There’s no debate about whether Lachie McAndrew belongs in SuperCoach sides this year.
At $120,000, he’s bargain-basement priced and — if named Round 1 — virtually a lock for teams.
The real debate isn’t if you pick him.
It’s where you start him:
- R2 on field?
- R3 bench cover?
- Or in the Flex?
The answer comes down to projected scoring and how much weekly risk you’re willing to carry.
Projected 2026 Scoring Range
At his price, expectations are modest — but role will determine everything.
Floor: 65–75 Average
- Shared ruck role
- Limited impact around the ground
- Inconsistent scoring base
Expected: 80–88 Average
- Clear No.1 ruck
- ~28–35 hitouts per game
- Competitive follow-up work
- Reliable cash generation
Ceiling: 90–95 Average
- Strong solo role
- Solid contested marking
- Hitout-to-advantage scoring translates
Anything above 90 would make him one of the best value selections of the season.
Now let’s apply that to structure.
Option 1: McAndrew at R2
This is the bold play.Running McAndrew at R2 allows you to spend heavily elsewhere — stacking premium midfielders or upgrading weaker lines.
If He Averages 65–75
You’re conceding roughly 30–40 points per week to coaches running a 105–115 averaging premium ruck. Across 20 rounds, that’s a 600–800 point swing.
If He Averages 80–88
You’re competitive. The weekly gap narrows, and the cash generation becomes significant. The structure works.
If He Averages 90–95
You’ve nailed it. Massive value and enormous structural advantage.
Summary:
High risk. High reward.
Best suited for aggressive overall-rank chasers.
Option 2: McAndrew at R3 (Bench)
This is the safety-first structure.
You run two premiums on field and allow McAndrew to generate money while providing injury cover.
If He Averages 65–75
Still excellent cash generation at his price point.
If He Averages 80–88
Strong bench scorer who can be swung on field during byes or injury crises.
If He Averages 90–95
You’re leaving serious value on the bench.
Summary:
Low risk. Safe points.
Prioritize weekly scoring stability.
Option 3: McAndrew in the Flex
Flex is the middle ground.
This allows you to:
- Run two premium rucks
- Or run one premium and adjust elsewhere
- Maintain structural freedom for upgrades
If He Averages 65–75
He becomes a short-term cash cow in your most flexible position.
If He Averages 80–88
He’s comfortably playable on field without damaging your weekly scoring.
If He Averages 90–95
Flex becomes a weapon — giving you both value and adaptability.
Summary:
Moderate risk. Balanced reward.
Gives you room to pivot early if needed.
The Key Decision
The difference between a 75 average and a 110 average premium ruck is roughly 35 points per week.
Over 20 rounds, that’s 700 points.
So while McAndrew is a lock selection at $120k, his position in your side shapes your entire structure.
- Believe he’s a 90+ scorer? R2 becomes viable.
- Expect 80–85? Flex makes sense.
- Project 70–75? Park him at R3 and enjoy the cash generation.
One thing is clear:
He’s not a maybe.
He’s not a trap.
He’s a structural lever — and how you deploy him could define the first half of your SuperCoach season.
So now the question shifts to the community:
Are you rolling the dice and starting him at R2?
Playing it safe with him at R3?
Or using the Flex to balance upside and security?
What’s your plan for Lachie McAndrew in 2026?
