It's the game that makes and breaks AFL nuffies and it's kicking off in just a few days.
After methodically selecting what we thought was the perfect kickstarter team in January, most teams have seen an incalculable amount of change as the season approaches and our POD selection bravery fades.
Those tempted by downgrading Marcus Bontempelli to Jai Newcombe to save nearly $200k have probably pulled their heads in by now. The same can't be said for Tim English who, at $715k, is owned by just 12% of coaches, as over half instead side with Brodie Grundy at ruck.
Many predict 2024 to be the year of the half-back roamer, with a host of talented names allegedly being trialled in the coveted 'Daicos role'. If so, how do coaches decide between Nick Daicos, Jack Sinclair, Harry Sheezel, Hayden Young, Keidean Coleman, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Massimo D'Ambrosio, Nick Blakey, Riley Bonner, Alex Sexton and Zac Fisher? All of whom look set for big years in the free-roaming role.
We have concocted the Zero Hanger SuperCoach team for 2024 using a healthy mix of high-scoring certainties and valuable cash cows... until the forward line where all hell breaks loose.
Let us know which locks we're missing or which inclusions should be reconsidered upon inspection of our 2024 SuperCoach team reveal!
Defence
Nick Daicos is lock number one and will be a SuperCoach necessity for the next decade. Sheezel seems to be following the Daicos model at North Melbourne and is too risky to pass on, especially after two standout practice match performances confirming his role as the primary ball user all over the ground.
Hayden Young may see some role changes during the year which could throw him off, especially if Fremantle struggle. We are intrigued by his capacity to score big individual scores with midfield minutes and a goalkicking knack.
Many have jumped on the mid-priced Keidean Coleman and for good reason; he is clearly Chris Fagan's number one man exiting defensive 50 as the team looks to feed him the footy wherever possible.
Zac Williams and Nick Coffield have the potential to be major cash generators while Josh Gibcus and Ethan Phillips should have high job security in their relatively poor defences at Richmond and Hawthorn respectively.
Midfield
Bontempelli and Petracca need no introduction, they will likely drop in price but will require too much work to add to your team during the season.
Butters, Gulden and Green look like the future of the AFL and, if they can live up to the expectations they set last season, may be underpriced at less than $640k.
Riley Bonner is a tough inclusion given the plethora of midfield talent waiting to be picked, but as Ross Lyon's new half-back running ball user, the potential for high disposals and major cash generation is too tempting for us to pass on.
Ryley Sanders and Matthew Roberts were outstanding in their practice match hitouts, the former racking up 30 touches and the latter scoring 100 points from just 18 touches.
Colby McKercher is still finding his feet but by all reports is ready to explode in year one, while Jhye Clark should score well after a year of development in Geelong's system.
Ruck
Any talk of a Max Gawn decline was put to bed by his 185-point practice match outing against Carlton. Without Grundy stealing the spotlight, we could see the return of the SuperCoach king at 32 years old.
The smart decision at ruck would be to field Tim English and leave it for the year, but with just 12% ownership we decided to have some fun here.
We've gone with Gawn's former teammate Luke Jackson after a dominant second half of 2023. There is clear potential for him to take the league by storm and reach $600k quickly, even with Sean Darcy taking primary ruck duties. Dual position status gives some wiggle room should English or Rowan Marshall become available.
Forward
The forward crop in SuperCoach 2024 has already caused a mass migraine among coaches trying to name just one top six lock by the end of the year.
Everyone will be forced to experiment with mid-priced cash cows, new club recruits and dual-position rookies.
Zac Fisher and Alex Sexton should generate coin in their new half-back roles, both racked up 30+ disposals and 120+ scores in their final practice hitouts.
Nat Fyfe and James Jordon are at opposite ends of the same stick, one proving he's still the inside bull he once was, the other proving he can be with more of a chance. Both touched plenty of the pill on the weekend so hopefully they can sustain their form when the real stuff starts.
Caleb Windsor and Darcy Wilson will both play Round 1 and potentially start on the wings for Melbourne and St Kilda after some impressive showings to back up their pre-season hype. Both are running machines with good foot skills and a high work rate, comparable but hopefully better than Carlton's Ollie Hollands last season.
Speaking of hype, Harley Reid has lived up to his so far despite some targeted hostility from his practice match opponents. With 73% ownership, discussion over his worthiness of selection is pointless.
Remaining Salary: $10,100
