Seeing Double: Two bites of the cherry, ‘Gades, Sixers

For those who don’t know (which would be a fair few), I’ve been a regular on the SC Playbook AFL website since last season and FINALLY got the callup to the BBL side of things.

After starting the season off in underwhelming fashion, I’ve clawed my way back to a more respectable rank (if I may say so myself!) of 133^rd.

However, at the time of writing, I’m having an absolute mare; prioritising the upcoming 2xDGW has hurt my side immensely, with a big fat zero from Izharulhaq Naveed staring me dead in the eyes.

Anyway, enough about me! This article is designed to help YOU, specifically with navigating your way through the whirlwind of emotion that takes place in the Double Game Week (and the byes that come with it).

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I always liken the DGW to being caught in a storm out at sea (extreme, I know; but relevant, yes).

It’s so easy to get caught in the thrashing waves and end up overboard, but if you’re able to hit the sweet spot and sail through the night unharmed, you’ll come through dry as a feather (and in this case, with a much-increased SuperCoach rank!).

Tangents aside, the ‘Gades and the Sixers both have a DGW this week, so there’ll be plenty of opportunity for some high scoring SuperCoaches to take advantage of.

With both games at the SCG and GMHBA in Geelong (not terrific batting decks), I really like the look of the bowlers from the two sides.

To quote the great Max Bryden, “At its most basic, look who is the best batter and best bowler from the team on the DGW and get them into your team. And remember, it’s about quality over quantity”.

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Melbourne Renegades

The ‘Gades are in the form of their lives, and while it may still be too early to predict how their season will turn out, they look pretty damn good.

However, the Hurricanes exposed a few chinks in their armour on Christmas Eve, particularly involving the top order of the Melbourne outfit with Maddinson (0), Harper (6), Fraser-McGurk (1), and Finch (13) all providing not a whole lot of value in the middle of Blundstone Arena.

Typically, though, the Renegades have relied on their bowlers to win matches; and despite losing on Saturday, this was on full display as they bowled out the ‘Canes for just 122.

Also, I haven’t even talked about David Moody yet!! WTF?! The 27-year-old WA native came in for Kane Richardson at the low, low price of just $62,500 and do-mi-na-ted.

Four overs, three wickets, just 16 runs, and a game high 107 SuperCoach points will certainly put him on the radar for many coaches.

However, with Richo coming back in, is there room for him? Surely he can’t get dropped after grabbing three? Surely??

Don’t get sucked in to buying Dre Russ!! His time in BBL12 has come to end, and he’ll be replaced by New Zealand’s highest ever T20 run scorer, Martin Guptill, who will be available against the Sixers on December 28^th!

Best Bat: Martin Guptill (if fit), Aaron Finch, Nic Maddinson

Best Bowl: Akeal Hosein, Tom Rogers, Kane Richardson, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Will Sutherland

Top Picks: Akeal Hosein, Tom Rogers, Martin Guptill, Kane Richardson

POD: Tom Rogers, David Moody (if named)

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Aaron Finch/Nic Maddison

I really like Finch batting at four. He just looks so steady, and the way the top order has performed so far this season, he’ll always get the opportunity to bat out the innings which usually equates to 30-40 runs.

He showed glimpses of his prime in the game against the Thunder, smacking 70* off just 43 balls. If he can replicate that in any of his upcoming games, you’ll be a happy owner.

Part of the appeal for Nic Maddinson in pre-season was that he might be able to bowl a couple of overs each game.

While that hasn’t come into fruition just yet, he’s been more than serviceable with the bat, scoring 87 and 39 runs in his first two games.

Coming into Round 3, he was at the whopping price of $173,000; but thankfully for non-owners, a score of just 2 caused his breakeven to skyrocket to 129.

But wait, it gets even better for non-owners! With a forgettable 0 in Round 4, his price will plummet to $140,000. It’s risky picking a man out of form, but he’s due for a big score.

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Martin Guptill

Guptill should be a high priority trade in option. He’s a proven white-ball specialist, and I honestly think he’s quite under-priced considering Faf started the season at $180,000. Across 122 T20I matches, he averages 31.81 runs.

Akeal Hosein/Mujeeb ur Rahman

One premium option and one budget option… Take your pick! Hosein is by far and away the better option, but if you haven’t got him already, you’ll have to cough up $207,000 to put him in your side. Expensive? Absolutely. Worth it? Absolutely.

Discounting Michael Neser (who made his season debut in a DGW last week), Hosein is the highest averaging bowler in the comp; even higher than Matty Short! That’s not to suggest that Mujeeb is a bad option, but I’d definitely prioritise paying top dollar for Hosein instead. Or you know, you could just get both!

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Tom Rogers/Kane Richardson

The two quicks in the Renegades line-up are both very attractive options with both very contrasting seasons thus far.

On one hand, Rogers is in career best form having taken eight wickets already this season, propelling him to a season average of 66.5.

On the other hand, Richo is in one of the worst slumps of his career, averaging just 30 across his first three games this season. I think the game off will do him the world of good, and I’m ready to jump on with him $42.6k down from his starting price.

He also has a great record against the Sixers with 61, 69, and 51 in his last three.

Will Sutherland

Batting 8, bowling 2-3, $55k… There are much worse options out there. Look, I don’t hate it… I CERTAINLY don’t love it… But I don’t mind it.

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Sydney Sixers

I’m still not sure what I think about the Sixers. Hayden Kerr looks the pick of the bunch but how will Chris Jordan impact him?

Philippe looks great (on his day) but still hasn’t hit his stride this season, so can you justify picking him? Will Steve O’keefe’s soft tissue withstand more than an over of bowling?!

It’s a tricky team to navigate your way through, but once again the same theory applies: Target the bowlers.

Best Bat: Josh Philippe, Jordan Silk, James Vince, Kurtis Patterson

Best Bowl: Hayden Kerr, Sean Abbott, Steve O’Keefe (if fit), Izharulhaq Naveed (if named)

Top Picks: Hayden Kerr, Sean Abbott, Josh Philippe

POD: Chris Jordan

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Josh Philippe/Kurtis Patterson

The two opening batters have certainly had a rough start to BBL12, but on their day we know what type of scores they can put up, particularly Josh Philippe. If you pick any of the Sixers batters, I’m picking Philippe.

James Vince

Vince has also had a season to forget so far, but sprung to life against the Stars with 33 off 28. He’s also very cheap… And considering his potential scoring power, that may be enough of an incentive to bring him in. Valueeee.

Jordan Silk

I don’t mind the man with one of the best necks in the game. He seems pretty safe for at least a 30 so far this season, and similar to my argument regarding Aaron Finch, he looks comfortable enough to bat out an innings. I do feel like the ship has sailed on him though as his price continues to trend upward.

Hayden Kerr

One of the in-form all-rounders in the comp at the moment! Kerr has been prolific with both bat and ball this season, but it looks like Chris Jordan’s arrival will negatively impact him from a bowling point of view. He managed 57 points against the Stars without batting, so it’s clear that taking wickets and bowling multiple overs is a big part of his SuperCoach game.

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Sean Abbott

Let me put it this way: If I didn’t have Sean Abbott in my team, I would be very nervous heading into this DGW. I know current owners are frustrated at his current lack of output, but he will come good, I swear. On his day, he is one of the most dominant bowlers in the Big Bash. Coming in at just $168,000 after a few mediocre scores, I would go as far to say he’s a borderline must-have.

Steve O’Keefe/Izharulhaq Naveed

I’m very confident that provided Jordan is in the team and SOK is fit, Naveed will miss out. If that’s the case, I’m screwed. BUT, if SOK is carrying any injury and is rested and misses selection, Naveed looms as a great value pick. Wait and see if he’s named before pulling the trigger, but we’ve seen already this season that he has the ability to put up some solid scores.

Chris Jordan

He’s coming into this under an injury cloud, and at the ripe old age of 34, it’s definitely a risky pick. He’s no stranger to the Big Bash though, having averaged 52.8, 38.4, and 75.4 in previous seasons. I am wary of his age though and would prefer to look elsewhere.

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Final Word

Well, that’s about it! Good luck guys and girls!! Double-Double Game Weeks are a thing of beauty and an awesome opportunity to climb up the ranks.

Don’t lose sight of the bigger picture though; yes, every player on the DGW is enticing (looking at you, Will Sutherland), but make sure you’re still picking blokes with good roles and abilities.

I already own Kerr, Hosein, and Naveed, so will be aiming to bring in Guptill, Rogers, Richardson, and Abbott.