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[Shannon]

SuperCoach AFL 2024: Injury news, teams whispers for round 23
Harry Sheezel is one of the most popular picks in SuperCoach – and he’s in doubt for prelim final week. And so are Tim English and Charlie Curnow. Get the latest here.

Al Paton
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@al_superfooty

3 min read
August 13, 2024 - 11:10AM

North Melbourne and more than 110,000 SuperCoaches are sweating on the fitness of Harry Sheezel ahead of round 23.
The Kangaroos star, who is yet to miss a game since making his AFL debut in round 1, 2023, pulled up sore following the Roos’ loss to West Coast. He is set to be rested for most of the week before a decision is made on his fitness to face the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.

Sheezel, who is the third-most popular player in SuperCoach and the fifth-top scorer in the game in just his second season, appeared hampered by a leg issue for much of the second half against the Eagles.

Coach Alastair Clarkson said after the game: “He got a bit of an ankle, he got stomped on or something. He was a little bit sore in the second half … Hopefully it’s just a knock. We’ll get it assessed during the week and he’s good to go again.”

Fox Footy’s Drew Jones reported that scans on Monday revealed no serious injury, but a decision won’t be made on Sheezel’s availability until later in the week.


ENGLISH PATIENT IN DOUBT

Bulldogs ruckman Tim English is “borderline” to face the Kangaroos after picking up his own ankle injury.

Coach Luke Beveridge confirmed on AFL 360 on Monday night that the 2023 All-Australian ruckman was hurt in Sunday’s loss to Adelaide – in which he lost the hitouts to Reilly O’Brien 58-16.

“He hurt his ankle yesterday ... he had a scan and it’s come up with the fact that he’s got an injury there. So he’ll be touch and go this week,” Beveridge said.

Asked if it was a serious injury, Beveridge said: “Don’t think so. He’ll be boderline, I think, on selection this week.”

English features in more than 55,000 SuperCoach teams.

If he misses, the ruck duties will likely tall to 25-gamer Sam Darcy against Tristan Xerri, who is making a strong case to be this year’s All-Australian ruck – in his past three games he has had 75 disposals, 30 tackles and scored 151, 144 and 185 SuperCoach points.

CURNOW CURSE

Charlie Curnow’s season is in doubt with an ankle problem, but Carlton is yet to rule him out of Sunday’s clash against West Coast.

The star goalkicker had to be helped from the field after collapsing while trying to make a lead against Hawthorn on Sunday.

Curnow was in doubt to play against Hawthorn after rolling his ankle the week before, but coach Michael Voss dismissed any question the club took a risk in playing the full-forward.

He said after the game: “Unfortunately it’s just a niggle players get at this part of the year. It is one of those we are going to have to manage ... we’ll just take 24 hours and make sure we get the right assessment.”

Curnow, who is part of more than 34,000 SuperCoach teams, scored 178 and 186 in his two games against West Coast in 2023, kicking a combined 19 goals.

Carlton’s injury woes also include Adam Saad (hamstring) and Harry McKay (leg). The Blues are expected to release an updated injury list late on Tuesday.

GAWN POWERS HOME

Max Gawn may not be100 per cent fit, but the Demons captain is planning to finish the year strong, even if Melbourne can’t make the finals.

In his regular appearance on Triple M, Gawn rejected the idea he could be put in cotton wool to prepare for 2025.

“If I got injured I would rest, but ... there’s a lot of pride in the jumper and you can’t turn culture on and off,” he said.

“If we, let’s say, threw the towel in the next two, that is hard to get back over the pre-season and next year.”

Gawn, who scored 177 SuperCoach points last weekend, said there was still plenty to play for in the final two rounds against Gold Coast and Collingwood.

The clash against the Magpies has been scheduled for Friday night in round 24.

“Hopefully they are in finals contention and we can spoil it for them,” Gawn said.

 

[Shannon]

SuperCoach AFL 2024: Trade replacements for injured stars in round 23 rated

Tim English. OUT. Charlie Curnow. OUT. Clayton Oliver. OUT. Their replacements will decide SuperCoach prelim finals. Our experts rate the best options for your team.

Al Paton and Patch

10 min read
August 15, 2024 - 11:50AM

After sailing through the first 16 rounds of the season almost without incident, injuries have hit SuperCoaches like a truck in the run home.
Tim English, Charlie Curnow and Clayton Oliver have all been ruled out for preliminary final week, and Harry Sheezel is under a major injury cloud.

For coaches with trades up their sleeve, now is the time to take advantage on rivals who went too hard, too early.

So, who are the best replacements for this week’s injured stars? Our experts rate the most traded in players this week – and scroll down for full round 23 match-up analysis.

1. TRISTAN XERRI $683,900 RUC
Al Paton: BUY. Normally wouldn’t advise spending over $680k on anyone but if you have the cash, spend up on the best scorer in SuperCoach.

Tim Michell: BUY. Best ruckman in SuperCoach this year and could be up against Sam Darcy this week. Xerri is a legitimate captaincy option for the next two weeks and incredibly is the most expensive player in SuperCoach after round 22. He needs to score about 110 to eclipse $700k. It was only seven weeks ago he scored 141 against the Bulldogs.

Patch: BUY. Best ruck in the game and will be lining up against Sam Darcy on the weekend. Lock him in and C him.

Chloe Williams: BUY. Buy. Just buy.

2. DYLAN MOORE $501,000 FWD
AP: BUY. Not sure why I didn’t consider him with my 40th trade, which I used last week on Izak Rankine. Moore is the No.5 forward this year and could destroy Richmond this weekend.

TM: BUY. The Hawks are going to play finals with games against North Melbourne and Richmond in the next two weeks looking like they could be a SuperCoach feast. I like his captain James Sicily as a trade in this week for his high ceiling but Moore is a great option too.

Patch: BUY. He’s good! I really like him. Has a super run home.

CW: BUY. If you can get there, do it. He has Richmond and North Melbourne to come, and the Hawks are flying. A three-round average of 95.3 with a huge ceiling.

3. MAX GAWN $597,900 RUC
AP: CONSIDER. I prefer Rowan Marshall around this price based on fixtures, but even a banged-up Gawn can do what few others can in SuperCoach.

TM: PASS. I’d assume this is people trading out Tim English with one trade left who can’t get to Xerri. Gawn was heroic against Port Adelaide and although he’s determined to play out the season he’s doing so on one leg. Based on match-ups I’d go Rowan Marshall instead.

Patch: BUY. I prefer Xerri but if Big X is too dear for you, then Max will bring you home.

CW: BUY. If you can’t afford Xerri, Gawn could guide you to a finals win off the back of a 177 as he will look to galvanise the under-fire Dees.

4. TOM POWELL $425,700 MID/FWD
AP: PASS. Past three games have been what we were hoping for earlier in the year, but I still don’t trust Clarko.

TM: PASS. Four weeks ago he scored 39. I know his role has been better in the last three rounds but anything close to that score from round 19 and you can kiss your hopes of SuperCoach league glory goodbye.

Patch: AVOID. Well, well, well... look who’s come crawling back. (Us, we’ve come crawling back). He’s been really good the past few weeks, but that’s been with George Wardlaw out. I’m not sold on how they score together.

CW: BUY. Can we go back there? For two weeks, yes. Even if Wardlaw comes back in, Sheezel could well be done for the year. Worth the risk to win your finals.

5. ARCHIE ROBERTS $117,300 DEF
AP: CONSIDER. If you have two trades (!) and a downgrade gets you up to Xerri, go for it. Defensive bench cover might be needed, too, if Harry Sheezel doesn’t get up.

TM: BUY. If Brad Scott ruins Saad El Hawli’s price for next year after ruining Roberts two weeks ago I’ll be angrier than Patch was when Mac Andrew kicked that goal after the siren.

Patch: BUY. Yeah sure, although he’ll be sub at some stage.

CW: PASS. He could be the sub, with a low score, or even if you need a doughnut … I’m sure you will come across one with this week’s carnage!

6. IZAK RANKINE $552,600 FWD
AP: BUY. Now have Moore ahead of him but Izak can still bust out some big scores. Looked a bit rusty last week after four games out.

TM: BUY. Doesn’t need many disposals to score big SuperCoach points. Looked certain to ton when he had three early goal assists against the Western Bulldogs before slowing. He’s a point of difference pick and made for big stages like this week’s Showdown.

Patch: BUY. I think he’s neat. Bring him in if you can afford him.

CW: CONSIDER. He didn’t have the greatest SuperCoach return last week, but it’s the Showdown.


7. MATTHEW KENNEDY $398,100 FWD/MID
AP: CONSIDER. Can score well if he gets midfield time but who knows who will play where for the Blues as Michael Voss tries to plug holes left, right and centre.

TM: PASS. What the? Where has this come from? I suspect with Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow ruled out that Kennedy is going to spend a fair bit of time forward against West Coast. Don’t go there unless you think he can kick 3-4 goals. Prefer James Peatling or Matteas Phillipou if you’re strapped for cash.

Patch: WHAT. A Kennedy being relevant in SuperCoach? What is this, 2016? I’ll defer to whatever Tim writes here, I got no clue.

CW: CONSIDER. I personally am a fan. He doesn’t have the best numbers this year, but his 119 last week proved what he can do with full midfield minutes. I would have said ‘buy’, but I’m almost certain he gets thrown forward among the Carlton carnage.

8. ROWAN MARSHALL $604,600 RUC
AP: BUY. Averaging 127.5 over his past four and has a fantastic match-up against the Cats this weekend.

TM: BUY. See above. I think he’s the best English trade option.

Patch: BUY. Yeah sure. He’s playing, which is more than you can say for Tim English.

CW: BUY. Another great English replacement. A three-round average of 129, with match-ups against Geelong – who give up a lot of points to ruckmen – and Carlton, who are struggling for numbers.

9. ISAAC HEENEY $506,000 FWD/MID
AP: BUY. Imagine trading in Heeney for Charlie Curnow in round 23.

TM: BUY. How are there still people who don’t have Heeney? That last quarter against Collingwood would have been seriously painful viewing for non-owners.

Patch: BUY. Who is buying Heeney who doesn’t already have him? Yes. Absolutely. But also, what are you doing?

CW: HUH. People … don’t have him? Why? Check the match-ups for someone who has a high ceiling, but you can’t go wrong with Heeney after an 80-point quarter last week.

10. DANIEL CURTIN $131,800 DEF/MID
AP: BUY: I want him to stay cheap for next year but can’t see the Crows dropping him after last week’s effort.
TM: BUY. If you’re using your last trade (or trades) it’s probably wise to go for Curtin’s DPP over Archie Roberts. But this is coming from a guy who traded in Curnow, McKay and Saad for depth only for them to be injured in the same game.
Patch: AVOID. Nah dawg. He’ll be sub again.
CW: CONSIDER. If you need DPP, and have trades to burn, why not

 

[Russty_]

SuperCoach AFL 2024: Trade replacements for injured stars in round 23 rated

Tim English. OUT. Charlie Curnow. OUT. Clayton Oliver. OUT. Their replacements will decide SuperCoach prelim finals. Our experts rate the best options for your team.

Al Paton and Patch

10 min read
August 15, 2024 - 11:50AM

After sailing through the first 16 rounds of the season almost without incident, injuries have hit SuperCoaches like a truck in the run home.
Tim English, Charlie Curnow and Clayton Oliver have all been ruled out for preliminary final week, and Harry Sheezel is under a major injury cloud.

For coaches with trades up their sleeve, now is the time to take advantage on rivals who went too hard, too early.

So, who are the best replacements for this week’s injured stars? Our experts rate the most traded in players this week – and scroll down for full round 23 match-up analysis.

1. TRISTAN XERRI $683,900 RUC
Al Paton: BUY. Normally wouldn’t advise spending over $680k on anyone but if you have the cash, spend up on the best scorer in SuperCoach.

Tim Michell: BUY. Best ruckman in SuperCoach this year and could be up against Sam Darcy this week. Xerri is a legitimate captaincy option for the next two weeks and incredibly is the most expensive player in SuperCoach after round 22. He needs to score about 110 to eclipse $700k. It was only seven weeks ago he scored 141 against the Bulldogs.

Patch: BUY. Best ruck in the game and will be lining up against Sam Darcy on the weekend. Lock him in and C him.

Chloe Williams: BUY. Buy. Just buy.

2. DYLAN MOORE $501,000 FWD
AP: BUY. Not sure why I didn’t consider him with my 40th trade, which I used last week on Izak Rankine. Moore is the No.5 forward this year and could destroy Richmond this weekend.

TM: BUY. The Hawks are going to play finals with games against North Melbourne and Richmond in the next two weeks looking like they could be a SuperCoach feast. I like his captain James Sicily as a trade in this week for his high ceiling but Moore is a great option too.

Patch: BUY. He’s good! I really like him. Has a super run home.

CW: BUY. If you can get there, do it. He has Richmond and North Melbourne to come, and the Hawks are flying. A three-round average of 95.3 with a huge ceiling.

3. MAX GAWN $597,900 RUC
AP: CONSIDER. I prefer Rowan Marshall around this price based on fixtures, but even a banged-up Gawn can do what few others can in SuperCoach.

TM: PASS. I’d assume this is people trading out Tim English with one trade left who can’t get to Xerri. Gawn was heroic against Port Adelaide and although he’s determined to play out the season he’s doing so on one leg. Based on match-ups I’d go Rowan Marshall instead.

Patch: BUY. I prefer Xerri but if Big X is too dear for you, then Max will bring you home.

CW: BUY. If you can’t afford Xerri, Gawn could guide you to a finals win off the back of a 177 as he will look to galvanise the under-fire Dees.

4. TOM POWELL $425,700 MID/FWD
AP: PASS. Past three games have been what we were hoping for earlier in the year, but I still don’t trust Clarko.

TM: PASS. Four weeks ago he scored 39. I know his role has been better in the last three rounds but anything close to that score from round 19 and you can kiss your hopes of SuperCoach league glory goodbye.

Patch: AVOID. Well, well, well... look who’s come crawling back. (Us, we’ve come crawling back). He’s been really good the past few weeks, but that’s been with George Wardlaw out. I’m not sold on how they score together.

CW: BUY. Can we go back there? For two weeks, yes. Even if Wardlaw comes back in, Sheezel could well be done for the year. Worth the risk to win your finals.

5. ARCHIE ROBERTS $117,300 DEF
AP: CONSIDER. If you have two trades (!) and a downgrade gets you up to Xerri, go for it. Defensive bench cover might be needed, too, if Harry Sheezel doesn’t get up.

TM: BUY. If Brad Scott ruins Saad El Hawli’s price for next year after ruining Roberts two weeks ago I’ll be angrier than Patch was when Mac Andrew kicked that goal after the siren.

Patch: BUY. Yeah sure, although he’ll be sub at some stage.

CW: PASS. He could be the sub, with a low score, or even if you need a doughnut … I’m sure you will come across one with this week’s carnage!

6. IZAK RANKINE $552,600 FWD
AP: BUY. Now have Moore ahead of him but Izak can still bust out some big scores. Looked a bit rusty last week after four games out.

TM: BUY. Doesn’t need many disposals to score big SuperCoach points. Looked certain to ton when he had three early goal assists against the Western Bulldogs before slowing. He’s a point of difference pick and made for big stages like this week’s Showdown.

Patch: BUY. I think he’s neat. Bring him in if you can afford him.

CW: CONSIDER. He didn’t have the greatest SuperCoach return last week, but it’s the Showdown.


7. MATTHEW KENNEDY $398,100 FWD/MID
AP: CONSIDER. Can score well if he gets midfield time but who knows who will play where for the Blues as Michael Voss tries to plug holes left, right and centre.

TM: PASS. What the? Where has this come from? I suspect with Harry McKay and Charlie Curnow ruled out that Kennedy is going to spend a fair bit of time forward against West Coast. Don’t go there unless you think he can kick 3-4 goals. Prefer James Peatling or Matteas Phillipou if you’re strapped for cash.

Patch: WHAT. A Kennedy being relevant in SuperCoach? What is this, 2016? I’ll defer to whatever Tim writes here, I got no clue.

CW: CONSIDER. I personally am a fan. He doesn’t have the best numbers this year, but his 119 last week proved what he can do with full midfield minutes. I would have said ‘buy’, but I’m almost certain he gets thrown forward among the Carlton carnage.

8. ROWAN MARSHALL $604,600 RUC
AP: BUY. Averaging 127.5 over his past four and has a fantastic match-up against the Cats this weekend.

TM: BUY. See above. I think he’s the best English trade option.

Patch: BUY. Yeah sure. He’s playing, which is more than you can say for Tim English.

CW: BUY. Another great English replacement. A three-round average of 129, with match-ups against Geelong – who give up a lot of points to ruckmen – and Carlton, who are struggling for numbers.

9. ISAAC HEENEY $506,000 FWD/MID
AP: BUY. Imagine trading in Heeney for Charlie Curnow in round 23.

TM: BUY. How are there still people who don’t have Heeney? That last quarter against Collingwood would have been seriously painful viewing for non-owners.

Patch: BUY. Who is buying Heeney who doesn’t already have him? Yes. Absolutely. But also, what are you doing?

CW: HUH. People … don’t have him? Why? Check the match-ups for someone who has a high ceiling, but you can’t go wrong with Heeney after an 80-point quarter last week.

10. DANIEL CURTIN $131,800 DEF/MID
AP: BUY: I want him to stay cheap for next year but can’t see the Crows dropping him after last week’s effort.
TM: BUY. If you’re using your last trade (or trades) it’s probably wise to go for Curtin’s DPP over Archie Roberts. But this is coming from a guy who traded in Curnow, McKay and Saad for depth only for them to be injured in the same game.
Patch: AVOID. Nah dawg. He’ll be sub again.
CW: CONSIDER. If you need DPP, and have trades to burn, why not

Or if you're on a budget like me, Keays or Hogan, Keays for me.

 

[Beijing_Sting]

Speaking of budget. I just cancelled my herald sun subscription account after they emailed me telling me of a price jump. - annoyingly poor that one needs to call up and receive a human sales pitch, reminder that it is all in the terms and conditions, and an offer (surprisingly annoying) of a few months at a very small fee schedule (I suspect they hope people forget to call an cancel again at the end of it).

Anyway, I'm just trying to figure out if it is worth continuing SC at all without a subscription, as I wonder if it will be just too annoying. I mean, I know this is possibly in poor taste considering we all love and enjoy Supercoach, but wonder how the other half fair without paying the 32 bucks a month. I mean, i prefer many other free and more interesting sites for my news anyway, so...

Any thoughts on this?

Cheers

 

[Ironhawk]

Speaking of budget. I just cancelled my herald sun subscription account after they emailed me telling me of a price jump. - annoyingly poor that one needs to call up and receive a human sales pitch, reminder that it is all in the terms and conditions, and an offer (surprisingly annoying) of a few months at a very small fee schedule (I suspect they hope people forget to call an cancel again at the end of it).

Anyway, I'm just trying to figure out if it is worth continuing SC at all without a subscription, as I wonder if it will be just too annoying. I mean, I know this is possibly in poor taste considering we all love and enjoy Supercoach, but wonder how the other half fair without paying the 32 bucks a month. I mean, i prefer many other free and more interesting sites for my news anyway, so...

Any thoughts on this?

Cheers

I have never subscribed. Never done well either, but I don't think the two are linked.

 

[Connoisseur]

Speaking of budget. I just cancelled my herald sun subscription account after they emailed me telling me of a price jump. - annoyingly poor that one needs to call up and receive a human sales pitch, reminder that it is all in the terms and conditions, and an offer (surprisingly annoying) of a few months at a very small fee schedule (I suspect they hope people forget to call an cancel again at the end of it).

Anyway, I'm just trying to figure out if it is worth continuing SC at all without a subscription, as I wonder if it will be just too annoying. I mean, I know this is possibly in poor taste considering we all love and enjoy Supercoach, but wonder how the other half fair without paying the 32 bucks a month. I mean, i prefer many other free and more interesting sites for my news anyway, so...

Any thoughts on this?

Cheers

Articles can usually be accessed via archive.ph to bypass the paywall if posted under the masthead. Generic stuff to be repeated here either after or before the fact. Advanced stats not publicly available posted in the article will likely be posted in one of the threads from someone.

Breakevens available on Footywire, etc projections should not be taken seriously and green and red lights for players unavailable or available are for lazy people relying on a secondary source when the primary sources are already known and is not an exhaustive task to check.

Probability of being able to take advantage of the double weekly prize winning offer if a subscriber is exteremely low and not worth it in the long run.

In relation to Supercoach, there is little to no benefit of being a subscriber and I feel the SC Plus subscription is akin to throwing money down a well.

 

[Beijing_Sting]

Articles can usually be accessed via archive.ph to bypass the paywall if posted under the masthead. Generic stuff to be repeated here either after or before the fact. Advanced stats not publicly available posted in the article will likely be posted in one of the threads from someone.

Breakevens available on Footywire, etc projections should not be taken seriously and green and red lights for players unavailable or available are for lazy people relying on a secondary source when the primary sources are already known and is not an exhaustive task to check.

Probability of being able to take advantage of the double weekly prize winning offer if a subscriber is exteremely low and not worth it in the long run.

In relation to Supercoach, there is little to no benefit of being a subscriber and I feel the SC Plus subscription is akin to throwing money down a well.

I have never subscribed. Never done well either, but I don't think the two are linked.

These are both very good answers... Appreciate the answers. Food for thought.

Cheers!

 

[Under The Dome]

Speaking of budget. I just cancelled my herald sun subscription account after they emailed me telling me of a price jump. - annoyingly poor that one needs to call up and receive a human sales pitch, reminder that it is all in the terms and conditions, and an offer (surprisingly annoying) of a few months at a very small fee schedule (I suspect they hope people forget to call an cancel again at the end of it).

Anyway, I'm just trying to figure out if it is worth continuing SC at all without a subscription, as I wonder if it will be just too annoying. I mean, I know this is possibly in poor taste considering we all love and enjoy Supercoach, but wonder how the other half fair without paying the 32 bucks a month. I mean, i prefer many other free and more interesting sites for my news anyway, so...

Any thoughts on this?

Cheers

Can you access Supercoach articles with just the one off subscription to gold?

 

[Ironhawk]

$32 a month?

Can you access Supercoach articles with just the one off subscription to gold?

I honestly never bother looking during the free trial. I figure people will post any interesting articles here. I think Gold access does give you access to these articles though.

 

[Under The Dome]

I honestly never bother looking during the free trial. I figure people will post any interesting articles here. I think Gold access does give you access to these articles though.

Sorry quoted the wrong message

 

[Darkie]

Can you access Supercoach articles with just the one off subscription to gold?

I don’t believe so - I never have in the past, and just checked again and was unable to.

@Beijing_Sting, I have had an SC Gold subscription for many years and have found that it is very useful, especially if you are keen/time poor/happy to pay for the convenience of having breakevens, player filters etc at hand. I think it’s still c. $20, which to me is a good tradeoff for the time saving, albeit this will vary from person to person.

If you were paying somewhere towards $32 per month for a Herald Aun subscription, $20 per season for Gold is probably quite a palatable alternative in providing much of what you want (ex the articles), without the vast majority of the cost.

 

[Professor]

I don’t believe so - I never have in the past, and just checked again and was unable to.

@Beijing_Sting, I have had an SC Gold subscription for many years and have found that it is very useful, especially if you are keen/time poor/happy to pay for the convenience of having breakevens, player filters etc at hand. I think it’s still c. $20, which to me is a good tradeoff for the time saving, albeit this will vary from person to person.

If you were paying somewhere towards $32 per month for a Herald Aun subscription, $20 per season for Gold is probably quite a palatable alternative in providing much of what you want (ex the articles), without the vast majority of the cost.

I'm being charged $40 every four weeks, up from $36. I have access to all digital content, SC get the paper delivered every weekend. I'm not too fussed at the cost as I claim it as a tax deduction. 😎

 

[Presto]

AFL draft: The draftees who could line up in Round 1 2025, best SuperCoach rookie picks
The draft is done and positions have been locked in for 2025 – SuperCoach planning starts now. Our experts give their verdict on the new batch of rookie-price young guns.
Dan Batten and Jordan Pinto
November 29, 2024 - 11:15AM
This draft class was talked up significantly, and footy fans are unlikely to be disappointed.
Expect to see a host of fresh faces next year.
The top-end was stacked with midfielders, some of which were ready for an AFL debut in 2024, let alone 2025.
In the second half of the draft, three mature-age talents finally got their AFL shot.
Who is ready to step in right away next year and provide your club an immediate boost?
Finn O’Sullivan (North Melbourne)
“He’s an impact man, so he’s going to be able to play from next year and he’s pretty exciting,” North Melbourne recruiting manager Will Thursfield said of the club’s prized recruit. Some say he’s the most talented player in the draft, too – so there’s good reason he still went at pick 2 despite an injury-interrupted year. Then there’s the comparison – in terms of how hard he works around the ground – to his second cousin, Sam Walsh. There might be plenty of competition for spots in the Kangaroos midfield, but 182cm teenager’s versatility and strength in the air means he’ll add to Alastair Clarkson’s line-up in other ways to begin with.
FINN O'SULLIVAN SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: MID
SC ave: 109 (Coates League)
SC verdict: “He’s not a stats man.” That was the first part of Thursfield’s quote when he was talking up O’Sullivan’s potential to impact in 2025. So there might be a bit of new teammate Zane Duursmaa’s SuperCoach inconsistency in O’Sullivan’s first year. – Jordan Pinto
Jagga Smith (Carlton)
Don’t let his slim build fool you. Smith could have stepped into an AFL side this year, impressing in his three VFL games for Richmond where he averaged 27 disposals, six clearances and 103 SuperCoach points. The agile midfielder is an absolute ball-magnet, registering 50 disposals against the Western Jets and then another 40 the very next week, is super clean, makes good decisions and hit the scoreboard more as the year went on.
The No. 3 pick was also the top-ranked performer at the national carnival, winning 29 disposals and seven clearances per game. Smith was at number one on Carlton’s board and he compliments their current midfield mix nicely. It wouldn’t surprise to see him at the first centre bounce in round one alongside Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh.
JAGGA SMITH SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: MID
SC averages: 135 (U18 Champs), 103 (VFL), 154 (Coates Talent League)
SC verdict: Smith scored above 175 SuperCoach points in six of his last seven games for the Oakleigh Chargers – including a monster 239-point total. He will be expensive, but he should be worth every cent. — Dan Batten
Sid Draper (Adelaide)
The Crows need more speed, power and explosiveness in the midfield – Enter Sid Draper. The local boy, who averaged 22 disposals, 12 contested possessions, five clearances and five tackles at senior level, is more than ready to go after mixing it with the big bodies this year. “That senior form would say he’d be pushing for selection in our team,” Adelaide recruiting manager Hamish Ogilvie said after the draft. Draper trained with the club last summer and even then his running numbers impressed fitness guru Darren Burgess. The Crows were cautious with top pick Dan Curtin last season, but expect it to be different this time around.
SID DRAPER SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: MID
SC ave: 108 (SANFL League)
SC verdict: Scored 200 in his only SANFL under-18 game this year – a competition he averaged 116 in as a bottom-age midfielder in 2023. Went 111 in the same year at the national carnival, too. This year? 147, 118, 119, 101 and 106 in his first four SANFL League appearances. Top of the watchlist. – Jordan Pinto
Levi Ashcroft (Brisbane)
Win the flag, win the draft – it’s a good time to be a Brisbane fan. Just like his older brother, and Norm Smith Medallist, Will in his debut season, Levi is as ready as any player in this year’s pool to have an impact in 2025. Ashcroft, a three-time Coates League premiership player and two-time under-18 All-Australian, lands at the Lions after a dominant junior career and an equally dominant 35-disposal, 149-SuperCoach point performance in his one VFL appearance this year. Like his brother, he’s smart, clean and ultra-competitive and will push for a round 1 berth in Chris Fagan’s side.
LEVI ASHCROFT SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: MID
SC ave: 152 (Coates League)
SC verdict: While he might spend more time as a half-forward than Will did, as he did with great effect in his draft year, Levi – thankfully at not pick 1 pricing – looms as a must-have. – Jordan Pinto
Harvey Langford (Melbourne)
Yes, Melbourne has Clayton Oliver, Christian Petracca and Jack Viney, but after that, its midfield mix is far from locked in. Last season, Tom Sparrow, Kozzie Pickett, Trent Rivers and the now-departed Alex Neale-Bullen all attended more than 20 per cent of centre bounces, highlighting the fluctuation at the bottom end of the rotation. Could Langford, a strong, 191cm big-bodied midfielder who won the Larke Medal as the best player at the national under-18 carnival, step straight in and improve that depth? Maybe, especially given his threat as a forward. “He’s ultra consistent, he’s got a high IQ, and he’s going to add some real value not only in the midfield, but forward of the ball as well.” Demons recruiting boss Jason Taylor said.

 

[Presto]

HARVEY LANGFORD SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: MID
SC ave: 152 (Coates League)
SC verdict: Scored two double tons for Dandenong and passed three figures in 25 of his 29 matches in the Coates League over the past two seasons. He also was the third-ranked player at the national carnival. If Goody picks him, SuperCoaches should, too. – Jordan Pinto
Josh Smillie (Richmond)
“When I’m playing, I just want to be a fierce competitor and have a winning mentality, and just play my best footy every game,” Smillie said on Melbourne radio after he was drafted. And it’s this foundation that should see the pick 7 feature prominently in his debut season. That and his big, powerful 195cm frame. The fact Richmond’s list turnover will force Adem Yze into playing the kids is just the clincher. Smillie can win the ball in tight, but also get forward and kick goals, giving Yze flexibility – and multiple reasons to pick him in 2025.
JOSH SMILLIE SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: MID
SC ave: 129 (Coates League)
SC verdict: The Tigers will be SuperCoach gold in 2025 and this kid might be another top 10 pick worth paying up for. – Jordan Pinto
Tobie Travaglia (St Kilda)
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon played running-machine Darcy Wilson right away last season and Travaglia looks to be a similar case. The Bendigo Pioneers product played most of his footy across halfback this season where his silky ball-use and dash stood out. The new Saint would fit in nicely in defence, allowing Jack Sinclair to spend more time in the midfield. Travaglia was an all-Australian at the national championships, culminating in 25 disposals, three intercept marks and 130 SuperCoach points in the finale against Vic Country, and was a dominant force for the Pioneers in a variety of roles, including as a midfielder.
TOBIE TRAVAGLIA SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: DEF/MID
SC average: 112 (U18 Champs), 74 (VFL), 143 (Coates Talent League)
SC verdict: Has drawn comparisons to Lachie Whitfield and Will Day and looks to be a great SuperCoach option if he starts in defence. Posted three consecutive scores of 197, 173 and 181 in the Coates Talent League and tonned up in every game. — Dan Batten..
Leo Lombard (Gold Coast)
Lombard has the physical frame, ball-winning ability and electric speed to step in right away, and he has already produced plenty of highlights in his 11 games at VFL level – including being part of Gold Coast’s 2023 premiership at the age of 16. One of the best of them came in a stunning play against Essendon VFL where he started on the wing, received two handballs before slotting a running goal. Lombard collected 28 disposals and eight marks in his first VFL game for the year but his standout display against Coburg, where he had 22 disposals, 11 score involvements and booted three majors. If that wasn’t enough, he also was joint-winner of the Larke Medal at the under-18 championships and recorded the sixth best agility test of all-time at the draft combine, also finishing second in the 20m sprint.
LEO LOMBARD SUPERCOACH PROFILE
20205 position: MID
SC ave: 120 (U18 Champs), 66 (VFL), 109 (Coates Talent League)
SC verdict: Does he fit into the Suns’ midfield right away? That is the only question mark over him at the price. A big pre-season watch. — Dan Batten
Xavier Lindsay (Melbourne)
Good kicking is good football – and Melbourne’s second pick at the draft certainly does that. With the wings occupied by Ed Langdon and Caleb Windsor at the Demons, Lindsay, although lightly built, boasts a skill set – footy smarts, awareness, speed and a pinpoint kick – that could be put to good use across half-back early in his career at the top-level. Lindsay, who won the Morrish Medal as the best player in the Coates League after playing just 12 games, featured in a similar role for the AFL Academy side earlier this year.
XAVIER LINDSAY SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: MID
SC ave: 121 (Coates League)
SC verdict: Good kicking in defence is very good SuperCoach. But will he be ready to go right away? Put him on the pre-season watchlist. – Jordan Pinto

 

[Presto]

Isaac Kako (Essendon)
Just as Nick Watson and Kysaiah Pickett did for their clubs, Kako can give the Essendon forward 50 an immediate injection of x-factor. And if there is one forward line that is crying out for a high-impact small forward, it is the Bombers. Kako’s freakish goal sense, speed and agility saw him attract a bid at pick 13. He kicked 20 goals for the Calder Cannons in 12 games while spending time in the midfield, and slotted eight majors at the national championships.
ISAAC KAKO SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: MID/FWD
SC ave: 93 (U18 Champs), 113 (Coates Talent League)
SC verdict: Interesting, Kako has qualified for FWD-MID status. You can’t rule out with his forward half impact, but there looks to be better options at this stage. – Dan Batten
Joe Berry (Port Adelaide)
He’s watched Zak Butters very closely and the Power has likened him to club great Robbie Gray – now that’s a combination. “Joe has similar one-on-one ability, he can protect his space and manoeuvre players into a position where he can get the ball,” recruiting boss Geoff Parker said post-draft. “His finishing skills are like Robbie’s as well.” Berry lands at Port Adelaide, with Ken Hinkley out to add to his small forward stocks alongside Willie Rioli. With Joe Richards also arriving from Collingwood, it might be a Joe-off over summer.
JOE BERRY SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position:FWD
SC ave: 106 (Coates League)
SC verdict: Even if he does feature inside-50 for Port Adelaide in 2025, it’s unlikely to be a very SuperCoach-friendly role. – Jordan Pinto
Bo Allan (West Coast)
The Eagles got their man, and Allan has the athletic gifts and size to have an immediate impact at the rebuilding club. Allan was given plenty of opportunity at WAFL level this year, playing 11 games for Peel Thunder, including 15 disposals, 12 tackles and 107 SuperCoach points in just his third game. The 191cm West Australian has the potential to become a tall midfield option in the future but likely starts at halfback, where he can provide West Coast the daring run it sorely needs.
BO ALLAN SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: DEF/MID
SC ave: 85 (U18 Champs), 51 (WAFL), 117 (WAFL U18s)
SC verdict: Phantom Junior’s boy. Will be cheaper than other rookies on this list after sliding to pick 16 and should be in a SuperCoach friendly role. Watchlist. – Dan Batten
Murphy Reid (Fremantle)
Before the draft, Reid was described as a player who has “eyes in the back of his head”, so good is his vision in traffic. Yes, Scott Pendlebury’s name was also thrown around. Now, while he might not force his way into Fremantle’s crowded on-ball rotation, Murphy’s skills could see him have an impact on the outside or across half-forward early on. The 181cm teenager gets in the right spots to win the ball and, importantly, makes good decisions going forward.
MURPHY REID SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: MID
SC ave: 122 (Coates League)
SC verdict: The Dockers will be hoping Nathan O’Driscoll can have some better luck on the injury-front and SSP signing Quinton Narkle can play a role. But neither are guarantees so Reid could surprise in 2025. – Jordan Pinto
Jobe Shanahan (West Coast)
Shanahan was another slider the Eagles managed to snap up and his standout performances for Essendon VFL suggests he can have an influence in 2025. The 195 centimetre key forward booted four goals on debut and followed it up with 2.3 and then 5.0 against Coburg, outshining Bombers big man Peter Wright in the process. Shanahan also had some big games for the Bendigo Pioneers at under-18 level, and there is a belief among recruiters that he could also fill a role as a key defender at the next level.
JOBE SHANAHAN SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: FWD
SC ave: 77 (U18 Champs), 90 (VFL), 103 (Coates Talent League)
SC verdict: We don’t usually advocate picking first year key forwards in SuperCoach, but the fact he has impressed at state league level already and his discount price tag may mean he is SuperCoach relevant. – Dan Batten
Riley Bice (Sydney)
Sam Clohesy turned heads in his first season at AFL level. Now, another rebounding defender off the Werribee VFL production line has the chance to do the same. Bice was shifted to halfback early in the season and thrived, getting onto the radar of AFL clubs including the Swans. This was Sydney list boss after Bice was drafted by the Swans with 41: “We think he has got AFL attributes that we really like. He has got some significant speed off half back, sees the game quite well, he can kick it, he has a really nice left foot and can change angles. We think he is a really good compliment to what we’ve got back there.” At 24, Bice is ready-made and his razor sharp left boot suits Sydney’s game style to a tee.
RILEY BICE SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: DEF
SC ave: 101 (VFL)
SC verdict: Bice finished the year with seven SuperCoach tons in his last eight games, averaging 124.5 points per game. If new coach Dean Cox picks him, he is an absolute lock – but we have been wrong before with rookies from the Swans – think Will Gould … – Dan Batten
Sam Davidson (Western Bulldogs)
The Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal is just about the closest thing you can get to a ticket to the big time. Each of the past 17 winners of the VFL’s best young player award has gone on to play in the AFL – Gold Coast’s Sam Clohesy the most-recent example in 2023. The “Doc”, as Davidson is known given he’s studying medicine, is a plug-in-and-play forward, who booted 26 goals in the state league last season. His combination of marking power and speed at ground level might tempt new coach Luke Beveridge to add something different to his forward line in 2025.
SAM DAVIDSON SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: FWD
SC ave: 80 (VFL)
SC verdict: As SuperCoaches know all too well, it could go either way with Beveridge. On the surface, the mature-ager appears SuperCoach gold – at least on the bench – but let’s just wait and see what happens. – Jordan Pinto
Cody Anderson (Hawthorn)
A player dubbed ‘The Beast from the East’ screams immediate impact. Anderson isn’t sure where it originated, but it is certainly fitting given his imposing frame and relentless hunt for the footy and the man. The Hawks Next Generation Academy graduate is a tackling machine, averaging six tackles and six clearances per game for the Eastern Ranges, and stood up in his VFL debut for Box Hill, finishing with 16 disposals and kicking two goals. Anderson isn’t your archetypal big bodied midfielder either, possessing a burst of speed that belies his size. The Healesville product has only added to his muscle this year while working as a tree arborist.
CODY ANDERSON SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: Mid
SC ave: 20 (U18 Champs, injury affected), 88 (VFL), 119 (Coates Talent League)
SC verdict: Scored 88 SuperCoach points in his VFL debut and punched out successive scores of 153, 145 and 177 for the Ranges. A cheap rookie option to track during the pre-season. – Dan Batten
Aidan Johnson (Melbourne)
Johnson was a surprise selection at pick 68 by the Demons, who had been tracking him since he won an Ovens and Murray league premiership alongside Shaun Mannagh in 2019 with Lavington. The 193cm forward didn’t dominate at VFL level this season, kicking 17 goals in 20 games in Weribee VFL’s premiership year, but he loves to crash a pack and has a thirst for the contest. Melbourne recruiting boss Jason Taylor believes the 24-year-old can even pinch-hit in the ruck at the next level. The Demons’ lack of key forward depth has been exposed at times, and Taylor feels Johnson can step in if required.
“We just think he could potentially have an instant impact for us and we are excited by what he can become,” he said on night two of the draft.
AIDAN JOHNSON SUPERCOACH PROFILE
2025 position: FWD
SC ave: 74 (VFL)
SC verdict: Will be cheap but may only come into calculations if there is an injury. — Dan Batten

 

[Presto]

SuperCoach AFL 2025 positions revealed: Search every player
Champion Data has released its full list of AFL player positions for 2025, including a host of fresh faces ready to take SuperCoach by storm. See every position here.
Al Paton, News Sport Network
27 Nov 2024, 12:21:00 pm
Champion Data has locked in positions for every SuperCoach player in 2025, handing 94 players dual-position status.
Three of the biggest bombshells from the annual position review are ex-Bulldogs, who are all forward eligible next season after some magnet spinning by their now former coach Luke Beveridge.
Star Geelong signing Bailey Smith is a FWD/MID, and so is former premiership defender and new Kangaroo Caleb Daniel.
Meanwhile, Jack Macrae, who moved to St Kilda during the trade period, being listed as a FWD only despite winning All-Australian selection three times as a midfielder.
Champion Data has released its allocation of positions for every player after club lists were locked in following the national and rookie drafts.
Draftees have all been given positions for the first time, with new DPPs including St Kilda’s top-10 picks Tobie Travaglia (DEF/MID) and Alex Tauru (DEF/FWD), Essendon livewire Isaac Kako (FWD/MID) and new Eagle Bo Allan (DEF/MID).
One of the least surprising decisions was to list Nick Daicos as a MID only for the first time, while Harry Sheezel is a DEF only. Other players to lose dual-position status include Jye Caldwell (MID only), Nic Martin (DEF only) and Isaac Heeney (MID only).
Sam Flanders’ versatility has been underlined by his listing as a DEF/MID after he starred as a FWD/MID in 2024.
The list of new DPPs also includes Port Adelaide star Jason Horne-Francis (FWD/MID), ex-Swan Luke Parker (FWD/MID) and Demon Trent Rivers (DEF/MID), while Luke Jackson retains RUC/FWD status.
Brisbane’s No.51 draft pick Zane Zakostelsky is the only DEF/RUC in the game next year.
Champion Data allocates positions based on where players lined up last season, with a 35 per cent game time threshold to earn a particular position. Harry Sheezel missed out on DPP by the barest of margins after spending 34.8 per cent of game time in the midfield in 2024.
Positions are reviewed during the season and there will be three DPP updates across 2025.
AL PATON’S 2025 POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
ADELAIDE
Isaac Cumming MID
James Peatling MID
BRISBANE LIONS
Dayne Zorko DEF
Levi Ashcroft MID
CARLTON
Sam Docherty MID
Zac Williams DEF/FWD
COLLINGWOOD
Harry Perryman DEF
Nick Daicos MID
ESSENDON
Jye Caldwell MID
Isaac Kako MID/FWD
FREMANTLE
Nat Fyfe MID
Luke Jackson FWD/RUC
GEELONG
Bailey Smith FWD/MID
Max Holmes DEF/MID
GOLD COAST
Alex Sexton DEF
Sam Flanders DEF/MID
GWS GIANTS
Ollie Hannaford MID/FWD
HAWTHORN
Massimo D’Ambrosio MID
MELBOURNE
Christian Petracca MID
Trent Rivers DEF/MID
NORTH MELBOURNE
Luke Parker FWD/MID
Caleb Daniel FWD/MID
PORT ADELAIDE
Jason Horne-Francis MID/FWD
Jackson Mead MID/FWD
RICHMOND
Sam Lalor MID
Noah Balta DEF/FWD
STKILDA
Mattaes Phillipou FWD/MID
Jack Macrae FWD
SYDNEY
Ben Paton DEF/FWD
Jake Lloyd DEF/MID
WEST COAST
Harley Reid MID
Bo Allan DEF/MID
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Riley Sanders MID/FWD
Matt Kennedy MID/FWD

 

[Presto]

New recruits set to star; best cheapies revealed: 25 players to watch for SuperCoach in 2025
It’s never too early to begin your SuperCoach planning for 2025.
Earlier this week, the Herald Sun launched the 2025 SuperCoach Team Picker, allowing SuperCoach Gold members the chance to pre-emptively pick their squad for next year.
Grand Final
1. Bailey Smith (MID/FWD, $389,200)
New colours, new environment and hopefully a new role. Bailey Smith looks destined to run the engine room down at the Cattery after he was traded from the Western Bulldogs during the trade period. Back in 2022, Smith averaged 98.6 SuperCoach points a game, but he’s only scratched the surface of what he could become. Having been forced to play a mixture of roles under Luke Beveridge, the Cats will release the shackles.
2. Caleb Daniel (MID/FWD, $269,100)
Another player who switched clubs over the off-season, Daniel looks likely to reprise his role as a damaging half-back under Alastair Clarkson at North Melbourne. We know that Kangaroos defenders have scored well in the past and Daniel has scoring pedigree, having averaged 89+ in five seasons throughout his career. He’d fallen out of favour under Beveridge, but a fresh start might be exactly what he needs to reignite his career.
3. Levi Ashcroft (MID, $185,500)
The younger brother of Will and son of Marcus, Levi Ashcroft has football in his blood. He was a dominant junior throughout his time at the Sandringham Dragons and can find plenty of the footy and impact the scoreboard. He is clean, works incredibly hard and has plenty of hunger. He might have to begin his AFL career across half-forward, but he’ll be there round one and is a great pick for SuperCoach players.
4. Marcus Bontempelli (MID, $681,000)
He’s the most expensive player in the game, but he’s also the best player in the game. Bontempelli is a captaincy option every week and is remarkably consistent, dropping below 93 just once last year (73 vs Essendon). The knock is the price tag, but sometimes you have to pay up.
5. Nick Daicos (MID, $631,400)
It’s easy to forget he’s played just three seasons of AFL footy, because he’s one of, if not the best player in the game at the moment. Daicos racks up disposals for fun and can win games off his own boot. A future Brownlow Medallist and will be central to Collingwood’s anticipated rise up the ladder again in 2025.
6. Jagga Smith (MID, $194,500)
The definition of a ball magnet, Smith averaged 29 touches and seven clearances a game at the National Championships for Vic Metro. Slotted in seamlessly to Richmond’s VFL side for a short stint, where he averaged 103 SuperCoach points. He is clean, good at stoppage and will fit in nicely alongside the likes of Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh.
7. Jack Macrae (FWD/MID, $392,200)
Can Jack Macrae get back to some strong form? Between 2018-2022, Macrae averaged 115+ every single year. In fact, if you exclude last year, where his average of 72.8 was somewhat affected by substitute appearances, Macrae hasn’t averaged below 94 since his debut season in 2013. He’s a rolled gold operator and he probably only needs to average 90 to be a keeper given how thin the forward line looks right now. Will likely get a larger centre bounce midfield role at St Kilda than he had at the Dogs, where he was beginning to be phased out for some of their younger talent.
8. Sid Draper (MID, $190,000)
Sid Draper is the local boy that has Adelaide buzzing. A powerful midfielder who is speedy and loves to burst out of stoppage, Draper will add another dimension to what has sometimes been a one-paced midfield group. Draper trained with the Crows last summer and played plenty of SANFL footy this year, so he enters the AFL system ready to go. By all reports, he’s been absolutely tearing the track up this pre-season, too.
9. Harry Sheezel (DEF, $635,600)
Don’t be fooled by his defence only status, Sheezel can play anywhere on the ground which is what makes him so crucial to North Melbourne’s side. Sheezel had just three scores under 103 last season as he increased his average to 118. He’s a classy operator and slices opposition teams apart, which is why the Roos want the ball in his hands as much as possible. The price is hefty, but he’s a quality young player.
10. Sam Flanders (DEF/MID, $641,500)
18 consecutive tons, followed by two scores in the 90s and then a couple of huge scores to finish the year, Sam Flanders had a breakout campaign in 2024. It’s that consistency which makes him a fantastic candidate in defence this year. There’s a little bit of intrigue around his role given he spent time in the backline and in the midfield this year, but more clarity on his role will come early in 2025.
11. Jason Horne-Francis (FWD/MID, $537,000)
No doubt somewhat of an up and down performer from a SuperCoach perspective (high score of 141, low of 46), but in a thin forward line, he’s highly likely to be top six by average. Horne-Francis was one of four Port Adelaide midfielders to average between 54 and 66 per cent of centre bounce attendances in 2024 and you’d expect that to be the case in 2025 as well. He has plenty of game-breaking traits, loves to hit the scoreboard and can certainly find the footy.
12. Josh Smillie (MID, $176,500)
Given the Tigers’ cleanout over the off-season, you’d imagine gun draftee Josh Smillie is there round one. A big-bodied midfielder who is powerful around stoppage and can also go forward and hit the scoreboard, Adem Yze will have to turn to the kids in 2025 and Smillie might be the most ready-made of the lot. Number one pick Sam Lalor is being managed pre-Christmas as he recovers from a serious hamstring injury, but might be used more as a forward to begin with, which would cap his scoring potential.
13. Keidean Coleman (DEF, $269,100)
Coleman was all the rage at the start of last year, before an ACL injury in Opening Round put a stop to his promising campaign. If he is fit for the start of the season (and that’s a big if), he’s probably ahead of the likes of Conor McKenna, Noah Answerth and Ryan Lester in the back half. An awesome 2023 finals series put him on the map from a SuperCoach perspective and at that price, if he’s named early on, you’d have to consider him.
14. Callum Mills (DEF, $357,200)
Mills had a horror 2024 season which began when he hurt his shoulder in an off-season wrestling incident with a teammate. He managed only six games as a result and was well down by his standards. Will 2025 see the captain return to the midfield brigade? Mills averaged 116.6 SuperCoach points back in 2022 and if he can recapture that form, would be a bargain pickup.
15. Bo Allan (DEF/MID, $136,000)
This young Eagle will be ready to go in round one should Andrew McQualter call on him. A powerful midfielder at junior level, Allan might have to start as a half-back, where his speed and ball use will be a real asset to a rebuilding Eagles outfit. Has plied his trade in the WAFL this year which means he should be ready to slot straight in.

 

[Presto]

16. Tobie Travaglia (DEF/MID, $172,000)
Another play in a similar mould to Allan, Travaglia will likely start his career in defence before transitioning into the midfield further down the track. Averaged 143 SuperCoach points in the Coates Talent League this year and is the sort of player who can make an impact straight away, just as running man Darcy Wilson did last year. Dual-position status is a big bonus, too.
17. Clayton Oliver (MID, $451,600)
Oliver could be the biggest bargain in the history of SuperCoach or he could be an awkward pick that needs to be rectified sooner rather than later. The reality is, we probably won’t know until we’re about a month into the season. Oliver had a 2024 season to forget after a disrupted pre-season due to a variety of off-field issues and then he just couldn’t get going. We are talking about a guy who averaged 120+ for four consecutive seasons prior, so if he can get fit and rediscover his best form, look out.
18. Mattaes Phillipou (FWD/MID, $313,800)
Another speculative selection but could 2025 be the year Phillipou breaks out? The South Australian has played largely as a forward throughout his career, but St Kilda coach Ross Lyon released the shackles and gave him some more midfield minutes when fit at the end of the year. Phillipou’s last four scores have all been 80+, which included two tons. Watch his role closely over pre-season, before he secures a more prominent on-ball gig, he is definitely one to look at.
19. Saad El-Hawli (DEF/MID, $119,900)
The Bombers love this guy, and all signs point towards a round one debut off the half-back line. The mature-aged VFL recruit is an elite ball user and will provide plenty of run and carry out of defence. Pick him if named.
20. Tristan Xerri (RUC, $645,900)
Could this be the year that Max Gawn gives up the number one ruck mantle in SuperCoach? Gawn faces a disrupted pre-season due to a larynx injury and Tristan Xerri could be the guy to take his throne. Xerri finished 2024 with 13 consecutive 100s in SuperCoach and averaged a remarkable 119.9 for the season, an improvement of 47 points from his 2023 average. Not only is Xerri a gun around stoppage, he’s also a tackling machine, which means even if he isn’t getting his hands on the ball he’s still getting plenty of points through his defensive hustle.
21. Harvey Langford (MID, $181,000)
It won’t take long for Melbourne’s hard-working prized draftee to feature in 2025. Langford will learn plenty alongside the likes of Jack Viney and Christian Petracca and it’s not out of the question that he enters that midfield mix right from the get-go. If he can’t crack the on-ball brigade, Langford showed through his Vic Country and Dandenong Stingrays journey that he is also more than capable as a forward. Might be too expensive if he doesn’t get midfield minutes, but he might be too good for Simon Goodwin to ignore.
22. Xavier Lindsay (MID, $158,500)
The second half of Melbourne’s top end selections, Xavier Lindsay has been dealing with a knee issue lately but is eyeing a return to full fitness early in the new year. He is a hard runner who is also an elite user of the footy, which means he could slot in on a wing or across half-back to begin with. One to keep an eye on.
23. Tom Lynch (FWD, $183,200)
This one comes with plenty of risk but at such a cheap price, it’s definitely tempting. Injuries have cruelled his last two seasons, but prior to that, his final four scores of 2022 were all 104+. The Tigers are probably destined for the spoon, but Lynch only needs to string together a strong month or so of football to be a worthy pick. Looks like he’s begun getting his fitness back over summer which is a huge positive.
24. Elijah Hewett (FWD/MID, $122,800)
Hewett was one of the most exciting draft prospects from the 2022 draft but injuries have meant he hasn’t had a clean run at things so far in his AFL career. A strong midfielder with a high work rate, Hewett has “given himself a chance to have a great year by the pre-season he’s going to be able to do”, according to new Eagles coach Andrew McQualter.
25. Will Ashcroft (MID, $441,200)
It’s hard to believe this guy has only played 31 games. The son of Marcus and brother of younger brother Levi, Ashcroft is ready to set the competition alight after claiming the Norm Smith Medal in the Lions’ premiership triumph over the Swans. Ashcroft is clean and composed with ball in hand, is elite in congestion and has a knack of drifting forward and hitting the scoreboard. It’s hard to believe that he’s coming off an ACL injury, but he has well and truly dusted those cobwebs off. The most exciting part about Ashcroft? Some of the best footy he played as a junior was alongside Levi. Meet your next dynamic brother duo, folks.

 

[dlanod]

3. Levi Ashcroft (MID, $185,500)
The younger brother of Will and son of Marcus, Levi Ashcroft has football in his blood. He was a dominant junior throughout his time at the Sandringham Dragons and can find plenty of the footy and impact the scoreboard. He is clean, works incredibly hard and has plenty of hunger. He might have to begin his AFL career across half-forward, but he’ll be there round one and is a great pick for SuperCoach players.

Call me crazy but he's one that I worry about the role for. Probably not enough to skip him given even a 60 average with a potential spike score will make you enough to be worth it, but I'll be watching Opening Round with interest for him - it's going to be a struggle for senior spots at the Lions, with 22 premiership players plus four ACLed senior players and McInerney plus LAshcroft all trying to fit into 23 spots, and the only confirmed out is a KPF - not exactly Levi's role.

 

[The Saltshaker]

T

16. Tobie Travaglia (DEF/MID, $172,000)
Another play in a similar mould to Allan, Travaglia will likely start his career in defence before transitioning into the midfield further down the track. Averaged 143 SuperCoach points in the Coates Talent League this year and is the sort of player who can make an impact straight away, just as running man Darcy Wilson did last year. Dual-position status is a big bonus, too.
17. Clayton Oliver (MID, $451,600)
Oliver could be the biggest bargain in the history of SuperCoach or he could be an awkward pick that needs to be rectified sooner rather than later. The reality is, we probably won’t know until we’re about a month into the season. Oliver had a 2024 season to forget after a disrupted pre-season due to a variety of off-field issues and then he just couldn’t get going. We are talking about a guy who averaged 120+ for four consecutive seasons prior, so if he can get fit and rediscover his best form, look out.
18. Mattaes Phillipou (FWD/MID, $313,800)
Another speculative selection but could 2025 be the year Phillipou breaks out? The South Australian has played largely as a forward throughout his career, but St Kilda coach Ross Lyon released the shackles and gave him some more midfield minutes when fit at the end of the year. Phillipou’s last four scores have all been 80+, which included two tons. Watch his role closely over pre-season, before he secures a more prominent on-ball gig, he is definitely one to look at.
19. Saad El-Hawli (DEF/MID, $119,900)
The Bombers love this guy, and all signs point towards a round one debut off the half-back line. The mature-aged VFL recruit is an elite ball user and will provide plenty of run and carry out of defence. Pick him if named.
20. Tristan Xerri (RUC, $645,900)
Could this be the year that Max Gawn gives up the number one ruck mantle in SuperCoach? Gawn faces a disrupted pre-season due to a larynx injury and Tristan Xerri could be the guy to take his throne. Xerri finished 2024 with 13 consecutive 100s in SuperCoach and averaged a remarkable 119.9 for the season, an improvement of 47 points from his 2023 average. Not only is Xerri a gun around stoppage, he’s also a tackling machine, which means even if he isn’t getting his hands on the ball he’s still getting plenty of points through his defensive hustle.
21. Harvey Langford (MID, $181,000)
It won’t take long for Melbourne’s hard-working prized draftee to feature in 2025. Langford will learn plenty alongside the likes of Jack Viney and Christian Petracca and it’s not out of the question that he enters that midfield mix right from the get-go. If he can’t crack the on-ball brigade, Langford showed through his Vic Country and Dandenong Stingrays journey that he is also more than capable as a forward. Might be too expensive if he doesn’t get midfield minutes, but he might be too good for Simon Goodwin to ignore.
22. Xavier Lindsay (MID, $158,500)
The second half of Melbourne’s top end selections, Xavier Lindsay has been dealing with a knee issue lately but is eyeing a return to full fitness early in the new year. He is a hard runner who is also an elite user of the footy, which means he could slot in on a wing or across half-back to begin with. One to keep an eye on.
23. Tom Lynch (FWD, $183,200)
This one comes with plenty of risk but at such a cheap price, it’s definitely tempting. Injuries have cruelled his last two seasons, but prior to that, his final four scores of 2022 were all 104+. The Tigers are probably destined for the spoon, but Lynch only needs to string together a strong month or so of football to be a worthy pick. Looks like he’s begun getting his fitness back over summer which is a huge positive.
24. Elijah Hewett (FWD/MID, $122,800)
Hewett was one of the most exciting draft prospects from the 2022 draft but injuries have meant he hasn’t had a clean run at things so far in his AFL career. A strong midfielder with a high work rate, Hewett has “given himself a chance to have a great year by the pre-season he’s going to be able to do”, according to new Eagles coach Andrew McQualter.
25. Will Ashcroft (MID, $441,200)
It’s hard to believe this guy has only played 31 games. The son of Marcus and brother of younger brother Levi, Ashcroft is ready to set the competition alight after claiming the Norm Smith Medal in the Lions’ premiership triumph over the Swans. Ashcroft is clean and composed with ball in hand, is elite in congestion and has a knack of drifting forward and hitting the scoreboard. It’s hard to believe that he’s coming off an ACL injury, but he has well and truly dusted those cobwebs off. The most exciting part about Ashcroft? Some of the best footy he played as a junior was alongside Levi. Meet your next dynamic brother duo, folks.

Thats literally my team picker side 👀