AFL Supercoach 2026: Round 16 Wrap – 7 Things We Learnt

Finally, the bye rounds are over. 

After five long weeks, I think I can sit back and say all the planning during the first half of the year paid off. 

Heading into round 12, I was ranked 5198th, now I’m 1709th. Four green arrows and a red, but overall a net positive. 

No huge jump, but that’s a win in my books. 

Attention now turns to the second half of the year, with trades sparse and still plenty of holes that need filling. 

Here’s what we learned in round 16.

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1. Star duo put their hand up for F6 slot

The forward line has proved tricky to read this year, but finally, several names are starting to emerge as strong options.

Early in the round, it was Lions gun Zac Bailey and Swans star Chad Warner who put their hands up, racking up 115 and 150 SC points respectively.

Bailey continues to thrive in that hybrid role, while Warner, who’s averaged 71 per cent CBAs in the past month, stuffed the stat sheet.

The main concern with Warner is the return of Errol Gulden, who you’d imagine gets more centre bounces as his return gathers momentum, while Bailey’s scoring can be up and down. 

2. Injury carnage strikes again

It’s been a horror year on the injury front and Giants jet Brent Daniels is the latest name you can add to the list.

Daniels finished the match on the bench after suffering what appears to be a calf injury and you’d imagine he’s set for a stint on the sidelines.

Priced at $383k, I think the best option under $450k is Essendon’s Sam Durham.

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3. Young Eagle spreads his wings

On a tough afternoon for West Coast, mid-season draftee Marcus Herbert impressed in just his second outing at AFL level.

Herbert looks like the pick of the downgrade options this week, averaging 77.5 SC points at a price of just $99k.

He’s slick with the ball and coach Andrew McQualter will want to get as many games into him as possible in the second half of 2026.

It’s only Monday, but I get the feeling he might be my Flex for the next month or so. 

4. Young Tiger prominent again

I’ve had Sam Cumming pencilled in as a trade out option for the past fortnight or so now, but he continues to deliver right now.

The Richmond on-baller had 70 per cent CBAs against Collingwood, ranked second amongst Tigers midfielders.

His breakeven is only 20 and if he can continue to produce performances like that, he might be worth holding a little while longer.

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5. Concerns for Crows star

Izak Rankine is really doing my head in right now.

I jumped on board a fortnight ago and he’s averaged 53 SC points a game, dropping almost $85k in the process.

An ankle/knee issue forced him from the ground early in the Showdown and he just couldn’t get going after that.

Unfortunately I don’t have the trades in the bank to pivot from Rankine, so I’m hoping that he can return to the heights we know he can sooner rather than later.

The Crows are pushing for a top four berth and Rankine will need to be central in that.

6. Why Don is the real deal 

I’d been a little bit skeptical of Sam Durham in recent weeks, but it looks as though the role is here to stay.

Durham was Essendon’s best player against North Melbourne, attending 74 per cent of CBAs, the highest amongst Essendon midfielders.

Since his role changed three weeks ago, Durham has averaged 115 SC points per game, ranked fourth in the competition for forwards.

If you’re looking for a budget forward premium option, Durham might be your guy at $421k.

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7. Docker domination continues

Fremantle are one of the most Supercoach relevant teams this year, which comes as no surprise given they’re absolutely flying under Justin Longmuir.

Luke Jackson starred once more, while midfielder Andrew Brayshaw is also in some serious form.

Then there’s the trio of forwards in Josh Treacy, Shai Bolton and Murphy Reid, who all have mounted cases to be in our teams this year.

And hey, even defender Jordan Clark played well on the weekend, posting his second score of 92+ in the past nine weeks!