Discussion 2025: Cash Cows
- Thread starter freowho
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Does anyone see Hugo Garcia as a viable starting option, seems to be popular in starting 22 projections on the BF board.
Scores previously were based on high tackle numbers, averaged 110 Fantasy PPG in 9 games for Sandy last year, but only 55 SC PPG in his 4 senior games, albeit with low TOG.
He's priced at 46 and would have to average around 75 to make him a worthwhile as a stepping stone or downgrade option to Phillipou when he returns.
Scores previously were based on high tackle numbers, averaged 110 Fantasy PPG in 9 games for Sandy last year, but only 55 SC PPG in his 4 senior games, albeit with low TOG.
He's priced at 46 and would have to average around 75 to make him a worthwhile as a stepping stone or downgrade option to Phillipou when he returns.
AFL Supercoach 2025: Rookies, cash cows and cheapies to keep an eye on
AFL Supercoach 2025: Rookies, cash cows and cheapies to keep an eye on
Story by Tom Naghten • 4hrs
Rookies, cash cows, cheapies. Whatever you call them, they're the backbone of any successful AFL Supercoach outfit.
Get them right and you can get an early season boost up the rankings as well as a war chest of funds to spend on the big dogs later in the year.
And if you get them wrong? Well, you may as well pack up and try again next season.
Here, we've compiled a list of the must-have players at bargain basement prices ahead of the 2025 campaign.
Best rookies, cash cows and cheapies for AFL Supercoach 2025
Defenders
Ben Jepson DEF - $99.1k (Gold Coast)
The 23-year-old was picked up as pre-season supplemental selection but shapes as being a potential Supercoach diamond in the rough.
A former B&F winner with Coburg before joining Southport, Jepson was named in the VFL team of the year, averaging almost 25 touches at better than 80 per cent efficiency - a recipe for Supercoach success
Saad El-Hawli DEF/MID - $119.9k (Essendon)
A prolific ball-winner at VFL level, last year's mid-season draftee has hopefully put ankle injury concerns behind him and, with a full pre-season under his belt, could push his way into the Bombers' side.
Zach Reid DEF - $119.9k (Essendon)
Injuries have curtailed the big man's impact at AFL level since being taken with pick 10 in 2020.
If he can get a clean run at it in 2025, he ought to be a lock in your team.
Bo Allan DEF/MID - $136k (West Coast)
A versatile player with good size, Allan captained Western Australia at the U18 National Championships.
Andrew McQualter will be keen to get some young legs into an Eagles side which has struggled in recent times and Allan could get the nod early on.
Tobie Travaglia DEF/MID - $172k (St Kilda)
A massive average of 143 points in the Coates Talent League makes Travaglia an intriguing rookie option.
Capable of pushing into the midfield, the young Saint ought to be on your radar in 2025.
Rucks
Harry Boyd RUC - $99.1k (St Kilda)
Rowan Marshall's injury immediately makes the St Kilda ruck group an interesting rookie proposition.
Keep an ear out for any injury updates out of Moorabbin.
Max Heath RUC/FWD - $119.9k (St Kilda)
Another big man at St Kilda who could be the beneficiary of Marshall's injury.
Dual-position status a big plus too.
Midfielders
Harvey Langford MID - $181k (Melbourne)
Joint winner of the Larke Medal as the best player at the National Championships, the sixth pick in last year's Draft appears ready-made for AFL action.
Big-bodied and prolific ball winner, all eyes will be on team selection at the Demons, with Langford shaping as a potential future Supercoach gun.
Xavier Lindsay MID - $158.5k (Melbourne)
Another first-round pick at the Demons, Lindsay's ball use and foot speed are the key features in his game.
His ability to play across halfback could see him given early games by Simon Goodwin.
Josh Smillie MID - $176.5k (Richmond)
The seventh pick in last year's Draft, Smillie looks to have the physique and engine to play senior football from the get go.
His versatility could see Adem Yze throw him in to the action early in the season.
Angus Sheldrick MID - $161.7k (Sydney)
A hard-nosed midfielder could be just the kind of player Dean Cox turns to as the Swans look to shore up their contested ball presence.
Sheldrick has been unlucky with some untimely injuries in his career thus far but don't be surprised to see him break into Sydney's team before too long.
Levi Ashcroft MID - $185.5k (Brisbane)
They reckon this kid might be even better than this brother? The one that just won the Norm Smith Medal as a 20-year-old? Yikes.
If the reality is anywhere near the hype, this father-son selection is a must-have in your team.
Averaged a whopping 152 points for Sandringham in the Talent League.
Jagga Smith MID - $194.5k (Carlton)
Smith averaged 29 disposals and seven clearances through the U18 National Championships while he posted averages of 27 disposals, six clearances and 103 SuperCoach points in three VFL games for Richmond, in a sign of his scoring potential.
If he's named for the Blues in round one, you'd be a brave soul to leave him out of your team.
Forwards
Tom Lynch FWD - $183.2k (Richmond)
The Richmond big man is certainly one to watch over pre-season.
If his injury woes are behind him, he's a lock in the Tigers' best side, and while his scoring potential as a key forward in a team expected to struggle isn't great, sometimes you have to go with the safe option.
Elijah Hewett FWD/MID - $122.8k (West Coast)
The West Coast man didn't get on the park at all in 2024 but will be desperately hoping for a clean run at it this time around.
More experienced at senior level than some others on this list, he could find his way into the Eagles' team with Elliot Yeo out injured.
Isaac Kako FWD/MID - $149.5k (Essendon)
Kako is an exciting small forward who knows exactly where the goals are.
Should Brad Scott wish to inject some much-needed pace and X-factor into the Bombers' forward line, Kako could well be the man.
Sam Powell-Pepper FWD - $180.5k (Port Adelaide)
An ACL injury meant the 27-year-old didn't play a senior game in 2024 but that means he's at a bargain-basement price this year.
He's no guarantee to be ready to go for round one but finding job security in rookie forwards is always tough.
Neil Erasmus FWD/MID - $119.9k (Fremantle)
An absolute scoring machine at WAFL level for Peel Thunder last year.
Tall, athletic and prolific, if Erasmus can find his way into the Freo side, he looks like being an important forward cash cow option.
Joe Berry FWD - $140.5k (Port Adelaide)
Given a big vote of confidence by Port forwards coach Chad Cornes, who was backing Berry to be in the senior side for round one.
An exciting small forward, the left-footer knows where the goals are and has impressed with his tackling pressure over pre-season.
Sam Davidson FWD - $113.5k (Western Bulldogs)
Uncertainty surrounding Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's immediate playing future, and some good work over the pre-season thus far, has the mature ager in line for a potential early debut.
Able to play up the ground or as a third tall forward, Davidson's stocks have risen significantly in recent weeks.
AFL Supercoach 2025: Rookies, cash cows and cheapies to keep an eye on
Story by Tom Naghten • 4hrs
Rookies, cash cows, cheapies. Whatever you call them, they're the backbone of any successful AFL Supercoach outfit.
Get them right and you can get an early season boost up the rankings as well as a war chest of funds to spend on the big dogs later in the year.
And if you get them wrong? Well, you may as well pack up and try again next season.
Here, we've compiled a list of the must-have players at bargain basement prices ahead of the 2025 campaign.
Best rookies, cash cows and cheapies for AFL Supercoach 2025
Defenders
Ben Jepson DEF - $99.1k (Gold Coast)
The 23-year-old was picked up as pre-season supplemental selection but shapes as being a potential Supercoach diamond in the rough.
A former B&F winner with Coburg before joining Southport, Jepson was named in the VFL team of the year, averaging almost 25 touches at better than 80 per cent efficiency - a recipe for Supercoach success
Saad El-Hawli DEF/MID - $119.9k (Essendon)
A prolific ball-winner at VFL level, last year's mid-season draftee has hopefully put ankle injury concerns behind him and, with a full pre-season under his belt, could push his way into the Bombers' side.
Zach Reid DEF - $119.9k (Essendon)
Injuries have curtailed the big man's impact at AFL level since being taken with pick 10 in 2020.
If he can get a clean run at it in 2025, he ought to be a lock in your team.
Bo Allan DEF/MID - $136k (West Coast)
A versatile player with good size, Allan captained Western Australia at the U18 National Championships.
Andrew McQualter will be keen to get some young legs into an Eagles side which has struggled in recent times and Allan could get the nod early on.
Tobie Travaglia DEF/MID - $172k (St Kilda)
A massive average of 143 points in the Coates Talent League makes Travaglia an intriguing rookie option.
Capable of pushing into the midfield, the young Saint ought to be on your radar in 2025.
Rucks
Harry Boyd RUC - $99.1k (St Kilda)
Rowan Marshall's injury immediately makes the St Kilda ruck group an interesting rookie proposition.
Keep an ear out for any injury updates out of Moorabbin.
Max Heath RUC/FWD - $119.9k (St Kilda)
Another big man at St Kilda who could be the beneficiary of Marshall's injury.
Dual-position status a big plus too.
Midfielders
Harvey Langford MID - $181k (Melbourne)
Joint winner of the Larke Medal as the best player at the National Championships, the sixth pick in last year's Draft appears ready-made for AFL action.
Big-bodied and prolific ball winner, all eyes will be on team selection at the Demons, with Langford shaping as a potential future Supercoach gun.
Xavier Lindsay MID - $158.5k (Melbourne)
Another first-round pick at the Demons, Lindsay's ball use and foot speed are the key features in his game.
His ability to play across halfback could see him given early games by Simon Goodwin.
Josh Smillie MID - $176.5k (Richmond)
The seventh pick in last year's Draft, Smillie looks to have the physique and engine to play senior football from the get go.
His versatility could see Adem Yze throw him in to the action early in the season.
Angus Sheldrick MID - $161.7k (Sydney)
A hard-nosed midfielder could be just the kind of player Dean Cox turns to as the Swans look to shore up their contested ball presence.
Sheldrick has been unlucky with some untimely injuries in his career thus far but don't be surprised to see him break into Sydney's team before too long.
Levi Ashcroft MID - $185.5k (Brisbane)
They reckon this kid might be even better than this brother? The one that just won the Norm Smith Medal as a 20-year-old? Yikes.
If the reality is anywhere near the hype, this father-son selection is a must-have in your team.
Averaged a whopping 152 points for Sandringham in the Talent League.
Jagga Smith MID - $194.5k (Carlton)
Smith averaged 29 disposals and seven clearances through the U18 National Championships while he posted averages of 27 disposals, six clearances and 103 SuperCoach points in three VFL games for Richmond, in a sign of his scoring potential.
If he's named for the Blues in round one, you'd be a brave soul to leave him out of your team.
Forwards
Tom Lynch FWD - $183.2k (Richmond)
The Richmond big man is certainly one to watch over pre-season.
If his injury woes are behind him, he's a lock in the Tigers' best side, and while his scoring potential as a key forward in a team expected to struggle isn't great, sometimes you have to go with the safe option.
Elijah Hewett FWD/MID - $122.8k (West Coast)
The West Coast man didn't get on the park at all in 2024 but will be desperately hoping for a clean run at it this time around.
More experienced at senior level than some others on this list, he could find his way into the Eagles' team with Elliot Yeo out injured.
Isaac Kako FWD/MID - $149.5k (Essendon)
Kako is an exciting small forward who knows exactly where the goals are.
Should Brad Scott wish to inject some much-needed pace and X-factor into the Bombers' forward line, Kako could well be the man.
Sam Powell-Pepper FWD - $180.5k (Port Adelaide)
An ACL injury meant the 27-year-old didn't play a senior game in 2024 but that means he's at a bargain-basement price this year.
He's no guarantee to be ready to go for round one but finding job security in rookie forwards is always tough.
Neil Erasmus FWD/MID - $119.9k (Fremantle)
An absolute scoring machine at WAFL level for Peel Thunder last year.
Tall, athletic and prolific, if Erasmus can find his way into the Freo side, he looks like being an important forward cash cow option.
Joe Berry FWD - $140.5k (Port Adelaide)
Given a big vote of confidence by Port forwards coach Chad Cornes, who was backing Berry to be in the senior side for round one.
An exciting small forward, the left-footer knows where the goals are and has impressed with his tackling pressure over pre-season.
Sam Davidson FWD - $113.5k (Western Bulldogs)
Uncertainty surrounding Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's immediate playing future, and some good work over the pre-season thus far, has the mature ager in line for a potential early debut.
Able to play up the ground or as a third tall forward, Davidson's stocks have risen significantly in recent weeks.
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I'm not hugely into Garcia on face value, at the AFL level he was very inside last year, lots of tackles to prop up his SC numbers. What Pou offers above him is excellent outside skills, so I just don't know where Garcia fits in their midfield mix? Wouldn't they bring into their midfield someone with some outside qualities like Pou has? I guess if Garcia supplants Windy in the rotation maybe, but even then if he's the same player as last year his upside is very limited.
Thanks for pointing out Rozee has a bad bye in an earlier post you made. I think I had that as a plus for him but it was 2024 Port had the great bye, not 2025.
Thanks for pointing out Rozee has a bad bye in an earlier post you made. I think I had that as a plus for him but it was 2024 Port had the great bye, not 2025.
Trying to place the rookies that might be high half forwards. JSmith, Ashcroft, Lalor etc. Wondering if anyone can think of past examples. I'm struggling to think of a good example. Most of our good rookies have been mid or half back. Rozee 77 and Butters 60 in their first years. Bont 78 in his first year. Fyfe 90 with a 151 towards the end of the year which wouldn't have been much good. 81 in the first stretch of 5 games he played before a break.
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Thought I'd post my thoughts on the Melbourne listed players that are rookie priced and somewhat relevant before the unofficial scratch matches begin this weekend.
Sharp ($189,100 MID) - He has actually been great so far this pre-season and was one of our best in the most recent match sim. A decent chance for round 1 where he would be expected to predominantly play on a wing with Windsor spending time at half-back and Langdon expected to attend some CBA's this season.
Langford ($181,000 MID) - Super impressive since he arrived at the club. Expecting him to debut round 1 where he is likely to play a hybrid half-fwd/mid role.
Lindsay ($158,500 MID) - Was eased into pre-season coming off a knee injury but has hit the ground running and has trained well. Played for the A team in the most recent match sim and is considered a genuine round 1 chance. Likely to start his career off half-back.
McAdam (158,400 FWD) - Plagued by injury and fitness issues last season, he's had a decent pre-season so far although his name does pop up in the rehab group from time to time. With Kozzie missing the first three matches, McAdam is a chance of featuring early.
Laurie (152,800 FWD/MID) - Has been good this pre-season but we saw the same thing last pre-season only for it to not translate to anything when playing at the top level. Played for the B team in the most recent match sim which gives a fair idea of where he is at.
Woewodin ($152,600 DEF) - Showed some good glimpses last season but looks to be down the pecking order to start the season. B team in most recent match sim.
Campbell ($147,100 RUC) - He's been really impressive on the track but find it highly unlikely that he plays in the same team as Gawn. If Max goes down with injury then Campbell could be one of the best rookie priced players we get.
Spargo ($135,800 FWD) - After an achilles injury wiped out his 2024 season, he has been on a highly modified program all pre-season and won't be ready for round 1. One to watch as a downgrade option later in the year.
Jefferson ($119,900 FWD) - Was very close to a debut last season and aside from a concussion sustained earlier this pre-season, he hasn't missed a beat. Played for the A team in the most recent match sim and a genuine chance of debuting round 1. Highly unlikely to score well in SC though as a key forward.
Johnson ($113,500 FWD) - Was one of the last picked in the National Draft. Mature age ruck/fwd who has been impressive this pre-season. Might have to wait for a debut though as he was in the B team for the most recent match sim.
Feel free to post thoughts on rookie priced players from your own team for anybody who has been following their club's pre-season.
Sharp ($189,100 MID) - He has actually been great so far this pre-season and was one of our best in the most recent match sim. A decent chance for round 1 where he would be expected to predominantly play on a wing with Windsor spending time at half-back and Langdon expected to attend some CBA's this season.
Langford ($181,000 MID) - Super impressive since he arrived at the club. Expecting him to debut round 1 where he is likely to play a hybrid half-fwd/mid role.
Lindsay ($158,500 MID) - Was eased into pre-season coming off a knee injury but has hit the ground running and has trained well. Played for the A team in the most recent match sim and is considered a genuine round 1 chance. Likely to start his career off half-back.
McAdam (158,400 FWD) - Plagued by injury and fitness issues last season, he's had a decent pre-season so far although his name does pop up in the rehab group from time to time. With Kozzie missing the first three matches, McAdam is a chance of featuring early.
Laurie (152,800 FWD/MID) - Has been good this pre-season but we saw the same thing last pre-season only for it to not translate to anything when playing at the top level. Played for the B team in the most recent match sim which gives a fair idea of where he is at.
Woewodin ($152,600 DEF) - Showed some good glimpses last season but looks to be down the pecking order to start the season. B team in most recent match sim.
Campbell ($147,100 RUC) - He's been really impressive on the track but find it highly unlikely that he plays in the same team as Gawn. If Max goes down with injury then Campbell could be one of the best rookie priced players we get.
Spargo ($135,800 FWD) - After an achilles injury wiped out his 2024 season, he has been on a highly modified program all pre-season and won't be ready for round 1. One to watch as a downgrade option later in the year.
Jefferson ($119,900 FWD) - Was very close to a debut last season and aside from a concussion sustained earlier this pre-season, he hasn't missed a beat. Played for the A team in the most recent match sim and a genuine chance of debuting round 1. Highly unlikely to score well in SC though as a key forward.
Johnson ($113,500 FWD) - Was one of the last picked in the National Draft. Mature age ruck/fwd who has been impressive this pre-season. Might have to wait for a debut though as he was in the B team for the most recent match sim.
Feel free to post thoughts on rookie priced players from your own team for anybody who has been following their club's pre-season.
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I'm glad this thread is called "Cash Cows" rather than "rookies".
Of the 81 players that increased by $100K or more 37% of them had a starting price of $200K or more:
What I think we can learn from this is:
Of the 81 players that increased by $100K or more 37% of them had a starting price of $200K or more:
What I think we can learn from this is:
- A player given more ruck responsibility are likely to increase. (Tristan Xerri, Tom De Koning, Lloyd Meek & Darcy Cameron)
- Watch players with new role or more game time (Massimo D'Ambrosio, Charlie Comben, James Harmes, etc.)
- A few are just high price rookies (Colby McKercher, Harley Reid, etc.)
- A few are just natural progression (Jason Horne-Francis, etc.)
- Some you just don't see coming (Jesse Hogan, Josh Battle, etc.)
Great write up.
Not worth going into as much depth at the Hawks. The only player under $200K I can see possibly starting in R1 at this stage is Max Ramsden ($128,200). I expect they will need to give Chol some chop out up forward with another tall until Dear is available, and although there's some mid sized options available, Ramma is the best fit. He's apparently held up well through various training sessions, and is a decent runner for someone his size.
https://www.zerohanger.com/ramsden-ready-to-fire-158169/
Not worth going into as much depth at the Hawks. The only player under $200K I can see possibly starting in R1 at this stage is Max Ramsden ($128,200). I expect they will need to give Chol some chop out up forward with another tall until Dear is available, and although there's some mid sized options available, Ramma is the best fit. He's apparently held up well through various training sessions, and is a decent runner for someone his size.
https://www.zerohanger.com/ramsden-ready-to-fire-158169/
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I reckon Liam Reidy ($132,600 RUC) is about to become a lot more popular with the news that Sean Darcy will be back round 3-5 at the earliest, and let’s be honest, with his injury history that’s more likely to be closer to round 8.
A solid showing tonight against Coen Livingstone and the Indigenous All-Stars could see his ownership start to trend upwards.
A solid showing tonight against Coen Livingstone and the Indigenous All-Stars could see his ownership start to trend upwards.
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If Darcy is only out for 3-5 weeks not sure it’s worth it considering we’d potentially only get a few price rises out of him. Would be more comfortable trading into him if Darcy looks like he’ll miss longer. He isn’t injured as such just recovering from surgery.
If he can’t dominate against Livingstone then I really have no hope for him as a pick. Scored 29 in a full game against Sweet last year.
If he can’t dominate against Livingstone then I really have no hope for him as a pick. Scored 29 in a full game against Sweet last year.