Hello and welcome to another Devil’s Advocate. This time we’re going to assess form vs role. We’re at that point in the season where players are either in form or they’re not, and it’s time distinguish whether or not our SuperCoach choices should be done on form or role.
To make this a genuine analysis, I will approach this with an unbiased lens and as such, will have no idea what the answer is until the end of this article
Firstly, we’re going to compare a few players from both the form camp and the role camp:
Form
Sam Harper (WKP/BAT $187k) has scored three half-centuries in a row, to the tune of a 102.7 average across the last three games. He bats in the top 3 which is a decent role but is thriving because of his form
Caleb Jewell (BAT $181k) just had a quiet game last round, but previously had a four-game average of 92.8. As an opening batsman, his role is great, however he is a pure batsman so his overall role is ok. He has been doing well due to form.
Tim David (BAT $147k) has performed really well in the last few games, partially thanks to batting behind a volatile top order. He has a four-game average of 61. He is listed to bat at 5, so this is definitely a form-based selection, but has bowled a bit in recent games too with Shadab Khan absent.
Role
Liam Hatcher (BWL $139k) was given an opportunity after Trent Boult left and hasn’t looked back, with a four-game average of 65.5. Hatcher is a new ball bowler who can bowl at the death, which is a great role in SuperCoach, as the point scoring favours bowlers over batters
Beau Webster (BAT/BWL $141k) has had a brilliant role without Marcus Stoinis there, averaging 78.8 when he doesn’t play. Now don’t be alarmed by Stoin returning, he more than likely comes back as a pure batter, which still benefits Beau, who has scored points in the field lately too. He is clearly a role-based selection.
Will Sutherland (BAT/BWL $164k) has broken out in style since Andre Russell left, averaging 62.5ppg without Dre Russ. Another clear role-based selection.
Ownership
So all six of these players are performing lately due to role and form. So who do us coaches back? And more importantly, who do the coaches high up back?
Form guys ownership
Sam Harper: 13.4% (general), 7.3% (top 1%)
Caleb Jewell: 12.3% (general), 16.3% (top 1%)
Tim David: 22.2% (general), 5.6% (top 1%)
Role guys ownership
Liam Hatcher: 2.5% (general), 3.7% (top 1%)
Beau Webster: 26.5% (general), 39.2% (top 1%)
Will Sutherland: 33.4% (general), 18.8% (top 1%)
My interpretation of this is that, the top coaches favour role over form, but the majority of us SuperCoaches chase form. Maybe there’s something in that to take on board on this run home.
Form is good, but role is better.
Cheers,
SuperCoach Guns
