KFC SuperCoach AFL 2022 Rookie Bible: All the cheapies you need to know
With AFL practice matches a month and way, it’s time to devise our KFC SuperCoach rookie shortlist.
Well... a long short-list.
Money-making cheapies are the key to KFC SuperCoach success and we’ve got you covered with more than 50 profiles — including junior numbers and averages — on the best options.
A host of cash cows are already putting their hands up for selection and an AFL draft jam-packed with quality midfielders bodes well for our rookie prospects.
However, another Covid-19 interrupted year of junior football doesn’t work in our favour so much.
Find out which rookies you should be selecting below.
ADELAIDE
Josh Rachele $184,800 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 129 (NAB League)
The Crows need class, skill and x-factor forward of centre, and Rachele fits the bill right away. Adelaide’s top pick has already impressed on the track and if all goes from here, will improve Matthew Nicks’ side offensively from Round 1. The 18-year-old averaged 129 KFC SuperCoach points and booted 11 goals in four games, playing as a forward, in the NAB League last year and could be worth the top-end rookie price tag as a forward.
Jackson Hately $188,700 MID
2021 SC Ave: 99 (SANFL)
Hately managed just three senior appearances in his first year at the Crows after arriving with high hopes, following some impressive numbers in limited games for GWS. But the tall midfielder, who averaged 99 points in 10 SANFL games last year, hasn’t missed a beat over summer and could get his chance in 2022. It will be great buying if - and it’s still a reasonably-sized if - he does.
Luke Pedlar $123,900 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 20 (2 games), 57 (SANFL)
The first-round draft pick didn’t have a big impact in his first season at the Crows at any level. But there were glimpses in his 13-disposal debut against the Lions and the three-goal opener in the SANFL. And Pedlar, a tough ball-winner who can break away from congestion, has traits that are likely to translate to KFC SuperCoach scoring, should more chances come in a young Crows midfield.
Jake Soligo $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 114 (NAB League)
There were some comparisons made to Swan Errol Gulden around draft time, given Soligo’s foot skills, clean hands at ground level and footy IQ. And that should get the attention of all KFC SuperCoaches. The 18-year-old matched it with the bigger bodies in the VFL last year and averaged 23 disposals, 10 contested possessions and six tackles in the NAB League. Word is he’s in front of fellow draftee Zac Taylor at the moment, too.
BRISBANE
Ely Smith $123,900 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 69 (VFL)
The 21-year-old spent much of the summer in KFC SuperCoach teams last year before the first of two syndesmosis injuries ruined his chances of an early-season debut. Smith, who was drafted as an inside bull before impressing as running midfielder early in 2021, played just four matches for the year – all in the VFL and none consecutive. But he’s fit and played on-ball in Brisbane’s recent match-sim – albeit in the B team.
Darcy Wilmot $139,800 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 87 (NAB League)
With the retirement of Grant Birchall, there could be an opening for the talented Wilmot who not only offers line-breaking run and neat ball-use from defence, but also a strong defensive mindset. The youngest player drafted last year – who Dayne Zorko is tipping to play AFL footy in 2022 - wasn’t a big ball-winner as a junior but he wins it back off the opposition and makes it count.
CARLTON
Charlie Curnow $224,300 FWD
2021 SC Ave: 51
A fit Charlie Curnow, who averaged 74 and 77 in his last two injury-free years – his second and third in the competition – is almost a no-brainer. And the signs are good so far this summer, but the fact is the talented forward, who played in the final four rounds of 2021, has played just 15 games since 2019. Monitor closely
Jesse Motlop $117,300 FWD
2021 SC Ave: 53 (WAFL), 71 (U18 Champs)
Small-forwards are never high on the watchlist for KFC SuperCoaches, but, after booting nine goals in eight WAFL matches last year, Motlop looks ready to step straight into a Blues line-up in need of a sublimely skilled goal-kicker. He might not post big numbers if does play, but – at this point – there aren’t many other forward bench options around at the price.
Corey Durdin $143,700 FWD
2021 SC Ave: 33 (2 games), 57 (VFL)
Motlop has arrived but Durdin could be the one to fill the Eddie Betts void first this year, after playing in the final two games of his debut season, He dominated in the midfield as a junior, with his speed, skill and footy smarts, before playing as a forward at senior level in his draft year. He’s one who could have an impact with limited possession, once he finds his feet.
Brodie Kemp $156,800 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 36 (2 games), 66 (VFL)
Carlton fans waited a long time to see Kemp in the Navy Blue after he did his ACL in his draft year. After impressing at VFL level, the versatile, 193cm 20-year-old showed some great signs in defence in Round 23, tallying 14 disposals, seven spoils, four rebound-50s and 52 points in his second career game. He can run through the midfield, and play as a forward, but he’s been, again, working with the defenders over summer.
COLLINGWOOD
Nick Daicos $193,800 MID
2021 SC Ave: 159 (NAB League)
In his five NAB League games last year, Daicos posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 177, 166, 145, 169 and 138. He was ready for AFL footy last season – even the Magpies said he probably would’ve got a game. Daicos, who averaged 36 disposals and two goals, has the versatility and skill set to be used on each line, but new coach Craig Mcrae told News Corp recently the Magpies will “try to play him across halfback and through the midfield” early in his career. Mcrae went on to described Daicos as “an elite decision maker” who “sees things others don’t”.
Finlay Macrae $206,800 MID
2021 SC Ave: 38 (9 games), 97 (VFL)
It was a frustrating first KFC SuperCoach season for Macrae, who battled for regular opportunity in Collingwood’s best 22. But he showed in spurts his elite ball-winning ability, highlighted by his 20-disposal performance in just 61 per cent game time against the Hawks in Round 21. Remind you of anyone? A consistent midfield role – one floated by Pies GM Nick Maxwell in January - for Macrae could bring a serious KFC SuperCoach spike, quickly.
Reef McInnes $123,900 MID
2021 SC Ave: 61 (VFL)
Maxwell also confirmed Collingwood wants to expose McInnes in the midfield in 2022. The big-bodied 194cm on-baller didn’t feature at senior level in his debut season but showed some great signs in the VFL. McInness, who lacks some polish by foot, tallied 19 disposals, 11 tackles and 106 points in Round 3 before finishing the year with 17 disposals, 10 contested possessions and nine clearances in his final game.
Charlie Dean $102,400 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 85 (VFL)
A mature-age intercept defender, who won the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the VFL’s best young player? Now that’s KFC SuperCoach gold as it was with Docker Luke Ryan in 2017. The ready-made Dean averaged eight intercepts and 85 KFC SuperCoach points per game for Williamstown and is a rookie lock if he can squeeze in for Round 1.
ESSENDON
Garrett McDonagh $117,300 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 84 (VFL)
You don’t pick 25-year-olds from the VFL to develop them. And Bombers list boss Adrian Dodoro confirmed just that post-draft, declaring the long-kicking defender “could possible play very early on in the piece”. McDonagh, a terrific runner who is a great ball user by foot, averaged 21 disposals, five intercepts, and five rebound-50s in the VFL last season.
Kaine Baldwin $123,800 FWD
2021 SC Ave: DNP
Baldwin join the Bombers as an SSP signing in early 2021 after being overlooked in the draft. In terms of talent, the Glenelg junior was on par with fellow South Australians Riley Thilthorpe and Lachie Jones, but two knee reconstructions saw him overlooked. He’s on the way, however, to completing a full pre-season and could be one to surprise in 2022.
Ben Hobbs $153,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 127 (NAB League)
With the return of Dylan Shiel and Jye Caldwell, coupled with the rise of Darcy Parish, it’s going to be a hard midfield to break into this year. But Hobbs is ready if there’s an opening. Taking out the injury-affected Round 4 score, the strongly-built teenager averaged 29 disposals, 13 contested possessions, six clearances, five tackles and 148 KFC SuperCoach points in the NAB League last season.
With AFL practice matches a month and way, it’s time to devise our KFC SuperCoach rookie shortlist.
Well... a long short-list.
Money-making cheapies are the key to KFC SuperCoach success and we’ve got you covered with more than 50 profiles — including junior numbers and averages — on the best options.
A host of cash cows are already putting their hands up for selection and an AFL draft jam-packed with quality midfielders bodes well for our rookie prospects.
However, another Covid-19 interrupted year of junior football doesn’t work in our favour so much.
Find out which rookies you should be selecting below.
ADELAIDE
Josh Rachele $184,800 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 129 (NAB League)
The Crows need class, skill and x-factor forward of centre, and Rachele fits the bill right away. Adelaide’s top pick has already impressed on the track and if all goes from here, will improve Matthew Nicks’ side offensively from Round 1. The 18-year-old averaged 129 KFC SuperCoach points and booted 11 goals in four games, playing as a forward, in the NAB League last year and could be worth the top-end rookie price tag as a forward.
Jackson Hately $188,700 MID
2021 SC Ave: 99 (SANFL)
Hately managed just three senior appearances in his first year at the Crows after arriving with high hopes, following some impressive numbers in limited games for GWS. But the tall midfielder, who averaged 99 points in 10 SANFL games last year, hasn’t missed a beat over summer and could get his chance in 2022. It will be great buying if - and it’s still a reasonably-sized if - he does.
Luke Pedlar $123,900 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 20 (2 games), 57 (SANFL)
The first-round draft pick didn’t have a big impact in his first season at the Crows at any level. But there were glimpses in his 13-disposal debut against the Lions and the three-goal opener in the SANFL. And Pedlar, a tough ball-winner who can break away from congestion, has traits that are likely to translate to KFC SuperCoach scoring, should more chances come in a young Crows midfield.
Jake Soligo $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 114 (NAB League)
There were some comparisons made to Swan Errol Gulden around draft time, given Soligo’s foot skills, clean hands at ground level and footy IQ. And that should get the attention of all KFC SuperCoaches. The 18-year-old matched it with the bigger bodies in the VFL last year and averaged 23 disposals, 10 contested possessions and six tackles in the NAB League. Word is he’s in front of fellow draftee Zac Taylor at the moment, too.
BRISBANE
Ely Smith $123,900 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 69 (VFL)
The 21-year-old spent much of the summer in KFC SuperCoach teams last year before the first of two syndesmosis injuries ruined his chances of an early-season debut. Smith, who was drafted as an inside bull before impressing as running midfielder early in 2021, played just four matches for the year – all in the VFL and none consecutive. But he’s fit and played on-ball in Brisbane’s recent match-sim – albeit in the B team.
Darcy Wilmot $139,800 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 87 (NAB League)
With the retirement of Grant Birchall, there could be an opening for the talented Wilmot who not only offers line-breaking run and neat ball-use from defence, but also a strong defensive mindset. The youngest player drafted last year – who Dayne Zorko is tipping to play AFL footy in 2022 - wasn’t a big ball-winner as a junior but he wins it back off the opposition and makes it count.
CARLTON
Charlie Curnow $224,300 FWD
2021 SC Ave: 51
A fit Charlie Curnow, who averaged 74 and 77 in his last two injury-free years – his second and third in the competition – is almost a no-brainer. And the signs are good so far this summer, but the fact is the talented forward, who played in the final four rounds of 2021, has played just 15 games since 2019. Monitor closely
Jesse Motlop $117,300 FWD
2021 SC Ave: 53 (WAFL), 71 (U18 Champs)
Small-forwards are never high on the watchlist for KFC SuperCoaches, but, after booting nine goals in eight WAFL matches last year, Motlop looks ready to step straight into a Blues line-up in need of a sublimely skilled goal-kicker. He might not post big numbers if does play, but – at this point – there aren’t many other forward bench options around at the price.
Corey Durdin $143,700 FWD
2021 SC Ave: 33 (2 games), 57 (VFL)
Motlop has arrived but Durdin could be the one to fill the Eddie Betts void first this year, after playing in the final two games of his debut season, He dominated in the midfield as a junior, with his speed, skill and footy smarts, before playing as a forward at senior level in his draft year. He’s one who could have an impact with limited possession, once he finds his feet.
Brodie Kemp $156,800 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 36 (2 games), 66 (VFL)
Carlton fans waited a long time to see Kemp in the Navy Blue after he did his ACL in his draft year. After impressing at VFL level, the versatile, 193cm 20-year-old showed some great signs in defence in Round 23, tallying 14 disposals, seven spoils, four rebound-50s and 52 points in his second career game. He can run through the midfield, and play as a forward, but he’s been, again, working with the defenders over summer.
COLLINGWOOD
Nick Daicos $193,800 MID
2021 SC Ave: 159 (NAB League)
In his five NAB League games last year, Daicos posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 177, 166, 145, 169 and 138. He was ready for AFL footy last season – even the Magpies said he probably would’ve got a game. Daicos, who averaged 36 disposals and two goals, has the versatility and skill set to be used on each line, but new coach Craig Mcrae told News Corp recently the Magpies will “try to play him across halfback and through the midfield” early in his career. Mcrae went on to described Daicos as “an elite decision maker” who “sees things others don’t”.
Finlay Macrae $206,800 MID
2021 SC Ave: 38 (9 games), 97 (VFL)
It was a frustrating first KFC SuperCoach season for Macrae, who battled for regular opportunity in Collingwood’s best 22. But he showed in spurts his elite ball-winning ability, highlighted by his 20-disposal performance in just 61 per cent game time against the Hawks in Round 21. Remind you of anyone? A consistent midfield role – one floated by Pies GM Nick Maxwell in January - for Macrae could bring a serious KFC SuperCoach spike, quickly.
Reef McInnes $123,900 MID
2021 SC Ave: 61 (VFL)
Maxwell also confirmed Collingwood wants to expose McInnes in the midfield in 2022. The big-bodied 194cm on-baller didn’t feature at senior level in his debut season but showed some great signs in the VFL. McInness, who lacks some polish by foot, tallied 19 disposals, 11 tackles and 106 points in Round 3 before finishing the year with 17 disposals, 10 contested possessions and nine clearances in his final game.
Charlie Dean $102,400 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 85 (VFL)
A mature-age intercept defender, who won the Fothergill-Round-Mitchell Medal as the VFL’s best young player? Now that’s KFC SuperCoach gold as it was with Docker Luke Ryan in 2017. The ready-made Dean averaged eight intercepts and 85 KFC SuperCoach points per game for Williamstown and is a rookie lock if he can squeeze in for Round 1.
ESSENDON
Garrett McDonagh $117,300 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 84 (VFL)
You don’t pick 25-year-olds from the VFL to develop them. And Bombers list boss Adrian Dodoro confirmed just that post-draft, declaring the long-kicking defender “could possible play very early on in the piece”. McDonagh, a terrific runner who is a great ball user by foot, averaged 21 disposals, five intercepts, and five rebound-50s in the VFL last season.
Kaine Baldwin $123,800 FWD
2021 SC Ave: DNP
Baldwin join the Bombers as an SSP signing in early 2021 after being overlooked in the draft. In terms of talent, the Glenelg junior was on par with fellow South Australians Riley Thilthorpe and Lachie Jones, but two knee reconstructions saw him overlooked. He’s on the way, however, to completing a full pre-season and could be one to surprise in 2022.
Ben Hobbs $153,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 127 (NAB League)
With the return of Dylan Shiel and Jye Caldwell, coupled with the rise of Darcy Parish, it’s going to be a hard midfield to break into this year. But Hobbs is ready if there’s an opening. Taking out the injury-affected Round 4 score, the strongly-built teenager averaged 29 disposals, 13 contested possessions, six clearances, five tackles and 148 KFC SuperCoach points in the NAB League last season.
