When it comes to Supercoach there are 2 basic strategies you use, Guns and Rookies or Mid-Pricers. The majority of coaches go for the guns and rookies approach as it seems to be the most successful strategy for those going for overall honours. Over the years I've tried both and have found for those that are only concentrating on their league that the midpricers is way to go.

What I thought I'd do over next few weeks/months or for however long it takes me to get sick of writing these, is to highlight potential breakout players to keep close eye on over the preseason for those considering going the mid-price strategy. Let's be honest, everyone basically knows what to expect from the premium players. Gazza, Swan, Pendles, Watson will all score you 115+ every week so there really isn't any point me trying to talk you into those players.

The aim of these is to give you wider range of players to consider, not just the big names. Also thought would try get something up to try bringing some discussion to this awesome new Too Serious!

JACK WATTS
2012 Average: 86
2013 Price: $460,100



I hear you all asking, Jack Watts? Really? Before you completely right him off consider this. In 7 games from Round 8 to 15 last year he averaged 103. During that time he had 3 scores over 100 (150, 111, 104) and his other 4 scores were 99, 84, 87 & 80. I'll be honest here, I'm not an avid follower of Melbourne but from memory these score increases coincided with his move to the backline and this is where he actually looked like a real footballer.

Watts played 15 games in 2012 and scored over 80 in 9 of them. He also had 4 scores in the 70's. His two low scores (52 & 44) came which just happened to be game he got injured in and also his return game from injury.

In 2013 Jack Watts can be selected as Fwd/Def which will give you some added flexibility if you decide to take the gamble. If Melbourne decide to use him in defence than I can see him averaging 95+ this year, but if they use him up forward than stay clear.

We have all been waiting years for Jack Watts to arrive and his scores last year point towards that being this year. Watch his NAB Cup closely on what role he will play.

LUKE PARKER
2012 Average: 70.6
2013 Price: $379,300



Luke Parkers 2012 season was tale of two halves. In first half of season (10 games) he averaged a respectable 80.9 points. In those 10 games he had 3 scores over 100; further 3 scores over 83 and 4 scores under 62. During these 10 games he was tagged out of game by Clint Jones and subbed out of game a few times; including Round 10 against Dogs when Mathew Boyd smashed his collarbone (he still scored 84 though!).

Parker then went onto miss next 6 weeks and when he returned either subbed off or started as sub on numerous occasions. In his last 6 games he only averaged 54 points, but there was another ton in there.

He showed on numerous occasions that he can score well on consistent basis, and in 2013 is somewhat under-priced due to injury and being used as sub. The major concern is, will he be used as designated sub again this year? I doubt he will as he is one of the Swans best up and coming midfielders and they'll want to keep pumping games into him.

He will have another full preseason under him and is heading into the 3rd year breakout” territory. He could very well be handy as your 5th or 6th midfielder. It isn't out of realms that he could lift his average to 90+ this year.

I know I've posted my thoughts on Geary and Siposs before, but as we are on new site and I keep getting asked on Twitter about them I thought I'd post them again, plus it adds little more depth to this article

Jarryn Geary

2012 Average: 73.65 (up from 39.29 in 2011)

2013 Price: $394K



Jarryn Geary had a breakout season in 2012 and for bargain price of $213K if you held onto him for entire year you would have been rewarded. He started year in spectacular fashion averaging 94.5 in opening 4 rounds before the return of Jason Gram in Round 5 saw a change of role, playing a shutdown role on small forwards. This had massive impact on his scores, averaging only 45.2 in next 10 games. He scored over 55 only twice in that time (78 & 113).



In final 6 weeks he went back to role he started the year with and averaged 92.1. In his 10 games that he had the freedom to take game on and rebound out of defence Geary averaged extremely respectable 93.1.



Geary is prime candidate to play the role of the recently departed Brendon Goddard or Jason Gram in Saints team. If Geary isn't used as shut-down player on small forwards next year he will be under-priced and as pointed out he has decent ceiling when given freedom in defence and could easily average 90-100.

Geary has been dominating the endurance and running drills so far this preseason, winning both time trials comfortably. If he doesn't take over one of Gram or Goddard's roles, a move into the midfield is on the cards.

Consistency has always been issue with Gears, but it's something he has been working on. Watch his NAB Cup and try gauge where he will play.


Arryn Siposs

2012 Average: 58.72

2013 Price: $316K



Arryn Siposs is my 2013 breakout player to watch. He is being groomed to play the Brendon Goddard role, which we all know is Supercoach gold. Siposs is elite user of the ball by foot and has great footy smarts. He might be little bit overpriced but when playing full game has scored very well. He scored 104, 101, and 91 in 2012 when not used as sub which shows his scoring potential. In last game of season he amassed 16 disposals and 66 points in just over half game before sitting on bench injured for rest of day. Give this kid another full pre-season and freedom to run and set up play out of defence and through middle and he could well have breakout season.



Siposs was used as sub in 4 of his 11 games and when he wasn't used as sub or subbed off he averaged 76.8 points.

Word coming out of the Saints is that Siposs is training extremely well and aim is for him to be used up the ground alot more in 2013.



Over the next month or so we will continue to look at potential breakout players.
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