These people can help you move forward if the choice is successful, or leave you behind if they fail.
Another important note is that these five featured players are not playing in the opening round, meaning they will play an extra week compared to highly-owned players Nick Daicos and Zac Williams who were held out at the start of the season.
Let's check out a few point of difference (POD) options.
*Ownership numbers are as of February 12
Luke Ryan 3.1%
Price: $611,800
The Docker had his best year in SuperCoach in 2023 averaging 109.5 points in all 23 games. Ryan did not post a score below 83 all year and broke the mark 14 times, including massive scores of 171 in the first round and 168 in the first round 17. The 28-year-old takes plenty of kicks with Hayden's popular selection Ryan, who moves into midfield, will get more this year to boost his SuperCoach scoring. If you're looking for consistency, Ryan is your man.
Verdict: The Ryan is a pistol but at $600k+ you'd probably choose it over one of the Daicos, Sicilians or Stuarts. It's an opportunity to stand out from the crowd, but if you fall behind these three superstars, you'll fall behind the majority of superstar coaches.
and Houston 4.8%
Price: $593,100
Another expensive player but Houston is in his prime at 26 years old and could take it to another level in 2024. The Port defender posted a career-best average of 106.1 last year and was another player who showed off his huge ceiling with 146. 156 and 176 between Round 14 and Round 14. 18. He also received a nice bye in Round 13 as the Power and Dockers only have a week off.
Verdict: The all-Australian has been increasing his SuperCoach production year after year, and if he raises that average to over 110 coaches starting for Houston, they will be thrilled.
Jordan Ridley 5.8%
Price: $530,300
Ridley had a spotty season last season but you only have to look at his last nine games to see how he can be a huge asset to your SuperCoach squad. The forward averaged 109.2 in those games and would have been more if he hadn't been forced off the floor due to injury roughly halfway through two of those games.
Verdict: Ridley could be a POD for coaches who select Hayden Young at a similar price of $525,100. With Ben McKay joining the Dons, if Ridley is given more freedom to play as an interceptor at half-back, he is a great option.
Daniel Rioli 0.9%
Price: $485,700
If you look at Rioli SuperCoach's goals in the last month of 2023, you might think it's crazy to think of a tiger taking the premiership. Scores of 43, 53, 58 and 42 to end the season don't make for good viewing, but Rioli has been struggling with an injury and fought back up front for Richmond. He is now ready to return to the backfield and these low results have helped bring his price down to over $485,000.
Verdict: Rioli could be a hidden gem in this year's SuperCoach, and like Houston, the 26-year-old should be entering the prime years of his career.
Massimo d'Ambrose 1.9%
Price: $224,900
The Hawks love D'Ambrosio's left foot, and if the former Don plays in the first round, he should be on your radar. Hawthorn have just lost Seamus Mitchell to a jaw injury, which could prompt D'Ambrosio's option to unavailable one of the players vying for a half-back position in the season opener. If Blake Hardwick completes his drive forward, look for D'Ambrosio to take more kicks as well.
Verdict: Definitely wait and see the form in the preseason games as well as the team's first round pick.
Originally published as SuperCoach: Five under-the-radar defenders to give your team a point of difference
