Deciding on what structure to run with is one of the most important factors in selecting a starting team, to prevent bleeding points during the early rounds from weak links on field.
We ask our SuperCoach experts to talk about what structure they are running with (numbers based on premiums on each line: DEF-MID-RUC-FWD), and their thought process behind it.
Elliot Yeo (337k DEF) being ruled out of round one with a calf injury has thrown a massive curveball into everyone’s SuperCoach sides, which may force further structure changes (answers were written before Yeo injury news).
Our expert panel is:
- Joe from The Centre Bounce, ranked 119th in 2022 SuperCoach
- Eddie Dadds from SC Playbook, ranked 313th in 2022 SuperCoach
- Casey McDonald, former SC round winner & three-time top 1000
- Janath Fernando, three straight top 1.5k SC finishes, best finish 146th in 2020
Joe from The Centre Bounce @chabby_joe
Structure: 2-3-2-4
The genuinely good scoring options in the forward line are really scarce, which is why I was always going to have at least 4 premos there. The top defenders are all over $600k which makes selecting multiple really difficult; thankfully there is value in the midpricers (Yeo and Jones) and rookies (Ginbey and Constable). The midfield is chock full of mid-price value which is why I have gone lighter there compared to other years, with Setterfield, Hopper and NWM all very likely to make $150k (in my opinion) whilst pumping out some great scores for me. I’m quite pleased with my structure and can’t wait for the season to start!
Eddie Dadds from SC Playbook @EddieDadds
Structure: 2-4-2-3
There is a lot of money to be made in defense this season! Whilst I do think the likes of Sinclair, Sicily, Dale, Stewart and Dawson will all be around the mark in terms of top-6 defenders, the value back there is too much to ignore, especially given there’s not an abundance of $200-$300k options in other lines. Will Day, Elliot Yeo and Liam Jones are all great midprice options and we’re likely to have a few rookie options too. I’m taking a few risks elsewhere so happy to play it [relatively] safe in the midfield, with Hopper and Callaghan my only two midpricers. Rucks I’m hoping to set and forget. 3 Premos + Errol in the forwards is going to be a very popular setup.
Casey McDonald @NaCheers
Structure: 2-4-2-3
I always like to have an even spread across all areas of my team. That way I feel comfortable coming to upgrade season feeling confident that I won’t have an area that will need fixing. I have a few more midpricers than usual. Yeo, Setterfield, Hopper and Fyfe but feel at their value that have decent SP (scoring power) and JS (job security). My first premos I filled when structuring my team were my 2 premo defenders. You just know what you are going to get with Stewart and Sic and I locked them away. 2 premo mids Neale and Laird and 2 fwds Dunks and Cogs. The areas of my team thay have changed most were Rucks and my M4 position. I am feeling settled now and ready to go. When people ask my opinion on their team I always like to hear their thinking first and then I will try and share an option or two. BUT my advice is always back your gut. If you are feeling something then just do it! Good luck legends, can’t wait!
Janath Fernando @JanathFernando4
Structure: 2-4-2-4
Pending the release of teams, I am locking in a structure where there are at least two ‘keepers’ I envision on having in my final team. Although starting four premium forwards may be viewed as overkill in previous seasons, in 2023 we have been provided with at least five options to choose from who are all arguably underpriced (Josh Dunkley, Stephen Coniglio, Connor Rozee, Tim Taranto & Errol Gulden). Further to this, even with the new DPP forwards in 2022 (Marcus Bontempelli, Tim English, Tom Liberatore, Luke Parker to name a few), popular starting pick Will Brodie was considered a ‘keeper’ by season’s end, so I am not concerned about starting four premium forwards. Rather than the traditional “Guns ‘n’ Rookies” or “Mid Price Madness” structures, I am a big fan of the “Mix” structure, which combines the two structures, facilitating midpricers on each line, excluding my rucks, whilst starting uber premiums, and/or premiums who present value in the defense, midfield and forward lines. I recently revealed my final team (pending team selections and debut announcements) on the Supercoach with DR YouTube channel if you would like to watch. Good luck to all!
