No Worries :-
DAN BATTEN’S ROOKIE RATINGS
PROJECTIONS COURTESY OF BRICE MITCHELL (@bricemitchell) –
1. Brad Close ($109,900, MID/FWD) | BE: 22 Ave: N/A
When the No. 1 rookie option hasn’t even played, you know the cheapie situation is dire. Close averaged 16 touches and 77 points in 21 SANFL games last season but a KFC SuperCoach average of 60 would be enough at his discounted price. DPP status only sweetens the deal over a period where flexibility is a must. Watch his debut with interest as this will give us a better idea of his scoring potential and job security.
2. Andrew McPherson (approx. $215,000, DEF) BE: -15 Ave: 72.6
Hang on, wasn’t Andrew McPherson a bubble boy a fortnight ago? Yes, but with many coaches struggling to field six players in defence, McPherson can help give us some certainty. The 21-year-old lifted to another level when Tom Doedee (hamstring) went off, scoring a season-high 90 points. Nearly half of his 13 disposals per game have been won from intercepts and his job security is rock solid, with his Round 8 effort ensuring at least another fortnight of price rises. Doedee’s injury should only improve his scoring with plenty of footy in winless Adelaide’s back 50.
3. Ben McKay (approx. $192,000, DEF) BE: -41 Ave: 78
KFC SuperCoaches looked at Ben McKay’s score of 82 in Round 7 with understandable scepticism, given the key defender collected just five disposals along with a whopping 15 spoils. The young Roo backed up that total with a solid 70-point score in wet conditions against Carlton, winning more of the footy (10 touches) and tallying four spoils. His place in the North Melbourne side appears safe with their spate of injuries and he holds a super low -41 break even ahead of Round 9. The only issue is he’s a key defender, which means you should brace for a poor score or two.
Darcy Cameron was Collingwood’s second best scorer with 92 points against West Coast.
4. Darcy Cameron (approx. $196,000, RUCK/FWD) BE: -4 Ave: 64.3
Darcy Cameron has again leapfrogged Mason Cox and cemented his spot in the short-term with a commanding performance in their heavy loss to West Coast. The WA native slotted two early goals and won eight disposals, all contested, including three contested marks. He also spent more time in the ruck, and expect this to continue over the next four rounds as the Magpies look to ease Brodie Grundy through this hectic schedule. Cameron can also provide ruck cover if Max Gawn or Brodie Grundy are managed.
5. Callum Porter ($123,900, MID) | BE: 12 Ave: 39
As mentioned above, Porter’s score was hindered by injury and his midfield minutes were encouraging for his SuperCoach prospects. Luke Beveridge has shown a willingness to play the kids but will he remain in the Bulldogs side long enough to make enough cash?
6. Mitch Georgiades (approx. $180,000, FWD) | BE: -56 Ave: 82
Power youngster Mitch Georgiades shot from 0 points to his halftime score of 56 in an instant, reeling in several contested marks and booting a goal. His scores of 78 and 86 in two games have been very impressive but his non-existent quarter and a half means it may be worth treading carefully, especially as a couple of quiet games could see him dropped. A massive price rise awaits him in Round 9 though if he can continue this form.
Matthew Ling made a long-awaited debut for Sydney in Round 8.
7. Matthew Ling ($123,900, MID) | BE: 4 Ave: 47
Ling, a first-round draft pick in 2017, didn’t set the world on fire from a KFC SuperCoach perspective, but looked assured with ball in hand across halfback. He collected 10 touches and posted 47 points, the second lowest of any Swan. Sydney’s mounting injuries could work in his favour but be sure to check team announcements before making the call. His shaky job security means it’s probably worth paying up for McPherson or McKay if you need a rookie backman.
8. Keegan Brooksby ($117,300, RUCK) | BE: N/A Ave: 55
Keegan Brooksby’s run in the Hawks side is likely to be a brief one with Jon Ceglar’s return looming. Darcy Cameron looks to be a better bet if you are after ruck cover.
