Welcome back to the Best Buys for another year of SuperCoach action here on the infamous TooSerious.net.

The opening round may have dragged on, seriously dragged, but now we're off and running and into the action for another season.

For the first Best Buys of the year things may be a bit rough while we get back into the swing of things, but as always there are some real potential bargains to be found.

This is usually the stage where we point out that there is no Best Buy for the first week, as trades really should be kept to a minimum this early on, but hey, with 30 trades and some serious scores going on around the traps, there will certainly be many coaches out there with an itchy trigger finger already.

With the scores all over the place after the first round we'll only be looking at the players to have scored 100+ so far, as well as some of the rookie-priced options that have stood out and look likely to get some more games.


DEFENSE
ROOKIES

Tom Langdon (COL) D/M 117.3k 111

Langdon will likely be the top trade-in target this week, after amassing 111 points in a losing team and playing the Dockers no less. As a D/M and basement priced at under 120 grand, it's easy to see why he is around 85,000 sides already.





]JeremyLaidler (SYD) DEF 161.8k 95

Laidler has continued the trend of Sydney recycling fringe-players into quality SC additions, scoring 95 in the shock loss to GWS and solidifying his place in the team. With Johnson having some injury concerns Laidler is in the box-seat for more games with the Swans, something his 77,000 coaches will be banking on.


]WillLangford (HAW) DEF 123.9k 77

Langford looked good against the Lions, scoring 77 for his 60,000 odd coaches and freeing up Shiels to play a more attacking role. Whether this trend will continue into the bulk of the season remains to be seen however, but for a first year rookie you can't go far wrong.

MID-PRICERS

]DavidSwallow (GCS) D/M 429.4k 135

After a season spent through half-back as well as the midfield, Swallow looks to be living up to all the accolades he was given as a junior. In a stand-out performance against the Tigers he managed 135 points, although with around 50,000 picks so far he is one of the more popular defensive selections.


#Hooker|Cale|ESS (ESS) DEF 417.5k 121

Hooker is a name that not many would have expected to see here in the Best Buys, but after notching 121 points against the Roo's he has earned a mention. Priced at only around 420 grand and in less than 3,500 sides, Hooker is a clear POD but may struggle to maintain the rage as the season progresses.


#Birchall|Grant|HAW (HAW) DEF 496.6k 120

Suckers. That is the word forefront in the mind of all the coaches who ignored Suckling's obvious value this season and instead opted for the class of Birchall. 120 points for Birch brought back memories of last season, where he threatened to truly break-out before injury struggles and some hard-tagging took its toll. With Suckling back in the side, and the Hawks likely to offer Birch more support when he faces a hard tag, this might just be his year. So far Birch has around 14,000 selections to his name.


]SeanDempster (StK) DEF 385k 118

Dempster is another Saint to impress against the Demons, scoring 118 points for the widely-tipped wooden-spooners and starting the season off on a high note. With under 2,000 selections so far he is a definite POD, but may not repeat this level of scoring for long.


PREMIUMS

]RobertMurphy (WBD) DEF 534.3k 118

Bob Murphy not only made an impressive comeback from injury to make it back for his 250th game on the weekend, he also managed it in style with a solid 118 points. As a defender anything over 110 is definitely worth considering, but age and injury concerns will probably keep his selection numbers down around his current mark of 2,000 odd picks.


]JimmyBartel (GEE) D/M 572.5k 115

Abrtel's new(ish) role in the forward line tempted almost 55,000 coaches into selecting him this year, and with D/M positioning and a 115 to start the season he looks set for a solid year in many SC backlines. A fourth quarter specialist in years gone by Bartel has an excellent mark and is a great shot for goal. If he can keep kicking a couple per game, he'll be a defensive lock in no time.


MIDFIELD
ROOKIES

]DavidEllard (CAR) MID 220.1k 120

Ellard struggled in 2013, missing a lot of games and not really doing much else. He has always shown potential, but probably not 120 points potential until the opening game this year. A contested style player he generally doesn't kick many goals, but is a certain POD with around 2,000 selections to date, questions will remain however on how the Blues will use him and if they can start winning games.



]JoshSaunders (StK) MID 208.7k 112

Saunders flew well under the SC radar over the pre-season, only clocking around 2,500 selections but a very healthy round 1 score of 112. His role appears uncertain for mine, but maybe some Saints fans out there can further enlighten us. A solid rookie-priced pick so far, it will remain to be seen if he and the Saints can keep it going.


]DomTyson (MEL) MID 216.8k 111

Tyson showed he was worth the extra bucks against the Saints, scoring 111 and almost doubling Michie's output. As a top draft pick with a few years in the system he looks set to break-out under Roos' high-possession game-style, and the 55,000 odd coaches with him in their side will be banking on him at least making another 100-150 grand for them before having to trade him out.



]JaredPolec (PTA) MID 172.6k 107

Polec was the clear rookie-priced favourite over the pre-season, dominating in his appearances for new club Port and racking up 115,000 picks. With an opening score of 107 and priced at under 175 grand it's easy to see why, and a few more coaches will likely grab him this round.



]LukeDunstan (StK) MID 132.3k 100

Dunstan proved StKildaThunda right in his predictions that he could be the steal of the draft, showing poise at the top level in his first AFL game and managing 100 points in the process. With 83,000 picks so far he looks likely to continue to at the least make some good money for his coaches, and those numbers will only rise from here.


MID-PRICERS

]AdamTreloar GWS (GWS) MID 469.5k 154

In a round full of surprises, Treloar scoring 154 against the Swans seems to have been overlooked. A massive game for the young star, and indicative of his potential in later years, but realistically the Giants can't be expected to keep up that level of performance for the entire year.



]ClintonJones (StK) MID 438.6k 152

Another surprise packet for round 1 was Clint Jones. Scoring a massive 152 against the Demons in a hard fought win by a depleted Saints squad, Jones will likely play tagging roles regularly and probably won't be able to repeat his opening efforts. Still an impressive effort either way though, and his 451 selectors certainly won't be complaining.



]OliverWines (PTA) MID 399.1k 145

Quadzilla” was the main beneficiary of Port's increased fitness on display against Carlton, racking up 145 points in a BOG performance. Second year blues certainly didn't slow him down in the opening game, and if he can keep his average north of 110 his 8,000 odd coaches will be in a great position.



]DionPrestia (GCS) MID 525.9k 144

The Human Meatball really stepped up his game against the Tigers, scoring a game-high 144 and nudging out Gaz for the honours. With a plethora of young Suns starting to show real talent the opposition taggers will be struggling to contain them all, and the road-trip to Metricon is starting to look pretty daunting. Currently in just over 1,000 sides.


]NathanJones (MEL) MID 485.7k 142

The other Jones to have an SC field day over the first round with a score of 142 was Nathan, the recently crowned co-captain of the Dees. A quality player for some time now, Jones may finally have the support in Melbourne's midfield to become an elite SC selection. The Demons new style of play under Roos should help, but they can't be expected to win many games. 2,300 coaches have backed him in so far, and you could certainly make worse picks than Jonesy.


]DayneBeams (COL) MID 497.2k 136

Beams proved the preseason hype right, scoring 136 and showing why he is already in around 105,000 sides. Even with the Pies struggling against the Dockers, Beams looked capable of racking up solid numbers all year long.


]MarcMurphy (CAR) MID 498.3k 122

SMurph was written off by a few over the pre-season, after struggling to cope with the hard tags last season and with Judd missing the opening rounds he looked a likely candidate for some backwards-slide action. Fortunately for both the Blues and the 31,000 odd coaches with him in their side, after round 1 this doesn't appear to be the case. Scoring 122 in a side that was well beaten in the end by the strong-finishing Port Adelaide, Murphy showed his class and was one of Carlton's best on the day.


PREMIUMS

]JobeWatson (ESS) MID 601.3k 157

Jobe started the year with a bang, just as a lot of the Bombers fans thought he might. 157 in a drubbing of North saw him take equal top honours for the round, and with around 34,000 selections so far he looks to be giving his coaches a nice edge on the field early on.


]JoelSelwood (GEE) MID 638.7k 157

The other top scorer for the round, Ducky pumped out a 157 against the Crows and proved an interrupted pre-season doesn't always mean the SuperCoach carnage many think. His pre-season issues probably account for his 25,000 selections so far, but those numbers are going to rise steadily once the upgrades begin.


]GaryAblett (GCS) MID 695k 140

Gaz is still Gaz, although even with a 140 he didn't manage to top score in the Suns win over the Tiges. Signs are good for the little master to continue with his high-scoring ways this year, and with 143,000 coaches already on board you probably don't need convincing.


]BrendonGoddard (ESS) MID 572.2k 139

BJ has definitely now slipped under the SC radar, with only around 5,000 selections this year as a midfield only player. His 139 against the Roo's may see a few more coaches start to take notice once again, but with Jobe leading the way for the Dons Goddard will likely remain a POD for the year.



]BrettDeledio (RIC) MID 558.8k 136

Lids has a habit of starting the season off with a bang, and this year was no different. Even in a losing side he still managed to pump out 136 points, top-scoring for the Tigers in the process, and putting him in front of Cotchin for his 9,000 or so coaches in the early stages of the season.


]MichaelBarlow (FRE) MID 593.6k 132

Barlow reminded us all why he was such an SC favourite in years past, scoring 132 against the Pies in a dominant display by the Dockers. Sitting in just under 10,000 teams after round 1, Barlow is usually a solid POD choice and this year looks to be no different.


RUCK
MID-PRICERS

]ShaneMumford (GWS) RUC 496k 132

Mummy, on paper, looked set to dominate over at GWS this season, and if the first round is anything to go by then that may well transfer to the real stuff. Scoring 132 against his former teammates in a historic win and ably supported by emerging midfield stars, Mumford can also look forward to lining up against the 2nd/3rd defender while resting up forward. Around 13,000 selections to date.



]AaronSandilands (FRE) RUC 310.7k 127

Sandi was the stand-out pre-season ruck choice with over 150,000 selections, and with his budget pricing and an opening score of 127 he will likely stay in most sides until he breaks down again.


]SamJacobs (ADE) RUC 460.2k 113

Sauce bounced back after a poor 2013 with a nice 113 against the Cats in round 1, showing why he was an AA selection for many at his peak. Reports are he was gutted by how he performed last season, and with the rest of the Adelaide list, is looking to make amends this time around. A cheap R1 option and currently only in around 9,000 sides.



]ShaunHampson (RIC) RUC 334.1k 107

Hammer was almost entirely out of contention for a starting spot in most SC teams, until the Mullet went down injured in the NAB and had to go in for surgery. Now playing the number 1 ruck role for the Tigers, and scoring a healthy 107 in the opener, Hampson will be given the opportunity to show what he can do for the roughly 10,000 teams to back him in.

PREMIUMS

]DeanCox (WCE) RUC 578.9k 115

Coxy was talked up over the pre-season, especially by Yarni, and his 115 against the Dogs shows that he still has the SC goods. A comparatively pricey R1 selection, but with his scoring history and NicNat continuing to emerge as the Eagles number one ruckman he seems a safe bet for the 12,000 coaches to have him so far.

FORWARD
ROOKIES

]JonathonPatton (GWS) FWD 241.6k 90

The (other) General had a day out against Sydney, racking up 90 points and showing why he is so highly rated as an emerging key forward. Priced at around 240 grand he is expensive for a rookie” selection though, and even his 2,500 coaches can't realistically expect the Giants to continue on their winning ways for long.





]JarmanImpey (PTA) FWD 117.3k 56

Impey hs been touted as a Hinkley favourite by those in the know at Port, and while he played a defensive role against the Blues he looks to be a decent rookie pick in the forward line. He may be a slow-burn type, but should see plenty of action with the Power for his 54,000 coaches.



]LincolnMcCarthy (GEE) FWD 123.9k 54
McCarthy is one that was widely overlooked, the Cats are generally a hard side to break into after all, but with 54 points against the Crows in a solid showing he looks more than capable of backing it up. Only around 11,000 coaches had the faith to pick him for round 1, but with a general lack of forward rookie options around if he can stay in the side his selection numbers will surely increase.

MID-PRICERS

]MarkLeCras (WCE) FWD 451.3k 144

Lecca showed his class against the Dogs, putting 144 on the board in what has to be seen as a statement of intentions for the Eagles. West Coast looked a lot better than the Eagles side we saw for most of last season, and if they can keep the momentum going LeCras could be a decent POD for his 6,000 coaches.



]LukeBreust (HAW) FWD 444.7k 140

Breust has been talked up by Hawks fans for a while now, and with 140 points against the Lions to start the year he showed why. Buddy's departure still leaves a lot of question marks around Hawthorn's set-up and likely roles in the forward line, but if Breust keeps getting plenty of the ball he could make an impressive SC duo with Roughy. So far Breust is in around 3,500 teams.


]DayneZorko (BRI) M/F 447.2k 121

Zorko started the season in the right way, racking up 121 against the reigning premiers, spending some time running through the midfield and generally performing well. As a M/F he has a fair bit of appeal in the forward line, and with 26,000 selection so far there are more than a few coaches thinking the same thing.


]BenHowlett (ESS) M/F 402.3k 114

Howlett reminded us all of last year in the season opener against North, only scoring a 114 this time around though but still managing to impress. The Dons look ready to go this year, and will hopefully put the ASADA saga behind them at some stage. Howlett looks good as a mid-priced forward selection, but be sure to remember he scored a 150 and a 120 in the opening two games last year before dropping back down to 70's and 80's for the remainder of the season. Currently in about 2,000 teams.


PREMIUMS

]NickRiewoldt (StK) FWD 567.1k 133

Roo showed once again that age isn't always a factor in SC, scoring 133 and willing his team over the line against the Dees. Unfortunately the Saints can't play Melbourne every week, but NRoo still looks to offer some solid value in the forward line this season for the near 12,000 coaches to have him so far.


]JustinWesthoff (PTA) FWD 531.7k 119

The Hoff started the year in good form, scoring 119 against Blues and putting in one truly dominant quarter of footy. Unfortunately he started last season in much the same way, before dropping his output significantly for the remainder of the year. With that experience now behind him his 6,000 odd coaches will be hoping he can keep it up this time around.


]JarrydRoughead (HAW) FWD 531.3k 117

Roughy has had some doubts about him over the NAB, with Buddy gone and McEvoy coming into the team it looks like he may spend more time forward and playing on the best defender each week. Playing the Lions in the opener may have eased some doubts about his scoring capacity however, as he still notched 117 and looked every bit the Coleman medallist that he is. Almost 60,000 selections show that those doubts haven't kept that many coaches away.

WAITING LIST

Everyone.