News Herald Sun SuperCoach Articles
- Thread starter Presto
- Start date
Every AFL club’s pre-season injury guide: Latest on Tarryn Thomas, Zac Williams, Jake Stringer and more
How fit is your club heading into Christmas? Get the low down on more than 100 names across the AFL with every team covered in our pre-season injury list.
Staff Writers
15 min read
December 11, 2023 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas will remain out of full training until the new year due to groin soreness as he builds into a crucial contract year.
The hugely talented Thomas enjoyed the best month of his career to close out the 2023 season, averaging 23 touches and 6.5 inside-50s a game playing as a midfielder-forward, showing off his smooth game.
But the 23-year-old has played 22 games combined in the last two seasons and has dealt with a string of off-field issues, making 2024 a vital year for his hopes of securing a lucrative new contract.
Thomas has been batting his sore groin throughout pre-season and is set to be on a midfield program until the new year.
Youngsters Jackson Archer and Blake Drury are both dealing with the same soreness and will be hoping to step up training when the Roos come back from the Christmas break.
Richmond winger Jack Ross has continued to ease his way back from off-season toe surgery as spearhead Tom Lynch still hopes for a round 1 return after his 2023 campaign was ended by a foot injury.
Essendon swingpiece Nik Cox has been eased into pre-season after a troublesome ankle joint injury in 2023 but he has put together strong running in recent weeks.
Goalkicker Jake Stringer is expected to be into full training before the Dons break for Christmas as he gets over a foot injury.
Clubs continue to monitor Sean Darcy as he heads into the final year of his contract and the Fremantle ruck has only just begun running at full pace after ankle surgery ended his season.
The big man remains away from the Dockers’ main group and should return to full training next month.
Veteran Nat Fyfe has been working on his own program but has so far had a clean bill of health throughout pre-season.
Hawthorn runner Changkuoth Jiath will head to Qatar during the Christmas break to work on groin issues that have hampered his trademark dash but the Hawks are adamant his preparation has been strong so far and the jetsetting trip would put the cherry on top of his pre-season.
Each of Mitch Lewis (foot), Mabior Chol (knee) and Karl Amon (knee) have been joining in some drills at Hawks training and should be in full swing in the new year.
Check out the full list of players at every club who have eased into training or remain a while away.
ADELAIDE
Jordon Butts – Expected to have a lighter week leading into Christmas after sustaining a slight hamstring strain last week.
Elliott Himmelberg – Now running at good speed, having had hamstring surgery in August, and was expected to rejoin into training in the new year.
Chayce Jones – Had foot surgery late in the season, having been injured in round 21, but now in full drills.
Nick Murray – Has progressed to running, kicking and change of direction work, putting him on track for a 10-12 month return from the anterior cruciate ligament rupture he copped in July.
Rory Sloane – The 33-year-old is managing his loads leading into the break as he prepares for his 16th season.
Harry Schoenberg – Continuing to build his strength in the gym as he recovers from post-season achilles surgery after an injury in the last round against West Coast.
Zac Taylor – Like Jones, he had foot surgery late in the campaign but is back training as normal.
BRISBANE LIONS
Will Ashcroft – Went down with an ACL against Geelong in July. Resumed running last month and is expected back in the second half of 2024.
Tom Doedee – The former Crows defender ruptured his ACL in June. The Lions hope to have him fit for selection during the middle of next season, sometime around the bye rounds.
Noah Answerth – Had a dour time at the end of last season missing time with a facial injury and then a shoulder. Is back to full fitness.
Kai Lohmann – Is back from his broken collarbone and by all reports has set his sights on breaking into the AFL side next season. Kept neck-and-neck with Hugh McCluggage in the early running drills and has bulked up.
Jack Payne – Missed the grand final with an ankle injury but is well and truly over that now. Is back for pre-season and looking fit.
James Madden – The dashing Irish defender missed the majority of last season with a shoulder injury. Returned for day one of pre-season fit and ready to go.
CARLTON
Zac Williams – On schedule to return to full training in February. Missed all of last season because of a knee injury but is progressing well and has started to join in some skills sessions.
Sam Docherty – Underwent minor foot surgery after the season and is on a modified program although was on the track for the first official training session back.
Corey Durdin – Recovering from shoulder surgery which will limit his involvement in training until after Christmas.
Alex Mirkov – Starting to build his condition back up after heart surgery in June. Return to training expected in the new year.
COLLINGWOOD
Darcy Moore – The skipper started his pre-season avoiding drills as he recovers after ankle and wrist issues in September. The skipper looks fit and is running well.
Nick Daicos – Daicos has been joining in drills after his late-season knee injury and has shown no signs of discomfort.
Darcy Cameron – The big man powered through running and a rowing machine session on Monday as he eases his way into pre-season. Should be good to go after Christmas.
Dan McStay – The hard luck story of the finals series is already the hard luck story of 2024. McStay was waiting until the swelling in his knee goes down before surgery to repair the ACL he ruptured on December 1.
Jamie Elliott – One of the other Magpies who hasn’t been in full training after a minor shoulder clean up, Elliott will get into full contact next year.
Pat Lipinski – The midfielder rolled his ankle on Monday at training but was back running by the end of the week and the injury shouldn’t hurt his pre-season.
Brayden Maynard – Won’t be back into full training until February after shoulder surgery post-season. He took part in some kick-to-kick on Monday but only used his left hand in an indication he is still a fair way off from full movement.
How fit is your club heading into Christmas? Get the low down on more than 100 names across the AFL with every team covered in our pre-season injury list.
Staff Writers
15 min read
December 11, 2023 - 6:00AM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom
North Melbourne midfielder Tarryn Thomas will remain out of full training until the new year due to groin soreness as he builds into a crucial contract year.
The hugely talented Thomas enjoyed the best month of his career to close out the 2023 season, averaging 23 touches and 6.5 inside-50s a game playing as a midfielder-forward, showing off his smooth game.
But the 23-year-old has played 22 games combined in the last two seasons and has dealt with a string of off-field issues, making 2024 a vital year for his hopes of securing a lucrative new contract.
Thomas has been batting his sore groin throughout pre-season and is set to be on a midfield program until the new year.
Youngsters Jackson Archer and Blake Drury are both dealing with the same soreness and will be hoping to step up training when the Roos come back from the Christmas break.
Richmond winger Jack Ross has continued to ease his way back from off-season toe surgery as spearhead Tom Lynch still hopes for a round 1 return after his 2023 campaign was ended by a foot injury.
Essendon swingpiece Nik Cox has been eased into pre-season after a troublesome ankle joint injury in 2023 but he has put together strong running in recent weeks.
Goalkicker Jake Stringer is expected to be into full training before the Dons break for Christmas as he gets over a foot injury.
Clubs continue to monitor Sean Darcy as he heads into the final year of his contract and the Fremantle ruck has only just begun running at full pace after ankle surgery ended his season.
The big man remains away from the Dockers’ main group and should return to full training next month.
Veteran Nat Fyfe has been working on his own program but has so far had a clean bill of health throughout pre-season.
Hawthorn runner Changkuoth Jiath will head to Qatar during the Christmas break to work on groin issues that have hampered his trademark dash but the Hawks are adamant his preparation has been strong so far and the jetsetting trip would put the cherry on top of his pre-season.
Each of Mitch Lewis (foot), Mabior Chol (knee) and Karl Amon (knee) have been joining in some drills at Hawks training and should be in full swing in the new year.
Check out the full list of players at every club who have eased into training or remain a while away.
ADELAIDE
Jordon Butts – Expected to have a lighter week leading into Christmas after sustaining a slight hamstring strain last week.
Elliott Himmelberg – Now running at good speed, having had hamstring surgery in August, and was expected to rejoin into training in the new year.
Chayce Jones – Had foot surgery late in the season, having been injured in round 21, but now in full drills.
Nick Murray – Has progressed to running, kicking and change of direction work, putting him on track for a 10-12 month return from the anterior cruciate ligament rupture he copped in July.
Rory Sloane – The 33-year-old is managing his loads leading into the break as he prepares for his 16th season.
Harry Schoenberg – Continuing to build his strength in the gym as he recovers from post-season achilles surgery after an injury in the last round against West Coast.
Zac Taylor – Like Jones, he had foot surgery late in the campaign but is back training as normal.
BRISBANE LIONS
Will Ashcroft – Went down with an ACL against Geelong in July. Resumed running last month and is expected back in the second half of 2024.
Tom Doedee – The former Crows defender ruptured his ACL in June. The Lions hope to have him fit for selection during the middle of next season, sometime around the bye rounds.
Noah Answerth – Had a dour time at the end of last season missing time with a facial injury and then a shoulder. Is back to full fitness.
Kai Lohmann – Is back from his broken collarbone and by all reports has set his sights on breaking into the AFL side next season. Kept neck-and-neck with Hugh McCluggage in the early running drills and has bulked up.
Jack Payne – Missed the grand final with an ankle injury but is well and truly over that now. Is back for pre-season and looking fit.
James Madden – The dashing Irish defender missed the majority of last season with a shoulder injury. Returned for day one of pre-season fit and ready to go.
CARLTON
Zac Williams – On schedule to return to full training in February. Missed all of last season because of a knee injury but is progressing well and has started to join in some skills sessions.
Sam Docherty – Underwent minor foot surgery after the season and is on a modified program although was on the track for the first official training session back.
Corey Durdin – Recovering from shoulder surgery which will limit his involvement in training until after Christmas.
Alex Mirkov – Starting to build his condition back up after heart surgery in June. Return to training expected in the new year.
COLLINGWOOD
Darcy Moore – The skipper started his pre-season avoiding drills as he recovers after ankle and wrist issues in September. The skipper looks fit and is running well.
Nick Daicos – Daicos has been joining in drills after his late-season knee injury and has shown no signs of discomfort.
Darcy Cameron – The big man powered through running and a rowing machine session on Monday as he eases his way into pre-season. Should be good to go after Christmas.
Dan McStay – The hard luck story of the finals series is already the hard luck story of 2024. McStay was waiting until the swelling in his knee goes down before surgery to repair the ACL he ruptured on December 1.
Jamie Elliott – One of the other Magpies who hasn’t been in full training after a minor shoulder clean up, Elliott will get into full contact next year.
Pat Lipinski – The midfielder rolled his ankle on Monday at training but was back running by the end of the week and the injury shouldn’t hurt his pre-season.
Brayden Maynard – Won’t be back into full training until February after shoulder surgery post-season. He took part in some kick-to-kick on Monday but only used his left hand in an indication he is still a fair way off from full movement.
ESSENDON
Sam Draper – The ruckman is back doing some light running after post-season groin surgery and has put a lot of time into his body in the hope of an uninterrupted 2024. He is looking to resume full training in January.
Dylan Shiel – The midfielder had both knee and foot surgery after the second half of his season was ruined by injury. He is tracking towards a return to full training in late February, which could mean a slightly delayed start to season 2024.
Jake Stringer – The power forward is still managing a foot injury which he carried through the latter part of the season, but is expected to resume main training before Christmas.
Nik Cox – The Bombers are taking a cautious approach with the former No.8 draft pick after an ankle joint injury troubled him for much of the year. However, he is in a much better spot than this time last year and has begun a gradual integration into training following a strong running block.
Sam Weideman – The forward is set to re-join main training in January as he continues his recovery from an Achilles issue which hampered him late in the season.
Nick Bryan – The ruckman remains on a modified program as he manages a thumb injury which required surgery last month, but should return to full training before Christmas.
Tex Wanganeen – The forward had post-season surgery on a navicular injury in his foot, but is expected to resume running before Christmas and integrate back into full training in February.
Xavier Duursma – The new recruit has made a slow start to pre-season at his new club, recovering from a hip issue which he had late in the season. However, he has made good progress as he builds back into some running.
Peter Wright – The key forward has been on a modified running program as he overcomes a foot injury, but is working his way towards a return to main training.
Ben McKay – The key defender has been on a modified training program due to a knee issue but is closing in on a return to main training.
FREMANTLE
Sam Sturt – The most recent addition to Fremantle’s injury list, Sturt felt soreness in his left knee last week and had surgery days later. The forward is not expected back into full training until late January.
Josh Corbett – Corbett will miss the entire 2024 season after he had hip surgery in late November. Yet he still managed to run in the club time trial before surgery and finished third in the first two runs.
Sebit Kuek – Knee and shoulder surgery means Kuek has been placed on Fremantle’s long term injury list. He has begun slowly running on normal ground after working on an AlterG machine so is on the way back.
Sean Darcy – The ruck remains in the rehab group after his ankle surgery. He has begun hitting full speed during running so should be joining in training in the new year.
Andrew Brayshaw – Started pre-season on light duties but has been in most sessions since and looks set to go at full pace.
Brandon Walker – Walker looks on track to play in round 1 as he returns from a serious knee injury but he remains in the rehab group.
Heath Chapman – Shoulder surgery at the end of the season for Chapman but he hasn’t missed a beat so far in pre-season and has been taking part in tackling drills.
Nat Fyfe – The veteran has had a torrid time with his body in recent years but has had no issues so far this pre-season, as he goes through his own specific program.
GEELONG
Jack Henry – Suffered a Lisfranc ligament injury against Port Adelaide in round 21 which continued his wretched run with foot injuries, having recovered from three setbacks within 12 months to the other foot. The swingman is expected to be back in action after the Christmas break.
Phoenix Foster – Has undergone surgery after a foot fracture from a collision in pre-season training. The developing key defender will be sidelined until the Cats return next year.
Toby Conway – The young ruck had surgery to clean up his foot at the end of the season but it shouldn’t hinder his pre-season.
GOLD COAST
Lachie Weller – Suffered a second ACL setback in July and missed the remainder of the 2023 season. Is expected to return midway through 2024.
Jake Rogers – The Suns are taking a cautious approach with a back issue. The mid-forward is expected to resume full training in the new year and be fit to play round 1.
Jed Walter – The No.3 draft pick sat out the second-half of his final junior season with knee soreness but is back to full fitness now. Has hit the track and already impressed his new teammates.
GWS GIANTS
Callan Ward – Ward hasn’t started his 17th pre-season as he works on a slight groin issue that has stretched into December. He’s not expected to miss any footy but the Giants are being understandably cautious with the veteran.
Darcy Jones – After suffering an ACL injury in April, Jones is still slowly working back into the Giants group. He’s still not back at full training and will be slowly integrated back into the group closer to the start of next season.
Adam Kennedy – Kennedy is also on the comeback trail after an ACL injury in April. After being picked back up by the Giants on a rookie deal for 2024, he’s still yet to join training and is focusing on the rehab process.
HAWTHORN
Mitch Lewis – The key forward has slowly been integrated into more drills as pre-season has heated up after a foot injury ended his 2023 campaign. He didn’t have surgery on the foot and should be back into full swing after Christmas.
Mabior Chol – Lewis’ potential forward running mate, Chol has also been in and out of some drills due to a knee issue. Expect him to be up and going in the new year.
Karl Amon – The winger carried a knee complaint into pre-season but has been taking part in some training already and is another one who will ramp up properly after the new year break.
Changkuoth Jiath – Jiath is actually near on fully fit but will still take a short trip to Qatar over the Christmas break to put the cherry on top of his preparation as he attempts to get past a groin issue.
Chad Wingard – Wingard told this masthead last week he was happy with how the achilles is progressing. The forward has been on the track on super light duties and will step into running after Christmas.
MELBOURNE
Clayton Oliver – Has been in the rehab group after having surgery on his knee in the off-season. He has been doing sprint work and some lighter skill based activities and is expected to ramp up his training in the new year.
Angus Brayshaw – Has returned to training but still non-contact for now as he continues his recovery from the sickening concussion occurred in the finals series. Impressed in the Dees 2km time trial.
Harrison Petty – The defender is still recovering from a foot injury which ended his season early. He remains on a modified program but will join the main group post-Christmas.
Bayley Fritsch – The forward is still being managed after twice hurting his left foot in the second half of the season. He had surgery to repair a fracture in the foot after the first incident in round 16. Fritsch is expected to join main training in January.
Jake Melksham – The forward will look to begin running again in coming weeks after rupturing his ACL in the final round of the home-and-away season. However, the 32-year-old still faces a long road to recovery.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Griffin Logue – Continuing his rehab after blowing out his knee in July.
Charlie Comben – Promising big man is finally back in full training after breaking his leg back in April and looks set to play in defence in 2024.
Brayden George – Suffered a freak elbow injury while training during the break. Facing several months on the sidelines.
Tarryn Thomas – Troubled by groin soreness so will be kept in cotton wool until the new year.
Jackson Archer – Groin soreness will keep him out of full training until after Christmas.
Blake Drury – Another youngster who is having some groin issues and still a month away from full training.
Callum Coleman-Jones – Had concussion issues during the season and Roos are taking it very slowly with the big man, holding him back until after Christmas.
Cameron Zurhaar – Ankle surgery ended his 2023 season but the explosive forward has been easing his way into pre-season.
Luke McDonald – Hamstring surgery for the co-captain in August but he has built up fitness so far ahead of the Christmas break.
RICHMOND
Josh Gibcus – The Tigers say the star young defender is tracking nicely after heading to Qatar for specialist treatment on his hamstring in October. He remains on a modified training program until Christmas as Richmond takes a cautious approach, but has begun joining in some drills with the backline group at training.
Tom Lynch – Hopes are that the key forward will do enough over summer to be available for a first round return, but Lynch remains on a modified program after a year ruined by a foot injury. He will step up his training in the new year.
Jack Ross – The midfielder is slowly working his way back into full training, following post-season toe surgery.
Judson Clarke – The small forward is still not taking part in contact training, after suffering a cracked scapula during a VFL game in August. Clarke did not require surgery, but always faced a drawn-out healing process.
Sam Draper – The ruckman is back doing some light running after post-season groin surgery and has put a lot of time into his body in the hope of an uninterrupted 2024. He is looking to resume full training in January.
Dylan Shiel – The midfielder had both knee and foot surgery after the second half of his season was ruined by injury. He is tracking towards a return to full training in late February, which could mean a slightly delayed start to season 2024.
Jake Stringer – The power forward is still managing a foot injury which he carried through the latter part of the season, but is expected to resume main training before Christmas.
Nik Cox – The Bombers are taking a cautious approach with the former No.8 draft pick after an ankle joint injury troubled him for much of the year. However, he is in a much better spot than this time last year and has begun a gradual integration into training following a strong running block.
Sam Weideman – The forward is set to re-join main training in January as he continues his recovery from an Achilles issue which hampered him late in the season.
Nick Bryan – The ruckman remains on a modified program as he manages a thumb injury which required surgery last month, but should return to full training before Christmas.
Tex Wanganeen – The forward had post-season surgery on a navicular injury in his foot, but is expected to resume running before Christmas and integrate back into full training in February.
Xavier Duursma – The new recruit has made a slow start to pre-season at his new club, recovering from a hip issue which he had late in the season. However, he has made good progress as he builds back into some running.
Peter Wright – The key forward has been on a modified running program as he overcomes a foot injury, but is working his way towards a return to main training.
Ben McKay – The key defender has been on a modified training program due to a knee issue but is closing in on a return to main training.
FREMANTLE
Sam Sturt – The most recent addition to Fremantle’s injury list, Sturt felt soreness in his left knee last week and had surgery days later. The forward is not expected back into full training until late January.
Josh Corbett – Corbett will miss the entire 2024 season after he had hip surgery in late November. Yet he still managed to run in the club time trial before surgery and finished third in the first two runs.
Sebit Kuek – Knee and shoulder surgery means Kuek has been placed on Fremantle’s long term injury list. He has begun slowly running on normal ground after working on an AlterG machine so is on the way back.
Sean Darcy – The ruck remains in the rehab group after his ankle surgery. He has begun hitting full speed during running so should be joining in training in the new year.
Andrew Brayshaw – Started pre-season on light duties but has been in most sessions since and looks set to go at full pace.
Brandon Walker – Walker looks on track to play in round 1 as he returns from a serious knee injury but he remains in the rehab group.
Heath Chapman – Shoulder surgery at the end of the season for Chapman but he hasn’t missed a beat so far in pre-season and has been taking part in tackling drills.
Nat Fyfe – The veteran has had a torrid time with his body in recent years but has had no issues so far this pre-season, as he goes through his own specific program.
GEELONG
Jack Henry – Suffered a Lisfranc ligament injury against Port Adelaide in round 21 which continued his wretched run with foot injuries, having recovered from three setbacks within 12 months to the other foot. The swingman is expected to be back in action after the Christmas break.
Phoenix Foster – Has undergone surgery after a foot fracture from a collision in pre-season training. The developing key defender will be sidelined until the Cats return next year.
Toby Conway – The young ruck had surgery to clean up his foot at the end of the season but it shouldn’t hinder his pre-season.
GOLD COAST
Lachie Weller – Suffered a second ACL setback in July and missed the remainder of the 2023 season. Is expected to return midway through 2024.
Jake Rogers – The Suns are taking a cautious approach with a back issue. The mid-forward is expected to resume full training in the new year and be fit to play round 1.
Jed Walter – The No.3 draft pick sat out the second-half of his final junior season with knee soreness but is back to full fitness now. Has hit the track and already impressed his new teammates.
GWS GIANTS
Callan Ward – Ward hasn’t started his 17th pre-season as he works on a slight groin issue that has stretched into December. He’s not expected to miss any footy but the Giants are being understandably cautious with the veteran.
Darcy Jones – After suffering an ACL injury in April, Jones is still slowly working back into the Giants group. He’s still not back at full training and will be slowly integrated back into the group closer to the start of next season.
Adam Kennedy – Kennedy is also on the comeback trail after an ACL injury in April. After being picked back up by the Giants on a rookie deal for 2024, he’s still yet to join training and is focusing on the rehab process.
HAWTHORN
Mitch Lewis – The key forward has slowly been integrated into more drills as pre-season has heated up after a foot injury ended his 2023 campaign. He didn’t have surgery on the foot and should be back into full swing after Christmas.
Mabior Chol – Lewis’ potential forward running mate, Chol has also been in and out of some drills due to a knee issue. Expect him to be up and going in the new year.
Karl Amon – The winger carried a knee complaint into pre-season but has been taking part in some training already and is another one who will ramp up properly after the new year break.
Changkuoth Jiath – Jiath is actually near on fully fit but will still take a short trip to Qatar over the Christmas break to put the cherry on top of his preparation as he attempts to get past a groin issue.
Chad Wingard – Wingard told this masthead last week he was happy with how the achilles is progressing. The forward has been on the track on super light duties and will step into running after Christmas.
MELBOURNE
Clayton Oliver – Has been in the rehab group after having surgery on his knee in the off-season. He has been doing sprint work and some lighter skill based activities and is expected to ramp up his training in the new year.
Angus Brayshaw – Has returned to training but still non-contact for now as he continues his recovery from the sickening concussion occurred in the finals series. Impressed in the Dees 2km time trial.
Harrison Petty – The defender is still recovering from a foot injury which ended his season early. He remains on a modified program but will join the main group post-Christmas.
Bayley Fritsch – The forward is still being managed after twice hurting his left foot in the second half of the season. He had surgery to repair a fracture in the foot after the first incident in round 16. Fritsch is expected to join main training in January.
Jake Melksham – The forward will look to begin running again in coming weeks after rupturing his ACL in the final round of the home-and-away season. However, the 32-year-old still faces a long road to recovery.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Griffin Logue – Continuing his rehab after blowing out his knee in July.
Charlie Comben – Promising big man is finally back in full training after breaking his leg back in April and looks set to play in defence in 2024.
Brayden George – Suffered a freak elbow injury while training during the break. Facing several months on the sidelines.
Tarryn Thomas – Troubled by groin soreness so will be kept in cotton wool until the new year.
Jackson Archer – Groin soreness will keep him out of full training until after Christmas.
Blake Drury – Another youngster who is having some groin issues and still a month away from full training.
Callum Coleman-Jones – Had concussion issues during the season and Roos are taking it very slowly with the big man, holding him back until after Christmas.
Cameron Zurhaar – Ankle surgery ended his 2023 season but the explosive forward has been easing his way into pre-season.
Luke McDonald – Hamstring surgery for the co-captain in August but he has built up fitness so far ahead of the Christmas break.
RICHMOND
Josh Gibcus – The Tigers say the star young defender is tracking nicely after heading to Qatar for specialist treatment on his hamstring in October. He remains on a modified training program until Christmas as Richmond takes a cautious approach, but has begun joining in some drills with the backline group at training.
Tom Lynch – Hopes are that the key forward will do enough over summer to be available for a first round return, but Lynch remains on a modified program after a year ruined by a foot injury. He will step up his training in the new year.
Jack Ross – The midfielder is slowly working his way back into full training, following post-season toe surgery.
Judson Clarke – The small forward is still not taking part in contact training, after suffering a cracked scapula during a VFL game in August. Clarke did not require surgery, but always faced a drawn-out healing process.
PORT ADELAIDE
Aliir Aliir – Had ear surgery, not related to football, and should be back training late this week or after Christmas.
Tom Clurey – Has returned to match simulation – albeit non-contact – after a back injury ruined his season, prompting off-season surgery.
Mitch Georgiades – After missing the majority of last season due to an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, the high-flying forward is running again.
Lachie Jones – Back running after a hamstring issue over the break.
Kyle Marshall – Club has been cautious with him due to a stiff back and he has been on the bike this past week.
Todd Marshall – Progressing well after hip surgery, doing some running and sitting out of drills. Will be good to go in the new year, but the club may get him into a drill this week.
Tom McCallum – Underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle post-season and was now on light duties, riding the exercise bike last week. Will be fine in the new year.
Trent McKenzie – Easing back into running after having surgery on his right ankle, which proved an issue during the finals.
Connor Rozee – Has been on the bike this week managing a very slight hamstring niggle and is expected to be back in full training on Monday.
Tom Scully – Hyperextended his knee on Friday, causing him to leave training early on crutches, but scans cleared him of any major structural damage. Will be assessed again this week.
Josh Sinn – On the comeback trail from hamstring surgery that ended his season. Felt some fatigue so had been managed and was on the rower at training on Wednesday, but should be good to go for the Power’s camp next week.
ST KILDA
Max King – The key forward underwent post-season shoulder surgery, which has restricted the early part of his pre-season. However, he will resume drills next week and will get back to full training in January.
Jack Steele – The usually durable skipper again ran laps at training on Friday as he continues his recovery from a post-season ankle clean out, but is not far away from getting back into the swing of things.
Mason Wood – The wingman had post-season shoulder surgery, but it is a calf complaint that he is currently managing. He is expected to return to full training in the first few weeks of next year.
Brad Crouch – The midfielder has been on a modified training program since undergoing post-season knee surgery. He is back running and is set to join main training again after Christmas.
Mitch Owens – The emerging star has sat out some training over the past fortnight due to some minor foot soreness, but is expected to be fit to re-join the main group in January.
Dan Butler – The forward had post-season ankle surgery but is back moving well and will resume main training after the break.
Jack Hayes – The luckless tall underwent an arthroscope on his knee post-season, having only just returned from a knee reconstruction in round 24. He has been absent from the training track, but plans to be back on deck in the early part of next year.
Anthony Caminiti – The key forward has dealt with some hamstring tightness over recent weeks and was running some slow laps at training on Friday, but should be fully fit again after the Christmas break.
Jack Higgins – The livewire small forward has been dealing with some back soreness and missed training on Friday. He will be monitored over the Christmas break, but the issue is not expected to have an impact on his preparations for next season.
SYDNEY
Lachlan McAndrew – The young ruckman underwent wrist surgery in the break and is currently completing a modified program with a cast. The Swans are hopeful he will back involved fully with training early next year.
Callum Mills – After undergoing an operation for a torn rotator cuff, Mills has been out of his brace for more than a month and has been a keen spectator at Swans training with some very light, non-contact drills. His expected return is still well into the 2024 season.
Joel Amartey – Hamstring injuries have plagued Amartey’s career, so the key forward has been on a modified program to start pre-season to ease him back into the swing of things.
WEST COAST
Dom Sheed – The veteran midfielder is now in a moon boot after a hot spot was discovered in his foot. The Eagles are planning to assess him in coming weeks before deciding when he will train again.
Archer Reid – Draftee Reid is also on the sidelines for an indefinite amount of time, with a knee problem putting him in a brace.
Elijah Hewett – The Eagles have scaled back Hewett’s workload after he picked up foot soreness but they expect him to be back in the fold in the new year.
Jai Culley – As he recovers from an ACL tear, Culley is back running and making strides in the hope of a mid-year return to play.
Reuben Ginbey – A hamstring injury ended Ginbey’s season but the teenager reckons he is in the best shape of his life and has been flying through pre-season so far.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Marcus Bontempelli – Had minor ankle surgery last month. Will be in cotton wool until after Christmas.
Adam Treloar – Had an ankle clean-out after the season but is back in full training.
Aiden O’Driscoll – The new draftee has a small stress fracture in his back and will be held back from full training for a few more weeks.
Dominic Bedendo – Two games in 2022 but none this season because of injury problems. Has been the eye-catcher of early pre-season training and was at the front of the 2km time-trial.
Sam Darcy – Had a horror season with a broken jaw, lung issue and severe corked leg keeping to just three games. Has noticeably put on several kilograms of muscle over the break.
Aliir Aliir – Had ear surgery, not related to football, and should be back training late this week or after Christmas.
Tom Clurey – Has returned to match simulation – albeit non-contact – after a back injury ruined his season, prompting off-season surgery.
Mitch Georgiades – After missing the majority of last season due to an anterior cruciate ligament rupture, the high-flying forward is running again.
Lachie Jones – Back running after a hamstring issue over the break.
Kyle Marshall – Club has been cautious with him due to a stiff back and he has been on the bike this past week.
Todd Marshall – Progressing well after hip surgery, doing some running and sitting out of drills. Will be good to go in the new year, but the club may get him into a drill this week.
Tom McCallum – Underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle post-season and was now on light duties, riding the exercise bike last week. Will be fine in the new year.
Trent McKenzie – Easing back into running after having surgery on his right ankle, which proved an issue during the finals.
Connor Rozee – Has been on the bike this week managing a very slight hamstring niggle and is expected to be back in full training on Monday.
Tom Scully – Hyperextended his knee on Friday, causing him to leave training early on crutches, but scans cleared him of any major structural damage. Will be assessed again this week.
Josh Sinn – On the comeback trail from hamstring surgery that ended his season. Felt some fatigue so had been managed and was on the rower at training on Wednesday, but should be good to go for the Power’s camp next week.
ST KILDA
Max King – The key forward underwent post-season shoulder surgery, which has restricted the early part of his pre-season. However, he will resume drills next week and will get back to full training in January.
Jack Steele – The usually durable skipper again ran laps at training on Friday as he continues his recovery from a post-season ankle clean out, but is not far away from getting back into the swing of things.
Mason Wood – The wingman had post-season shoulder surgery, but it is a calf complaint that he is currently managing. He is expected to return to full training in the first few weeks of next year.
Brad Crouch – The midfielder has been on a modified training program since undergoing post-season knee surgery. He is back running and is set to join main training again after Christmas.
Mitch Owens – The emerging star has sat out some training over the past fortnight due to some minor foot soreness, but is expected to be fit to re-join the main group in January.
Dan Butler – The forward had post-season ankle surgery but is back moving well and will resume main training after the break.
Jack Hayes – The luckless tall underwent an arthroscope on his knee post-season, having only just returned from a knee reconstruction in round 24. He has been absent from the training track, but plans to be back on deck in the early part of next year.
Anthony Caminiti – The key forward has dealt with some hamstring tightness over recent weeks and was running some slow laps at training on Friday, but should be fully fit again after the Christmas break.
Jack Higgins – The livewire small forward has been dealing with some back soreness and missed training on Friday. He will be monitored over the Christmas break, but the issue is not expected to have an impact on his preparations for next season.
SYDNEY
Lachlan McAndrew – The young ruckman underwent wrist surgery in the break and is currently completing a modified program with a cast. The Swans are hopeful he will back involved fully with training early next year.
Callum Mills – After undergoing an operation for a torn rotator cuff, Mills has been out of his brace for more than a month and has been a keen spectator at Swans training with some very light, non-contact drills. His expected return is still well into the 2024 season.
Joel Amartey – Hamstring injuries have plagued Amartey’s career, so the key forward has been on a modified program to start pre-season to ease him back into the swing of things.
WEST COAST
Dom Sheed – The veteran midfielder is now in a moon boot after a hot spot was discovered in his foot. The Eagles are planning to assess him in coming weeks before deciding when he will train again.
Archer Reid – Draftee Reid is also on the sidelines for an indefinite amount of time, with a knee problem putting him in a brace.
Elijah Hewett – The Eagles have scaled back Hewett’s workload after he picked up foot soreness but they expect him to be back in the fold in the new year.
Jai Culley – As he recovers from an ACL tear, Culley is back running and making strides in the hope of a mid-year return to play.
Reuben Ginbey – A hamstring injury ended Ginbey’s season but the teenager reckons he is in the best shape of his life and has been flying through pre-season so far.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Marcus Bontempelli – Had minor ankle surgery last month. Will be in cotton wool until after Christmas.
Adam Treloar – Had an ankle clean-out after the season but is back in full training.
Aiden O’Driscoll – The new draftee has a small stress fracture in his back and will be held back from full training for a few more weeks.
Dominic Bedendo – Two games in 2022 but none this season because of injury problems. Has been the eye-catcher of early pre-season training and was at the front of the 2km time-trial.
Sam Darcy – Had a horror season with a broken jaw, lung issue and severe corked leg keeping to just three games. Has noticeably put on several kilograms of muscle over the break.
Thomas is a no go as far as I'm concerned, apart from the abuse/threatening etc, of Women last year and all the resulting Court Cases, and then the subsequent ignoring of his conduct by the AFL.....and now his apparent injuries, groin etc.
I'm happy to steer clear, he's already demonstrated, he's not a SC pick that can be trusted.
I'm happy to steer clear, he's already demonstrated, he's not a SC pick that can be trusted.
AFL 2024: Champion Data names best and worst performers in the final rounds of 2023
Need a SuperCoach bolter? Champion Data has broken down who was in the best and the worst form at every club to close out 2023 in a potential sign of things to come next season.
Josh Barnes
A blistering end to a season can give hope for a big next year.
And a fade out can signal the decline of a veteran star.
Geelong goalkicking legend Tom Hawkins’ output was slashed in half in his final few games of 2023 as he battled a rare injury and Todd Goldstein’s output fell off ahead of a move to Essendon.
Is that a sign of things to come or a blip on the radar for the two ageing stars?
Adelaide key forward Taylor Walker and North Melbourne young stud Harry Sheezel only got better as the season rolled on.
Keidean Coleman gave us all a glimpse into the super finals series he was about to have in the closing rounds of the home-and-away season, while Dustin Martin proved he well and truly still had it.
Thanks to numbers collating ranking points from Champion Data, here is the best players in the final six rounds of the home-and-away season for every team.
Plus, the players who improved and who dropped off.
Only players who played at least three of the last six games of the year qualified for selection, while players required a minimum of nine matches from rounds 1-18 to be considered.
Time will tell whether the numbers represent SuperCoach stars for next year or just a small patch of form.
ADELAIDE
Who starred in the last six matches of the home-and-away season
Rory Laird (5 matches) – 119.4 ranking points
Jordan Dawson (6) – 110.7
Matt Crouch (6) – 108
BRISBANE LIONS
Starred
Lachie Neale (6 matches) – 101.4
Hugh McCluggage (6) – 99.1
Josh Dunkley (6) – 98.6
CARLTON
Starred
Nic Newman (6 matches) – 120.1 ranking points
Charlie Curnow (6) – 107.2
George Hewett (6) – 103.5
COLLINGWOOD
Starred
Josh Daicos (6 matches) – 97 ranking points
Lachie Schultz, playing with Fremantle (6) – 96.8
Scott Pendlebury (6) – 96.1
ESSENDON
Starred
Zach Merrett (6 matches) – 119.3 ranking points
Darcy Parish (6) – 108.3
Dyson Heppell (6) – 90.5
FREMANTLE
Starred
Andrew Brayshaw (6 matches) – 121 ranking points
Luke Jackson (6) – 118.2
Caleb Serong (6) – 111.1
GEELONG
Starred
Tom Stewart (6) – 118 ranking points
Mitch Duncan (5) – 95.8
Tom Atkins (6) – 93.1
GOLD COAST
Starred
Sam Flanders (6 matches) – 103.5 ranking points
Matt Rowell (6) – 98.7
Noah Anderson (6) – 97.2
GWS GIANTS
Starred
Tom Green (4 matches) – 129.9 ranking points
Kieren Briggs (6) – 111.6
Lachie Whitfield (6) – 109.2
HAWTHORN
Starred
James Sicily (6 matches) – 124.7 ranking points
Jai Newcombe (5) – 110.5
Karl Amon (4) – 107.8
MELBOURNE
Starred
Christian Petracca (6 matches) – 120.1 ranking points
Max Gawn (6) – 110.7
Clayton Oliver (3) – 106.8
NORTH MELBOURNE
Starred
Luke Davies-Uniacke (4 matches) – 122.8 ranking points
Harry Sheezel (6) – 113.5
Tarryn Thomas (6) – 94.3
PORT ADELAIDE
Starred
Zak Butters (6 matches) – 132.9 ranking points
Connor Rozee (6) – 106.6
Dan Houston (6) – 100.5
RICHMOND
Starred
Dustin Martin (5 matches) – 115.9 ranking points
Toby Nankervis (4) – 105.9
Jayden Short (4) – 102.3
ST KILDA
Starred
Rowan Marshall (6 matches) – 132.6 ranking points
Jack Sinclair (6) – 118.7
Callum Wilkie (6) – 102.6
SYDNEY
Starred
Errol Gulden (6 matches) – 112.3 ranking points
Jake Lloyd (6) – 98
Chad Warner (6) – 97.3
WEST COAST
Starred
Tim Kelly (6 matches) – 105.8
Alex Witherden (6) – 95.7
Liam Duggan (6) – 95.4
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Starred
Marcus Bontempelli (6 matches) – 133.9 ranking points
Tim English (6) – 128.7
Adam Treloar (6) – 113.9
Need a SuperCoach bolter? Champion Data has broken down who was in the best and the worst form at every club to close out 2023 in a potential sign of things to come next season.
A blistering end to a season can give hope for a big next year.
And a fade out can signal the decline of a veteran star.
Geelong goalkicking legend Tom Hawkins’ output was slashed in half in his final few games of 2023 as he battled a rare injury and Todd Goldstein’s output fell off ahead of a move to Essendon.
Is that a sign of things to come or a blip on the radar for the two ageing stars?
Adelaide key forward Taylor Walker and North Melbourne young stud Harry Sheezel only got better as the season rolled on.
Keidean Coleman gave us all a glimpse into the super finals series he was about to have in the closing rounds of the home-and-away season, while Dustin Martin proved he well and truly still had it.
Thanks to numbers collating ranking points from Champion Data, here is the best players in the final six rounds of the home-and-away season for every team.
Plus, the players who improved and who dropped off.
Only players who played at least three of the last six games of the year qualified for selection, while players required a minimum of nine matches from rounds 1-18 to be considered.
Time will tell whether the numbers represent SuperCoach stars for next year or just a small patch of form.
ADELAIDE
Who starred in the last six matches of the home-and-away season
Rory Laird (5 matches) – 119.4 ranking points
Jordan Dawson (6) – 110.7
Matt Crouch (6) – 108
BRISBANE LIONS
Starred
Lachie Neale (6 matches) – 101.4
Hugh McCluggage (6) – 99.1
Josh Dunkley (6) – 98.6
CARLTON
Starred
Nic Newman (6 matches) – 120.1 ranking points
Charlie Curnow (6) – 107.2
George Hewett (6) – 103.5
COLLINGWOOD
Starred
Josh Daicos (6 matches) – 97 ranking points
Lachie Schultz, playing with Fremantle (6) – 96.8
Scott Pendlebury (6) – 96.1
ESSENDON
Starred
Zach Merrett (6 matches) – 119.3 ranking points
Darcy Parish (6) – 108.3
Dyson Heppell (6) – 90.5
FREMANTLE
Starred
Andrew Brayshaw (6 matches) – 121 ranking points
Luke Jackson (6) – 118.2
Caleb Serong (6) – 111.1
GEELONG
Starred
Tom Stewart (6) – 118 ranking points
Mitch Duncan (5) – 95.8
Tom Atkins (6) – 93.1
GOLD COAST
Starred
Sam Flanders (6 matches) – 103.5 ranking points
Matt Rowell (6) – 98.7
Noah Anderson (6) – 97.2
GWS GIANTS
Starred
Tom Green (4 matches) – 129.9 ranking points
Kieren Briggs (6) – 111.6
Lachie Whitfield (6) – 109.2
HAWTHORN
Starred
James Sicily (6 matches) – 124.7 ranking points
Jai Newcombe (5) – 110.5
Karl Amon (4) – 107.8
MELBOURNE
Starred
Christian Petracca (6 matches) – 120.1 ranking points
Max Gawn (6) – 110.7
Clayton Oliver (3) – 106.8
NORTH MELBOURNE
Starred
Luke Davies-Uniacke (4 matches) – 122.8 ranking points
Harry Sheezel (6) – 113.5
Tarryn Thomas (6) – 94.3
PORT ADELAIDE
Starred
Zak Butters (6 matches) – 132.9 ranking points
Connor Rozee (6) – 106.6
Dan Houston (6) – 100.5
RICHMOND
Starred
Dustin Martin (5 matches) – 115.9 ranking points
Toby Nankervis (4) – 105.9
Jayden Short (4) – 102.3
ST KILDA
Starred
Rowan Marshall (6 matches) – 132.6 ranking points
Jack Sinclair (6) – 118.7
Callum Wilkie (6) – 102.6
SYDNEY
Starred
Errol Gulden (6 matches) – 112.3 ranking points
Jake Lloyd (6) – 98
Chad Warner (6) – 97.3
WEST COAST
Starred
Tim Kelly (6 matches) – 105.8
Alex Witherden (6) – 95.7
Liam Duggan (6) – 95.4
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Starred
Marcus Bontempelli (6 matches) – 133.9 ranking points
Tim English (6) – 128.7
Adam Treloar (6) – 113.9
KFC SuperCoach 2024 prices: A sneak peek at the most expensive players, bargains and rookie picks
The SuperCoach prices for 2024 are being entered into the system – and we’ve got our hands on an early drop. See the rookies, bargains and premiums that stand out – for different reasons.
The Phantom
3 min read
December 19, 2023 - 10:43PM
Your 2024 KFC SuperCoach AFL planning starts now.
After player positions for next season were revealed in late November, the bankers at SuperCoach HQ have been working frantically to finalise every player’s price.
They will be available within days to SuperCoach Plus subscribers, who will be able to start selecting a squad in the advance team picker, but we have got our hands on an early drop.
Here are 12 names that jumped off the page.
Jack Macrae (WB) $558,400 MID-FWD
Last year, for reasons only coach Luke Beveridge fully understands, Macrae averaged less than 100 KFC SuperCoach points for the first time since 2016. Despite Josh Dunkley’s departure, he was pushed forward and out onto a wing as the Bulldogs coach played around with his midfield mix. But with Bailey Smith out, and his added forward status, Macrae – priced at an average of 99 – might just be back. We hope.
Ryley Sanders (WB) $184,800 MID
Another ball magnet who might receive more opportunity in the wake of Smith’s devastating ACL injury is the Bulldogs’ top pick from the draft. Sanders has caught the eye on the track already and averaged 170 KFC SuperCoach points at last year’s under-18 carnival. Yes, 170.
Brodie Grundy (Syd) $481,900 RUCK
A player moving to another club for guaranteed opportunity in their preferred position is KFC SuperCoach gold. Especially when their name is Brodie Grundy – the same Brodie Grundy who averaged 130 points in back-to-back seasons in 2018 and 2019. In 2024, the new Swans big man will start the year priced at an average of 86.
Nick Daicos (Coll) $650,000 DEF-MID
From value to downright expensive, only six other players are priced above the Collingwood star in 2024. But is he overpriced? Daicos has kept his defender status and averaged 116 in his second season, so the question should really be, does it even matter?
Errol Gulden (Syd) $622,100 MID
As a midfielder-only, the young Swan’s price might be a little bit harder to swallow. After a breakout season, which saw him add 25 points to his KFC SuperCoach average, Gulden will be available for $150k above last year’s starting price in 2024.
Rowan Marshall (StK) $639,100 RUCK
It’s a similar story for the St Kilda ruckman, with Marshall starting 2024 with a price tag of $639k – a $133k rise on last season. But he’s $75k cheaper than Tim English and, at his best, is as good a scorer as any, finishing 2023 with KFC SuperCoach tallies of 146, 141 and 154.
Marcus Bontempelli (WB) $724,600 MID
Some of you will know not owning Marcus Bontempelli last year hurt. It’s true, there are some value options in the forward line this season, which may allow for more money to be spent in the middle, but will the $724k spend hurt the balance of your starting squad more? A question to ponder over summer.
Sam Flanders (GC) $494,200 MID-FWD
In a forward pool that is missing a host of big names this year, Flanders is one who screams value – if he can carry his late-season form into 2024. After finally getting his chance in the midfield, the 22-year-old averaged 110 from round 15 onwards.
Zac Williams (Carl) $216,100 DEF
At the other end of the ground, the Carlton defender might be the biggest KFC SuperCoach bargain of 2024. But given Williams, who ruptured his ACL in February, has only played nine games in the past two years, there’s still plenty to play out.
Harley Reid (WC) $207,300 MID-FWD
There’s always debate about whether the No. 1 draft pick is worth the top-end rookie price tag. But this guy’s different, and he’s been given dual-position status. Reid doesn’t need a lot of the ball to have an impact so pencil him in now.
Shaun Mannagh (Geel) $117,300 MID-FWD
At the other end of the rookie-price scale is mature-ager Mannagh, drafted by Geelong at pick 36. After averaging 25 disposals, 1.9 goals and 117 KFC SuperCoach points per for Werribee in the VFL last year, if Chris Scott picks him, you should too.
Marty Hore (Melb) $123,900 DEF
Yes, it is the same Marty Hore who averaged 87 KFC SuperCoach points in his first nine games as a rookie in 2019. He’s back at Melbourne for a second time after leading the VFL for intercept marks and averaging 22 disposals and 122 points for Williamstown in 2023.
*Prices subject to late changes
TOP 10 RICH LIST
The most expensive players in KFC SuperCoach 2024
1. Marcus Bontempelli (WB) $724,600 MID
2. Tim English (WB) $715,100 RUC
3. Clayton Oliver (Melb) $674,100 MID
4. Christian Petracca (Melb) $667,700 MID
5. Rory Laird (Adel) $653,100 MID
6. Zach Merrett (Ess) $650,100 MID
7. Nick Daicos (Coll) $650,000 DEF/MID
8. Tom Liberatore (WB) $648,600 MID
9. Jordan Dawson (Adel) $647,600 MID
10. Josh Dunkley (Bris) $644,000 MID
NOT THIS YEAR?
Conor McKenna (Bris) $353,100 DEF
Darcy Wilmot (Bris) $397,300 DEF
Alwyn Davey Jr (Ess) $208,500 FWD
Rory Atkins (GC) $404,000 DEF
Mitch Knevitt (Geel) $306,000 MID
Cam Mackenzie (Haw) $271,500 MID
Kade Chandler (Melb) $359,300 FWD
Samson Ryan (Rich) $303,000 RUC/FWD
Reuben Ginbey (WC) $354,700 MID
Matt Johnson (Frem) $301,800 MID
10 AT A NEW CLUB
Lachie Schultz (Coll) $442,200 FWD
Xavier Duursma (Ess) $373,200 MID
Jack Ginnivan (Haw) $294,200 DEF
Jack Billings (Melb) $243,900 FWD
Zac Fisher (NM) $378,600 FWD
Ivan Soldo (PA) $485,500 RUC
Paddy Dow (StK) $307,400 MID
Joel Hamling (Syd) $264,900 DEF
Nick Coffield (WB) $123,900 DEF
Matt Flynn (WC) $491,800 RUC
The SuperCoach prices for 2024 are being entered into the system – and we’ve got our hands on an early drop. See the rookies, bargains and premiums that stand out – for different reasons.
The Phantom
3 min read
December 19, 2023 - 10:43PM
Your 2024 KFC SuperCoach AFL planning starts now.
After player positions for next season were revealed in late November, the bankers at SuperCoach HQ have been working frantically to finalise every player’s price.
They will be available within days to SuperCoach Plus subscribers, who will be able to start selecting a squad in the advance team picker, but we have got our hands on an early drop.
Here are 12 names that jumped off the page.
Jack Macrae (WB) $558,400 MID-FWD
Last year, for reasons only coach Luke Beveridge fully understands, Macrae averaged less than 100 KFC SuperCoach points for the first time since 2016. Despite Josh Dunkley’s departure, he was pushed forward and out onto a wing as the Bulldogs coach played around with his midfield mix. But with Bailey Smith out, and his added forward status, Macrae – priced at an average of 99 – might just be back. We hope.
Ryley Sanders (WB) $184,800 MID
Another ball magnet who might receive more opportunity in the wake of Smith’s devastating ACL injury is the Bulldogs’ top pick from the draft. Sanders has caught the eye on the track already and averaged 170 KFC SuperCoach points at last year’s under-18 carnival. Yes, 170.
Brodie Grundy (Syd) $481,900 RUCK
A player moving to another club for guaranteed opportunity in their preferred position is KFC SuperCoach gold. Especially when their name is Brodie Grundy – the same Brodie Grundy who averaged 130 points in back-to-back seasons in 2018 and 2019. In 2024, the new Swans big man will start the year priced at an average of 86.
Nick Daicos (Coll) $650,000 DEF-MID
From value to downright expensive, only six other players are priced above the Collingwood star in 2024. But is he overpriced? Daicos has kept his defender status and averaged 116 in his second season, so the question should really be, does it even matter?
Errol Gulden (Syd) $622,100 MID
As a midfielder-only, the young Swan’s price might be a little bit harder to swallow. After a breakout season, which saw him add 25 points to his KFC SuperCoach average, Gulden will be available for $150k above last year’s starting price in 2024.
Rowan Marshall (StK) $639,100 RUCK
It’s a similar story for the St Kilda ruckman, with Marshall starting 2024 with a price tag of $639k – a $133k rise on last season. But he’s $75k cheaper than Tim English and, at his best, is as good a scorer as any, finishing 2023 with KFC SuperCoach tallies of 146, 141 and 154.
Marcus Bontempelli (WB) $724,600 MID
Some of you will know not owning Marcus Bontempelli last year hurt. It’s true, there are some value options in the forward line this season, which may allow for more money to be spent in the middle, but will the $724k spend hurt the balance of your starting squad more? A question to ponder over summer.
Sam Flanders (GC) $494,200 MID-FWD
In a forward pool that is missing a host of big names this year, Flanders is one who screams value – if he can carry his late-season form into 2024. After finally getting his chance in the midfield, the 22-year-old averaged 110 from round 15 onwards.
Zac Williams (Carl) $216,100 DEF
At the other end of the ground, the Carlton defender might be the biggest KFC SuperCoach bargain of 2024. But given Williams, who ruptured his ACL in February, has only played nine games in the past two years, there’s still plenty to play out.
Harley Reid (WC) $207,300 MID-FWD
There’s always debate about whether the No. 1 draft pick is worth the top-end rookie price tag. But this guy’s different, and he’s been given dual-position status. Reid doesn’t need a lot of the ball to have an impact so pencil him in now.
Shaun Mannagh (Geel) $117,300 MID-FWD
At the other end of the rookie-price scale is mature-ager Mannagh, drafted by Geelong at pick 36. After averaging 25 disposals, 1.9 goals and 117 KFC SuperCoach points per for Werribee in the VFL last year, if Chris Scott picks him, you should too.
Marty Hore (Melb) $123,900 DEF
Yes, it is the same Marty Hore who averaged 87 KFC SuperCoach points in his first nine games as a rookie in 2019. He’s back at Melbourne for a second time after leading the VFL for intercept marks and averaging 22 disposals and 122 points for Williamstown in 2023.
*Prices subject to late changes
TOP 10 RICH LIST
The most expensive players in KFC SuperCoach 2024
1. Marcus Bontempelli (WB) $724,600 MID
2. Tim English (WB) $715,100 RUC
3. Clayton Oliver (Melb) $674,100 MID
4. Christian Petracca (Melb) $667,700 MID
5. Rory Laird (Adel) $653,100 MID
6. Zach Merrett (Ess) $650,100 MID
7. Nick Daicos (Coll) $650,000 DEF/MID
8. Tom Liberatore (WB) $648,600 MID
9. Jordan Dawson (Adel) $647,600 MID
10. Josh Dunkley (Bris) $644,000 MID
NOT THIS YEAR?
Conor McKenna (Bris) $353,100 DEF
Darcy Wilmot (Bris) $397,300 DEF
Alwyn Davey Jr (Ess) $208,500 FWD
Rory Atkins (GC) $404,000 DEF
Mitch Knevitt (Geel) $306,000 MID
Cam Mackenzie (Haw) $271,500 MID
Kade Chandler (Melb) $359,300 FWD
Samson Ryan (Rich) $303,000 RUC/FWD
Reuben Ginbey (WC) $354,700 MID
Matt Johnson (Frem) $301,800 MID
10 AT A NEW CLUB
Lachie Schultz (Coll) $442,200 FWD
Xavier Duursma (Ess) $373,200 MID
Jack Ginnivan (Haw) $294,200 DEF
Jack Billings (Melb) $243,900 FWD
Zac Fisher (NM) $378,600 FWD
Ivan Soldo (PA) $485,500 RUC
Paddy Dow (StK) $307,400 MID
Joel Hamling (Syd) $264,900 DEF
Nick Coffield (WB) $123,900 DEF
Matt Flynn (WC) $491,800 RUC
AFL SuperCoach 2024: The best bargain picks for new season
SuperCoaches have finally got their hands on the 2024 prices – and there are a host of standout bargains. See our analysis on who should be in your plans and who to watch in pre-season.
There’s no better time than the SuperCoach off-season.
While we all love playing Australia’s favourite fantasy football game, this is the period of the year where no one is wrong.
Every potential bargain can be assessed, every pre-season training note analysed and ultimately, those opinions won’t be proven right or wrong for months.
One of the biggest talking points every off-season is the underpriced players every team should pick.
There are a stack of great options for 2024, headlined by returning Blue Zac Williams and breakout Lion Keidean Coleman.
This list, which coincides with the launch of the 2024 team picker for SuperCoach Plus subscribers, was meant to feature 11 names, but I struggled to cut if off at 16.
Some names will fall off the list as pre-season reveals more about roles, fitness and the pecking order at clubs.
But the list could also grow as players reveal themselves as pre-season bolters.
It’s going to be a big few months as we prepare for the 2024 season.
And with the wealth of bargains on offer, I can’t wait to get started
SUPERCOACH’S BIGGEST BARGAINS OF 2024
1. Zac Williams (Carlton) $216,100 DEF
The injury-plagued Blue and former Giant has endured a difficult two years, only featuring in nine games after his entire 2023 campaign was wiped out by a pre-season ACL injury. Williams’ lack of game time in the past two seasons means SuperCoaches can snap him up for more than $200k less than he was due to start last year and for a discount of more than $330k on his peak starting price from 2020. Despite the obvious injury concerns, Williams has not averaged less than 77 points since 2015 and looks likely to slot straight back into Carlton’s best 22. When he last played in 2022, he started the year with a four-game run of 44, 96, 107 and 135 KFC SuperCoach points. If he goes anywhere near that, his price will be $400k+ before you know it.
VERDICT: Will be one of the most-picked players of 2024. Essentially a rookie price for a player who has averaged 84 or more five times.
2. Keidean Coleman (Brisbane Lions) $398,800 DEF
You might re-call Coleman’s first half in last season’s Grand Final — 22 disposals (19 kicks), eight marks, four intercepts, three tackles. The 23-year-old was on track for the Norm Smith Medal before a quieter second half. Coleman has all the traits of a SuperCoach star in the making. He kicks the ball well, intercepts at will, is trusted with kick-outs and will become the general down back after Daniel Rich’s retirement. After successive scores of 127 and 127 in the preliminary final and Grand Final, he will be high on the priority list for many SuperCoaches — and understandably so. Brisbane’s round 2 bye isn’t ideal, but how often do you get a potential season keeper for under $400k?
VERDICT: Don’t miss out, even if you wait until round 3 after Brisbane Lions have had their bye.
3. Brodie Grundy (Sydney) $481,900 RUC
This is the first time Grundy has started a SuperCoach season priced at under $500k since 2016. That’s down to the failed experiment of him partnering Max Gawn which led to the All-Australian spending a chunk of 2023 playing in the VFL for Casey. SuperCoaches should be buoyed by the three-game stretch where Gawn missed and Grundy averaged 138 SuperCoach points. Gawn was hurt in the opening minutes of Melbourne’s round 2 game against Brisbane, a match in which Grundy had 12 disposals and 45 hit-outs. In the next three weeks as the Demons’ No. 1 big man, he averaged 20.3 disposals (season average 14.3), 27.3 hit-outs (20.5), 5.6 clearances (2.9) and 4.3 inside-50s (2.7). Grundy will step straight in as Sydney’s No. 1 ruckman after Tom Hickey’s retirement, playing at the SCG where stoppages are often at a premium.
VERDICT: It’s really just a matter of which ruckman you pair with him — and for many, it will be Gawn. Set and forget might be back in 2024.
4. James Harmes (Western Bulldogs) $258,300 MID-FWD
SuperCoaches are going to have to get creative up forward after a host of stars including Zak Butters, Connor Rozee and Tim Taranto become MID only. That means entertaining cut-price options such as Harmes, who averaged a career-low 46.2 last season. In the seven years prior his worst SuperCoach campaign was an average of 64.2 in the Covid-affected 2020 season. Therefore, you can make a strong argument Harmes is underpriced by at least 20 points. Who knows where he will play under Luke Beveridge, especially considering the Bulldogs coach’s love of flipping the magnets. But the opportunity is there for him to resume his role as a midfield bull after Bailey Smith’s ACL injury and his DPP status is sure to pique the interest of plenty of SuperCoaches.
VERDICT: High on the pre-season watchlist. Any hint of a midfield role and he should be in your team at F4-F6.
5. Tom Lynch (Richmond) $287,300 FWD
Key forwards are traditionally a no-go zone in SuperCoach. But recent history has taught us there is generally 1-2 underpriced options every year and if you choose right, it goes a long way to a strong overall ranking. Take 2022, when Charlie Curnow was $224k. He averaged 86.1, won a Coleman Medal and peaked at almost $260k more than his starting price. Or Joe Daniher in 2021 — $233k starting price, 82.7 average and a peak price of $432k. Both Curnow and Daniher were coming off long-term injury layo***, similar to Lynch who didn’t feature after round 4 in 2023. If he can get his troublesome foot right, Lynch will be the focal point of Adem Yze’s attack. The only season he averaged less than 64 was his debut campaign in 2011. In his last full game against opening round opponent Gold Coast, Lynch scored 126. He also managed 93 points against Carlton in 2023.
VERDICT: No matter how successful you think the first year of Richmond’s rebuild under Yze will be, a player of Lynch’s quality at under $300k has to be considered. Just be prepared to jump off when his price peaks after a few big games.
6. Nick Coffield (Western Bulldogs) $123,900 DEF
Another player on this list whose career has been cruelled by injury. The former Saint and top-10 draft pick has not featured at AFL level since round 23, 2021 when he scored 117 SuperCoach points from 21 disposals. Bulldogs list and recruiting boss Sam Power touted Coffield for a role in defence as he tries to reignite his career at Whitten Oval. Coffield score above 60 SuperCoach points in 18 of his 32 games across 2020-2021, a strike rate of about 56 per cent. If he can produce similar as a Bulldog as a rookie price, SuperCoaches will be thrilled. He averaged 83 ranking points in four VFL matches in 2023.
VERDICT: A lock for your defensive bench if he’s in the Bulldogs’ opening team.
7. Josh Gibcus (Richmond) $150,700 DEF
The Tigers’ No. 9 draft pick from 2021 has never been this cheap in KFC SuperCoach. Gibcus started 2022 at $171k and made more than $150k for coaches who stuck with him until his price peaked. Gibcus has a nightmare run in 2023 with a serious hamstring injury then several complications which eventually ended his season without playing a game. He is a player with huge scope in SuperCoach due to his intercepting prowess. He averaged four intercepts a game during his debut AFL campaign and went at 78 per cent by foot. In his draft year, Gibcus averaged eight intercepts a game.
VERDICT: Thousands picked him at D6 a few years ago and we’ll probably end up doing the same in 2024 if he’s fit.
8. Jhye Clark (Geelong) $123,900 MID
The local star Geelong snared in the Jack Bowes trade is ready to step up as the Cats transition toward a more youthful team. Clark played six VFL games last year and although his numbers weren’t huge, he registered 29 disposals and five marks in a game against Coburg. The No. 7 draft pick only featured once for Geelong as the sub in 2023, finishing with six disposals and five tackles against Richmond. Surely more opportunities beckon after the Cats missed finals last season.
VERDICT: Lock him in on your midfield bench.
SuperCoaches have finally got their hands on the 2024 prices – and there are a host of standout bargains. See our analysis on who should be in your plans and who to watch in pre-season.
There’s no better time than the SuperCoach off-season.
While we all love playing Australia’s favourite fantasy football game, this is the period of the year where no one is wrong.
Every potential bargain can be assessed, every pre-season training note analysed and ultimately, those opinions won’t be proven right or wrong for months.
One of the biggest talking points every off-season is the underpriced players every team should pick.
There are a stack of great options for 2024, headlined by returning Blue Zac Williams and breakout Lion Keidean Coleman.
This list, which coincides with the launch of the 2024 team picker for SuperCoach Plus subscribers, was meant to feature 11 names, but I struggled to cut if off at 16.
Some names will fall off the list as pre-season reveals more about roles, fitness and the pecking order at clubs.
But the list could also grow as players reveal themselves as pre-season bolters.
It’s going to be a big few months as we prepare for the 2024 season.
And with the wealth of bargains on offer, I can’t wait to get started
SUPERCOACH’S BIGGEST BARGAINS OF 2024
1. Zac Williams (Carlton) $216,100 DEF
The injury-plagued Blue and former Giant has endured a difficult two years, only featuring in nine games after his entire 2023 campaign was wiped out by a pre-season ACL injury. Williams’ lack of game time in the past two seasons means SuperCoaches can snap him up for more than $200k less than he was due to start last year and for a discount of more than $330k on his peak starting price from 2020. Despite the obvious injury concerns, Williams has not averaged less than 77 points since 2015 and looks likely to slot straight back into Carlton’s best 22. When he last played in 2022, he started the year with a four-game run of 44, 96, 107 and 135 KFC SuperCoach points. If he goes anywhere near that, his price will be $400k+ before you know it.
VERDICT: Will be one of the most-picked players of 2024. Essentially a rookie price for a player who has averaged 84 or more five times.
2. Keidean Coleman (Brisbane Lions) $398,800 DEF
You might re-call Coleman’s first half in last season’s Grand Final — 22 disposals (19 kicks), eight marks, four intercepts, three tackles. The 23-year-old was on track for the Norm Smith Medal before a quieter second half. Coleman has all the traits of a SuperCoach star in the making. He kicks the ball well, intercepts at will, is trusted with kick-outs and will become the general down back after Daniel Rich’s retirement. After successive scores of 127 and 127 in the preliminary final and Grand Final, he will be high on the priority list for many SuperCoaches — and understandably so. Brisbane’s round 2 bye isn’t ideal, but how often do you get a potential season keeper for under $400k?
VERDICT: Don’t miss out, even if you wait until round 3 after Brisbane Lions have had their bye.
3. Brodie Grundy (Sydney) $481,900 RUC
This is the first time Grundy has started a SuperCoach season priced at under $500k since 2016. That’s down to the failed experiment of him partnering Max Gawn which led to the All-Australian spending a chunk of 2023 playing in the VFL for Casey. SuperCoaches should be buoyed by the three-game stretch where Gawn missed and Grundy averaged 138 SuperCoach points. Gawn was hurt in the opening minutes of Melbourne’s round 2 game against Brisbane, a match in which Grundy had 12 disposals and 45 hit-outs. In the next three weeks as the Demons’ No. 1 big man, he averaged 20.3 disposals (season average 14.3), 27.3 hit-outs (20.5), 5.6 clearances (2.9) and 4.3 inside-50s (2.7). Grundy will step straight in as Sydney’s No. 1 ruckman after Tom Hickey’s retirement, playing at the SCG where stoppages are often at a premium.
VERDICT: It’s really just a matter of which ruckman you pair with him — and for many, it will be Gawn. Set and forget might be back in 2024.
4. James Harmes (Western Bulldogs) $258,300 MID-FWD
SuperCoaches are going to have to get creative up forward after a host of stars including Zak Butters, Connor Rozee and Tim Taranto become MID only. That means entertaining cut-price options such as Harmes, who averaged a career-low 46.2 last season. In the seven years prior his worst SuperCoach campaign was an average of 64.2 in the Covid-affected 2020 season. Therefore, you can make a strong argument Harmes is underpriced by at least 20 points. Who knows where he will play under Luke Beveridge, especially considering the Bulldogs coach’s love of flipping the magnets. But the opportunity is there for him to resume his role as a midfield bull after Bailey Smith’s ACL injury and his DPP status is sure to pique the interest of plenty of SuperCoaches.
VERDICT: High on the pre-season watchlist. Any hint of a midfield role and he should be in your team at F4-F6.
5. Tom Lynch (Richmond) $287,300 FWD
Key forwards are traditionally a no-go zone in SuperCoach. But recent history has taught us there is generally 1-2 underpriced options every year and if you choose right, it goes a long way to a strong overall ranking. Take 2022, when Charlie Curnow was $224k. He averaged 86.1, won a Coleman Medal and peaked at almost $260k more than his starting price. Or Joe Daniher in 2021 — $233k starting price, 82.7 average and a peak price of $432k. Both Curnow and Daniher were coming off long-term injury layo***, similar to Lynch who didn’t feature after round 4 in 2023. If he can get his troublesome foot right, Lynch will be the focal point of Adem Yze’s attack. The only season he averaged less than 64 was his debut campaign in 2011. In his last full game against opening round opponent Gold Coast, Lynch scored 126. He also managed 93 points against Carlton in 2023.
VERDICT: No matter how successful you think the first year of Richmond’s rebuild under Yze will be, a player of Lynch’s quality at under $300k has to be considered. Just be prepared to jump off when his price peaks after a few big games.
6. Nick Coffield (Western Bulldogs) $123,900 DEF
Another player on this list whose career has been cruelled by injury. The former Saint and top-10 draft pick has not featured at AFL level since round 23, 2021 when he scored 117 SuperCoach points from 21 disposals. Bulldogs list and recruiting boss Sam Power touted Coffield for a role in defence as he tries to reignite his career at Whitten Oval. Coffield score above 60 SuperCoach points in 18 of his 32 games across 2020-2021, a strike rate of about 56 per cent. If he can produce similar as a Bulldog as a rookie price, SuperCoaches will be thrilled. He averaged 83 ranking points in four VFL matches in 2023.
VERDICT: A lock for your defensive bench if he’s in the Bulldogs’ opening team.
7. Josh Gibcus (Richmond) $150,700 DEF
The Tigers’ No. 9 draft pick from 2021 has never been this cheap in KFC SuperCoach. Gibcus started 2022 at $171k and made more than $150k for coaches who stuck with him until his price peaked. Gibcus has a nightmare run in 2023 with a serious hamstring injury then several complications which eventually ended his season without playing a game. He is a player with huge scope in SuperCoach due to his intercepting prowess. He averaged four intercepts a game during his debut AFL campaign and went at 78 per cent by foot. In his draft year, Gibcus averaged eight intercepts a game.
VERDICT: Thousands picked him at D6 a few years ago and we’ll probably end up doing the same in 2024 if he’s fit.
8. Jhye Clark (Geelong) $123,900 MID
The local star Geelong snared in the Jack Bowes trade is ready to step up as the Cats transition toward a more youthful team. Clark played six VFL games last year and although his numbers weren’t huge, he registered 29 disposals and five marks in a game against Coburg. The No. 7 draft pick only featured once for Geelong as the sub in 2023, finishing with six disposals and five tackles against Richmond. Surely more opportunities beckon after the Cats missed finals last season.
VERDICT: Lock him in on your midfield bench.
9. James Jordon (Sydney) $275,500 FWD-MID
Sometimes SuperCoach works in cycles. In 2021, plenty of coaches jumped on Jordon when he made an impressive start to his career as a Demon. Three years later, the midfielder is again a player of interest after moving to Sydney in search of more senior opportunities. The Swans were bullish about Jordon after securing him as a free agent, saying they expected him to add to both their inside and outside midfield options. The key point which makes Jordon SuperCoach relevant, however, is his DPP status. In a year where there only appear a few standout forward picks, finding value options such as James Harmes (see above) and Jordon will be important.
VERDICT: Sydney doesn’t want for midfield rotations now with Taylor Adams and Jordon coming in. Watch Jordon’s role in pre-season and monitor the injury reports out of Sydney because if 1-2 first-choice on-ballers go down, he’ll be near the front of the queue for a lead role.
10. Touk Miller (Gold Coast) $545,500 MID
Can someone really be classed as a bargain at almost $550k? In Miller’s case, yes. We’re talking about a player who was $662k to start 2023, $677k in 2022 and has averaged more than 120 points in two of the past three seasons. Getting an uber premium for less than $550k is insane value. Due to injury, role and various other factors, Miller never hit those same heights in the 13 games he played in 2023. But at 27 years of age, which should be about the peak of his powers, it would take a brave SuperCoach to suggest Miller can’t get back there.
VERDICT: Surely Damien Hardwick will be doing everything he can to get Miller back to being one of the league’s most dominant endurance midfielders. Regardless of the early bye, don’t hesitate to start him. He’ll be one of my first picked.
11. Jeremy Sharp (Fremantle) $123,900 MID
You know how I keep referring to 2021? That was the year Sharp played his way into a host of SuperCoach teams and averaged 65.4 in nine matches. That included a run of 76, 79, 57, 115 and 96 in consecutive weeks. But after those five games he only played another 16 games for the Suns and didn’t feature at all in 2023. He’s crossed to Fremantle as a delisted free agent and will be one of the contenders for the wing role left vacant by Liam Henry’s move to St Kilda.
VERDICT: Monitor the wing pecking order during Fremantle pre-season. It’s rare to get a player heading into their fifth season for a rookie price
12. Ash Johnson (Collingwood) $277,900 FWD
Coming off a season where he averaged 49.7 points, how can Johnson be a bargain? Well, bargain might be a stretch, but there’s no doubt he is underpriced. The 26-year-old will have a prominent role to play in Collingwood’s forward line after Dan McStay’s knee injury. That combination of job security — and the likelihood he becomes a greater focal point in attack — point to Johnson boosting his SuperCoach average in 2024. The question is though, by how much? With a lead role in a strong team, a 70-80 average should be achievable.
VERDICT: One for those who like a point-of-difference selection. I’d be inclined to watch his form/role in the opening two games of SuperCoach before committing though.
13. Chris Burgess (Adelaide) $129,100 FWD
The interest in the VFL’s leading goalkicker of the past few years will be whether he’s needed to plug a gap in Adelaide’s injury-hit defence. After losing Nick Murray to an ACL and Tom Doedee in free agency, the Crows will likely consider using the versatile Burgess in the backline. That could have twofold benefits in SuperCoach. Scoring is generally more consistent playing behind the ball as Champion Data values intercepts highly. And he would likely be a DEF-FWD in the first round of DPP additions, giving your team greater flexibility.
VERDICT: Keen to see where the Crows think he fits. If it’s as a forward, then it’s a hard pass.
14. Cameron Guthrie (Geelong) $420,800 MID
A toe injury restricted Guthrie to six games in 2023 and after three years averaging 99 or better in SuperCoach, he dipped to 83.7. At 31 years of age, the most likely scenario would be that Guthrie’s best scoring is behind him and 2021 — when he averaged 113 — remains the peak of his powers in SuperCoach. But honestly, who would right off a player of his calibre? If he gets a full pre-season in, or close to, and is deployed in midfield then he’s still good enough to push his average back toward triple figures.
VERDICT: Not sure it’s a risk we’ll need to take with so many quality midfield picks. Different story if he was $320k like Jacob Hopper, Dom Sheed and James Worpel last year.
15. Tom Brown (Richmond) $154,200 DEF
SuperCoaches collectively cringed when Richmond’s round 24 team was named and Tom Brown was in it. The No. 17 pick from the 2021 draft looked like he would start 2024 at basement rookie price until Andrew McQualter handed him his debut. Brown looked assured too, tallying 16 disposals, six marks and six intercepts. It seemed certain he would be one that got away, but at $154k he should still be in your defensive considerations. He went at 71 per cent by foot in the VFL in 2023 and averaged 77 ranking points.
VERDICT: Whether you need him will probably come down to how many defensive rookies priced $123k or under play early.
16. Finlay Macrae (Collingwood) $152,600 FWD
One of the factors SuperCoaches should be watching every off-season is the collateral left after a star moves clubs. Taylor Adams joining Sydney might be what finally allows Collingwood to unleash Finlay Macrae in his preferred midfield role. Macrae’s only senior performance was as sub in round 24, when he had seven disposals and laid eight tackles in 42 minutes against Essendon. He has averaged 106 and 102 ranking points in the past two VFL seasons and importantly is listed as a forward in SuperCoach.
VERDICT: Job security might still be a problem at the reigning premier, but he will be hard to resist if he's in the team early in the campaign.
Sometimes SuperCoach works in cycles. In 2021, plenty of coaches jumped on Jordon when he made an impressive start to his career as a Demon. Three years later, the midfielder is again a player of interest after moving to Sydney in search of more senior opportunities. The Swans were bullish about Jordon after securing him as a free agent, saying they expected him to add to both their inside and outside midfield options. The key point which makes Jordon SuperCoach relevant, however, is his DPP status. In a year where there only appear a few standout forward picks, finding value options such as James Harmes (see above) and Jordon will be important.
VERDICT: Sydney doesn’t want for midfield rotations now with Taylor Adams and Jordon coming in. Watch Jordon’s role in pre-season and monitor the injury reports out of Sydney because if 1-2 first-choice on-ballers go down, he’ll be near the front of the queue for a lead role.
10. Touk Miller (Gold Coast) $545,500 MID
Can someone really be classed as a bargain at almost $550k? In Miller’s case, yes. We’re talking about a player who was $662k to start 2023, $677k in 2022 and has averaged more than 120 points in two of the past three seasons. Getting an uber premium for less than $550k is insane value. Due to injury, role and various other factors, Miller never hit those same heights in the 13 games he played in 2023. But at 27 years of age, which should be about the peak of his powers, it would take a brave SuperCoach to suggest Miller can’t get back there.
VERDICT: Surely Damien Hardwick will be doing everything he can to get Miller back to being one of the league’s most dominant endurance midfielders. Regardless of the early bye, don’t hesitate to start him. He’ll be one of my first picked.
11. Jeremy Sharp (Fremantle) $123,900 MID
You know how I keep referring to 2021? That was the year Sharp played his way into a host of SuperCoach teams and averaged 65.4 in nine matches. That included a run of 76, 79, 57, 115 and 96 in consecutive weeks. But after those five games he only played another 16 games for the Suns and didn’t feature at all in 2023. He’s crossed to Fremantle as a delisted free agent and will be one of the contenders for the wing role left vacant by Liam Henry’s move to St Kilda.
VERDICT: Monitor the wing pecking order during Fremantle pre-season. It’s rare to get a player heading into their fifth season for a rookie price
12. Ash Johnson (Collingwood) $277,900 FWD
Coming off a season where he averaged 49.7 points, how can Johnson be a bargain? Well, bargain might be a stretch, but there’s no doubt he is underpriced. The 26-year-old will have a prominent role to play in Collingwood’s forward line after Dan McStay’s knee injury. That combination of job security — and the likelihood he becomes a greater focal point in attack — point to Johnson boosting his SuperCoach average in 2024. The question is though, by how much? With a lead role in a strong team, a 70-80 average should be achievable.
VERDICT: One for those who like a point-of-difference selection. I’d be inclined to watch his form/role in the opening two games of SuperCoach before committing though.
13. Chris Burgess (Adelaide) $129,100 FWD
The interest in the VFL’s leading goalkicker of the past few years will be whether he’s needed to plug a gap in Adelaide’s injury-hit defence. After losing Nick Murray to an ACL and Tom Doedee in free agency, the Crows will likely consider using the versatile Burgess in the backline. That could have twofold benefits in SuperCoach. Scoring is generally more consistent playing behind the ball as Champion Data values intercepts highly. And he would likely be a DEF-FWD in the first round of DPP additions, giving your team greater flexibility.
VERDICT: Keen to see where the Crows think he fits. If it’s as a forward, then it’s a hard pass.
14. Cameron Guthrie (Geelong) $420,800 MID
A toe injury restricted Guthrie to six games in 2023 and after three years averaging 99 or better in SuperCoach, he dipped to 83.7. At 31 years of age, the most likely scenario would be that Guthrie’s best scoring is behind him and 2021 — when he averaged 113 — remains the peak of his powers in SuperCoach. But honestly, who would right off a player of his calibre? If he gets a full pre-season in, or close to, and is deployed in midfield then he’s still good enough to push his average back toward triple figures.
VERDICT: Not sure it’s a risk we’ll need to take with so many quality midfield picks. Different story if he was $320k like Jacob Hopper, Dom Sheed and James Worpel last year.
15. Tom Brown (Richmond) $154,200 DEF
SuperCoaches collectively cringed when Richmond’s round 24 team was named and Tom Brown was in it. The No. 17 pick from the 2021 draft looked like he would start 2024 at basement rookie price until Andrew McQualter handed him his debut. Brown looked assured too, tallying 16 disposals, six marks and six intercepts. It seemed certain he would be one that got away, but at $154k he should still be in your defensive considerations. He went at 71 per cent by foot in the VFL in 2023 and averaged 77 ranking points.
VERDICT: Whether you need him will probably come down to how many defensive rookies priced $123k or under play early.
16. Finlay Macrae (Collingwood) $152,600 FWD
One of the factors SuperCoaches should be watching every off-season is the collateral left after a star moves clubs. Taylor Adams joining Sydney might be what finally allows Collingwood to unleash Finlay Macrae in his preferred midfield role. Macrae’s only senior performance was as sub in round 24, when he had seven disposals and laid eight tackles in 42 minutes against Essendon. He has averaged 106 and 102 ranking points in the past two VFL seasons and importantly is listed as a forward in SuperCoach.
VERDICT: Job security might still be a problem at the reigning premier, but he will be hard to resist if he's in the team early in the campaign.
- Joined
- 18 Mar 2014
- Messages
- 315
- Likes
- 504
- AFL Club
- Collingwood
AFL 2024: Champion Data names best and worst performers in the final rounds of 2023
Need a SuperCoach bolter? Champion Data has broken down who was in the best and the worst form at every club to close out 2023 in a potential sign of things to come next season.
Josh Barnes
A blistering end to a season can give hope for a big next year.
And a fade out can signal the decline of a veteran star.
Geelong goalkicking legend Tom Hawkins’ output was slashed in half in his final few games of 2023 as he battled a rare injury and Todd Goldstein’s output fell off ahead of a move to Essendon.
Is that a sign of things to come or a blip on the radar for the two ageing stars?
Adelaide key forward Taylor Walker and North Melbourne young stud Harry Sheezel only got better as the season rolled on.
Keidean Coleman gave us all a glimpse into the super finals series he was about to have in the closing rounds of the home-and-away season, while Dustin Martin proved he well and truly still had it.
Thanks to numbers collating ranking points from Champion Data, here is the best players in the final six rounds of the home-and-away season for every team.
Plus, the players who improved and who dropped off.
Only players who played at least three of the last six games of the year qualified for selection, while players required a minimum of nine matches from rounds 1-18 to be considered.
Time will tell whether the numbers represent SuperCoach stars for next year or just a small patch of form.
ADELAIDE
Who starred in the last six matches of the home-and-away season
Rory Laird (5 matches) – 119.4 ranking points
Jordan Dawson (6) – 110.7
Matt Crouch (6) – 108
BRISBANE LIONS
Starred
Lachie Neale (6 matches) – 101.4
Hugh McCluggage (6) – 99.1
Josh Dunkley (6) – 98.6
CARLTON
Starred
Nic Newman (6 matches) – 120.1 ranking points
Charlie Curnow (6) – 107.2
George Hewett (6) – 103.5
COLLINGWOOD
Starred
Josh Daicos (6 matches) – 97 ranking points
Lachie Schultz, playing with Fremantle (6) – 96.8
Scott Pendlebury (6) – 96.1
ESSENDON
Starred
Zach Merrett (6 matches) – 119.3 ranking points
Darcy Parish (6) – 108.3
Dyson Heppell (6) – 90.5
FREMANTLE
Starred
Andrew Brayshaw (6 matches) – 121 ranking points
Luke Jackson (6) – 118.2
Caleb Serong (6) – 111.1
GEELONG
Starred
Tom Stewart (6) – 118 ranking points
Mitch Duncan (5) – 95.8
Tom Atkins (6) – 93.1
GOLD COAST
Starred
Sam Flanders (6 matches) – 103.5 ranking points
Matt Rowell (6) – 98.7
Noah Anderson (6) – 97.2
GWS GIANTS
Starred
Tom Green (4 matches) – 129.9 ranking points
Kieren Briggs (6) – 111.6
Lachie Whitfield (6) – 109.2
HAWTHORN
Starred
James Sicily (6 matches) – 124.7 ranking points
Jai Newcombe (5) – 110.5
Karl Amon (4) – 107.8
MELBOURNE
Starred
Christian Petracca (6 matches) – 120.1 ranking points
Max Gawn (6) – 110.7
Clayton Oliver (3) – 106.8
NORTH MELBOURNE
Starred
Luke Davies-Uniacke (4 matches) – 122.8 ranking points
Harry Sheezel (6) – 113.5
Tarryn Thomas (6) – 94.3
PORT ADELAIDE
Starred
Zak Butters (6 matches) – 132.9 ranking points
Connor Rozee (6) – 106.6
Dan Houston (6) – 100.5
RICHMOND
Starred
Dustin Martin (5 matches) – 115.9 ranking points
Toby Nankervis (4) – 105.9
Jayden Short (4) – 102.3
ST KILDA
Starred
Rowan Marshall (6 matches) – 132.6 ranking points
Jack Sinclair (6) – 118.7
Callum Wilkie (6) – 102.6
SYDNEY
Starred
Errol Gulden (6 matches) – 112.3 ranking points
Jake Lloyd (6) – 98
Chad Warner (6) – 97.3
WEST COAST
Starred
Tim Kelly (6 matches) – 105.8
Alex Witherden (6) – 95.7
Liam Duggan (6) – 95.4
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Starred
Marcus Bontempelli (6 matches) – 133.9 ranking points
Tim English (6) – 128.7
Adam Treloar (6) – 113.9
Need a SuperCoach bolter? Champion Data has broken down who was in the best and the worst form at every club to close out 2023 in a potential sign of things to come next season.
A blistering end to a season can give hope for a big next year.
And a fade out can signal the decline of a veteran star.
Geelong goalkicking legend Tom Hawkins’ output was slashed in half in his final few games of 2023 as he battled a rare injury and Todd Goldstein’s output fell off ahead of a move to Essendon.
Is that a sign of things to come or a blip on the radar for the two ageing stars?
Adelaide key forward Taylor Walker and North Melbourne young stud Harry Sheezel only got better as the season rolled on.
Keidean Coleman gave us all a glimpse into the super finals series he was about to have in the closing rounds of the home-and-away season, while Dustin Martin proved he well and truly still had it.
Thanks to numbers collating ranking points from Champion Data, here is the best players in the final six rounds of the home-and-away season for every team.
Plus, the players who improved and who dropped off.
Only players who played at least three of the last six games of the year qualified for selection, while players required a minimum of nine matches from rounds 1-18 to be considered.
Time will tell whether the numbers represent SuperCoach stars for next year or just a small patch of form.
ADELAIDE
Who starred in the last six matches of the home-and-away season
Rory Laird (5 matches) – 119.4 ranking points
Jordan Dawson (6) – 110.7
Matt Crouch (6) – 108
BRISBANE LIONS
Starred
Lachie Neale (6 matches) – 101.4
Hugh McCluggage (6) – 99.1
Josh Dunkley (6) – 98.6
CARLTON
Starred
Nic Newman (6 matches) – 120.1 ranking points
Charlie Curnow (6) – 107.2
George Hewett (6) – 103.5
COLLINGWOOD
Starred
Josh Daicos (6 matches) – 97 ranking points
Lachie Schultz, playing with Fremantle (6) – 96.8
Scott Pendlebury (6) – 96.1
ESSENDON
Starred
Zach Merrett (6 matches) – 119.3 ranking points
Darcy Parish (6) – 108.3
Dyson Heppell (6) – 90.5
FREMANTLE
Starred
Andrew Brayshaw (6 matches) – 121 ranking points
Luke Jackson (6) – 118.2
Caleb Serong (6) – 111.1
GEELONG
Starred
Tom Stewart (6) – 118 ranking points
Mitch Duncan (5) – 95.8
Tom Atkins (6) – 93.1
GOLD COAST
Starred
Sam Flanders (6 matches) – 103.5 ranking points
Matt Rowell (6) – 98.7
Noah Anderson (6) – 97.2
GWS GIANTS
Starred
Tom Green (4 matches) – 129.9 ranking points
Kieren Briggs (6) – 111.6
Lachie Whitfield (6) – 109.2
HAWTHORN
Starred
James Sicily (6 matches) – 124.7 ranking points
Jai Newcombe (5) – 110.5
Karl Amon (4) – 107.8
MELBOURNE
Starred
Christian Petracca (6 matches) – 120.1 ranking points
Max Gawn (6) – 110.7
Clayton Oliver (3) – 106.8
NORTH MELBOURNE
Starred
Luke Davies-Uniacke (4 matches) – 122.8 ranking points
Harry Sheezel (6) – 113.5
Tarryn Thomas (6) – 94.3
PORT ADELAIDE
Starred
Zak Butters (6 matches) – 132.9 ranking points
Connor Rozee (6) – 106.6
Dan Houston (6) – 100.5
RICHMOND
Starred
Dustin Martin (5 matches) – 115.9 ranking points
Toby Nankervis (4) – 105.9
Jayden Short (4) – 102.3
ST KILDA
Starred
Rowan Marshall (6 matches) – 132.6 ranking points
Jack Sinclair (6) – 118.7
Callum Wilkie (6) – 102.6
SYDNEY
Starred
Errol Gulden (6 matches) – 112.3 ranking points
Jake Lloyd (6) – 98
Chad Warner (6) – 97.3
WEST COAST
Starred
Tim Kelly (6 matches) – 105.8
Alex Witherden (6) – 95.7
Liam Duggan (6) – 95.4
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Starred
Marcus Bontempelli (6 matches) – 133.9 ranking points
Tim English (6) – 128.7
Adam Treloar (6) – 113.9
Geelong Cats: Every players chance of senior debut in 2024
Geelong added eight players to its list in the off-season, and with four other players without a senior game, there could be up to 12 debuts in 2024. We break down every uncapped player’s chances of selection this season.
Matthew Forrest
Follow
@mattforrest29
7 min read
January 3, 2024 - 6:00AM
eelong had its biggest haul at the draft since 2018 when seven new players landed at the Cattery in 2023.
But with a number of Cats who had been picked up before the national draft who also have not made their debuts in the hoops, there could be up to 12 debuts in 2024.
The footy experts at the Addy have broken down each players’ chance of making the senior side at some stage in 2024, with some predictions on when players could crack the best 23.
Connor O’Sullivan
18 years old
Key Defender
2024 Debut: Lock
If Geelong’s top pick in the 2023 draft does not play in round 1 against St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium, it would be a shock. The key defender is fast-becoming one of coach Chris Scott’s favourite toys, with the Cats trialling O’Sullivan on a wing, in the ruck and through the midfield during training drills and match simulation. While Jack Henry is expected to be fully available when the club returns to training in January, Geelong did lose Esava Ratugoela to Port Adelaide in the off-season. There is likely a key position hole in defence O’Sullivan could fill with his 198cm, 92kg frame. He dominated pre-season running tests, showing off his elite endurance and his ball use for a young tall was elite. While Mark Blicavs is an easy comparison for a key defender-turn midfielder who shares a changeroom with O’Sullivan, the 11th overall selection in last year’s draft should be trying to emulate Marcus Bontempelli’s rise as a midfielder, such is O’Sullivan’s elite ball use and fitness.
Shaun Manangh
26 years old
Small Forward
2024 Debut: Lock
Teams don’t draft 26 year olds from the VFL in order to play them in the VFL, and the Cats especially will look to slot Mannagh into the senior side as soon as there is an opening. The former Werribee goalkicker will have stiff competition in Geelong’s senior side, with Gryan Miers, Brad Close, Tyson Stengle, Gary Rohan and Ollie Henry all playing consistent senior football in 2023. However, the Cats’ forward production dropped off last year, and with Miers pushing further up the ground Geelong is likely to experiment with the forward mix. Stengle needs to find the form he had in 2022 when he booted 50+ goals and was an All Australian, while the Cats’ coaching staff needs to figure out how Rohan and Henry, two medium sized lead up marking targets, can play together. With plenty of decisions to be made about the forward line during the pre-season, Mannagh will be right in the conversation for a potential round 1 debut.
Mitchell Edwards
18 years old
Ruck
2024 Debut: Unlikely
The Cats took one of the best rucks available in the draft when Mitch Edwards fell to pick 32, however Edwards will sit pretty far back in the pecking order in 2024. At 206cm tall, Edwards definitely has the height to ruck well in the AFL, but the 18 year old only weighs 88kgs and would struggle to compete with mature-bodied rucks like Fremantle’s Sean Darcy or Carlton’s Marc Pittonet. Young Cat Toby Conway is expected to compete for the mantle of number one ruck in Geelong, but Rhys Stanley has performed that role admirably for a number of years, while Mark Blicavs is playing as a midfielder who can pinch hit in the ruck. It is likely Edwards is the fourth-string ruck behind the more experienced trio, and would likely have to compete against the 24-year-old rookie Joe Furphy and he 197cm utility Phoenix Foster if there was a run of injuries in 2024.
George Stevens
18 years old
Inside Midfielder
2024 Debut: Likely
Stevens is the most physically-ready midfielder that has come through the draft in recent years, however he slid to the Cats with the 58th pick after being touted as a potential first round selection. Stevens ran an impressive 6.37 2km time trial at the draft combine, yet weighed 100kgs as an 189cm midfielder. He has since trimmed down substantially since entering the doors at GMHBA Stadium, with the Cats reporting the midfielder weighs 90kgs. An inside midfielder in a squad that has lacked an inside midfielder, Stevens will likely be right on the edge of selection, and if Cam Guthrie struggles with his fitness early in the season after a wretched 2023, the 18 year old could be a chance at an early debut. It would be surprising if Stevens does not ultimately get a game in 2024, considering the transition that Geelong’s midfield is going through. Stevens played VFL football for Geelong in 2023, so coaches would have had a real chance to see how he works against mature bodies, and some awareness of the Cats’ system would also help him press for an early debut.
Geelong added eight players to its list in the off-season, and with four other players without a senior game, there could be up to 12 debuts in 2024. We break down every uncapped player’s chances of selection this season.
Matthew Forrest
Follow
@mattforrest29
7 min read
January 3, 2024 - 6:00AM
eelong had its biggest haul at the draft since 2018 when seven new players landed at the Cattery in 2023.
But with a number of Cats who had been picked up before the national draft who also have not made their debuts in the hoops, there could be up to 12 debuts in 2024.
The footy experts at the Addy have broken down each players’ chance of making the senior side at some stage in 2024, with some predictions on when players could crack the best 23.
Connor O’Sullivan
18 years old
Key Defender
2024 Debut: Lock
If Geelong’s top pick in the 2023 draft does not play in round 1 against St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium, it would be a shock. The key defender is fast-becoming one of coach Chris Scott’s favourite toys, with the Cats trialling O’Sullivan on a wing, in the ruck and through the midfield during training drills and match simulation. While Jack Henry is expected to be fully available when the club returns to training in January, Geelong did lose Esava Ratugoela to Port Adelaide in the off-season. There is likely a key position hole in defence O’Sullivan could fill with his 198cm, 92kg frame. He dominated pre-season running tests, showing off his elite endurance and his ball use for a young tall was elite. While Mark Blicavs is an easy comparison for a key defender-turn midfielder who shares a changeroom with O’Sullivan, the 11th overall selection in last year’s draft should be trying to emulate Marcus Bontempelli’s rise as a midfielder, such is O’Sullivan’s elite ball use and fitness.
Shaun Manangh
26 years old
Small Forward
2024 Debut: Lock
Teams don’t draft 26 year olds from the VFL in order to play them in the VFL, and the Cats especially will look to slot Mannagh into the senior side as soon as there is an opening. The former Werribee goalkicker will have stiff competition in Geelong’s senior side, with Gryan Miers, Brad Close, Tyson Stengle, Gary Rohan and Ollie Henry all playing consistent senior football in 2023. However, the Cats’ forward production dropped off last year, and with Miers pushing further up the ground Geelong is likely to experiment with the forward mix. Stengle needs to find the form he had in 2022 when he booted 50+ goals and was an All Australian, while the Cats’ coaching staff needs to figure out how Rohan and Henry, two medium sized lead up marking targets, can play together. With plenty of decisions to be made about the forward line during the pre-season, Mannagh will be right in the conversation for a potential round 1 debut.
Mitchell Edwards
18 years old
Ruck
2024 Debut: Unlikely
The Cats took one of the best rucks available in the draft when Mitch Edwards fell to pick 32, however Edwards will sit pretty far back in the pecking order in 2024. At 206cm tall, Edwards definitely has the height to ruck well in the AFL, but the 18 year old only weighs 88kgs and would struggle to compete with mature-bodied rucks like Fremantle’s Sean Darcy or Carlton’s Marc Pittonet. Young Cat Toby Conway is expected to compete for the mantle of number one ruck in Geelong, but Rhys Stanley has performed that role admirably for a number of years, while Mark Blicavs is playing as a midfielder who can pinch hit in the ruck. It is likely Edwards is the fourth-string ruck behind the more experienced trio, and would likely have to compete against the 24-year-old rookie Joe Furphy and he 197cm utility Phoenix Foster if there was a run of injuries in 2024.
George Stevens
18 years old
Inside Midfielder
2024 Debut: Likely
Stevens is the most physically-ready midfielder that has come through the draft in recent years, however he slid to the Cats with the 58th pick after being touted as a potential first round selection. Stevens ran an impressive 6.37 2km time trial at the draft combine, yet weighed 100kgs as an 189cm midfielder. He has since trimmed down substantially since entering the doors at GMHBA Stadium, with the Cats reporting the midfielder weighs 90kgs. An inside midfielder in a squad that has lacked an inside midfielder, Stevens will likely be right on the edge of selection, and if Cam Guthrie struggles with his fitness early in the season after a wretched 2023, the 18 year old could be a chance at an early debut. It would be surprising if Stevens does not ultimately get a game in 2024, considering the transition that Geelong’s midfield is going through. Stevens played VFL football for Geelong in 2023, so coaches would have had a real chance to see how he works against mature bodies, and some awareness of the Cats’ system would also help him press for an early debut.