FOX FOOTY SuperCoach: Demons

Watch me, dad ... Jack Viney is a SuperCoach steal. Source: Michael Klein / News Limited

Which Melbourne players should you pick in your FOX FOOTY SuperCoach team and who should you avoid?

Melbourne Demons haven't always been a happy hunting ground for FOX FOOTY SuperCoaches looking to figure in finals action.

But the new crop boast plenty of upside with the likes of Jimmy Toumpas and Jack Viney expected to be given time to settle on the AFL stage.

Add wily mature-aged recruits Shannon Byrnes and forward Chris Dawes to the mix of players who should relish a new lease on life at the Demons.

And how could you discount tough as teak reigning best and fairest winner Nathan Jones. The inked midfielder is verging on A-grade status.

But don't get carried away. Unfortunately, the Dees could again find it hard to compete against the best in the business, which in turns makes high scorers few and far between.

Be selective, recruit with your head and not your heart.

Jones a must, Sylvia a raffle while the young guns could just easily flop - as they could succeed - under the rigours of senior footy.

SUPERCOACH STAR

Nathan Jones (midfield) $521,500

Few are tougher than this bloke. A born leader, Jones is blue chip FOX FOOTY SuperCoach stock for those after a Joel Selwood-type magnet who attacks every contest as if it's his last. The inked midfielder looks ready to take his game to the next level in 2013 with a mix of boom youngsters and mature-aged recruits set to help out in the clinches. Big on contested possessions, tackles and clearances, Jones averaged 97 last year. Can he crack the ton? Absolutely!

BANK EM

Jack Watts (defender/forward) $460,100
After 55 games the apprenticeship is over for this former top draft pick. But is he ready? You bet, across half back that is. A strong contested mark and good user of the football, Watts, who has shown glimpses of his best in the past, could be ready to make 2013 his own.

Colin Sylvia (midfield/forward) $433,400

Sylvia has divided FOX FOOTY SuperCoaches' opinions in recent seasons hampered by niggling injuries. Sylvia endured an interrupted start to his 2012 campaign missing the first four matches with a back injury. The classy half forward struggled early but was able to string together a solid run of games following the mid-season break. His dual-position status is handy especially for those in FOX FOOTY SuperCoach Draft leagues.

BUY EM

Chris Dawes (forward) $344,500
Dawes had a season to forget at Collingwood last year. But the 24-year-old, who kicked 30 goals in the Magpies successful 2010 campaign, will relish his new lease on life at Melbourne. Dawes will be used largely as the Dees' primary forward – at least until Mitch Clark returns from injury. A bargain forward with goals on the board, Dawes could be an affordable pick up for FOX FOOTY SuperCoach Classic players and, a worthy third-round selection for those in Draft leagues.

Jack Viney (midfield) $109,500

The boom father-son prospect showed glimpses of what's to come in Melbourne's NAB Cup openers against Richmond and North Melbourne. The hard-nosed midfielder is tipped to get plenty of chances in 2013. Expect him to rise sharply in price as the season progresses.

BURY EM

Mitch Clark (forward) $449,900
Clark is too big a risk given the uncertainty surrounding his battle with a rare foot problem. The high-flying forward, sidelined a Lisfranc tear in his right foot, is restricted to light duties and rehab running. It's unlikely he will be ready for round one. A proven FOX FOOTY SuperCoach scorer when fit, wait and see on the big bloke.

James Sellar (defender/forward) $331,400

You're only as good as your last game. And Sellar was very good against Port Adelaide. But let's be honest, he won’t be kicking bags during the regular season with the likes of Dawes and Clark (when fit) demanding the football. Your FOX FOOTY SuperCoach dollars are better spent elsewhere.

SUPERCOACH DRAFT WATCHLIST

Jimmy Toumpas (midfield) $184,500

The kid oozes class. No.4 pick Toumpas will get his chance during the home-and-away season after making a handy debut in the NAB Cup.

James Magner (forward/defender) $331,400

The Magnet shot to FOX FOOTY SuperCoach prominence last year before falling away when used as a run-with type player. Magner starred last weekend against Port and could again be bolter as a bargain dual-position prospect.

Dean Kent (midfield) $109,500

Superboot Kent has strong claims of winning a spot on Melbourne's team for round one after a solid pre-season campaign. The left-footer, who was named the best player in the WAFL Colts last year, kicked two goals against Port Adelaide. It followed his nice NAB Cup debut against North Melbourne.

Also consider Dean Terlich ($109,500 def), Tom McDonald ($391,900 def) and Shannon Byrnes ($230,100 fwd).

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