe has simply had a strong off-season, which has allowed him to return to Fremantle's midfield mix, making him a must have if he returns to a fraction of what he could produce in the past.
My on-field team is finalized with both no.1 pick, Harley Reid and Alex Sexton. Reid heads over to the Eagles with as much praise as any past rookie. He should slot into the Eagles midfield rotation and plug holes in other positions, making him an essential rookie option.
As a new beginning under Hardwick dawns, Sexton has adopted a new role across half back. This allowed for an opening round score of 73 SC, which presents him as a strong on-field forward rookie.
My forward bench is rounded out with two upcoming young stars, Darcy Wilson and former no.1 pick, Aaron Cadman. Wilson seems set to add further run and dash to the Saints team, which was evident during his stunning performances in the preseason and has later earnt him a debut against the Cats.
Cadman is my final forward rookie and also looks to be a big improver in a formidable Giants side. After managing 55 SC and two goals against Collingwood in opening round, I look forward to seeing what he can do against the Roos and Eagles in the next two rounds.
That now concludes my first team reveal, I hope everyone enjoyed and best of luck as round 1 draws closer. Don't forget that the Lineball open league is still open to join, the code is 978256.
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