Top 5 Downgrade options for the bye rounds

Kyle Martin dominated at VFL level last year winning Frankston’s Best and Fairest.

With the bye rounds upon us it's an important to generate some cash and provide adequate cover while your star players are out. Here are my top five downgrade options that will help you achieve both these things. 

1. Kyle Martin (COL) MID $110,200 BE -127

Make Kyle Martin your number one downgrade option this week. Martin is a mature age player who won the Best and Fairest for Frankston in the VFL last year averaging 26 disposals a game. He has been in red hot form in the VFL again this year, which continued in his first game for the Pies on the weekend. Martin finished with 19 disposals, 5 marks, 6 tackles, 6 clearances, 2 goals and 97 Supercoach points. Martin knows how to find the footy and with Collingwood having a round 13 bye, he would provide adequate cover for the bye rounds.

2. Tom Mitchell (SYD) MID $115,900 BE -104

Mitchell was a ball magnet as a junior and not much has changed since he’s entered the senior ranks. He has been dominating in the reserves (NEAFL) churning out 52 and 56 possession games before getting his opportunity on the weekend and he didn’t disappoint. Mitchell racked up 18 disposals, 6 marks, 6 tackles and a goal in just 50% game time after coming on as the sub. He finished with 87 Supercoach points. Expect this trend to continue but take another look at him this week and bring him in after his round 12 bye as his price won’t rise until then.  

3. Nathan Hrovat (WBD) MID $114,500 BE -79

Hrovat is an inside and outside midfielder who ranked in the elite category for both contested and uncontested possessions in last year’s U18 Championships. He has been likened to Brent Harvey and the similarities could be seen in his first game. Hrovat collected 19 disposals, 4 marks, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50’s and a goal on debut, adding some real zip and outside run to the Bulldogs outfit. After two games he is averaging 74 Supercoach points and is set to rise by $66K after his round 11 bye. If you have room after Martin and Mitchell he is definitely worth picking up.  

4. Sam Grimley (HAW) RUC $115,900 BE -79

Grimley is a 22 year old with a basketball background who was drafted by the Hawks four years ago. He has been languishing in the Hawks VFL side during that time and even spent time in the VFL development side last year. This year he has made rapid improvements with the help of the Hawks assistant coaches and impressed on debut with 14 disposals, 7 marks, 11 hit-outs, 2 tackles, 5 inside 50’s and a goal against the Suns for 82 Supercoach points. The Hawks have a bye this week so wait to see if Grimley lines up as the main concern is his job security with the plethora of ruck stocks at the Hawks. He would be a perfect downgrade option for Majak Daw allowing you to pocket $148K.

5. George Burbury (GEE) FWD $115,900 BE -44

Burbury starred in the VFL premiership for Geelong last year and was recently upgraded from the rookie list after some outstanding form in the VFL this year. It’s not easy to break into a dominant Cats side so that is a feat in itself. Burbury has averaged 57 Supercoach points in his two games so don't expect huge scores, but with a lack of forward downgrade options he is worth considering. Once again the main concern is his job security. Although the Cats have shown they’re willing to play youngsters, Burbury will have to maintain some good form if he is to stay in the side long term.