AFL Supercoach 2026: Final Word – Round 8

Upgrade season is well and truly here, how good!

Plenty of our starting rookies have maxed out in price (or very close to), which means we can really start to eye off those players we want to trade into our sides.

For some, Operation Bontempelli is in full swing, others are bringing in a star ruck after beginning with McAndrew at R2, while others are targeting the likes of Lachie Whitfield and Kysaiah Pickett. 

There’s a bit of a rookie watch this week, it seems as though Port Adelaide swingman Todd Marshall will return from illness, which in turn could put Jack Watkins’ place in the side in jeopardy.

Elsewhere, I’m crossing my fingers and toes for recalls for Tom Blamires and Flynn Perez, although that’s looking more and more unlikely. 

And on a more positive note, it looks as though I’ll be bolstered by the return of Brisbane veteran Dayne Zorko. 

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Trade Talk

It’s time to cash in.

There’s probably about half a dozen cheapies who you could look at trading this week, depending on which line you’d like to upgrade. 

In defence, Jacob Farrow (breakeven of 55), Jai Serong (BE 55), Lachie Jaques (BE 52), Sam Grlj (BE 43), Tom Blamires (BE 28) all have cases to be traded. 

For what it’s worth I traded Serong and Grlj last week. 

In the midfield, Jagga Smith (BE 47) and Willem Duursma (BE 73) are in the firing line, while some coaches will consider parting ways with popular mid-pricer Tanner Bruhn (BE 90), but I’ll be holding given he has shown he can score well on field. 

In terms of forwards, Leo Lombard (BE 32) and Jack Watkins (BE 45) look to have hit a wall, while ruck Lachlan McAndrew (BE 73) will also be a popular trade out. 

Elsewhere, coaches are losing patience with Colby McKercher and his everchanging role, while Keidean Coleman’s breakeven is up to 78. 

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Of the names listed above, I don’t think any are must trade outs, but with Tiger Patrick Retschko on the bubble this week, someone’s got to go. 

Retschko looks like a great money maker with a breakeven of -84 and having been in the AFL system for a couple of years, has finally grasped his senior opportunity with the Tigers. 

I think it’ll be Jagga Smith that makes way for him in my team, unless I have a late change of heart and go Jacob Farrow. 

I could just leave it there, but with the money I’m set to bank from that downgrade, I think it would be silly not to spend it. 

At the time of writing, I’m leaning towards cutting ties with McAndrew and bringing in Melbourne livewire Kysaiah Pickett.

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In hindsight, a player of his stature in the game with the CBA role he’s had under Steven King should’ve made him a lock as a starting pick. 

I’m now ready to rectify that, despite the threat of a James Jordon tag this week against the Swans, because after that he takes on the Eagles at Marvel Stadium. 

Sure, there’s a case to wait a week on Pickett, but I’m having to field three rookies a week in the forward line which isn’t sustainable. 

Adelaide winger Brayden Cook’s usually been pretty good for a 70 odd, but Todd Marshall’s availability (or lack thereof) and the struggles of Mattaes Phillipou, Leo Lombard and Jack Watkins mean I need to shore that line up. 

I’d love to find a way to bring Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera in but I think it’ll have to wait another couple of weeks or so. 

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At 568k, he might not get any cheaper. 

So, here’s what I’m thinking at this stage…

Jagga Smith -> Patrick Retschko

Lachlan McAndrew -> Kysaiah Pickett (in flex)

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Skippers

Vice Captains

1. Luke Jackson (if no Tim English)
2. Zak Butters
3. Marcus Bontempelli
4. Lachie Neale
5. Nick Daicos

Captains

1. Tristan Xerri
2. Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera
3. Bailey Smith
4. Max Holmes
5. Jack Sinclair