News Herald Sun SuperCoach Articles

[Professor]

GOLD COAST
Elijah Hollands $123.900 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 72 (VFL)

The pick 7 from the 2020 draft hasn’t played a senior game but he’s on track to feature early in 2022 after an impressive finish to his debut season at VFL level. After working his way back from an ACL tear, Hollands, an explosive 188cm midfielder who can play forward, tallied 27 disposals, 11 contested possessions, five clearances and 112 KFC SuperCoach points in his third and final game for the year.

DB: Locked in my side at the moment. It’s great vale for a second-year player who was mooted as a potential top-three draft pick in 2020.

TP: Lock it up.

Alex Davies is ready to blossom. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Elijah Hollands (left) steps it up at pre-season training. Picture: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/Getty Images
Alex Davies $202,400 MID
2021 SC Ave: 60 (1 games), 86 (VFL)

Davies, a 191cm midfielder, is a contested-ball star, who hunts the body when he doesn’t get his hands on it first. On debut in the final round last season, Davies won 14 of his 17 possessions in a contest and applied six tackles, on his way to 62 KFC SuperCoach points. In his final four VFL matches before the season was called off, the 19-year-old Suns Academy graduate averaged 21 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven clearances, seven tackles and 111 points. Is he the Hugh Greenwood replacement?

DB: Any danger of saving his debut until 2022, Dewey? Would have been a perfect option at $123k — $200k seems a stretch.

TP: Plays a game perfect for KFC SuperCoach and Hugh Greenwood is gone. Could be a great point-of-difference to the top draftees if he starts.

Charlie Constable $213,400 MID
2021 SC Ave: 48 (3 games), 120 (VFL)

The Suns also have big-bodied midfielder Constable to help fill the Greenwood void after the former Cat was given a lifeline in the national draft. Numbers have never been a problem for Constable, opportunity – and maybe what he does without the ball – has. He averaged 23 disposals and 84 points in the first six games of his career in 2019, but Constable has played just six AFL games since. The 22-year-old finished his time at the Cats with scores of 175, 132 and 146 before the VFL season was called off in 2021.

DB: This $200k Sun is more like it. Constable is in that sweet spot of age profile and dominant state league scoring, who is now in a low-ranked side. Watch his midfield time with interest during their pre-season matches.

TP: Has posted impressive KFC SuperCoach numbers, at all levels, when given consistent opportunity. So, if he stars during the pre-season games, it might be hard to leave him out.

Bodhi Uwland $102,400 DEF/MID
2021 SC Ave: 141 (NAB League), 63 (VFL)

Uwland is ready to go after mixing it with the bigger bodies at VFL and QAFL level in 2021. Added to the Suns list via the club’s pre-draft concessions, the Academy gun averaged 63 points in six VFL matches, with his 19-disposal, 10-intercept, 112-point performance against Sydney the highlight. And the teenager also posted KFC SuperCoach scores of 151 and 120 in his two NAB League appearances.

DB: The big-bodied draftee showed he can match it with men, and he would be a defensive rookie lock if named in Round 1. But there’s plenty of young midfielders ahead of him at this point.

TP: Ready to go, and would be a great dual-position bench option if there’s a spot for him in Round 1.

James Tsitas $102,400 MID
2021 SC Ave: 122 (SANFL)

The 26-year-old claimed the Suns’ final list spot in February after impressing over summer and winning the Magarey Medal in the SANFL - an award he shared with Bryce Gibbs - last year. Including finals, Tsitas averaged 29 disposals, 11 contested possessions, six tackles and 122 points in 2021 and posted KFC SuperCoach tons in 17 of his 21 games. In his 12 matches of the year, as the Eagles stormed to back-to-back flags, the ball magnet averaged a huge 131 points per game.

DB: His numbers, age profile and the team he’s been recruited by speak for themselves. Lock it in, Eddie.

TP: Yep - and probably on-field.

GWS
Braydon Preuss $204,700 RUCK
2021 SC Ave: DNP

Preuss didn’t play a game due to injury in his first season at the Giants last year but the cheap R2 strategy could be back on. Remember, in the three games he played without Max Gawn at the Demons, Preuss posted scores of 84, 85 and 140. And in his two at North Melbourne without Todd Goldstein, he scored 111 and an injury-affected 39.

DB: Whether it’s at R2 or R3, Preuss is an absolute must-have. He shapes as the early favourite for rookie of the year — the only question mark is his durability.

TP: Even if you’re not going down the rookie R2 path, pick him for the cash generation and cover on the bench. Yes, it’s worth it.

Finn Callaghan $198,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 111 (NAB League)

The rapid development of his inside game saw Callaghan bolt into the top three of last year’s draft. But we could see his speed, damaging left-foot and agility used on the outside early on in his career, given the Giants’ current midfield mix. Callaghan scored 105, 140, 132 and 138 in the his final four NAB League games but sits down the rookie pecking order, given his high price-tag - at this stage, anyway.

DB: A wing role awaits Callaghan early in his career, which probably rules him out at the price. Expect Callaghn to feature heavily in KFC SuperCoach conversations in the near future.

TP: Too many others around the price this year - but remember the name.

HAWTHORN
Josh Ward $180,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 133 (NAB League)

An ultra-consistent midfielder in the mould of his coach, Ward posted 124 points or above in four of his five NAB League games. Ward can be used on the inside and outside and his immense work-ethic means it’ll be a matter of when, rather than if, he debuts in 2022. Sam Mitchell will look to blood more kids in the Hawks’ regenerating phase and Ward looks set to be first cab off the rank. And there was plenty of buzz around him after their recent intra-club match, where he started in the centre-bounce and was one of the standouts.

DB: One of the higher-priced you should consider for that M6-7 slot. Ward is just so reliable and hardworking that an 80-plus average isn’t out of the question for him this year.

TP: Big junior numbers, elite work rate and a team in need of a new look in the midfield. All signs point to Ward also being worth the top-end rookie price tag.

Top-10 draft pick Josh Ward could step straight into Sam Mitchell’s midfield rotation. Picture: Michael Klein
Max Lynch $207,700 RUC
2021 SC Ave: 52 (AFL); 97 (VFL)

Stuck behind Brodie Grundy at the Magpies, Lynch crossed to the Hawks in the trade period for greater opportunity. The 23-year-old ruckman held his own in his two games for Collingwood last year, and finished strongly in the reserves, averaging 113.3 points in his last four matches. While Jon Ceglar is out of the equation, the question mark remains whether he can leapfrog 2021 cash cow Ned Reeves in the ruck queue – especially at the price.

DB: Mitchell told the Herald Sun that it seems “unlikely” Ben McEvoy, Reeves and Lynch will play in the same side. Preuss looks a better buy than Lynch for this reason.

TP: Might be just back-up at Hawthorn to start with.

Connor MacDonald $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 148 (NAB League)

MacDonald was a ball-winning machine for the Dandenong Stingrays, averaging 30 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven inside 50s, five clearances and 148 KFC SuperCoach points per game in the NAB League last season. The inside midfielder’s professionalism should hold him in good stead as he vies for a debut, and we know the Hawks have an ageing midfield group.

DB: His junior numbers are encouraging, and recruiters remarked about his character at draft time. Another Hawks midfield cheapie to watch.

TP: MacDonald is another young Hawk to have impressed in recent match sim. Fingers crossed for some official pre-season action.

Sam Butler $117,300 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 98 (NAB League)

We saw small forward Tyler Brockman receive early opportunities last year and Butler, the brother of St Kilda goalsneak Dan, could be a similar case. The forward/midfielder has elite all-round athletic traits, which can see him push for selection early doors. He averaged a promising 98 points per game at NAB League level splitting his time between the forward 50 and the midfield, but will most likely start his career in attack.

DB: Has the athletic profile to break in, and Hawthorn will look to young small forwards at some stage. May be one for later in the season.

TP: One to keep an eye on, but I’m not expecting much early.

 

[Professor]

MELBOURNE
Jacob van Rooyen $126,300 DEF/FWD
2021 SC Ave: 132 (WAFLC), 90 (U18 Champs)

Looking for cheapies at the Demons is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, but van Rooyen shapes as the best of them. The key-position swingman thrived at both ends last year, averaging a whopping 132 points and kicked 38 goals across nine WAFL Colts matches before impressing down back at national level. Don’t expect those kind of numbers from him at the top level, but he has the strength and power to put his hand up this year.

DB: Tough for any key position to force their way into that stacked line-up. His DPP status makes him interesting if he does enter the frame, though.

TP: If a spot opens up, van Rooyen is ready to play and could prove very handy in KFC SuperCoach. A big ‘if’, though.

NORTH MELBOURNE
Jason Horne-Francis $207,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 88 (SANFL)

24 disposals. 18 contested possessions. 11 clearances. 160 SuperCoach points. And 3.2. In a SANFL preliminary final – at 18! The highlights of this dominant display should ease any concerns for those who aren’t keen on starting a high-priced rookie. The No.1 draft pick should be locked and loaded for Round 1 after 29 games against grown men over the past two seasons. However, David Noble wasn’t making any promises, saying he will have to prove himself over the pre-season.

DB: You’re having a laugh David! It’s hard to see a world where he isn’t facing the Hawks in their season opener. At the very least, it’s worth assessing his role during the pre-season with plenty of emerging talent rolling through the midfield.

TP: David pls. Horne-Francis dazzled in an intra-club hitout days after Noble’s comment, confirming what we already know - he’s a must-have.

Jason Horne-Francis wasn’t fazed by going at No.1 in the draft. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images
PORT ADELAIDE
Sam Skinner $123,900 DEF/FWD
2021 SC Ave: 84 (21 games)

Yes, the same Sam Skinner who averaged 44.5 points in two matches for the Lions in 2020. However, this time he comes into calculations as a swingman who thrived as an intercepting defender at SANFL level last year. Skinner finished the year averaging 103.2 points from his last seven matches in the role, with the highlight being an unbelievable 10 contested mark, 147-point display. His age profile, DEF/FWD status, mature-age scoring potential are extremely promising for SuperCoach, but it’s a difficult defence to crack into.

DB: High on the pre-season watch-list, and he is already in about a quarter of KFC SuperCoach teams.

TP: All eyes will be on Port’s line-up during the pre-season. Great bench pick if he gets a chance.

Jackson Mead $123,900 FWD
2021 SC Ave: 77 (SANFL)

Mead missed 12 weeks and even spent time in intensive care after suffering a lacerated spleen, and the uncapped midfielder has made up for lost time this pre-season. The 20-year-old is closing in on a debut after an impressive off-season, with his sights set on an on-ball spot. Entering his third year, Mead is hungry for opportunity and shapes as one of the leading cheap midfield-rookie contenders.

DB: Could be his time to shine, and he ticks a lot of boxes from a SuperCoach rookie perspective.

TP: It could finally be Mead’s time - and in the midfield, too. In my side at the moment.

Sam Skinner revived his career with the Panthers in the SANFL. Picture: SANFL Image/David Mariuz
Josh Sinn $157,800 DEF/MID
2021 SC Ave: 90 (NAB League)

The Power are well stocked for defenders, but Josh Sinn provides a point-of-difference with his ability to break the lines with his speed and raking left boot. The 188cm product has the potential, ready-made frame and running capacity to feature early, and he should have a friendly role across half-back. It is worth remembering that Port Adelaide gave away a prized selection to move up the order and nab Sinn, and coach Ken Hinkley isn’t afraid to give the youngsters a crack.

DB: Sinn’s electrifying speed could see him rise up the pecking order of Power defenders. If he does, he will be difficult to pass up with limited defensive rookies on offer.

TP: Word from Alberton is Sinn will feature in his debut season. But how early will it be? Port could do with his line-breaking speed and skill.

Sam Hayes $123,900 RUC
2021 SC Ave: 100 (SANFL)

Hayes finished the SANFL season strongly last year, recording eight scores of 99 or more in his last 11 matches, including four 120-plus totals. Entering his fourth season, the ruckman is ready in the wings to make his debut and the departure of Peter Ladhams helps his cause. One of the better cheap ruck bench options, but Scott Lycett still holds the ruck mantle at the Power.

DB: Remains on the cusp but he will be next in line if Lycett misses — which should only be a matter of time, given Lycett has missed 17 home-and-away games in the last three seasons.

TP: Hayes looks set to get his opportunity in the wake of Peter Ladhams’ departure and an impressive pre-season. But many will go with Preuss, or a DPP swing, option at R3 instead - and that looks to be the right call.

Port Adelaide draftee Josh Sinn is learning from the best. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe
RICHMOND
Tyler Sonsie $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 104 (NAB League), 64 (VFL)

Sonsie was another surprise slider on draft night, mostly due to being cruelled by injury, but his exceptional VFL debut last year makes him a player of interest in SuperCoach. The classy midfielder finished with 24 disposals, two goals and 64 points for Box Hill, showing he has the talent to perform against men.

DB: Might be a better chance later in the season if he has a clean run with injury.
TP: Not yet.

Josh Gibcus $171,300
2021 SC Ave: 83 (NAB League)

Gibcus is the intercept king of last year’s draft, leading the NAB League in intercept marks (3.2 per game) and intercept possessions (7.9). The retirement of David Astbury opens the door for a key defender, and the Tigers indicated that he could be a chance to debut early after an impressive pre-season.

DB: His intercept game is a big plus. It may be a touch pricey, for a first-year key defender, but we may be left with no choice in defence if other options don’t emerge.

TP: The Tigers are happy, and the rookie defenders are not exactly jumping out at us. But price is a little off-putting.

 

[Professor]

ST KILDA
Mitch Owens $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 101

Owens’ rapid development last year saw him shoot up significantly in his draft year – both in height and ability. The 190cm midfielder posted SuperCoach tons in his final three NAB League games – two of which exceeded 120. His overhead marking and size could add something different for the Saints up forward or through the middle in 2022.

DB: Don’t rule out a debut this year, but early on may be a stretch.

TP: Will add another layer to the St Kilda side but only looks an outside chance for an early-season debut.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera $162,300 DEF/MID
2021 SC Ave: 83 (SANFLR); 61 (SANFL)

Picked up by a side that lacks polished distributors, Wanganeen-Milera should see action this year as the best kick of the 2021 draft class. The skilful wingman averaged 83 SuperCoach points and 15 touches across 13 games for Glenelg, with his kicking weapon boding well for his scoring. And he has cash cow in his blood, as the son of former St Kilda SuperCoach cheapie Terry Milera.

DB: He will probably score a bit better than his father with that laser-like kick. Another to add to your rookie defender watch-list.

TP: The Saints need his kicking and Wanganeen-Milera more than held his own at senior level in the SANFL last year, despite his size. Watch closely.

St Kilda drafted Mitch Owens out of their Next Generation Academy. Picture: Michael Klein
SYDNEY
Dylan Stephens $167,800 MID
2021 SC Ave: 30.8 (AFL), 101 (VFL)

On the surface, Stephen’s average of 30.8 from six matches in his second season sets off alarm bells. But Stephens was hardly given a chance by John Longmire, spending just 49.4 per cent of his time on the park. It looks it it’ll be a different story in 2022, and that’s straight from the Horse’s mouth: “Dylan Stephens is one that really stands out. He has been training at a really high intensity and he’s put on some size, which we wanted him to do.” The top-five draft pick, who averaged 101 points and 28 disposals in the reserves last year, looms as a possible on-field cheapie option.

DB: I may be a little less bullish on Stephens than my South Australian friend The Phantom. The signs are positive, but he is likely to be playing in an outside midfield role, and there’s plenty of $150-210k midfield cash cows popping up.

TP: With another pre-season under his belt - and a good one at that - Stephens ticks a few more boxes than other midfield rookies. In my side, pending a good showing in the pre-season competition.

Matty Roberts $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 2021 (SANFL U18s), 63 (SANFL)

Roberts was a draft slider after questions marks over his athleticism, but try these numbers on for size. Roberts averaged a Herculean 201 points, 32 disposals, 23.3 kicks, 14.3 contested possessions, 6.3 clearances and kicked five goals in his three SANFL U18s matches. The hardnosed midfielder/forward then showcased his versatility against men at SANFL level for South Adelaide, averaged 63 points, 11 touches and a tick under a goal per game alongside Jason Horne-Francis. With the Swans’ ageing on-ball brigade, KFC SuperCoaches could be thanking club recruiters for overlooking Roberts.

DB: The junior numbers are massive and he was able to play a role at senior level as well. Potential bench option.

TP: Purely on numbers, he’s the No. 1 KFC SuperCoach rookie. Fingers crossed he gets an early chance.

Will Gould $123,900 DEF
2021 SC Ave: 83 (VFL)

Another pre-season of Gould-hype begins. Is the mythical defender on the cusp of a long-awaited debut? If the talk out of Sydney is to be believed, Gould has been catching the eye on the track – but we’ve been fooled before. The loss of Jordan Dawson means there is a spot up for grabs in defence, and his VFL numbers last season were promising, averaging 83 points with two 120-plus totals.

DB: For tradition’s sake, plonk him on your bench — for now. Surely this will be the year he lives up to the (Phantom generated) hype.

TP: HORSE. PLEASE.

Angus Sheldrick $130,800 MID
2021 SC Ave: 152 (WAFLC), 108 (U18 Champs)

Sheldrick’s SuperCoach potential was on full display in the WAFL Colts last season, where he averaged a mind-boggling 152 points from his nine matches, with a floor of 129 – now that’s consistency. The inside bull won an absurd 63 per cent of his possessions in a contest and averaged a goal per game, closing out the season with scores of 176, 144 and 164 during the finals. While he is being trialled in a less SuperCoach friendly role as a small forward in his first pre-season at the Swans, he has the tools to score well.

DB: A human battering-ram at 18, Sheldrick may well be a point-scoring machine by 23. Think he could play a similar role to what Power tough nut Sam Powell-Pepper did in his first year, with a 2022 debut on the cards.

TP: Sheldrick is one who can have an immediate impact but there are a number of other young midfielders pushing their case at the Swans.

Dylan Stephens runs laps with last year’s rookie sensation Errol Gulden. Picture: Phil Hillyard

WEST COAST
Greg Clark $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 121 (WAFL)

Mature age pick-ups are KFC SuperCoach gold and Clark registered some mouth-watering numbers in the WAFL last season for Subiaco. The 24-year-old averaged 27.5 disposals, 7.3 tackles 4.9 clearances and 121 points – this is including an injury affected score of 1. Clark, a 193cm goalkicking midfielder, generated scores of 135, 140 and 181 in the WAFL finals series – the last of those coming in Subiaco’s grand final win, where he finished with 25 disposals, 14 tackles, six clearances and two goals. Another injury to West Coast Luke Shuey could increase his chances of an early debut.

DB: Looms as an absolute steal. There hasn’t been a great deal of news out of the west, but you’d suspect he’s right in the mix for Round 1.

TP: If he’s there Round 1, and it’s a good chance, you pick him. Simple.

Brady Hough $117,300 MID
2021 SC Ave: 114 (WAFL), 117 (WAFLC)

An athletic utility with good skills, Hough turned heads in his sole WAFL senior appearance for Peel Thunder last year, tallying 22 disposals, nine marks, a goal and 114 points. The 190cm product played a variety of different roles at WAFL Colts and state level, and could settle in at either end for the Eagles.

DB: His stellar WAFL debut suggests he can be a capable scorer in time. Might need some time to develop before being blooded by the Eagles.

TP: The Eagles could use his kicking going inside-50 so we might see him at some stage this year.

Campbell Chesser $148,800 DEF/MID
2021 SC Ave: 98 (NAB League)

Better known for his oversized West Coast jumper that he received on draft night than his footballing ability, Chesser is an explosive defender/midfielder who is capable of seeing senior action this year. Chesser battled through injuries in 2021, averaging 18.3 disposals and 98 KFC SuperCoach points, but he was in the Eagles’ sights on draft night as he brings what the Eagles lack: outside speed.

DB: Not a great deal of pace out of defence, which has him in with a shot. Another elevated-price rookie option to look out for in the pre-season matches.

TP: The Eagles also need some line-breaking run on the outside – and Chesser is the man. Early talk suggests he’s a genuine chance for an early-season debut.

Greg Clark starred for Subiaco and WA in a state game. Picture: SANFL Image/David Mariuz

 

[Professor]

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Robbie McComb $102,400 MID
2021 SC Ave: 106 (VFL)

McComb’s breakout VFL campaign saw him become the latest Western Bulldogs recruit off the Footscray mature-age production line. The 180cm midfielder averaged 106 KFC SuperCoach points, 25 disposals, five inside-50s and five tackles. At 26, McComb is ready to go and while breaking into that Bulldogs midfield is nearly impossible, there could be a spot for him as a pressure forward.

DB: Got to like his numbers, age and price. Keep an eye out.

TP: Bevo loves a mature-ager from the VFL so we may have another Anthony Scott on our hands.

Charlie Parker $102,400 FWD/MID
2021 SC Ave: 68 (SANFL)

Parker joined McComb at the Bulldogs via the rookie draft, with the former cricketer rising from the SANFL reserves to the AFL in a matter of months. The 24-year-old, who averaging 14 disposals and 68 points in his nine SANFL games for Sturt last year, has turned heads with his endurance during his first pre-season at the kennel. His dual position status, price and age profile suggests he is one to watch.

More Coverage
Big changes to KFC SuperCoach’s must-have playersMid-price madness: Verdict on SuperCoach’s bargain forwardsHeath Shaw reveals left-field KFC SuperCoach team
DB: A DPP bench placeholder for the moment, but he could prove to be more than that.

TP: They drafted Parker for his run and long kicking and he’s a chance to feature on a wing at some point. Fingers crossed it’s from the get-go.

 

[The Saltshaker]

Heres a recent post 2hrs ago... Players to avoid - anyone got a copy of that?

 

[jel]

Heres a recent post 2hrs ago... Players to avoid - anyone got a copy of that?

Just like the players that fill our sides, KFC SuperCoaches endure a long, arduous pre-season to be ready for Round 1.
The countless hours, sweat and tears spent as we balance our schedule identifying premiums, breakouts and those cash generating rookies who will fill out our starting 30.

But if like me, you spend too much time thinking about KFC SuperCoach, you eventually come full circle, convincing yourself that overpriced, injured or unreliable options you had sworn off months ago could break out or be that pick you need to win it all.

With a little over a month until the 2022 season gets underway, it’s important I leave a few notes for future JD, pleading with him to avoid considering any of these ‘burn men’ for his starting side.

I suggest you do the same.


Wayne Milera is on track for Round 1. Picture: James Hetherington/AFC Media
Wayne Milera (Adelaide) $271,100 DEF
Entering his seventh year in the AFL system, the highly-talented half-back has been plagued by injuries for the past two years. At his best, Milera is able to break games open with his speed, foot skills and ability to find space in traffic. Yet, this feels like a distant memory. In 2020, he managed just two games before a stress fracture in his foot ended his season, and he missed the entirety of 2021 after rupturing his patella tendon during a pre-season outing against Port Adelaide. While there is tremendous upside at his price, since becoming a regular part of the Crows side he has yet to have a season that hasn’t been derailed by injury which makes him someone I want to avoid in my starting side.

Nic Naitanui (West Coast) $627,400 RUC
Would you be surprised to learn the 31-year-old ruckman is coming off his best KFC SuperCoach season to date, with the third highest average of 115.2 points? What makes this even more shocking is that he did it with just 68% time on ground as West Coast managed his load, an incredibly low number by today’s standards. In comparison, Max Gawn averaged 90 per cent time on ground during the 2021 regular season, further speaking to Naitanui’s incredible ability to rack up points in a short period of time. I can hear you say “Wait, I thought you were trying to convince me not to consider him” - well simply put, outside of last year, Naitanui has missed games every season back to 2011 and with options like Brodie Grundy, Sean Darcy and Gawn all priced similarly, we can avoid Naitanui in favour of picks who won’t require copious bench rotations to manage them through the season.


Is Patrick Cripps past his KFC SuperCoach best? Picture: Andrew Henshaw
Patrick Cripps (Carlton) $454,800 MID
Amnesia must be a common complaint among the KFC SuperCoach community as one of last year’s biggest traps sits around with ownership at a staggeringly high seven per cent at time of writing. While the captain of the Blues has shown us great scores in the past, averaging as much as 119.4 (2018) and 117.1 (2019), the past two years has been a departure and he has been well passed by Sam Walsh as the preferred KFC SuperCoach option. It was revealed during the 2021 season that he was playing with a fracture in his back, requiring weekly injections for him to play. Cripps has had pre-seasons of both leaning down to improve running capacity and bulking up to try and get back to those seasons where he looked his best, but it appears he is struggling to get his body into a place where he can really excel again. The arrival of George Hewett and Adam Cerra will surely help round out that midfield outfit, but, at the same time, they are a further risk to Cripps’ scoring output. Make sure he’s on your avoid list, regardless of how good he looks in the pre-season games!

Nat Fyfe (Fremantle) $546,500 MID
While the various looks of Fyfe’s hair continue to garner off-season attention - he cannot disguise himself in any way shape or form that will see him in my starting side. A legend of the modern game, the dual Brownlow medallist is starting to reach the twilight of his playing career, coming off his lowest average since 2012. All signs currently indicate he will be spending more time forward to allow Fremantle to blood additional youth alongside Andy Brayshaw and Caleb Serong. Keep an eye on him to possibly get FWD status in either round 6, 12 or 18 as part of the new dual-position player updates, which could bring him back into consideration for your sides during the year.


Don’t start Toby Greene in KFC SuperCoach. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Toby Greene (GWS) $495,000 FWD
Just like a university student filling out their word count, I’ve snuck Toby Greene into a do-not-start list. The mercurial forward proved how important he was to the Giants last year, not only in on-field performance, but taking over leadership duties in Stephen Coniglio’s absence. However, his season ended on a low as he was eventually suspended for six weeks for making contact with an umpire during their elimination final against Sydney. It goes without saying, but it’s best to avoid someone who will be sitting on the sidelines for the first five games of the year.

Will Brodie (Fremantle) $244,300 MID / FWD
Players who leave their previous team seeking new opportunities are the ones we put to the top of our list for potential breakouts in 2022. Let me make it easier when you’re scouring potential names by giving one you can put a line through right now. The ninth overall pick from the 2016 draft managed just 25 games in five seasons with the Suns, before heading out west. With Cerra leaving in the off-season, Fyfe moving forward and David Mundy coming off an interrupted pre-season you would think I would have more optimism about Brodie for the year ahead. But if we learnt anything from Jordan Clark last year, ensuring job security with these picks is paramount. Fremantle loaded up on midfield talent in the draft with Neil Erasmus and Matthew Johnson, joining 2020 second round pick Nathan O’Driscoll as potential debutants this year. Most worrying from the pre-season reports so far, it appears that Brodie hasn’t overcome some of his main weaknesses and is still finishing at the back of the pack in running drills, which falls short of what is expected for an AFL midfielder. Even if he is named Round 1, his job security concerns rule him out as an option for my side.


Dustin Martin (Richmond) $503,500 MID / FWD
More Coverage
Heath Shaw reveals left-field KFC SuperCoach teamMid-price madness: Verdict on SuperCoach’s bargain forwardsRevealed: Al Paton’s massive SuperCoach ruck risk
Saving the most controversial for last. There is a warm, nostalgic feeling you get when including Dusty in your forward line, which nearly a third of coaches are currently experiencing. One of the most consistent KFC SuperCoach and valuable options over the past decade, he comes to us at his cheapest price since 2013 due to a combination of a lingering foot injury and a lacerated kidney that saw his season cut short early. If reports are to be believed, he is back at playing weight and is as strong as ever before – all great signs. Inevitably he will go big against Carlton in Round 1 this year (he has averaged 138 in season openers against the Blues over the past five years). But history also shows that after a blistering start, Dusty slows down, typically becoming cheaper around the time we’re looking to upgrade our forward lines before coming home strong. At the wrong side of 30, and coming off two concerning injuries, we may have finally seen the first signs of him slowing down. This gives us a great opportunity to monitor him and ensure that he is over that kidney problem before selecting him for our teams. Look, I get it, I get why you want him there, I don’t even blame you – I just urge you to take a wait-and-see approach with Dusty, lest you get burnt.

 

[wogitalia]

Just like the players that fill our sides, KFC SuperCoaches endure a long, arduous pre-season to be ready for Round 1.
The countless hours, sweat and tears spent as we balance our schedule identifying premiums, breakouts and those cash generating rookies who will fill out our starting 30.

But if like me, you spend too much time thinking about KFC SuperCoach, you eventually come full circle, convincing yourself that overpriced, injured or unreliable options you had sworn off months ago could break out or be that pick you need to win it all.

With a little over a month until the 2022 season gets underway, it’s important I leave a few notes for future JD, pleading with him to avoid considering any of these ‘burn men’ for his starting side.

I suggest you do the same.


Wayne Milera is on track for Round 1. Picture: James Hetherington/AFC Media
Wayne Milera (Adelaide) $271,100 DEF
Entering his seventh year in the AFL system, the highly-talented half-back has been plagued by injuries for the past two years. At his best, Milera is able to break games open with his speed, foot skills and ability to find space in traffic. Yet, this feels like a distant memory. In 2020, he managed just two games before a stress fracture in his foot ended his season, and he missed the entirety of 2021 after rupturing his patella tendon during a pre-season outing against Port Adelaide. While there is tremendous upside at his price, since becoming a regular part of the Crows side he has yet to have a season that hasn’t been derailed by injury which makes him someone I want to avoid in my starting side.

Nic Naitanui (West Coast) $627,400 RUC
Would you be surprised to learn the 31-year-old ruckman is coming off his best KFC SuperCoach season to date, with the third highest average of 115.2 points? What makes this even more shocking is that he did it with just 68% time on ground as West Coast managed his load, an incredibly low number by today’s standards. In comparison, Max Gawn averaged 90 per cent time on ground during the 2021 regular season, further speaking to Naitanui’s incredible ability to rack up points in a short period of time. I can hear you say “Wait, I thought you were trying to convince me not to consider him” - well simply put, outside of last year, Naitanui has missed games every season back to 2011 and with options like Brodie Grundy, Sean Darcy and Gawn all priced similarly, we can avoid Naitanui in favour of picks who won’t require copious bench rotations to manage them through the season.


Is Patrick Cripps past his KFC SuperCoach best? Picture: Andrew Henshaw
Patrick Cripps (Carlton) $454,800 MID
Amnesia must be a common complaint among the KFC SuperCoach community as one of last year’s biggest traps sits around with ownership at a staggeringly high seven per cent at time of writing. While the captain of the Blues has shown us great scores in the past, averaging as much as 119.4 (2018) and 117.1 (2019), the past two years has been a departure and he has been well passed by Sam Walsh as the preferred KFC SuperCoach option. It was revealed during the 2021 season that he was playing with a fracture in his back, requiring weekly injections for him to play. Cripps has had pre-seasons of both leaning down to improve running capacity and bulking up to try and get back to those seasons where he looked his best, but it appears he is struggling to get his body into a place where he can really excel again. The arrival of George Hewett and Adam Cerra will surely help round out that midfield outfit, but, at the same time, they are a further risk to Cripps’ scoring output. Make sure he’s on your avoid list, regardless of how good he looks in the pre-season games!

Nat Fyfe (Fremantle) $546,500 MID
While the various looks of Fyfe’s hair continue to garner off-season attention - he cannot disguise himself in any way shape or form that will see him in my starting side. A legend of the modern game, the dual Brownlow medallist is starting to reach the twilight of his playing career, coming off his lowest average since 2012. All signs currently indicate he will be spending more time forward to allow Fremantle to blood additional youth alongside Andy Brayshaw and Caleb Serong. Keep an eye on him to possibly get FWD status in either round 6, 12 or 18 as part of the new dual-position player updates, which could bring him back into consideration for your sides during the year.


Don’t start Toby Greene in KFC SuperCoach. Picture: Phil Hillyard
Toby Greene (GWS) $495,000 FWD
Just like a university student filling out their word count, I’ve snuck Toby Greene into a do-not-start list. The mercurial forward proved how important he was to the Giants last year, not only in on-field performance, but taking over leadership duties in Stephen Coniglio’s absence. However, his season ended on a low as he was eventually suspended for six weeks for making contact with an umpire during their elimination final against Sydney. It goes without saying, but it’s best to avoid someone who will be sitting on the sidelines for the first five games of the year.

Will Brodie (Fremantle) $244,300 MID / FWD
Players who leave their previous team seeking new opportunities are the ones we put to the top of our list for potential breakouts in 2022. Let me make it easier when you’re scouring potential names by giving one you can put a line through right now. The ninth overall pick from the 2016 draft managed just 25 games in five seasons with the Suns, before heading out west. With Cerra leaving in the off-season, Fyfe moving forward and David Mundy coming off an interrupted pre-season you would think I would have more optimism about Brodie for the year ahead. But if we learnt anything from Jordan Clark last year, ensuring job security with these picks is paramount. Fremantle loaded up on midfield talent in the draft with Neil Erasmus and Matthew Johnson, joining 2020 second round pick Nathan O’Driscoll as potential debutants this year. Most worrying from the pre-season reports so far, it appears that Brodie hasn’t overcome some of his main weaknesses and is still finishing at the back of the pack in running drills, which falls short of what is expected for an AFL midfielder. Even if he is named Round 1, his job security concerns rule him out as an option for my side.


Dustin Martin (Richmond) $503,500 MID / FWD
More Coverage
Heath Shaw reveals left-field KFC SuperCoach teamMid-price madness: Verdict on SuperCoach’s bargain forwardsRevealed: Al Paton’s massive SuperCoach ruck risk
Saving the most controversial for last. There is a warm, nostalgic feeling you get when including Dusty in your forward line, which nearly a third of coaches are currently experiencing. One of the most consistent KFC SuperCoach and valuable options over the past decade, he comes to us at his cheapest price since 2013 due to a combination of a lingering foot injury and a lacerated kidney that saw his season cut short early. If reports are to be believed, he is back at playing weight and is as strong as ever before – all great signs. Inevitably he will go big against Carlton in Round 1 this year (he has averaged 138 in season openers against the Blues over the past five years). But history also shows that after a blistering start, Dusty slows down, typically becoming cheaper around the time we’re looking to upgrade our forward lines before coming home strong. At the wrong side of 30, and coming off two concerning injuries, we may have finally seen the first signs of him slowing down. This gives us a great opportunity to monitor him and ensure that he is over that kidney problem before selecting him for our teams. Look, I get it, I get why you want him there, I don’t even blame you – I just urge you to take a wait-and-see approach with Dusty, lest you get burnt.

This is probably the article that I needed to read

It's funny that I prefer the majority of this list over the Sicily or Rowell types they have in their must picks and really does highlight how subjectively we can interpret the same datasets based on biases!

 

[The Saltshaker]

This is probably the article that I needed to read

It's funny that I prefer the majority of this list over the Sicily or Rowell types they have in their must picks and really does highlight how subjectively we can interpret the same datasets based on biases!

Even though im a fan of the phantoms work, he has backed some shockers. I remember he bet the house on the likes of Rory Lobb a few years back that failed miserably - i msgd him stirring him up "geez phantom youve just destroyed a few coaches season there mate" haha 👍

 

[The Saltshaker]

AFL Gradings just posted this on facebook

Champion Data have released their list of elite players for 2022
Here's a list of just some of the players that aren't considered elite:

Ollie Wines (Brownlow)
Harry McKay (Coleman)
Jack Steele
Sam Walsh
Zach Merrett
Max Gawn
Patrick Dangerfield
Steven May

Seriously, how the **** do Champion Data do this?
-JW

 

[The Saltshaker]

Anyone got top 10 def from 4hrs ago SC top 10 def rookies

 

[AngryAnt]

AFL Gradings just posted this on facebook

Champion Data have released their list of elite players for 2022
Here's a list of just some of the players that aren't considered elite:

Ollie Wines (Brownlow)
Harry McKay (Coleman)
Jack Steele
Sam Walsh
Zach Merrett
Max Gawn
Patrick Dangerfield
Steven May

Seriously, how the **** do Champion Data do this?
-JW

Walsh not elite last season but Zac Williams was, lol

 

[Ironhawk]

Anyone got top 10 def from 4hrs ago SC top 10 def rookies

I think it is this article. Code links I can't access.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1493113148747878400

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/Supercoach/status/1493113148747878400


Opening in an incognito tab worked for me (second article in the tweet), copying and pasting on my phone doesn't.

1: Charlie Dean
2: Will Gould (seriously?)
3: Campbell Chesser
4: Nathan O'Driscoll
5: Sam Skinner
6: Mitch Hinge
7: Garrett McDonagh
8: Brodie Kemp
9: Bodhi Uwland
10: Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera

 

[dlanod]

5: Sam Skinner

Him making these lists quite high up still leaves me scratching my head.

He doesn't intercept.

He doesn't rebound.

He looked good at SANFL level but his athleticism and mobility has been impacted by all his knee injuries - he had the turning circle of the Titanic reverse parking.

If he gets a spot, you'd be looking at a 50 point average if you're lucky.

I get the best ability is sometimes availability, but surely there's better options...

 

[Presto]

KFC SuperCoach 2022: Top 30 most popular players
GWS bargain Stephen Coniglio is a wanted man in KFC SuperCoach and there are some big surprises in the full list of players appearing in the most teams.
Al Paton
@al_superfooty
6 min read
February 15, 2022 - 6:00AM
Follow the pack or strike out on your own?
The wisdom of the crowd – the idea that large groups of people are collectively smarter than individuals – can play a big role in helping build a winning KFC SuperCoach squad.
Adding a few favourite players or pre-season specials you have a gut feeling about will give your team a personal flavour, and make the season more fun.
But if nearly everyone else is picking a certain player, it’s worth at least knowing that so you can pick them too, or have a good reason why you’re taking another path.
Fortunately, you can see the ownership percentages of every player by clicking on “coaches choice” in the SuperCoach Plus drop-down menu on the Players page at supercoach.com.au.
With just over four weeks until the first game of the season, here are the 30 most selected players in the game. How many are in your team?
1. Stephen Coniglio (GWS) $261,300 MID/FWD – 63.2 per cent
It’s been a torrid couple of years for the GWS co-captain but the value is just too good to pass up for a player who has averaged over 100 points a game three times in his career, and 98 as recently as 2020.
2. Nick Daicos (Coll) $193,800 MID – 62.8 per cent
The Pies’ father-son gun is the top rookie pick so far, with more than 62 per cent of coaches happy to hand over the elevated price tag for the No.4 draft pick.
3. Elijah Hollands (GC) $123,900 MID/FWD – 58.5 per cent
Hugely talented Sun is ready to go after sitting out his debut season following a knee injury. A new feature in SuperCoach Plus reveals what percentage of teams have players in their starting 22 or on the bench – for Hollands it’s currently a 52/48 split.
4. Jason Horne-Francis (NM) $207,300 MID – 58.2 per cent
More than 90 per cent of Horne-Francis’s owners have him on the field – a smart move considering his price (that’s a lot of cash to have sitting on the bench) and his potential scoring power after lighting up Kangaroos’ match simulation.
5. Josh Dunkley (WB) $558,200 MID/FWD – 50.5 per cent
The most expensive forward is something of an enigma; last season he averaged 129 in the first six rounds then 70.8 after returning from injury late in the year. Which Dunkley will we get in 2022?
6. Lachie Neale (Bris) $543,200 MID – 49.9 per cent
Burned lots of SuperCoaches badly last year, starting at a huge price tag then producing his worst season in seven years. But he had an interrupted pre-season and multiple in-season setbacks, and all reports out of Brisbane this summer are positive. And that price is $178,000 less than what we had to pay in 2021.
7. Greg Clark (WC) $117,300 MID – 45.5 per cent
Mature-age steal finally gets a chance in the AFL after being drafted at age 24. Scored 181 KFC SuperCoach points in the WAFL grand final and toughest decision might be whether to find an on-field spot for him or stick him on the bench.
8. Jack Steele (StK) $685,800 MID – 45.1 per cent
Looks like Superman and plays like him in KFC SuperCoach, averaging 126 and 122.5 points in the past two seasons without missing a game. Eight tackles a game are a great way to push his scores through the roof.
9. Jake Lloyd (Syd) $586,600 DEF – 43.8 per cent
One of the safest picks in the game. Has missed one match in the past six seasons and his high-possession style ensures consistent strong scores.
10. Jack Macrae (WB) $699,900 MID – 42.1 per cent
The most expensive player in 2022 rounds out the top 10. It’s a big chunk of the salary cap but Macrae won’t let you down – his season averages the past four seasons are 127, 123, 121, 129 and it’s hard to see a drop-off in 2022.
11. Lachie Whitfield (GWS) $502,600 DEF/MID – 42 per cent
Giants playmaker can score with the best in KFC SuperCoach, if his body holds together. Dual-position status is a bonus.
12. Will Kelly (Coll) $123,900 DEF/FWD – 39.6 per cent
Another father-son Magpie has played three AFL games (scoring 36, 18, 26) but should score better if he can avoid the injuries that have cursed him early in his career.
13. Brodie Grundy (Coll) $627,100 RUC – 37.5 per cent
The ruck position is the most open it’s been in years. Grundy is the most popular big man but a lot further down the list than we are used to. Track watchers say he is trimmed down and ready to return to his best.
14. Clayton Oliver (Melb) $672,000 MID – 36.1 per cent
The best midfielder in the best team fed by the best tap ruckman. Has averaged at least 109 in each of the past five seasons and hasn’t missed a game in that time. What’s not to like?
15. Max Gawn (Melb) $657,400 RUC – 35.5 per cent
Has been a scoring goliath for four seasons but the rise of Luke Jackson is the great unknown. The youngster outscored Gawn in the Grand Final – but the bearded superstar did score 159 points the week before in the prelim.
16. James Sicily (Haw) $448,100 DEF – 33.2 per cent
Hasn’t played since hurting his knee in Round 12, 2020 but is looking good on the track and could resume his high-scoring intercepting role down back ... as long as players like Changkuoth Jiath and Will Day don’t get there first.
17. Will Gould (Syd) $123,900 DEF – 32.9 per cent
Gould has been a popular KFC SuperCoach rookie pick in each of the past two seasons but we are still waiting to see his AFL debut. Is this the year?
18. Sam Walsh (Carl) $637,100 MID – 31.8 per cent
Does everything right at age 21 but he has been struck down by a syndesmosis injury, with his ownership set to plummet. Even still, he is every chance to join the super elite midfielders in 2022 once he returns.
19. Josh Rachele (Adel) $184,800 MID/FWD – 31.2 per cent
Exciting forward is a strong change to feature early for the Crows. It’s a lot to pay for a first-year player but could be the best of a small forward rookie pool.
20. Sam Skinner (Port) $123,900 DEF/FWD – 30.3 per cent
Former Lion is back in the AFL after an outstanding season in the SANFL where he was transformed into an intercept defender – a great way to score KFC SuperCoach points. Now he just needs to get into Ken Hinkley’s best 22.
21. Charlie Parker (WB) $102,400 MID/FWD – 30.3 per cent
Last year Luke Beveridge plucked mature-age rookies Anthony Scott and Lachlan McNeil from obscurity and they both played the first 10 games of the season. Parker, a 24-year-old from SA, could follow the same path.
22. Charlie Dean (Coll) $102,400 DEF – 29.6 per cent
A shoulder injury to Jordan Roughead could open the door for the mature-age defender to win a spot in the Magpies’ backline. He averaged eight intercepts and 85 points playing for Williamstown in the VFL last year.
23. Braydon Preuss (GWS) $204,700 RUC – 29.6 per cent
Whether to take a punt on a cheap ruckman in 2022 is one of the big KFC SuperCoach calls of the pre-season. Even those with Preuss are hedging their bets – right now half his owners have him starting on field and half have him on the bench.
24. Sam De Koning (Geel) $123,900 DEF/FWD – 29 per cent
Tall defender could debut early in his third year on the list – watch his pre-season. Carlton big man Tom is one of nine siblings.
25. Dustin Martin (Rich) $503,500 MID/FWD – 28.8 per cent
Hasn’t been this cheap since 2013 and is back in full training after a horror kidney injury. But will he be the Dusty of old?
26. Mitch Duncan (Geel) $540,000 MID/FWD – 26.6 per cent
The Cats aren’t pushing the 30-year-old too hard in pre-season after injuries restricted him to 13 games in 2021. But he averaged 119 from Rounds 3-9 and is now available as a forward.
27. Cam Rayner (Bris) $278,600 FWD – 26.4 per cent
No.1 draft pick is flying on the track in his comeback from ACL surgery. Last season he was set to push into the midfield before his knee gave way.
28. Jack Crisp (Coll) $571,000 DEF/MID – 26.2 per cent
Want to avoid injury headaches? The ultra reliable Magpie hasn’t missed a game since 2014.
29. Sean Darcy (Frem) $642,600 RUC – 25.9 per cent
Fourth ruckman in the top 30 could top the pile for scoring power – in a crazy three-round run last season he scored 194, 183, 156. Is he ready to take the crown?
30. Charlie Curnow (Carl) $224,300 FWD – 25.8 per cent
Immensely talented Blues forward has had five different knee injuries and three operations since 2019. But he could make some fast cash – if his body holds together.

 

[Shannon]

KFC SuperCoach 2022: The Phantom’s rookie rankings

Like most KFC SuperCoach years, the big rookie money is in the middle. But who are the best in a crowded pool? The Phantom ranks the midfield cheapies 1-10.

MIDFIELDERS
1. Greg Clark (WC) $117,300
2021 SC Ave: 121 (WAFL)

In a phenomenal WAFL season, Clark averaged 27 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven tackles and a huge 128 KFC SuperCoach points in 18 non-injury-affected matches. The strong-bodied, 192cm midfielder capped off the year with a 181-point performance, on the back of 25 disposals, 14 tackles, six clearances and two goals, to win the medal as best afield in the WAFL Grand Final.

Phantom’s Pre-AAMI Series verdict: Every team should have the mature-age Eagles draftee at this stage.

2. Jason Horne-Francis (NM) $207,300
2021 SC Ave: 88 (SANFL)

In early February, North Melbourne coach David Noble said Horne-Francis is “not in the team just yet, but he’s certainly in the mix”. David, please. The No. 1 pick dominated match sim two days later and averaged 16 disposals, nine contested possessions and 88 KFC SuperCoach points, while also booting 15 goals, in 20 SANFL League matches last season. Truth is, after mixing it with the bigger bodies for the past 18 months and keeping South Adelaide in a preliminary final with 24 disposals, three goals and 160 points, Horne-Francis could’ve been in the team last year.

Phantom’s Pre-AAMI Series verdict: Don’t listen to David. Listen to me, and just pick him, even if he spends time forward.

3. James Tsitas (GC) $102,400
2021 SC Ave: 122 (SANFL)

The 26-year-old claimed the Suns’ final list spot after impressing over summer and winning the Magarey Medal in the SANFL - an award he shared with Bryce Gibbs - last year. Including finals, Tsitas averaged 29 disposals, 11 contested possessions, six tackles and 122 points in 2021 and posted KFC SuperCoach tons in 17 of his 21 games. In his 12 matches of the year, as the Eagles stormed to back-to-back flags, the ball magnet averaged a huge 131 points per game.

Phantom’s Pre-AAMI Series verdict: A basement-price gift for KFC SuperCoaches. But no certainty to play Round 1 just yet.

4. Nick Daicos (Coll) $193,800
2021 SC Ave: 159 (NAB League)

Daicos has been rotating through the midfield and half-back with skipper Scott Pendlebury during Collingwood match sim. A match made in decision-making – and KFC SuperCoach – heaven. Like Horne-Francis, Daicos, who posted scores of 177, 166, 145, 169 and 138 in his five NAB League games last year, has been ready for AFL footy for a while. “He’s an elite decision-maker and he’s an elite kick… he sees things that others don’t,” Magpies coach Craig McRae said recently.

Phantom’s Pre-AAMI Series verdict: Worth the top-end rookie price tag, even alongside Horne-Francis. They both could get DPP at some stage, too.

5. Dylan Stephens (Syd) $167,800
2021 SC Ave: 30.8 (AFL), 101 (VFL)

The skilful midfielder was in and out of the Sydney side last year, robbing him of any sort of consistent opportunity. But with Jordan Dawson moving to the Crows, there’s a vacant spot on the wing and the left-footer, who is heading into his third season at the club, looks set to be the one to benefit after a standout summer. He’s at the front of the running group again and has impressed through the midfield during the Swans’ match sim sessions. Stephens averaged 104 KFC SuperCoach points in eight VFL games in 2021 and 82 points at SANFL level as a 17-year-old before he was drafted.

Phantom’s Pre-AAMI Series verdict: Ticks plenty of boxes and provides enormous value if all goes well from here.

6. Jackson Mead (Port) $123,900
2021 SC Ave: 77 (SANFL)

Mead was pressing for a debut last season before he collapsed during a SANFL game and missed 12 weeks with a lacerated spleen. But the left-footer finished the year strongly at state league level, tallying 27 disposals and six clearances through the midfield in Round 15, before showing his versatility behind the ball, recording 15 intercepts and scores of 107 and 93 in the final two rounds. The 20-year-old is also strong overhead and can play forward but a fully-fit Mead, who averaged 106 points for his state during his draft year as onballer, has caught the eye with Port Adelaide’s midfield group over summer – his clean hands in particular.

Phantom’s Pre-AAMI Series verdict: Would add more skill and another layer to Port Adelaide’s midfield, and that’s why he is right in the mix. Price makes him perfect for the bench, pending selection.

7. Josh Ward (Haw) $180,300
2021 SC Ave: 133 (NAB League)

In a developing engine room, Hawthorn’s top pick could feature early in his debut season. The midfielder, in the mould of Essendon star Zach Merrett, starred during an early Hawks intra-club hitout, featuring at centre bounces and impressing with his run. Ward finished the NAB League season with scores of 136, 124, 174 and 140 and, in a performance which highlights his multiple avenues of scoring, tallied 34 disposals, 17 contested possessions, eight clearances, eight tackles, five intercepts and five score involvements in the final game of the year.

Phantom’s Pre-AAMI Series verdict: Another top-priced draftee who is set to feature early and has great junior numbers behind him.

8. Cooper Stephens (Geel) $123,900
2021 SC Ave: N/A

“He’s had a terrific pre-season and he’s got himself in great nick and he’ll definitely be putting his name up for selection in the early rounds,” Geelong assistant coach Nigel Lappin said of Stephens in early February. And that’s big news for KFC SuperCoaches. He was named emergency five times in 2020 but, as a result of injury and Covid, Stephens hasn’t played a competitive game at any level since he was drafted. Before breaking his leg early in his draft year, the tough midfielder averaged 24 disposals, 14 contested possessions and 122 KFC SuperCoach points in a six-game stretch dating back to his bottom-age junior season.

Phantom’s Pre-AAMI Series verdict: Has the strong inside game suited to KFC SuperCoach – it’s all about his body and coach Chris Scott now.

9. Matty Roberts (Syd) $117,300
2021 SC Ave: 2021 (SANFL U18s), 63 (SANFL)

If we’re picking on numbers alone, Roberts would have to be the first rookie picked in most KFC SuperCoach teams. The ball magnet impressed in South Adelaide’s senior side in 2021 but in his 10 under-18 matches in the past two years, Roberts posted scores of 240, 188, 175, 139, 208, 146, 120, 125, 160 and 104. Yep, two KFC SuperCoach double tons. And his ability to have an impact forward of centre in the SANFL late in the year should help his chances of breaking into the Swans’ side.

Phantom’s Pre-AAMI Series verdict: KFC SuperCoaches should be looking forward to seeing this kid play. But when will that be? There’s plenty of young midfield talent building in Sydney. Fingers crossed.

10. Finlay Macrae (Coll) $206,800
2021 SC Ave: 38 (9 games), 97 (VFL)

It was a frustrating debut season for Macrae, the younger brother of Bulldogs star Jackson, who battled for regular opportunity in Collingwood’s best 22. But the 19-year-old, who averaged 97 KFC SuperCoach points in four VFL matches, had 21 disposals in just 68 per cent game time in Round 19 and another 20 in just over half a game two weeks later, to highlight is terrific ball-winning ability. Remind you of anyone?

Phantom’s Pre-AAMI Series verdict: The Pies have hinted at a consistent midfield role for Macrae in 2022 and that could bring a serious KFC SuperCoach spike. There are a number of $200k rookies, who have been in the system a while, and could be worth that little bit extra than some draftees. Suns Charlie Constable and Alex Davies are two others to watch.

NEXT IN LINE: Charlie Constable (GC), Robbie McComb (WB), Alex Davies (GC), Neil Erasmus (Freo), Ben Hobbs (Ess), Jake Soligo (Adel), Jackson Hately (Adel), Connor MacDonald (Haw)

 

[Courtesans]

Some of the recent articles have been priceless. Thanks to you who posts them.

 

[Bermi]

AFL 2022: Season preview, analysis, flaws, where every club needs to improve most, problems to fix, when does the season start (foxsports.com.au)

Blues face ‘flimsy’ truth; aging Tigers’ worrying sign: Glaring flaw every AFL side MUST solve Where every AFL club needs to improve most in 2022.

Source: FOX SPORTS
Ben Cotton and David Zita from Fox Sports
February 14th, 2022 6:26 am
The 2022 AFL season is just a month away.

It presents a fresh opportunity for all 18 AFL clubs to refine parts of their game. For some it could help tip them over the edge as flag fancies, while others are still looking to develop an identity.

No matter the case, we’ve named the area where every side needs to improve most in the upcoming campaign.


ADELAIDE CROWS
Get tougher in the contest

The Crows ranked dead last in 2021 in least opponents tackles per game and 17th in opponent tackles differential per game. It led to rivals more often than not gaining territory on Adelaide and thus outscoring them. To highlight the importance of it, grand finalists Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs ranked first and second respectively in the competition last year in tackling. It’s true that what teams do without the ball that’s equally important to what they do with it. And inheriting that hunger style of play is critical for any team to be successful, or in the Crows’ case, to mature as a side. While tackling starts in the midfield, it extends to all over the field, and Matthew Nicks will want to see more intensity in the contest from all his troops in year three of the rebuild.

BRISBANE LIONS
Have a harder defensive edge in finals

The Lions are 1-5 in finals under Chris Fagan in an era where they’ve been one of the regular season’s most dangerous teams — finishing top four in each of the last three campaigns including two top two finishes. But Brisbane hasn’t been able to play with the same hard edge in the post-season, as evident by the Bulldogs midfield running rampant on them in last year’s semi-final. Fagan has all the tools to again go far in the finals and maybe even deliver a premiership, but the Lions must be more disciplined and embrace the scrappy, rugged style that consistently prevails on the big stage.

CARLTON
Get defensive structure right

The Blues’ flimsy defensive structure and inability to stop teams when they got on runs clearly hindered them more than anything in 2021. It’s something Carlton simply has to correct this season to play finals. New defensive assistant Aron Hamill has joined the Blues’ revamped coaching team under Michael Voss and they’ll largely be armed with producing a more sturdy defensive system. And although key defensive pillar Liam Jones’ retirement due to his unwillingness to get vaccinated is a significant blow to Carlton’s back six and overall structure, a team approach should be emphasised over personnel.

COLLINGWOOD
Become a stronger offensive team

The Magpies were consistently unable to kick a winning total last year, ranking 16th in the AFL in scoring as the club tumbled down the ladder. Former coach Nathan Buckley prioritised a defence-first brand and protecting the ball when they had possession, but the club’s offensive game dried up and it made for some scrappy games. Moving forward, new coach Craig McRae will need to find a better balance. He’s even said he wants his team to go forward with the ball more and increase its inside 50 numbers while playing a strong contested brand. The Magpies have several other issues and the personnel inside 50 remains a concern, but shifting to becoming a more attacking team is a key priority.

ESSENDON
Play better against the top sides

Despite a stunning rise into the finals last tear, the Bombers’ 1-9 record against fellow top eight sides was damning. As good a story as Essendon was in 2021 behind its new band of kids, for the team to go to the next level, end that long-standing drought and become a legitimate premiership flip, it’ll have to up its game against the heavyweights. Another alarming trend for the Bombers over the last 13 years has been missing the top eight after each of its five elimination final losses, one the club will be keen to see end and prove last year was no flash in the pan.

FREMANTLE
Find more avenues to goal

Matt Taberner was Fremantle’s leading goalkicker in 2021 with 37 majors, followed by Lachie Schultz (22) and Rory Lobb (20). So while coach Justin Longmuir is building an exciting team out west, finding more scoring avenues will be an important step in the club’s development, where it ranked 15th for points scored in 2021 (marginally ahead of Collingwood). Adding to this was the club’s inaccuracy in front of the big sticks, kicking more behinds than goals on a startling 15 occasions. It’s also worth noting that Taberner, as quality a player as he is, has never played more than 17 games across his nine-year career, further increasing the urgency for others to step up.

GEELONG CATS
Tweak the game plan

It was too much of trying to have your cake and eat it too for Geelong in 2021, as the conservative game style employed for so much of the home-and-away season simply didn’t stack up in finals, with the Cats’ attempts to flick the switch and go on the offensive delivering mixed results and yet another preliminary final exit. Chris Scott himself admitted this week that the side’s ability to transition between the two modes left a bit to be desired in the crunch moments. He also flagged some potential shifts coming to the game plan in 2022 and the Cats will have to if they’re to contend for another flag in what is surely the final year of their outrageously long premiership window. To be fair to the Cats, their most important player in Tom Stewart wasn’t out there against the Dees in that fateful prelim thrashing, while a number of their stars weren’t at 100 per cent due to a bug that swept through the team. A tweak to the game plan however will be as important as any of those stars come the season-opener in what shapes as a defining year for Scott and the Cats.

GOLD COAST SUNS
Don’t wilt at the halfway mark(again)

There’s no shortage of problems for those at the Gold Coast Suns to address heading into the season, not least of which how to cover for the loss of Ben King (injury) and Hugh Greenwood (trade). More than anything, however, the Suns have virtually fallen off a cliff in the second half of seasons under Stuart Dew since 2017 and that trend continued in alarming fashion last season, with a win-loss record of 3-8 after the Round 12 bye. On top of that, three of their last four matches resulted in beltings of at least 68 points. No team crumbles more in the back half of the regular season than the Suns and it’s a problem in dire need of fixing if Dew is to have any chance of holding onto his job with Alastair Clarkson and Nathan Buckley looming in the background. The Suns still average out as a very young team, but that can only count for so much given the sheer scale of the side’s drop-o***. Building a relatively solid foundation at the start of seasons hasn’t been a problem for Dew — the issue is taking it all the way to September.

GWS GIANTS
A clean run with injuries … and suspensions

The Giants had just four players in 2021 who played in every match and only another five who missed four games or fewer. Jesse Hogan’s promising glimpses were derailed by injury while fellow recruit Braydon Preuss never got on the park. Stephen Coniglio’s battle with both his body and his form made for another underwhelming season for the now co-captain, while the side still had to rely largely on Shane Mumford in the ruck despite the likes of Matthew Flynn and Kieren Briggs making cameos. Injuries are often something some clubs can try and hide behind to explain poor form or underwhelming results, but the Giants have every right to wonder what could’ve been given the calibre of talent stuck on the sidelines. All of this isn’t to mention Toby Greene, who will miss the start of the 2022 season and missed his side’s semi-final loss to Geelong after what became a six-game suspension for intentional contact with an umpire. The Giants simply cannot compete for a flag if Greene isn’t playing, such is his supreme talent and match-winning ability. Keeping him out of trouble and the rest of the side out of the medical rooms is key to the Giants’ chances in 2022.

 

[Bermi]

HAWTHORN
More emergence of kids

The Hawks are in the midst of a full-scale rebuild, with new coach Sam Mitchell steering the ship. One big question mark over Hawthorn’s list is its young star power and which players will lead it forward. Of course, prior to last year’s draft, the club had just two top-25 draft selections on its list, while we know it tried to trade senior players to bring further picks, and as a result, young talent, through the door. In 2021, several youngsters showed promise and flashes of brilliance, most notably Changkuoth Jiath. And fans will want to see more development from young guns elevating their games over relying on the likes of Tom Mitchell, Jaeger O’Meara, Luke Breust and Chad Wingard still — particularly following a draft where the club had three top 26 picks.

MELBOURNE

It’s hard to be critical of a team that just ran through everything in its way in a dominant finals series en route to its first flag in 57 years. Their room for improvement comes from players who missed out on the flag, such as Sam Weideman, Jake Melksham, Jayden Hunt, James Jordan and even recruit Luke Dunstan, continuing to drive the hunger. The Demons were the fifth-youngest team of the AFL era to win a premiership and have no clear holes in their list, so staying motivated and avoiding injuries may be the only factors that could hinder them from going back-to-back.

NORTH MELBOURNE
Develop key position pillars

Despite claiming last year’s wooden spoon, there’s genuine reason for optimism at Arden Street. The club has one of the most promising young lists in the competition, headlined by Jy Simpkin, Jason Horne-Francis, Nick Larkey, Ben McKay, Tom Powell, Cameron Zurhaar and Tarryn Thomas. While an exciting midfield is taking shape, developing key position players around it will also be critical in the next stage of development for the club to climb the ladder. Larkey and McKay are sturdy young pillars to lead the club at either of the ground, while recruit Callum-Coleman Jones and youngster Charlie Comben are the obvious candidates to provide more help up forward. But it’s the backline that’s more uncertain, particular after Robbie Tarrant’s departure to Richmond, so finding another key back will be important.

PORT ADELAIDE
Find one more midfield star from within

Despite top-four finishers in each of the last two seasons, the Power haven’t been able to get past the preliminary final hurdle on each occasion. But they’re as primed as ever before to have another crack at a flag in 2022 behind one of the most talented lists in the competition. And despite Ollie Wines taking out last year’s Brownlow Medal in a career-best season, he’ll need some help in the engine room. The likes of Willem Drew, Xavier Duursma, Zak Butters and Connor Rozee will need to step up for the Power and provide support for Wines to match it with the midfields of Melbourne the Western Bulldogs. Even if one o of the aforementioned players can become bona fide stars of the competition, it’ll go a long with in boosting Port Adelaide’s premiership prospects.

RICHMOND
Stay healthy

Was 2021 a write off year of injuries for the Tigers or the beginning of their decline? Either way, Richmond was hit harder than most clubs on the injury front last year, with the likes of Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Dion Prestia, Shane Edwards, Noah Balta, Bachar Houli, Nathan Broad, Ivan Soldo and Toby Nankervis all missing key stretches. It may not be the overruling reason the club dropped out of the top eight, but it played a big role, and any successful team needs its best players consistently out there. It’s also worth noting that most of their injuries were in the backline, while Houli and David Astbury both retired to leave two huge voids. We almost don’t know what Richmond can be at full strength now, which is as much scary for rival clubs as it is a question mark of where its at — and whether it’s still in the premiership conversation.

ST KILDA
Emergence (or re-emergence) of stars

There’s no denying that the Saints have a talented list with few holes that’s capable of returning to finals — and maybe aiming higher. But this is a list built to win now that was a mile off premiership contention last year. St Kilda has sensationally recruited aggressively in recent years in adding the likes of Zak Jones, Brad Crouch, Brad Hill, Dan Hannebery, Dan Butler, Jack Higgins and Paddy Ryder from rival clubs to its mix, although not all of them have paid dividends and cost the club draft capital. For the Saints to really charge back up the ladder and have an impact on the 2022 season, they’ll need more consistency from their stars. Apart from Jack Steele, who can you really rely on at St Kilda to perform week in week out? So while it may come in the form of Hill or Butler getting back to their best, or Max King and Hunter Clark taking another step, St Kilda needs some form of boost to take it to the next level. Young gun Nick Coffield’s ACL injury is a huge blow in that sense, while the pressure is on senior coach Brett Ratten, who comes out of contract at season’s end.

SYDNEY SWANS
Take care of business against lesser sides

The Swans were capable of beating just about any team on their day last year amid an unexpected rise into the top eight to at stages look like a premiership smoky. Ironically, it was Sydney stumbling against some of the bottom sides that ultimately cost it a top-four berth. This includes losses to Gold Coast, Hawthorn and St Kilda, while a one-point elimination final defeat to GWS ended the Swans’ season. For Sydney to become a true powerhouse of the competition and flag threat, they’ll need to take care of business against the lesser sides. There’s more than enough talent on the club’s list to give this season a shake, with a good balance of star power and emerging youth, as it looks to build off a promising 2021.

WEST COAST EAGLES
Embrace change

Just like with several other sides, it became clear last year that the Eagles’ slow, methodical game plan had become dated, leading to their surprise drop out of the top eight. Yet looking at West Coast’s list, it’s still very capable of doing damage in September behind the core of Liam Ryan, Andrew Gaff, Dom Sheed, Elliot Ye, Nic Naitanui, Tim Kelly, Oscar Allen, Luke Shuey, Josh Kennedy and Jeremy McGovern — albeit an ageing one. The Eagles will need to play a more physical, attacking brand to maximise scoring opportunities and the potential of their list, a style we haven’t seen under coach Adam Simpson. But if post-season interviews are anything to go by, the powers that be at West Coast want to see a shift in the way the club plays moving forward.

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Tighten their defence

A disastrous third quarter against the Demons in the grand final was ultimately costly for the Bulldogs. And as the Dogs look to return to the grand stage, there’s not many parts of their game that need to be refined. The club failed to land an established ruckman during the trade period and will now hope that Stefan Martin has an injury-free campaign, or that Tim English can compete stronger in the role. Josh Bruce’s ACL injury also hurts the forward line, but there’s enough support in English, Aaron Naughton, Cody Weightman and Josh Schache to cover it. It’s the backline where Luke Beveridge’s team is most vulnerable. Alex Keath has been something of a one-man show in defence, while Zaine Cordy and Ryan Gardner can’t quite match it with the best forwards in the game. There’s the argument that the Bulldogs’ midfield being so dominant helps buffer this, but the grand final showed us anything but. Free agent addition Tim O’Brien comes into the fold and could play in defence as the potential missing piece to the Bulldogs’ premiership puzzle.

 

[Shannon]

KFC SuperCoach 2022: Rookie guru Dan Batten reveals his first team

Our rookie expert Dan Batten followed the draft closely last year, and his team has been heavily influenced by the cash cows on offer. Find out his full team.

It might come as little surprise that my team is centred on cash cows.

Following the AFL Draft for News Corp last year allowed me to get in early with my rookie research, and fortunately, it looks like a midfield heavy-crop – which bodes well for KFC SuperCoach.

But the negatives of a midfield heavy draft intake is, well, more midfield rookies than you can poke a stick at and less cheapies in other positions.

This is bound to impact structures all over the park, particularly as less standout options have presented themselves in rookie lines.

It has forced a reshuffle in my side that has, admittedly, been largely untouched for most of pre-season.

Coming off a frustrating campaign riddled by last-minute panic buys and blunders, I have taken the approach of Damien Hardwick over the off-season: rest and regenerate.

Oh, and a fact finding mission to the states (Phillip Island).

Here is my first side for 2022, featuring several underpriced premiums.

DEFENCE
Jake Lloyd (Syd) $586,600

Aaron Hall (NM) $572,900

Lachie Whitfield (GWS) $502,600, MID

James Sicily (Haw) $448,100

Will Gould (Syd) $123,900

Charlie Dean (Coll) $102,400

Will Kelly (Coll) $123,900, FWD

Nathan O’Driscoll (Frem) $123,900, MID

Hall is the name that stands out among the bunch, with Lloyd, Whitfield and Sicily the three most popular non-rookie defenders. I vowed at the end of last year to start Hall in 2022 after posting 15 tons in his last 16 in a staggering run. And he is underpriced, given his 105-point average includes sub and injury affected scores (6 and 37).

I have toyed with Jordan Ridley and Jayden Short over Whitfield, but the Giant looms as a steal with an injury-affected score against his name as well.

There remains a slight question mark over Sicily’s role in a side stacked with small-medium defenders, although his three-straight 130-plus totals early in 2020 is a firm reminder of his KFC SuperCoach capabilities.

Onto the rookies.

None of these four rookies are certain Round 1 starters by any means, however, Dean jumps out as the cut-priced mature-age option. He has averaged strong numbers against men in the VFL and the door has been left ajar with Jordan Roughead sidelined until about Round 5.

Gould is surely a chance of making his long-awaited debut, while the pre-season highlights are looking promising from second-year Docker O’Driscoll. Kelly is in with a sniff as a key forward, but is acting mostly as a DEF/FWD swing for now.

I’ll have a big watch on runners Brodie Kemp, Josh Sinn, Campbell Chesser and Darcy Wilmot (all priced in the $140-160 range) over the pre-season, with all capable of scoring well if given opportunity.

MIDFIELD
Jack Macrae (WB) $699,900

Jack Steele (St K) $685,800

Tom Mitchell (Haw) $638,100

Lachie Neale (Bris) $543,200

Jason Horne-Francis (NM) $207,300

Nick Daicos (Coll) $193,800

Josh Ward (Haw) $180,300

James Tsitas (GC) $102,400

Jake Soligo (Adel) $117,300

Greg Clark (WCE) $117,300

Charlie Parker (WB) $102,400, FWD

Here’s that structure change I mentioned. Five rolled gold premium brings a sense of KFC SuperCoach safety, but the midfield rookie depth at this stage suggests a four-deep midfield is worthwhile.

However, I have kept a FWD swing — in Parker — to allow me some flexibility with my MID eligible forwards, if on-field scoring becomes an issue.

I was a frustrated non-owner of Steele and a frustrated owner of Neale last year, but the former has a mouth-watering draw to begin the year and the latter should be back to his best after an uninterrupted pre-season.

Mitchell is the most recent inclusion after the injury blow to Sam Walsh, and the ball-magnet has said he is the fittest he has been since his 2019 knee injury. Talk aside, Mitchell averaged 128.6 SuperCoach points in the last 11 rounds of 2022 and faces North Melbourne, Port Adelaide (career average of 113), Carlton (133!) and Geelong in the first five rounds.

Contested beast Clayton Oliver has been the other who had been in and out of the midfield, but the Round 5 match-up against his old foe Matt de Boer looms large. First midfield upgrade? We’ll see how he goes against Gold Coast in Round 2 …

Horne-Francis lit up a recent match simulation in a sure-fire sign he will be a key player for North Melbourne and a KFC SuperCoach lock, after two hardened seasons in the SANFL.

Like KFC SuperCoach ambassador Heath Shaw, I was unsure about picking Daicos as I assumed he would play as a small-forward to start, but a friendly halfback/midfield role awaits him which will suit his class and ball-winning capabilities.

Ward is the next high-priced rookie on the list, with the dependable draftee eyeing a Round 1 debut since the moment he was taken by the Hawks. Coach Sam Mitchell will give opportunities to the kids and Ward is ready to step in, already impressing in the middle in intra-club trials.

Tsitas picks himself as a bottom-priced 26 year old coming off a league best and fairest in the SANFL, while Soligo shapes as a Round 1 bolter for the Crows, training in their stronger side in match simulation.

But no one boasts the state-league dominance of mature-ager Clark, who averaged 121 points (including an injury-affected score of 1) in the WAFL last year.

The two Stephens with no relation — Dylan (Sydney) and Cooper (Geelong) are firmly on my watch-list with both entering their third season.

RUCK
Max Gawn $657,400

Brodie Grundy $627,100

Braydon Preuss $204,700

With four premiums in the midfield, I have decided not to chance my luck with Preuss at R2.

A return to the Grundy of old makes the Magpies behemoth a KFC SuperCoach lock, after burning up the track this pre-season.

Gawn had a reduced impact in the run home by his lofty standards and the share ruck duties with Luke Jackson is a concern, but it is easy to forget the big man kicked five goals and registered 159 points against Geelong in the preliminary final. Coincidentally, the same score he posted in KFC SuperCoach grand final week against the Cats.

Sean Darcy is one I would love to start over Gawn, after posting some monster scores while hampered by injury last season. He is on track to play in Round 1 but an Achilles setback has held him back, so I will watch his progress with interest during the pre-season matches.

Preuss shapes as the Marc Pittonet-esque ruck rookie of 2022, providing cash and top-line coverage as the Giants’ likely No. 1 ruck.

FORWARDS
Mitch Duncan (Geel) $540,300, MID

Jordan De Goey (Coll) $465,500, MID

Isaac Heeney (Syd) $454,500

Stephen Coniglio (GWS) $261,300, MID

Will Brodie (Frem) $224,300, MID

Elijah Hollands (GC) $123,900, FWD

Charlie Comben (NM) $123,900, RUC

Sam Skinner (Port) $123,900, DEF

This is perhaps the only line where I have gone away from the traditional guns and rookies format and chanced my arm with some mid-priced options.

But De Goey, Heeney and Coniglio are all set to fulfil midfield roles this year – OK, with Heeney I’ll have to see some concrete evidence in the pre-season. But the talk out of Sydney has been positive.

De Goey’s struggles over the off-season have been well documented, but his 110-point average from his last nine games of last season as an on-baller mean he is a bargain buy – if he is full fitness.

I have seen Josh Dunkley in plenty of sides but I am favouring the ever-reliable Duncan, despite him being on lighter duties this pre-season. I have my doubts about Dunkley’s role in the Bulldogs side – scoring just two tons in his last nine games of 2022. Meanwhile, Duncan’s 2021 average would have neared 110 if not for an injury blow which saw him score 10, and at times was on kick-ins as he roamed around the ground. The only question mark on Duncan is his durability.

Brodie is on track to contend for Round 1 at his new club despite an injury hiccup, and he could become Charlie Curnow if the returning Blue proves his fitness and scoring potential in the pre-season.

Hollands has been firmly on my radar since his 112-point display in the VFL late last year, while Skinner has been transformed into an intercept marking weapon who will be KFC SuperCoach relevant if given opportunity by the Power.

Comben’s DPP should help facilitate a Preuss upgrade to a forward premium once he reaches his peak, and he is another Roo putting his case forward for Round 1.

 

[froffershanners]

KFC SuperCoach 2022: Rookie guru Dan Batten reveals his first team

Our rookie expert Dan Batten followed the draft closely last year, and his team has been heavily influenced by the cash cows on offer. Find out his full team.

It might come as little surprise that my team is centred on cash cows.

Following the AFL Draft for News Corp last year allowed me to get in early with my rookie research, and fortunately, it looks like a midfield heavy-crop – which bodes well for KFC SuperCoach.

But the negatives of a midfield heavy draft intake is, well, more midfield rookies than you can poke a stick at and less cheapies in other positions.

This is bound to impact structures all over the park, particularly as less standout options have presented themselves in rookie lines.

It has forced a reshuffle in my side that has, admittedly, been largely untouched for most of pre-season.

Coming off a frustrating campaign riddled by last-minute panic buys and blunders, I have taken the approach of Damien Hardwick over the off-season: rest and regenerate.

Oh, and a fact finding mission to the states (Phillip Island).

Here is my first side for 2022, featuring several underpriced premiums.

DEFENCE
Jake Lloyd (Syd) $586,600

Aaron Hall (NM) $572,900

Lachie Whitfield (GWS) $502,600, MID

James Sicily (Haw) $448,100

Will Gould (Syd) $123,900

Charlie Dean (Coll) $102,400

Will Kelly (Coll) $123,900, FWD

Nathan O’Driscoll (Frem) $123,900, MID

Hall is the name that stands out among the bunch, with Lloyd, Whitfield and Sicily the three most popular non-rookie defenders. I vowed at the end of last year to start Hall in 2022 after posting 15 tons in his last 16 in a staggering run. And he is underpriced, given his 105-point average includes sub and injury affected scores (6 and 37).

I have toyed with Jordan Ridley and Jayden Short over Whitfield, but the Giant looms as a steal with an injury-affected score against his name as well.

There remains a slight question mark over Sicily’s role in a side stacked with small-medium defenders, although his three-straight 130-plus totals early in 2020 is a firm reminder of his KFC SuperCoach capabilities.

Onto the rookies.

None of these four rookies are certain Round 1 starters by any means, however, Dean jumps out as the cut-priced mature-age option. He has averaged strong numbers against men in the VFL and the door has been left ajar with Jordan Roughead sidelined until about Round 5.

Gould is surely a chance of making his long-awaited debut, while the pre-season highlights are looking promising from second-year Docker O’Driscoll. Kelly is in with a sniff as a key forward, but is acting mostly as a DEF/FWD swing for now.

I’ll have a big watch on runners Brodie Kemp, Josh Sinn, Campbell Chesser and Darcy Wilmot (all priced in the $140-160 range) over the pre-season, with all capable of scoring well if given opportunity.

MIDFIELD
Jack Macrae (WB) $699,900

Jack Steele (St K) $685,800

Tom Mitchell (Haw) $638,100

Lachie Neale (Bris) $543,200

Jason Horne-Francis (NM) $207,300

Nick Daicos (Coll) $193,800

Josh Ward (Haw) $180,300

James Tsitas (GC) $102,400

Jake Soligo (Adel) $117,300

Greg Clark (WCE) $117,300

Charlie Parker (WB) $102,400, FWD

Here’s that structure change I mentioned. Five rolled gold premium brings a sense of KFC SuperCoach safety, but the midfield rookie depth at this stage suggests a four-deep midfield is worthwhile.

However, I have kept a FWD swing — in Parker — to allow me some flexibility with my MID eligible forwards, if on-field scoring becomes an issue.

I was a frustrated non-owner of Steele and a frustrated owner of Neale last year, but the former has a mouth-watering draw to begin the year and the latter should be back to his best after an uninterrupted pre-season.

Mitchell is the most recent inclusion after the injury blow to Sam Walsh, and the ball-magnet has said he is the fittest he has been since his 2019 knee injury. Talk aside, Mitchell averaged 128.6 SuperCoach points in the last 11 rounds of 2022 and faces North Melbourne, Port Adelaide (career average of 113), Carlton (133!) and Geelong in the first five rounds.

Contested beast Clayton Oliver has been the other who had been in and out of the midfield, but the Round 5 match-up against his old foe Matt de Boer looms large. First midfield upgrade? We’ll see how he goes against Gold Coast in Round 2 …

Horne-Francis lit up a recent match simulation in a sure-fire sign he will be a key player for North Melbourne and a KFC SuperCoach lock, after two hardened seasons in the SANFL.

Like KFC SuperCoach ambassador Heath Shaw, I was unsure about picking Daicos as I assumed he would play as a small-forward to start, but a friendly halfback/midfield role awaits him which will suit his class and ball-winning capabilities.

Ward is the next high-priced rookie on the list, with the dependable draftee eyeing a Round 1 debut since the moment he was taken by the Hawks. Coach Sam Mitchell will give opportunities to the kids and Ward is ready to step in, already impressing in the middle in intra-club trials.

Tsitas picks himself as a bottom-priced 26 year old coming off a league best and fairest in the SANFL, while Soligo shapes as a Round 1 bolter for the Crows, training in their stronger side in match simulation.

But no one boasts the state-league dominance of mature-ager Clark, who averaged 121 points (including an injury-affected score of 1) in the WAFL last year.

The two Stephens with no relation — Dylan (Sydney) and Cooper (Geelong) are firmly on my watch-list with both entering their third season.

RUCK
Max Gawn $657,400

Brodie Grundy $627,100

Braydon Preuss $204,700

With four premiums in the midfield, I have decided not to chance my luck with Preuss at R2.

A return to the Grundy of old makes the Magpies behemoth a KFC SuperCoach lock, after burning up the track this pre-season.

Gawn had a reduced impact in the run home by his lofty standards and the share ruck duties with Luke Jackson is a concern, but it is easy to forget the big man kicked five goals and registered 159 points against Geelong in the preliminary final. Coincidentally, the same score he posted in KFC SuperCoach grand final week against the Cats.

Sean Darcy is one I would love to start over Gawn, after posting some monster scores while hampered by injury last season. He is on track to play in Round 1 but an Achilles setback has held him back, so I will watch his progress with interest during the pre-season matches.

Preuss shapes as the Marc Pittonet-esque ruck rookie of 2022, providing cash and top-line coverage as the Giants’ likely No. 1 ruck.

FORWARDS
Mitch Duncan (Geel) $540,300, MID

Jordan De Goey (Coll) $465,500, MID

Isaac Heeney (Syd) $454,500

Stephen Coniglio (GWS) $261,300, MID

Will Brodie (Frem) $224,300, MID

Elijah Hollands (GC) $123,900, FWD

Charlie Comben (NM) $123,900, RUC

Sam Skinner (Port) $123,900, DEF

This is perhaps the only line where I have gone away from the traditional guns and rookies format and chanced my arm with some mid-priced options.

But De Goey, Heeney and Coniglio are all set to fulfil midfield roles this year – OK, with Heeney I’ll have to see some concrete evidence in the pre-season. But the talk out of Sydney has been positive.

De Goey’s struggles over the off-season have been well documented, but his 110-point average from his last nine games of last season as an on-baller mean he is a bargain buy – if he is full fitness.

I have seen Josh Dunkley in plenty of sides but I am favouring the ever-reliable Duncan, despite him being on lighter duties this pre-season. I have my doubts about Dunkley’s role in the Bulldogs side – scoring just two tons in his last nine games of 2022. Meanwhile, Duncan’s 2021 average would have neared 110 if not for an injury blow which saw him score 10, and at times was on kick-ins as he roamed around the ground. The only question mark on Duncan is his durability.

Brodie is on track to contend for Round 1 at his new club despite an injury hiccup, and he could become Charlie Curnow if the returning Blue proves his fitness and scoring potential in the pre-season.

Hollands has been firmly on my radar since his 112-point display in the VFL late last year, while Skinner has been transformed into an intercept marking weapon who will be KFC SuperCoach relevant if given opportunity by the Power.

Comben’s DPP should help facilitate a Preuss upgrade to a forward premium once he reaches his peak, and he is another Roo putting his case forward for Round 1.

View attachment 39530

Really hoping we get 11 rookies under $124k in round one!