Oliver or Laird? SuperCoach’s 10 hardest face-offs determined

And no, we’re not speaking about Blake Drury.

We’ve assembled a number of the sharpest minds in KFC SuperCoach and a number of the high content material creators to present their tackle 10 of the hardest choices coaches will face this 12 months.

From breakout contenders to premium face-offs and rookie dilemmas, our KFC SuperCoach jury covers it off in a must-read article for all critical SuperCoaches.

Try their ideas on the important thing questions under and provides their content material – sprinkled all through the article – some love too.

— Compiled by Tim Michell

1. Hopper, Sheed or Worpel?

Ben, @scinsider100: Hopper as a result of Richmond wants him as a pure inside mid. He has a greater function, higher historical past and better scoring potential.

MJ Need, @coachespanel: Jacob Hopper. Three causes, all beginning with p!

Confirmed: From 2019-2021, he averaged between 90.9 and 96.9.

Function: He’s been recruited to play as an inside midfielder.

Worth: Has a minimal of 30 factors per sport of upside based mostly on worth vs scoring historical past.

The SCodfather, @magicmoments000: Hopper. He has assured midfield minutes with a historical past of a excessive scoring and we solely want a median of 90+ for him to viable at his worth and I consider he’ll exceed that.

Eno, @fantasytakeTV: Pretty apparent, however Hopper the selection right here. Has performed 90+ for 3 seasons previously and given a full mid function at Richmond ought to get again to these numbers. Nonetheless really feel that the opposite two may be viable as soon as we see their roles in pre-season.

@jock_reynolds: Hopper — He has the scoring historical past hitting 90 averages in three earlier seasons and may have an outlined function at his new membership.

Charlie, @scplaybookafl: Neil Balme has confirmed that Hopper will likely be a full-time midfielder this season, so him indubitably. I don’t belief common midfielders enjoying for below-average midfields, so Sheed and Worpel are no-goes for me.

@Supercoach_DR: There may be quite a lot of mid-price site visitors to navigate within the midfield. Hopper = inexperienced gentle. Sheed = yellow gentle. Worpel = crimson gentle.

@HoneyballAFL: There’s upside in all three, however the query is which one has probably the most upside? Hopper has the very best monitor document, averaging 90s three years in a row from 2019 to 2021.

Marcus, @supercoachcoach: None. Mid-priced breakout midfielders traditionally carry excessive threat and a restricted success charge. Hopper if construction and/or restricted rookies power you down the trail.

Steve, @thedraftdoctors: Hopper ought to be in a crew that wins extra video games and has a stable inside sport. Confirmed SC scorer.

Tom, Jonas and Nathan, @SCMates: Hopper out of this trio, as he’s the one one out of the three who’s a confirmed scorer (averaged above 90 from 2019 – 2021). He’ll even be within the high two midfielders alongside Taranto in a Tigers aspect recognized for his or her current success, in addition to getting into the prime of his profession.

Liam and Damon, @SuperCoach_Edge: Hopper’s our selection right here. Has been enjoying full time mid so alternative is there for him. Worpel can also be fascinating however a look ahead to the preseason.

@JB_DRSC, @Doctor_SC: Jacob Hopper undoubtedly – he has the function and the premier scoring historical past of the trio. Lock him in!

JURY VERDICT: JACOB HOPPER

2. Oscar Allen or Ben King?

Ben, @scinsider100: Ben King due to worth and Allen possible will get the No. 1 defender with Darling harm. I do fear about Ben King vs Geelong in spherical 3 although.

MJ Need, @coachespanel: Key place gamers usually take extra time to hit their earlier output ranges when coming off the again of an ACL harm. Throw within the further component that Oscar Allen might get some helpful hitouts inside ahead 50 for the Eagles, and he will get my vote.

The SCodfather, @magicmoments000: King. Solely as a result of he’s cheaper, each are solely beginning choices to generate money and transfer out of the crew as quickly as potential. I’m not a giant fan of getting key forwards enjoying in my ahead line.

Eno, @fantasytakeTV: Oscar Allen. Each have nailed job safety and are key forwards in a backside half aspect, nonetheless Allen has had the higher scoring historical past. Latest issues over Jack Darling’s well being had been a priority however he appears to have escaped ankle surgical procedure, which is able to assist Allen keep away from consideration.

@jock_reynolds: Each — Ben King will generate cash quicker as a result of decrease funding, however each have good job safety when match and can earn cash at their worth.

Charlie, @scplaybookafl: Going backwards and forwards between the 2 however I’d quite pay up for Oscar Allen. He’s secure for a 60 common (if not increased), whereas King has solely ever averaged as excessive as 56.

@Supercoach_DR: I desire Allen because of his increased scoring potential and superior scoring historical past. King presents worth, however hasn’t averaged above 56 KFC SuperCoach factors in his profession.

@HoneyballAFL: Neither. Decide key forwards with warning. However for those who choose one, you’d need a massive early rating to stimulate money gen, so with West Coast enjoying North first, I’ll again in Oscar Allen.

Marcus, @supercoachcoach: Allen. Each might work, relying on structural wants. Priced like costly rookies. Allen forward of King, regardless of the value tag. Has a greater scoring historical past and isn’t getting back from an ACL.

Steve, @thedraftdoctors: Neither but when I needed to choose, Allen. He’s an OK tackler for a tall ahead and may get some ruck time.

Tom, Jonas and Nathan, @SCMates: Each are harm dangers given their historical past, however the upside in King is big given what we’ve already seen from twin tower Max. Ben can also be 50k cheaper than Allen and is at the least in a greater aspect on paper.

Liam and Damon, @SuperCoach_Edge: We’d take Oscar Allen simply because of his higher profession averages. However King’s lower cost means he doesn’t want massive scores to extend in worth.

@JB_DRSC, @Doctor_SC: Ben King – when doubtful, go for the lower cost level. Ben King has massive scores in him this season and may make the money slowly however certainly.

JURY VERDICT: OSCAR ALLEN

3. Clayton Oliver or Rory Laird?

Ben, @scinsider100: When doubtful, all the time guess on crimson. Within the final 3 years, Clarry has gone 120+ in 51%, and 135+ in 33% of video games performed and is a simple captain.

MJ Need, @coachespanel: Clayton Oliver. Up to now 60 matches, he’s averaging 124.38. Moreover, he’s the one participant within the high 5 for whole factors scored over the previous three seasons.

The SCodfather, @magicmoments000: Laird: He’s typically very consistant so his worth doesnt fluctuate a lot, the place as Oliver has a potential 4 tags coming within the first 5 rds which can trigger his worth to drop.

Eno, @fantasytakeTV: Clarry (Oliver). He’s the extra established of the 2 in regard to scoring historical past particularly within the midfield, nonetheless respect nonetheless must be proven to Rory Laird. What he has performed within the final two years — notably 2022 — is unbelievable and it’s laborious to discover a purpose he can’t do it once more.

@jock_reynolds: Each — Oliver and Laird will likely be high 5 midfielders simply and are constant scorers all season lengthy.

Charlie, @scplaybookafl: Very powerful one – probably the hardest choice to make at this level of the 12 months – however I feel Laird simply wins it for me given Clarry’s on-going thumb harm concern.

@Supercoach_DR: Oliver has scoring historical past on his aspect, however…Laird not often cops a tag, solely dropped $9,100 final 12 months and performs on the Adelaide Oval 4 out of the primary 5 weeks.

@HoneyballAFL: Neither. It’s laborious to see both scoring increased than final 12 months’s 127 common which is the place they’re priced at. Get them later and search for upside in your beginning mids like Jack Steele or Jack Macrae.

Marcus, @supercoachcoach: Each, relying on construction. Decide who you prefer to barrack for.

Steve, @thedraftdoctors: Each jets. I desire Oliver although. Take into account Laird’s deal with numbers slightly unsustainable.

Tom, Jonas and Nathan, @SCMates: Laird takes the win right here given Melbourne’s tough begin to the season with potential tags galore. Laird not often goes under 120, and one thing tells us that we’ll have the ability to choose up Oliver at a reduced worth early on.

Liam and Damon, @SuperCoach_Edge: Real 50/50 as each are constant and high quality mids. However Clarry’s barely lower cost tag will get him over the road.

@JB_DRSC, @Doctor_SC: Rory Laird – controversial I do know! His consistency is frightening, if I don’t begin him now I’ll possible by no means personal him.

JURY VERDICT: BOTH

4. Tom Inexperienced, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Noah Anderson, Tom Mitchell or Chad Warner?

Ben, @scinsider100: Tom Inexperienced as a result of he’s the one one prone to push 115 common. It’s his midfield, plus his massive physique and contested fashion simply scream Supercoach jet.

MJ Need, @coachespanel: Tom Inexperienced. He’s constructed for KFC SuperCoach scoring. Between rounds 1-8 final 12 months, he was averaging 116. The Giants midfield core is being constructed round him. Moreover, he’s zero tag threat, which LDU and Chad Warner are.

The SCodfather, @magicmoments000: Tom Mitchell. He performed out of place final 12 months which has prompted his worth to drop, he has the runs on the board and can get his function within the midfield again, I’m anticipating an enormous 12 months from him.

Eno, @fantasytakeTV: Tom Inexperienced and Tom Mitchell stick out probably the most of this group as beginning choices. Each look to be the clear primary inside mid at their respective golf equipment. Have the potential to go 110 priced at excessive 90s.

@jock_reynolds: Tom Inexperienced & Tom Mitchell — Tom Inexperienced ought to profit from the exits of Taranto and Hopper, whereas Tom Mitchell has performed all of it earlier than and has a historical past of discovering the tablet with ease.

Charlie, @scplaybookafl: Based mostly purely off pre-season hype, Tom Inexperienced could be very laborious to disregard. Tom Mitchell is a confirmed pig although …

@Supercoach_DR: All ought to be thought-about, however I’m leaping on the Inexperienced bull. Large alternative within the GWS midfield and his contested fashion of play is constructed for SuperCoach scoring. Locked.

@HoneyballAFL: Titch. He’s performed it earlier than, with six straight 100+ seasons earlier than not being utilised to his strengths final 12 months at Hawthorn. Collingwood acquired him for a purpose.

Marcus, @supercoachcoach: Tom Mitchell relying on how Collingwood makes use of him. LDU of the breakout candidates – in his sixth season.

Steve, @thedraftdoctors: Tom Inexperienced. Departures typically equal factors on provide and all of us noticed what his first half was like with much less competitors from his personal crew.

Tom, Jonas and Nathan, @SCMates: There is just one true Supercoach pig on this bunch and that’s Tom Mitchell. Confirmed scorer who was moved out of the midfield final 12 months on the Hawks, however he’s now in a greater aspect who can take full benefit of his grunt work and distribution from in and below the packs.

Liam and Damon, @SuperCoach_Edge: Tom Inexperienced. The hype is actual. Seems to be set to breakout with one other preseason below his belt. LDU and Anderson subsequent greatest choices.

@JB_DRSC, @Doctor_SC: Tom Inexperienced with ease! I’ve unwavering perception in The Phantom’s boy this season, hasn’t left my aspect.

JURY VERDICT: TOM GREEN OR TOM MITCHELL

5. Which one in all Stewart, Sicily, Dawson and Docherty?

Ben, @scinsider100: Stewart as a result of he has a 114.1 common in 2022 for those who take out his KO. This makes him 25k underpriced and has a ceiling like no different.

MJ Need, @coachespanel: Use each greenback properly in your beginning squad. I don’t consider there will likely be any important scoring differential between the 4. Due to this fact, I’ll be saving my pennies and beginning the cheaper of this quad; I’ll take Sam Docherty.

The SCodfather, @magicmoments000: Docherty. I consider he provides probably the most worth of the three, as he can also have a midfield function early within the 12 months which he has proven final 12 months that he can generate big factors from.

Eno, @fantasytakeTV: Dawson for me. Confirmed final 12 months he has the power to attain in any place, and after being appointed captain he can garner a bigger function down again with the kick-ins. Will nonetheless be intervals in video games the place he strikes up the bottom or probably the midfield, however he’s nonetheless the overall down again.

@jock_reynolds: Sam Docherty & Tom Stewart – You possibly can get away with beginning none of them due to the sheer variety of worth choices in defence, however Tom Stewart is dependable and may pump out some large scores, whereas Sam Docherty will once more be a high 6 defender irrespective of if he performs midfield or in defence.

Charlie, @scplaybookafl: Sicily rolled his ankle in Hawthorn’s current intraclub however has since been cleared of any harm fortunately. As Hawthorn’s most probably 2023 captain, I feel his ego and SuperCoach scoring will solely improve from final season.

@Supercoach_DR: Because of his large ceiling, pleasant bye and a number of scoring avenues, Stewart will get the nod for me. Watch out for the occasional tag although.

@HoneyballAFL: Can’t go improper with any, however Docherty’s potential midtime with Sam Walsh out is alluring, averaging 127.6 when he performed there within the ultimate three video games of 2022.

Marcus, @supercoachcoach: Stewart and Dawson have nice roles. Stewart has the sting in reliability and may nonetheless enhance from his 2022 common.

Steve, @thedraftdoctors: Docherty. Confirmed ceiling and may see the opposite three probably having a much less fantasy pleasant function at phases.

Tom, Jonas and Nathan, @SCMates: We’ll exit on a limb right here and go along with Docherty. The Blues will likely be in search of revenge after cruelly lacking out on a finals berth, and Docherty could have a giant say of their success in 2023, no matter whether or not he’s enjoying unfastened in defence or being the outlet kick within the midfield.

Liam and Damon, @SuperCoach_Edge: Stewart and Dawson are constant scorers regardless of the excessive price ticket – lock one (or each in). Doch subsequent greatest if he has time within the center.

@JB_DRSC, @Doctor_SC: I’ll be controversial once more and choose Docherty. The potential midfield time in a full pre-season is tremendous engaging, keep in mind he had the worst potential pre-season final 12 months, there’s loads of room to develop in 2023 for Doch.

JURY VERDICT: TOM STEWART OR SAM DOCHERTY

6. McKenna or Wilmot?

Ben, @scinsider100: McKenna appeared to play half-back and wing higher than Wilmot in the course of the intra-club. One to observe.

MJ Need, @coachespanel: We’ll possible want each in the event that they’re named spherical one. Issues may change as soon as the observe matches begin, however there are minimal money cow choices past the Lions pair and West Coast Eagle Reuben Ginbey down again.

The SCodfather, @magicmoments000: McKenna: If he’s named as he has proven previously that he can common 80 which is able to make him in extra of $200k, thats all we’d like from our rookies

Eno, @fantasytakeTV: Robust to say with out understanding who’s chosen for Spherical 1, however appears McKenna is in entrance at this stage. If each are named they need to each be closely thought-about, nonetheless with Brisbane’s deep squad they could be inclined to the sub.

@jock_reynolds: Wilmot – Each are low cost choices that may make good money, however for those who’re in a crew’s 22 for the finals there’s normally a plan for you shifting ahead.

Charlie, @scplaybookafl: If McKenna is called at half-back in Spherical 1, he’s most likely the most important lock within the sport this 12 months.

@Supercoach_DR: Extremely think about each. I’ve the Pepsi Max King barely forward, however McKenna might simply take his spot and presents terrific worth if chosen in spherical 1.

@HoneyballAFL: There’s heaps of worth down again however of those two, I’d go whichever one is picked in Brisbane’s Spherical 1 aspect as I’m not satisfied there’s room for each.

Marcus, @supercoachcoach: Whoever is called.

Steve, @thedraftdoctors: Neither. A variety of competitors for spots within the backline at Brisbane. Can see adjustments occurring.

Tom, Jonas and Nathan, @SCMates: Firstly of preseason, we’d have gone with the Irishman. Nonetheless, from what we’ve heard, Wilmot has been one of many standouts thus far and is favoured within the beginning 22 on a wing in comparison with McKenna who’s combating for a place within the again six, so we’ll need to go along with the teen for this one.

Liam and Damon, @SuperCoach_Edge: Each (if each are named). Wilmot appears to have some belief in him as he debuted throughout the finals, whereas McKenna’s price ticket shouldn’t be neglected if he can get again to his 79.9 AVG of 2019.

@JB_DRSC, @Doctor_SC: Each if named – but when I HAD to decide on, McKenna ought to have superior job safety so pay up.

JURY VERDICT: MCKENNA — OR BOTH

7. Rozee or Butters?

Ben, @scinsider100: Rozee as a result of Port wants him MID greater than Butters. When Rozee had over 53% CBA, he averaged 112 SC, with 9x100s from 14 video games.

MJ Need, @coachespanel: Connor Rozee had a greater 2022 season within the eyes of many, and but Zak Butters nonetheless delivered a excessive seasonal common in KFC SuperCoach. I consider Zak offers extra affect per possession than Connor based mostly on how he performs. He’s additionally significantly extra distinctive. So I choose Butters!

The SCodfather, @magicmoments000: Rozee. I feel each gamers will common related, so it’s a matter of if I would like a “POD” or a “Blocker” and I desire the Blocker within the early rds as I think about my crew’s construction

Eno, @fantasytakeTV: Rozee. Confirmed within the 2nd half of final 12 months what affect he can have within the midfield for each himself and the crew. Butters makes me nervous with the best way he performs and kind of accidents he’s had previously.

@jock_reynolds: Connor Rozee – Averaged 112.5 in 2022 when attending 56% of CBAs or extra. Good probability he does that this 12 months persistently.

Charlie, @scplaybookafl: I’m cautious of each with JHF shifting into the midfield, however with a B&F and All Australian below his belt, I feel Rozee would be the most probably to take one other step up this season.

@Supercoach_DR: Butter’s kamikaze fashion of play makes me cowl my eyes at any time when he propels himself right into a contest. I don’t need that stress, so it’s Rozee for me!

@HoneyballAFL: Rozee averaged 109.9 within the ultimate 10 video games of 2022 and is cheaper and arguably much less harm inclined than Butters.

Marcus, @supercoachcoach: None, for now. Assess publish preseason. Each have harm threat. Rozee has the sting along with his end to 2022.

Steve, @thedraftdoctors: Rozee. Butters misses video games extra incessantly along with his fashion of play.

Tom, Jonas and Nathan, @SCMates: Each are superb enjoying in Port’s engine room. Nonetheless Butters’ physique isn’t constructed to play full time midfield for the entire 12 months. Rozee takes this one.

Liam and Damon, @SuperCoach_Edge: Rozee – his scoring within the backend of final season reveals what he’s able to when enjoying as a mid. We’d count on that to proceed in 2023.

@JB_DRSC, @Doctor_SC: Connor Rozee – this one is straightforward, the entire upside with fewer harm issues (comparatively), signal me up!

JURY VERDICT: CONNOR ROZEE

8. Yeo or Fyfe?

Ben, @scinsider100: Yeo as a result of he’ll get first rate MID time. Yeo additionally acquired kick-outs throughout their intra-club, whereas sharing a DEF with Hurn + Witherden.

He’s completed strolling the canine and the YeoYeo is on the rise!

MJ Need, @coachespanel: Nat Fyfe’s KFC SuperCoach scoring historical past is increased, however structurally Elliot Yeo will likely be extra essential to us. The forwards have loads of choices, from the premium tier to the cows; the backline at present has fewer choices. So we’ll want Yeo greater than we’ll Fyfe.

The SCodfather, @magicmoments000: Yeo. His function within the midfield and off half again is much extra interesting to me than Fyfe’s Function which can contain quite a lot of ahead time

Eno, @fantasytakeTV: Yeo right here fairly simply. Has proven previously he can go 100+ in each protection and the midfield, the 2 roles he’s mentioned to be splitting between this 12 months. Damage historical past the fear, nonetheless identical may be mentioned with Fyfe, who seems to be like he’s enjoying majority ahead.

@jock_reynolds: Each — Yeo and Fyfe each have upside at their worth factors, and each are having an uninterrupted pre-season thus far which supplies hope they are going to each at the least final lengthy sufficient as a stepping stone.

Charlie, @scplaybookafl: Yeo by the size of the Flemington straight.

@Supercoach_DR: Each excessive on my pre season watch checklist and able to averaging 90+. Yeo is my most well-liked choice because of his pleasant function for SuperCoach scoring, rotating between defence and the midfield.

@HoneyballAFL: Yeo. There’s dangers with each, notably on the harm entrance however Yeo has performed every little thing proper in pre-season, whereas Fyfe’s ahead function is a significant turn-off.

Marcus, @supercoachcoach: Yeo. Younger sufficient to recapture midfield type. Laborious to select Fyfe regardless of his pedigree. Damage historical past plus issues about scoring reliability enjoying as a ahead. I wish to see Fyfe nonetheless getting midfield rotations to think about him.

Steve, @thedraftdoctors:Yeo. I’d quite my participant spend time again than ahead, typically a greener pasture for fantasy scoring.

Tom, Jonas and Nathan, @SCMates: Yeo has been a lock in our sides since listening to that he’s again with a clear invoice of well being. While Fyfe seemed dominant in Freo’s current intra membership enjoying ahead, Yeo has the extra Supercoach pleasant function, enjoying on the half again flank with stints within the center and has the bonus of kick ins. Supercoach gold!

Liam and Damon, @SuperCoach_Edge: Yeo the selection for us right here. By all reviews is wanting like he’s recovered from harm and is about to play a mid/def function. Whereas Fyfe is juicy at his worth and fwd eligibility, his harm historical past and ahead function is a giant concern for this scoring potential.

@JB_DRSC, @Doctor_SC: Yeo for me. He has the function and health to indicate us the pseudo premium we knew and liked a couple of seasons again.

JURY VERDICT: ELLIOT YEO

9. Sean Darcy or Tim English?

Ben, @scinsider100: Tim English as a result of with Lobb on the Canines, English will share the ruck much less. English is the most probably Ruck to common 115+ this season.

MJ Need, @coachespanel: Tim English has the #1 ruck mantle locked and a pleasant foil to alleviate him in Rory Lobb. The break up goes to be closely in his favour. What that break up seems to be like at Fremantle remains to be to violate and nonetheless must be decided earlier than choosing Sean Darcy with any confidence. I’ll take Tim.

The SCodfather, @magicmoments000: English — Solely as a result of he has an opportunity of being the solo ruck, in comparison with Darcy who will share ruck duties with Jackson.

Eno, @fantasytakeTV: It will’ve been Tim English by an even bigger hole a couple of weeks in the past, however his preseason niggles provide you with some concern. In saying that, Darcy isn’t free from accidents himself. I’ll nonetheless say English for now.

@jock_reynolds: English — There are nonetheless query marks over the Darcy/Jackson break up that not even Justin Longmuir can reply. If English can keep match, he’s not sharing that many ruck minutes with anybody.

Charlie, @scplaybookafl: If he’s match, Tim English by a rustic mile. Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson doesn’t excite me one bit.

@Supercoach_DR: I’m avoiding each for now and locking in a ‘place holder’ at R2. English is just too harm inclined and I wish to see the ruck break up between Shrek and Jackson earlier than committing.

@HoneyballAFL: Pending his health, English however he’s a significant sturdiness fear, enjoying solely 15 of 23 video games final 12 months. Undecided Darcy bosses the ruck like he has beforehand with Luke Jackson’s arrival both.

Marcus, @supercoachcoach: English. Involved about Jackson’s affect on Darcy. Each harm inclined so probably neither, although most rucks battle to remain on park.

Steve, @thedraftdoctors: English. I don’t need part of Darcy with Luke Jackson in that crew. Robust to know what the ruck splits appear to be.

Tom, Jonas and Nathan, @SCMates: Each are prone to get injured sooner or later all through the season, however at the least English has a monopoly on the ruck line and isn’t sharing duties with a sure L. Jackson. Nonetheless, not overly assured on both.

Liam and Damon, @SuperCoach_Edge: Each have harm histories however Tim English seems to be set to be a high two ruck in a 2023. Darcy additionally has the Luke Jackson affect which might take away a few of his scoring.

@JB_DRSC, @Doctor_SC: Timothy English for me – they’ve related harm threat however Tim has proven us the ceiling in more moderen reminiscence. He was scary to not personal in his scorching streak final season.

JURY VERDICT: TIM ENGLISH

10. Windhager, Flanders, Culley or Callaghan?

Ben, @scinsider100: Callaghan or Culley relying on the function. Each look like getting an excellent portion of MID time however Callaghan is cheaper and extra proficient.

MJ Need, @coachespanel: For traditional, I don’t advocate beginning any of them. However Finn Callaghan is the man who, based mostly on his worth level, could be the very best of the bunch for money era.

The SCodfather, @magicmoments000: Culley. That is the hardest query of the lot, however im selecting Culley solely as a result of he might have extra midfield minutes than the others talked about.

Eno, @fantasytakeTV: Flanders or Culley. Culley might find yourself with a bigger CBA function, whereas Flanders is sort of clearly behind the three fundamental Gold Coast mids. Flanders for now till the preseason video games.

@jock_reynolds: Callaghan – The midfield losses on the Giants creates a transparent path for Callaghan to make an affect. Jai Culley is an in depth second selection with all of the noise popping out of West Coast’s pre-season intraclubs.

Charlie, @scplaybookafl: All of it is determined by roles, and with Taranto and Hopper leaving the Giants, there’s a chance for Finn Callaghan to return in and dominate. Pre-season reviews recommend he’s doing simply that.

@Supercoach_DR: All have potential, however Flanders is the hype man of the Gold Coast Suns this pre-season. He tore the VFL aside in 2022, has helpful DPP standing and appears set to be the fourth cog within the Suns midfield rotation this 12 months.

@HoneyballAFL: Go the excessive draft choose. Callaghan went choose 3 within the 2021 Draft however had an injury-impacted debut 12 months and has since proven good indicators this pre-season. There’s midfield alternative with Taranto and Hopper gone too.

Marcus, @supercoachcoach: None. This worth vary is healthier suited to returners from harm than breakouts.

Steve, @thedraftdoctors: Callaghan for mine with the departures from GWS. Has scored properly within the twos when obtainable.

Tom, Jonas and Nathan, @SCMates: This could possibly be a sure Saints bias from one of many SCMates crew, however the phrase going round is Windhager has taken his sport to the subsequent stage. Fingers crossed that Ross the Boss will unleash him as a ball profitable midfield = lock.

Liam and Damon, @SuperCoach_Edge: None at this stage – have to see some type and roles in the course of the observe matches. However eyes on Culley and Callaghan.

@JB_DRSC, @Doctor_SC: Ask me once more after the pre-season matches however proper now I’m siding with Callaghan for the potential function and pedigree.

JURY VERDICT: FINN CALLAGHAN — BUT TREAD CAREFULLY.

Initially revealed as KFC SuperCoach AFL jury: Consultants, podcasters reply the hardest questions of season 2023