AFL Supercoach 2026: Round 19 Wrap – 9 Things We Learned

The carnage just gets worse and worse. 

The latest injury for Supercoach players to deal with is Max Holmes, the Geelong star suffering an ankle injury which has him set for a stint on the sidelines.

My team is in shambles right now, but with three trades left, I’m hoping I’m better placed to navigate the chaos than most. 

My rank as it stands is 1907.

Here’s what we learned in round 19.

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1. Rowan Marshall is a genuine star… but don’t chase points

SCPlaybook AFL podcast co-host Harry West flagged Rowan Marshall as a Supercoach option when Tom De Koning went down hurt and he was on the money.

In his three games as a solo ruck, Marshall has posted scores of 133, 122 and 169, making him one of the most in-form players in the competition.

De Koning could be back as early as this week though, so unfortunately it looks like the ship has sailed. 

2. Star Swan continues sneaky good season

Why haven’t we spoken about Callum Mills much this year? The Sydney star has quietly put together a really strong campaign, averaging 100.2 SC points per game.

Mills has averaged 116 points per game in the last five weeks, ranked second amongst defenders and he’ll be a popular Max Holmes replacement this week.

He’s sharing kick ins with Nick Blakey and is a real leader in the back half for the Swans.

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3. A reminder to save your trades

How many of us right now wish we didn’t trade underperforming premiums during the year?

Those who held Caleb Serong (130) were rewarded in a big way this week, while the likes of Josh Treacy (106) and Jordan Clark (92) were also serviceable.

As frustrating as these players have been at different stages of the season, holding those trades was definitely the play in hindsight. 

4. Dees gun could be a super POD on the run home

Looking for a Max Holmes replacement?

Consider Melbourne’s Jake Bowey, who’s found some serious form in recent weeks after having a delayed start to 2026 due to injury.

The former Sandringham Dragon has monopoly on the kick ins for the Dees and is an elite user, regularly creating rebound out of the back half for Melbourne.

Currently in one per cent of teams, he could be a nice play in the final five weeks of the season.

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5. Sam Walsh is officially back

Plenty of people started Walsh but became frustrated with his form mid-season, trading him out of their sides.

They’d be regretting that now, as the Blues gun has posted four scores of 112+ across the past five weeks under Josh Fraser.

If you’re looking for a sub 500k trade in this week, I don’t mind Walsh given the form he is in.

6. Star Lion is going to be a popular buy in 2027

He’s been one of the biggest frustrations this year, but if Hugh McCluggage can get his body right over summer, he’ll be a very popular 2027 starting pick.

The star Lion has dropped to $347k and with a breakeven of 113, could get even cheaper.

After averaging 119.4 SC points last year, here’s hoping he can get back to his best and Supercoach relevant once more.

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7. A watch on the Hawks

It’s no secret that Hawthorn has a pretty friendly run home, but that doesn’t necessarily mean all good things from a Supercoach perspective.

Star forward Jack Ginnivan was managed in the second half during the big win over Richmond, while co-captain Jai Newcombe played limited game time in the final term.

Coach Sam Mitchell has flagged that there is a group of players who could get managed at some point during the final five weeks, so just proceed with caution. 

8. Frustrating Suns duo finally deliver

If you’ve held Matt Rowell or Touk Miller to this point, congratulations, you were duly rewarded on Sunday afternoon with scores of 142 and 127 SC points respectively.

The Suns desperately need to get their act together because their season is slipping away fast, if it hasn’t already.

As for Christian Petracca? What a strange situation.

Started life as a Sun red hot but has looked a shell of that player in recent weeks, posting just one score above 70 in the last month. 

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9. Merrett back with a bang

After a measly score of 49 against the Lions, Merrett bounced back to form in a big way posting 145 SC points against the Giants, his second biggest score of the season.

The former captain attended 59 per cent of centre bounces, the most he has in the past six weeks.

I’m not sure I’d trade into him, but it was a nice return for those who already own the star Don.