SuperCoach DPP locks, cusps after Round 5
Source: heraldsun.com.au
TL;DR
- Article previews SuperCoach players likely to gain dual-position status (DPP) after Round 5 based on Champion Data time-in-position stats.
- Deven Robertson (FWD) at 88% MID and Connor Budarick (FWD) at 99% DEF are locks for DPP if eligible.
- DPP adds team flexibility for trades and structure two weeks before Gather Round, helping coaches fix early imbalances.
The story at a glance
Herald Sun outlines which AFL SuperCoach players are set for position changes after Round 5, using exclusive time-in-position data from Champion Data. Key names include rookies like Deven Robertson and Jai Serong, premiums like Marcus Bontempelli and Tanner Bruhn, plus others such as Connor Budarick, Rowan Marshall, and Jason Horne-Francis (JFH). It's reported now as Round 5 is the last before DPP review, with changes due post-Gather Round.
Key points
- Champion Data assigns DPP after Rounds 5, 11, 17 if a player spends 35%+ game time in a second position and has played at least three matches by Round 5.[[1]](https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/supercoach-news/supercoach-position-changes-whos-in-line-for-dpp-after-round-5/news-story/321d648cf20fb42f7ea4d11d70e923f2)
- Locks: Deven Robertson (FWD-88% MID) eligible post-suspension; Connor Budarick (FWD-99% DEF) boosted by role shift to Bulldogs; Jai Serong (DEF-88% MID) strong rookie scoring $56k price rise; Tom Blamires (MID-68% DEF); Rowan Marshall (RUC-45% FWD) despite low output; Sam Flanders (FWD-74% MID); Mattaes Phillipou (FWD-74% MID); Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (DEF-72% MID); Ollie Florent (MID-99% DEF); Luke Parker (MID-96% DEF) averaging 114 as half-back.[[1]](https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/supercoach-news/supercoach-position-changes-whos-in-line-for-dpp-after-round-5/news-story/321d648cf20fb42f7ea4d11d70e923f2)
- On the cusp: Todd Marshall (FWD-87% DEF) needs one more game; Tanner Bruhn (MID-27% DEF) up from 13%; Josh Rachele (FWD-63% MID) at 64-65% CBAs; Jason Horne-Francis (MID-47% FWD) cut-price option; Touk Miller (MID-52% FWD); Chad Warner (MID-37% FWD).[[1]](https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/supercoach-news/supercoach-position-changes-whos-in-line-for-dpp-after-round-5/news-story/321d648cf20fb42f7ea4d11d70e923f2)
- No chance: Marcus Bontempelli (MID-21% FWD) locked in midfield at 85% CBAs vs Essendon.[[1]](https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/supercoach-news/supercoach-position-changes-whos-in-line-for-dpp-after-round-5/news-story/321d648cf20fb42f7ea4d11d70e923f2)
Details and context
SuperCoach DPP changes come from Champion Data tracking where players spend time on ground, typically needing 35% in a non-primary position. This first update post-Round 5 helps early-season teams balance lines—e.g., FWD-MID rookies like Robertson free up bench spots for cash generation.[[1]](https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/supercoach-news/supercoach-position-changes-whos-in-line-for-dpp-after-round-5/news-story/321d648cf20fb42f7ea4d11d70e923f2)
Rookies dominate locks due to flexible roles, while premiums like Parker (ex-mid to half-back) surprise with high percentages. Eligibility requires three games, so injured or rotated players like Todd Marshall risk missing out.
Article includes a searchable tool for all players' stats, noting risks like byes (Saints for Marshall/Phillipou) or role shifts (Bontempelli dominating CBAs kills FWD hope).
Key quotes
None sourced directly; article uses analysis like "Surely not?" on Tanner Bruhn's DEF chance and "Brownlow Bont might be finally happening" for Bontempelli.[[1]](https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/supercoach-news/supercoach-position-changes-whos-in-line-for-dpp-after-round-5/news-story/321d648cf20fb42f7ea4d11d70e923f2)
Why it matters
DPP unlocks trade flexibility and fixes structure issues like excess mids or weak benches after four rounds.
Coaches gain options to hold cash cows (e.g., Robertson at F8 swinging MID) or target premiums like cut-price Horne-Francis as FWD.
Watch Gather Round lineups and Round 6 roles, as final time decides locks—changes hit post-Round 6 but depend on Round 5 play.