AFL Supercoach 2026: Final Word – Round 17

So long, farewell.

The byes are done – and now the real sh*t begins.

No more best-18 safety net. It’s kill or be killed!

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Trade Talk

If you didn’t get Sam Durham in last week, now is the time do so.

I’ve seen enough from the Bombers midfielder – a three-round average of 115 is enough to lock him in for the rest of the season as a top-6 forward.

Feel free to sideways trade any underperforming premos *cough* Touk *cough* to Duz.

It probably goes without saying but if you have the funds to pick up an underpriced Bailey Smith, go for it – and then slap the VC on him for tonight’s matchup against the Lions.

With likely only a handful of trades left for coaches, ensuring you’re getting bang for buck is critical at this team of year.

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Looking ahead at the remaining fixtures, Sydney has a dream run to end the year – coming up against Port, Essendon and North Melbourne in their last three matches.

The Power have a favourable matchup against the Roos this week, then a relatively tough run, finishing with a mouth-watering Supercoach Grand Final game against the Bombers.

The Bulldogs arguably have the nicest end to 2026 – playing West Coast, Richmond, North Melbourne and Carlton over the next eight weeks. Load up on the likes of Bont, Bailey Dale and Ed Richards.

Melbourne play Richmond and North Melbourne in consecutive weeks beginning in Round 18.

Skippers

VC:

1. Bailey Smith
2. Isaac Heeney
3. Jordan Dawson
4. Max Holmes
5. Marcus Bontempelli

C:

1. Luke Jackson
2. Harry Sheezel
3. Nick Daicos
4. Lachie Whitfield
5. Zak Butters