Mid-priced madness is becoming a regular part of AFL Supercoach with the number of players at awkward prices growing every season.
Which of these players should you consider and who should be avoided?
The Sporting News throws Supercoaches into mid-priced mayhem in search of that bargain buy.
Bargain and mid-priced defenders
| Name | Club | 2022 Avg. | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Salem | Melbourne | 70.9 | $390.400 |
| Will Day | Hawthorn | 65.8 | $362,100 |
| Elliot Yeo | West Coast | 68.0 | $337,000 |
| Jack Bowes | Geelong | 63.0 | $277,500 |
West Coast's Elliot Yeo will be the most popular defensive mid-priced selection after being troubled by Osteitis pubis and then easing his way back into the team in defence. He should return to the midfield in 2023.
Christian Salem has two 90-plus Supercoach season averages in his resume, making this a decent pick if he returns near that form or better. Has been injury prone though.
Hawthorn talent Will Day is likely to get time through the midfield but is a wait-and-see option.
Geelong recruit Jack Bowes will be a value selection, provided he can get into the best 22.
Bargain and mid-priced ruckman
| Name | Club | 2022 Avg. | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lloyd Meek | Hawthorn | 87.0 | $431,000 |
| Scott Lycett | Port Adelaide | 86.8 | $429,900 |
| Sam Draper | Essendon | 72.4 | $398,700 |
Not a huge amount of mid-priced ruck bargains but Essendon's Sam Draper is one that could breakout in 2023.
Lloyd Meek could assume the No.1 ruck role at Hawthorn, while Scott Lycett has averaged 101.1, 96.9 and 94.2 in the three previous seasons before 2022.
Bargain and mid-priced midfielders
| Name | Club | 2022 Avg. | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Cunnington (FWD) | North Melbourne | 49.5 | $419,000 |
| Jason Horne-Francis (FWD) | Port Adelaide | 63.4 | $348,800 |
| Jacob Hopper | Richmond | 67.0 | $332,000 |
| Dom Sheed | West Coast | 67.0 | $332,000 |
| Nat Fyfe (FWD) | Fremantle | 63.3 | $313,600 |
Being the two standalone mids in this list, Jacob Hopper and Dom Sheed could be value options this season.
Hopper will enjoy a new lease of life at Richmond and has averaged 90-plus on three occasions.
Sheed is a more risky selection but averaged 95 in 2019.
Bargain and mid-priced forwards
| Name | Club | 2022 Avg. | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Cunnington (MID) | North Melbourne | 49.5 | $419,000 |
| Nat Fyfe (MID) | Fremantle | 63.3 | $313,600 |
| Jason Horne Francis (MID) | Port Adelaide | 63.4 | $348,100 |
Fremantle star Nat Fyfe will be the popular mid-priced selection in attack, but will he play forward or midfield?
A fit Ben Cunnington could make you an easy $100k-plus profit, while Jason Horne-Francis could be ready to break out after moving to Port Adelaide.
