AFL Supercoach 2026: Round 18 Wrap – 9 Things We Learnt

Round 18 is in the books and yet again, we’ve got another injury to a star premium to deal with.

This time around, it’s Port Adelaide superstar Zak Butters, who might not feature again this year due to an ankle injury, so he’s a must-trade.

Then there’s his Power teammate Jason Horne-Francis, who’s set to miss a week due to suspension. Ugh. 

Fingers crossed Lachie Whitfield returns this week…

Anyway, here’s what we learned in round 18.

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1. Could returning Swan be a late hail mary? 

If you’re like me, you’re hunting Zak Butters replacements this week.

Sure, if you can afford Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera or Jordan Dawson that’s elite, as are Bailey Smith, Will Ashcroft and Lachie Neale, but for some, they might be strapped for cash.

That’s where Errol Gulden comes into play.

His time on ground numbers are up and he’s gradually building, having now played three games since returning from injury.

Priced at just $492k, I don’t mind him as a point of difference play this late into the season.

2. Tristan Xerri repays the faith

Plenty of Supercoachers have traded out the North Melbourne big man in recent weeks, which seems like an extreme luxury if you ask me.

Sure, his CBA numbers have been down, but the guy is an absolute gun.

Against the Pies (albeit a good matchup), Xerri attended 79 per cent of CBAs, his highest since round 8.

Given there’s still six weeks of footy to go, I’d definitely be holding guys like Xerri who are proven scorers when we’re all so low on trades.

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3. Saints defenders wreak havoc… again

Callum Wilkie had the best Supercoach game of his career with a 191.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera continues to be fed and posted a 154.

Veteran Brad Hill, who has stepped into the Jack Sinclair role, also continues to deliver with a 138.

The Saints don’t leave Victoria for the rest of the year and play four matches at Marvel Stadium.

Target these guys if you still have trades left. 

4. Concerns for star Giant?

Finn Callaghan is one of the most exciting on-ballers in the competition, but attended a season low 35 per cent of CBAs on the weekend against Geelong, instead finding most of his ball in the back half as the Cats put some work into him via Oisin Mullin.

Hopefully owners get a big spike score against the Bombers this week, but it’s just something to watch.

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5. Target Hawks on the run home

Hawthorn haven’t been the most relevant Supercoach team this year, but with just six rounds to go, they’ve got the softest draw in the competition on the run home.

That means you should consider the likes of Jai Newcombe, Will Day and James Sicily in particular if you want a point of difference play with upside at this time of year. 

6. Rankine finally delivers

Finally! Adelaide’s Izak Rankine has been a frustrating own over the past month, but delivered in spades on Saturday night against the Suns.

Rankine attended a team-high 76 per cent of CBAs, using his speed and skill to great effect around stoppage at the Adelaide Oval.

If you’re looking for a discounted premium on the run home, he’s a great buy.

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7. Time to do the Dogs double?

Most Supercoach players have Marcus Bontempelli already, but I’m sure plenty of others will be considering Ed Richards this week after a huge 133 against the Eagles.

Richards is currently in just 13 per cent of teams, but priced at just $498k, looms as a cheaper premium midfield option.

Going from Butters to Richards banks you $100k which you could use to upgrade someone else on another line.

8. Mid-season draftee shines

If Melbourne mid-season draftee Joel Fitzgerald can continue to deliver performances like he did on Sunday, coaches will be happy to field him for the rest of the year.

Fitzgerald dominated in wet and wild conditions at the MCG against Richmond, racking up a career-high 31 disposals.

For coaches who are out of trades and stuck with Butters, Fitzgerald looks as though he will provide pretty solid cover. 

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9. Young Lion stars AGAIN

My goodness, Will Ashcroft is in a rich vein of form right now.

The former Sandringham Dragon posted a whopping score of 174 against Essendon, taking his four-round average to 145 SC points per game.

Brisbane’s draw on the run home is pretty juicy and there’s no reason why Ashcroft can’t continue to post massive scores.