Position 2023: Midfield Discussion
- Thread starter KLo30
- Start date
UNDERPRICED PLAYERS
Rory Sloane (Adelaide) $413,800 MID
OK, at almost 33 years old and coming off a long-term injury, Sloane carries several KFC SuperCoach red flags. But bear in mind his 2022 average of 83.5 was his lowest since 2010. To give some perspective, that’s the year there was a drawn grand final, new St Kilda coach Ross Lyon was still in his first stint as Saints coach and Chris Judd shocked hot favourite Dane Swan to win the Brownlow Medal. Most KFC SuperCoaches will remember that year mostly fondly as fantasy hall of famer Michael Barlow debuted for Fremantle. But we digress. Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to consider Sloane as a KFC SuperCoach option is the amount of time he spent forward in his four appearances in 2022. As Adelaide transitions to a new-look midfield, Sloane could become a MID-FWD for potentially just over $400,000. He only needs to average 95-105 to potentially be a F6 keeper and he’s more than capable of that. All eyes on how he progresses during pre-season.
Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne) $419,000 MID-FWD
Cunnington’s return to football after battling testicular cancer was one of the inspiring football stories of 2022. KFC SuperCoaches who expected the North Melbourne hard man to be priced off two games when he averaged 49.5 were being a bit optimistic. But our friends at Champion Data have at least given us pause for thought by naming Cunnington as a FWD as well as a MID for 2023. There are always unknowns when a new coach takes over and Cunnington has played only 20 games in the past three seasons due to his health issues. But if there are any signs Alastair Clarkson intends to use Cunnington as part of his midfield rotation, he should be on your KFC SuperCoach radar. At $419k price Cunnington is priced at an average of about 77. The last time he averaged that low in a full season was 2012.
Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide) $513,800 FWD-MID
It seemed only a matter of time until Rozee became a KFC SuperCoach star, and after his addition to Port Adelaide’s midfield he fits firmly into that category. Ken Hinkley waited until round 5 to make Rozee a regular part of his onball rotation and the results were staggering. After KFC SuperCoach scores of 25, 48, 75 and 57 to open the campaign, Rozee inspired Port Adelaide’s round 5 comeback against Carlton after being thrown into the middle after halftime. A week later he had 31 disposals and eight clearances against West Coast. Rozee averaged 102 KFC SuperCoach points from round 5 onwards and showcased his points ceiling with scores of 153, 154 and 162 during that period. If he continues to play as a full-time midfielder (and why wouldn’t he?) a price based on an average of 93 is at least 10 points under where Rozee should be.
Tim Taranto (Richmond) $503,100 FWD-MID
As a Carlton supporter, I was initially a bit taken aback by one of my KFC SuperCoach favourites joining Richmond and bolstering the Tigers’ bid for a return to the top. Then Richmond started talking about using Taranto as a full-time midfielder and his two-way running. Frankly, I was sold. Taranto was one of the players most affected by Leon Cameron’s musical chairs and seemingly paid a price for his versatility and ability to have an impact inside 50. Of course, that’s good news for KFC SuperCoaches and he remains available as a FWD. But there’s no doubt it has affected Taranto’s scoring after he looked destined to hit uber premium status after averaging 102.4 in 2019. Taranto’s best season average since then has been 97.3, but he has never regularly played in his best position as a full-time midfielder. KFC SuperCoaches – and, OK, Richmond fans – should be excited about the potential for Taranto to launch back to a triple-figure average as a key member of the Punt Rd onball brigade.
OVERPRICED PLAYERS
George Hewett $613,300 MID
Hewett’s price peaked at $576k in 2022 as he recorded his best season average (111.4). That mark was more than 22 points better than Hewett’s previous season best (88) as he flourished in a contested midfield role under Michael Voss. Can he replicate that type of scoring in 2023? He ticks a lot of boxes the KFC SuperCoach scorers are looking for. But there are two red flags which suggest there will be much better value picks in what is always a hotly-contested midfield pool. Hewett missed the last five rounds of the year due to injury and any further flare up would leave KFC SuperCoaches with a big midfield hole. He has also lost DEF status, a commodity which made him so valuable as a starting pick in 2022. Hard to justify paying more for a player than he’s ever been valued in his KFC SuperCoach career.
Travis Boak $580,200 MID
We’ll admit this feels a bit harsh, but hear us out. Boak’s midfield time was on the wane in 2022 as Zak Butters and, in particular Connor Rozee, took on greater onball responsibility at Port Adelaide. Boak hasn’t averaged less than 105 in the past four seasons, but an analysis of his finish to 2022 suggests a changing role will almost certainly impact his scoring. The Power veteran scored only three tons and averaged 98 KFC SuperCoach points in the last nine rounds. That doesn’t sound like a dramatic fall, but after averaging 138 in the opening month it was a clear drop off. It’d be worth waiting to see if he gets FWD-MID status at some point, especially with Jason Horne-Francis now in the midfield mix too.
Rory Sloane (Adelaide) $413,800 MID
OK, at almost 33 years old and coming off a long-term injury, Sloane carries several KFC SuperCoach red flags. But bear in mind his 2022 average of 83.5 was his lowest since 2010. To give some perspective, that’s the year there was a drawn grand final, new St Kilda coach Ross Lyon was still in his first stint as Saints coach and Chris Judd shocked hot favourite Dane Swan to win the Brownlow Medal. Most KFC SuperCoaches will remember that year mostly fondly as fantasy hall of famer Michael Barlow debuted for Fremantle. But we digress. Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to consider Sloane as a KFC SuperCoach option is the amount of time he spent forward in his four appearances in 2022. As Adelaide transitions to a new-look midfield, Sloane could become a MID-FWD for potentially just over $400,000. He only needs to average 95-105 to potentially be a F6 keeper and he’s more than capable of that. All eyes on how he progresses during pre-season.
Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne) $419,000 MID-FWD
Cunnington’s return to football after battling testicular cancer was one of the inspiring football stories of 2022. KFC SuperCoaches who expected the North Melbourne hard man to be priced off two games when he averaged 49.5 were being a bit optimistic. But our friends at Champion Data have at least given us pause for thought by naming Cunnington as a FWD as well as a MID for 2023. There are always unknowns when a new coach takes over and Cunnington has played only 20 games in the past three seasons due to his health issues. But if there are any signs Alastair Clarkson intends to use Cunnington as part of his midfield rotation, he should be on your KFC SuperCoach radar. At $419k price Cunnington is priced at an average of about 77. The last time he averaged that low in a full season was 2012.
Connor Rozee (Port Adelaide) $513,800 FWD-MID
It seemed only a matter of time until Rozee became a KFC SuperCoach star, and after his addition to Port Adelaide’s midfield he fits firmly into that category. Ken Hinkley waited until round 5 to make Rozee a regular part of his onball rotation and the results were staggering. After KFC SuperCoach scores of 25, 48, 75 and 57 to open the campaign, Rozee inspired Port Adelaide’s round 5 comeback against Carlton after being thrown into the middle after halftime. A week later he had 31 disposals and eight clearances against West Coast. Rozee averaged 102 KFC SuperCoach points from round 5 onwards and showcased his points ceiling with scores of 153, 154 and 162 during that period. If he continues to play as a full-time midfielder (and why wouldn’t he?) a price based on an average of 93 is at least 10 points under where Rozee should be.
Tim Taranto (Richmond) $503,100 FWD-MID
As a Carlton supporter, I was initially a bit taken aback by one of my KFC SuperCoach favourites joining Richmond and bolstering the Tigers’ bid for a return to the top. Then Richmond started talking about using Taranto as a full-time midfielder and his two-way running. Frankly, I was sold. Taranto was one of the players most affected by Leon Cameron’s musical chairs and seemingly paid a price for his versatility and ability to have an impact inside 50. Of course, that’s good news for KFC SuperCoaches and he remains available as a FWD. But there’s no doubt it has affected Taranto’s scoring after he looked destined to hit uber premium status after averaging 102.4 in 2019. Taranto’s best season average since then has been 97.3, but he has never regularly played in his best position as a full-time midfielder. KFC SuperCoaches – and, OK, Richmond fans – should be excited about the potential for Taranto to launch back to a triple-figure average as a key member of the Punt Rd onball brigade.
OVERPRICED PLAYERS
George Hewett $613,300 MID
Hewett’s price peaked at $576k in 2022 as he recorded his best season average (111.4). That mark was more than 22 points better than Hewett’s previous season best (88) as he flourished in a contested midfield role under Michael Voss. Can he replicate that type of scoring in 2023? He ticks a lot of boxes the KFC SuperCoach scorers are looking for. But there are two red flags which suggest there will be much better value picks in what is always a hotly-contested midfield pool. Hewett missed the last five rounds of the year due to injury and any further flare up would leave KFC SuperCoaches with a big midfield hole. He has also lost DEF status, a commodity which made him so valuable as a starting pick in 2022. Hard to justify paying more for a player than he’s ever been valued in his KFC SuperCoach career.
Travis Boak $580,200 MID
We’ll admit this feels a bit harsh, but hear us out. Boak’s midfield time was on the wane in 2022 as Zak Butters and, in particular Connor Rozee, took on greater onball responsibility at Port Adelaide. Boak hasn’t averaged less than 105 in the past four seasons, but an analysis of his finish to 2022 suggests a changing role will almost certainly impact his scoring. The Power veteran scored only three tons and averaged 98 KFC SuperCoach points in the last nine rounds. That doesn’t sound like a dramatic fall, but after averaging 138 in the opening month it was a clear drop off. It’d be worth waiting to see if he gets FWD-MID status at some point, especially with Jason Horne-Francis now in the midfield mix too.
Last edited:
ROOKIE WATCH
Billy Dowling
Adelaide (Mid $117,300)
SC Ave 2022: 160 (SANFL U18)
In terms of KFC SuperCoach junior numbers, Dowling is up there with any of the draftees. The hard-working midfielder passed three figures in each of his 12 SANFL under-18 matches last season, recording seven scores of 140 or more. In Round 16 against Glenelg, he produced one of the biggest junior performances of recent years, tallying a huge 268 points, on the back of 44 disposals, 17 marks, 16 contested possessions, 14 score involvements, four goals and four score assists. He’s wasted little time showing his ability to win the ball in space during match sim, but can he force his way in?
Will Ashcroft
Brisbane (Mid $202,800)
SC Ave 2022: 159 (NAB League)
Forget the price-tag, just pick him. In his 21 games last year, across the VFL, NAB League and national under-18 carnival, Ashcroft tallied 140 KFC SuperCoach points in 16 of them. The father-son gun, who is as ready-to-go as any top draftee in recent years – and that includes Nick Daicos, Sam Walsh and Matt Rowell – averaged 34 disposals and 159 points for Sandringham at under-18 level and posted scores of 119, 126, 146 in three dominant VFL performances for the Lions.
Oliver Hollands
Carlton (Mid $162,500)
SC Ave 2022: 114 (U18 Champs)
The Blues have made no secret of their desire to add to their outside stocks and Hollands will compete for a spot right away. The elite running midfielder - who took out the 2km time trial at the draft combine with a blistering time of 5:54 – was the third ranked KFC SuperCoach scorer at the national championships, averaging 114 points, 23.5 disposals and 6.5 marks. Hollands is a different player to his brother, Gold Coast youngster Elijah, but he could prove to be just as promising as a SuperCoach cheapie.
Finlay Macrae
Collingwood (Mid $123,900)
SC Ave 2022: 106 (VFL)
The younger brother of Bulldogs star Jackson, Macrae has struggled to make his mark at senior level in his first two years on the Collingwood list, playing 11 games – a few sub-affected - with little impact. But the 20-year-old finished strongly in the VFL in 2022 and the Pies are happy with his development, extending his contract in July. In the final eight games of the state-league season, Macrae averaged 27 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six clearances, six score involvements, six tackles and 120 SuperCoach points. Remind you of anyone? Jackson averaged 31, 12, six, six and four in 2022. The Collingwood midfield will be even more crowded in 2023, but get on if a spot opens up.
Elijah Tsatas
Essendon (Mid $189,300)
SC Ave 2022: 149 (NAB League)
Essendon is crying out for some speed and explosiveness away from the contest and its first selection in last year’s draft brings that in spades. The teenager has hit the ground running – literally – this summer and has his eyes on a Round 1 debut. Tsatas can win the ball on the inside, but it’s outside game – he averaged 23 uncontested possessions, eight inside-50s and seven marks in the NAB League – is what we are likely to see a lot of early in his career. With Ashcroft a must, Tsatas’ price might be a little too high but he did post KFC SuperCoach scores of 102, 154, 165, 126, 161 and 186 in his six appearances during an injury-interrupted draft year for Oakleigh Chargers
Matthew Johnson
Fremantle (Mid $123,900)
SC Ave 2022: 105 (VFL)
The second-year Docker is another who would have an eye on Acres’ spot this year. Johnson, drafted at pick 21 in 2021, took a while to get going in his debut season, battling injury early, before showing some impressive signs at WAFL level. The classy, 192cm midfielder, who arrived at the club with senior experience, averaged 85 points in 14 state-league matches, with his 25-disposal, 143-point performance against East Perth the highlight. An on-ball role beckons in the future, but Johnson has the weapons to have an impact on the outside this season.
Jhye Clark
Geelong (Mid $175,800)
SC Ave 2022: 60 (SANFL)
Clark, pick 8 in last year’s draft, has been earmarked as the long-term Joel Selwood replacement in the Geelong midfield. But there’s one big question KFC SuperCoaches want to know the answer to - when will he get his chance? Because, given his competiveness, ball-winning ability, two-way running and junior numbers – Clark averaged 25 disposals, 13 contested possessions and 127 points in the NAB League – he’ll be ready to go when called upon. Keep an eye on what the Cats are doing in the lead-up to Round 1.
Mitch Knevitt
Geelong (Mid $140,700)
SC Ave 2022: 36 (2 games)
Although a completely different type of player at 193cm, Knevitt is another young Cat looking to force his way into a premiership-winning side this year. The 20-year-old, who is strong at the contest and equally impressive breaking away from it, played two games in his first season, finishing with 15 disposals, seven marks and 49 points on debut against the Giants in Round 8. Knevitt’s VFL debut for the Cats last year was another highlight, with the second-round draft pick tallying 21 disposals, 10 contested possessions, nine tackles, seven marks and 122 KFC SuperCoach points in his first game for the club.
Harry Rowston
GWS (Mid $139,800)
SC Ave 2022: 110 (NAB League)
KFC SuperCoaches don’t need to be afraid of GWS’ No. 24 any longer. With Rowston, the Academy member drafted at pick 16, taking retired tagger Matt De Boer’s number at the club, it’s a jumper we could be watching for all the right reasons now. The tough teenagers’ competitive edge, as well as his ability to hit the scoreboard and pressure as a forward, will see him push hard for a senior debut in 2023. Brent Daniels will return this year, and the Giants also drafted West Australian small Darcy Jones, but a role in the forward half might be up for grabs. Rowston averaged 22 disposals 12 contested possessions, five clearances, five inside-50s, four tackles and 110 SuperCoach points in the NAB League, while he booted three goals to go with 24 touches in the opening national carnival game, before showing his midfield craft against Vic Country, finishing with 16 contested possessions and seven clearances in the Allies’ third match.
Cam Mackenzie
Hawthorn (Mid $180,300)
SC Ave 2022: 108 (U18 champs)
Mackenzie was one of the top midfielders available in the draft but his ability to be used on the outside – along with Hawthorn’s young team – should see him push for opportunities all over the ground. The 189cm prospect averaged 108 KFC SuperCoach points at the under-18 championships and 112 points in the NAB League, including a monster grand final where he registered 26 disposals, two goals and 170 points. But if he does get early games, will he justify his elevated starting price?
George Wardlaw
North Melbourne (Mid $193,800)
SC Ave 2022: 132 (NAB League)
A rookie that has been likened to Clayton Oliver will command the attention of any KFC SuperCoach. Wardlaw played just three NAB League games last year - producing scores of 159, 100 and 141 – but the No.3 selection went ballistic in a 17-year-old representative game in 2021. In that clash, he finished with 22 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven tackles and 163 SuperCoach points. A contested ball-winner and relentless tackler, Wardlaw should score enough to justify his inflated price, but will the Roos ease him through his first year after battling hamstring issues in 2022?
Will Phillips
North Melbourne (Mid $158,300)
SC Ave 2022: 54 (VFL)
Phillips has been cruelled by injury and illness to start his career, with the young Roo sidelined by Covid and then a bout of glandular fever last year, restricting him to three VFL games. The No.3 pick averaged 51.4 points from his 13 non sub-affected matches in his first season with limited midfield minutes. If he can become a midfield regular for the Roos he will be a steal, but - despite some good early signs on the track - that may be easier said than done with their emerging on-ball brigade. Nonetheless, he is one of the top midfield rookie options.
Billy Dowling
Adelaide (Mid $117,300)
SC Ave 2022: 160 (SANFL U18)
In terms of KFC SuperCoach junior numbers, Dowling is up there with any of the draftees. The hard-working midfielder passed three figures in each of his 12 SANFL under-18 matches last season, recording seven scores of 140 or more. In Round 16 against Glenelg, he produced one of the biggest junior performances of recent years, tallying a huge 268 points, on the back of 44 disposals, 17 marks, 16 contested possessions, 14 score involvements, four goals and four score assists. He’s wasted little time showing his ability to win the ball in space during match sim, but can he force his way in?
Will Ashcroft
Brisbane (Mid $202,800)
SC Ave 2022: 159 (NAB League)
Forget the price-tag, just pick him. In his 21 games last year, across the VFL, NAB League and national under-18 carnival, Ashcroft tallied 140 KFC SuperCoach points in 16 of them. The father-son gun, who is as ready-to-go as any top draftee in recent years – and that includes Nick Daicos, Sam Walsh and Matt Rowell – averaged 34 disposals and 159 points for Sandringham at under-18 level and posted scores of 119, 126, 146 in three dominant VFL performances for the Lions.
Oliver Hollands
Carlton (Mid $162,500)
SC Ave 2022: 114 (U18 Champs)
The Blues have made no secret of their desire to add to their outside stocks and Hollands will compete for a spot right away. The elite running midfielder - who took out the 2km time trial at the draft combine with a blistering time of 5:54 – was the third ranked KFC SuperCoach scorer at the national championships, averaging 114 points, 23.5 disposals and 6.5 marks. Hollands is a different player to his brother, Gold Coast youngster Elijah, but he could prove to be just as promising as a SuperCoach cheapie.
Finlay Macrae
Collingwood (Mid $123,900)
SC Ave 2022: 106 (VFL)
The younger brother of Bulldogs star Jackson, Macrae has struggled to make his mark at senior level in his first two years on the Collingwood list, playing 11 games – a few sub-affected - with little impact. But the 20-year-old finished strongly in the VFL in 2022 and the Pies are happy with his development, extending his contract in July. In the final eight games of the state-league season, Macrae averaged 27 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six clearances, six score involvements, six tackles and 120 SuperCoach points. Remind you of anyone? Jackson averaged 31, 12, six, six and four in 2022. The Collingwood midfield will be even more crowded in 2023, but get on if a spot opens up.
Elijah Tsatas
Essendon (Mid $189,300)
SC Ave 2022: 149 (NAB League)
Essendon is crying out for some speed and explosiveness away from the contest and its first selection in last year’s draft brings that in spades. The teenager has hit the ground running – literally – this summer and has his eyes on a Round 1 debut. Tsatas can win the ball on the inside, but it’s outside game – he averaged 23 uncontested possessions, eight inside-50s and seven marks in the NAB League – is what we are likely to see a lot of early in his career. With Ashcroft a must, Tsatas’ price might be a little too high but he did post KFC SuperCoach scores of 102, 154, 165, 126, 161 and 186 in his six appearances during an injury-interrupted draft year for Oakleigh Chargers
Matthew Johnson
Fremantle (Mid $123,900)
SC Ave 2022: 105 (VFL)
The second-year Docker is another who would have an eye on Acres’ spot this year. Johnson, drafted at pick 21 in 2021, took a while to get going in his debut season, battling injury early, before showing some impressive signs at WAFL level. The classy, 192cm midfielder, who arrived at the club with senior experience, averaged 85 points in 14 state-league matches, with his 25-disposal, 143-point performance against East Perth the highlight. An on-ball role beckons in the future, but Johnson has the weapons to have an impact on the outside this season.
Jhye Clark
Geelong (Mid $175,800)
SC Ave 2022: 60 (SANFL)
Clark, pick 8 in last year’s draft, has been earmarked as the long-term Joel Selwood replacement in the Geelong midfield. But there’s one big question KFC SuperCoaches want to know the answer to - when will he get his chance? Because, given his competiveness, ball-winning ability, two-way running and junior numbers – Clark averaged 25 disposals, 13 contested possessions and 127 points in the NAB League – he’ll be ready to go when called upon. Keep an eye on what the Cats are doing in the lead-up to Round 1.
Mitch Knevitt
Geelong (Mid $140,700)
SC Ave 2022: 36 (2 games)
Although a completely different type of player at 193cm, Knevitt is another young Cat looking to force his way into a premiership-winning side this year. The 20-year-old, who is strong at the contest and equally impressive breaking away from it, played two games in his first season, finishing with 15 disposals, seven marks and 49 points on debut against the Giants in Round 8. Knevitt’s VFL debut for the Cats last year was another highlight, with the second-round draft pick tallying 21 disposals, 10 contested possessions, nine tackles, seven marks and 122 KFC SuperCoach points in his first game for the club.
Harry Rowston
GWS (Mid $139,800)
SC Ave 2022: 110 (NAB League)
KFC SuperCoaches don’t need to be afraid of GWS’ No. 24 any longer. With Rowston, the Academy member drafted at pick 16, taking retired tagger Matt De Boer’s number at the club, it’s a jumper we could be watching for all the right reasons now. The tough teenagers’ competitive edge, as well as his ability to hit the scoreboard and pressure as a forward, will see him push hard for a senior debut in 2023. Brent Daniels will return this year, and the Giants also drafted West Australian small Darcy Jones, but a role in the forward half might be up for grabs. Rowston averaged 22 disposals 12 contested possessions, five clearances, five inside-50s, four tackles and 110 SuperCoach points in the NAB League, while he booted three goals to go with 24 touches in the opening national carnival game, before showing his midfield craft against Vic Country, finishing with 16 contested possessions and seven clearances in the Allies’ third match.
Cam Mackenzie
Hawthorn (Mid $180,300)
SC Ave 2022: 108 (U18 champs)
Mackenzie was one of the top midfielders available in the draft but his ability to be used on the outside – along with Hawthorn’s young team – should see him push for opportunities all over the ground. The 189cm prospect averaged 108 KFC SuperCoach points at the under-18 championships and 112 points in the NAB League, including a monster grand final where he registered 26 disposals, two goals and 170 points. But if he does get early games, will he justify his elevated starting price?
George Wardlaw
North Melbourne (Mid $193,800)
SC Ave 2022: 132 (NAB League)
A rookie that has been likened to Clayton Oliver will command the attention of any KFC SuperCoach. Wardlaw played just three NAB League games last year - producing scores of 159, 100 and 141 – but the No.3 selection went ballistic in a 17-year-old representative game in 2021. In that clash, he finished with 22 disposals, 14 contested possessions, seven tackles and 163 SuperCoach points. A contested ball-winner and relentless tackler, Wardlaw should score enough to justify his inflated price, but will the Roos ease him through his first year after battling hamstring issues in 2022?
Will Phillips
North Melbourne (Mid $158,300)
SC Ave 2022: 54 (VFL)
Phillips has been cruelled by injury and illness to start his career, with the young Roo sidelined by Covid and then a bout of glandular fever last year, restricting him to three VFL games. The No.3 pick averaged 51.4 points from his 13 non sub-affected matches in his first season with limited midfield minutes. If he can become a midfield regular for the Roos he will be a steal, but - despite some good early signs on the track - that may be easier said than done with their emerging on-ball brigade. Nonetheless, he is one of the top midfield rookie options.
Last edited:
Steely Green
Richmond (Mid $117,300)
SC Ave 2022: 79 (WAFL)
SuperCoach steal-y? Maybe not, but Green put up some impressive numbers against men in the WAFL last year. Green, who has been likened to Tiger utility Liam Baker, averaged 19 disposals and 79 KFC SuperCoach points across eight games for South Fremantle, including three totals of 105 or more. The 179cm product can play in a variety of positions and could push for a spot at some stage in his first season.
Mattaes Phillipou
St Kilda (Mid $166,800)
SC Ave 2022: 102 (U18 Champs)
The Saints need match winners and, while Phillipou does talk a big game, he backs it up on-field. And the 190cm midfielder-forward had some big games in his draft year. This included a monster 181-point display at the national champs, totals of 175 and 180 back-to-back in the SANFL U18s matches and perhaps his best performance of all, three goals and 114 points in the SANFL Reserves. The left-footer has been compared to Marcus Bontempelli, and like the Bont he oozes X-Factor and KFC SuperCoach scoring potential.
Jack Bytel
St Kilda (Mid $156,800)
SC Ave 2022: 112 (VFL)
Ravaged by injury during his time at the Saints, Bytel will be eager to impress 2023 after being forced to wait until October last year to ink a one-year deal. Bytel was unable to add to his 16 senior games last season but averaged 24.8 didposals, 5.9 tackles and 112 SuperCoach points across 12 games at VFL level, including a monster 184 in his last outing. He looks to be outside St Kilda’s best 23 at this stage but monitor his progress throughout the pre-season, as $156k for a 22-year-old midfielder is good buying.
Elijah Hewett
West Coast (Mid $148,800)
SC Ave 2022: 61 (WAFL)
Hewett spent most of his draft year up against men in the WAFL for Swan Districts, where he averaged 13.8 disposals and 61 KFC SuperCoach points across nine games as a midfielder-forward, including promising scores of 80 and 96 in his last three outings. But his magnum opus came at the national championships where he registered 29 disposals, 11 inside 50s, two goals and 150 KFC SuperCoach points against the likes of Will Ashcroft and Elijah Tsatas. Hewett’s experience against bigger bodies should hold him in good stead and the celler-dweller Eagles should willing to expose him in his first season.
Richmond (Mid $117,300)
SC Ave 2022: 79 (WAFL)
SuperCoach steal-y? Maybe not, but Green put up some impressive numbers against men in the WAFL last year. Green, who has been likened to Tiger utility Liam Baker, averaged 19 disposals and 79 KFC SuperCoach points across eight games for South Fremantle, including three totals of 105 or more. The 179cm product can play in a variety of positions and could push for a spot at some stage in his first season.
Mattaes Phillipou
St Kilda (Mid $166,800)
SC Ave 2022: 102 (U18 Champs)
The Saints need match winners and, while Phillipou does talk a big game, he backs it up on-field. And the 190cm midfielder-forward had some big games in his draft year. This included a monster 181-point display at the national champs, totals of 175 and 180 back-to-back in the SANFL U18s matches and perhaps his best performance of all, three goals and 114 points in the SANFL Reserves. The left-footer has been compared to Marcus Bontempelli, and like the Bont he oozes X-Factor and KFC SuperCoach scoring potential.
Jack Bytel
St Kilda (Mid $156,800)
SC Ave 2022: 112 (VFL)
Ravaged by injury during his time at the Saints, Bytel will be eager to impress 2023 after being forced to wait until October last year to ink a one-year deal. Bytel was unable to add to his 16 senior games last season but averaged 24.8 didposals, 5.9 tackles and 112 SuperCoach points across 12 games at VFL level, including a monster 184 in his last outing. He looks to be outside St Kilda’s best 23 at this stage but monitor his progress throughout the pre-season, as $156k for a 22-year-old midfielder is good buying.
Elijah Hewett
West Coast (Mid $148,800)
SC Ave 2022: 61 (WAFL)
Hewett spent most of his draft year up against men in the WAFL for Swan Districts, where he averaged 13.8 disposals and 61 KFC SuperCoach points across nine games as a midfielder-forward, including promising scores of 80 and 96 in his last three outings. But his magnum opus came at the national championships where he registered 29 disposals, 11 inside 50s, two goals and 150 KFC SuperCoach points against the likes of Will Ashcroft and Elijah Tsatas. Hewett’s experience against bigger bodies should hold him in good stead and the celler-dweller Eagles should willing to expose him in his first season.
Last edited:
- Joined
- 3 Jul 2017
- Messages
- 38,958
- Likes
- 126,621
- AFL Club
- Port Adelaide
- Joined
- 3 Jul 2017
- Messages
- 38,958
- Likes
- 126,621
- AFL Club
- Port Adelaide
