AFL Supercoach 2026: Final Word – Round 2

A week is a long time in sport – particularly in AFL SuperCoach.

In Round 1 we were fighting our way to field 23 of our best and brightest stars. Now, in Round 2, we can relax and revel in the calm of best 18 scoring.

Still though, none of us are immune to dislocated shoulders, notoriously thin hamstrings and of course the ever-ammusing nature of rookie roulette.

Fortunately, Todd Marshall and Mattaes Phillipou have been cleared of their respective injuries and have been named to play.

So, without further ado, here’s the final word to help get your team climbing up the ranks.

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Trade Talk

Unfortunately, Errol Gulden is a must-trade.

One of the most popular starting picks, Errol was a no-brainer option coming off a stellar pre-season.

But a dislocated shoulder, and four months on the sidelines, means he’s got to go.

Joining Errol in the trade-out discussion is who can now only be described as the “perennial burn-man”.

I’m of course talking about Hayden Young.

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While I was happy starting him under an ankle injury cloud, the fact he now has a lingering hamstring complaint – and will miss this week – also places him firmly on the trade table.

Given he’s already missed 25 games across his short career due to hamstring injuries, I don’t want to tempt fate.

Assuming everyone has Christian Petracca by now, Caleb Serong (150) and Zach Merrett (139) are popular trades at a similar price to Errol.

Instead, I’m thinking slightly left-field.

Milan Murdock looked irresistibly good on debut for the Eagles, and while I’d never encourage going early on a rookie, I think he’s the exception to the rule – especially if it facilitates some big-time moves next week.

Planning ahead, I’m likely going to want the likes of Max Holmes, Brayden Cook, Dan Houston, and potentially Bo Allen if he can pump out another 70.

While Serong is enticing, I’ve been burnt before.

And while some will argue his ability to pump out a 70 point last quarter is a good sign, I can’t help but see the glass as half empty.

It’s not sustainable, and his mouth-watering score of 150 could have just as easily been another measly 100 – something I’m all too familiar with, being an owner last season. 

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So, I’m looking at his teammate instead.

One Docker, out, one Docker considered, another Docker in.

Luke Jackson is him.

Against the Cats, the Unicorn went to 56 per cent of ruck contests and attended 65 per cent of centre bounces.

And despite going at just 59 per cent disposal efficiency, Jackson pumped out a 142 with one of the juiciest roles in SuperCoach history.

With no early bye, he’s my pick of the bunch.

Gulden -> Murdock

Young -> Jackson

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Skippers

Vice Captains:

1. Marcus Bontempelli
2. Noah Anderson
3. Christian Petracca
4. Jordan Dawson

Captains:

1. Harry Sheezel
2. Zak Butters
3. Luke Jackson
4. Jack Sinclair
5. Connor Rozee