Strategy 2023: Rookies Discussion

Joined
7 Jul 2012
Messages
11,737
Likes
34,734
AFL Club
West Coast
From the HS...

KFC SuperCoach 2023: Will Schofield’s top West Coast and Fremantle rookies

There are a bevy of rookie options out west and Eagles premiership hero Will Schofield is on the ground scouting who to pick in KFC SuperCoach. See his verdict on every player.

West Coast premiership hero Will Schofield was more of a lockdown defender than a high-powered SuperCoach scorer during his 194-game AFL career, but when it comes to playing fantasy, he’s a gun.

Working with Fox Footy he has his ear to the ground in Western Australia to get all the intel we need on which rookies will get games in 2023 and deliver value in KFC SuperCoach.

Here’s all you need to know about every rookie-priced player this year for the two WA clubs.

DEFENDERS

Campbell Chesser (West Coast) $123,900
Taken at pick 14 in the 2021 AFL draft, the Eagles have high hopes for Chesser. He missed all of last season with an ankle injury, meaning he remains dirt cheap. Has had a somewhat interrupted pre-season, but is now returning to a full training load. A certain starter once fit, Chesser is the most popular defender so far this season, selected in almost 50 per cent of SuperCoach teams. He is an explosive midfielder capable of playing off half-back, which bodes well for his scoring potential. His midfield DPP status is just another reason why he should be in your side. If he is selected for round 1, you’d be crazy not to pick him.

Reuben Ginbey (West Coast) $171,300
By all reports coming out of the WAFL, last year’s pick 9 is going to be a star. He started last season in East Perth’s backline before a move to the midfield, where he really excelled. Ginbey will probably be eased into AFL life through the backline, but he has midfield DPP status, making him a flexible option for coaches. Being a top 10 pick, his price is higher than other rookies, however, he has good job security and his big frame and his experience playing against men in the WAFL should hold him in good stead to hold his own and score enough points to make us some money.

Karl Worner (Fremantle) $123,900
Taken in the 2021 rookie draft, Worner will be eager to impress in his second year. He has midfield DPP status and is an elite runner, however, Fremantle has great depth in the midfield and the backline, meaning Worner is unlikely to play until later in the year, if at all.

Hugh Davies (Fremantle) $117,300
Taken at pick 33 in last year’s draft, Davies is a player for the future. Key defenders often take a while to develop, and with a host of experienced players including Alex Pearce and Brennan Cox ahead of him in the pecking order, it would be a surprise to see Davies play this season.


MIDFIELDERS

Elijah Hewett (West Coast) $148,800
Taken at pick 14 in last year’s draft, Hewett is another local prospect who played senior footy for Swan Districts in the WAFL. He is an explosive midfielder, capable of drifting forward to kick a goal. Hewett impressed recruiters with his national championships and his performance at the draft combine, and with West Coast looking to rejuvenate their side with an injection of youth this year, he’ll get his opportunity. If he is named for round 1, he’s definitely a player I would have in my side given his cash cow potential.

Matthew Johnson (Fremantle) $123,900
Taken with pick 21 of the 2021 draft out of Subiaco, Johnson didn’t get an opportunity last season. But following a strong start to pre-season, Johnson has shot into round 1 calculations. Fremantle has a deep midfield stacked with young talent, so job security will always be a concern. But Johnson is a skilful ball winner capable of posting some decent scores. Will definitely be one to watch in the upcoming practice matches. Whispers around town have Johnson as one of the best trainers on track for most of the pre-season.

Corey Wagner (Fremantle) $117,300
Now at his third AFL club, Fremantle has identified Wagner as a player that can add depth to their list this season, scooping him up at pick 57 in the national draft following his strong form for Port Melbourne in the VFL. He has stood out as one of Fremantle’s hardest trainers this pre-season before battling a slight hamstring issue. The Dockers have a lot of depth in the midfield and backline, but Wagner will be desperate to make the most of his AFL lifeline. Wagner has defensive DPP status, meaning that if he plays, he will be a great option for the flexibility of your team. His performance in Freo’s scratch matches will be crucial.

Cody Burgiel (West Coast) $117,300
Burgiel is a midfielder out of the Gippsland Power who will likely ply his trade as a pressure forward during his first season in the AFL. May not get his chance right away, but West Coast will be hoping to uncover some fresh young talent this year and the departure of Junior Rioli opens up a spot in the forward line. I wouldn’t start him in my team, but Burgiel will definitely be one to watch this year. Could be a good cash cow later in the year if he debuts during the season.


RUCKS

Jack Williams (West Coast) $123,900
Debuted in 2022 out of necessity when the Eagles had to pick every available player due to injuries and Covid. Looked a long way off the pace from a SuperCoach scoring perspective, registering a negative score (-2). Won’t play a game this year unless something drastic were to happen.

Harry Barnett (West Coast) $117,300
The 23rd pick in the draft, Barnett is not ready for the rigours of AFL football just yet. He was drafted with an eye to the future and will spend the year developing under Nic Naitanui and Bailey Williams.

Max Knobel (Fremantle) $117,300
Taken at pick 42 out of the Gippsland Power, Knobel is seen as a development player. The 206cm big man is raw and won’t play this year. Holds no value to coaches this season.

Liam Reidy (Fremantle) $102,400
Plucked out of Frankston’s VFL side in the 2022 rookie draft. Reidy is 22, so slightly more mature physically than Knobel. Will only play if there are injuries, sitting firmly behind Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson in the pecking order. Holds value as a captaincy loophole option given his basement price.


FORWARDS

Josh Corbett (Fremantle) $163,000
Has been in the system for four years now. Didn’t score big numbers at Gold Coast, but Freo has been crying out for a key forward, so he is likely to get opportunities at his new club. His price point makes it a tempting option, but we need to wait and see if he is picked for round 1.

Noah Long (West Coast) $117,300
Shaping as a real draft steal for the Eagles, Long has garnered some attention from onlookers and teammates alike in his first pre-season. Has been training with the “A-team” for large parts of the pre-season and looks a good chance to play round 1. He’s a compact player who gets to the right spots, has an effective kick and should kick a few goals as a pressure/high half-forward.

Sam Sturt (Fremantle) $123,900
Has played just four games in three seasons after a torrid run with injuries. Probably his last chance to resurrect his career this season. But even if he does play, scoring potential and job security are low. Others appeal more.

Tom Emmett (Fremantle) $117,300
Taken at pick 41 in last year’s draft, Emmett is a powerful, medium-sized forward who plays as a third tall. Played senior football at SANFL level for Sturt, but is unlikely to play AFL straight away. Emmett will spend most of the year developing his game in the WAFL, but definitely one to keep an eye on.

Zane Trew (West Coast) $175,400
Unimpressive from a scoring sense in two games last season, averaging 45 points. Following a strong draft haul, Trew will be even further down the pecking order at the Eagles this year. Has midfield DPP status, but much better options at cheaper prices. Look elsewhere.
 
Joined
28 Feb 2015
Messages
1,866
Likes
7,227
AFL Club
St Kilda
Joined
14 Jan 2023
Messages
45
Likes
87
AFL Club
Collingwood
Not confident about Allan's job security.

J Daicos and Sidebottom's best roles are clearly on opposing wings. Even if Daicos play more time on the ball and Sidebottom is shifted to a forward flank, you still have the likes of Will Hoskin Elliot, Bianco, Lipinski and Macrae contesting for that wing role.

Also coming back from a severe injury and has that tall but lean build. All signs point to a high potential but long development time player.
 
Joined
5 Feb 2014
Messages
1,354
Likes
6,817
AFL Club
Carlton
Not confident about Allan's job security.

J Daicos and Sidebottom's best roles are clearly on opposing wings. Even if Daicos play more time on the ball and Sidebottom is shifted to a forward flank, you still have the likes of Will Hoskin Elliot, Bianco, Lipinski and Macrae contesting for that wing role.

Also coming back from a severe injury and has that tall but lean build. All signs point to a high potential but long development time player.
Believe WHE has moved down back this year.

I think Allan is ahead of Bianco/Macrae already (but yes he is only 18 years old)

I'd have Lipinski ahead of him, so it would be surprising if Allan makes the Round 1 team. If he's named with all 3 of JDaicos/Steele/Lipinski, then it would seem one of the latter players would be mostly forward.


Heard J Daicos didn't train today, be good to see the pre-season squad for Friday's game. (y)
 

Ben's Beasts

Leadership Group
Joined
6 Jan 2013
Messages
19,072
Likes
80,335
AFL Club
Melbourne
According to the AFL website the Hawks Geelong game is 8 x 30 minute qtrs plus time on..... that can't possibly be right they only named sqauds of 34-35 players. Anyone know if this is true or a typo?
It’s assumed that the first four quarters will be players in contention for round 1.

The last four quarters will be AFL players unlikely for round 1 plus VFL listed players.
 
Joined
14 Jan 2023
Messages
45
Likes
87
AFL Club
Collingwood
Believe WHE has moved down back this year.

I think Allan is ahead of Bianco/Macrae already (but yes he is only 18 years old)

I'd have Lipinski ahead of him, so it would be surprising if Allan makes the Round 1 team. If he's named with all 3 of JDaicos/Steele/Lipinski, then it would seem one of the latter players would be mostly forward.


Heard J Daicos didn't train today, be good to see the pre-season squad for Friday's game. (y)
WHE is not playing anywhere near defence in 2023.

It's our strongest line which will look like:

FB: Maynard, Frampton, Howe
HB: Quaynor, Moore, Daicos
Int: Murphy, Noble

Perhaps he went back last year momentarily to cover injuries, but his natural role is not defense.

Bianco and Macrae are both highly rated internally and are much more mature than Allan.
 
Joined
7 Sep 2020
Messages
12,069
Likes
42,465
WHE is not playing anywhere near defence in 2023.

It's our strongest line which will look like:

FB: Maynard, Frampton, Howe
HB: Quaynor, Moore, Daicos
Int: Murphy, Noble

Perhaps he went back last year momentarily to cover injuries, but his natural role is not defense.

Bianco and Macrae are both highly rated internally and are much more mature than Allan.
He has trained there this preseason.
 
Top