Cheap as Chips: Ruckmen

[Jroo]

There will be plenty of discounted and underpriced players for SuperCoach 2014, and I will assess each position for the best value. Here, the best bargain ruckmen have been profiled so you know who to look out for over the preseason.


Aaron Sandilands
2014 Predicted Price: $280-$300k
2013 Average: 64
2013 Games: 7

Why is he cheap? Sandilands had a severely injury interrupted year in 2013 and it took him a while to get going and to get back to his old premium scoring form. Sandilands also had two sub-affected games with scores in the thirties which brought his average down. Because Sandilands only played seven home and away games he should get a discount, making him an attractive option in the ruck department.

2014 Prediction - Sandilands is Fremantle's number one ruckman, however he doesn't have many years left in him. Zac Clarke could overtake him by the end of the year, as the club's number one ruckman, but Sandilands showed in the finals series that he is not done with yet, averaging 114 points. Sandilands is too cheap to pass by, as he should be priced at under $300k, which is a steal for a guy who has averaged over 100 points for the last four seasons.

On the other hand, there are huge question marks on his fitness and whether his body can hold up. Sandilands has only ever played one full season in his career (2008) and since 2011 he has only played a combined total of 32 home and away games, making him a risk.

Although he does have his injury concerns, the positives outweigh the negatives, as he won't cost you a lot and I think he can return to his old form and is every chance to average over 90 points next season, making him a good option.

Hamish McIntosh
2014 Predicted Price: ??
2013 Average: Not available
2013 Games: 0

Why is he cheap? McIntosh was priced at $495k this year, but he did not take the field at all as he was troubled by injury throughout the year. It's hard to estimate what McIntosh will be priced at in 2014, as we are not sure what VirtualSports will do, as it's likely that McIntosh will be a popular pick, so they may choose not to give him a massive discount, just like they did with Mark LeCras this year, who was in a similar position to McIntosh this time last year. But he should still be reasonably priced, maybe somewhere in the $350k region, but at the moment it is hard to tell.

2014 Prediction - McIntosh looks to be over his injury troubles of 2013, as he is back training and looking towards 2014. Like Sandilands, he has his injury concerns, only playing eight games since 2011, which is extremely concerning.

If he is able to keep fit, then we know what he is capable of, as he has been a good scorer in the past. It all depends on what he will be priced at and if he can have a good preseason, as if he is reasonably priced and fit, you would have to consider putting him in your SuperCoach side.

http://www.supercoachhq.com/16/post/2013/11/cheap-as-chips-ruckmen.html

[GM]

Could be few different ruck combos this year mate.

[kilbluff1985]

Grundy is locked for me Sandilands worries me they will nurse him to the finals

[Capper]

Nice write up. Did HMAC play any VFL this year??

[Jroo]

Nice write up. Did HMAC play any VFL this year??

Nope, he was injured the while I'm pretty sure.

[specky92]

I like the idea jroo, but I wouldn't  mind seeing a few more options, eg. Dawson Simpson, Brodie Grundy, Nathan Vardy, Tom Hickey and Billy Longer just to name a few,  :)

[Jroo]

I like the idea jroo, but I wouldn't  mind seeing a few more options, eg. Dawson Simpson, Brodie Grundy, Nathan Vardy, Tom Hickey and Billy Longer just to name a few,  :)

I had them guys on my list along with Jon Griffin, but these are the two I picked. I might add a few of them later on. Also I'll be going through other options in the next few days.

[specky92]

I like the idea jroo, but I wouldn't  mind seeing a few more options, eg. Dawson Simpson, Brodie Grundy, Nathan Vardy, Tom Hickey and Billy Longer just to name a few,  :)

I had them guys on my list along with Jon Griffin, but these are the two I picked. I might add a few of them later on. Also I'll be going through other options in the next few days.

sounds good, will be looking forward to it,  :)

[Capper]

Nice write up. Did HMAC play any VFL this year??

Nope, he was injured the while I'm pretty sure.

Then i dont think you can jump on HMAC in 2014 with out him playing a game in 2013

[ubeaut]

Grundy and Sandilands are my locks. HMac more injury prone than Sandilands for less scoring potential. Been out of game a while needs some time

[_wato]

Even if they nurse Sandilands to finals it's not as if we'll all be keeping him until then. Sure we will if they look averaging 110+ and becoming a top premium ruck but for me all I'm hoping is that he makes good cash generation and I can get rid of him post the bye.

[shaker]

Every year I have tried to save money on rucks at the start of the season and during it and every year it has burnt me , not next year barring injury and preseason form it will be Minson and Goldstien and Nic Nat in the forward line end of story.  ;)

[specky92]

Every year I have tried to save money on rucks at the start of the season and during it and every year it has burnt me , not next year barring injury and preseason form it will be Minson and Goldstien and Nic Nat in the forward line end of story.  ;)

Apparently NicNat will lose dpp, I've got him in the rucks anyway.

[shaker]

Every year I have tried to save money on rucks at the start of the season and during it and every year it has burnt me , not next year barring injury and preseason form it will be Minson and Goldstien and Nic Nat in the forward line end of story.  ;)

Apparently NicNat will lose dpp, I've got him in the rucks anyway.

If he does the ever reliable Mr Cox will do

[Grazz]

Nominated Sandi but really don't think i'll be jumping on as he has become quite fragile in recent seasons. May be forking out the dollars for a reliable pair.