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KFC SuperCoach 2023: 11 burning pre-season questions answered
Is Fyfe worth picking? What about McLean? Is Taranto the real deal at Richmond? Who will be the breakout mid of 2023? Tim Michell answers 11 big KFC SuperCoach questions.
1. Is Nat Fyfe a bargain or an injury waiting to happen?
Can we say both? The Fremantle superstar is the 119th most-expensive forward in KFC SuperCoach this year after gaining MID-FWD status. To put his price into perspective, he’s $500 more than stopper Ryan Clarke and costs less than Liam Shiels who retired before being lured to North Melbourne. That’s definitely bargain territory, especially if he’s available Round 1. Fyfe has been to the US this off-season in a trip he hoped would make him more durable after only managing 36 games in the past three years. Expect him to be managed during pre-season and even miss games during the year if Fremantle has one eye on September. It will be worth starting Fyfe is he’s a popular selection – that way if he goes down, you’re in the same situation as thousands of other coaches. Just ensure you have an exit plan, even if it’s just to a rookie on the up.
2. How much more midfield time will Tom Mitchell get at Collingwood and who takes over at Hawthorn as top dog?
Mitchell revealed after joining Collingwood that a conversation with Craig Macrae about what he could add to the Pies’ midfield played into his decision. That should be music to the ears of KFC SuperCoaches. While Mitchell was pushed to half forward in the second half of 2022 as Hawthorn moved towards a younger midfield, he is set to be a key cog of the Collingwood engine room. Mitchell averaged 92.1 KFC SuperCoach points per 100 minutes forward last season and 102.2 as a midfielder. Those midfield numbers would have ranked Mitchell outside the top 20 for overall averages last year. But reinvigorated as a Magpie, and at only $528k, it’s understandable why so many KFC SuperCoaches are keen. In his absence at Hawthorn, expect Jai Newcombe to go to another level. James Worpel ($309k) could be the big beneficiary, while Dylan Moore ($521k) should get plenty of opportunity to build on his clearance average of two per game from 2022. Worpel averaged 97 in his second AFL season but has fallen out of favour in recent years, only featuring 11 times last season.
3. How much do Brodie Grundy/Max Gawn and Sean Darcy/Luke Jackson hurt each other’s scoring?
If you shook a magic eight ball, the result would likely be – outcome not so good. But honestly, who knows? There’s not much point going back and analysing when Gawn has previously played as one of two ruckmen as his new partnership with Grundy will be unlike anything we saw with Braydon Preuss, for example. The suggestion is that Grundy will start as the No.1 ruckman, or at least take a greater percentage of ruck duties early in the season. That will mean Gawn playing as a forward which will likely result in his average taking a hit. But the upside could be DPP as soon as Round 6. As for Darcy and Jackson, Jackson’s versatility will probably mean Darcy’s scoring doesn’t suffer significantly.
4. Will Ross Lyon play two ruckmen?
The new (?) Saints coach went for a one-ruckman and support set up for most of his last season in the AFL, when he led Fremantle in 2019. There were occasions where the Dockers played both Aaron Sandilands and Sean Darcy, but it was more often a Sandilands/Lobb or Darcy/Lobb combination. That bodes well for Rowan Marshall, as long as Lyon still prefers that same style four years on. Of course, the game has changed and it’s likely his tactical approach will to. But there’s at least some optimism the Saints might move away from playing two designated ruckmen as they did with Paddy Ryder and Rowan Marshall. Could we see a partnership involving Marshall and Jack Hayes (pending fitness)? That would likely mean Marshall playing 70+ per cent of matches in the middle and he has monstered teams when given the No.1 mantle. Back-up ruck Tom Campbell has been battling an achilles issue which might force Lyon’s hand.
5. Is Toby McLean really a steal?
Only Luke Beveridge can answer this at match committee in Round 1. It doesn’t feel all that long ago McLean was in the discussion of premium KFC SuperCoach forwards. It was in fact 2018, though, when the now 26-year-old averaged 94.7 points, posting eight tons in the opening 10 rounds. McLean has only played 16 games in the past three seasons but his elimination final against Fremantle left a big impression. McLean tallied 21 disposals and nine tackles against the Dockers and would have scored 100 KFC SuperCoach points. After his career was stymied by two knee reconstructions, McLean is available for a discount of more than $100k on his 2022 price – and by all reports he was flying in pre-season before undergoing hand surgery. You’ve got to pick him if he’s named Round 1, even if his job security is a bit flimsy. Over to you Bevo. Here’s your chance to win us back.
6. What will Will Ashcroft average?
I’ve asked our draft experts who guessed 83 and 85-90. So that’s good enough for me. Sam Walsh was lauded for his impact in a record-breaking debut season and averaged 86.9 KFC SuperCoach points. Nick Daicos managed 91.3 points a game but had a friendlier role than Walsh – and likely Ashcroft – playing across halfback for most of his debut campaign with Collingwood. Ashcroft’s junior – and VFL – numbers rightfully have KFC SuperCoaches excited. But maybe temper expectation on him bursting onto the scene with a 90+ average, especially when Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley will be the two big guns in the middle and are proven KFC SuperCoach studs. Just enjoy Ashcroft’s rise. Even if he averages 70, 80+ per cent of KFC SuperCoach teams will be in the same boat as yours if you start him.
7. How many $600k defenders can you justify?
There are five $600k+ defenders this year and every one of their premium price tags in justified. Jack Sinclair and James Sicily are $626k and $624k respectively, while Tom Stewart ($604k), Sam Docherty ($603k) and Jordan Dawson ($602k) are also in the $600k club. Most coaches will find it difficult to start with more than two of these players, especially with the four premier KFC SuperCoach on-ballers priced at $660k or more. If you can somehow squeeze in a third $600k+ defender, you’ll be a step ahead of thousands of others. But if it comes at a significant cost like missing out on a top midfielder, you have to question if it’s worth it. For what it’s worth I have Stewart and Dawson locked in. Your other option is to look at potential breakouts such as Mason Redman and Hayden Young and spend up elsewhere.
8. Will Nick Daicos average 100 for the first time (of we presume many)?
Let’s take a look at some similar talents and how they fared in year two of KFC SuperCoach. Sam Walsh went from an 86.9 average to 101.1, Clayton Oliver lifted his output from 70.3 to 111.5 and Bailey Smith jumped from 76.6 to 92.1. Of course, those three are elite talents, but all signs suggest Daicos is in the same category – or at least will be very soon. If his role across halfback continues, he will arguably have a better role than Walsh, Oliver and Smith did in their second seasons to accumulate KFC SuperCoach points. Not many second-year players step straight into a midfield role and dominate. But of course, Daicos isn’t most players. The Rising Star winner of 2022 blitzed Collingwood’s time trial and has already been touted for extra time in the Magpies’ midfield in 2023. Daicos averaged 94 KFC SuperCoach points from Round 12 onwards and it would take a braver coach than me to suggest he won’t go at least six points better.
Is Fyfe worth picking? What about McLean? Is Taranto the real deal at Richmond? Who will be the breakout mid of 2023? Tim Michell answers 11 big KFC SuperCoach questions.
1. Is Nat Fyfe a bargain or an injury waiting to happen?
Can we say both? The Fremantle superstar is the 119th most-expensive forward in KFC SuperCoach this year after gaining MID-FWD status. To put his price into perspective, he’s $500 more than stopper Ryan Clarke and costs less than Liam Shiels who retired before being lured to North Melbourne. That’s definitely bargain territory, especially if he’s available Round 1. Fyfe has been to the US this off-season in a trip he hoped would make him more durable after only managing 36 games in the past three years. Expect him to be managed during pre-season and even miss games during the year if Fremantle has one eye on September. It will be worth starting Fyfe is he’s a popular selection – that way if he goes down, you’re in the same situation as thousands of other coaches. Just ensure you have an exit plan, even if it’s just to a rookie on the up.
2. How much more midfield time will Tom Mitchell get at Collingwood and who takes over at Hawthorn as top dog?
Mitchell revealed after joining Collingwood that a conversation with Craig Macrae about what he could add to the Pies’ midfield played into his decision. That should be music to the ears of KFC SuperCoaches. While Mitchell was pushed to half forward in the second half of 2022 as Hawthorn moved towards a younger midfield, he is set to be a key cog of the Collingwood engine room. Mitchell averaged 92.1 KFC SuperCoach points per 100 minutes forward last season and 102.2 as a midfielder. Those midfield numbers would have ranked Mitchell outside the top 20 for overall averages last year. But reinvigorated as a Magpie, and at only $528k, it’s understandable why so many KFC SuperCoaches are keen. In his absence at Hawthorn, expect Jai Newcombe to go to another level. James Worpel ($309k) could be the big beneficiary, while Dylan Moore ($521k) should get plenty of opportunity to build on his clearance average of two per game from 2022. Worpel averaged 97 in his second AFL season but has fallen out of favour in recent years, only featuring 11 times last season.
3. How much do Brodie Grundy/Max Gawn and Sean Darcy/Luke Jackson hurt each other’s scoring?
If you shook a magic eight ball, the result would likely be – outcome not so good. But honestly, who knows? There’s not much point going back and analysing when Gawn has previously played as one of two ruckmen as his new partnership with Grundy will be unlike anything we saw with Braydon Preuss, for example. The suggestion is that Grundy will start as the No.1 ruckman, or at least take a greater percentage of ruck duties early in the season. That will mean Gawn playing as a forward which will likely result in his average taking a hit. But the upside could be DPP as soon as Round 6. As for Darcy and Jackson, Jackson’s versatility will probably mean Darcy’s scoring doesn’t suffer significantly.
4. Will Ross Lyon play two ruckmen?
The new (?) Saints coach went for a one-ruckman and support set up for most of his last season in the AFL, when he led Fremantle in 2019. There were occasions where the Dockers played both Aaron Sandilands and Sean Darcy, but it was more often a Sandilands/Lobb or Darcy/Lobb combination. That bodes well for Rowan Marshall, as long as Lyon still prefers that same style four years on. Of course, the game has changed and it’s likely his tactical approach will to. But there’s at least some optimism the Saints might move away from playing two designated ruckmen as they did with Paddy Ryder and Rowan Marshall. Could we see a partnership involving Marshall and Jack Hayes (pending fitness)? That would likely mean Marshall playing 70+ per cent of matches in the middle and he has monstered teams when given the No.1 mantle. Back-up ruck Tom Campbell has been battling an achilles issue which might force Lyon’s hand.
5. Is Toby McLean really a steal?
Only Luke Beveridge can answer this at match committee in Round 1. It doesn’t feel all that long ago McLean was in the discussion of premium KFC SuperCoach forwards. It was in fact 2018, though, when the now 26-year-old averaged 94.7 points, posting eight tons in the opening 10 rounds. McLean has only played 16 games in the past three seasons but his elimination final against Fremantle left a big impression. McLean tallied 21 disposals and nine tackles against the Dockers and would have scored 100 KFC SuperCoach points. After his career was stymied by two knee reconstructions, McLean is available for a discount of more than $100k on his 2022 price – and by all reports he was flying in pre-season before undergoing hand surgery. You’ve got to pick him if he’s named Round 1, even if his job security is a bit flimsy. Over to you Bevo. Here’s your chance to win us back.
6. What will Will Ashcroft average?
I’ve asked our draft experts who guessed 83 and 85-90. So that’s good enough for me. Sam Walsh was lauded for his impact in a record-breaking debut season and averaged 86.9 KFC SuperCoach points. Nick Daicos managed 91.3 points a game but had a friendlier role than Walsh – and likely Ashcroft – playing across halfback for most of his debut campaign with Collingwood. Ashcroft’s junior – and VFL – numbers rightfully have KFC SuperCoaches excited. But maybe temper expectation on him bursting onto the scene with a 90+ average, especially when Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley will be the two big guns in the middle and are proven KFC SuperCoach studs. Just enjoy Ashcroft’s rise. Even if he averages 70, 80+ per cent of KFC SuperCoach teams will be in the same boat as yours if you start him.
7. How many $600k defenders can you justify?
There are five $600k+ defenders this year and every one of their premium price tags in justified. Jack Sinclair and James Sicily are $626k and $624k respectively, while Tom Stewart ($604k), Sam Docherty ($603k) and Jordan Dawson ($602k) are also in the $600k club. Most coaches will find it difficult to start with more than two of these players, especially with the four premier KFC SuperCoach on-ballers priced at $660k or more. If you can somehow squeeze in a third $600k+ defender, you’ll be a step ahead of thousands of others. But if it comes at a significant cost like missing out on a top midfielder, you have to question if it’s worth it. For what it’s worth I have Stewart and Dawson locked in. Your other option is to look at potential breakouts such as Mason Redman and Hayden Young and spend up elsewhere.
8. Will Nick Daicos average 100 for the first time (of we presume many)?
Let’s take a look at some similar talents and how they fared in year two of KFC SuperCoach. Sam Walsh went from an 86.9 average to 101.1, Clayton Oliver lifted his output from 70.3 to 111.5 and Bailey Smith jumped from 76.6 to 92.1. Of course, those three are elite talents, but all signs suggest Daicos is in the same category – or at least will be very soon. If his role across halfback continues, he will arguably have a better role than Walsh, Oliver and Smith did in their second seasons to accumulate KFC SuperCoach points. Not many second-year players step straight into a midfield role and dominate. But of course, Daicos isn’t most players. The Rising Star winner of 2022 blitzed Collingwood’s time trial and has already been touted for extra time in the Magpies’ midfield in 2023. Daicos averaged 94 KFC SuperCoach points from Round 12 onwards and it would take a braver coach than me to suggest he won’t go at least six points better.
9. How good will Taranto and Hopper really be as Tigers?
Taranto was a victim of his own versatility at the Giants which is why he’s still available as FWD this year. Don’t expect that FWD-MID split to continue at the Tigers, who are stacked with mid-sized and small forwards. Richmond has touted it will unleash Taranto in a full-time midfield role, which is great news for KFC SuperCoach teams. We’re expecting a spike back close to his 2019 numbers of 102 points a game. Hopper has never averaged 100 so expecting triple figures might be a bit optimistic. But he averaged at least 90.9 from 2019-2021 and that’d be a great result for $332k.
10. How many kids make West Coast’s Round 1 side?
In a perfect world, Campbell Chesser, Elijah Hewett, Reuben Ginbey and Coby Burgiel. Chesser has reportedly been managed through pre-season after injury ruined his debut campaign, so a Round 1 appearance might be a long shot. Monitor his progress though. Hewett already has senior experience in the WAFL and could provide an immediate x-factor at half-forward. Ginbey surely won’t have to wait long to taste senior football and Burgiel should be a chance to debut in the first half of the campaign. Put this quartet on your watch list. It’s a bit early in pre-season to make a definitive call on how many/or if any make the cut for Round 1.
11. Who will be the breakout midfielder of 2023?
The Phantom has office bragging rights after his sterling 2022 campaign so we’ll say Tom Green. Green blasted out of the blocks last season with scores of 164, 106 and 147. By Round 7, he had six tons and a 92 and it seemed certain he would join the elite bracket of KFC SuperCoach midfielders. But his scoring tailed off badly in the run home, posting 58 or less four times in the last six rounds as he finished with a season average of 97. The Giants have lost Tim Taranto, Tanner Bruhn and Jacob Hopper, giving Green the perfect opportunity to go from midfield rotation to on-ball leader. As Luke Davies-Uniacke averaged more than 100 last year (technically breakout territory), we’ll tip Green as the player to climb to new heights this year. Hope you’re happy Phantom.
Taranto was a victim of his own versatility at the Giants which is why he’s still available as FWD this year. Don’t expect that FWD-MID split to continue at the Tigers, who are stacked with mid-sized and small forwards. Richmond has touted it will unleash Taranto in a full-time midfield role, which is great news for KFC SuperCoach teams. We’re expecting a spike back close to his 2019 numbers of 102 points a game. Hopper has never averaged 100 so expecting triple figures might be a bit optimistic. But he averaged at least 90.9 from 2019-2021 and that’d be a great result for $332k.
10. How many kids make West Coast’s Round 1 side?
In a perfect world, Campbell Chesser, Elijah Hewett, Reuben Ginbey and Coby Burgiel. Chesser has reportedly been managed through pre-season after injury ruined his debut campaign, so a Round 1 appearance might be a long shot. Monitor his progress though. Hewett already has senior experience in the WAFL and could provide an immediate x-factor at half-forward. Ginbey surely won’t have to wait long to taste senior football and Burgiel should be a chance to debut in the first half of the campaign. Put this quartet on your watch list. It’s a bit early in pre-season to make a definitive call on how many/or if any make the cut for Round 1.
11. Who will be the breakout midfielder of 2023?
The Phantom has office bragging rights after his sterling 2022 campaign so we’ll say Tom Green. Green blasted out of the blocks last season with scores of 164, 106 and 147. By Round 7, he had six tons and a 92 and it seemed certain he would join the elite bracket of KFC SuperCoach midfielders. But his scoring tailed off badly in the run home, posting 58 or less four times in the last six rounds as he finished with a season average of 97. The Giants have lost Tim Taranto, Tanner Bruhn and Jacob Hopper, giving Green the perfect opportunity to go from midfield rotation to on-ball leader. As Luke Davies-Uniacke averaged more than 100 last year (technically breakout territory), we’ll tip Green as the player to climb to new heights this year. Hope you’re happy Phantom.
Every 2023 KFC SuperCoach player, price and position
Can’t wait for KFC SuperCoach to open for 2023? See the price and position of every player from the Crows, Lions, Blues, Pies, Dons, Dockers – and who to put on your watch list.
Al Paton
Unfollow
@al_superfooty
3 min read
January 19, 2023 - 6:22AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
SuperCoach
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Follow
The launch of KFC SuperCoach for 2023 is just days away.
Can’t wait? Start your quest for KFC SuperCoach glory with the full list of player prices and positions.
See where every premium, recruit and rookie from the Crows, Lions, Blues, Pies, Dons, and Dockers is listed below, and how much they will cost below, plus expert analysis of every club’s prices and the players to put on your watch list.
STAY TUNED TO SEE MORE PRICES REVEALED ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
ADELAIDE
Sam Berry $478,700 MID
Hugh Bond $117,300 MID
James Borlase $123,900 DEF
Jordon Butts $280,500 DEF
Brayden Cook $212,000 MID
Matt Crouch $498,000 MID
Jordan Dawson $603,100 DEF
Tom Doedee $422,300 DEF
Billy Dowling $117,300 MID
Darcy Fogarty $373,400 FWD
Lachlan Gollant $208,100 FWD
Will Hamill $284,000 DEF
Jackson Hately $387,900 MID
Elliott Himmelberg $338,400 FWD
Mitchell Hinge $371,800 DEF-MID
Chayce Jones $268,700 DEF
Ben Keays $548,600 MID
Rory Laird $703,900 MID
Shane McAdam $342,500 FWD
Fischer McAsey $123,900 DEF-FWD
Ned McHenry $316,600 FWD
Andrew McPherson $155,700 DEF
Max Michalanney $135,300 DEF
Wayne Milera $321,200 FWD
Lachlan Murphy $310,600 FWD
Nick Murray $257,000 DEF
Luke Nankervis $123,900 MID-FWD
Tariek Newchurch $123,900 FWD
Reilly O’Brien $560,500 RUC
Patrick Parnell $248,300 DEF
Luke Pedlar $173,400 FWD
Josh Rachele $287,100 FWD
Izak Rankine $386,000 FWD
Harry Schoenberg $322,800 MID
Paul Seedsman $422,000 MID
Lachlan Sholl $362,800 MID
Rory Sloane $413,800 MID
Brodie Smith $450,200 DEF
Jake Soligo $347,900 MID
Kieran Strachan $262,100 RUC
Zac Taylor $123,900 MID
Riley Thilthorpe $318,800 FWD
Taylor Walker $499,200 FWD
Josh Worrell $328,100 DEF
THREE TO WATCH
Rory Laird
The most expensive player in KFC SuperCoach in 2023 averaged 127 points a game last season. His consistency means he’s unlikely to get a lot cheaper.
Jordan Dawson
The fifth-most expensive defender will be a popular selection again. Only dropped under 80 once in 2022.
Rory Sloane
Received a price discount after injuries restricted him to just four games in 2023. Has been a premium in the past but what will his role be this season?
RISBANE
Marcus Adams $384,200 DEF
Callum Ah Chee $293,300 MID
Harris Andrews $438,400 DEF
Noah Answerth $335,600 DEF
Will Ashcroft $202,800 MID
Zac Bailey $421,100 MID-FWD
Jarrod Berry $417,300 MID
Shadeau Brain $102,400 FWD
Charlie Cameron $427,400 FWD
Nakia Cockatoo $303,000 FWD
Blake Coleman $123,900 FWD
Keidean Coleman $479,000 DEF
Joe Daniher $338,800 FWD
Josh Dunkley $596,400 MID-FWD
Jaspa Fletcher $157,800 MID
Darcy Fort $379,900 FWD
Tom Fullarton $255,500 FWD
Darcy Gardiner $344,400 DEF
Jack Gunston $393,700 FWD
Eric Hipwood $313,000 FWD
Kalin Lane $123,900 RUC
Ryan Lester $250,500 DEF
Kai Lohmann $146,500 FWD
Jarryd Lyons $500,300 MID
James Madden $148,400 DEF
Rhys Mathieson $446,800 MID-FWD
Lincoln McCarthy $374,100 FWD
Hugh McCluggage $570,800 MID
Darryl McDowell-White $102,400 MID-FWD
Oscar McInerney $487,000 RUC
Conor McKenna $167,500 DEF
Carter Michael $188,300 DEF
Lachie Neale $676,200 MID
Jack Payne $364,600 DEF
Jaxon Prior $312,200 MID
Cam Rayner $390,700 FWD
Daniel Rich $531,200 DEF
Deven Robertson $259,900 MID
Harry Sharp $123,900 MID
Henry Smith $123,900 RUC-FWD
Brandon Starcevich $381,500 DEF
James Tunstill $187,900 MID
Darcy Wilmot $123,900 DEF
Dayne Zorko $453,200 FWD
THREE TO WATCH
Will Ashcroft
Can the first-year player be the Nick Daicos of 2023? His junior numbers are similarly off the charts but the Lions midfield isn’t easy to break into.
Josh Dunkley
Averaged 108 points a game last year and should improve that after being lured to play a key midfield role at Brisbane - and we can still pick him as a forward.
Conor McKenna
Former Bomber has played Gaelic footy in Ireland for the past two years. If he’s part of Brisbane’s plans he’ll be an absolute steal.
CARLTON
Blake Acres $456,100 MID
Domanic Akuei $123,900 DEF-RUC
Jaxon Binns $117,300 MID-FWD
Jordan Boyd $247,100 DEF
Jack Carroll $207,000 FWD
Adam Cerra $504,400 MID
Matthew Cottrell $335,900 MID-FWD
Lachie Cowan $117,300 DEF
Patrick Cripps $611,900 MID
David Cuningham $163,800 MID-FWD
Charlie Curnow $474,200 FWD
Ed Curnow $379,400 MID
Tom De Koning $412,100 RUC
Sam Docherty $603,600 DEF
Paddy Dow $251,100 MID
Corey Durdin $188,300 FWD
Sam Durdin $219,700 DEF
Zac Fisher $404,900 FWD
Lachie Fogarty $167,400 MID-FWD
George Hewett $613,300 MID
Oliver Hollands $162,300 MID
Josh Honey $177,300 FWD
Brodie Kemp $245,400 DEF-FWD
Matthew Kennedy $532,400 MID
Harry Lemmey $117,300 FWD
Caleb Marchbank $198,200 DEF
Jack Martin $297,300 FWD
Mitch McGovern $338,400 DEF
Harry McKay $436,700 FWD
Alex Mirkov $123,900 RUC
Jesse Motlop $242,700 FWD
Nic Newman $441,600 DEF
Lochie O’Brien $354,400 MID
Matthew Owies $313,200 FWD
Sam Philp $123,900 FWD
Marc Pittonet $386,100 RUC
Lachie Plowman $314,900 DEF
Adam Saad $567,900 DEF
Jack Silvagni $419,200 FWD
Sam Walsh $610,900 MID
Jacob Weitering $378,100 DEF
Zac Williams $425,800 DEF
Lewis Young $441,300 DEF
THREE TO WATCH
Patrick Cripps
About $200k more expensive than he was this time last year but if he starts the year in the same fashion – carrying the midfield without Sam Walsh – he’ll be worth the price tag.
George Hewett
With Cripps he became a must-have last season but has lost his dual-position status as well as adding over $200k to his price tag. Probably better value elsewhere.
David Cuningham
Cheap enough to put on the pre-season watchlist. Can he claim a spot in the best 22?
Can’t wait for KFC SuperCoach to open for 2023? See the price and position of every player from the Crows, Lions, Blues, Pies, Dons, Dockers – and who to put on your watch list.
Al Paton
Unfollow
@al_superfooty
3 min read
January 19, 2023 - 6:22AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
SuperCoach
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Follow
The launch of KFC SuperCoach for 2023 is just days away.
Can’t wait? Start your quest for KFC SuperCoach glory with the full list of player prices and positions.
See where every premium, recruit and rookie from the Crows, Lions, Blues, Pies, Dons, and Dockers is listed below, and how much they will cost below, plus expert analysis of every club’s prices and the players to put on your watch list.
STAY TUNED TO SEE MORE PRICES REVEALED ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
ADELAIDE
Sam Berry $478,700 MID
Hugh Bond $117,300 MID
James Borlase $123,900 DEF
Jordon Butts $280,500 DEF
Brayden Cook $212,000 MID
Matt Crouch $498,000 MID
Jordan Dawson $603,100 DEF
Tom Doedee $422,300 DEF
Billy Dowling $117,300 MID
Darcy Fogarty $373,400 FWD
Lachlan Gollant $208,100 FWD
Will Hamill $284,000 DEF
Jackson Hately $387,900 MID
Elliott Himmelberg $338,400 FWD
Mitchell Hinge $371,800 DEF-MID
Chayce Jones $268,700 DEF
Ben Keays $548,600 MID
Rory Laird $703,900 MID
Shane McAdam $342,500 FWD
Fischer McAsey $123,900 DEF-FWD
Ned McHenry $316,600 FWD
Andrew McPherson $155,700 DEF
Max Michalanney $135,300 DEF
Wayne Milera $321,200 FWD
Lachlan Murphy $310,600 FWD
Nick Murray $257,000 DEF
Luke Nankervis $123,900 MID-FWD
Tariek Newchurch $123,900 FWD
Reilly O’Brien $560,500 RUC
Patrick Parnell $248,300 DEF
Luke Pedlar $173,400 FWD
Josh Rachele $287,100 FWD
Izak Rankine $386,000 FWD
Harry Schoenberg $322,800 MID
Paul Seedsman $422,000 MID
Lachlan Sholl $362,800 MID
Rory Sloane $413,800 MID
Brodie Smith $450,200 DEF
Jake Soligo $347,900 MID
Kieran Strachan $262,100 RUC
Zac Taylor $123,900 MID
Riley Thilthorpe $318,800 FWD
Taylor Walker $499,200 FWD
Josh Worrell $328,100 DEF
THREE TO WATCH
Rory Laird
The most expensive player in KFC SuperCoach in 2023 averaged 127 points a game last season. His consistency means he’s unlikely to get a lot cheaper.
Jordan Dawson
The fifth-most expensive defender will be a popular selection again. Only dropped under 80 once in 2022.
Rory Sloane
Received a price discount after injuries restricted him to just four games in 2023. Has been a premium in the past but what will his role be this season?
RISBANE
Marcus Adams $384,200 DEF
Callum Ah Chee $293,300 MID
Harris Andrews $438,400 DEF
Noah Answerth $335,600 DEF
Will Ashcroft $202,800 MID
Zac Bailey $421,100 MID-FWD
Jarrod Berry $417,300 MID
Shadeau Brain $102,400 FWD
Charlie Cameron $427,400 FWD
Nakia Cockatoo $303,000 FWD
Blake Coleman $123,900 FWD
Keidean Coleman $479,000 DEF
Joe Daniher $338,800 FWD
Josh Dunkley $596,400 MID-FWD
Jaspa Fletcher $157,800 MID
Darcy Fort $379,900 FWD
Tom Fullarton $255,500 FWD
Darcy Gardiner $344,400 DEF
Jack Gunston $393,700 FWD
Eric Hipwood $313,000 FWD
Kalin Lane $123,900 RUC
Ryan Lester $250,500 DEF
Kai Lohmann $146,500 FWD
Jarryd Lyons $500,300 MID
James Madden $148,400 DEF
Rhys Mathieson $446,800 MID-FWD
Lincoln McCarthy $374,100 FWD
Hugh McCluggage $570,800 MID
Darryl McDowell-White $102,400 MID-FWD
Oscar McInerney $487,000 RUC
Conor McKenna $167,500 DEF
Carter Michael $188,300 DEF
Lachie Neale $676,200 MID
Jack Payne $364,600 DEF
Jaxon Prior $312,200 MID
Cam Rayner $390,700 FWD
Daniel Rich $531,200 DEF
Deven Robertson $259,900 MID
Harry Sharp $123,900 MID
Henry Smith $123,900 RUC-FWD
Brandon Starcevich $381,500 DEF
James Tunstill $187,900 MID
Darcy Wilmot $123,900 DEF
Dayne Zorko $453,200 FWD
THREE TO WATCH
Will Ashcroft
Can the first-year player be the Nick Daicos of 2023? His junior numbers are similarly off the charts but the Lions midfield isn’t easy to break into.
Josh Dunkley
Averaged 108 points a game last year and should improve that after being lured to play a key midfield role at Brisbane - and we can still pick him as a forward.
Conor McKenna
Former Bomber has played Gaelic footy in Ireland for the past two years. If he’s part of Brisbane’s plans he’ll be an absolute steal.
CARLTON
Blake Acres $456,100 MID
Domanic Akuei $123,900 DEF-RUC
Jaxon Binns $117,300 MID-FWD
Jordan Boyd $247,100 DEF
Jack Carroll $207,000 FWD
Adam Cerra $504,400 MID
Matthew Cottrell $335,900 MID-FWD
Lachie Cowan $117,300 DEF
Patrick Cripps $611,900 MID
David Cuningham $163,800 MID-FWD
Charlie Curnow $474,200 FWD
Ed Curnow $379,400 MID
Tom De Koning $412,100 RUC
Sam Docherty $603,600 DEF
Paddy Dow $251,100 MID
Corey Durdin $188,300 FWD
Sam Durdin $219,700 DEF
Zac Fisher $404,900 FWD
Lachie Fogarty $167,400 MID-FWD
George Hewett $613,300 MID
Oliver Hollands $162,300 MID
Josh Honey $177,300 FWD
Brodie Kemp $245,400 DEF-FWD
Matthew Kennedy $532,400 MID
Harry Lemmey $117,300 FWD
Caleb Marchbank $198,200 DEF
Jack Martin $297,300 FWD
Mitch McGovern $338,400 DEF
Harry McKay $436,700 FWD
Alex Mirkov $123,900 RUC
Jesse Motlop $242,700 FWD
Nic Newman $441,600 DEF
Lochie O’Brien $354,400 MID
Matthew Owies $313,200 FWD
Sam Philp $123,900 FWD
Marc Pittonet $386,100 RUC
Lachie Plowman $314,900 DEF
Adam Saad $567,900 DEF
Jack Silvagni $419,200 FWD
Sam Walsh $610,900 MID
Jacob Weitering $378,100 DEF
Zac Williams $425,800 DEF
Lewis Young $441,300 DEF
THREE TO WATCH
Patrick Cripps
About $200k more expensive than he was this time last year but if he starts the year in the same fashion – carrying the midfield without Sam Walsh – he’ll be worth the price tag.
George Hewett
With Cripps he became a must-have last season but has lost his dual-position status as well as adding over $200k to his price tag. Probably better value elsewhere.
David Cuningham
Cheap enough to put on the pre-season watchlist. Can he claim a spot in the best 22?
COLLINGWOOD
Taylor Adams $442,100 MID
Edward Allan $126,300 MID
Aiden Begg $187,900 RUC-FWD
Trent Bianco $222,300 MID-FWD
Darcy Cameron $465,900 FWD
Josh Carmichael $218,900 MID-FWD
Mason Cox $335,100 FWD
Jack Crisp $520,300 MID
Josh Daicos $428,900 MID
Nick Daicos $502,500 DEF
Jordan De Goey $468,700 MID
Charlie Dean $123,900 DEF
Arlo Draper $123,900 DEF
Jamie Elliott $418,400 FWD
Billy Frampton $408,000 DEF
Jack Ginnivan $316,900 FWD
Harvey Harrison $123,900 FWD
Bobby Hill $221,700 FWD
Will Hoskin-Elliott $330,900 FWD
Jeremy Howe $463,800 DEF
Ash Johnson $305,600 FWD
Will Kelly $123,900 DEF
Nathan Kreuger $192,300 FWD
Patrick Lipinski $472,700 MID-FWD
Finlay Macrae $123,900 MID-FWD
Brayden Maynard $455,900 DEF
Beau McCreery $315,400 FWD
Reef McInnes $176,200 FWD
Daniel McStay $360,800 FWD
Brody Mihocek $328,100 FWD
Tom Mitchell $528,600 MID
Darcy Moore $455,100 DEF
Cooper Murley $123,900 MID-FWD
Nathan Murphy $337,100 DEF
John Noble $408,700 DEF
Scott Pendlebury $520,700 MID
Isaac Quaynor $376,700 DEF
Joe Richards $117,300 MID-FWD
Trey Ruscoe $233,400 DEF
Jakob Ryan $117,300 DEF
Steele Sidebottom $409,200 MID
Tom Wilson $210,000 FWD
THREE TO WATCH
Nick Daicos
Only the SuperCoach elite – Marcus Bontempelli, Clayton Oliver – have jumped to premium status in their second season. Can Daicos join them?
Tom Mitchell
Lost his role in the Hawthorn midfield last season which caused a dip in his KFC SuperCoach output. Should be back at the coalface at the Magpies – bargain alert!
Charlie Dean
Was pencilled into many KFC SuperCoach backlines this time last season but didn’t play a game due to pre-season injury. A spot is still there for the mature-age interceptor.
ESSENDON
Kaine Baldwin $172,900 FWD
Nick Bryan $200,000 FWD
Jye Caldwell $442,900 MID
Nik Cox $198,200 MID
Massimo D’Ambrosio $277,500 DEF
Alwyn Davey $117,300 MID-FWD
Jayden Davey $117,300 FWD
Sam Draper $398,700 RUC
Sam Durham $354,000 MID
Matt Guelfi $319,900 FWD
Lewis Hayes $117,300 DEF
Dyson Heppell $481,000 DEF-MID
Nick Hind $491,300 DEF
Ben Hobbs $347,900 FWD
Harrison Jones $268,700 FWD
Jake Kelly $332,200 DEF
Kyle Langford $362,800 MID-FWD
Jayden Laverde $375,100 DEF
Alastair Lord $123,900 DEF
Nic Martin $436,000 MID-FWD
Cian McBride $123,900 DEF-RUC
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti $209,600 FWD
Andrew McGrath $478,700 DEF-MID
Jye Menzie $154,200 FWD
Zach Merrett $617,500 MID
Rhett Mongomerie $102,400 DEF
Anthony Munkara $102,400 FWD
Darcy Parish $610,800 MID
Archie Perkins $314,400 FWD
Andrew Phillips $325,500 RUC
Mason Redman $510,900 DEF
Zach Reid $229,400 DEF
Jordan Ridley $504,300 DEF
Will Setterfield $348,200 MID
Dylan Shiel $509,100 MID
Will Snelling $278,700 FWD
James Stewart $254,600 DEF
Jake Stringer $378,400 FWD
Elijah Tsatas $189,300 MID
Patrick Voss $123,900 FWD
Tex Wanganeen $123,900 FWD
Sam Weideman $300,100 FWD
Peter Wright $430,900 FWD
Brandon Zerk-Thatcher $384,500 DEF
THREE TO WATCH
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
Very cheap after coming out of retirement, but Walla has never been a big KFC SuperCoach scorer. Still, it’s great to have him back.
Will Setterfield
A high draft pick and inside midfielder set for more opportunity at a new club – Setterfield ticks a lot of KFC SuperCoach boxes. One to watch in pre-season.
Darcy Parish
Will be under-selected for a player with his scoring history, with all the talk about higher-priced midfielders. You can throw Zach Merrett is the same basket. Point of difference, anyone?
FREMANTLE
James Aish $431,800 MID
Jye Amiss $247,800 FWD
Bailey Banfield $233,700 FWD
Eric Benning $123,900 RUC
Andrew Brayshaw $615,600 MID
Will Brodie $563,600 MID
Heath Chapman $417,700 DEF
Jordan Clark $482,300 DEF
Travis Colyer $309,600 FWD
Josh Corbett $163,000 FWD
Brennan Cox $445,400 DEF
Sean Darcy $562,200 RUC
Hugh Davies $117,300 DEF
Joshua Draper $102,400 FWD
Tom Emmett $117,300 FWD
Neil Erasmus $230,100 MID
Michael Frederick $330,600 FWD
Nat Fyfe $313,600 FWD
Joel Hamling $169,600 DEF
Liam Henry $202,300 MID-FWD
Ethan Hughes $283,700 DEF-MID
Luke Jackson $465,500 RUC-FWD
Matthew Johnson $123,900 MID
Max Knobel $117,300 RUC
Sebit Kuek $123,900 FWD
Nathan O’Driscoll $352,900 MID
Jaeger O’Meara $472,400 MID
Alex Pearce $328,600 DEF
Liam Reidy $102,400 RUC
Luke Ryan $531,600 DEF
Lachie Schultz $383,600 FWD
Caleb Serong $498,800 MID
Sam Sturt $123,900 FWD
Sam Switkowski $430,800 FWD
Matt Taberner $311,300 FWD
Josh Treacy $200,400 FWD
Corey Wagner $117,300 DEF-MID
Brandon Walker $304,300 DEF
Michael Walters $365,700 FWD
Conrad Williams $102,400 MID
Nathan Wilson $264,300 DEF
Karl Worner $123,900 MID
Hayden Young $508,200 DEF
THREE TO WATCH
Nat Fyfe
An all-time KFC SuperCoach great shapes as one of the bargains of the year. Injuries are a huge worry but you don’t want to miss out if he recaptures his best form.
Hayden Young
Former pick 7 is smack bang in the breakout window entering his fourth season. Has increased his average every season, hitting 92 last year. Is this the year he hits three figures?
Sean Darcy
Has arguably the highest scoring ceiling of any ruck and presents potential value at his price, but the arrival of Luke Jackson puts a big question mark over his ruck minutes.
Taylor Adams $442,100 MID
Edward Allan $126,300 MID
Aiden Begg $187,900 RUC-FWD
Trent Bianco $222,300 MID-FWD
Darcy Cameron $465,900 FWD
Josh Carmichael $218,900 MID-FWD
Mason Cox $335,100 FWD
Jack Crisp $520,300 MID
Josh Daicos $428,900 MID
Nick Daicos $502,500 DEF
Jordan De Goey $468,700 MID
Charlie Dean $123,900 DEF
Arlo Draper $123,900 DEF
Jamie Elliott $418,400 FWD
Billy Frampton $408,000 DEF
Jack Ginnivan $316,900 FWD
Harvey Harrison $123,900 FWD
Bobby Hill $221,700 FWD
Will Hoskin-Elliott $330,900 FWD
Jeremy Howe $463,800 DEF
Ash Johnson $305,600 FWD
Will Kelly $123,900 DEF
Nathan Kreuger $192,300 FWD
Patrick Lipinski $472,700 MID-FWD
Finlay Macrae $123,900 MID-FWD
Brayden Maynard $455,900 DEF
Beau McCreery $315,400 FWD
Reef McInnes $176,200 FWD
Daniel McStay $360,800 FWD
Brody Mihocek $328,100 FWD
Tom Mitchell $528,600 MID
Darcy Moore $455,100 DEF
Cooper Murley $123,900 MID-FWD
Nathan Murphy $337,100 DEF
John Noble $408,700 DEF
Scott Pendlebury $520,700 MID
Isaac Quaynor $376,700 DEF
Joe Richards $117,300 MID-FWD
Trey Ruscoe $233,400 DEF
Jakob Ryan $117,300 DEF
Steele Sidebottom $409,200 MID
Tom Wilson $210,000 FWD
THREE TO WATCH
Nick Daicos
Only the SuperCoach elite – Marcus Bontempelli, Clayton Oliver – have jumped to premium status in their second season. Can Daicos join them?
Tom Mitchell
Lost his role in the Hawthorn midfield last season which caused a dip in his KFC SuperCoach output. Should be back at the coalface at the Magpies – bargain alert!
Charlie Dean
Was pencilled into many KFC SuperCoach backlines this time last season but didn’t play a game due to pre-season injury. A spot is still there for the mature-age interceptor.
ESSENDON
Kaine Baldwin $172,900 FWD
Nick Bryan $200,000 FWD
Jye Caldwell $442,900 MID
Nik Cox $198,200 MID
Massimo D’Ambrosio $277,500 DEF
Alwyn Davey $117,300 MID-FWD
Jayden Davey $117,300 FWD
Sam Draper $398,700 RUC
Sam Durham $354,000 MID
Matt Guelfi $319,900 FWD
Lewis Hayes $117,300 DEF
Dyson Heppell $481,000 DEF-MID
Nick Hind $491,300 DEF
Ben Hobbs $347,900 FWD
Harrison Jones $268,700 FWD
Jake Kelly $332,200 DEF
Kyle Langford $362,800 MID-FWD
Jayden Laverde $375,100 DEF
Alastair Lord $123,900 DEF
Nic Martin $436,000 MID-FWD
Cian McBride $123,900 DEF-RUC
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti $209,600 FWD
Andrew McGrath $478,700 DEF-MID
Jye Menzie $154,200 FWD
Zach Merrett $617,500 MID
Rhett Mongomerie $102,400 DEF
Anthony Munkara $102,400 FWD
Darcy Parish $610,800 MID
Archie Perkins $314,400 FWD
Andrew Phillips $325,500 RUC
Mason Redman $510,900 DEF
Zach Reid $229,400 DEF
Jordan Ridley $504,300 DEF
Will Setterfield $348,200 MID
Dylan Shiel $509,100 MID
Will Snelling $278,700 FWD
James Stewart $254,600 DEF
Jake Stringer $378,400 FWD
Elijah Tsatas $189,300 MID
Patrick Voss $123,900 FWD
Tex Wanganeen $123,900 FWD
Sam Weideman $300,100 FWD
Peter Wright $430,900 FWD
Brandon Zerk-Thatcher $384,500 DEF
THREE TO WATCH
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
Very cheap after coming out of retirement, but Walla has never been a big KFC SuperCoach scorer. Still, it’s great to have him back.
Will Setterfield
A high draft pick and inside midfielder set for more opportunity at a new club – Setterfield ticks a lot of KFC SuperCoach boxes. One to watch in pre-season.
Darcy Parish
Will be under-selected for a player with his scoring history, with all the talk about higher-priced midfielders. You can throw Zach Merrett is the same basket. Point of difference, anyone?
FREMANTLE
James Aish $431,800 MID
Jye Amiss $247,800 FWD
Bailey Banfield $233,700 FWD
Eric Benning $123,900 RUC
Andrew Brayshaw $615,600 MID
Will Brodie $563,600 MID
Heath Chapman $417,700 DEF
Jordan Clark $482,300 DEF
Travis Colyer $309,600 FWD
Josh Corbett $163,000 FWD
Brennan Cox $445,400 DEF
Sean Darcy $562,200 RUC
Hugh Davies $117,300 DEF
Joshua Draper $102,400 FWD
Tom Emmett $117,300 FWD
Neil Erasmus $230,100 MID
Michael Frederick $330,600 FWD
Nat Fyfe $313,600 FWD
Joel Hamling $169,600 DEF
Liam Henry $202,300 MID-FWD
Ethan Hughes $283,700 DEF-MID
Luke Jackson $465,500 RUC-FWD
Matthew Johnson $123,900 MID
Max Knobel $117,300 RUC
Sebit Kuek $123,900 FWD
Nathan O’Driscoll $352,900 MID
Jaeger O’Meara $472,400 MID
Alex Pearce $328,600 DEF
Liam Reidy $102,400 RUC
Luke Ryan $531,600 DEF
Lachie Schultz $383,600 FWD
Caleb Serong $498,800 MID
Sam Sturt $123,900 FWD
Sam Switkowski $430,800 FWD
Matt Taberner $311,300 FWD
Josh Treacy $200,400 FWD
Corey Wagner $117,300 DEF-MID
Brandon Walker $304,300 DEF
Michael Walters $365,700 FWD
Conrad Williams $102,400 MID
Nathan Wilson $264,300 DEF
Karl Worner $123,900 MID
Hayden Young $508,200 DEF
THREE TO WATCH
Nat Fyfe
An all-time KFC SuperCoach great shapes as one of the bargains of the year. Injuries are a huge worry but you don’t want to miss out if he recaptures his best form.
Hayden Young
Former pick 7 is smack bang in the breakout window entering his fourth season. Has increased his average every season, hitting 92 last year. Is this the year he hits three figures?
Sean Darcy
Has arguably the highest scoring ceiling of any ruck and presents potential value at his price, but the arrival of Luke Jackson puts a big question mark over his ruck minutes.
GEELONG
Tom Atkins $461,200 DEF-MID
Jed Bews $272,000 DEF
Mark Blicavs $537,200 MID
Jack Bowes $277,500 DEF
Tanner Bruhn $311,400 MID
Jeremy Cameron $501,500 FWD
Jonathon Ceglar $374,400 RUC
Jhye Clark $175,800 MID
Ted Clohesy $102,400 MID
Brad Close $420,400 FWD
Toby Conway $123,900 RUC
Patrick Dangerfield $457,300 MID
Sam De Koning $362,600 DEF
Oliver Dempsey $148,400 FWD
Mitch Duncan $486,800 DEF
Phoenix Foster $117,300 RUC-FWD
Cameron Guthrie $546,300 MID
Zach Guthrie $371,900 DEF
Tom Hawkins $519,500 FWD
Jack Henry $338,600 DEF
Oliver Henry $270,200 FWD
Max Holmes $360,600 MID
Mitchell Knevitt $140,700 MID
Jake Kolodjashnij $312,200 DEF
Flynn Kroeger $123,900 MID
Sam Menegola $344,000 MID
Gryan Miers $351,200 FWD
Oisin Mullin $102,400 DEF
Oscar Murdoch $102,400 DEF
Shannon Neale $129,100 FWD
Mark O’Connor $323,100 DEF
Brandan Parfitt $408,100 MID
Esava Ratugolea $174,000 RUC-FWD
Osca Riccardi $102,400 DEF-FWD
Gary Rohan $305,900 FWD
Sam Simpson $166,100 MID-FWD
Isaac Smith $436,300 MID-FWD
Rhys Stanley $438,500 RUC
Tyson Stengle $427,900 FWD
Tom Stewart $604,000 DEF
Zach Tuohy $498,100 MID
Cooper Whyte $123,900 MID-FWD
James Willis $123,900 MID-FWD
THREE TO WATCH
Jack Bowes
The Cats say they were keen on Bowes as a player over and above the No.7 draft pick that came in the deal with Gold Coast. KFC SuperCoaches hope that includes a regular spot in the best 22.
Tom Stewart
Has the highest scoring ceiling of any defender – scoring over 160 three times last year. One concussion-affected score in 2022 means he could be slightly underpriced, too.
Patrick Dangerfield
Are his days as an elite KFC SuperCoach scorer over? The last time he was this cheap at the start of a season was 2011.
GOLD COAST
Ben Ainsworth $415,400 FWD
Jed Anderson $440,900 MID-FWD
Noah Anderson $552,900 MID
Mac Andrew $208,100 DEF
Rory Atkins $203,900 MID
Charlie Ballard $357,000 DEF
Thomas Berry $123,900 FWD
Connor Blakely $123,900 MID
Sandy Brock $123,900 DEF
Connor Budarick $362,800 DEF
Chris Burgess $138,700 DEF-FWD
Levi Casboult $270,600 FWD
Mabior Chol $373,600 FWD
Sam Collins $379,100 DEF
Charlie Constable $123,900 DEF-MID
Alex Davies $263,200 MID-FWD
Sam Day $235,600 FWD
Brandon Ellis $506,500 DEF-MID
Jy Farrar $333,100 DEF
Oskar Faulkhead $123,900 MID-FWD
Brayden Fiorini $360,400 MID
Sam Flanders $256,300 MID-FWD
Caleb Graham $321,500 DEF
Elijah Hollands $318,000 MID
Nick Holman $348,200 FWD
Bailey Humphrey $184,800 MID-FWD
Joel Jeffrey $301,300 FWD
Lloyd Johnson $102,400 DEF
Ben King $176,300 FWD
Sean Lemmens $320,700 DEF
Ben Long $353,900 DEF-FWD
Jack Lukosius $360,400 FWD
Darcy Macpherson $310,400 DEF-FWD
Touk Miller $662,400 MID
Ned Moyle $123,900 RUC
Hewago Paul $160,800 FWD
Wil Powell $425,300 DEF
Malcolm Rosas $279,300 FWD
Matt Rowell $481,800 MID
Alex Sexton $214,400 FWD
Jeremy Sharp $224,700 MID
Jake Stein $227,200 DEF
David Swallow $474,500 MID
James Tsitas $123,900 MID-FWD
Bodhi Uwland $123,900 DEF-FWD
Lachie Weller $447,500 DEF
Jarrod Witts $605,100 RUC
THREE TO WATCH
Touk Miller
Scored the third-most KFC SuperCoach points of all players in 2022 at an average of 120 per game. Massive tank ensures he’s always in the action.
Ben King
Almost rookie priced after missing a year with a knee injury. Key forwards are always risky picks but one bag of goals will ensure a big price spike.
Noah Anderson
Averaged 100 in his third season and the trajectory is heading up after scoring 128 or more in four of his last eight matches.
GWS
Leek Aleer $226800 DEF
Ryan Angwin $123900 MID-FWD
Lachie Ash $335300 MID
Toby Bedford $273900 FWD
Kieren Briggs $254400 RUC
Callum M. Brown $270100 DEF
Jack Buckley $205,000 DEF
Aaron Cadman $207,300 FWD
Finn Callaghan $244,000 MID
Stephen Coniglio $557,700 MID-FWD
Isaac Cumming $521,200 DEF
Brent Daniels $191,300 FWD
Phil Davis $296,000 DEF
Wade Derksen $123,900 FWD
Josh Fahey $123,900 MID
Cameron Fleeton $123,900 DEF
Matt Flynn $464,300 RUC
Jason Gillbee $102,400 DEF-MID
Tom Green $534,600 MID
Toby Greene $421,000 FWD
Max Gruzewski $117,300 DEF
Cooper Hamilton $233,800 DEF
Nick Haynes $318,700 DEF
Harry Himmelberg $499,000 DEF-FWD
Jesse Hogan $463,400 FWD
Connor Idun $345,800 DEF
Darcy Jones $117,300 MID
Lachlan Keeffe $250,000 DEF
Josh Kelly $582,300 MID
Adam Kennedy $329,400 DEF
Daniel Lloyd $253,800 FWD
Nicholas Madden $102,400 RUC-FWD
Toby McMullin $117,300 FWD
Xavier O’Halloran $202,100 MID
James Peatling $271,600 FWD
Harry Perryman $520,300 MID
Braydon Preuss $506,000 RUC
Jake Riccardi $325,600 FWD
Harry Rowston $139,800 MID
Conor Stone $123,900 FWD
Sam Taylor $501,300 DEF
Callan Ward $469,200 MID
Jacob Wehr $344,100 MID
Lachie Whitfield $473,800 MID
THREE TO WATCH
Tom Green
Flew out of the blocks with scores of 164 and 147 in the opening three rounds last season. Came back to the pack after that but should be top dog in the Giants midfield after the departure of Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto.
Stephen Coniglio
We have to pay up this year for one of the best picks of 2022, but he should still be high on the wish list. If he can replicate his 101 average from last year he’ll be one of the topscoring forwards.
Brent Daniels
Suffered a foot injury in the 2022 pre-season and the Giants missed his small forward craft all year. Don’t expect huge scores but he is a safe bench pick.
Tom Atkins $461,200 DEF-MID
Jed Bews $272,000 DEF
Mark Blicavs $537,200 MID
Jack Bowes $277,500 DEF
Tanner Bruhn $311,400 MID
Jeremy Cameron $501,500 FWD
Jonathon Ceglar $374,400 RUC
Jhye Clark $175,800 MID
Ted Clohesy $102,400 MID
Brad Close $420,400 FWD
Toby Conway $123,900 RUC
Patrick Dangerfield $457,300 MID
Sam De Koning $362,600 DEF
Oliver Dempsey $148,400 FWD
Mitch Duncan $486,800 DEF
Phoenix Foster $117,300 RUC-FWD
Cameron Guthrie $546,300 MID
Zach Guthrie $371,900 DEF
Tom Hawkins $519,500 FWD
Jack Henry $338,600 DEF
Oliver Henry $270,200 FWD
Max Holmes $360,600 MID
Mitchell Knevitt $140,700 MID
Jake Kolodjashnij $312,200 DEF
Flynn Kroeger $123,900 MID
Sam Menegola $344,000 MID
Gryan Miers $351,200 FWD
Oisin Mullin $102,400 DEF
Oscar Murdoch $102,400 DEF
Shannon Neale $129,100 FWD
Mark O’Connor $323,100 DEF
Brandan Parfitt $408,100 MID
Esava Ratugolea $174,000 RUC-FWD
Osca Riccardi $102,400 DEF-FWD
Gary Rohan $305,900 FWD
Sam Simpson $166,100 MID-FWD
Isaac Smith $436,300 MID-FWD
Rhys Stanley $438,500 RUC
Tyson Stengle $427,900 FWD
Tom Stewart $604,000 DEF
Zach Tuohy $498,100 MID
Cooper Whyte $123,900 MID-FWD
James Willis $123,900 MID-FWD
THREE TO WATCH
Jack Bowes
The Cats say they were keen on Bowes as a player over and above the No.7 draft pick that came in the deal with Gold Coast. KFC SuperCoaches hope that includes a regular spot in the best 22.
Tom Stewart
Has the highest scoring ceiling of any defender – scoring over 160 three times last year. One concussion-affected score in 2022 means he could be slightly underpriced, too.
Patrick Dangerfield
Are his days as an elite KFC SuperCoach scorer over? The last time he was this cheap at the start of a season was 2011.
GOLD COAST
Ben Ainsworth $415,400 FWD
Jed Anderson $440,900 MID-FWD
Noah Anderson $552,900 MID
Mac Andrew $208,100 DEF
Rory Atkins $203,900 MID
Charlie Ballard $357,000 DEF
Thomas Berry $123,900 FWD
Connor Blakely $123,900 MID
Sandy Brock $123,900 DEF
Connor Budarick $362,800 DEF
Chris Burgess $138,700 DEF-FWD
Levi Casboult $270,600 FWD
Mabior Chol $373,600 FWD
Sam Collins $379,100 DEF
Charlie Constable $123,900 DEF-MID
Alex Davies $263,200 MID-FWD
Sam Day $235,600 FWD
Brandon Ellis $506,500 DEF-MID
Jy Farrar $333,100 DEF
Oskar Faulkhead $123,900 MID-FWD
Brayden Fiorini $360,400 MID
Sam Flanders $256,300 MID-FWD
Caleb Graham $321,500 DEF
Elijah Hollands $318,000 MID
Nick Holman $348,200 FWD
Bailey Humphrey $184,800 MID-FWD
Joel Jeffrey $301,300 FWD
Lloyd Johnson $102,400 DEF
Ben King $176,300 FWD
Sean Lemmens $320,700 DEF
Ben Long $353,900 DEF-FWD
Jack Lukosius $360,400 FWD
Darcy Macpherson $310,400 DEF-FWD
Touk Miller $662,400 MID
Ned Moyle $123,900 RUC
Hewago Paul $160,800 FWD
Wil Powell $425,300 DEF
Malcolm Rosas $279,300 FWD
Matt Rowell $481,800 MID
Alex Sexton $214,400 FWD
Jeremy Sharp $224,700 MID
Jake Stein $227,200 DEF
David Swallow $474,500 MID
James Tsitas $123,900 MID-FWD
Bodhi Uwland $123,900 DEF-FWD
Lachie Weller $447,500 DEF
Jarrod Witts $605,100 RUC
THREE TO WATCH
Touk Miller
Scored the third-most KFC SuperCoach points of all players in 2022 at an average of 120 per game. Massive tank ensures he’s always in the action.
Ben King
Almost rookie priced after missing a year with a knee injury. Key forwards are always risky picks but one bag of goals will ensure a big price spike.
Noah Anderson
Averaged 100 in his third season and the trajectory is heading up after scoring 128 or more in four of his last eight matches.
GWS
Leek Aleer $226800 DEF
Ryan Angwin $123900 MID-FWD
Lachie Ash $335300 MID
Toby Bedford $273900 FWD
Kieren Briggs $254400 RUC
Callum M. Brown $270100 DEF
Jack Buckley $205,000 DEF
Aaron Cadman $207,300 FWD
Finn Callaghan $244,000 MID
Stephen Coniglio $557,700 MID-FWD
Isaac Cumming $521,200 DEF
Brent Daniels $191,300 FWD
Phil Davis $296,000 DEF
Wade Derksen $123,900 FWD
Josh Fahey $123,900 MID
Cameron Fleeton $123,900 DEF
Matt Flynn $464,300 RUC
Jason Gillbee $102,400 DEF-MID
Tom Green $534,600 MID
Toby Greene $421,000 FWD
Max Gruzewski $117,300 DEF
Cooper Hamilton $233,800 DEF
Nick Haynes $318,700 DEF
Harry Himmelberg $499,000 DEF-FWD
Jesse Hogan $463,400 FWD
Connor Idun $345,800 DEF
Darcy Jones $117,300 MID
Lachlan Keeffe $250,000 DEF
Josh Kelly $582,300 MID
Adam Kennedy $329,400 DEF
Daniel Lloyd $253,800 FWD
Nicholas Madden $102,400 RUC-FWD
Toby McMullin $117,300 FWD
Xavier O’Halloran $202,100 MID
James Peatling $271,600 FWD
Harry Perryman $520,300 MID
Braydon Preuss $506,000 RUC
Jake Riccardi $325,600 FWD
Harry Rowston $139,800 MID
Conor Stone $123,900 FWD
Sam Taylor $501,300 DEF
Callan Ward $469,200 MID
Jacob Wehr $344,100 MID
Lachie Whitfield $473,800 MID
THREE TO WATCH
Tom Green
Flew out of the blocks with scores of 164 and 147 in the opening three rounds last season. Came back to the pack after that but should be top dog in the Giants midfield after the departure of Jacob Hopper and Tim Taranto.
Stephen Coniglio
We have to pay up this year for one of the best picks of 2022, but he should still be high on the wish list. If he can replicate his 101 average from last year he’ll be one of the topscoring forwards.
Brent Daniels
Suffered a foot injury in the 2022 pre-season and the Giants missed his small forward craft all year. Don’t expect huge scores but he is a safe bench pick.
HAWTHORN
Karl Amon $508,300 MID
Joshua Bennetts $102,400 MID-FWD
James Blanck $245,000 DEF
Lachlan Bramble $354,200 DEF
Luke Breust $350,300 FWD
Tyler Brockman $123,900 FWD
Sam Butler $197,600 FWD
Will Day $362,100 DEF
Sam Frost $345,500 DEF
Denver Grainger-Barras $254,300 DEF
Fergus Greene $123,900 FWD
Blake Hardwick $391,700 DEF
Henry Hustwaite $117,300 MID
Jarman Impey $339,300 DEF
Emerson Jeka $211,400 DEF-FWD
Changkuoth Jiath $427,500 DEF
Jacob Koschitzke $305,800 FWD
Mitch Lewis $408,200 FWD
Ned Long $165,700 MID
Max Lynch $290,900 RUC
Bailey Macdonald $117,300 DEF
Connor Macdonald $279,100 FWD
Cam Mackenzie $180,300 MID
Finn Maginness $264,600 MID
Lloyd Meek $431,100 RUC
Seamus Mitchell $123,900 DEF-FWD
Dylan Moore $521,000 FWD
Josh Morris $142,700 DEF
Harry Morrison $415,600 MID
Conor Nash $365,200 MID
Jai Newcombe $478,200 MID
Fionn O’Hara $123,900 DEF
Jack O’Sullivan $117,300 FWD
Max Ramsden $123,900 RUC-FWD
Ned Reeves $356,500 RUC
Jack Scrimshaw $463,300 DEF
Jai Serong $123,900 FWD
James Sicily $624,700 DEF
Cooper Stephens $265,600 MID
Josh Ward $351,200 MID
Josh Weddle $130,800 DEF
Chad Wingard $352,400 FWD
James Worpel $309,300 MID
THREE TO WATCH
James Sicily
Produced a career-best season in 2022, averaging 113 points a game, after starting the year at a bargain price. No reason to think he can’t score that well again, but we have to pay up this year.
Lloyd Meek
Arrived from Fremantle in the trade period and could be a bargain if he takes the No.1 ruck role. Showed he can score well in limited opportunities at the Dockers, but does he knock Ned Reeves out of the team? Pre-season watch.
Dylan Moore
Enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2022 when he averaged 94.6 points a game, including a hot run post-bye when he averaged 115 over five games.
MELBOURNE
Jed Adams $117,300 DEF
Jake Bowey $380,500 DEF
Angus Brayshaw $550,300 DEF
Ben Brown $339,100 FWD
Kade Chandler $123,900 FWD
Luke Dunstan $322,100 MID
Kyah Farris-White $102,400 RUC
Bayley Fritsch $360,600 FWD
Max Gawn $622,100 RUC
Brodie Grundy $512,900 RUC
James Harmes $432,700 MID-FWD
Michael Hibberd $339,700 DEF
Blake Howes $123,900 FWD
Lachie Hunter $392,100 MID
Matthew Jefferson $144,300 FWD
James Jordon $411,200 MID
Ed Langdon $435,500 MID
Bailey Laurie $123,900 MID-FWD
Jake Lever $375,700 DEF
Steven May $507,400 DEF
Tom McDonald $365,800 FWD
Judd McVee $123,900 MID
Jake Melksham $316,900 FWD
Andy Moniz-Wakefield $123,900 FWD
Alex Neal-Bullen $392,200 FWD
Clayton Oliver $699,800 MID
Christian Petracca $618,600 MID
Harrison Petty $320,700 DEF
Kysaiah Pickett $365,000 FWD
Trent Rivers $324,200 DEF
Christian Salem $390,400 DEF
Josh Schache $217,300 FWD
Oliver Sestan $102,400 FWD
Deakyn Smith $123,900 DEF
Joel Smith $221,100 DEF
Charlie Spargo $308,600 FWD
Tom Sparrow $371,500 FWD
Adam Tomlinson $273,200 DEF
Daniel Turner $123,900 DEF
Jacob van Rooyen $123,900 FWD
Will Verrall $102,400 RUC
Jack Viney $533,500 MID
Taj Woewodin $123,900 MID-FWD
THREE TO WATCH
Clayton Oliver
The second-most expensive player in the game but you get what you pay for – averages of 122, 123 and 127 the past three years.
Brodie Grundy
Incredibly, the trusted KFC SuperCoach ‘Grawndy’ ruck duo of Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy now both play for the same team. What does that mean for their scoring prospects? Grundy looms as the best value of the pair, priced well below his 2018-21 output. But fantasy coaches will be watching keenly to see how Simon Goodwin uses his superstar pairing.
Lachie Hunter
Believe it or not, Hunter averaged 115 points a game in 2020. That was one out of the box but he has averaged 95 or more in three other seasons, which makes his price tag a potential bargain if he gets a wing to himself.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Jackson Archer $214,400 DEF
Miller Bergman $123,900 DEF
Aiden Bonar $203,700 DEF
Callum Coleman-Jones $312,700 RUC-FWD
Charlie Comben $123,900 FWD
Aidan Corr $380,700 DEF
Ben Cunnington $419,000 MID-FWD
Paul Curtis $296,600 FWD
Luke Davies-Uniacke $557,400 MID
Kallan Dawson $278,600 DEF
Blake Drury $102,400 MID-FWD
Jacob Edwards $123,900 RUC-FWD
Eddie Ford $123,900 FWD
Hamish Free $102,400 RUC
Brayden George $117,300 FWD
Josh Goater $192,700 DEF-MID
Todd Goldstein $513,300 RUC
Hugh Greenwood $416,100 MID
Aaron Hall $538,600 DEF
Cooper Harvey $117,300 MID-FWD
Daniel Howe $301,400 MID
Nick Larkey $318,500 FWD
Charlie Lazzaro $217,200 FWD
Griffin Logue $410,200 DEF-FWD
Jack Mahony $235,400 FWD
Luke McDonald $487,300 DEF
Ben McKay $313,100 DEF
Flynn Perez $265,400 MID
Will Phillips $158,300 MID
Tom Powell $308,000 FWD
Bailey Scott $385,100 DEF-MID
Harry Sheezel $198,300 FWD
Liam Shiels $313,800 FWD
Jy Simpkin $500,200 MID
Phoenix Spicer $123,900 FWD
Jaidyn Stephenson $377,500 FWD
Curtis Taylor $335,300 MID
Tarryn Thomas $295,700 MID-FWD
Darcy Tucker $272,500 MID-FWD
Kayne Turner $264,300 DEF
George Wardlaw $193,800 MID
Tristan Xerri $393,200 RUC
Lachie Young $385,100 DEF
Jack Ziebell $356,400 FWD
Cameron Zurhaar $351,200 FWD
THREE TO WATCH
Tarryn Thomas
Halfway through 2023 we could be looking back on Thomas’s starting price and shaking our heads. Can Clarko get the best out of the highly talented mid-forward? Kangaroos fans and SuperCoaches will be hoping for more of what we saw late in 2021, when he averaged 103.7 over the final seven rounds.
Will Phillips
The No.3 pick in the 2020 draft has had no luck since joining the Roos, with 2022 wiped out by Covid and two bouts of glandular fever. Could be a great rookie pick if his luck turns.
Ben Cunnington
A proven KFC SuperCoach performer, Cunnington averaged over 100 from 2019-21 then played only two games last year after a fight with testicular cancer. He has received a big price discount and can be picked as a MID-FWD.
Karl Amon $508,300 MID
Joshua Bennetts $102,400 MID-FWD
James Blanck $245,000 DEF
Lachlan Bramble $354,200 DEF
Luke Breust $350,300 FWD
Tyler Brockman $123,900 FWD
Sam Butler $197,600 FWD
Will Day $362,100 DEF
Sam Frost $345,500 DEF
Denver Grainger-Barras $254,300 DEF
Fergus Greene $123,900 FWD
Blake Hardwick $391,700 DEF
Henry Hustwaite $117,300 MID
Jarman Impey $339,300 DEF
Emerson Jeka $211,400 DEF-FWD
Changkuoth Jiath $427,500 DEF
Jacob Koschitzke $305,800 FWD
Mitch Lewis $408,200 FWD
Ned Long $165,700 MID
Max Lynch $290,900 RUC
Bailey Macdonald $117,300 DEF
Connor Macdonald $279,100 FWD
Cam Mackenzie $180,300 MID
Finn Maginness $264,600 MID
Lloyd Meek $431,100 RUC
Seamus Mitchell $123,900 DEF-FWD
Dylan Moore $521,000 FWD
Josh Morris $142,700 DEF
Harry Morrison $415,600 MID
Conor Nash $365,200 MID
Jai Newcombe $478,200 MID
Fionn O’Hara $123,900 DEF
Jack O’Sullivan $117,300 FWD
Max Ramsden $123,900 RUC-FWD
Ned Reeves $356,500 RUC
Jack Scrimshaw $463,300 DEF
Jai Serong $123,900 FWD
James Sicily $624,700 DEF
Cooper Stephens $265,600 MID
Josh Ward $351,200 MID
Josh Weddle $130,800 DEF
Chad Wingard $352,400 FWD
James Worpel $309,300 MID
THREE TO WATCH
James Sicily
Produced a career-best season in 2022, averaging 113 points a game, after starting the year at a bargain price. No reason to think he can’t score that well again, but we have to pay up this year.
Lloyd Meek
Arrived from Fremantle in the trade period and could be a bargain if he takes the No.1 ruck role. Showed he can score well in limited opportunities at the Dockers, but does he knock Ned Reeves out of the team? Pre-season watch.
Dylan Moore
Enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2022 when he averaged 94.6 points a game, including a hot run post-bye when he averaged 115 over five games.
MELBOURNE
Jed Adams $117,300 DEF
Jake Bowey $380,500 DEF
Angus Brayshaw $550,300 DEF
Ben Brown $339,100 FWD
Kade Chandler $123,900 FWD
Luke Dunstan $322,100 MID
Kyah Farris-White $102,400 RUC
Bayley Fritsch $360,600 FWD
Max Gawn $622,100 RUC
Brodie Grundy $512,900 RUC
James Harmes $432,700 MID-FWD
Michael Hibberd $339,700 DEF
Blake Howes $123,900 FWD
Lachie Hunter $392,100 MID
Matthew Jefferson $144,300 FWD
James Jordon $411,200 MID
Ed Langdon $435,500 MID
Bailey Laurie $123,900 MID-FWD
Jake Lever $375,700 DEF
Steven May $507,400 DEF
Tom McDonald $365,800 FWD
Judd McVee $123,900 MID
Jake Melksham $316,900 FWD
Andy Moniz-Wakefield $123,900 FWD
Alex Neal-Bullen $392,200 FWD
Clayton Oliver $699,800 MID
Christian Petracca $618,600 MID
Harrison Petty $320,700 DEF
Kysaiah Pickett $365,000 FWD
Trent Rivers $324,200 DEF
Christian Salem $390,400 DEF
Josh Schache $217,300 FWD
Oliver Sestan $102,400 FWD
Deakyn Smith $123,900 DEF
Joel Smith $221,100 DEF
Charlie Spargo $308,600 FWD
Tom Sparrow $371,500 FWD
Adam Tomlinson $273,200 DEF
Daniel Turner $123,900 DEF
Jacob van Rooyen $123,900 FWD
Will Verrall $102,400 RUC
Jack Viney $533,500 MID
Taj Woewodin $123,900 MID-FWD
THREE TO WATCH
Clayton Oliver
The second-most expensive player in the game but you get what you pay for – averages of 122, 123 and 127 the past three years.
Brodie Grundy
Incredibly, the trusted KFC SuperCoach ‘Grawndy’ ruck duo of Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy now both play for the same team. What does that mean for their scoring prospects? Grundy looms as the best value of the pair, priced well below his 2018-21 output. But fantasy coaches will be watching keenly to see how Simon Goodwin uses his superstar pairing.
Lachie Hunter
Believe it or not, Hunter averaged 115 points a game in 2020. That was one out of the box but he has averaged 95 or more in three other seasons, which makes his price tag a potential bargain if he gets a wing to himself.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Jackson Archer $214,400 DEF
Miller Bergman $123,900 DEF
Aiden Bonar $203,700 DEF
Callum Coleman-Jones $312,700 RUC-FWD
Charlie Comben $123,900 FWD
Aidan Corr $380,700 DEF
Ben Cunnington $419,000 MID-FWD
Paul Curtis $296,600 FWD
Luke Davies-Uniacke $557,400 MID
Kallan Dawson $278,600 DEF
Blake Drury $102,400 MID-FWD
Jacob Edwards $123,900 RUC-FWD
Eddie Ford $123,900 FWD
Hamish Free $102,400 RUC
Brayden George $117,300 FWD
Josh Goater $192,700 DEF-MID
Todd Goldstein $513,300 RUC
Hugh Greenwood $416,100 MID
Aaron Hall $538,600 DEF
Cooper Harvey $117,300 MID-FWD
Daniel Howe $301,400 MID
Nick Larkey $318,500 FWD
Charlie Lazzaro $217,200 FWD
Griffin Logue $410,200 DEF-FWD
Jack Mahony $235,400 FWD
Luke McDonald $487,300 DEF
Ben McKay $313,100 DEF
Flynn Perez $265,400 MID
Will Phillips $158,300 MID
Tom Powell $308,000 FWD
Bailey Scott $385,100 DEF-MID
Harry Sheezel $198,300 FWD
Liam Shiels $313,800 FWD
Jy Simpkin $500,200 MID
Phoenix Spicer $123,900 FWD
Jaidyn Stephenson $377,500 FWD
Curtis Taylor $335,300 MID
Tarryn Thomas $295,700 MID-FWD
Darcy Tucker $272,500 MID-FWD
Kayne Turner $264,300 DEF
George Wardlaw $193,800 MID
Tristan Xerri $393,200 RUC
Lachie Young $385,100 DEF
Jack Ziebell $356,400 FWD
Cameron Zurhaar $351,200 FWD
THREE TO WATCH
Tarryn Thomas
Halfway through 2023 we could be looking back on Thomas’s starting price and shaking our heads. Can Clarko get the best out of the highly talented mid-forward? Kangaroos fans and SuperCoaches will be hoping for more of what we saw late in 2021, when he averaged 103.7 over the final seven rounds.
Will Phillips
The No.3 pick in the 2020 draft has had no luck since joining the Roos, with 2022 wiped out by Covid and two bouts of glandular fever. Could be a great rookie pick if his luck turns.
Ben Cunnington
A proven KFC SuperCoach performer, Cunnington averaged over 100 from 2019-21 then played only two games last year after a fight with testicular cancer. He has received a big price discount and can be picked as a MID-FWD.
Richmond superstar Dustin Martin is ready to bounce back to his best after two injury-ravaged years, according to teammate Liam Baker.
The three-time Norm Smith Medalist is on the verge of completing a full pre-season and looks set to spend more time forward after another impressive showing in match simulation on Thursday.
New recruits Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper were standouts in the middle in the 20-minute scratch match and look set to lead the engine room in 2023, allowing Martin to play closer to goal.
Martin looked in supreme physical condition and showcased his trademark power in congestion at Punt Rd after two years marred by a serious kidney injury and repeated hamstring problems.
Baker, who helped launch a new KFC sponsorship at the club on Thursday, said the Tigers underachieved last year, bombing out in the first final loss to Brisbane Lions after missing September altogether in 2021.
But he said Martin’s return to full fitness along with the arrivals of Taranto and Hopper was a huge boost as the 2020 premiers look to try to return to the top-four this season.
Liam Baker believes Dustin Martin will bounce back. Picture: Andrew Henshaw
“Dustin is back, he is fit and he has got a full preseason in which is exciting for us,” Baker said.
“He was coming off the kidney (last year) but he is moving well and his time trial (results) coming back were good which is a good sign with Dustin.
“Out on the track he is big and strong, and pushing people around, and we can’t wait to see it come game time.”
Martin averaged the fifth-most centre bounce attendances per game for the Tigers last year but the moves to bring in Taranto and Hopper saw Martin spend more time forward on Thursday where he will likely join forces with Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch, who is on light duties with a foot issue.
Baker said the early signs from former GWS Giants’ teammates Taranto and Hopper were encouraging after trading away a swathe of top draft picks for the gun ball winners.
“Both of the boys out there are just winning contested ball, that is why they are in here,” Baker said.
“There was a bit of waxing going on (between themselves) at times I noticed, but they had the ball a lot of the time because they were in good position, and they are smart players, and best and fairest winners.”
Hard nut Baker was another stand-out on Wednesday on a back flank, alongside former skipper Trent Cotchin at times.
Tim Taranto at Richmond training at Punt Road Oval. Picture: Andrew Henshaw
Dylan Grimes and Noah Balta led a defensive unit which will be tasked with tightening up in the new season after struggling at times to stop the opposition scoring in 2022.
Richmond coughed up the ninth-most points against last year, were ranked 13th for conceding a score per entry into the defensive 50m and 15th for points conceded from a stoppage.
Young defender Josh Gibcus is set to miss the first month of the season at least after undergoing surgery on his hamstring injury on Thursday.
Baker said he didn’t expect the Richmond game style to change too much this year as Richmond looks to play quickly and exert high pressure on the opposition in the forward half.
“It’s just doing what we are good at a lot better,” he said.
“We weren’t up to it last year clearly, but we feel like with a few new boys coming in and some younger boys getting a bit more mature we can go a step further.
“We are certainly putting in the work, as everyone else is though. Nothing is handed to you, so we will continue to do that and hopefully have a big six weeks to setup the games.”
SIDELINED
Gun key forward Tom Lynch and hard nut midfielder Jack Graham ran laps of the Punt Rd boundary line as they attempt to overcome foot issues. Nick Vlastuin (ribs) and Marlion Pickett (thumb) were also on light duties, while Dion Prestia and Trent Cotchin stepped out of some of the early drills as part of their regular training programs. Jayden Short was another who completed some light running off to the side away from the main group and appeared proppy at times. Ruckman Ivan Soldo was absent.
Tom Lynch is working his way back from injury. Picture: Andrew Henshaw
CRUNCHED
Maurice Rioli provided one of the highlights of the session laying a bone-jarring tackle on a young teammate which forced Rioli off the ground. He appeared to cop a knock to the shin but would have delighted coaching staff with his tackling intensity late in the session. He is set to play an important small forward role in 2023 although young defender Kaleb Smith kept him on a tight leash on Thursday.
SPARKLED
Former Cat Quinton Narkle has trimmed down significantly in his bid to secure a list spot in the supplemental selection period. The livewire looked several kilograms lighter and showed silky skills at times in a defensive rebounding role. Narkle is up against Corowa-Rutherglen country footy star Kaelan Bradtke for the final spot. Bradtke has also impressed in a key forward role and is under serious consideration as Tiger chiefs weigh up whether they need another marking target. Richmond could also keep the list spot open for the mid-season draft. Ben Miller trained in a forward role on Thursday as part of a switch from defence.
The three-time Norm Smith Medalist is on the verge of completing a full pre-season and looks set to spend more time forward after another impressive showing in match simulation on Thursday.
New recruits Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper were standouts in the middle in the 20-minute scratch match and look set to lead the engine room in 2023, allowing Martin to play closer to goal.
Martin looked in supreme physical condition and showcased his trademark power in congestion at Punt Rd after two years marred by a serious kidney injury and repeated hamstring problems.
Baker, who helped launch a new KFC sponsorship at the club on Thursday, said the Tigers underachieved last year, bombing out in the first final loss to Brisbane Lions after missing September altogether in 2021.
But he said Martin’s return to full fitness along with the arrivals of Taranto and Hopper was a huge boost as the 2020 premiers look to try to return to the top-four this season.
Liam Baker believes Dustin Martin will bounce back. Picture: Andrew Henshaw
“Dustin is back, he is fit and he has got a full preseason in which is exciting for us,” Baker said.
“He was coming off the kidney (last year) but he is moving well and his time trial (results) coming back were good which is a good sign with Dustin.
“Out on the track he is big and strong, and pushing people around, and we can’t wait to see it come game time.”
Martin averaged the fifth-most centre bounce attendances per game for the Tigers last year but the moves to bring in Taranto and Hopper saw Martin spend more time forward on Thursday where he will likely join forces with Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch, who is on light duties with a foot issue.
Baker said the early signs from former GWS Giants’ teammates Taranto and Hopper were encouraging after trading away a swathe of top draft picks for the gun ball winners.
“Both of the boys out there are just winning contested ball, that is why they are in here,” Baker said.
“There was a bit of waxing going on (between themselves) at times I noticed, but they had the ball a lot of the time because they were in good position, and they are smart players, and best and fairest winners.”
Hard nut Baker was another stand-out on Wednesday on a back flank, alongside former skipper Trent Cotchin at times.
Tim Taranto at Richmond training at Punt Road Oval. Picture: Andrew Henshaw
Dylan Grimes and Noah Balta led a defensive unit which will be tasked with tightening up in the new season after struggling at times to stop the opposition scoring in 2022.
Richmond coughed up the ninth-most points against last year, were ranked 13th for conceding a score per entry into the defensive 50m and 15th for points conceded from a stoppage.
Young defender Josh Gibcus is set to miss the first month of the season at least after undergoing surgery on his hamstring injury on Thursday.
Baker said he didn’t expect the Richmond game style to change too much this year as Richmond looks to play quickly and exert high pressure on the opposition in the forward half.
“It’s just doing what we are good at a lot better,” he said.
“We weren’t up to it last year clearly, but we feel like with a few new boys coming in and some younger boys getting a bit more mature we can go a step further.
“We are certainly putting in the work, as everyone else is though. Nothing is handed to you, so we will continue to do that and hopefully have a big six weeks to setup the games.”
SIDELINED
Gun key forward Tom Lynch and hard nut midfielder Jack Graham ran laps of the Punt Rd boundary line as they attempt to overcome foot issues. Nick Vlastuin (ribs) and Marlion Pickett (thumb) were also on light duties, while Dion Prestia and Trent Cotchin stepped out of some of the early drills as part of their regular training programs. Jayden Short was another who completed some light running off to the side away from the main group and appeared proppy at times. Ruckman Ivan Soldo was absent.
Tom Lynch is working his way back from injury. Picture: Andrew Henshaw
CRUNCHED
Maurice Rioli provided one of the highlights of the session laying a bone-jarring tackle on a young teammate which forced Rioli off the ground. He appeared to cop a knock to the shin but would have delighted coaching staff with his tackling intensity late in the session. He is set to play an important small forward role in 2023 although young defender Kaleb Smith kept him on a tight leash on Thursday.
SPARKLED
Former Cat Quinton Narkle has trimmed down significantly in his bid to secure a list spot in the supplemental selection period. The livewire looked several kilograms lighter and showed silky skills at times in a defensive rebounding role. Narkle is up against Corowa-Rutherglen country footy star Kaelan Bradtke for the final spot. Bradtke has also impressed in a key forward role and is under serious consideration as Tiger chiefs weigh up whether they need another marking target. Richmond could also keep the list spot open for the mid-season draft. Ben Miller trained in a forward role on Thursday as part of a switch from defence.
PORT ADELAIDE
Aliir Aliir $406,800 DEF
Nathan Barkla $102,400 MID
Miles Bergman $374,900 MID
Travis Boak $580,200 MID
Riley Bonner $419,500 DEF
Jase Burgoyne $298,000 DEF
Ryan Burton $455,000 DEF
Zak Butters $529,400 MID-FWD
Darcy Byrne-Jones $460,400 DEF
Tom Clurey $333,300 DEF
Charlie Dixon $488,200 FWD
Willem Drew $469,800 MID
Trent Dumont $345,500 MID
Xavier Duursma $282,300 MID
Francis Evans $136,500 FWD
Orazio Fantasia $203,300 FWD
Kane Farrell $403,300 MID
Jeremy Finlayson $456,200 RUC-FWD
Mitch Georgiades $319,300 FWD
Sam Hayes $359,600 RUC
Jason Horne-Francis $348,800 MID-FWD
Dan Houston $545,100 DEF
Hugh Jackson $123,900 MID-FWD
Tom Jonas $344,500 DEF
Lachie Jones $265,500 DEF-FWD
Ollie Lord $123,900 DEF-FWD
Scott Lycett $429,900 RUC
Kyle Marshall $117,300 DEF
Todd Marshall $425,000 FWD
Tom McCallum $117,300 DEF
Jed McEntee $228,600 FWD
Trent McKenzie $275,400 DEF
Jackson Mead $262,100 MID-FWD
Jake Pasini $123,900 DEF
Sam Powell-Pepper $408,400 FWD
Willie Rioli $342,200 MID-FWD
Connor Rozee $513,800 MID-FWD
Thomas Scully $117,300 FWD
Josh Sinn $123,900 MID-FWD
Brynn Teakle $198,500 RUC
Dante Visentini $123,900 RUC-FWD
Dylan Williams $123,900 FWD
Ollie Wines $580,700 MID
THREE TO WATCH
Connor Rozee
His game transformed completely when he was moved into the midfield in round 5, averaging 102.6 for the rest of the season, topping 150 three times. Surely he’s a full-time mid now.
Josh Sinn
Highly rated draft pick played just one game in his debut season and starts year two at a cheaper price. Can be become a regular in 2023?
Jason Horne-Francis
First year in the AFL didn’t go as planned for the No.1 draft pick but he showed in his final under-18 year he has the talent to be a KFC SuperCoach star.
RICHMOND
Liam Baker $429,400 DEF-FWD
Noah Balta $330,000 DEF-FWD
Sam Banks $123,900 DEF-MID
Jacob Bauer $123,900 FWD
Shai Bolton $480,800 MID-FWD
Nathan Broad $454,700 DEF
Tom Brown $123,900 DEF
Seth Campbell $102,400 FWD
Jason Castagna $281,800 FWD
Judson Clarke $196,700 FWD
Mate Colina $123,900 RUC-FWD
Trent Cotchin $454,500 MID
Noah Cumberland $368,800 FWD
Thomson Dow $294,800 MID
Josh Gibcus $297,000 DEF
Jack Graham $415,400 MID-FWD
Steely Green $117,300 MID
Dylan Grimes $322,300 DEF
Jacob Hopper $332,000 MID
Tom Lynch $519,100 FWD
Rhyan Mansell $188,800 DEF
Dustin Martin $480,400 MID-FWD
Kamdyn McIntosh $393,700 MID
Ben Miller $339,700 DEF
Toby Nankervis $531,100 RUC
Bigoa Nyuon $150,300 DEF
Marlion Pickett $386,600 MID
Dion Prestia $518,800 MID
Hugo Ralphsmith $333,300 DEF
Jack Riewoldt $387,300 FWD
Daniel Rioli $507,000 DEF
Maurice Rioli $246,600 FWD
Jack Ross $378,600 MID
Samson Ryan $123,900 RUC-FWD
Jayden Short $543,800 MID
Kaleb Smith $117,300 DEF
Ivan Soldo $297,300 RUC-FWD
Tyler Sonsie $323,700 MID-FWD
Tim Taranto $503,100 MID-FWD
Robbie Tarrant $317,600 DEF
Nick Vlastuin $548,200 DEF
Tylar Young $102,400 DEF
THREE TO WATCH
Jacob Hopper
Ignore his 67 average last year, when he played just seven games at the Giants. He could even beat his 97 average from the year before as the Tigers’ No.1 centre bounce midfielder.
Tim Taranto
Joined the Tigers from GWS with Hopper and both could be great starting picks, especially considering Taranto can be picked as a forward. Should also get more midfield time at Punt Rd.
Dustin Martin
You can usually get Dusty a bit cheaper than his starting price at some stage during the season but he hasn’t started this cheap for a long time. Could be poised to remind the footy and fantasy world of his super powers.
ST KILDA
Oscar Adams $123,900 DEF
Matthew Allison $123,900 DEF-FWD
Josh Battle $394,800 DEF
Jack Billings $405,400 MID
Dan Butler $299,000 FWD
Ryan Byrnes $262,600 MID-FWD
Jack Bytel $158,600 MID
Tom Campbell $302,500 RUC-FWD
Hunter Clark $315,200 DEF
Nick Coffield $208,800 DEF
Leo Connolly $123,900 DEF
Zaine Cordy $231,700 DEF
Brad Crouch $571,000 MID
Jade Gresham $481,800 MID-FWD
Jack Hayes $328,600 FWD
Max Heath $123,900 RUC-FWD
Jack Higgins $341,700 FWD
Tom Highmore $252,500 DEF
Bradley Hill $418,400 DEF-FWD
Olli Hotton $117,300 MID-FWD
Dougal Howard $370,500 DEF
Zak Jones $352,400 MID
Isaac Keeler $117,300 RUC-FWD
Max King $381,100 FWD
Rowan Marshall $506,500 RUC
Daniel McKenzie $417,100 MID
Angus McLennan $102,400 DEF
Tim Membrey $417,200 FWD
Mitch Owens $249,900 FWD
Ben Paton $345,800 DEF
Jack Peris $123,900 MID-FWD
Mattaes Phillipou $166,800 MID-FWD
Sebastian Ross $536,200 MID
Cooper Sharman $262,400 DEF-FWD
Jack Sinclair $626,200 DEF
Jack Steele $604,400 MID
James Van Es $117,300 DEF
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera $303,200 MID
Jimmy Webster $333,600 DEF
Callum Wilkie $454,000 DEF
Marcus Windhager $266,200 MID-FWD
Mason Wood $393,800 MID
THREE TO WATCH
Rowan Marshall
Primed to assume the title of the No.1 ruckman in KFC SuperCoach after Paddy Ryder’s retirement, but will he be needed forward after Max King’s injury?
Jack Sinclair
Was the top-scoring defender of 2022 and was incredibly consistent, only dropping below 100 three times in 22 games. Doesn’t come cheap, though.
Mattaes Phillipou
Watch for the hugely talented draftee to get a chance early, and to light up the Saints with his skills on the ball and around goal.
Aliir Aliir $406,800 DEF
Nathan Barkla $102,400 MID
Miles Bergman $374,900 MID
Travis Boak $580,200 MID
Riley Bonner $419,500 DEF
Jase Burgoyne $298,000 DEF
Ryan Burton $455,000 DEF
Zak Butters $529,400 MID-FWD
Darcy Byrne-Jones $460,400 DEF
Tom Clurey $333,300 DEF
Charlie Dixon $488,200 FWD
Willem Drew $469,800 MID
Trent Dumont $345,500 MID
Xavier Duursma $282,300 MID
Francis Evans $136,500 FWD
Orazio Fantasia $203,300 FWD
Kane Farrell $403,300 MID
Jeremy Finlayson $456,200 RUC-FWD
Mitch Georgiades $319,300 FWD
Sam Hayes $359,600 RUC
Jason Horne-Francis $348,800 MID-FWD
Dan Houston $545,100 DEF
Hugh Jackson $123,900 MID-FWD
Tom Jonas $344,500 DEF
Lachie Jones $265,500 DEF-FWD
Ollie Lord $123,900 DEF-FWD
Scott Lycett $429,900 RUC
Kyle Marshall $117,300 DEF
Todd Marshall $425,000 FWD
Tom McCallum $117,300 DEF
Jed McEntee $228,600 FWD
Trent McKenzie $275,400 DEF
Jackson Mead $262,100 MID-FWD
Jake Pasini $123,900 DEF
Sam Powell-Pepper $408,400 FWD
Willie Rioli $342,200 MID-FWD
Connor Rozee $513,800 MID-FWD
Thomas Scully $117,300 FWD
Josh Sinn $123,900 MID-FWD
Brynn Teakle $198,500 RUC
Dante Visentini $123,900 RUC-FWD
Dylan Williams $123,900 FWD
Ollie Wines $580,700 MID
THREE TO WATCH
Connor Rozee
His game transformed completely when he was moved into the midfield in round 5, averaging 102.6 for the rest of the season, topping 150 three times. Surely he’s a full-time mid now.
Josh Sinn
Highly rated draft pick played just one game in his debut season and starts year two at a cheaper price. Can be become a regular in 2023?
Jason Horne-Francis
First year in the AFL didn’t go as planned for the No.1 draft pick but he showed in his final under-18 year he has the talent to be a KFC SuperCoach star.
RICHMOND
Liam Baker $429,400 DEF-FWD
Noah Balta $330,000 DEF-FWD
Sam Banks $123,900 DEF-MID
Jacob Bauer $123,900 FWD
Shai Bolton $480,800 MID-FWD
Nathan Broad $454,700 DEF
Tom Brown $123,900 DEF
Seth Campbell $102,400 FWD
Jason Castagna $281,800 FWD
Judson Clarke $196,700 FWD
Mate Colina $123,900 RUC-FWD
Trent Cotchin $454,500 MID
Noah Cumberland $368,800 FWD
Thomson Dow $294,800 MID
Josh Gibcus $297,000 DEF
Jack Graham $415,400 MID-FWD
Steely Green $117,300 MID
Dylan Grimes $322,300 DEF
Jacob Hopper $332,000 MID
Tom Lynch $519,100 FWD
Rhyan Mansell $188,800 DEF
Dustin Martin $480,400 MID-FWD
Kamdyn McIntosh $393,700 MID
Ben Miller $339,700 DEF
Toby Nankervis $531,100 RUC
Bigoa Nyuon $150,300 DEF
Marlion Pickett $386,600 MID
Dion Prestia $518,800 MID
Hugo Ralphsmith $333,300 DEF
Jack Riewoldt $387,300 FWD
Daniel Rioli $507,000 DEF
Maurice Rioli $246,600 FWD
Jack Ross $378,600 MID
Samson Ryan $123,900 RUC-FWD
Jayden Short $543,800 MID
Kaleb Smith $117,300 DEF
Ivan Soldo $297,300 RUC-FWD
Tyler Sonsie $323,700 MID-FWD
Tim Taranto $503,100 MID-FWD
Robbie Tarrant $317,600 DEF
Nick Vlastuin $548,200 DEF
Tylar Young $102,400 DEF
THREE TO WATCH
Jacob Hopper
Ignore his 67 average last year, when he played just seven games at the Giants. He could even beat his 97 average from the year before as the Tigers’ No.1 centre bounce midfielder.
Tim Taranto
Joined the Tigers from GWS with Hopper and both could be great starting picks, especially considering Taranto can be picked as a forward. Should also get more midfield time at Punt Rd.
Dustin Martin
You can usually get Dusty a bit cheaper than his starting price at some stage during the season but he hasn’t started this cheap for a long time. Could be poised to remind the footy and fantasy world of his super powers.
ST KILDA
Oscar Adams $123,900 DEF
Matthew Allison $123,900 DEF-FWD
Josh Battle $394,800 DEF
Jack Billings $405,400 MID
Dan Butler $299,000 FWD
Ryan Byrnes $262,600 MID-FWD
Jack Bytel $158,600 MID
Tom Campbell $302,500 RUC-FWD
Hunter Clark $315,200 DEF
Nick Coffield $208,800 DEF
Leo Connolly $123,900 DEF
Zaine Cordy $231,700 DEF
Brad Crouch $571,000 MID
Jade Gresham $481,800 MID-FWD
Jack Hayes $328,600 FWD
Max Heath $123,900 RUC-FWD
Jack Higgins $341,700 FWD
Tom Highmore $252,500 DEF
Bradley Hill $418,400 DEF-FWD
Olli Hotton $117,300 MID-FWD
Dougal Howard $370,500 DEF
Zak Jones $352,400 MID
Isaac Keeler $117,300 RUC-FWD
Max King $381,100 FWD
Rowan Marshall $506,500 RUC
Daniel McKenzie $417,100 MID
Angus McLennan $102,400 DEF
Tim Membrey $417,200 FWD
Mitch Owens $249,900 FWD
Ben Paton $345,800 DEF
Jack Peris $123,900 MID-FWD
Mattaes Phillipou $166,800 MID-FWD
Sebastian Ross $536,200 MID
Cooper Sharman $262,400 DEF-FWD
Jack Sinclair $626,200 DEF
Jack Steele $604,400 MID
James Van Es $117,300 DEF
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera $303,200 MID
Jimmy Webster $333,600 DEF
Callum Wilkie $454,000 DEF
Marcus Windhager $266,200 MID-FWD
Mason Wood $393,800 MID
THREE TO WATCH
Rowan Marshall
Primed to assume the title of the No.1 ruckman in KFC SuperCoach after Paddy Ryder’s retirement, but will he be needed forward after Max King’s injury?
Jack Sinclair
Was the top-scoring defender of 2022 and was incredibly consistent, only dropping below 100 three times in 22 games. Doesn’t come cheap, though.
Mattaes Phillipou
Watch for the hugely talented draftee to get a chance early, and to light up the Saints with his skills on the ball and around goal.
SYDNEY
Joel Amartey $223,000 FWD
Nick Blakey $475,300 DEF
Braeden Campbell $294,100 DEF
Ryan Clarke $313,100 FWD
Harry Cunningham $309,500 DEF
William Edwards $102,400 DEF
Oliver Florent $372,900 DEF
Robbie Fox $425,000 DEF
Aaron Francis $189,400 DEF-FWD
Lance Franklin $427,500 FWD
Will Gould $123,900 DEF
Errol Gulden $472,000 MID-FWD
Hugo Hall-Kahan $123,900 FWD
Will Hayward $377,100 FWD
Isaac Heeney $557,100 FWD
Tom Hickey $465,900 RUC
Jacob Konstanty $121,800 FWD
Peter Ladhams $429,400 RUC
Jake Lloyd $507,300 DEF
Jaiden Magor $102,400 MID-FWD
Lachlan McAndrew $123,900 RUC-FWD
Paddy McCartin $388,500 DEF
Tom McCartin $331,100 DEF
Logan McDonald $290,700 FWD
Justin McInerney $397,000 MID
Hayden McLean $368,200 FWD
Lewis Melican $172,300 DEF
Callum Mills $642,400 MID
Caleb Mitchell $117,300 DEF-MID
Cameron Owen $102,400 RUC
Tom Papley $441,800 FWD
Luke Parker $572,100 MID
Dane Rampe $330,100 DEF
Lachlan Rankin $123,900 DEF
Sam Reid $470,900 FWD
Matt Roberts $123,900 MID
James Rowbottom $468,500 MID
Marc Sheather $123,900 DEF-FWD
Angus Sheldrick $165,700 MID-FWD
Dylan Stephens $367,000 MID
Cooper Vickery $117,300 DEF
Chad Warner $532,700 MID
Corey Warner $123,900 MID-FWD
Sam Wicks $260,000 FWD
THREE TO WATCH
Chad Warner
Ready to join the elite club of KFC SuperCoach midfielders after increasing his average from 68 to 98 in his third season – and that doesn’t include his 136-point grand final performance.
Callum Mills
Scored 214 points in round 6 last season. Do we need to say any more? Still likely to be a unique pick in your midfield.
Will Gould
Entering his fourth year on the list, surely this is the season he breaks through for a senior game. Has become a KFC SuperCoach tradition to pick him on your defensive bench at least as a placeholder until we see the round 1 teams.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Oskar Baker $123,900 MID
Dominic Bedendo $123,900 MID
Marcus Bontempelli $639,500 MID
Josh Bruce $161,200 FWD
Jedd Busslinger $153,300 DEF
Charlie Clarke $117,300 FWD
Luke Cleary $224,600 DEF
Hayden Crozier $218,500 DEF
Bailey Dale $561,100 DEF
Caleb Daniel $495,200 DEF
Sam Darcy $243,700 DEF-FWD
Taylor Duryea $311,500 DEF
Tim English $581,000 RUC
Harvey Gallagher $117,300 DEF-FWD
Riley Garcia $212,200 FWD
Ryan Gardner $339,800 DEF
Mitch Hannan $239,300 DEF
Jason Johannisen $298,700 FWD
Arthur Jones $123,900 FWD
Liam Jones $228,100 DEF
Alex Keath $310,300 DEF
Buku Khamis $271,200 DEF-FWD
Tom Liberatore $576,900 MID
Rory Lobb $455,200 FWD
Jack Macrae $634,400 MID
Robbie McComb $264,700 MID-FWD
Toby McLean $178,900 MID-FWD
Lachlan McNeil $244,800 MID-FWD
Aaron Naughton $436,800 FWD
Tim O’Brien $344,400 DEF
Cody Raak $123,900 DEF-FWD
Ed Richards $460,400 DEF
Anthony Scott $302,000 MID
Bailey Smith $542,700 MID
Roarke Smith $292,400 MID
Jordon Sweet $351,800 RUC
Adam Treloar $530,600 MID
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan $261,300 FWD
Laitham Vandermeer $274,100 FWD
Cody Weightman $297,000 FWD
Rhylee West $363,800 FWD
Bailey Williams $317,000 DEF-MID
THREE TO WATCH
Toby McLean
Value everywhere at the Dogs and McLean is the pick of the bunch, starting at a hugely discounted price after two years wrecked by injury. Returned in the elimination final last year and scored 100 points.
Jack Macrae
Had what some KFC SuperCoach players considered a bit of a down year in 2022 but he still averaged 115 points a game, the eighth-best in the comp. Should go back to his familiar 120-plus output from 2018-21 if he takes up the midfield time of departed Josh Dunkley.
Josh Bruce
Has been reportedly training with the defenders after his return from a knee injury late last year didn’t go as planned. If Bevo picks him he’s a bench lock at that price.
WEST COAST
Oscar Allen $210,200 FWD
Jordyn Baker $102,400 MID
Harry Barnett $117,300 RUC
Tom Barrass $510,900 DEF
Rhett Bazzo $261,500 DEF
Coby Burgiel $117,300 MID-FWD
Campbell Chesser $123,900 DEF-MID
Greg Clark $249,600 MID
Tom Cole $182,300 DEF
Jamie Cripps $398,400 FWD
Jai Culley $276,400 MID
Jack Darling $376,500 FWD
Tyrell Dewar $102,400 DEF-FWD
Liam Duggan $435,200 DEF
Harry Edwards $308,600 DEF
Luke Edwards $193,800 MID
Luke Foley $305,200 DEF
Andrew Gaff $463,900 MID
Reuben Ginbey $171,300 DEF-MID
Elijah Hewett $148,800 MID
Brady Hough $250,700 DEF-MID
Jayden Hunt $285,600 DEF
Shannon Hurn $577,800 DEF
Callum Jamieson $251,400 RUC
Jamaine Jones $352,700 DEF
Tim Kelly $476,100 MID
Noah Long $117,300 MID-FWD
Jeremy McGovern $483,400 DEF
Nic Naitanui $537,500 RUC
Xavier O’Neill $333,800 MID
Sam Petrevski-Seton $281,600 FWD
Jack Petruccelle $290,400 FWD
Josh Rotham $272,300 DEF
Liam Ryan $295,700 FWD
Dom Sheed $332,000 MID
Luke Shuey $472,800 MID
Zane Trew $175,400 MID-FWD
Jake Waterman $310,900 FWD
Connor West $328,700 MID-FWD
Bailey J. Williams $304,400 RUC
Jack Williams $123,900 RUC-FWD
Isiah Winder $176,200 FWD
Alex Witherden $552,400 DEF
Elliot Yeo $337,000 DEF
THREE TO WATCH
Elliot Yeo
Feels like a long time ago that Yeo averaged 107 two years in a row in 2018-19 before his next three seasons were derailed by injury. A bargain if his body is right, but that’s a big if.
Oscar Allen
Heavily discounted after a year out with a foot injury and should play a key role after the retirement of Josh Kennedy.
Campbell Chesser
Was on track to play in round 1 last year before suffering an ankle injury that sidelined him for the season. Now ready to debut with an extra year in the system.
Joel Amartey $223,000 FWD
Nick Blakey $475,300 DEF
Braeden Campbell $294,100 DEF
Ryan Clarke $313,100 FWD
Harry Cunningham $309,500 DEF
William Edwards $102,400 DEF
Oliver Florent $372,900 DEF
Robbie Fox $425,000 DEF
Aaron Francis $189,400 DEF-FWD
Lance Franklin $427,500 FWD
Will Gould $123,900 DEF
Errol Gulden $472,000 MID-FWD
Hugo Hall-Kahan $123,900 FWD
Will Hayward $377,100 FWD
Isaac Heeney $557,100 FWD
Tom Hickey $465,900 RUC
Jacob Konstanty $121,800 FWD
Peter Ladhams $429,400 RUC
Jake Lloyd $507,300 DEF
Jaiden Magor $102,400 MID-FWD
Lachlan McAndrew $123,900 RUC-FWD
Paddy McCartin $388,500 DEF
Tom McCartin $331,100 DEF
Logan McDonald $290,700 FWD
Justin McInerney $397,000 MID
Hayden McLean $368,200 FWD
Lewis Melican $172,300 DEF
Callum Mills $642,400 MID
Caleb Mitchell $117,300 DEF-MID
Cameron Owen $102,400 RUC
Tom Papley $441,800 FWD
Luke Parker $572,100 MID
Dane Rampe $330,100 DEF
Lachlan Rankin $123,900 DEF
Sam Reid $470,900 FWD
Matt Roberts $123,900 MID
James Rowbottom $468,500 MID
Marc Sheather $123,900 DEF-FWD
Angus Sheldrick $165,700 MID-FWD
Dylan Stephens $367,000 MID
Cooper Vickery $117,300 DEF
Chad Warner $532,700 MID
Corey Warner $123,900 MID-FWD
Sam Wicks $260,000 FWD
THREE TO WATCH
Chad Warner
Ready to join the elite club of KFC SuperCoach midfielders after increasing his average from 68 to 98 in his third season – and that doesn’t include his 136-point grand final performance.
Callum Mills
Scored 214 points in round 6 last season. Do we need to say any more? Still likely to be a unique pick in your midfield.
Will Gould
Entering his fourth year on the list, surely this is the season he breaks through for a senior game. Has become a KFC SuperCoach tradition to pick him on your defensive bench at least as a placeholder until we see the round 1 teams.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Oskar Baker $123,900 MID
Dominic Bedendo $123,900 MID
Marcus Bontempelli $639,500 MID
Josh Bruce $161,200 FWD
Jedd Busslinger $153,300 DEF
Charlie Clarke $117,300 FWD
Luke Cleary $224,600 DEF
Hayden Crozier $218,500 DEF
Bailey Dale $561,100 DEF
Caleb Daniel $495,200 DEF
Sam Darcy $243,700 DEF-FWD
Taylor Duryea $311,500 DEF
Tim English $581,000 RUC
Harvey Gallagher $117,300 DEF-FWD
Riley Garcia $212,200 FWD
Ryan Gardner $339,800 DEF
Mitch Hannan $239,300 DEF
Jason Johannisen $298,700 FWD
Arthur Jones $123,900 FWD
Liam Jones $228,100 DEF
Alex Keath $310,300 DEF
Buku Khamis $271,200 DEF-FWD
Tom Liberatore $576,900 MID
Rory Lobb $455,200 FWD
Jack Macrae $634,400 MID
Robbie McComb $264,700 MID-FWD
Toby McLean $178,900 MID-FWD
Lachlan McNeil $244,800 MID-FWD
Aaron Naughton $436,800 FWD
Tim O’Brien $344,400 DEF
Cody Raak $123,900 DEF-FWD
Ed Richards $460,400 DEF
Anthony Scott $302,000 MID
Bailey Smith $542,700 MID
Roarke Smith $292,400 MID
Jordon Sweet $351,800 RUC
Adam Treloar $530,600 MID
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan $261,300 FWD
Laitham Vandermeer $274,100 FWD
Cody Weightman $297,000 FWD
Rhylee West $363,800 FWD
Bailey Williams $317,000 DEF-MID
THREE TO WATCH
Toby McLean
Value everywhere at the Dogs and McLean is the pick of the bunch, starting at a hugely discounted price after two years wrecked by injury. Returned in the elimination final last year and scored 100 points.
Jack Macrae
Had what some KFC SuperCoach players considered a bit of a down year in 2022 but he still averaged 115 points a game, the eighth-best in the comp. Should go back to his familiar 120-plus output from 2018-21 if he takes up the midfield time of departed Josh Dunkley.
Josh Bruce
Has been reportedly training with the defenders after his return from a knee injury late last year didn’t go as planned. If Bevo picks him he’s a bench lock at that price.
WEST COAST
Oscar Allen $210,200 FWD
Jordyn Baker $102,400 MID
Harry Barnett $117,300 RUC
Tom Barrass $510,900 DEF
Rhett Bazzo $261,500 DEF
Coby Burgiel $117,300 MID-FWD
Campbell Chesser $123,900 DEF-MID
Greg Clark $249,600 MID
Tom Cole $182,300 DEF
Jamie Cripps $398,400 FWD
Jai Culley $276,400 MID
Jack Darling $376,500 FWD
Tyrell Dewar $102,400 DEF-FWD
Liam Duggan $435,200 DEF
Harry Edwards $308,600 DEF
Luke Edwards $193,800 MID
Luke Foley $305,200 DEF
Andrew Gaff $463,900 MID
Reuben Ginbey $171,300 DEF-MID
Elijah Hewett $148,800 MID
Brady Hough $250,700 DEF-MID
Jayden Hunt $285,600 DEF
Shannon Hurn $577,800 DEF
Callum Jamieson $251,400 RUC
Jamaine Jones $352,700 DEF
Tim Kelly $476,100 MID
Noah Long $117,300 MID-FWD
Jeremy McGovern $483,400 DEF
Nic Naitanui $537,500 RUC
Xavier O’Neill $333,800 MID
Sam Petrevski-Seton $281,600 FWD
Jack Petruccelle $290,400 FWD
Josh Rotham $272,300 DEF
Liam Ryan $295,700 FWD
Dom Sheed $332,000 MID
Luke Shuey $472,800 MID
Zane Trew $175,400 MID-FWD
Jake Waterman $310,900 FWD
Connor West $328,700 MID-FWD
Bailey J. Williams $304,400 RUC
Jack Williams $123,900 RUC-FWD
Isiah Winder $176,200 FWD
Alex Witherden $552,400 DEF
Elliot Yeo $337,000 DEF
THREE TO WATCH
Elliot Yeo
Feels like a long time ago that Yeo averaged 107 two years in a row in 2018-19 before his next three seasons were derailed by injury. A bargain if his body is right, but that’s a big if.
Oscar Allen
Heavily discounted after a year out with a foot injury and should play a key role after the retirement of Josh Kennedy.
Campbell Chesser
Was on track to play in round 1 last year before suffering an ankle injury that sidelined him for the season. Now ready to debut with an extra year in the system.
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Port Adelaide assistant Josh Carr wants to be a senior AFL coach, but is not in a rush as he enjoys the start of his third stint at Alberton.
Carr is the Power’s new midfield mentor after three years in the same role at Fremantle, and his return has led to external suggestions he is well placed to take over from Ken Hinkley.
Hinkley is out of contract at the end of the season, coming off an 11th-placed finish in 2022.
Car played 124 games for the Power from 1999-04 and 2009-10, then was an assistant there from 2011-15, before coaching North Adelaide to a SANFL premiership in 2018 and joining the Dockers a year later.
He said his plan had “always been to come back to SA”, where his wife’s family was based, and he had not thought about any of the speculation over Hinkley’s future.
“I want to be a senior coach one day, but I’m not in a rush to do that,” Carr said.
“I’ll keep learning and when the time presents, I’ll be ready to go.
“I learnt a lot from Ken in my early days as a coach then to be able to go away and bring back more intel and more experience as a coach, and help him out, is what I wanted to do.
“He teaches me a lot, he challenges me as a coach in different areas and I’m only going to get better coaching with him.
“I love being back here, I enjoy the culture of the footy club and the people.”
Assistant coach Josh Carr with Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe
Carr said he joined Fremantle wanting to learn more, particularly about team defence, from Justin Longmuir.
“All football clubs are different, they’re run differently and see things differently, so it was nice to get a different perspective,” he said.
Boom recruit Jason Horne-Francis is expected to play primarily as a midfielder this season, rotating forward along with the likes of Connor Rozee and Zak Butters.
But the 2020 No.1 pick’s positional split is yet to be determined.
Carr could hear the excitement of supporters every time Horne-Francis got the ball during Wednesday’s match simulation.
“Each session he’s got better and better, and been able to sustain more run and physicality out there,” Carr said of the 19-year-old, who resumed full training this month after having surgery on both legs in October.
“He’s only a second-year player, there’s obviously expectation from where he’s come from being a number-one draft pick, but Jason’s got a lot to learn as far as AFL footy and what the game requires.
“He’s been really open to learning and getting better.”
Port Adelaide’s 203cm draftee Tom Scully (left) is making an early impression. Picture: Roy VanDerVegt
In other notes from training on Wednesday:
■ Wingman Xavier Duursma was crunched by high-leaping draftee Tom Scully in a marking contest during the scratch game, was down for about a minute, then needed trainers to help him off the ground. Carr said Duursma copped a knock to the head, as well as a corked hip, and was a bit groggy, but had pulled up OK. “Come next week he’ll be right, I’m sure he’ll be able to run. It’ll just be precautionary from a head point of view,” he said.
■ Orazio Fantasia spent the session running along the boundary. Carr expected him to train next week. “He was a little bit tight in the calf last week, so we’re just looking after him,” he said.
■ Star midfielder Ollie Wines watched on from the sidelines, building from off-season knee surgery. He is expected to return to full training the week starting February 6.
■ Draftee tall forward Scully impressed again on Wednesday, flying for marks and giving experienced defenders a tough time. “He has been impressive,” Carr said. He presents at the ball, is obviously over 200cm and he’s hard to defend as a tall guy.”
■ Junior Rioli did some running after having Covid over the past week, while Charlie Dixon sat out the session after laser-eye surgery. Jackson Mead copped a shoulder knock on Monday and was restricted to jogging on the sidelines. Ollie Lord was walking along the boundary, on the mend from a lacerated kidney, but without a timeline for a return. Tom Clurey (knee) was in and out of drills, while Josh Sinn (groin) and Jase Burgoyne (knee) did not participate in match simulation. Mead, Clurey, Sinn, Burgoyne, Jed McEntee (hamstring) and Trent Dumont (calf) should be back in full training on Monday.
■ Will Francou – son of former Power star Josh Francou – caught the eye a few times during the match simulation, moving well and finding the ball. Overlooked in last year’s drafts, Francou is eligible to line up for the Magpies in 2023.
Boom recruit ‘electric’ in return to Port pre-season
Xavier Duursma has enjoyed watching fellow 2018 first-round picks Connor Rozee and Zak Butters become Port Adelaide stars, but says it is now his turn to take the next step in his development.
Duursma endured two frustrating campaigns in 2021-22, playing 10 SANFL games, battling knee and shoulder injuries, and struggling for consistency.
Those years were a stark contrast to his debut season, when the wingman burst out of the blocks with Rozee and Butters, before finishing ninth in the Power’s club champion award.
While Duursma’s form dipped again in 2022, Rozee earnt his first All-Australian blazer then won the best-and-fairest.
Xavier Duursma is hoping for a big 2023. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Naomi Jellicoe
Butters polled seventh in the John Cahill Medal count.
Duursma, 22, said becoming much fitter, sharpening his routine and working on his mindset with club staff had put him in a strong position to have a big 2023 campaign.
He also sought off-season advice from his dad, Dean, whom he described as a “pretty wise footy mind”, and Power coaches.
“It’s been a challenging couple of years and I’ve learnt a lot about myself,” said Duursma, the 18th pick in the 2018 national draft.
“There were things that probably didn’t work in my favour … a couple of injuries, confidence, form that type of stuff.
“I love seeing Buttsy and Rozee take the next step.
“You can see it out on the training track, they’re even going another level now, they’re amazing.
“But I want to take that step as well and I think it’s my turn now to get to that point.”
To do that, Duursma planned to make his running a weapon again.
Duursma also conceded he had not been confident jumping for the ball due to his injuries.
Karl Amon’s free agency move to Hawthorn opened up a wing spot that Duursma wanted to cement.
Duursma is determined to stick with the Power and find his form. Picture: Getty Images
Of the speculation he might be traded in October, Duursma said: “I’m glad to be here and wasn’t going anywhere”.
The Power had an open training session at Alberton Oval on Friday.
Among the observations from the sidelines were:
■ Boom recruit Jason Horne-Francis returned to full training this week, sporting a couple of eye-catching scars on the back of his legs. Horne-Francis, who underwent surgery in October to decompress arteries behind both his knees, was already impressing. “He’s looking pretty electric out there,” Duursma said. Former Power star turned development coach Hamish Hartlett told the crowd Horne-Francis was “super competitive, loves hitting bodies and uses the ball pretty well too.”
■ Match simulation teams looked to be split between As and Bs. The top side, wearing black, featured the usual suspects, along with former Geelong small forward Francis Evans and Riley Bonner. Lachie Jones, Tom Clurey, Trent McKenzie, Jackson Mead, Brynn Teakle, and Willem Drew were in the other team, donning white.
Orazio Fantasia at Port Adelaide’s training camp last month. Picture: Port Adelaide Football Club
■ Goalsneak Orazio Fantasia spent the session on a bike, being managed, but was said to be fine and expected to be back training on Monday. Brownlow medallist Ollie Wines, who was considered to be another week or so away from full training, did not take part in the match simulation and instead was running and doing handball drills. Second-year wingman Josh Sinn (groin) ran early in the session then sat out the scratch game. Defender Jase Burgoyne also did not take part, though did some running. Draftee Kyle Marshall rolled his ankle during the match simulation. West Coast recruit Junior Rioli was absent with illness.
■ Swingman Ollie Lord is back home after lacerating his kidney in a marking contest at training on Monday and spending a couple of nights in hospital. He is expected to start non-weight-bearing conditioning at the club from next week.
AFL Track Watch: All the latest from pre-season training, Bulldogs complete match-sim
Cody Weightman has impressed after a position change in the Bullodgs’ match simulation, while a pair of stars watched on. Plus Sam Darcy shines and more on other Dogs from pre-season.
Chris Cavanagh, Rebecca Williams and Jay Clark
15 min read
January 27, 2023 - 2:13PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
4 comments
00:29
Max Gawn relieved to avoid serious injury
AFL: Max Gawn has avoided a serious hamstring injury, but will remain on light duties.
View more related videos
We’re scouting AFL clubs on the track as we draw closer to the start of the 2023 season.
Stay tuned for updates this pre-season.
BULLDOGS TRACK WATCH
MORE MIDFIELD FOR WEIGHTMAN
Fourth-year Western Bulldogs forward Cody Weightman is eyeing some more midfield time this season and made his presence felt in the thick of the action during match simulation on Friday.
Weightman started at the centre bounce on multiple occasions and found plenty of the ball with some clearances and nice disposals going forward.
The 22-year-old still spent some time lining up in attack, but has impressed coaches with his midfield craft over summer.
“He brings something different to what we’ve got at the moment,” Western Bulldogs midfield coach Marc Webb said.
“I think it’s a work in progress but we like what we’ve seen so far.”
Fellow forward Riley Garcia is also being given some more opportunity through the midfield.
Cody Weightman enjoyed spending more time in the midfield today. Picture: Getty Images
DAMAGING DARCY
Towering young gun Sam Darcy looks set for a breakout year as he continues to shine in defence for the Dogs.
The 19-year-old played as part of the stronger defensive side during match simulation and held his own matching up on first-choice key forwards Aaron Naughton, Rory Lobb and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
Darcy flew for everything and took some strong contested marks in the air, while his follow-up work at ground level was also good for a player of his size.
Liam Jones and Josh Bruce played as part of the same defence as Darcy, with Bruce having swapped ends over summer after being a key forward for most of his AFL career.
While primarily lining up in attack, Lobb switched with ruckman Tim English to do some relief ruck work at times during the session.
Sam Darcy at Western Bulldogs training. Friday, January 27, 2023. Picture: David Crosling
TRELOAR TROUBLE
Another week and another missed training session for Adam Treloar.
The gun midfielder did a little bit of light running on the sidelines but again didn’t take part in match simulation at Western Bulldogs training on Friday.
After post-season ankle surgery, Treloar has struggled to build his training loads and has consequently managed to do very little over pre-season so far.
However, the Bulldogs say he is “moving well” and that they will “hopefully see him back in the next week or so”.
The 29-year-old played 22 games last season, averaging 27.1 disposals.
Adam Treloar was restricted to running laps. Picture: David Crosling
OTHER MISSING DOGS
Star midfielder Bailey Smith is expected back in full training next week after again missing match simulation on Friday.
Smith instead ran some laps and completed some light drills away from the main group at Skinner Reserve as he continues to deal with some soreness.
The Bulldogs said Smith was “very close” to taking part in the lengthy session of match simulation, but was held back as a precaution.
The 21-year-old has been on a modified program since training resumed earlier this month.
Defender Caleb Daniel was also on light duties as he deals with some back spasms, while Alex Keath (ankle), Hayden Crozier (ankle) and Tim O’Brien (hamstring tightness) also ran some laps and did some light skill drills away from the main group.
WATCH ON McLEAN
After two seasons ruined by injury, Toby McLean is pushing to win back a regular senior spot this year.
He featured through the midfield and forward line for the ‘B’ team during match simulation on Friday, but was tough in the clinches and won a bit of the ball.
The ‘A’ team midfield included the usual suspects of ruckman Tim English and onballers Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Tom Liberatore.
McLean returned for the Bulldogs’ losing elimination final against Fremantle last year and had an impact with 21 disposals, four clearances and nine tackles playing predominantly on a wing.
Toby McLean is hunting a place in the Bulldogs’ best side. Picture: David Crosling
“He’s got a lot of versatility there,” Webb said.
“He’s been going through the mids and forward as well because we know he has played those roles really well. There hasn’t been anything really bedded down and the opportunity is there for him to find his feet in multiple roles. A player that has that versatility is very important.”
JJ BACK DOWN BACK
Jason Johannisen is back racking up disposals across half-back - the position he played when he won the Norm Smith Medal in 2016.
The 30-year-old had been used predominantly as a forward the past two season and kicked eight goals from eight matches last year.
However, he was moving well and used the ball with class as he was back playing where he looks most comfortable at the other end of the ground on Friday.
Cody Weightman has impressed after a position change in the Bullodgs’ match simulation, while a pair of stars watched on. Plus Sam Darcy shines and more on other Dogs from pre-season.
Chris Cavanagh, Rebecca Williams and Jay Clark
15 min read
January 27, 2023 - 2:13PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
4 comments
00:29
Max Gawn relieved to avoid serious injury
AFL: Max Gawn has avoided a serious hamstring injury, but will remain on light duties.
View more related videos
We’re scouting AFL clubs on the track as we draw closer to the start of the 2023 season.
Stay tuned for updates this pre-season.
BULLDOGS TRACK WATCH
MORE MIDFIELD FOR WEIGHTMAN
Fourth-year Western Bulldogs forward Cody Weightman is eyeing some more midfield time this season and made his presence felt in the thick of the action during match simulation on Friday.
Weightman started at the centre bounce on multiple occasions and found plenty of the ball with some clearances and nice disposals going forward.
The 22-year-old still spent some time lining up in attack, but has impressed coaches with his midfield craft over summer.
“He brings something different to what we’ve got at the moment,” Western Bulldogs midfield coach Marc Webb said.
“I think it’s a work in progress but we like what we’ve seen so far.”
Fellow forward Riley Garcia is also being given some more opportunity through the midfield.
Cody Weightman enjoyed spending more time in the midfield today. Picture: Getty Images
DAMAGING DARCY
Towering young gun Sam Darcy looks set for a breakout year as he continues to shine in defence for the Dogs.
The 19-year-old played as part of the stronger defensive side during match simulation and held his own matching up on first-choice key forwards Aaron Naughton, Rory Lobb and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.
Darcy flew for everything and took some strong contested marks in the air, while his follow-up work at ground level was also good for a player of his size.
Liam Jones and Josh Bruce played as part of the same defence as Darcy, with Bruce having swapped ends over summer after being a key forward for most of his AFL career.
While primarily lining up in attack, Lobb switched with ruckman Tim English to do some relief ruck work at times during the session.
Sam Darcy at Western Bulldogs training. Friday, January 27, 2023. Picture: David Crosling
TRELOAR TROUBLE
Another week and another missed training session for Adam Treloar.
The gun midfielder did a little bit of light running on the sidelines but again didn’t take part in match simulation at Western Bulldogs training on Friday.
After post-season ankle surgery, Treloar has struggled to build his training loads and has consequently managed to do very little over pre-season so far.
However, the Bulldogs say he is “moving well” and that they will “hopefully see him back in the next week or so”.
The 29-year-old played 22 games last season, averaging 27.1 disposals.
Adam Treloar was restricted to running laps. Picture: David Crosling
OTHER MISSING DOGS
Star midfielder Bailey Smith is expected back in full training next week after again missing match simulation on Friday.
Smith instead ran some laps and completed some light drills away from the main group at Skinner Reserve as he continues to deal with some soreness.
The Bulldogs said Smith was “very close” to taking part in the lengthy session of match simulation, but was held back as a precaution.
The 21-year-old has been on a modified program since training resumed earlier this month.
Defender Caleb Daniel was also on light duties as he deals with some back spasms, while Alex Keath (ankle), Hayden Crozier (ankle) and Tim O’Brien (hamstring tightness) also ran some laps and did some light skill drills away from the main group.
WATCH ON McLEAN
After two seasons ruined by injury, Toby McLean is pushing to win back a regular senior spot this year.
He featured through the midfield and forward line for the ‘B’ team during match simulation on Friday, but was tough in the clinches and won a bit of the ball.
The ‘A’ team midfield included the usual suspects of ruckman Tim English and onballers Marcus Bontempelli, Jack Macrae and Tom Liberatore.
McLean returned for the Bulldogs’ losing elimination final against Fremantle last year and had an impact with 21 disposals, four clearances and nine tackles playing predominantly on a wing.
Toby McLean is hunting a place in the Bulldogs’ best side. Picture: David Crosling
“He’s got a lot of versatility there,” Webb said.
“He’s been going through the mids and forward as well because we know he has played those roles really well. There hasn’t been anything really bedded down and the opportunity is there for him to find his feet in multiple roles. A player that has that versatility is very important.”
JJ BACK DOWN BACK
Jason Johannisen is back racking up disposals across half-back - the position he played when he won the Norm Smith Medal in 2016.
The 30-year-old had been used predominantly as a forward the past two season and kicked eight goals from eight matches last year.
However, he was moving well and used the ball with class as he was back playing where he looks most comfortable at the other end of the ground on Friday.
BOMBERS TRACK WATCH
LIVEWIRES
Father-son draftee Alwyn Davey, Jye Menzie and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti will be given golden opportunities to press for a round 1 berth when the practice matches ramp up next month.
Davey has impressed in recent weeks with his silky moves in attack and could be on track for some early game time to help bolster the club’s forward options and tackling pressure.
McDonald-Tipungwuti could also be in the frame early on after dropping a considerable amount of weight in his return to the club.
The Bombers struggled to apply pressure in the forward half of the ground last year but would have been encouraged by Menzie’s showing, kicking a couple of clever goals on Wednesday.
McDonald-Tipungwuti briefly retired last year but has worked hard on improving his fitness and could yet make a quick return to the senior side in the early part of the season.
He shone at times in match simulation on Wednesday with his precise field kicking and deft touch helping set up scoring opportunities for teammates.
McDonald-Tipungwuti remains one of the most accurate set shots for goal in the game.
The Bombers have been pleased with the small forward’s application to training after struggling with the demands of the game at the top level last year, leading to his decision to briefly step away.
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is building his fitness base. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
LOCKED IN
Essendon’s senior core players are locked in to Brad Scott’s vision to help the club rise up the ladder after a tumultuous end to the 2022 season.
Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell, Jordan Ridley, Darcy Parish and Andrew McGrath are buoyed by the changes and have been among the most impressive performers over summer.
Heppell considered leaving Essendon last year after carrying a huge load on and off the field through another difficult year.
But the veteran defender, who may still be Essendon’s best leader, could again be given the captaincy after a strong summer.
Merrett was outstanding in match simulation on Wednesday, hitting targets on the run from the centre square, and is the other leading candidate, alongside McGrath.
McGrath has been moved into a defensive position after settling there toward the back end of last season.
Parish is one of the leading free agents in this year’s pool but has been commended for his buy-in and performance over summer.
Essendon sacked coach Ben Rutten last year after club chiefs became frustrated with the club’s lack of on-field progress in the back half of last season.
Scott has been determined to improve the defence and provide clearer direction for the players since his appointment.
MAGIC MARTIN
Nic Martin looks set to take his game to a new level this year in his role as a goalkicking wingman/half-forward.
Martin stormed on to the AFL scene last year after being picked up in the pre-season and has again turned heads over summer with his hard running and smarts inside 50m.
Martin finished fifth in the Rising Star award last year but did not receive any votes from new coach Scott.
There are high hopes he could develop into an elite wing-forward.
Archie Perkins is set for more midfield time. Picture: Michael Klein
PERKING UP
Archie Perkins is expected to be given more midfield minutes this year.
The explosive ballwinner has spent the bulk of his first two years in a forward role but will be swung through the engine room more often this season.
The Bombers have been bolstered in the small forward department and are keen to inject Perkins in the centre square at times in 2023 to make the most of his speed, creativity and power.
BLUES TRACK WATCH
RUCK BATTLE
After having post-season knee surgery last year, ruckman Marc Pittonet is almost back in full training.
The 26-year-old battled it out against 23-year-old rising star Tom De Koning during match simulation as the pair vie for the No.1 ruck spot this year.
Pittonet made a strong start to last season before going down with a PCL injury in Round 6, providing an opportunity for De Koning which he took with both hands.
Pittonet returned in the final month of the season, forcing De Koning out of the side for the last two games of the year.
However, De Koning looks stronger this year and primed for a big 2023.
FISHING IN THE MIDDLE
With regular onballers Sam Walsh and Matthew Kennedy out injured, Zac Fisher was playing onball during match simulation on Wednesday and showed off his agility and ball-winning ability in close quarters.
Fisher primarily featured as a high half-forward across his 22 games last season.
However, some more midfield minutes could be on the agenda at least in the early part of this season given the Blues’ injury woes.
INSTANT IMPACT
Carlton targeted some more outside run with its top picks in last year’s national draft and look to have hit the nail on the head in selecting Ollie Hollands at pick 11.
The 19-year-old is a running machine and was very good on a wing during match simulation with his run and carry.
Hollands has pace to burn and the endurance to match, while some desperate defensive actions would not have gone unnoticed by the coaches.
It won’t be an easy midfield to break into at the Blues, especially given Fremantle recruit Blake Acres is expected to occupy one wing.
But Hollands is certainly pushing his case for an early debut this year.
Fellow draftee Lachie Cowan, who was selected at pick 30, has also slotted in very nicely at the Blues over summer, while Jaxon Binns showed he is also a very strong runner.
MISSING BLUES
With just 50 days to go until it’s traditional Round 1 showdown with Richmond, Carlton has a far from ideal bill of health.
The Blues held some modified match simulation during an open training session on Wednesday morning, but a large number of players did not take part.
Gun midfielder Sam Walsh briefly did some running on the sidelines at the start of the session as he continues his recovery from back surgery.
Lachie Young (ankle), Matthew Cottrell (foot), Matthew Kennedy (foot) and Jordan Boyd (foot) are also all recovering from injuries and were missing in action.
Mitch McGovern was on the sidelines as he continues a modified training program, but the key defender had taken part in match simulation on Monday.
Forward Jack Martin was also on light duties with some lingering soreness, while Sam Philp, Josh Honey, David Cuningham and Domanic Akuei were among others who only took part in some light drills.
Most of the issues are relatively short-term ones, with the exceptions of Walsh, Boyd, Cottrell and Cuningham who are still some way away from returning to full training.
However, after a 2022 season which was ravaged by injury it is not the best of starts to 2023 for the Blues.
MOSQUITO FLEET
Small forward Jesse Motlop has been one of the standouts over summer for Carlton and was again buzzing around the forward line and finding the ball during match simulation on Wednesday.
Motlop has added some size to his frame and has also built his tank, which might allow him to be used as more of a high half-forward this year.
Fellow small forward Corey Durdin wasn’t slacking off with his defensive actions despite it just being a hit out with teammates, completing a nice smother and following up by snapping one of multiple goals for the day.
Matthew Owies also had an impact as he found the ball a few times.
The trio of smalls could hold the key to a Carlton rise up the ladder this year if they can boost their goal kicking output to complement power key forwards Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.
Jesse Motlop is lighting up the track. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio
WILLIAMS BACK
After managing just nine games last season due to injury, Zac Williams is fit and firing once again.
Williams has barely missed a beat over pre-season and did some very nice things on the track on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old was moving well, clean with his hands and disposal and helped provide some run and drive off halfback, alongside fellow rebounding defenders Adam Saad and Sam Docherty who also caught the eye.
The former GWS defender has played just 25 games across his first two seasons at the Blues, having featured in only 14 matches in his first season at the club in 2021.
LIVEWIRES
Father-son draftee Alwyn Davey, Jye Menzie and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti will be given golden opportunities to press for a round 1 berth when the practice matches ramp up next month.
Davey has impressed in recent weeks with his silky moves in attack and could be on track for some early game time to help bolster the club’s forward options and tackling pressure.
McDonald-Tipungwuti could also be in the frame early on after dropping a considerable amount of weight in his return to the club.
The Bombers struggled to apply pressure in the forward half of the ground last year but would have been encouraged by Menzie’s showing, kicking a couple of clever goals on Wednesday.
McDonald-Tipungwuti briefly retired last year but has worked hard on improving his fitness and could yet make a quick return to the senior side in the early part of the season.
He shone at times in match simulation on Wednesday with his precise field kicking and deft touch helping set up scoring opportunities for teammates.
McDonald-Tipungwuti remains one of the most accurate set shots for goal in the game.
The Bombers have been pleased with the small forward’s application to training after struggling with the demands of the game at the top level last year, leading to his decision to briefly step away.
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti is building his fitness base. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
LOCKED IN
Essendon’s senior core players are locked in to Brad Scott’s vision to help the club rise up the ladder after a tumultuous end to the 2022 season.
Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell, Jordan Ridley, Darcy Parish and Andrew McGrath are buoyed by the changes and have been among the most impressive performers over summer.
Heppell considered leaving Essendon last year after carrying a huge load on and off the field through another difficult year.
But the veteran defender, who may still be Essendon’s best leader, could again be given the captaincy after a strong summer.
Merrett was outstanding in match simulation on Wednesday, hitting targets on the run from the centre square, and is the other leading candidate, alongside McGrath.
McGrath has been moved into a defensive position after settling there toward the back end of last season.
Parish is one of the leading free agents in this year’s pool but has been commended for his buy-in and performance over summer.
Essendon sacked coach Ben Rutten last year after club chiefs became frustrated with the club’s lack of on-field progress in the back half of last season.
Scott has been determined to improve the defence and provide clearer direction for the players since his appointment.
MAGIC MARTIN
Nic Martin looks set to take his game to a new level this year in his role as a goalkicking wingman/half-forward.
Martin stormed on to the AFL scene last year after being picked up in the pre-season and has again turned heads over summer with his hard running and smarts inside 50m.
Martin finished fifth in the Rising Star award last year but did not receive any votes from new coach Scott.
There are high hopes he could develop into an elite wing-forward.
Archie Perkins is set for more midfield time. Picture: Michael Klein
PERKING UP
Archie Perkins is expected to be given more midfield minutes this year.
The explosive ballwinner has spent the bulk of his first two years in a forward role but will be swung through the engine room more often this season.
The Bombers have been bolstered in the small forward department and are keen to inject Perkins in the centre square at times in 2023 to make the most of his speed, creativity and power.
BLUES TRACK WATCH
RUCK BATTLE
After having post-season knee surgery last year, ruckman Marc Pittonet is almost back in full training.
The 26-year-old battled it out against 23-year-old rising star Tom De Koning during match simulation as the pair vie for the No.1 ruck spot this year.
Pittonet made a strong start to last season before going down with a PCL injury in Round 6, providing an opportunity for De Koning which he took with both hands.
Pittonet returned in the final month of the season, forcing De Koning out of the side for the last two games of the year.
However, De Koning looks stronger this year and primed for a big 2023.
FISHING IN THE MIDDLE
With regular onballers Sam Walsh and Matthew Kennedy out injured, Zac Fisher was playing onball during match simulation on Wednesday and showed off his agility and ball-winning ability in close quarters.
Fisher primarily featured as a high half-forward across his 22 games last season.
However, some more midfield minutes could be on the agenda at least in the early part of this season given the Blues’ injury woes.
INSTANT IMPACT
Carlton targeted some more outside run with its top picks in last year’s national draft and look to have hit the nail on the head in selecting Ollie Hollands at pick 11.
The 19-year-old is a running machine and was very good on a wing during match simulation with his run and carry.
Hollands has pace to burn and the endurance to match, while some desperate defensive actions would not have gone unnoticed by the coaches.
It won’t be an easy midfield to break into at the Blues, especially given Fremantle recruit Blake Acres is expected to occupy one wing.
But Hollands is certainly pushing his case for an early debut this year.
Fellow draftee Lachie Cowan, who was selected at pick 30, has also slotted in very nicely at the Blues over summer, while Jaxon Binns showed he is also a very strong runner.
MISSING BLUES
With just 50 days to go until it’s traditional Round 1 showdown with Richmond, Carlton has a far from ideal bill of health.
The Blues held some modified match simulation during an open training session on Wednesday morning, but a large number of players did not take part.
Gun midfielder Sam Walsh briefly did some running on the sidelines at the start of the session as he continues his recovery from back surgery.
Lachie Young (ankle), Matthew Cottrell (foot), Matthew Kennedy (foot) and Jordan Boyd (foot) are also all recovering from injuries and were missing in action.
Mitch McGovern was on the sidelines as he continues a modified training program, but the key defender had taken part in match simulation on Monday.
Forward Jack Martin was also on light duties with some lingering soreness, while Sam Philp, Josh Honey, David Cuningham and Domanic Akuei were among others who only took part in some light drills.
Most of the issues are relatively short-term ones, with the exceptions of Walsh, Boyd, Cottrell and Cuningham who are still some way away from returning to full training.
However, after a 2022 season which was ravaged by injury it is not the best of starts to 2023 for the Blues.
MOSQUITO FLEET
Small forward Jesse Motlop has been one of the standouts over summer for Carlton and was again buzzing around the forward line and finding the ball during match simulation on Wednesday.
Motlop has added some size to his frame and has also built his tank, which might allow him to be used as more of a high half-forward this year.
Fellow small forward Corey Durdin wasn’t slacking off with his defensive actions despite it just being a hit out with teammates, completing a nice smother and following up by snapping one of multiple goals for the day.
Matthew Owies also had an impact as he found the ball a few times.
The trio of smalls could hold the key to a Carlton rise up the ladder this year if they can boost their goal kicking output to complement power key forwards Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.
Jesse Motlop is lighting up the track. Picture: Jonathan DiMaggio
WILLIAMS BACK
After managing just nine games last season due to injury, Zac Williams is fit and firing once again.
Williams has barely missed a beat over pre-season and did some very nice things on the track on Wednesday.
The 28-year-old was moving well, clean with his hands and disposal and helped provide some run and drive off halfback, alongside fellow rebounding defenders Adam Saad and Sam Docherty who also caught the eye.
The former GWS defender has played just 25 games across his first two seasons at the Blues, having featured in only 14 matches in his first season at the club in 2021.
DEMONS TRACK WATCH
Melbourne captain Max Gawn was the first to hit the training track as he builds up his recovery from a low-grade hamstring injury.
Gawn, who hurt his hamstring at training last Friday at Casey Fields, completed the bulk of his work before any of his teammates had arrived for the start of the Wednesday session at Gosch’s Paddock.
The star ruckman jogged laps of the oval, briefly did a kick-to-kick and then ran a few more laps before heading inside.
The skipper looked comfortable as he completed the session, beating the heat before his teammates sweated it out in the sun.
The club said on Monday Gawn had commenced a modified program and he would be reintegrated to training over the next fortnight.
FORWARD FOCUS
Second-year forward Jacob Van Rooyen has impressed track observers with his pre-season form over summer and it’s easy to see why.
The 19-year-old 193cm forward provided a strong and mobile marking target for the Demons during match play on Wednesday.
His overhead marking, on several occasions, was particularly impressive.
It augurs well for the Demons’ forward stocks, which will also welcome back key forward Tom McDonald after recovering from a foot injury which cruelled the second half of his season last year.
The 30-year-old is now back in full training after having surgery post-season to remove a plate from his foot and looked in good shape on Wednesday.
WELCOME BACK
He might have recently returned to main training, but McDonald’s teammates weren’t going easy on him during match play on Wednesday.
Defender Trent Rivers wasn’t going to let him get away with an easy mark at half forward, applying a heavy spoil which the coaches deemed to be a free kick to McDonald.
McDonald then opted to play on, with Rivers launching at him again and bringing him to ground with a fierce tackle.
This time, Rivers had the free kick paid his way.
INJURY LIST
Normally Melbourne’s general manager of football performance Alan Richardson is the one providing the update on the club’s injured players.
But it appears Richardson has been an addition to the Demons’ injury list himself.
Richardson was spotted keeping a watchful eye over training at Gosch’s Paddock with his right foot in a moon boot.
LIGHT WORK
Key backman Jake Lever, forwards Jake Melksham and Charlie Spargo and defender Joel Smith were among those on modified training loads on Wednesday.
The Demons reported Lever had a bruised foot after another player had stomped on him during a previous session, while Melksham has a minor calf complaint.
Spargo and Smith, who is recovering from ankle surgery, are on modified programs.
Lever and Melksham did some early handball work away from the main group before heading off the track, with Melksham then putting in a solid session on the exercise bike.
Spargo completed some of the early drills before focusing on running, while Smith also largely completed running work.
The Demons said all of the players should integrate back into full training over the next one-two weeks.
Melbourne captain Max Gawn was the first to hit the training track as he builds up his recovery from a low-grade hamstring injury.
Gawn, who hurt his hamstring at training last Friday at Casey Fields, completed the bulk of his work before any of his teammates had arrived for the start of the Wednesday session at Gosch’s Paddock.
The star ruckman jogged laps of the oval, briefly did a kick-to-kick and then ran a few more laps before heading inside.
The skipper looked comfortable as he completed the session, beating the heat before his teammates sweated it out in the sun.
The club said on Monday Gawn had commenced a modified program and he would be reintegrated to training over the next fortnight.
FORWARD FOCUS
Second-year forward Jacob Van Rooyen has impressed track observers with his pre-season form over summer and it’s easy to see why.
The 19-year-old 193cm forward provided a strong and mobile marking target for the Demons during match play on Wednesday.
His overhead marking, on several occasions, was particularly impressive.
It augurs well for the Demons’ forward stocks, which will also welcome back key forward Tom McDonald after recovering from a foot injury which cruelled the second half of his season last year.
The 30-year-old is now back in full training after having surgery post-season to remove a plate from his foot and looked in good shape on Wednesday.
WELCOME BACK
He might have recently returned to main training, but McDonald’s teammates weren’t going easy on him during match play on Wednesday.
Defender Trent Rivers wasn’t going to let him get away with an easy mark at half forward, applying a heavy spoil which the coaches deemed to be a free kick to McDonald.
McDonald then opted to play on, with Rivers launching at him again and bringing him to ground with a fierce tackle.
This time, Rivers had the free kick paid his way.
INJURY LIST
Normally Melbourne’s general manager of football performance Alan Richardson is the one providing the update on the club’s injured players.
But it appears Richardson has been an addition to the Demons’ injury list himself.
Richardson was spotted keeping a watchful eye over training at Gosch’s Paddock with his right foot in a moon boot.
LIGHT WORK
Key backman Jake Lever, forwards Jake Melksham and Charlie Spargo and defender Joel Smith were among those on modified training loads on Wednesday.
The Demons reported Lever had a bruised foot after another player had stomped on him during a previous session, while Melksham has a minor calf complaint.
Spargo and Smith, who is recovering from ankle surgery, are on modified programs.
Lever and Melksham did some early handball work away from the main group before heading off the track, with Melksham then putting in a solid session on the exercise bike.
Spargo completed some of the early drills before focusing on running, while Smith also largely completed running work.
The Demons said all of the players should integrate back into full training over the next one-two weeks.
YOUNG ROOS DUO LIGHTING UP PRE-SEASON
Chris Cavanagh
North Melbourne has vowed to wrap its arms around young gun Tarryn Thomas, who has returned to training after he was charged by police last week.
Thomas was back on the track with teammates at Arden St on Monday morning after spending time away from the club on personal leave.
Thomas was last week charged with a single count of threatening to distribute an intimate image following a three-month police investigation over a dispute with an ex-girlfriend.
He will face Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on March 28.
Newly-appointed North Melbourne co-captain Luke McDonald said it was good to have Thomas back in the fold.
Tarryn Thomas was charged by police last week. Picture: Getty Images
Luke McDonald said the club will support Thomas. Picture: Getty Images
“We’re always there supporting Tarryn,” McDonald said.
“That matter’s before the courts so there’s not too much we can say. But Tarryn is a great kid and he’s as talented as anyone on our list and we’re going to be there for him no matter what.”
Thomas, 22, has been training with the defensive group as he prepares for a change of roles this year.
The talented ball-user has primarily been played as a midfielder-forward across his first four seasons at AFL level but featured in only 10 matches last year due to injury and personal issues.
“He’s been doing a lot of work with the backline and, gee whiz, he’s been super down there,” McDonald said.
“It’s a big year for the whole footy club but we know if we can get Tarryn out there for 22 games, we know that he’s going to make a big difference to our side.
“He’s got some serious tricks and could be a real weapon for us off the halfback line.”
McDonald was named as co-captain of the Kangaroos last Friday alongside Jy Simpkin after a player vote struggled to split the pair.
“I think we were split by one vote,” McDonald said.
“Ever since we were co vice-captains, we’ve always been really trying to help drive the group and we’ve always done it together.
“I couldn’t think of anyone else that I’d want to share this role with.”
Jy Simpkin (right) was appointed as Roos co-captain. Picture: Getty Images
KANGAROOS TRACK WATCH
VETERAN VOICES
The Kangaroos might have a pair of new captains in Luke McDonald and Jy Simpkin, but the club’s veterans aren’t taking a back seat.
Former skipper Jack Ziebell – who stepped down after six years in the role – remains at the club and is still as vocal as ever out on the track with his instruction and encouragement of teammates.
Ex-Hawthorn midfielder Liam Shiels is already proving a shrewd pick up for similar reasons, with teammates noting that he has been “driving the standards” over summer and has also been quite vocal.
Shiels was signed by the Kangaroos as a rookie in December through the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period, just months after his announcing his retirement following 255 and three premierships with the Hawks.
Jack Ziebell has been vocal on the track. Picture: Getty Images
LIFT IN STANDARDS
It might still be January, but there’s not a lot of mucking around going on at Arden Street.
There has been a noticeable lift in training standards under new coach Alastair Clarkson, with players themselves saying they are doing more of the “small things” right which they hope will translate to better results on the field.
During ball movement drills at training on Monday, players in the defending groups were being barked at to press up and properly man the mark in a bid to put pressure on the ball carrier.
There was no tolerance for slacking off.
PHILLIPS FIRING
There is plenty of excitement building about young midfielder Will Phillips after his 2022 season was wiped out by illness.
Phillips did not play a single senior game last season after battling glandular fever, but is back in full training and consistently catching the eye.
“This time last year he was absolutely flying. The first intra-club game he was best on ground,” McDonald said.
“He’s definitely back to that point now so it’s just about backing up session to session with Will. He’s a great character and he’s really helping us to drive the standards as a young leader coming through.
“I think North fans are going to get really excited seeing the No. 29 back out there.”
The No. 3 draft pick in 2022, Phillips drew comparisons to Gold Coast midfielder Matt Rowell during his draft year.
Will Phillips hasn’t played at AFL level since 2021. Picture: Michael Klein
SLOW AND STEADY
Prized North Melbourne draftee George Wardlaw is still slowly building his fitness after a rough run of injuries over the past 12 months.
Wardlaw took part in some of the drills at training on Monday but also spent significant time away from the main group doing some running.
The No. 4 pick in last year’s draft, Wardlaw missed much of his under-18 season due to repeat hamstring injuries, illness and concussion.
“Georgie has had a little bit of an injury cloud every now and again so he’s still getting eased into it,” Simpkin said.
The better news is that fellow top draft pick Harry Sheezel has been “lighting up the track” with his work in the attacking half, while rookie draft selection Blake Drury has also been ultra-impressive in a new role in defence.
Alastair Clarkson has been in a cheerful mood at the Roos. Picture: Getty Images
‘FUNNY’ CLARKO
Coaches are often a little more relaxed in the pre-season than they are during the cut and thrust of a home-and-away campaign.
However, new North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has still surprised a few of his new troops with his happy and humorous demeanour.
The four-time Hawthorn premiership coach was cracking plenty of smiles and handing out a few ‘thumbs up’ as he took charge of training on Monday.
Chris Cavanagh
North Melbourne has vowed to wrap its arms around young gun Tarryn Thomas, who has returned to training after he was charged by police last week.
Thomas was back on the track with teammates at Arden St on Monday morning after spending time away from the club on personal leave.
Thomas was last week charged with a single count of threatening to distribute an intimate image following a three-month police investigation over a dispute with an ex-girlfriend.
He will face Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on March 28.
Newly-appointed North Melbourne co-captain Luke McDonald said it was good to have Thomas back in the fold.
Tarryn Thomas was charged by police last week. Picture: Getty Images
Luke McDonald said the club will support Thomas. Picture: Getty Images
“We’re always there supporting Tarryn,” McDonald said.
“That matter’s before the courts so there’s not too much we can say. But Tarryn is a great kid and he’s as talented as anyone on our list and we’re going to be there for him no matter what.”
Thomas, 22, has been training with the defensive group as he prepares for a change of roles this year.
The talented ball-user has primarily been played as a midfielder-forward across his first four seasons at AFL level but featured in only 10 matches last year due to injury and personal issues.
“He’s been doing a lot of work with the backline and, gee whiz, he’s been super down there,” McDonald said.
“It’s a big year for the whole footy club but we know if we can get Tarryn out there for 22 games, we know that he’s going to make a big difference to our side.
“He’s got some serious tricks and could be a real weapon for us off the halfback line.”
McDonald was named as co-captain of the Kangaroos last Friday alongside Jy Simpkin after a player vote struggled to split the pair.
“I think we were split by one vote,” McDonald said.
“Ever since we were co vice-captains, we’ve always been really trying to help drive the group and we’ve always done it together.
“I couldn’t think of anyone else that I’d want to share this role with.”
Jy Simpkin (right) was appointed as Roos co-captain. Picture: Getty Images
KANGAROOS TRACK WATCH
VETERAN VOICES
The Kangaroos might have a pair of new captains in Luke McDonald and Jy Simpkin, but the club’s veterans aren’t taking a back seat.
Former skipper Jack Ziebell – who stepped down after six years in the role – remains at the club and is still as vocal as ever out on the track with his instruction and encouragement of teammates.
Ex-Hawthorn midfielder Liam Shiels is already proving a shrewd pick up for similar reasons, with teammates noting that he has been “driving the standards” over summer and has also been quite vocal.
Shiels was signed by the Kangaroos as a rookie in December through the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period, just months after his announcing his retirement following 255 and three premierships with the Hawks.
Jack Ziebell has been vocal on the track. Picture: Getty Images
LIFT IN STANDARDS
It might still be January, but there’s not a lot of mucking around going on at Arden Street.
There has been a noticeable lift in training standards under new coach Alastair Clarkson, with players themselves saying they are doing more of the “small things” right which they hope will translate to better results on the field.
During ball movement drills at training on Monday, players in the defending groups were being barked at to press up and properly man the mark in a bid to put pressure on the ball carrier.
There was no tolerance for slacking off.
PHILLIPS FIRING
There is plenty of excitement building about young midfielder Will Phillips after his 2022 season was wiped out by illness.
Phillips did not play a single senior game last season after battling glandular fever, but is back in full training and consistently catching the eye.
“This time last year he was absolutely flying. The first intra-club game he was best on ground,” McDonald said.
“He’s definitely back to that point now so it’s just about backing up session to session with Will. He’s a great character and he’s really helping us to drive the standards as a young leader coming through.
“I think North fans are going to get really excited seeing the No. 29 back out there.”
The No. 3 draft pick in 2022, Phillips drew comparisons to Gold Coast midfielder Matt Rowell during his draft year.
Will Phillips hasn’t played at AFL level since 2021. Picture: Michael Klein
SLOW AND STEADY
Prized North Melbourne draftee George Wardlaw is still slowly building his fitness after a rough run of injuries over the past 12 months.
Wardlaw took part in some of the drills at training on Monday but also spent significant time away from the main group doing some running.
The No. 4 pick in last year’s draft, Wardlaw missed much of his under-18 season due to repeat hamstring injuries, illness and concussion.
“Georgie has had a little bit of an injury cloud every now and again so he’s still getting eased into it,” Simpkin said.
The better news is that fellow top draft pick Harry Sheezel has been “lighting up the track” with his work in the attacking half, while rookie draft selection Blake Drury has also been ultra-impressive in a new role in defence.
Alastair Clarkson has been in a cheerful mood at the Roos. Picture: Getty Images
‘FUNNY’ CLARKO
Coaches are often a little more relaxed in the pre-season than they are during the cut and thrust of a home-and-away campaign.
However, new North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has still surprised a few of his new troops with his happy and humorous demeanour.
The four-time Hawthorn premiership coach was cracking plenty of smiles and handing out a few ‘thumbs up’ as he took charge of training on Monday.
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KFC SuperCoach 2023: The best bargains, value selections this season
Who will be the Patrick Cripps or Will Brodie of 2023? Here are 11 players who can perform well above their starting price and put you on the fast track to KFC SuperCoach success.
Al Paton
January 30, 2023 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
0 comments
Don't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
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It has almost become a tradition in KFC SuperCoach to fill your team with speculative mid-price selections when the game opens in January, then discard them as nerves kick in when round 1 approaches.
But 2022 proved that backing in those speculative selections can put you on the fast track to success – coaches who started last season with all of Patrick Cripps, Stephen Coniglio, James Sicily, George Hewett and Will Brodie rocketed to the top of the rankings, and many of them stayed there for the entire season.
Was last season one out of the box or has the KFC SuperCoach landscape changed forever?
Either way finding value will always be a key to building a successful team, with every dollar saved in one position freeing up cash to spend up somewhere else.
So who could be the Brodie, Cripps or Coniglio of 2023?
Here are 11 players who could massively outperform their starting price this season. Stay tuned over pre-season as we update this list with the latest pre-season intel.
Nat Fyfe (Fremantle) $313,600 MID-FWD
Fyfe as a forward for less than $320k – do we need to say any more? Ten seasons with an average over 100, three over 120 and we can pick him in the forward line. The case against is just seven matches last year with a high score of 96 and an average of 63, persistent hamstring injuries, the fact he’s now 31 and might play more as a permanent forward as he passes the baton to a new generation of Dockers midfielders. But the upside is massive.
Verdict: Injury history is a big red flag – keep an ear to the ground for any talk of pre-season niggles. But so far, so good. He’s in for me.
Toby McLean (Western Bulldogs) $178,900 MID-FWD
McLean was a fantastic KFC SuperCoach pick in 2018 when he burst out of the blocks with a 111 average over the first 10 rounds, and a repeat performance in 2023 would have fantasy coaches laughing all the way to the bank. That’s the top end of his potential output but 90-plus scores are not an outrageous prediction – he scored 100 points when he returned in last year’s elimination final after almost two years in the wilderness.
Verdict: Should be just about your first-picked player if he cracks the best 22 – he was in the B team in recent match simulation but looked in great nick.
Conor McKenna (Brisbane Lions) $167,500 DEF
We don’t have KFC SuperCoach data for the Gaelic Athletic Association, where McKenna has played for the past two years. But he was a key member of Tyrone’s All-Ireland title winning team in 2021. Having fulfilled that dream, he is returning to the AFL with Brisbane winning the race for his signature – a sign the Lions see him playing a role in their push for a first flag since 2003. “We see Conor being a player who further improves our list, particularly as he adds both run and speed,” footy manager Danny Daly said. “He showed in his time at Essendon that one of his strengths is that he can play at both ends of the ground, and he can also win plenty of the ball. We look forward to Conor putting in a solid pre-season and helping us go that next step in 2023.”
Verdict: McKenna averaged 79 and 74 in his last two full seasons at the Bombers and shapes as a safe on-field starter if he’s picked for round 1.
Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne) $419,000 MID-FWD
Some coaches were hoping for an even cheaper price tag after the Kangaroos champ played just two matches last season for a 49.5 average. But the KFC SuperCoach bankers have also taken into account his 2021 season, when he averaged a career-best 108.7. That demonstrates Cunnington’s scoring power – he also averaged 100 plus the two previous seasons and at least 90 in five others since 2013 – which makes him well underpriced if he can recapture anything like this best. Can he do that after beating testicular cancer?
Verdict: If Cunnington is playing in the guts it’s hard to see him averaging less than 90, and the upside is much higher. What will Clarko’s plan be for the veteran and the Roos’ young midfield brigade? Hopefully we’ll find out in the pre-season.
Jacob Hopper (Richmond) $332,000 MID
This was the verdict on Hopper in Champion Data’s 2016 AFL Prospectus: “The comparison we have drawn him to is Patrick Dangerfield. He wins the ball in a contested situation as frequently as the new Cat, dominates around stoppages and impacts the scoreboard in a similar way.” That was after he had averaged 122 KFC SuperCoach points across his junior career and been selected at pick 7 in the draft by GWS. Of course, now he’s a Tiger – where we can expect that ball-winning ability to come to the fore; after sharing midfield time with a long list of Giants mids, he’ll be lining up at every centre bounce at Punt Rd.
Verdict: Ignore Hopper’s average of 67 in seven injury-plagued games last season. He averaged 97 the year before and should at least match that in 2023.
Who will be the Patrick Cripps or Will Brodie of 2023? Here are 11 players who can perform well above their starting price and put you on the fast track to KFC SuperCoach success.
Al Paton
January 30, 2023 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
0 comments
SuperCoachDon't miss out on the headlines from SuperCoach. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Follow
It has almost become a tradition in KFC SuperCoach to fill your team with speculative mid-price selections when the game opens in January, then discard them as nerves kick in when round 1 approaches.
But 2022 proved that backing in those speculative selections can put you on the fast track to success – coaches who started last season with all of Patrick Cripps, Stephen Coniglio, James Sicily, George Hewett and Will Brodie rocketed to the top of the rankings, and many of them stayed there for the entire season.
Was last season one out of the box or has the KFC SuperCoach landscape changed forever?
Either way finding value will always be a key to building a successful team, with every dollar saved in one position freeing up cash to spend up somewhere else.
So who could be the Brodie, Cripps or Coniglio of 2023?
Here are 11 players who could massively outperform their starting price this season. Stay tuned over pre-season as we update this list with the latest pre-season intel.
Nat Fyfe (Fremantle) $313,600 MID-FWD
Fyfe as a forward for less than $320k – do we need to say any more? Ten seasons with an average over 100, three over 120 and we can pick him in the forward line. The case against is just seven matches last year with a high score of 96 and an average of 63, persistent hamstring injuries, the fact he’s now 31 and might play more as a permanent forward as he passes the baton to a new generation of Dockers midfielders. But the upside is massive.
Verdict: Injury history is a big red flag – keep an ear to the ground for any talk of pre-season niggles. But so far, so good. He’s in for me.
Toby McLean (Western Bulldogs) $178,900 MID-FWD
McLean was a fantastic KFC SuperCoach pick in 2018 when he burst out of the blocks with a 111 average over the first 10 rounds, and a repeat performance in 2023 would have fantasy coaches laughing all the way to the bank. That’s the top end of his potential output but 90-plus scores are not an outrageous prediction – he scored 100 points when he returned in last year’s elimination final after almost two years in the wilderness.
Verdict: Should be just about your first-picked player if he cracks the best 22 – he was in the B team in recent match simulation but looked in great nick.
Conor McKenna (Brisbane Lions) $167,500 DEF
We don’t have KFC SuperCoach data for the Gaelic Athletic Association, where McKenna has played for the past two years. But he was a key member of Tyrone’s All-Ireland title winning team in 2021. Having fulfilled that dream, he is returning to the AFL with Brisbane winning the race for his signature – a sign the Lions see him playing a role in their push for a first flag since 2003. “We see Conor being a player who further improves our list, particularly as he adds both run and speed,” footy manager Danny Daly said. “He showed in his time at Essendon that one of his strengths is that he can play at both ends of the ground, and he can also win plenty of the ball. We look forward to Conor putting in a solid pre-season and helping us go that next step in 2023.”
Verdict: McKenna averaged 79 and 74 in his last two full seasons at the Bombers and shapes as a safe on-field starter if he’s picked for round 1.
Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne) $419,000 MID-FWD
Some coaches were hoping for an even cheaper price tag after the Kangaroos champ played just two matches last season for a 49.5 average. But the KFC SuperCoach bankers have also taken into account his 2021 season, when he averaged a career-best 108.7. That demonstrates Cunnington’s scoring power – he also averaged 100 plus the two previous seasons and at least 90 in five others since 2013 – which makes him well underpriced if he can recapture anything like this best. Can he do that after beating testicular cancer?
Verdict: If Cunnington is playing in the guts it’s hard to see him averaging less than 90, and the upside is much higher. What will Clarko’s plan be for the veteran and the Roos’ young midfield brigade? Hopefully we’ll find out in the pre-season.
Jacob Hopper (Richmond) $332,000 MID
This was the verdict on Hopper in Champion Data’s 2016 AFL Prospectus: “The comparison we have drawn him to is Patrick Dangerfield. He wins the ball in a contested situation as frequently as the new Cat, dominates around stoppages and impacts the scoreboard in a similar way.” That was after he had averaged 122 KFC SuperCoach points across his junior career and been selected at pick 7 in the draft by GWS. Of course, now he’s a Tiger – where we can expect that ball-winning ability to come to the fore; after sharing midfield time with a long list of Giants mids, he’ll be lining up at every centre bounce at Punt Rd.
Verdict: Ignore Hopper’s average of 67 in seven injury-plagued games last season. He averaged 97 the year before and should at least match that in 2023.
Josh Bruce (Western Bulldogs) $161,200 FWD
Bruce was one of the hardluck stories of the 2021 AFL season, hurting his knee in the final home-and-away round as the Dogs charged to the grand final. He returned in round 18 last year but struggled to find his touch, averaging just 36.6 KFC SuperCoach points in his five senior appearances. Bruce should be a lot better than that after a full pre-season, and the best news out of the kennel is he has been training as a defender, where he started his career at the Giants.
Verdict: Key forwards are always high-risk KFC SuperCoach picks, but intercept defenders are a whole different story. If Bruce can secure that role in the Bulldogs’ best 22, he’s an on-field option in our forward lines.
Ben King (Gold Coast) $176,300 FWD
What were we just saying about avoiding key forwards? That analysis still applies with King even at his hugely discounted price following a year out of the game. In his last season before suffering the knee injury he played 22 games and produced KFC SuperCoach scores of 11, 12, 18, 21, 22, 24 and 25. But he also posted a 117 in a four-goal performance against Hawthorn – and we just need a game or two like that for his price to head skywards. I’m putting a circle around clashes against Essendon in round 2 and North Melbourne in round 6.
Verdict: A cheap forward guaranteed to play every week he’s available is a big tick to start with, and King will be the No.1 forward target for a rapidly improving Gold Coast team. It might be safest to pick him on the bench though, if you can afford it.
Tarryn Thomas (North Melbourne) $295,700 MID-FWD
One of the AFL’s biggest enigmas and most intriguing stories heading into 2023 will be what master coach Alastair Clarkson can get our of the hugely talented mid/forward. At his best Thomas can be a KFC SuperCoach premium, as he demonstrated when he averaged 103.7 in a scintillating final seven rounds of 2021. Unfortunately, his 2022 season was a total write-off, playing just 10 games with a high score of 76 in KFC SuperCoach. His 53.7 average was even worse than his debut season so expect a bounce-back if he gets his mind and body right, it’s just a question of how big that is.
Verdict: Whispers out of Arden Street suggest he’s training for a new role at half-back, where he can use his kicking skills to set up the Roos’ rebound. Remember what that move did for Jack Ziebell and Aaron Hall.
Will Phillips $158,300 MID
Those North Melbourne spies tell us the luckless Phillips is also enjoying a strong pre-season, named in the best for the ‘blue’ team in recent match simulation. Phillips was taken behind Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson at pick 3 in the 2020 draft and the ball-winner will hopefully make up for some lost time this year after suffering Covid and two bouts of glandular fever in 2022.
Verdict: A popular pick for M7 or M8 at this stage of the pre-season.
Nick Coffield $208,800 DEF
Coffield’s return from a knee reconstruction that wiped out his 2022 season hit a hurdle when he suffered a hamstring injury before Christmas. But the Saints say he’ll be ready by the time practice matches roll around, giving us a chance to assess his fitness and role under Ross Lyon. If it’s anywhere in the best 22 he shapes as a potential bargain buy at a hugely discounted price, especially if he can match or improve on his career-best 79 average from 2020. A former top-10 draft pick entering his sixth season should be aiming for higher than that.
Verdict: One for the pre-season watch list but at that price he has to be in the conversation.
Sam Flanders $256,300 MID/FWD
Picking forwards in the mid-$200k price range has been the ticket to success in KFC SuperCoach in recent seasons. Who can follow the trail blazed by the likes of Will Brodie, Stephen Coniglio, Jack Ziebell and Jarman Impey in 2023? The choices aren’t jumping off the page this year but Flanders is one to watch. Taken at pick 11 in the 2019 draft he has battled to cement a spot in the Suns’ line-up, but all the noise of out of the Suns’ camp over summer is the explosive midfielder who was likened to Christian Petracca by my good friend The Phantom after he was drafted is burning up the track.
Verdict: Cracking the best 22 is one thing, getting into the Gold Coast midfield is another. Jury is still out.
Bruce was one of the hardluck stories of the 2021 AFL season, hurting his knee in the final home-and-away round as the Dogs charged to the grand final. He returned in round 18 last year but struggled to find his touch, averaging just 36.6 KFC SuperCoach points in his five senior appearances. Bruce should be a lot better than that after a full pre-season, and the best news out of the kennel is he has been training as a defender, where he started his career at the Giants.
Verdict: Key forwards are always high-risk KFC SuperCoach picks, but intercept defenders are a whole different story. If Bruce can secure that role in the Bulldogs’ best 22, he’s an on-field option in our forward lines.
Ben King (Gold Coast) $176,300 FWD
What were we just saying about avoiding key forwards? That analysis still applies with King even at his hugely discounted price following a year out of the game. In his last season before suffering the knee injury he played 22 games and produced KFC SuperCoach scores of 11, 12, 18, 21, 22, 24 and 25. But he also posted a 117 in a four-goal performance against Hawthorn – and we just need a game or two like that for his price to head skywards. I’m putting a circle around clashes against Essendon in round 2 and North Melbourne in round 6.
Verdict: A cheap forward guaranteed to play every week he’s available is a big tick to start with, and King will be the No.1 forward target for a rapidly improving Gold Coast team. It might be safest to pick him on the bench though, if you can afford it.
Tarryn Thomas (North Melbourne) $295,700 MID-FWD
One of the AFL’s biggest enigmas and most intriguing stories heading into 2023 will be what master coach Alastair Clarkson can get our of the hugely talented mid/forward. At his best Thomas can be a KFC SuperCoach premium, as he demonstrated when he averaged 103.7 in a scintillating final seven rounds of 2021. Unfortunately, his 2022 season was a total write-off, playing just 10 games with a high score of 76 in KFC SuperCoach. His 53.7 average was even worse than his debut season so expect a bounce-back if he gets his mind and body right, it’s just a question of how big that is.
Verdict: Whispers out of Arden Street suggest he’s training for a new role at half-back, where he can use his kicking skills to set up the Roos’ rebound. Remember what that move did for Jack Ziebell and Aaron Hall.
Will Phillips $158,300 MID
Those North Melbourne spies tell us the luckless Phillips is also enjoying a strong pre-season, named in the best for the ‘blue’ team in recent match simulation. Phillips was taken behind Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson at pick 3 in the 2020 draft and the ball-winner will hopefully make up for some lost time this year after suffering Covid and two bouts of glandular fever in 2022.
Verdict: A popular pick for M7 or M8 at this stage of the pre-season.
Nick Coffield $208,800 DEF
Coffield’s return from a knee reconstruction that wiped out his 2022 season hit a hurdle when he suffered a hamstring injury before Christmas. But the Saints say he’ll be ready by the time practice matches roll around, giving us a chance to assess his fitness and role under Ross Lyon. If it’s anywhere in the best 22 he shapes as a potential bargain buy at a hugely discounted price, especially if he can match or improve on his career-best 79 average from 2020. A former top-10 draft pick entering his sixth season should be aiming for higher than that.
Verdict: One for the pre-season watch list but at that price he has to be in the conversation.
Sam Flanders $256,300 MID/FWD
Picking forwards in the mid-$200k price range has been the ticket to success in KFC SuperCoach in recent seasons. Who can follow the trail blazed by the likes of Will Brodie, Stephen Coniglio, Jack Ziebell and Jarman Impey in 2023? The choices aren’t jumping off the page this year but Flanders is one to watch. Taken at pick 11 in the 2019 draft he has battled to cement a spot in the Suns’ line-up, but all the noise of out of the Suns’ camp over summer is the explosive midfielder who was likened to Christian Petracca by my good friend The Phantom after he was drafted is burning up the track.
Verdict: Cracking the best 22 is one thing, getting into the Gold Coast midfield is another. Jury is still out.