Every year the Herald Sun releases the little black book giving advice on who to buy and who to avoid. I will point out some of the ones they overlooked and errors they made while also offering my own suggestions. Of course I will praise the decisions that I agree with and why I agree with them.
St Kilda
Last season St Kilda slipped down from runner up in the Grand Final replay to being outplayed in a home final during the first week against Sydney. To top it off St Kilda lost Ross Lyon in spectacular circumstances to Fremantle and having no coach come draft time. Statistically they have a plethora of Elite players but after that it is very thin. Subsequently there has been no pressure from St Kilda younger brigade for a spot in the 22. Last season St Kilda put about 14 games into their young players and with the aging of their top end players this means a big void will be created and this season will be the first season it will be evident. Expect in 2012 for St Kilda to either crawl into the 8 or to miss completely, they need to blood youngsters which is good for SuperCoach.
The Superstar
Brendan Goddard - Granted, he is not the out and out fantasy Superstar he was a few seasons back (averaging 120+ consistently) but he still remains a must have for your Supercoach defence. Last season you could consider an aberration for Goddard's standards but this season he should bounce back. Expect him to average 110+ and you should start him in your initial squad. It would take a very brave person to leave him out.
Bank 'Em
Nick Dal Santo - He gets very little recognition compared to the talent he has. An elite Supercoach midfielder he is one that should always be considered initially as well as throughout the season. Expect him to average a similar amount to last season but that might change based on the gameplan of new coach Scott Waters as well as how much midfield time he gives each player.
Sam Fisher - Currently he is one of the best readers of the play going around in the AFL and it is reflected in his Supercoach scoring. In the past he has been known to be given lockdown type roles but that has not stopped his scoring proficiency in which he averages over or close to 100 ppg. Expect more of the same especially considering how trusted he is with the ball and how good his disposal is. Strongly consider initially and throughout the year as an upgrade target.
Buy 'Em
Lenny Hayes - Although he is an out and out champion he does not fit strictly within the Guns-and-rookies mindset which has become synonymous with Supercoach success. By no means a bad pick since we all know what he is capable of, just bear in mind if you do pick him you are picking him as a keeper and not an a player you want to upgrade. Otherwise you would be better off picking a rookie and freeing up 300k+ or spending an extra 100k+ for a Dal Santo. Remember he is a champion but if you are picking him it is for the whole season not as an upgrade target.
Nick Riewoldt - A champion and must pick until last season where St Kilda's tumble down the ladder was parallel with Riewoldt's tumble down the Supercoach pecking order. This season he comes in at a discounted rate but is he worth it. Personally I have to say no based on the fact St Kilda will struggle to make the 8 and the new tactics employed by coaches hinder Riewoldt's ability to dominate. He could be worth it if you think St Kilda will push back into the top 4 but at this stage the signs are not looking positive. At this stage I am willing to bury him (so to speak).
Suggested Player
Tom Ledger - Although there are alot of negatives of St Kilda's slide down the ladder, there are some positives as well. In this case it is Tom Ledger who despite playing 2 games last season is priced as a rookie at 113k. This preseason he has shown alot when on the ground and especially in his last game against Collingwood scoring 90 after coming on as a sub. If he gets games and avoids the green vest he will definitely make some money and score well when required.
Bury 'Em
Justin Koschitzke - Everyone has been burnt by Koschitzke in the past but that should not happen in anymore. Currently in the St Kilda line up his role is a crash and bash forward which is a shame considering what he is capable of. Sadly what he is capable of and what he has produced show a wide gap which will not get smaller. Do not get sucked in by any hype or any big scores he posts, they are one off and he should be avoided like the plague.
Sam Gilbert - *Click*, he makes a great photographer but in terms of a Supercoach he is an enigma. In 2010 he was a breakout defender giving a leg up to those who picked him. In 2011 he managed to frustrate those who picked him to no end posting rollercoaster like scores. There is a big chance he was distracted by the off-field incidents of last season in which he played a key part. 2012 shapes as a big year for Gilbert and with a new coach will be keen to impress. For those reasons alone I am willing to give him another chance. If you are confident he can bounce back definitely jump on.
Suggested Player
Nick Riewoldt - As above with his earlier nomination.
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